La Liga and Serie A round up : Real Madrid back on track, AC Milan squander points again

A roundup of Saturday’s action in Spain and Italy’s top flights:

Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol

For 24 hours, Real Madrid are back level on games played and four points ahead of both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who play each other on Sunday (3 pm ET), atop the La Liga standings. Cristiano Ronaldo shared the goals exceedingly nicely with his teammates in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Espanyol.

James Rodriguez (6th La Liga goal of the 2014-15 season) and Gareth Bale (8th goal, 2014-15) put the game out of reach early as they netted goals in the 12th and 28th minutes, respectively, before Nacho Fernandez scored his first league goal of the season to complete the scoring.

Celta Vigo 1-1 Valencia

Valencia’s Champions League quest took a bit of a hit on Saturday as Los Che (35 points) gave up a second-half lead away to Celta Vigo and dropped two points which would have seen Nuno Espirito Santo’s side go four points clear of Sevilla (33), who now have two games in hand, in the race for fourth.

Rodrigo put Valencia ahead with a low, powerful effort from 22 yards out which slipped underneath the goalkeeper after 43 minutes, but Fabian Orellana equalized for Os Célticos just past the hour mark and the 1-1 scoreline held despite the hosts’ greatest efforts otherwise.

Malaga 1-1 Villarreal

Villarreal (32 points) were unable to capitalize on Valencia’s in their own chase for Champions League qualification. Likewise, El Submarino Amarillo were a goal ahead away from home, only to concede the equalizer on the hour mark and drop two points in a game in which they out-possessed their opponents but failed to create more than a couple clear goalscoring opportunities.

Jonathan dos Santos, younger brother of teammate Giovani, put Villarreal up 1-0 with an extremely tight-angled finish during first-half stoppage time, but Nordin Amrabat lifted the ball over an onrushing Sergio Asenjo well outside the 18-yard box and found the back of the net to keep Malaga (31) alive in their own quest for European qualification.

Elsewhere in La Liga

Eibar 2-1 Getafe

Sunday’s La Liga schedule

Almeria vs. Sevilla (6 am ET)

Athletic Bilbao vs. Elche (11 am ET)

Granada vs. Real Sociedad (1 pm ET)

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid (3 pm ET)

 

Jeremy Menez, AC Milan

Torino 1-1 AC Milan

Jeremy Menez’s strong season for AC Milan continued on Saturday as the Frenchman netted his ninth Serie A goal of the season, a third-minute penalty to give the Rossoneri a dream start. The game’s next big moments would come in the 30th and 45th minutes as Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio picked up a pair of first-half yellow cards and left his team a man down for the entirety of the second half.

Milan soaked up the pressure well for 35 minutes, holding dearly onto their slim 1-0 lead before Kamil Glik finally broke through and gave Torino a deserved equalizing goal in the 81st minute. The Polish defender rose above everyone else to put his head on Bruno Peres corner kick. Milan (26 points) currently occupy Serie A’s seventh-place spot, while Torino (19) are seven points clear of the relegation zone in 13th.

Sassuolo 1-1 Udinese

A place in Serie A’s top half was on the line as Sassuolo (24 points, 10th) hosted Udinese (23, 11th) on Saturday. Goals from Sassuolo’s Simone Zaza (15h minute) and Udinese’s Cyril Thereau (26th) canceled each other out and saw the sides end the day in the exact same place they started.

Sunday’s Serie A schedule

Inter Milan vs. Genoa (6:30 am ET)

Roma vs. Lazio (9 am ET)

Sampdoria vs. Empoli (9 am ET)

Atalanta vs. Chievo (9 am ET)

Cagliari vs. Cesena (9 am ET)

Fiorentina vs. Palermo (9 am ET)

Hellas Verona vs. Parma (9 am ET)

Napoli vs. Juventus (2:45 pm ET)

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Premier League round-up: Chelsea move two points clear at the top

Chelsea moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 while rivals Manchester City were held by Everton.

It was far from a vintage performance by Jose Mourinho’s side, who began the day level on points with City, but it proved enough to see off the managerless Magpies at Stamford Bridge.

