Latest La Liga News

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YAYA TOURE OPEN TO ARSENAL MOVE

Yaya Toure's agent has hinted the Barcelona midfielder would be open to the prospect of a move to Arsenal.

Barca have been linked again with a swoop for Cesc Fabregas in the summer having long courted the 23-year-old, a product of their youth academy who left the Nou Camp to join the Gunners as a teenager back in 2003.

It is thought the Primera Division giants, who were dumped out of the Champions League by Inter Milan last month, see the Spain international as the missing piece of the puzzle and are ready to offer £25million plus Toure.

And the Ivory Coast ace's agent, Dimitri Seluk, has not ruled out the possibility of his client heading to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsene Wenger a keen admirer of the combative midfielder's talents.

"Yaya is happy at Barcelona and will only leave for a big project at a big club," Seluk said in The People.

"But in England there are sides with great prestige and that could be decisive. Arsene Wenger knows Yaya, and I am convinced he could be a success with Arsenal."



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SPAIN EXPLORES PRIMERA DIVISION SPLIT

Spain's Primera Division could follow the example of rival European leagues and split from its second tier division.

Following a meeting at the Spanish football league (LFP) headquarters in Madrid on Monday, it was announced that a decision had been taken to start talks this summer about a possible separation between the top two divisions.

Explaining the aim of the split, a statement from the LFP read: "The Primera Division clubs have decided to initiate a debate aimed at creating new rules of organisation and development exclusively for the Primera Division which will allow it to compete in the same conditions as the big European leagues, where the Primera and Segunda Divisions are separated (England, Italy).

"The new rules of organisation and development will allow a much more attractive and better-run competition than the current one."

The LFP announced that a series of meetings would begin after June 21 and the intention to reach an agreement before the start of the 2010/11 season.



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PEPE INCLUDED IN PORTUGAL SQUAD


Pepe has been included in Portugal's provisional 24-man squad ahead of the World Cup, despite having been sidelined by a knee injury since December.

The Real Madrid defender has only just returned to training after five months out of action, however, he was a stand-out in a scrappy Portuguese qualifying campaign to ensure his place.

Coach Carlos Queiroz had previously indicated he would name his 23-man squad for the finals on Tuesday, but chose to add another name to his selection on Monday after admitting he had "one or two" doubts about the fitness of certain players.

"Things can happen at a training camp and we want to be sure the ones we take are in the best shape," the former Real Madrid boss said.

"The World Cup will take place when players are usually on holiday, it will be important to prepare them correctly so they can contribute as best as possible."

The biggest surprise of the squad was the inclusion of back-up goalkeepers Beto and Daniel Fernandes who did not play during qualifying.

Portugal reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany four years ago, but face a difficult task to get out of their group in South Africa after being draw against Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea.

Portugal's provisional squad: Goalkeepers: Beto (Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Eduardo (Braga). Defenders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Ze Castro (Deportivo La Coruna), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Duda (Malaga), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia). Midfielders: Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Nani (Manchester United), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon). Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg).



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MADRID BANKING ON VALLADOLID HEROICS La


Real Madrid have been left looking to Real Valladolid for a helping hand after thrashing Athletic Bilbao 5-1 to send the Primera Division title race to the wire.

Madrid struck four times in the last 17 minutes against Athletic to record their 18th win in their last 19 league games.

However, it was not enough to see them replace Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division standings as Pep Guardiola's side defeated Sevilla 3-2 to stay one point clear heading into the final weekend.

Barca also hold the better head-to-head record between the top two, so the only way Madrid can win the title is to beat Malaga in their last match and hope Valladolid can do them a favour by taking points off the reigning champions at the Nou Camp.

Valladolid have improved immensely since former Spain coach Javier Clemente took over recently, winning three and drawing three of seven matches, and they, like Malaga, are in the thick of the relegation battle so are in also need of the points.

Defender Sergio Ramos, who netted Madrid's third goal against Athletic, said: "We can only think about continuing to fight. The first thing to think about is picking up the three points against Malaga, an encounter you can't take as won because they're a team that are fighting for a lot.

"Then we have hope that Valladolid can cause a surprise as they are also playing to avoid relegation at the Nou Camp.

