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      Lionel Messi on verge of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s amazing free-kick record after goal in Barcelona win over Valencia

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      LIONEL MESSI moved within just one free-kick goal of rival Cristiano Ronaldo with his latest effort for Barcelona.The Argentine magician, 33, stepped up when his side desperately needed him with a double in the comeback 3-2 win at Valencia.

      Lionel Messi scored his 56th career free-kick with his pearler against Valencia on SundayCredit: Reuters
      It earned a crucial three points in the exciting Spanish title race, Barca keeping two points off leaders Atletico Madrid with four games to go.
      Having scored after missing a penalty, Messi added his second and his side’s third on 69 minutes.
      He clipped a delightful dead ball over the wall, curling away from the goalkeeper, in off the post for what proved to be the decider.
      According to Opta, that was his 50th direct free-kick scored for Barcelona.
      And, together with his six for Argentina, Messi moved on to 56 in his career.
      That leaves him just one short of Cristiano Ronaldo on 57 – 47 in club football and ten on the international stage with Portugal.
      By the end of 2011, Messi had just three club free-kicks but Ronaldo already had 22 for Manchester United and Real Madrid – including that famous strike against Portsmouth in 2008.
      Both players have managed to score two free-kicks in the same game three times for their clubs.
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      Ronaldo, 36, brought up his 100th Portugal strike with his tenth international free-kick last September.
      But his record with his efforts is pretty dismal in recent seasons.
      He has just two club free-kicks since the start of the 2017-18 season, and none in league football.
      As reported by Marca back in March, Opta stats showed £99million man Ronaldo had scored just one direct free-kick from 72 attempts for the Old Lady.
      That solo success came last July in the derby against Torino, his 43rd effort.
      But Juventus’ No3 stopper Carlo Pinsoglio insists he is far more clinical on the training ground.
      He told Tuttosport: “In training, they all go in.
      “Why doesn’t he score them in a match? I don’t know, obviously in a match it’s different than in training, but I don’t know. Bad luck maybe.”
      The ex-Manchester United man caused Premier League goalkeepers nightmares when he stepped up to the dead ballCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ronaldo reached 100 goals for Portugal in emphatic fashion with this free-kickCredit: Reuters

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      Valencia SACK ex-Watford manager Javi Gracia in brutal three-line statement following 3-2 defeat to Barcelona

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      VALENCIA have sacked former Watford boss Javi Gracia.Los Che narrowly lost 3-2 to Barcelona last night, in what would turn out to be Gracia’s final game in charge.
      Javi Gracia exits Mestalla for the final timeCredit: Getty
      The 2004 LaLiga winners have fallen on hard times of late, having to sell most of their best players last summer – including Ferran Torres and Rodrigo, as well as captain Dani Parejo.
      Gracia was appointed in July to steady the ship, after both Albert Celades and Marcelino were sacked during last season.
      The 51-year-old steered his new side to an unremarkable 11 wins from 38 matches in charge – but did manage to keep them away from the relegation zone.
      Los Che currently sit 14th in the LaLiga table, six points above the drop zone with four games left.
      In removing Gracia from the post, Valencia’s brutally short statement also confirmed that Voro would return as caretaker manager – his SIXTH stint in temporary charge.
      The statement read: “Valencia CF have informed Javi Gracia of his dismissal as coach of the first team, as of Monday.
      “The club would like to publicly thank him for his work and dedication during his time coaching the team, and wish him the best of success for the future.
      OFFICIAL STATEMENT | JAVI GRACIA— Valencia CF 🦇🍊🌊 (@valenciacf_en) May 3, 2021

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      “Salvador Gonzalez ‘Voro’ will take charge of the first team on an interim basis.”
      Gracia’s Valencia went out fighting against Barcelona last night, even taking the lead against former boss Ronald Koeman’s men.
      Ex-Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista powered home a 50th minute header to put the home side in front.
      But Barca came roaring back, leading 3-1 just 20 minutes later courtesy of a Lionel Messi double and tap in from Antoine Griezmann.
      Gracia’s players kept fighting, however, and pulled one back in the 83rd minute, when Carlos Soler’s rocket from outside the box found the top corner – but it wasn’t enough to salvage his manager’s job.
      The experienced boss was sacked by Watford in September 2019 – after just four games of last season.
      They would go on to be relegated, but not before also sacking Quique Sanchez Flores and Nigel Pearson.
      Since then Vladimir Ivic has also been dispensed with, before little known Xisco Munoz arrived to guide the Hornets back to the Premier League.
      Barcelona downed Valencia 3-2Credit: Getty
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      Watford sack Javi Gracia and reappoint Quique Sanchez Flores as head coach within 30 minutes More

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      Lionel Messi misses penalty but scores double as Barcelona edge past Valencia to keep LaLiga title hopes alive