Oscar and Diego Costa grabbed the goals either side of the break for the Blues, who extend their advantage thanks to City's slip-up at Everton.

Manuel Pellegrini's men had looked set to match Chelsea's three-point haul as they led at Goodison Park through a Fernandinho strike on 74 minutes.

But the Toffees fought back and Steven Naismith struck just four minutes later to secure Everton a deserved point.

Burnley leapfrogged QPR out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory at Turf Moor.

Goals from Scott Arfield and Danny Ings either side of a Charlie Austin penalty secured the points for the home side in the crucial clash.

QPR have now lost all ten of their top-flight away games this season, setting a new unwanted Premier League record, and are sitting third from bottom.

Leicester remain at the foot of the table but boosted their survival prospects with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at home.

Paul Konchesky was the unlikely hero for the Foxes with a well-struck volley on the stroke of half-time.

Leicester are now just two points adrift of safety, while Villa have not won in six and continue their descent down the table.

West Ham and Swansea played out a 1-1 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Andy Carroll put the visitors ahead at half-time with a brilliant solo strike but Mark Noble turned Bafetimbi Gomis' header into his own net with 15 minutes left as the hosts rescued a point.

Tony Pulis won his first Premier League game in charge of West Brom, as Saido Berahino's late goal secured a 1-0 victory against Hull City, who are now just one place above the drop zone.

In the day's early kick-off, Lazar Markovic's early strike secured Liverpool a 1-0 win at Sunderland.

At Selhurst Park, Alan Pardew made a memorable league debut as Crystal Palace manager as his side beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.

Harry Kane had given Spurs the lead after 49 minutes, only for Dwight Gayle to equalise from the spot 20 minutes later and Jason Puncheon to grab the winner with 10 minutes to go.

English Premier League results:

Burnley 2 - 1 QPR

Chelsea 2 - 0 Newcastle

Everton 1 -1 Man City

Leicester 1 - 0 Aston Villa

Swansea 1 - 1 West Ham

Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool

West Brom 1 - 0 Hull

Crystal Palace 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

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Yaya Touré wins 'African Footballer of the Year' 4 times in a row - GLO/CAF Awards 2014 winners

The Manchester City FC midfielder ousted the likes of Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (who came in second and third respectively)...

Ivorian professional footballer Gnégnéri Yaya Touré has won the award for ‘African Footballer of the Year’ at the 2014 edition of the prestigious GLO-CAF Awards.

Super Falcons' talented striker Asisat Oshoala was on the other hand named the 2014 Glo/Caf African Women Player of the Year.

The Rivers Angels forward defeated compatriot Desire Oparanozie and Cameroonian goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom for the coveted award in the colourful yearly awards ceremony in Lagos.

The lanky goal poacher five-star performance at the 2014 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada where she won the Golden ball and Golden boot awards with stunning seven goals as well as her eye-catching feat at the 2014 Africa Women Championship (AWC) where she picked the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and silver boot award made her the overwhelming choice for the award.

Oshoala too was the clear match winner for her side, Rivers Angels at the 2014 Federation Cup final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos against Sunshine Queens.

The former Robo FC markswoman became the fourth Nigerian player to win the Africa best women player award after Mercy Akide, Perpetua Nkwocha and Cynthia Uwak.

Nkwocha won the title for four times in 2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011 while Uwak won the prestigious award twice in 2006 and 2007 and Akide won the maiden edition in 2001.

There was no Glo/Caf African Women Player of the Year award in the immediate past edition of the award.

Oshoala was equally named the Youth Player of the Year while her unarguable outstanding performance in the year in view helped Nigeria to win the Women’s National Team of the Year.

Oshoala will be the star watch for Super Falcons at the upcoming 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The Glo-Caf Award Winners

National Team of the Year (Men) - Algeria

National Team of the Year (Women) - Nigeria

Club of the Year - ES Setif of Algeria

Most Promising Talent - Yacine Brahimi of Algeria

Youth Player of the Year - Asisat Oshoala

Coach of the Year - Kheireddine Madoui of ES Setif

Woman Player of the Year - Asisat Oshoala

Referee of the Year - Papa Bakary Gassama of The Gambia

African Legend Award - Oryx Club and Stade Malien

African Player of the Year (based in Africa) - Firmin Mubele Ndombe of DR Congo

African Player of the Year - Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast

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Five worst summer signings

As soon as the transfer window opens during the summer, supporters of clubs up and down the country can be found scrolling down the back pages, excitedly looking to see if their team has been linked with a player from these shores or abroad.