"We want to get to 98 points, and if Barca are proclaimed champions with 99 then we need to congratulate them. Both teams have had a great season. We both deserve to win the league but there is only one trophy."

Ramos' fellow defender Alvaro Arbeloa joked: "There's a slight chance left and we hope that Mr Clemente gives us a hand by parking one or two buses (in front of Barca).

"We know that Barca have the upper hand but we have to focus on our game against Malaga, which is going to be very difficult because they are playing for everything."

Midfielder Esteban Granero added: "Next week Valladolid and Malaga have a lot at stake and they are vital matches for both teams.

"Neither Barcelona nor us will have it easy. La Liga is not over."

Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is also holding out hope his side can upset the odds and wrest the title out of Barca's grip.

"We have one more match and although we had a lot of hope riding on the game in Seville, Valladolid have a lot at stake when they visit Barcelona next week," he said.

"We will keep up the pressure until the end.

"We knew that Barcelona's match against Sevilla would be more complicated than next week's against Valladolid, but you never know what may happen.

"We need to maintain this spirit and fight until the very end. Hope is the last thing we can lose."

Meanwhile, Pellegrini insists he has heard nothing from the club to suggest he will not be in charge next season.

Pellegrini was only brought in last summer but his position has come under intense scrutiny with the possibility of Madrid ending the season without any silverware, with Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho being heavily linked as a possible replacement.

However, when quizzed about his future following last night's match, the Chilean said: "I don't know, you'll need to ask the board.

"I have a year left on my contract and nobody has spoken to me about not continuing next year.

"I'm very happy to have had such a good season and I don't see any reason not to continue."

Madrid, who spent around 250million euros on new players during pre-season, suffered early exits from the Copa del Rey and Champions League while they may come up just short in the race for the Primera Division title.




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PUYOL PROMISES NO COMPLACENCY

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has promised his team will not take Real Valladolid lightly this weekend as they look to clinch the Primera Division title for the second straight season.

Pep Guardiola's defending champions head into the final round fixtures a point clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid and knowing a home win over relegation-threatened Valladolid would guarantee the crown remains at the Nou Camp regardless of Madrid's result at Malaga.

But Puyol is not taking anything for granted, particularly given 18th-placed Valladolid's desperate need for points to retain their top-flight status.

"It's a difficult game against a rival that is playing for survival," said the 32-year-old.

"There are no easy games. This will be no stroll because the stakes are high for Valladolid.

"We approach the game with great gusto and with great respect.

"It will be important to keep anxiety controlled."

Barca have not secured the title on home soil during Puyol's 11 years in the senior side so far, and he would love to change that this weekend.

"The important thing is winning, but with your fans is a plus," he said.

Midfielder Andres Iniesta could return for the season finale after more than a month out with a hamstring injury, but fellow Spain star Xavi is suspended along with Brazilian defender Maxwell.





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BARCA KEEP TITLE BID ON TRACK Spain.

Barcelona survived a dramatic Sevilla fightback to win 3-2 and keep their Primera Division title defence in their own hands.

With Real Madrid 5-1 victors at home to Athletic Bilbao with one round of matches to go next weekend, Barca could not win La Liga in Seville on Saturday but did maintain their one-point lead and kept their destiny in their own hands with the visit of Real Valladolid to come while Madrid go to Malaga.

Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead after five minutes and Bojan Krkic doubled the Catalans' lead just short of the half hour.

Sevilla then went down to 10 men following Abdoulay Konko's dismissal 10 minutes into the second period and Barca looked to be out of sight after Pedro struck a third shortly afterwards.

But Pep Guardiola's side were forced to endure a nervous finale as Sevilla fought back with goals from Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano midway through the second half.

Barca held on, though, and after Real won 5-1 at home to Bilbao, the title goes down to the wire.

At the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute in an incident that also saw Athletic defender Fernando Amorebieta sent off.

Athletic captain Fran Yeste threatened to ruin Madrid's night when he scored a brilliant equaliser just before half-time, but four goals in the final 17 minutes from Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo earned the home side their 18th win in their last 19 league games.

The Madrid faithful were glued to their radios hoping for a Sevilla equaliser but it did not come, leaving Barca in the driving seat next week.

