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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020

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BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Argentine forward (C) challenges Atletico Madrid’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and Atletico Madrid’s Argentine forward Angel Correa (L) during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Club Atletico de Madrid at the stadium in Barcelona. — AFP Atletico draw hurts Barca’s title hopes Messi scores 700th career goal with penalty

MADRID: Lionel Messi scored his 700th career goal “From the dressing room I feel supported, yes,” he is hard for a player of his level but the circumstances whistled a curling effort past the far post. His de- but Barcelona suffered another blow to their said. “And regarding the meeting with the board, I will forced me to do it,” said Setien of Griezmann. “To- flected free-kick forced Jan Oblak to adjust his feet title hopes after a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on not say what was said in that.” morrow I will speak to him, not to apologise, but it is and palm over. Tuesday. Setien was also asked about his job on Monday a decision he has to understand.” Finally, it was laid on a plate for him shortly after Messi chipped in a penalty to reach another as- and had to play down the significance of a frank ex- half-time. Felipe clipped Nelson Semedo and Messi, tonishing milestone at Camp Nou but twice Atletico change of views in the dressing room following Sat- COSTA NIGHTMARE with the 700th in sight, chipped the ball delicately hit back with spot-kicks of their own, Saul Niguez urday’s draw at Celta Vigo. Yet it started well for them as Costa endured a down the middle. converting both after Barca took an early lead Messi had also caused a stir nightmare first quarter of an But every time Barca pulled away, Atletico pegged through ’s own goal. by appearing to ignore Setien’s hour, first diverting Messi’s cor- them back. Another penalty was awarded, again in- The result gives Real Madrid the chance to move assistant Eder Sarabia during a ner into his own net after mis- stigated by the speedy Carrasco, who made the most four points clear at the top of the table if they can water break at Vigo and on Costa judging the flight of the ball at of the slightest touch from Semedo. overcome Getafe at home on Wednesday, a formida- Tuesday it was impossible to the near post. Saul took responsibility again and while Ter Ste- ble lead with five games left. ignore the contrast with endured Then he missed a penalty, gen got a hand to it, the ball squirmed into the corner. Atletico stay third, two points ahead of Sevilla, Atletico’s players, who huddled won after the excellent Yannick Vidal twice went close, the second time heading wide who won 3-0 at Leganes. With a superior head-to- around Diego Simeone while a nightmare Carrasco left Gerard Pique for Jordi Alba’s cross, and Thomas Lemar might even head, it would take a dramatic capitulation for Real 50 metres away Setien stood dead and then cut back inside have won it for Atletico in injury-time. For Barca, the Madrid not to lift the trophy from here but there is no alone. Arturo Vidal, who stuck out a draw was damaging enough. guarantee Barcelona can finish strongly enough even At full-time, Setien stared leg. Earlier, Sevilla’s Oliver Torres scored twice and to create pressure. into space with the look of a coach that is running out Costa’s shot was saved but VAR showed Marc- Munir El Haddadi added a third to see off Leganes This was their third draw in four matches and with of time but he had taken bold decisions, leaving 120- Andre ter Stegen had sprung off his line too early and and boost their hopes of holding onto fourth place. suggestions of disharmony between the players and million-euro signing Antoine Griezmann on the bench Atletico were given a second chance. This time Saul Sevilla sit five points ahead of Getafe, having coaching staff, the future of coach Quique Setien and handing another start to 20-year-old Riqui Puig. took the ball and he scored the equaliser. played a game more. Leganes stay 19th, nine points looks bleak too. “It’s true that taking him out of the team like that Messi dinked over the sliding Renan Lodi and then adrift of safety. — AFP

brought that winning mentality with him, that 99 per- said. “The confidence comes from performances. strike to open the scoring in the 16th minute. Fernandes cent is not good enough. It has to be 100 percent,” They worked hard during the lockdown and we know Cutting in from the right, Greenwood froze Lewis Solskjaer said. “I’ve got more than one game-changer. we have loads to play for. Dunk with a nimble step-over and drilled a low shot The third goal was a great team goal. To see so many “I don’t care about making a statement, I know we past Brighton keeper Mat Ryan at his near post. fires Man Utd players sprinting forward to get on the end of it was are a good team.” United are also looking more solid “He’s a special talent. He’s getting better. You can fantastic. A great finish by Bruno.” at the back with eight clean sheets in their last 13 see clearly that he’s maturing and improving,” Solsk- masterclass Solskjaer’s side are two points behind fourth- league matches. jaer said of Greenwood. “He’s still only 18 so we will placed Chelsea, who play their game in hand at West With a run-in that includes games against see more from him.” Greenwood’s 13th goal of the Ham on Wednesday. With fifth place securing quali- Bournemouth, Aston Villa and West Ham, Solskjaer’s season in all competitions was the signal for United BRIGHTON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Bruno Fer- fication for the Champions League if second-placed men could enjoy a memorable conclusion to the cam- to take complete control. Maguire almost made it two nandes has brought a winning mentality to Manches- Manchester City’s European ban is upheld, United are paign as they also chase success in the FA Cup and with a header that looped narrowly wide and in the ter United after his brace inspired an impressive 3-0 in a strong position to return to the continent’s elite Europa League. 29th minute Brighton cracked again. win at Brighton on Tuesday. club competition. Brighton had taken four points from two games Luke Shaw’s run unhinged the Albion defence and Cajoled by the dazzling Fernandes, United pro- If they make it, United will owe a huge debt of since the restart, easing their relegation fears, but this Pogba worked the ball back to Fernandes, whose shot duced one of their best performances of the season gratitude to Fernandes, who has scored six goals defeat means they aren’t completely safe yet. deflected off Alexis Mac Allister and squirmed past at the Amex Stadium. Mason Greenwood opened the since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January. Harry Maguire led United’s charge with a long Ryan from the edge of the area. scoring early in the first half and Fernandes doubled The Portugal midfielder’s role in revitalising United pass to Paul Pogba, who rolled it into the path of Fer- Fernandes wasn’t finished yet and he put the game the lead before the interval. cannot be understated. They were mired in a major nandes for a fierce drive that cannoned back off the out of Brighton’s reach at the climax of a swaggering Fernandes netted again after half-time with a fine slump before Fernandes’ signing, but are now on a 15- post. Solskjaer this week warned United’s strikers United counter in the 50th minute. Nemanja Matic’s volley as United climbed above Wolves on goal dif- game unbeaten run in all competitions, including they must improve if they want to stay in the team. cross-field pass sent Greenwood sprinting away down ference to take fifth place in the Premier League. three successive wins. “It’s a joy to watch them when It was a message that Greenwood had clearly the left and the teenager unfurled a perfect cross for “Bruno has come and been fantastic. He has you see them express themselves like that,” Solskjaer taken to heart as the 18-year-old produced a fine Fernandes to volley past Ryan from 12 yards. — AFP