However, sometimes, that dream summer signing sometimes can turn into a nightmare as players struggle to justify their price tag during the transitional period at a new club, and the pressure quickly mounts as fans seek a return for their team spending a significant amount of funds on their signature.

Below, We have selected five players that have failed to deliver since completing a move to a Premier League club during the summer.

1. Brown Ideye

After spending the previous three years as Dynamo Kiev's leading striker, it came as a minor surprise when West Bromwich Albion were able to secure the services of Nigerian international Brown Ibeye. After scoring 33 league goals during his time in the Ukraine, the 26-year-old attracted attention from all over Europe before deciding to complete a £10m move to The Hawthorns. At the time, it was seen as a major coup for the Baggies, who were keen to establish themselves in mid-table in the top flight, but so far, Ibeye has failed to deliver for his new team. It wasn't until Boxing Day that he managed to score his first Premier League goal, but even that was more down to luck than judgement. After a poor return from his 13 games in an Albion shirt, the pressure is on Ibeye to find his form under new head coach Tony Pulis or he could find himself needing to find a new club.

2. Mario Balotelli

When reports started to emerge that Liverpool were interested in Mario Balotelli, everyone began to weigh up the pros and cons regarding a move for the controversial Italian, but with the 24-year-old available for £16m, it appeared to be worth the risk. However, almost six months into his spell at the club, there is already talk of Balotelli making a swift exit from Merseyside after failing to score a Premier League goal in 11 appearances. He has netted twice in six matches in cup competitions but overall, his level of performance has been far lower than expected of him and if the club receive a suitable bid for his services, it's hard to see Brendan Rodgers not cashing in on his striker.

3. Lazar Markovic

Ever since he started to emerging as one of Europe's brightest talents at Partizan, Lazar Markovic was frequently linked with a move to Chelsea, but after helping Benfica to domestic and Europa League success during his one year in Portugal, the Serbian winger finally earned his move to England with Liverpool. He delivered a couple of quality performances during Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, but it's been a different story since the middle of August. The 20-year-old has made just four starts in the Premier League, while his sending off in the Champions League against Basel was his only contribution in Europe. Markovic has time on his side but he requires a strong second half to the season to avoid becoming a one-season wonder at Anfield.

4. Remy Cabella

After impressing during his time at Montpellier, the signature of Remy Cabella was hotly contested during the summer before Newcastle United managed to get the deal over the line, much to the delight of the St James's Park faithful. After scoring 24 goals from 97 games, the France international arrived in the North-East with plenty of expectation riding on his shoulders but although he has featured in 18 top-flight games, he has yet to find the back of the net and some of his appearances have frustrated the home support. Before his exit, manager Alan Pardew insisted that the 24-year-old wasn't ready for Premier League football, and although that claim might be slightly exaggerated, Cabella has plenty of work to do to justify Newcastle's decision to hand him a long-term contract.

5. Thomas Ince

After his contract at Blackpool expired during the summer, Thomas Ince had the pick of clubs in England and even in Europe. For weeks, it appeared likely that the England Under-21 international would make the lucrative switch to Serie A giants Inter Milan, but surprisingly, the winger performed a U-turn and opted to move to Hull City. Ince believed that a transfer to one of the biggest clubs in Europe had come too soon for him, and that his preference was to continue his development with the Tigers, but Ince has struggled to make any kind of impact at the KC Stadium. He has been limited to five appearances in the Premier League, with a two-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest proving more productive than his time on the pitch under Steve Bruce.

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Manchester United announce signing of Victor Valdes on 18-month deal

Manchester United have announced that former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has signed for the club on an 18-month deal, with the option of a further year.

Widespread reports emerged this week claiming that the Spaniard was on the verge of signing a contract with the Red Devils after a training stint with Louis van Gaal's team.