It will be even tighter at the bottom with Malaga, Racing Santander, Real Valladolid and Tenerife all on 36 points with bottom-placed Xerez on 33.

Malaga lost 2-1 with barely a whimper at Getafe on Saturday night.

The Andalucians barely put up a fight as the Madrid clubs strolled to victory with goals by Roberto Soldado and Pedro Leon rendering Fernando's late header a mere consolation.

Valladolid live to fight another day after goals from Javier Baraja and Viera Nauzet Aleman saw them come from behind to beat Santander 2-1 and move level on points with their opponents.

Racing had taken a first-half lead through Fernandez Christian's header before the hosts levelled 12 minutes into the second half through Baraja and Aleman kept his nerve to convert a penalty 13 minutes from time.

Francisco Nino netted a stoppage-time equaliser as Tenerife kept their slim survival hopes alive with a 2-2 draw at home to Almeria.

Marc Bertran fired Tenerife in front after 15 minutes, but the visitors equalised within three minutes through Pablo Piatti.

Albert Crusat appeared to have won it for Almeria with the visitors' second after 82 minutes, but Nino popped up with the leveller in the third minute of stoppage time.

Xerez kept alive their brave bid to avoid relegation after edging out Real Zaragoza, who are now safe from the drop despite this loss.

The home side held a half-time lead thanks to Francis Perez's 23rd-minute goal, and although Zaragoza equalised in the 67th minute through Ander Herrera, Xerez restored their advantage almost immediately when Michel netted.

Carlos Calvo made it 3-1 five minutes later, and even though Zaragoza quickly reduced the deficit when Gabi netted it was not enough to save the visitors, who finished the game with 10 men when Matteo Contini was sent off for a second booking late on.

Sporting Gijon secured their top flight status with a 1-1 draw earned against a second-string Atletico Madrid side.

The home side went ahead through Miguel De Las Cuevas but Atletico were able to salvage a point from the match when they equalised after 75 minutes through Ibrahima Balde.

In the Champions League fight, Mallorca missed the chance to capitalise on Sevilla's defeat as they lost 1-0 at out-of-form Deportivo La Coruna.

Riki hit the only goal of the game after 69 minutes to leave Gregorio Manzano's side still fifth, a point off fourth-placed Sevilla.

Villarreal kept alive their European ambitions with a comfortable 2-0 derby win against Valencia.

The Yellow Submarine, who had striker Joseba Llorente sent off in the second half, were already coasting after he had added a second to Giuseppe Rossi's opener.

Espanyol beat Osasuna 2-1 in a match featuring two sides enjoying mid-table comfort. Juan Forlin and Pablo Osvaldo secured the win after Krisztian Vadocz's sixth-minute opener for the Navarrans.




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MAXWELL OUT OF TITLE DECIDER


Barcelona defender Maxwell will miss their final game of the season after tearing a muscle in his right leg, the club have confirmed.

The 28-year-old Brazilian picked up the knock in Saturday's 3-2 win over Sevilla, which kept Barca in pole position in the Primera Division title race, and is expected to be out for three weeks following tests today.

Barca face Real Valladolid on Sunday knowing a win will give them the title ahead of great rivals Real Madrid.



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BENZEMA WANTS TO PROVE HIMSELF


Karim Benzema remains "very happy" at Real Madrid and intends to see out the remaining five years on his contract.

The 22-year-old France forward moved to the Spanish capital from Lyon last summer for around 35 million euros.

He has failed to have the desired impact at the Bernabeu so far but reckons it is only a matter of time before he is back to his best.

"I am very happy at Real Madrid and the club trust me," he said.

"I'm not disappointed (with the season). It's a great experience to play for Real Madrid and next season will be much better.

"I wish I had been better, but this is the first of six seasons I will be here.

"The next year I hope to be much better."

He added: "I know when I play well and when I play bad. It's been a very difficult year for me because it is the first time I'm out of my country, away from my family and my friends.

"The bottom line for me is work, work, work."

Madrid head into the final round of Primera Division fixtures this weekend a point behind arch rivals Barcelona.

Manuel Pellegrini's side must win at Malaga and hope Barca fail to beat Real Valladolid at the Nou Camp.

