Melbourne City 1 Adelaide United 2: Villa bows out with defeat

Melbourne City let a lead slip to go down 2-1 to Adelaide United in the A-League in what is set to be David Villa's last game for the club.

Villa's initial 10-game stay in Melbourne was cut short so the Spaniard could undertake media obligations with his parent club, New York City.

Though Spain's record goalscorer may yet return for another Melboune appearance, he bowed out for now having failed to inspire City to victory in his four appearances.

Damien Duff went close early on at AAMI Park as his volley from Villa's cross was spilled onto the post by Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, but the Irishman kept his chin up to assist Melbourne's opener.

Duff's inswinging corner from the right was flicked home by home captain Patrick Kisnorbo - the defender's first goal since February.

Adelaide roared back though and put plenty of pressure on the Melbourne defence before right-winger Tarek Elrich delivered a peach of a cross which Bruce Djite neatly guided over Andrew Redmayne and into the net.

As the visitors continued to apply pressure in the second half, Kisnorbo was perhaps lucky just to see a yellow card after felling Djite as the striker burst clear on goal.

But Adelaide grabbed a deserved winner 12 minutes from time, Bruce Kamau dribbling into the area before being brought down by Redmayne, allowing Marcelo Carrusca to net the penalty.

Three points put Adelaide top of the league with 10 points from their first four games, but Melbourne's struggles continue despite their high-profile pre-season signings.

Cavani unsure over Paris Saint-Germain future

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani admits he is unsure whether he will see out his five-year contract with the club.

The Uruguay international arrived in the French capital from Napoli in 2013, but grew frustrated with being played out of position by Laurent Blanc last season.

Cavani, who has started 10 of 11 Ligue 1 fixtures this term, has since insisted he is happy to remain at PSG, but concedes a Parc des Princes exit is not out of the question.

"I do not know what is going to happen, nobody else can tell," he told La Parisien. "But I have a contract and the most important thing is that I am here today and that we win titles with Paris."

Cavani was linked with a move to England during the close season, with Arsenal among the clubs rumoured to be interested, but the 27-year-old has written off those stories as baseless speculation.

"I do not think I made ​​a declaration in that sense or even that the President (Nasser) Al-Khelaifi did," he added. "All of this is just rumours which appear in football.

"Like when I went to Napoli or PSG. Each time, a lot of things are said."

Swansea appeal Fernandez red

Swansea City have appealed against Federico Fernandez's dismissal in Tuesday's League Cup defeat at Liverpool.

The Argentina international was harshly shown a straight red card by referee Keith Stroud for a challenge on Philippe Coutinho in the 92nd minute of the fourth-round clash at Anfield.

Swansea's misery was further compounded when Dejan Lovren headed home the winner shortly after to ensure Liverpool progressed with a 2-1 victory.

Speaking after the game, Swansea manager Garry Monk labelled the decision incorrect and, unsurprisingly, the Welsh club have now appealed against Stroud's decision.

"Swansea City can confirm that the club will be appealing the red card issued to defender Federico Fernandez against Liverpool last night," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The club officially informed the Football Association by [Wednesday's] deadline.

"The Argentinian defender, who faces a three-match ban, was shown a straight red card by referee Keith Stroud for a tackle on Philippe Coutinho during stoppage time in the 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat at Anfield.

"The FA will make a decision on the appeal ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton."

Brady and Manning renew rivalry

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady concedes Sunday's clash with the Denver Broncos could mark his last meeting with Peyton Manning.

The veteran duo are two of the NFL's biggest stars, but at 37 and 38 respectively, there is little question the pair are in the twilight years of their glittering careers.

This weekend's repeat of last season's AFC Championship match sees Brady and Manning lock horns for the 16th time, and Brady is determined to savour the occasion.

"Five, six years ago you don't think about those things," he is quoted as telling WEEI-FM. "But as you mature a little bit and realise this could always be the last one, then you do. It's pretty special.

"[Manning has] been one of the greatest players to ever play. I've been fortunate to share a field with one of the best players that has ever played the game. And every time we play a Peyton Manning-led team, it comes down to the wire. Everything is usually at stake.

