TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 SPORTS Amid economic despair, Atletico is hope in Madrid MADRID: For Spain’s working class suf- lections of more famous stars. Neutrals captain Gabi Fernandez said in a maga- sion, most recently from 2000-02. the Champions League final after reach- fering through what feels like never- across the country are in Atletico’s cor- zine interview. “We’re changing the sto- The club’s flare for dramatics is partly ing the semifinals of Europe’s top com- ending economic recession, Atletico ner, hopeful that Diego Simeone’s team ry through our commitment to giving what makes Atletico’s story so human. petition for the first time since 1974, Madrid’s stunning season offers an can break the monotony of a duopoly people what they want: A team they can Despite its ups and downs, it has always with everything to play for on uplifting example of beating the odds, that has strangled the Spanish league feel proud of, that win or lose they’ll say, succeeded in winning trophies. And Wednesday at Chelsea in the second leg with the Spanish title and Champions since Valencia was the last team apart ‘Damn, this is my Atletico.’” since the return of former player following a scoreless draw in the first League final both within its reach. from Barcelona or Madrid to win the Atletico was founded in 1903 by Simeone, it is taking on and often beat- leg. Not bad for a team nicknamed “Los The club rooted in blue-collar Madrid championship a decade ago. Basque students setting up a Madrid ing Europe’s elite. Colchoneros” - “mattress makers” - with is looking down on rich neighbor Real “This is Atletico Madrid and that’s branch of the club. Its Simeone played for the last champi- its red and white strip resembling a tra- Madrid and defending champion what we’re about: work, work, work, standout qualities of passion, hard work onship-winning team. The Argentine ditional pattern for Spanish bedding. Barcelona from atop the Spanish league heart. We never give up,” Simeone said and self-belief have over the years been coach has instilled defensive discipline “If we win it’s because we’ve standings for the first time in 18 years. It during the Champions League quarterfi- canceled out by dramatic collapses, dis- in a squad that was prone to late col- deserved it, not because we have some beat Valencia 1-0 on Sunday to move six nal series triumph over Barcelona. “The organization and disappointment. lapses. Creative Koke and ‘galacticos,’” Gabi told Panenka points clear of Real Madrid. people of Atletico Madrid are no doubt Names such as Luis Aragones, Hugo provide for striker Diego Magazine, referring to Madrid’s history Win two of its last three games, and proud of how we have competed.” Sanchez, , Christian Vieri Costa, who already has 35 goals this of breaking transfer records to sign play- Atletico is champion for the first time Atletico and “the people” are inter- and Diego Forlan made their marks on season. ers such as , Zinedine since 1996. Spain was a more optimistic twined, with the club’s Vicente Calderon the club. But so, too, did construction The past four seasons have seen Zidane, or Gareth Bale. place the last time it lifted the league Stadium built over an unattractive high- magnate Jesus Gil, the former president Atletico win five trophies, including a “When I was young and was asked trophy, with an economy heading for way in the middle of the industrial but who was embroiled in embezzlement pair of Europa League titles - one trophy what I wanted to be when I grew up I boom times before the more recent revitalizing Arguanzela neighborhood, charges and jailed after one of his build- more than Real Madrid over that same didn’t say a football player but a football bust and now record unemployment. south of the Spanish capital’s world- ings collapsed, killing 58 people. period. Ending a 17-year wait, Atletico player for Atleti. I’m living the dream of Part of Atletico’s appeal is that it has renowned museums and tourist attrac- The club owes the Spanish govern- also finally beat its crosstown rival last all of our fans, which is nothing less achieved so much with a squad worth a tions. ment millions in back taxes. It also has May, in the Copa del Rey final. than to be playing for the team you fraction of Madrid and Barcelona’s col- “It’s the working man’s team,” Atletico endured six seasons in the second divi- Atletico is on the verge of a place in love.” —AP Mourinho rejects misconduct charge

LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho going. has denied a charge of misconduct levelled “So congratulations to all of them, and I against him by England’s governing have nothing more to say. I’m sorry.” During Football Association folowing comments the course of the match the Portuguese he made after the title- boss’s assistant Rui Faria angrily confronted chasers shock loss to Sunderland. the match officials on the touchline and The Black Cats ended Mourinho’s 77- had to be restrained by several Chelsea match unbeaten home league run as staff, including Mourinho, before he was Chelsea manager with a stunning 1-0 win sent off. at Stamford Bridge last month. Monday saw Faria admit to two FA Afterwards, Mourinho mocked the offi- charges of misconduct after Chelsea mid- cials by saying: “Congratulations to (referee) fielder Ramires had already received a ret- Mike Dean, because he made a fantastic rospective four-match ban, ending his performance. “And congratulations to Mike domestic season, for swinging an arm and Riley (head of refereeing body Professional striking Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson Game Match Officials Limited), because during the April 19 match. what they did during the season was fan- A FA statement said: “Jose Mourinho has tastic for the way the championship is denied an FA charge and requested a non- personal hearing in relation to comments he made following Chelsea’s game against Sunderland on April 19, 2014. “It is alleged that Mourinho’s post-match comments constitute improper conduct, in that they call into question the integrity of the referee appointed to the above fixture (Mike Dean) and/or the integrity of Mr Mike Riley, general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, and/or the comments bring the game into disrepute. Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez “In relation to the same fixture, Chelsea assistant manager Rui Faria has admitted two misconduct breaches and requested a non-personal hearing. PFA award brings “The first breach was that Faria used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official (Phil Dowd). The second breach was that Faria’s behaviour following the match referee’s request that he leave Suarez full circle the technical area amounted to improper conduct. “A date for both hearings will be set in LONDON: From Public Enemy Number One to type of guy. “He is a sheer winner and that prob- They were the initial shots in a salvo of 10 due course.” Mourinho has already been Player of the Year, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez ably overspilled last year, but his development goals in four games, which meant that the race sent off at both Cardiff and Aston Villa this has completed one of the most improbable over the last year has been remarkable, both on for the Golden Boot was effectively over by season. rehabilitations in the recent history of the and off the field, and Liverpool have benefited Christmas. In a development that would have Speaking about his latest brush with English game. from that.” That Suarez has reached the 30-goal been unthinkable months earlier, he signed a authority on Friday, Mourinho said: “Every Just a year ago, the football world recoiled in mark is rendered all the more remarkable by the new four-and-a-half-year contract in December, time I speak there is a consequence. Even if horror after the Uruguayan sank his teeth into fact that he missed the first five matches of the having captained the team in a match against I say that a referee was amazing that was a the forearm of Chelsea defender Branislav campaign as he completed his ban for biting Tottenham Hotspur the previous week. “It was reason to be with a charge. “I can’t say the Ivanovic during a game at , earning him a Ivanovic. It also came after a turbulent close sea- weird, strange. I’d never imagined myself as truth. I don’t feel free at all. If you want a fine and a 10-game ban. It came just over a year son, which saw Suarez push for a move away Liverpool skipper,” Suarez told FourFourTwo better press conference, speak with the FA. after he had been handed an eight-match sus- from Liverpool and even accuse the club of magazine recently. “I told the referee he was amazing, and I pension for racially abusing Manchester United’s breaking promises after they blocked a potential “After everything that had happened with repeat: the referee was amazing.” Mourinho Patrice Evra, and prompted speculation that he transfer to Arsenal. me, to retain the support of the club, the coach was also bitterly sarcastic regarding might never play for Liverpool again. Twelve Rodgers rebuked Suarez, briefly forcing him and my team-mates showed me they were hap- Ramiers’s ban, by saying: “He’s a lucky guy. months on, he has been elected Player of the to train on his own, but Liverpool owner John W. py to forget and forgive.” We accept the charge because we are hap- Year by the Professional Footballers’ Association Henry stood firm, refusing to cede his most Booed at last year’s PFA Awards ceremony py with it.” (PFA) after becoming the first Liverpool player prized asset to a major rival. after finishing runner-up to Gareth Bale, Suarez As for the prospect of another fine, since Ian Rush in 1986-87 to score 30 league now has the acceptance of his peers. Mourinho said: “When I have to give mon- goals in a season. CAPTAINCY HONOR Ironically, Sunday’s ceremony was preceded ey, I prefer to do it privately. “My wife says While he stills plays with the same burning The club’s faith was rewarded emphatically, by a game between Liverpool and Chelsea-the that charity is anonymous. I prefer to do will to win-and is still prone to the occasional as the Uruguayan struck up a lethal understand- fixture that last season saw Suarez’s popularity that than give money because people theatrical tumble-the 27-year-old’s on-pitch con- ing with strike partner Daniel Sturridge that has plummet to previously uncharted depths. decide to take money out of my pocket.” duct is now befitting of his extraordinary ability. helped to fire Liverpool back into the Unhappily for the former Ajax striker, he was Chelsea, now just two points behind “He is a brilliant talent. I think the supporters Champions League. It took Suarez only 36 min- to finish on the losing team as Jose Mourinho’s Liverpool in the Premier League title race have seen him mature over the course of the last utes of his first league game, at Sunderland in side pulled off a 2-0 win that handed after a 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, face season,” says Liverpool manager Brendan September, to open his account for the cam- Manchester City the initiative in the Premier Atletico Madrid in the second leg of a cur- Rodgers. “I think he was in a real low moment paign. After a hat-trick against West Bromwich League title race. Chelsea’s Portuguese rently goalless Champions League semi- after that game (against Chelsea), but he has Albion and a brace against Fulham, he scored The odds are against him again, but as he has manager Jose Mourinho final at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. —AFP gone away and probably looked in the mirror four times at home to Norwich City, opening his demonstrated repeatedly over the past 12 and reflected on himself because he is not that account with a stunning 45-yard lob. months, Suarez does not give up easily. —AFP Guadalajara miss Gerrard’s cruel slip could last-eight cut end Liverpool’s title hopes