The 32-year-old, who has not played since March 2014 after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, has been without a club since last summer when his contract at Barcelona expired.

Valdes was rumoured to be closing in on a move to Liverpool at the start of the season, but the shot-stopper has opted to fight for his place alongside David de Gea at Old Trafford.

"It is a real honour to sign for Manchester United," Valdes told the club's official website. "I would like to thank Louis van Gaal and the club for allowing me to do my rehabilitation and to train with the team at the Aon Training Complex.

"From my short time here I can already see this is a very special club. I worked with Louis van Gaal during my time at FC Barcelona and to have the opportunity to work with him here at Manchester United is a dream come true."

Valdes spent 12 years as part of Barcelona's first team in Spain.

#mufc is delighted to announce that Victor Valdes has signed an 18-month contract with an option for a further year. pic.twitter.com/zze20zt3E8

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 8, 2015

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Jose Mourinho charged by FA for suggesting "campaign against Chelsea"

Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for suggesting that referees have been influenced by a "campaign against Chelsea".

The Portuguese coach made the comments following the Blues' 1-1 draw with Southampton on December 28.

During the clash, Cesc Fabregas was booked by referee Anthony Taylor for diving, despite appearing to be fouled in the penalty area by Southampton's Matt Targett.

After looking over Mourinho's comments, the FA have released a statement saying: "It is alleged his remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute."

The 51-year-old has also been given a formal warning by the governing body for comments that he made on December 19 prior to Chelsea's 2-0 win over Stoke City.

Mourinho has until 6pm on January 13 to respond to the misconduct charge.

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Liverpool's Mario Balotelli wanted by Paris Saint-Germain

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly been identified by Paris Saint-Germain as a marquee transfer target.

The Italy international has struggled to find form at Anfield following his £16m move from AC Milan in the summer.

Only two goals have come from Balotelli during Liverpool's season, in which they have failed to recreate last season's attacking intent.

Despite his lacklustre time in front of goal, Ligue 1 champions PSG are considering a move for the 24-year-old as long as Financial Fair Play restrictions do not prevent it, according to The Express.

It is also believed that the French outfit are keen to look at attacking options due to doubts over Ezequiel Lavezzi's and Edinson Cavani's futures.

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Norwich City agree compensation with Hamilton Academical for manager Alex Neil

Norwich City have agreed a compensation package with Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical for manager Alex Neil.

The 33-year-old was widely tipped to take over at the Championship club after Neil Adams resigned on Monday.

Reports emerged this week claiming that Neil had begun talks with the Canaries, but the coach is now free to negotiate a contract.

Neil confirmed in a press conference this afternoon that both clubs agreed compensation and he will continue talks with the former Premier League outfit.

The Scotsman has been Hamilton boss since 2013.

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Ron Vlaar facing six-week spell on sidelines

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

The 29-year-old, who is out of contract at Villa Park at the end of the season, was forced off during last week's goalless draw against Crystal Palace.

Villans boss Paul Lambert used his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's Midlands derby meeting with Leicester City to reveal the blow, claiming that the player will miss "four to six weeks".

Vlaar has been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United this month, with one report claiming that the Red Devils were preparing a £1.5m deal for the Dutchman to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature.

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Daniel Sturridge to return to Liverpool tomorrow to rejoin training

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge will return to Merseyside tomorrow to undergo the "final stages of his rehab".

The England international has not played since September due to a series of thigh and calf problems, but the 25-year-old is closing in on a return and could feature for the Reds this month.

The forward has been receiving treatment in the United States from medical staff associated with baseball side the Boston Red Sox, who share Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group.

"Daniel Sturridge will be back in the country in the next 24 hours to go into the final stages of his rehab," Rodgers told reporters. "The work he has done in America has been fantastic, specialising in the rehabilitation and he will now come back, hopefully in some part of January.

"He is a top-class player with a wonderful idea of the game and wonderful qualities. His pace is frightening and his movement. As a footballer he is at a great age and if he can stay fit he can lead the charge for us.

"It is difficult to focus on a date, we just need to assess. We've been monitoring his situation and he looks in a good moment."