"What can you say more about what Peyton Manning has been able to accomplish?

"Nobody has really matched what he has been able to do, what that offense has been able to do most importantly."

The Broncos claimed a 26-16 victory to claim the AFC Championship back in January, before going on to be humbled 43-8 by the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Both sides look in excellent shape as the season enters its ninth week - the Broncos (6-1) topping AFC West, while the Patriots (6-2) sit at the summit in AFC East.

With two four-match winning streaks on the line, this weekend's clash promises to be an enthralling encounter.

The Miami Dolphins will be looking to join the Buffalo Bills on 5-3 in AFC East when they host the San Diego Chargers, while the New York Jets bid to end a seven-match losing run at Kansas City Chiefs.

Jets coach Rex Ryan has come under increasing pressure from the press, with the New York Post running the headline 'Fire Rex today!' earlier this week following a 43-23 defeat to the Bills.

Tony Romo's back injury will come as a blow to the Dallas Cowboys as they look to bounce back from their 20-17 defeat to the Washington Redskins last time out. They welcome the in-form Arizona Cardinals to AT and T Stadium.

A slip-up by the Cowboys could open the door for the Philadelphia Eagles - visiting the Houston Texans on Sunday - to equal their six wins for the season so far.

NFC South's Carolina Panthers will lose top spot to the New Orleans Saints unless they can call time on a two-match losing run.

The New York Giants are at home to the Indianapolis Colts, while the Washington Redskins are at Minnesota Vikings.

AFC North leaders the Cincinnati Bengals host the struggling Jacksonvile Jaguars, and the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Baltimore Ravens.

Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Cleveland Browns, the St Louis Rams are at the San Francisco 49ers, and the Seahawks host the Oakland Raiders.

Mourinho frustrated with fringe players

Jose Mourinho was frustrated Chelsea's fringe players failed to give him a selection problem in Tuesday's League Cup win at Shrewsbury Town.

The Premier League leaders were expected to coast past the League Two side at New Meadow in Tuesday's fourth-round tie.

However, Chelsea required a late own goal from Jermaine Grandison to avoid extra time after Andrew Mangan's 77th-minute equaliser had cancelled out Didier Drogba's opener.

Chelsea manager Mourinho opted to rest several first-team regulars such as captain John Terry, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.

The Portuguese was hoping that the XI chosen against Shrewsbury would cause him a selection headache ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with QPR, but he was left disappointed.

"I was worried when they equalised. Shrewsbury put up a great fight," he said. "They are what the cups are all about.

"I expect players to give me problems. I love problems. But a lot of them didn't and they've made it easy to choose my team for Saturday."

Mourinho did reserve special praise for 36-year-old striker Drogba, though, after he scored for third competitive match in succession and believes Chelsea's young players can learn from his longevity.

"I was worried when they equalised but we go through and Didier played a massive part in that," he added.

"Hopefully he will be good for the weekend but we will have to see because right now his character is stronger than his body.

"Maybe what he has done today is through his character - not his body.

"That's what makes players special and any of the young players lucky enough to play alongside him, learn from that."

Lovren: Balotelli´s goal ´a relief for everyone´

Defender Dejan Lovren declared Mario Balotelli's goal in Liverpool's 2-1 League Cup win on Tuesday is "a relief for everyone".

Liverpool defeated Swansea City 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the cup competition, coming from behind thanks to late goals from Balotelli and Lovren.

Swansea had looked on track for victory at Anfield after Marvin Emnes gave them the lead but Balotelli equalised with four minutes left before Lovren struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure victory for Liverpool.

It was just Balotelli's second goal for Liverpool since joining from Milan and Lovren indicated the Italian striker's scoring drought had been weighing on the Merseyside club.

"I think it's a relief for everyone but I was sure that Mario would score today or tomorrow so it was just a [matter of] time," the Croatian defender told Sky Sports.

"Everyone has confidence in Mario, he's working very hard in training, so it will come with time."

Lovren added he expects Balotelli to produce a run of goals after getting on the scoresheet in the League Cup: "When you score a goal all the heavy weight that was on your shoulders [is lifted]...and I think now his time will come."