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      LIONEL MESSI missed a penalty but bagged a double as Barcelona beat Valencia 3-2 to keep alive the most exciting LaLiga title race in years.Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista put the hosts ahead early in the second-half.
      Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved by former team-mate Jasper CillesenCredit: AFP
      Messi points to the sky to celebrate scoring his side’s third goalCredit: AP
      But Messi scored either side of an Antoine Griezmann goal to turn the game on its head.
      Carlos Soler’s superb late strike set up a tense finale, but Valencia could not find an equaliser and Barcelona kept the pressure on league leaders Atletico Madrid ahead of the showdown between the two teams at the Nou Camp next weekend.
      After a shock home defeat to Granada in midweek, Ronald Koeman’s side knew they had to pick up the three points at the Mestalla.
      Despite Valencia’s lowly league position – they now sit 14th – they came into the match unbeaten in eight matches at home.
      Koeman, who was sent off during the Granada defeat and began a two-match touchline ban at the Mestalla, made four changes to his team.
      Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet replaced Oscar Mingueza and Samuel Umtiti in defence, while Sergino Dest and 18-year-old Pedri were recalled in midfield at the expense of Sergi Roberto and Ilaix Moriba.
      Barcelona began well and a sublime move involving Frenkie De Jong, Griezmann and Pedri saw the latter send a right-foot shot narrowly wide.
      Jasper Cillessen then made a fine close range save to deny Araujo before the hosts threatened for the first time. A swift counter-attack caught Barcelona out and Goncalo Guedes teed up Jose Gaya, who clipped his effort just wide.
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      Messi went close with a free-kick from the edge of the box just before half-time as Barcelona finished the goalless first half on the up.
      Momentum swung the other way after the restart as Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to block a Guedes shot with his feet before Valencia then took the lead after 50 minutes.
      Ter Stegen made a mess of coming to claim a corner and Gabriel headed the ball into an empty net.
      Thierry Correia could have added a quick-fire second goal, but the right-back blazed his shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
      It proved a costly miss as the visitors scored three times in 12 minutes to take control of the match.
      Messi levelled things up after 57 minutes, turning the ball home following a scramble inside the box after old team-mate Cillessen had saved his penalty.
      Former Arsenal man Gabriel Paulista opened the scoring for ValenciaCredit: Getty
      Messi netted a trademark free-kickCredit: Reuters
      Antoine Griezmann celebrated with Messi after making it 2-1 to the Catalan giantsCredit: EPA
      Cillessen was again hard done by when Griezmann reacted quicker than the Valencia defenders to poke the ball home after the keeper had made another great save to keep out De Jong’s low header.
      Messi netted a free-kick in the 69th minute as the Catalan giants looked to be coasting.
      However, it was a nervy finish to the game for Koeman’s men after Soler’s superb 35-yard strike found the top left corner of the net in the 83rd minute.
      But Valencia were unable to find an equaliser and Barcelona returned to winning ways.
      They stay third in the table, level on points with Real Madrid and two points behind table-topping Atletico.
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      Toni Rudiger hands Chelsea massive boost with German set to don protective mask to face Real Madrid in Champions League

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      TONI RUDIGER will have to wear a protective mask against Real Madrid on Wednesday.The centre-back suffered a facial injury at the end of the 1-1 semi-final first- leg draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
      Toni Rudiger will have to wear a protective mask against Real MadridCredit: Rex
      He missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham but trained with a mask on the morning of the match.
      In 2007, former Blues captain John Terry wore one against Valencia just 72 hours after undergoing a cheek operation.
      But there is bad news as Mateo Kovacic has not recovered from a muscle injury which has kept him out for a month.
      Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “For Toni, he can play with a mask, so it’s just about getting used to it.
      “For Kovacic he felt something. It’s very likely he will not make it.
      “But I’m very happy to arrive with this group in the semi-final. We feel ready for a big fight.”
      Talisman Sergio Ramos could be back after knee and calf injuries.

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      Chelsea boss Tuchel was asked whether he will change his tactics if the Real Madrid skipper plays.
      He added: “Maybe we will play with no striker at all and Ramos has nothing to fight against.
      “I have not made my mind up yet. Let’s wait and see if he’s fit.”
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      Real Madrid eye Robert Lewandowski transfer and Bayern Munich striker could be available for £52m with deal running down

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      REAL MADRID are interested in signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.Lewandowski, 32, has always been keen on moving to the Bernabeu and told the German champions he wanted to leave in 2018.
      Robert Lewandowski has frequently been linked to Real Madrid in recent years
      He now has two years left on his contract and because of that he could be available on a cheaper deal around £52million, according to Sky Sports Germany.
      However, signing Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland is believed to be top priority for Real Madrid.
      But Bayern Munich could allow Lewandowski to leave, the report states, as they need to bring in money due to the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.
      Lewandowski’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is said to be listening to offers from various clubs in Europe, so Los Blancos may have to act quickly to land the forward.
      But since Lewandowski has always been keen to play for Madri – which was one of the reasons why he hired Zahavi – he could prioritise them ahead of other interested clubs.
      The Pole has won 20 trophies during his time in Germany and has scored 272 Bundesliga goals.
      Karim Benzema has been in form for Real Madrid but Lewandowski should be confident of taking his place in the team.
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      The Spanish side came close to signing the striker in 2018, and reportedly even agreed a fee with Bayern Munich.
      They also had a chance to sign him for just £17million from Borussia Dortmund, not long after Lewandowski scored four goals against them in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final tie in 2013.
      If Dortmund remain stubborn with Haaland and PSG do the same with Mbappe, Madrid could turn their focus on finally signing Lewandowski.
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      Mino Raiola hints at sensational Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard player swap transfer between Man Utd and Real Madrid