"They will be hard games," said Benzema. "If Barcelona win they are champions, but we have to focus on our match against Malaga and not think of Barcelona."




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VALENCIA TO SIGN TOPAL


Valencia have reached an agreement to sign Turkey international Mehmet Topal from Galatasaray, the Primera Division club have announced.

The transfer is dependent on the 24-year-old midfielder passing a medical with the Spanish outfit.

Valencia are guaranteed to finish the Primera Division season in third place no matter what happens in this weekend's final round of fixtures as they are 27 points behind second-placed Real Madrid and eight above fourth-placed Sevilla.





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INIESTA EYEING RETURN ON SUNDAY Spain.


Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is hoping to be fit for the final game of the season on Sunday to help his side retain the Primera Division title.

The Spain star, who turned 26 on Tuesday, has been out of action for more than a month - during which time Barca were dumped out of the Champions League by Inter Milan.

Pep Guardiola's side must beat Real Valladolid at the Nou Camp on Sunday to ensure they do not also relinquish the league title - anything less than a victory would enable Real Madrid to secure La Liga glory by winning at Malaga.

Iniesta came through training unscathed on Tuesday and told his personal website, www.andresiniesta.es: "I want to see how it evolves throughout the week and see what I feel because of the injury four weeks ago.

"I hope to play on Sunday.

"I have enjoyed the league season with my colleagues for so long that now we have nearly reached the end we must carry on to win the title."

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is not expecting an easy encounter at the weekend.

"It will be difficult," he told the club's website.

"At this point we have to make the last step. It will be much more complicated than people think.

"I want all my colleagues and me to be champions. We want to celebrate a title at home in front of our fans, and to honour the Nou Camp by winning the league."






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HIGUAIN SALUTES MADRID FAITHFUL


Gonzalo Higuain spoke of his pride at representing Real Madrid after playing what could be his last game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 22-year-old Argentina forward has an impressive record of better than a goal a game in his three years at the club, having joined from River Plate in 2007.

However, he is one of the lower earners at Madrid and, even though his contract runs until 2013, has been widely linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Chelsea thought to be in the running.

Higuain, who was again on target in Saturday's 5-1 win over Athletic Bilbao which sent the Primera Liga title race into the final week, told Marca: "I'm proud to take the applause from these people who know that in the three-and-a-half years I've been here I have given everything for this club.

"Whenever I go out to play, I've left everything on the field.

"Sometimes I succeed and sometimes it goes wrong, but I'm proud of being able to wear the shirt of this team."

Madrid travel to Malaga on the final day of the season needing leaders Barcelona to slip up if they are to have any chance of claiming the title.







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RONALDO HAPPY WITH FIRST YEAR AT REAL Spain.


Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is satisfied with his first season at Real Madrid even though it looks destined to end trophyless.

The 25-year-old has scored 26 goals in 28 Primera Division games since moving to the Bernabeu from Manchester United for a world-record £80million last summer.

Madrid head into this weekend's final round of fixtures a point behind Barcelona. Manuel Pellegrini's side must win at Malaga and hope Barca fail to beat Real Valladolid at the Nou Camp if they are to pip their rivals to the title.

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, though, Ronaldo is content with how things are progressing in the Spanish capital.

"I really enjoyed the season that I've done, but what's missing is winning a title," he said.

"I'm very happy here in Madrid and my team-mates have helped me a lot, but the team has not won anything.

"We have to keep fighting and I am confident we will win many titles (in future)."

Of this term's finale, he added: "It's hard to win the league, but in football anything can happen.

"Mathematically it is possible. We have to win in Malaga and see what happens in Barcelona. We must have hope."

Ronaldo considers the Champions League exit - at the last-16 stage to Lyon in March - the biggest disappointment of his first 12 months in Spain.

"It was very bad, very difficult, but the circumstances must be taken into account," he told Spanish television programme Punto Pelota.

"We have new players, a team under construction, a different coach and we know that success does not come straight away - you have to slide a bit.

"I remember in my first two years at Manchester we did not win anything and we went on to win the Champions League."

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has not had to deal with a bitter elimination from the Champions League, of course, and will lead his troops into the final against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu on May 22.

The former Porto and Chelsea manager has been heavily linked with a summer move to Madrid, particularly after dumping defending champions Barca out in the semi-finals of the competition.