After Emnes opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a smart volley on the turn, Liverpool hit back in the 86th with Balotelli prodding a right-wing cross home from inside the six-yard box.

Swansea suffered a serious blow when defender Federico Fernandez was controversially sent off in the 92nd minute but Lovren - who scored the winner with a back-post header - said Liverpool deserved to prevail.

"It was a tough game but we showed today our character," the 25-year-old said.

"I think we played better than the last two games and 100 per cent we deserved this win today."

Sassuolo 3 Empoli 1: Berardi completes hosts comeback

Sassuolo came from a goal behind to record back-to-back wins in Serie A with a 3-1 victory over Empoli on Tuesday.

After getting their first victory of the season over Parma on Saturday they needed goals from Simone Missiroli, Sergio Floccari and Domenico Berardi to see off Empoli.

The victory lifts Sassuolo into 12th place in the Serie A table and into double figures for the season with 10 points, while Empoli remain on seven from their opening nine matches.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring, though, as Daniele Croce struck his first league goal of the season on 18 minutes.

Elseid Hysaj's cross from the right was miscued by Piotr Zielinski but the ball fell to Croce and he fired home from 12 yards.

Sassuolo were nearly level on three occasions before the break but the hosts wasted good openings each time.

The equaliser eventually came four minutes before the hour as Missiroli timed his run to perfection to get in between two defenders to tap home Saphir Taider's right-wing cross.

Berardi had the chance to put Eusebio Di Francesco's side ahead three minutes later from the spot, however, his effort clipped the top of the bar on its way over.

Sassuolo did not have to wait long for a second goal though, as Floccari fired a stunning long-range effort beyond Davide Bassi.

The home team secured the points on 73 minutes as Berardi made up for his penalty miss with a close-range header.

The 20-year-old headed home his third goal of the season after Nicola Sansone delivered a perfect cross to the back post.

Liverpool 2 Swansea City 1: Balotelli and Lovren rescue Liverpool

Late goals from Dejan Lovren and Mario Balotelli rescued Liverpool in a dramatic 2-1 League Cup win over Swansea City at Anfield.

Liverpool's disappointing start to the season looked set to take another turn for the worse when Marvin Emnes volleyed Swansea into a second-half lead in Tuesday's fourth-round clash.

The home side produced a storming late fightback to reach the quarter-finals, though, as much-maligned striker Balotelli came off the bench to score his first goal in nine games with an equaliser four minutes from time.

And Lovren, who like Balotelli has come in for criticism since his big-money move to Merseyside, scored his first goal for the club in the 95th minute in a stunning finale to send Liverpool through soon after Federico Fernandez was harshly shown a straight red card for a challenge on Philippe Coutinho.

It was a welcome tonic for former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers, whose Liverpool side had failed to score in their previous two matches and had once again been toothless until Balotelli and Lovren stunned the Welsh side.

Balotelli dropped to the bench as Rodgers made nine changes to the Liverpool side that was held by Hull City on Saturday, as Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini started up front while captain Steven Gerrard and forward Raheem Sterling were rested.

In-form striker Wilfried Bony was named among the Swansea substitutes, with Bafetimbi Gomis starting as one of five changes to the team that beat Leicester City 2-0 at the weekend.

The hosts took the upper hand after a frantic start and Lazar Markovic spurned a great opportunity to open his Liverpool account when he sliced a left-footed shot well wide 27 minutes in after a slick passing move.

Markovic then cut in from the left and picked out Borini, who guided a measured shot narrowly wide of the far post from the edge of the penalty area as Liverpool continued to dictate the play, but lacked a cutting edge.

Former Swansea loanee Borini came close again moments later, driving forward and unleashing a right-footed strike that Gerhard Tremmel got down to turn away for a corner.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was given a warm reception by the home fans, but almost silenced them when his free-kick just before half-time forced Brad Jones to dive to his left to make palm the ball away.

Swansea were struggling to contain Coutinho and the Brazil midfielder ghosted into the penalty area early in the second half, but shot straight at Tremmel.

Gomis rose to meet a Shelvey corner but his header was easily claimed by Jones as the opening goal remained elusive.