Liverpool have struggled to find goalscoring form this season with neither Mario Balotelli nor Rickie Lambert providing regular goals.

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Daniel Sturridge to return to Liverpool tomorrow to rejoin training

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge will return to Merseyside tomorrow to undergo the "final stages of his rehab".

The England international has not played since September due to a series of thigh and calf problems, but the 25-year-old is closing in on a return and could feature for the Reds this month.

The forward has been receiving treatment in the United States from medical staff associated with baseball side the Boston Red Sox, who share Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group.

"Daniel Sturridge will be back in the country in the next 24 hours to go into the final stages of his rehab," Rodgers told reporters. "The work he has done in America has been fantastic, specialising in the rehabilitation and he will now come back, hopefully in some part of January.

"He is a top-class player with a wonderful idea of the game and wonderful qualities. His pace is frightening and his movement. As a footballer he is at a great age and if he can stay fit he can lead the charge for us.

"It is difficult to focus on a date, we just need to assess. We've been monitoring his situation and he looks in a good moment."

Liverpool have struggled to find goalscoring form this season with neither Mario Balotelli nor Rickie Lambert providing regular goals.

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Inter Milan reach deal to sign Xherdan Shaqiri

Inter Milan have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over the signing of midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Italian giants had to fend off strong reported interest from Liverpool for the Swiss World Cup star, who was seen as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Steven Gerrard at Anfield.

However, Shaqiri appears to have opted to join Inter on an initial loan deal, which has yet to be signed.

.@Inter_Channel: "#Inter and @FCBayern agree terms for @XS_11official. Just the paperwork to be signed" #ForzaInter #FCIM

— F.C. Internazionale (@Inter_en) January 8, 2015

Widespread reports claim that the Nerrazzuri have the option to sign Shaqiri on a permanent basis at the end of the season for a fee of £10m.

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Newcastle United 'will not rush managerial appointment'

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will reportedly take a hands-off approach in the club's search for a new manager, with a decision over the new boss not expected to be made any time soon.

The Magpies are searching for a successor to Alan Pardew, who left St James' Park to take over at Crystal Palace last week.

Former appointments Joe Kinnear and Dennis Wise have both been linked with short-term stints in charge of Newcastle, although The Chronicle claims that they have both been ruled out of the running.

It is also suggested that Ashley, who is said to be prepared to shut up shop on Tyneside and focus on Rangers, will take a back seat and allow managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr take charge of the search for a new manager.

Frank De Boer is among the favourites to land the vacant Magpies job, although it is understood that no contact has been made by the Premier League outfit at this stage.

John Carver will take charge of United's visit to face Chelsea this weekend.

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Arsenal's Yaya Sanogo 'asks for Bordeaux move'

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has claimed that Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo has asked to join the French club on loan.

The 21-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular first-team spot with the Gunners, having made just six appearances for them this season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that he would prefer Sanogo to go out on loan to another Premier League side, but Triaud insists that the Frenchman will make a return to his homeland.

"Sanogo wants to come to Bordeaux on loan," Triaud told Gold FM.

"And he has informed Arsene Wenger [about his wish]. We've asked for Arsenal to give us a response on Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest."

Sanogo has scored one goal for Arsenal this season, against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

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Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan to challenge Sepp Blatter for FIFA presidency

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan has announced that he will stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency this year.

The current FIFA vice-president has entered the running, which also includes candidate Jerome Champagne, ahead of the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich on May 29.

Blatter has been embroiled in controversy involving the world governing body after allegations of corruption were made in relation to Russia and Qatar's successful respective 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, but the 78-year-old will be running for a fifth term as president.

Prince Ali told jfa.com: "I am seeking the presidency of FIFA because I believe it is time to shift the focus away from administrative controversy and back to sport.

"This was not an easy decision. It came after careful consideration and many discussions with respected FIFA colleagues over the last few months.

"The message I heard, over and over, was that it is time for a change. The world's game deserves a world-class governing body - an international federation that is a service organisation and a model of ethics, transparency and good governance."

Prince Ali, who is an Arsenal supporter, is a member of the FIFA executive committee and the head of the Jordan Football Association.

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