Ronaldo is impressed by Mourinho's coaching record but remains behind current boss Pellegrini.

"The successes speak for themselves," he said of his fellow Portuguese.

"A person earning titles is a good person. Success does not come just like that."

He added: "At the moment, Pellegrini fits more with me."

As for his own future, Ronaldo appears settled where he is but refused to categorically rule out a move when quizzed about the possibility of joining arch rivals Barca.

"Madrid is my home and Real Madrid my club, but you cannot say never," he said.

"I do not know what will happen in the future. You never know, although I would like to retire in Madrid."






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FINAL HEARTACHE FOR FULHAM Barclays

Diego Forlan shattered Fulham's Europa League dream with an extra-time winner to floor Roy Hodgson's brave battlers 2-1 in Hamburg.

After rallying from the hammer blow of Forlan's first-half opener, levelling through Simon Davies, the Cottagers' hopes of marking the biggest night in their history with the biggest trophy they have ever won lingered long into the Hamburg night, almost to the point of penalties.

But just as he did at Liverpool in the semi-final three weeks ago, Forlan was to have the final word, proving yet again what an aberration in his career those years at Manchester United were.

Single-handedly, the Uruguayan has wrecked the Premier League in this competition.

It was a horrible way for Fulham to end such a momentous journey, and with seven players out of contract at the end of the season and Roy Hodgson being linked with Liverpool, their loud and loyal supporters can only hope defeat does not mark the end in a far more long lasting way.

Sir Alex Ferguson knows a thing or two about management, so when he anointed Hodgson as his manager of the year, ahead of Carlo Ancelotti, whose Chelsea side could do the Double in his first season in English football, it was worth taking note.

What Hodgson has achieved in three seasons at Craven Cottage has been little short of miraculous.

Three games from the end of that 2008 campaign, they were technically relegated, only to drag themselves out of a hole at Manchester City, the platform from which their current success has been achieved.

The momentum has not just built confidence, it has grown immense belief. If you can come back from three goals down on aggregate against Juventus, there is not much left to be fazed by.

So it was when Forlan tapped Atletico ahead.

The Spanish outfit had been marginally the better side, with Sergio Aguero the greatest danger, yet Fulham seemed to have their measure once Forlan had thudded a shot against the post when Danny Murphy needlessly gave the ball away in midfield.

That illusion was shattered when Forlan capitalised on the good fortune that accompanied Aguero drilling a shot into the ground, instinctively prodding the ball past Mark Schwarzer, who could do little other than turn and watch it go in.

Not for a second did Fulham fret or panic. Not on the pitch or in the stands.

Even with Bobby Zamora at far less than full pelt, there was an incisiveness about Fulham's attacks which suggested they would get an opportunity of their own fairly soon.

So it came to pass as Zamora, using strength rather than speed, unsettled the Atletico defence, leaving them ragged as Zoltan Gera tossed over a cross from the right.

Paulo Assuncao stretched to reach it but succeeded merely in nudging the ball on to Davies, who lashed a fierce volley past David de Gea.

The crispness of the finish was nearly matched by Forlan just before the break.

Fortunately for Fulham, Schwarzer reacted to the Uruguayan's goal-bound snap-shot just in time and managed to push it away from his near post.

Both sides, Atletico because of the chance to briefly leap out of the shadow cast by Real Madrid that they are condemned to live under, and Fulham because of the sheer joy of being asked to perform on an occasion such as this, spared nothing in their search for victory.

Another smart effort from Davies brought an equally fine save from De Gea after an hour, by which time Zamora had made way for Clint Dempsey.

After all he has achieved this season, it was sad that Zamora was not able to give his best on an occasion such as this, coming after his rejection of a World Cup call because of the Achilles operation he must have to be fit for next season, they are opportunities that may never come round again.

That knowledge gave Fulham the grit to take the biggest game in their history to extra-time.

Not that they could relieve the pressure around their goal and when Forlan burst to the by-line and Raul Garcia bobbled his cut-back into the path of Aguero, Fulham hearts were in their mouths as the net rippled. Thankfully, it was the wrong side.

In the time that was left, Fulham looked to be the better side.