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      MINO RAIOLA refused to rule out Paul Pogba leaving Manchester United – and is even open to a swap deal involving Eden Hazard.The super-agent has often linked Pogba with a move abroad, and he explained why a move to Real Madrid still has not materialised.
      Paul Pogba has frequently been linked with an exit from Old Trafford
      Eden Hazard is still yet to establish himself at Real Madrid due to injury issues
      Pogba was linked to Los Blancos in January and July last year most recently, and Raiola was asked why he has not moved to the Spanish capital by AS.
      He said: “It is a question to ask Madrid. At one time Pogba felt a lot of love and trust from United, and there were several other clubs.
      “Later, it is very difficult for United and Madrid to understand each other for a great transfer, because strong clubs do not want to sell strong players to other strong clubs. 
      “And I’m not going to fool him, for Pogba playing for Madrid was always a very attractive thing, for Zidane too. He is his idol as a young man.
      Raiola was then asked if Pogba moving to Real Madrid this summer was a possibility.
      He added: “I do not know. I think that nothing is impossible, but football depends on the day. As it is. 
      “You have to be flexible to think of all the possibilities. And if tomorrow Madrid wants to make a Hazard-Pogba change? It is just an example. And if all four parties like it, why not?”
      In the interview, Raiola suggested that Madrid can afford Erling Haaland, so there is potentially a transfer kitty available for a big-name player like Pogba.
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      The midfielder has scored six goals in 37 games this term and looks settled under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and United have one foot in the Europa League final.
      Pogba recently revealed that he thinks his side are now capable of challenging Manchester City for the title, so he could be keen to stay.
      And given Pogba’s important to Solskjaer, it is perhaps unlikely that United will be willing to let him go this summer.
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      Real Madrid CAN afford £154m Erling Haaland transfer this summer, according to Mino Raiola despite chief Perez’s claims

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      A DEAL between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund for £154m-rated Erling Haaland CAN be done this summer, according to Mino Raiola.The striker’s agent has dismissed Florentino Perez’s concerns over the finances of the deal – claiming the club cannot afford NOT to sign him.
      Erling Haaland is a top target for several clubs this summerCredit: Getty
      Mino Raiola has opened the door to a move to either Real Madrid or BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The collapse of the European Super League led to the Real chief voicing his concern over Los Blancos’ ability to sign big-name players such as Haaland.
      But Madrid have not bought any players in over a year and Raiola opened the door to a move to the Spanish capital or Barcelona.
      The 53-year-old told AS: “I don’t know [if Real can afford Haaland], because I haven’t studied their finances.
      “But I believe so, yes. I think everyone can afford him.
      “But the question is this: can Madrid afford not to buy Haaland? And the same for Barcelona?
      “It’s difficult but not impossible [for Barcelona].
      “That is the job of a club president. It is the same for the clubs as it is for the players.
      “A train passes by and what do you do? You take it or you don’t take it. And that’s the big question.”
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      When a club like Barcelona or Madrid arrives, with so much history, it is difficult to say no. Mino Raiola
      Raiola has accepted that Borussia do not want to sell 20-year-old Haaland, who has hit 37 goals this season.
      But a reported £154million deal could be done if the right opportunity ‘presents itself’ with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester City named as potential destinations.
      The agent said: “[Not selling] is the official position of Dortmund.
      “But I have another position, I think that if a good opportunity presents itself and everyone is happy, we will put it on the table.”
      He added: “Haaland is interested in two things: scoring goals, because he is like a Cristiano [Ronaldo] or a Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], he has that positive obsession; and winning titles.
      “And he will choose, surely, where those two things will likely happen most often.

      “It is very difficult to lie. When a club like Barcelona or Madrid arrives, with so much history, it is difficult to say no.
      “PSG are entering this group of greats, City are trying to get there, Juve have always been there.
      “The championship they play in also matters. PSG play in the worst league of the greats. Bayern are already in an attractive league, but we know that they always win it. In Spain there are three [clubs] with a chance.”
      Perez’s concerns that the doomed European Super League breakaway will damage Madrid’s market prospects also left Raiola baffled.
      Far from viewing the project as a terrible idea, he instead believed it would be a ‘wonderful experiment’ if it co-existed with the Champions League.
      Raiola explained: “Ferrari can race one car in Formula One and another in LeMans.
      “Why can’t Madrid play in the Champions League and also in the Super League? It would be the most wonderful experiment in football.
      “Have two tournaments, the Champions League and Super League. And let the general public decide which one they like best.

      “I watched the protests in the street with disbelief. They were protests against something that had not yet been explained.
      “They protested against the feeling of a closed competition. But the Super League would not be forced upon them?
      “If you hate it, don’t buy the rights or pay to see it. If you want to see it… go ahead. But the key is the word ‘also’.”
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