Swansea were in front 65 minutes in, though, as Emnes produced a moment of class to volley into the far corner with his left foot from inside the area after the ball had looped into the air.

Liverpool were stunned, but came close to an equaliser when Glen Johnson's venomous strike produced a reflex save from Tremmel and Neil Taylor bundled the rebound away.

Coutinho had another go from long range with just over 15 minutes remaining, but Tremmel was once again able to make a routine save.

Balotelli replaced Lambert with 11 minutes remaining and rescued his side four minutes from time when he got on the end of an inviting Borini cross to find the back of the net from six yards out.

There was more drama when Fernandez was harshly shown a straight red card for a challenge on Coutinho and then Lovren headed home the winner four minutes into time added on when Tremmel misjudged a free-kick from the Brazilian.

Bournemouth 2 West Brom 1: Wilson fires hosts into last eight

Substitute Callum Wilson fired Bournemouth into the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time with a 2-1 win over West Brom on Tuesday.

The former Coventry City striker raced clear of the Albion defence with four minutes to play before slotting under goalkeeper Boaz Myhill to dump the Premier League club out of the competition.

Eddie Howe's side, flying high in the Championship, dominated the first half at Dean Court as Bournemouth followed up their record 8-0 victory at Birmingham City last weekend with another impressive display to progress past the fourth round.

Eunan O'Kane's 49th-minute strike broke the deadlock, but Bournemouth had to defend resolutely to keep Albion out.

The introduction of Georgios Samaras eventually paid off for the visitors as the Greece international's effort deflected in off Tommy Elphick after 85 minutes.

However, Bournemouth immediately went down the other end and Wilson netted for the fifth game running to extend Albion's winless streak to four games.

With both teams making 10 changes to their respective sides from the weekend, it was perhaps unsurprising that the opening stages were cagey, with only a Yann Kermorgant shot threatening for the hosts in the opening 10 minutes.

Adam Smith's surging run in the 14th minute created another chance for the striker, but his low shot was well blocked by a superbly-timed sliding challenge from Youssouf Mulumbu.

Midfielder Mulumbu almost opened the scoring at the other end two minutes later on a rare Albion attack, but his effort from the edge of the penalty area was easily saved by Lee Camp.

Myhill had to be alert after 20 minutes as Junior Stanislas raced through the middle, although he was unable to get a shot away and Tokelo Rantie's effort was pushed away by the Albion goalkeeper.

Brown Ideye was given his first sight of goal just after the half hour after Sebastian Blanco and Victor Anichebe combined to play him in, with Camp equal to the Nigerian's weak effort on goal.

Bournemouth finally got reward for their efforts four minutes into the second half through O'Kane.

Another surging Stanislas run put the Albion defence on the back foot and his touch inside was met by the midfielder to calmly slot home his first goal of the season.

Albion felt they should have been level minutes later when Ideye's cross appeared to be handled by Elphick inside the penalty area, but their protests were waved away by referee Paul Tierney.

Stephane Sessegnon's introduction from the bench almost brought the visitors back into the game as he fired a 25-yard shot just off target.

Albion did equalise with five minutes to play, albeit with the aid of a deflection, as Samaras' shot flicked off Elphick and past Camp.

The scores were only level for 50 seconds, though, as substitute Wilson raced clear on the right and found a way past Myhill.

Chris Baird then blazed a header over the crossbar from Saido Berahino's cross as Albion spurned a late chance to force extra time.

Shrewsbury Town 1 Chelsea 2: Own goal gives Blues victory

Chelsea were grateful for a Jermaine Grandison own goal as they beat a game Shrewsbury Town 2-1 in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Didier Drogba put the visitors ahead at Greenhous Meadow, but they needed a helping hand from their brave opponents after suffering a scare when Andy Mangan equalised.

Jose Mourinho lifted the League Cup trophy twice in his first spell with Chelsea and named a solid line-up to show he clearly means business once more.

However, the Premier League leaders were made to work hard for their place in the quarter-finals.

Shrewsbury went into the game on the back of four straight League Two wins and had already beaten Premier League side Leicester City and two Championship outfits in this competition.

Their confidence and self-belief was evident in an even first period and the manner of the defeat was ultimately harsh on the home team.