MEXICO CITY: Guadalajara failed to reach the ulary,” the outspoken Argentine known as LONDON: While Luis Suarez’s 30 goals have pro- his captain, saying his form was the reason they Mexican Clausura championship’s knockout “Bigoton” (big moustache), told reporters. vided much of the impetus behind Liverpool’s were fighting for the title. phase after conceding a late goal to go down “The team needs some reinforcing ... but I remarkable rise to Premier League title contenders “Steven is a boy who has picked up this club so 1-0 at home to Monterrey on Sunday. don’t see big changes. We have young players this season, captain Steven Gerrard has been the many times,” Rodgers told reporters. “And it was The Chivas, rebuilding under former pushing (for places in the team), but from the beating heart at the centre of the Merseyside just really unfortunate because he slipped at a cru- Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe, needed a win middle towards the front we need players revival. cial moment and it was right on half-time. to be among the top eight teams in the 17th with more experience.” Guadalajara’s arch- Unfortunately for the 33-year-old , “He was doing everything he possibly could and final round of the championship’s league rivals America, with whom they share a who has spent his entire professional career at the today and we hoped there would be one or two phase. record of 11 league titles, secured their place club, his slip in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea may who would step up to the plate instead of him, but Neither Guadalajara nor Monterrey made in the last eight with a 1-1 draw at Toluca. prove costly if Liverpool’s 24-year wait for a title we couldn’t quite do that today. it into the last-eight after defender Efrain “I’m not satisfied, we need to improve and continues beyond the season. “There’s certainly no blame because we are in Juarez headed the only goal in the 85th take better decisions but I have confidence in Just before halftime at Anfield, Gerrard slipped the position we are in now because of him; he’s minute from a corner taken by Chile’s these players. The important thing was to be while receiving a routine pass from Mamadou been instrumental for us this season. “It’s just Sakho, allowing Chelsea striker Demba Ba to race unfortunate that he’s slipped over. It could have Humberto Suazo at the Omnilife stadium. inside (the knockout phase) and we are, all in on goal to put the visitors one up. happened to anyone. This is a guy that is so strong Monterrey finished with 23 points but behind eight teams have chances of being champi- Willian doubled the advantage late on as mentally.” Liverpool have matches away to Crystal eighth-placed defending champions Leon on ons,” said America’s Argentine coach Antonio Liverpool failed to break down Chelsea’s dogged Palace and against Newcastle United at Anfield, goal difference, while Guadalajara were left Mohamed. defensive line, a defeat that ended their 11-match and will hoping City, who beat Palace 2-0 on stranded with 21 points. Pachuca qualified in dramatic fashion on winning streak and took their Premier League title Sunday, will drop points to Everton, Aston Villa or Leon, who won the Apertura champi- Friday when they scored four goals in the last aspirations out of their hand. West Ham. Despite the denials of manager Jose onship in the first half of the season, will meet quarter of an hour to win 4-3 at Queretaro Liverpool still lead with 80 points, but third- Mourinho, Chelsea are also still in with a slim Clausura leaders Cruz Azul in the two-leg after trailing 3-0. placed City sit three points behind with a match in chance of winning, but Rodgers said it was impor- quarter-finals. Substitute Enrique Esqueda and striker hand and with a superior goal difference, meaning tant his side picked themselves up for their last “It’s a bad result, everything looked set for Abraham Carreno scored two goals apiece for the 2011-12 champions can secure a second crown two outings. “If we can finish off the season and a win today, I think the team had good con- the “Tuzos” (moles) with the latter’s winner in three seasons if they win their last three match- win these two games, we’ll finish above them and trol but we lacked more chances and to finish coming in added time after Queretaro’s es. Chelsea are second with 78 points. Having won maybe above Manchester City. But there’s still a them off,” said La Volpe, whose side won one Brazilian Ricardo da Silva had put the match the Champions League, a UEFA Cup, two FA Cups way to go,” the Northern Irishman said. and lost two of their four matches since he seemingly beyond Pachuca’s reach complet- and three League Cups, a league title is the one “City will now feel they can go on and win their took the reins on April 2. ing a hat-trick in the 66th minute. thing missing from Gerrard’s list of club honours, games. We’ll just recover now; we’ll focus on the “I took charge with four matches left (in The rest of the quarter-final line-up has and it would be a cruel twist if his error went some next game, and continue with that positive men- the round-robin phase) and there you have Toluca against Tijuana, UNAM Pumas versus way to denying him what many would see as a fit- tality that we’ve had throughout the season - the results, logically we can’t think of failure Pachuca and Santos Laguna meeting ting reward for a career of graft and loyalty. because that’s the reason why we are where we because that word doesn’t exist in my vocab- America. —Reuters Liverpool’s English midfielder Steven Gerrard Manager Brendan Rodgers refused to criticise are.” —Reuters