But forcing the pace brought them no reward, and Forlan sent them to their knees.






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SPANISH MEDIA HAILS ATLETICO TRIUMPH


The Spanish media today revelled in the fact Atletico Madrid had the opportunity to celebrate at the Neptuno fountains after years of underachievement.

The fountains are where Atletico supporters traditionally congregate to celebrate successes - Real Madrid's fans gather a few hundred metres up the road at the Cibeles fountains - and over 40,000 turned out on Wednesday night following the 2-1 extra-time Europa League final win over Fulham.

Marca's headline read: "Finally to Neptuno."

AS added: "40,000 flock to Neptuno," while El Pais said: "Atletico awakens Neptuno.

"A marvellous goal from Forlan beings new glory to the Rojiblancos and ends Fulham's resistance."

It was Atletico's first trophy since a league and cup double in 1996, and only their second ever European trophy. The first was the inaugural Cup Winners' Cup in 1962.

"Atletico recover their European glory," stated El Pais.

A columnist in Marca continued on the same theme, stating: "Finally an end to a European slump.

"Against Fulham, Atletico managed to end a losing run of 48 years.

"In 1962 Atletico lifted the Cup Winners' Cup and from that date they were unable to repeat that success. That was until May 12, 2010.

"Finally Quique Sanchez Flores' players have ended the run and can taste Europa League glory."

Much of the praise in the Spanish media was reserved for two-goal hero Diego Forlan.

The Uruguayan's opener may have been cancelled out by Simon Davies but he popped up with the winner late in extra time to hand Atletico the trophy.

"The Uruguayan wrote his name in the annals of the Rojiblancos," said Marca.

"He became immortal in Hamburg.

"Forlan was Neptune, the God of the European seas and chief of the Rojiblancos family.

"It has not been the easiest season for Forlan but that does not matter. The fans forgive you everything.

"He has gone through some difficult moments in front of goal but he never lost faith."

The celebrations are due to continue on Thursday with the team set to visit the city's Almudena cathedral and the city hall with the trophy.

They will then parade it in front of their fans at the Vicente Calderon.





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KAKA SINGS MOURINHO'S PRAISES

Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has welcomed talk of Jose Mourinho joining the club next season.

Mourinho is reportedly on the wish-list of president Florentino Perez with Madrid seemingly destined to end this season trophyless despite spending over 200 million euros last summer on new players.

Kaka, one of the big-name arrivals at the start of the season, believes Inter Milan boss Mourinho could be the coach to change their fortunes.

The Brazilian, speaking at a promotional event in Valencia, said: "Mourinho is a great coach.

"He has won things everywhere he has been.

"But whether he comes (to Madrid) is down to the club."

Kaka also stuck up for current boss Manuel Pellegrini, who could be fired in the close season despite the club still being in the title race heading into the final round of fixtures this weekend.

He added: "He has done a great job but it is the club who will decide whether he stays or goes."

Kaka has struggled to make much of an impact at the Bernabeu following his big-money move from AC Milan due to injuries.

He added: "For me it has been a very difficult season, with many physical problems.

"I have not been able to compete the way I wanted to."


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EMERY SIGNS LOS CHE DEAL


Valencia coach Unai Emery has vowed to help the club "continue growing" after signing a new contract.

Los Che refused to disclose the terms of the new deal.

Emery, whose deal was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, joined Valencia from Almeria in 2008.

Valencia are guaranteed to finish the Primera Division season in third place no matter what happens in this weekend's final round of fixtures as they are 27 points behind second-placed Real Madrid and eight above fourth-placed Sevilla.

"The challenge for next season is to continue growing," Emery told reporters on Thursday night.

"We will move forward with a line of continuity and the utmost dedication and ambition to fulfil our responsibilities.

"I have great enthusiasm for the new season and we will do our best."

After a traumatic close season a year ago when the club's financial plight threatened to strip them of key men David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata, Valencia are set for a similarly difficult summer this year.

Emery remains upbeat, however.

"The club works to have alternatives," he said.

"Players who come will do so with hunger, enthusiasm and desire to become such important players as the ones who leave. Valencia will always have a great team."

As for next season's targets, he said: "We have ambitious goals and we must aim to be among the highest steps in Europe.