Mourinho made seven changes to the side that started Sunday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United, with 18-year-old Dane Andreas Christensen making his debut at right-back.

Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake were other youngsters called up, while Petr Cech got the nod in between the posts and Jon Obi Mikel, Mohamed Salah and Andre Schurrle also came in.

Shrewsbury suffered a setback when James Wesolowski went down in the warm-up, meaning a late step up for Liam Lawrence in midfield.

Cech had to be alert in the opening stages as Nathaniel Knight-Percival was on target with a far-post header from a corner and Ake received an early booking for a rash challenge on Bobby Grant.

With the rain driving down, the underdogs had a penalty appeal for handball against Drogba turned down from another set-piece as they more than held their own up to half-time.

Drogba did have the ball in the net at the other end, but a flag was already up for offside and it was a far from comfortable first period for the visitors.

Chelsea started the second half much more positively, though, and Schurrle and Salah combined to set up Drogba, who took full advantage when firing a low volley past Jayson Leutwiler on 48 minutes.

Schurrle then had a 30-yard rocket tipped over the bar, but Shrewsbury did threaten a response when Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro's shot deflected just wide.

Leutwiler did well to keep out a fierce Drogba effort as Chelsea began to dominate proceedings, but the visitors were stunned when Mangan levelled from close range after Grandison headed down a corner.

Hopes of an upset were soon dashed, though, when substitute Willian whipped in a cross from the left wing on 81 minutes and the unfortunate Grandison steered the ball into his own net under pressure from Drogba.

Akpa Akpro did threaten with a late header but there was to be no second reprieve for Shrewsbury.

St Pauli 0 Borussia Dortmund 3: Klopp´s men secure Pokal progression

Borussia Dortmund secured a safe passage to round three of the DFB-Pokal with a morale-boosting 3-0 win over St Pauli on Tuesday.

Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Hannover in the Bundesliga was Dortmund's fourth consecutive league defeat and their sixth in nine matches this term - leading coach Jurgen Klopp to acknowledge the club were in a "critical situation".

However, goals from Ciro Immobile, Marco Reus and Shinji Kagawa helped Dortmund get back on track at the Millerntor-Stadion against second-tier St Pauli.

Immobile's close-range finish in the 33rd minute earned Dortmund the lead their possession warranted, after the Italian had seen an earlier effort ruled out for offside.

The former Torino man turned provider for Reus shortly before the interval, putting the visitors firmly in control.

Klopp's men never looked likely to relinquish their advantage and Kagawa added a third goal with four minutes remaining to put the result beyond any doubt.

Dortmund threatened down the flanks early on courtesy of Kagawa and Erik Durm, with the two combining after eight minutes for the Japan international to fire wide.

The visitors continued to dominate and looked to have opened the scoring when Immobile turned home Sokratis Papastathopoulos' cross from the right - only to be ruled offside.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's strike was tipped wide by Philipp Tschauner 20 minutes in before Immobile eventually got his goal.

After some slick interplay down the left, Kevin Grosskreutz's cross found Kagawa, who turned the ball into Immobile's path to deservedly put Dortmund ahead.

The hosts enjoyed a brief foray into Dortmund's half when John Verhoek brought a long ball down inside the opposing area - only to be crowded out - before Soren Gonther's header was well saved by Mitch Langerak.

However, Dortmund pulled further clear shortly before the interval when Immobile cut a cross back for Reus to side-foot home.

Daube had an effort saved well by Langerak early in the second half as St Pauli looked to gain a foothold in the tie.

Thomas Meggle's men offered a great deal more than they had prior to the break but were unable to break down Dortmund's defence, who coped well with any threat from the home side.

Klopp was able to bring Reus and Mkhitaryan off with plenty of time to spare before Kagawa added a third, following a dismal clearance from Tschauner.

The Dortmund boss now turns his attention to Saturday's clash with champions and Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

Six Germans in Ballon d´Or contention

Six members of Germany's World Cup-winning squad featured in FIFA's shortlist for the Ballon d'Or released on Tuesday.

Captain Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger all tasted success in Brazil this year and have been rewarded for their efforts with a nomination.

