WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 SPORTS

Del Piero, Zoff pay tribute as Maradona claims Juve bias

MILAN: Club legends Alessandro Del and appearances (705) for the club, post- he made a last-gasp penalty save from Juve coach , who Napoli travelled to Roma on Monday- Piero and hailed Juventus after ed a message on Twitter which read: Croatian Nikola Kalinic. was rumoured to be close to the exit a national holiday in -primarily look- the Turin giants’ record-equalling fifth “You are part of history. This is It capped a sterling season for the 38- door last autumn following a disastrous ing for the win that would keep their consecutive title on Monday, Juventus. Well done lads!!!” The claim year-old shot-stopper, who throughout start to their title defence, underlined third-placed hosts at bay. although former Napoli legend Diego that Juventus benefit from favourable an incredible career has experienced the the champions’ impressive comeback. But in spite of Gonzalo Higuain Maradona was not amused. refereeing decisions still exists in Italy, lows of relegation to due to “I always say that you can only returning from a three-match ban, the Juventus, emulating their feat of 1935 and their 2-1 win in did little to Juve’s role in a vast match-fixing affair as improve by enduring the hard times. 30-goal Argentine striker was thwarted when the Turin giants won a fifth dispel it. Referee Paolo Tagliavento ruled well as the highs of being part of Italy’s Looking at our season, it makes me even three times by Roma keeper Wojciech straight title for the first time, went 12 out a perfectly valid goal from Fiorentina most successful club on the domestic more proud,” said Allegri, who steered Szczesny as the hosts snatched a pre- points clear of Napoli with a 2-1 win at striker , prompting front. Last month Buffon set a new Serie Juventus to their first league and Cup cious win in the penultimate minute of Fiorentina on Sunday. an outburst from Maradona on Monday. A record for going unbeaten 974 consec- double in 20 years in his first season in regulation time. Napoli had to beat Roma on Monday “Fiorentina’s goal... was a scandal, a scan- utive minutes, surpassing the previous charge last year, as well as a first Despite his claims of bias, Maradona to maintain their slim hopes of snatch- dal,” the Argentine told the In Casa record of 929 minutes held by former AC Champions League final appearance in admitted Juve’s quality had made a sig- ing a first since 1990 when Napoli programme. Milan keeper . 12 years. “Serie A isn’t the final of the 100 nificant difference. Maradona was still in his pomp at the “I was watching on television and the metres, but a marathon. You need “When Sarri looks at his substitutes’ San Paolo. Fiorentina goal was cancelled because ‘EVEN MORE PROUD’ patience to find the right rhythm.” bench, he just didn’t have the same But ’s men were they were playing against Juventus. “He’s had a great season,” said former Defender , who was quality of players as Allegri. That made stunned when Radja Nainggolan hit an “Juventus have great players in the Italy and Juventus legend Zoff. seen soaking fans with champagne as the difference. “Even if Napoli played 89th-minute winner for Roma in the - Italian (football) federation and in the “Even though we’ve come to expect they waited at the gates of the club’s better football, you have to tip your hat. ital to hand the title to the Old Lady of refereeing body, but this is nothing new.” that from him, he (Buffon) had a crazy Vinovo training ground, told Sky Sport: Juve have a great coach, a great squad, Turin. Del Piero, who still holds records Nevertheless, Juventus goalkeeper championship. Even yesterday he saved “They had us dead and buried in and the club knows how to go about for the biggest number of goals (290) required no help when the team with a great penalty save.” October, but Juve never die.” their business.” — AFP Bayern jet off to begin ‘Mission Milan’

BERLIN: Bayern Munich jetted off to Spain ble of Champions League, Bundesliga and hoping to realise their dreams of reaching German Cup titles. the Champions League final ahead of today’s semi-final, first-leg, against “very, QUALITY very dangerous” Atletico Madrid. Simeone’s Atletico threw down a gaunt- Boosted by their passionate fans, let in the quarter-finals by knocking out last Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium is set to year’s winners Barcelona while Bayern are offer an intense challenge to Bayern with a bidding to win the European crown for the place in this year’s final on May 28 in Milan sixth time. at stake. “Of course we have a goal and that’s to ’s Atletico will provide reach the final and continue living this with an acid test in his third dream,” said Bayern’s chairman Karl-Heinz and final year in charge of Bayern before Rummenigge before boarding the plane at coaching Manchester City. The 45-year-old Munich airport. has seen his Bavarian giants knocked out “Any team who can shut out Barcelona by Spanish opposition at the semi-final has a lot of quality. stage in both of his previous two full sea- “This team can hurt anyone and be very sons in charge. unpleasant to play against.” Bayern excited “They have a big heart and a very good the 2014 Champions League semi-finals mentality. This is a top, top team. They are with a crushing defeat to eventual winners very, very dangerous,” warned Bayern’s Real Madrid, then succumbed to Barcelona Guardiola, who needs a good result in at the same stage of last year’s competi- Madrid ahead of next Tuesday’s return at tion. Having again drawn Spanish opposi- the Allianz Arena. “I know exactly how spe- tion, Bayern are hoping to make it third cial Atletico’s team is and with how much time lucky and they expect a battle royal determination they play.” against Atletico’s miserly defence which Bayern’s Germany defender Jerome has leaked just 16 goals in La Liga this sea- Boateng could return to the starting line- son. “We have our eyes wide open,” said LONDON: West Bromwich players (L) defend against a shot from Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish Christian Eriksen (R) during the English up for the first time since January after a Germany forward Thomas Mueller. Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane in London, yesterday. — AFP groin injury. “I am ready and I’m there to “There will be antics and many one-on- help the team,” he said on a possible inclu- ones in the grey area. It’s something we’ll sion in Bayern’s bid to repeat their 2013 tre- have to adjust to.” — AFP Pochettino refuses to accept Tottenham’s title race run

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager fight and improve. “But no complaints. We are “I am very pleased in the way that we have Mauricio Pochettino is not ready to concede the very proud since the start of the season on how played away from home against the bigger clubs Premier League title to Leicester City despite we have played and worked.” this year. “We did smashing at (Manchester) City, seeing his side drop precious points in a 1-1 got beat late on at Man Utd, and did well at draw with West Bromwich Albion. ALLI INCIDENT Chelsea. All the big clubs, we played well- Monday’s result at White Hart Lane left sec- Pochettino said he had not seen the video cir- Arsenal is the only ground at which we have ond-placed Spurs seven points behind longtime culating on Twitter during the game which been disappointing at. So, it was important they leaders Leicester with three matches remaining. showed Spurs’ Dele Alli appearing to punch had a go tonight.” Leicester can now clinch the title with a victo- Albion midfielder Claudio Yacob late in the first Pulis added: “Tottenham are a fantastic team. ry over Manchester United at Old Trafford on half. This is not the first time the 20-year-old has The future here is bright here over next the cou- Sunday-the day before Tottenham travel across showed a mean streak, most notably in a Europa ple of years. London to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. League tie with Fiorentina when he escaped “One thing that has not been said about this “Is it over? No, it’s not, because the gap is sev- with a booking for kicking Serbian defender title race between the two clubs is the fact that en points and there are three left to play,” said Nenad Tomovic. Tottenham have played a lot of games on a Pochettino. “It’s true that it’s very difficult, more “The behaviour of Dele after Fiorentina has Thursday night. I have experienced that and so than before this game. Yes, this is very frus- been fantastic,” said Pochettino. “You know playing Thursdays and Sundays is difficult. trating. “But we need to still believe and keep sometimes the opponent tries to find him and to “So, for Tottenham, even though they are dis- fighting and be ready for the next game and provoke him as they know he has a strong char- appointed now, to be where they are at the hope Leicester drop points,” the Argentinian, acter and might react. moment is a fantastic achievement.” — AFP looking to see Spurs crowned champions of “But I did not see it. I don’t know what hap- England for the first time since 1961, added. pened.” When Albion manager Tony Pulis was “In the first half, we played very well. In the asked about that incident, he laughed. second, we lost a little bit of the control of the “Yacob hasn’t complained,” he said, “but then Matches on TV game and allowed them to believe and to create he is a tough lad.” (Local Timings) chances. When you do not kill the game, you Pulis commended his players for the fight MADRID: Atletico’s Fernando Torres smiles during a news conference at the Vicente always allow them to believe,” explained shown in the second half, especially after the Calderon stadium in Madrid, yesterday. Atletico Madrid will play a Champions UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Pochettino after Albion defender Craig Dawson disappointment of losing 2-0 to Arsenal at the League semi final, 1st leg soccer match against Bayern Munich today. — AP made amends for his 33rd-minute own-goal by Emirates last Thursday. Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich 21:45 heading home an equaliser 17 minutes from The Welshman also acknowledged his side’s beIN SPORTS 1 HD time. “We need to be calm and assess the sea- improved performances away to the so-called beIN SPORTS 2 HD Leicester one win away from son. So far it has been fantastic. We still need to “bigger” teams in the Premier League. ‘incredible’ title triumph Bayern confirm negotiations with Hummels LONDON: Leicester will complete an er from 2000-04. But under the Italian’s “incredible” Premier League title triumph guidance the likes of Algeria winger Riyad BERLIN: German league leaders Bayern Munich Hummels joined Dortmund from Bayern in 2008 However, the Borussia boss told Munich- and be crowned champions of England for Mahrez, named last week as the yesterday confirmed they are negotiating with and Watzke is realistic about whether he will based newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung he the first time in their history if they beat Professional Footballers’ Association Player Borussia Dortmund’s Germany defender and stay. “I believe that if he (Hummels) goes, it will would “fight for Mat, like I have never before Manchester United at Old Trafford on of the