"There are competitions such as the Champions League and Copa del Rey in which the team will always seek to go as far as possible."

Los Che president Manuel Llorente, credited with stabilising the club over the last 12 months, said: "We are very pleased with the coach's renewal.

"It was a very short negotiation but some things we had to resolve. There were some issues such as the duration of the contract that we had to solve.

"The issue of staff has not been raised, nor has he been assured that we will have any player in particular with a view to next season."

He added: "I like coaches who work hard, as is the case with Unai Emery. At no time this season have we have thought of any coach that was not Emery.

"If we waited for the end of the season it is because we wanted to make a decision on the goals accomplished. If I had doubts, I would have spoken to other coaches, but neither I nor (sporting director) Fernando Gomez have thought of another person."

Reports in Spain suggest star man Villa will join Barcelona sooner rather than later but Llorente said: "If he wants to meet with me, we will not have any problem.

"Anyway, we will have time to talk about these issues. The time will come."



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PLENTY TO PLAY FOR IN SPAIN

The title fight between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of a host of issues that have still to be decided in Spain as the Primera Division season reaches a thrilling climax this weekend.

Aside from the race to finish top, there are two teams in the fight for fourth spot and a Champions League berth, two teams battling for sixth place and entry into the Europa League, and five teams hoping to avoid the three relegation spots.

More than half the division have something to play for heading into the final round, and the only game with nothing of note riding on it is Saturday evening's early game between eighth-placed Athletic Bilbao and 10th-placed Deportivo La Coruna.

Most of the attention will be at the summit, where defending champions Barca are favourites to hold off Madrid and win their 20th Primera Division title.

Barca currently hold a one-point lead and boast the better head-to-head record against their arch-rivals, so an 18th victory in 19 matches at the Nou Camp this season when third-bottom Real Valladolid come to town will guarantee they finish top.

Barca captain Carles Puyol is taking nothing for granted though, warning against underestimating a Valladolid side who have improved immensely under former Spain coach Javier Clemente and are one of four teams on 36 points in and around the drop zone.

"It will be difficult playing against a team facing relegation. There are no easy games, this will be no stroll," said Puyol.

Pep Guardiola's side would also be crowned champions no matter what happens against Valladolid if Madrid fail to beat Malaga in their match, which will be staged at the same time as Barca's on Sunday evening.

Malaga are one of the other clubs on 36 points along with Valladolid, Tenerife and Racing Santander, so they are unlikely to be pushovers for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

Madrid's leading scorer Gonzalo Higuain said: "The team are very confident and we know we must keep fighting while there is a mathematical chance to win the league. We have beat Malaga and see what happens.

"We know it will be difficult for Barcelona to drop points at the Nou Camp, but there is also a lot at stake for Valladolid. It will be an interesting weekend."

Should Madrid fail to pip Barca to the title, then Sunday's clash with Malaga could also be the final match in charge for Pellegrini if speculation in Spain is proved correct.

No Madrid coach in almost three decades has survived in the hot-seat after finishing a campaign without a trophy, while in the last seven years the Spanish giants have had 10 different managers.

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has been closely linked with a summer switch to the Bernabeu.

Just behind the top two, Valencia, who face second-bottom Tenerife, are guaranteed third place no matter what happens, but the battle for the fourth Champions League is still up for grabs between Sevilla and Real Mallorca.

Both of those clubs face sides safely in mid-table, with Sevilla, who are currently a point clear of Mallorca, making the short trip to Almeria while the Balearic Island outfit host Espanyol.

It is a similar story in the race for sixth place, with Getafe and Villarreal - the only two clubs in contention - both locked on 55 points heading into the final weekend.

Getafe are at neighbours Atletico Madrid, who last night won their first major trophy since doing the league and cup double in 1996 by claiming the Europa League and they also have next week's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla to look forward to.

At the same time as Getafe, Villarreal are away to a Real Zaragoza side who are assured of top-flight football next season.

At the bottom, Xerez still look favourites to go down as they are three points behind the four other clubs in the fight to avoid the drop.

However, Nestor Gorosito's side have made a tremendous fight to stay up - taking 22 points from their last 14 games having picking up just 11 points from their previous 23 outings - and they could yet escape if they beat Osasuna away and other results go their way.