Year, and leading scorer Jamie Vardy club captain Mats Hummels. be in the direction of Munich,” said Watzke. fought for a player”. Watzke said Bayern would Sunday. Tottenham Hotspur, the only team have enjoyed the best seasons of their Should he sign for Bayern for next season, “He still has unfinished business with the club have to “dig really deep in their pockets” to sign who can deny the Midlands club the title, careers, with the Foxes all-action game Hummels would be the third big-name (Bayern Munich). His father, his mother and his Hummels, who has a market value of 32 million lost ground with a 1-1 draw at home to proving hard to resist in a campaign where Dortmund star to quit Borussia for Munich in the brother all live in Munich. “His girlfriend comes euros ($36.1 million). One Bayern star Watzke West Bromwich Albion on Monday that they’ve lost just three league games to last three years after midfielder Mario Goetze in from Munich, he’s from Munich too-so a whole would like to see playing in the Black and Yellow meant they were seven points behind with date. When Leicester appointed Ranieri, 2013 and striker Robert Lewandowski in 2014. lot of components have already come together.” shirt again is Germany’s World Cup winner three games left to play. Even if Leicester, lifelong Foxes fan and former England strik- Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has Watzke says he can understand Hummels’ Goetze, who left in 2013 for 37 million euros, but 5,000/1 rank outsiders in pre-season to win er , who started his career with already said he expects Hummels to join Bayern deliberations. “We have to accept when some- has failed to make an impact in Munich. “He the Premier League after narrowly avoiding his hometown club, tweeted. for next season, even though his Borussia con- one like Mats, who has already played for came up through the youth teams with us and relegation last term, slip up at Old Trafford tract runs until June 2017. Borussia Dortmund for eight years, is 27 and he is highly regarded-also by me personally,” said the Foxes will still be in pole position to fin- ‘, REALLY?’ “Basically, I can confirm what Mr Watzke has would come to think: ‘Am I going to play for Watzke. “If he came on the market and we ish the season as champions. “There’s still Lineker subsequently admitted: “Oh said; Mats is dealing with Bayern,” chairman Karl- Borussia Dortmund for my entire career, or will I received a signal that he was interested to come work to do but, in most people’s eyes, it is how wrong I was, how wonderfully, spec- Heinz Rummenigge said as the Munich club jet- do something else?’” said Watzke. back to us, we’d discuss it.” —AFP done and dusted,” former Leicester defend- tacularly, blissfully wrong.” ted off for today’s Champions League semi-final er Matt Elliott told BBC Radio Five. The only downside for Leicester’s best- first leg at Atletico Madrid. “But every transfer is “Leicester can win the title at Old Trafford... known supporter is that it looks as if he a three-way business, so we have to wait calmly. it sounds incredible. I’m covering it on the may have to make good on a promise to “You have to respect his current contract in view radio and there are three of us going up in present the BBC’s flagship Match of the Day of our proper relationship with Borussia the car. If they win, it won’t be me driving football programme in his underpants if Dortmund, we have to be considerate.” home.” This season has seen Midlands club the Foxes win the title. “I’ve kind of said I’ll Dortmund, who will likely finish second behind Leicester leave established Premier League have to do it,” Lineker told the Radio Times Bayern in the Bundesliga, will be back in the giants such as Manchester City, Arsenal and magazine in an interview published Champions League next season, but Hummels, defending champions Chelsea well behind Tuesday. “I’ve told them many times, ‘Please along with Ilkay Gundogan and them. Owned by Thai billionaire Vichai tell me I can’t do it’. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is one of three stars out of Srivaddhanaprabha, Leicester have already “When I sent the tweet in December I contract next season. qualified for the Champions League for the categorically knew there was zero chance Borussia want to extend all three contracts, first time in a season where only the three that (Leicester) would win.” Leicester will be but Gundogan is almost certain to join promoted clubs-Watford, Norwich and without Vardy at Old Trafford after the Manchester City to work with current Bayern Bournemouth-started at longer odds to Football Association gave him an addition- coach Pep Guardiola next season. win the Premier League. al one-match ban on Tuesday for improper Gundogan’s agent met City’s director of sport Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri, who conduct following his red card against West Txiki Begiristain in Amsterdam last month, while replaced sacked former Leicester boss Ham. But they were without the England reports in the UK media claim a five-year con- Nigel Pearson in pre-season, was derided forward last weekend as well and still beat tract has already been signed. BERLIN: This file photo taken on May 17, 2014 shows Dortmund’s defender Mats Hummels as the ‘Tinkerman’ when he first made his Swansea City 4-0. It’s been that sort of sea- Mkhitaryan has been linked to Chelsea, reacting during the DFB German Cup final football match BVB Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern name in English football as Chelsea manag- son for Leicester.— AFP although he is the one most likely to stay. Munich at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. — AFP