The other match pits relegation-threatened Racing at home to mid-table Sporting Gijon.




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RESOLVE THE KEY - SANCHEZ FLORES

Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores hailed his players' resolve after they overcame some stubborn Fulham resistance to win the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Los Rojiblancos were the more aggressive side for much of the contest in Hamburg but the final seemed destined for penalties as Fulham's defence repelled wave after wave of attacks.

Finally, with just four minutes to go in extra time, Diego Forlan popped up with his second goal of the evening to settle it after Simon Davies' volley had cancelled out the Uruguayan's opener.

Sanchez Flores praised his side for sticking to the task.

"Fulham are a very well-organised side and they made it very difficult for us to find that second goal," he said.

"It was like we played two matches against that defence of theirs.

"They were great opponents but I would say that overall we deserved the victory.

"I am really proud of my players. They deserve all the credit because they were able to overcome a complicated situation."

Atletico have struggled in the Primera Division this season, due largely to a terrible start, but Sanchez Flores believes the continental success does redress the balance slightly.

"I can only emphasise my admiration for the work they have put in to turn our campaign around," he added.

"It has been a long, hard season and that makes this success even more special.

"We are thrilled to have won a very tough final and a very difficult competition.

"It is a huge satisfaction - Atletico are a big, big club and we have made thousands of people happy tonight.

"It is the players' moment, it is their time to celebrate.

"This is a massive occasion in the history of the club. This Europa League final was a big opportunity for our team, but it was never going to be easy and when you do manage to cross the line it is a fabulous feeling."

Atletico's thoughts now turn to next Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla in Barcelona.

Midfielder Paulo Assuncao said: "We will work hard to achieve the double.

"Everything we do is dedicated to the fans, for they have always been there, supporting the team."





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BOSS HAILS ATLETICO TURNAROUND

Atletico Madrid boss Quique Sanchez Flores admits his side's Europa League success tastes all the sweeter because it has come at the end of a challenging season.

Atletico made a poor start to La Liga, resulting in the sacking of manager Abel Resino, but will finish the campaign in mid-table and with a European trophy.

They have also reached the final of the Copa del Rey and Sanchez Flores is delighted by the way the club's season has been transformed.

"I am really proud of my players. They deserve all the credit because they were able to overcome a complicated situation," he said.

"I can only stress my admiration for the work they have put in to turn our campaign around.

"It has been a long, hard season and that makes this success even more special.

"There are a lot of emotions that come out after an achievement like this.

"But I would like to dedicate this triumph to my four children and to Atletico fans everywhere."

It took extra time to separate Atletico and Fulham at the Hamburg Arena.

Diego Forlan was the star of the show, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory with the winner arriving with five minutes remaining.

"We are thrilled to have won a very tough final and a very difficult competition," said Sanchez Flores.

"It is hugely satisfying - Atletico are a big, big club and we have made thousands of people happy.

"It's the players' moment, it is their time to celebrate. This is a massive occasion in the history of the club.

"This Europa League final was a big opportunity for our team, but it was never going to be easy and when you do manage to cross the line it is a fabulous feeling.

"Fulham were a very well-organised side and they made it very difficult for us to find that second goal.

"It was like we played two matches against that defence of theirs.

"They were great opponents but I would say that overall we deserved the victory."




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TORRES IN WORLD CUP FITNESS RACE World Cup


Liverpool striker Fernando Torres remains a major doubt for Spain's World Cup opener against Switzerland - but is putting in the hours in a bid to be fit.

The 26-year-old underwent an operation on his right knee last month and is now working six hours a day in a bid to face the Swiss on June 16.

"Right now, we cannot say whether Fernando will be ready in time for the first match against Switzerland," said Spain team doctor Juan Jose Garcia Cota.

"He has started to work outside and is still doing gym work to improve the muscle tone around the knee.

"It takes a long time but the process we are following is still very good. We cannot say for sure but we are optimistic.

"There are still many days and the injury evolves day to day."

Torres, who netted the winning goal for his country in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, was yesterday named in Vicente del Bosque's preliminary 30-man squad.

After tackling Switzerland in South Africa, Spain will play further Group H games against Honduras and Chile.





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