FIFA's award for the best player in a calendar year will be announced in Zurich on January 12 but none of the German players are set to be considered favourites.

Instead 2013 winner Cristiano Ronaldo, plus four-time winner Lionel Messi, will be expected to challenge for the individual award.

FIFA will announce which three players have received the most votes from the world's national team coaches and captains, as well as international media representatives chosen by French magazine France Football.

2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or shortlist: Gareth Bale (Wales), Karim Benzema (France), Diego Costa (Spain), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Angel Di Maria (Argentina), Mario Gotze (Germany), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thomas Muller (Germany), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Paul Pogba (France), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Cornella v Real Madrid: Champions begin defence against Catalan minnows

Real Madrid begin the defence of their Copa del Rey title with a trip to third-tier outfit Cornella on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale scored a dramatic late winner as Carlo Ancelotti's men snatched a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in last season's final at the Mestalla - their 19th success in the competition.

Real, who have six players on the Ballon d'Or shortlist announced on Tuesday, head into the round-of-32 first-leg fixture on the back of a 3-0 win at Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and a 3-1 El Clasico victory over Barca on Sunday.

It would be little surprise, then, to see Ancelotti rotate heavily for Wednesday's fixture, which has been brought forward due to Real's involvement in December's Club World Cup in Morocco.

Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos are among those who could make way for the likes of Keylor Navas, Javier Hernandez and Raphael Varane at Estadi Cornella-El Prat - borrowed from Cornella's near neighbours Espanyol in a bid to maximise revenue from the glamour tie.

Near neighbours is no exaggeration, by the way - Cornella's Nou Camp Municipal sits in the shadow of their temporary home.

With Real set to ring the changes for the fixture, director of institutional relations and club legend Emilio Butragueno has warned against complacency.

"There have been a lot of surprises in the cup over the years and we will have to be very focused," he said when the draw was made earlier this month. "They [Cornella] are in mid-table in their division, but playing Real Madrid is always a great challenge and a huge motivation.

"They will be a dangerous opponent and we will very much have to be on our guard."

Cornella have made hard work of their progression to this stage, beating Jaen on penalties in round one before coming from behind to see off Zamora and Leioa.

And progression to the last 16 appears unlikely - even more so when you consider Real could be set for a meeting with city rivals Atletico Madrid should they progress.

If Real do defend their title this year, they will have earned it, as a potential clash with Barcelona awaits in the quarter-finals.

Sabadell will host Sevilla in the only other Cope del Rey fixture to be played before the rest of the ties begin in December.

Shaw: We´re in the title race

Luke Shaw insists Manchester United are among the contenders for the Premier League title after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

United scored a last-gasp leveller to earn a point against the leaders, giving Louis van Gaal arguably his most impressive result since taking charge.

However, even with the late heroics of Robin van Persie, the Dutchman's side are still 10 points off the summit.

But full-back Shaw believes the best is yet to come from the Old Trafford outfit, and the England international reckons the club's rivals should be running scared.

"Of course we are still in the title race," the 19-year-old said. "It's a long season and we are at the start of it. You don't know what will happen during the middle of the season.

"We just have to keep winning the games coming up. There will be tough games but we know we are good enough to win them.

"We know we have still got the best to come. I don't think we are playing our best at the moment and sometimes you saw that against Chelsea.

"It will take time but when we are all on form I think we are going to be a scary team to face."

United's next chance to prove their title credentials will come against champions and fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

Van Gaal's charges make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium knowing a win would take them to within one point of City.

And Shaw is relishing the prospect of his first Manchester derby.

"It's pretty obvious what this match means to the fans and the club," he added. "I don't think I need to be told about it and the other [new signings] will be aware too.

"I've watched it for the past years and I've seen how much it means to everyone. It's one of the biggest occasions in football after the World Cups and Champions League finals.

"It's a massive occasion for everyone involved in it. We need to come out firing on Sunday."

Mourinho blames Del Bosque for Costa problems

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has blamed Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for Diego Costa's current injury problems.

Costa has not played since featuring twice for his country in Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg, suffering from a hamstring complaint and a virus.

Mourinho says the latter issue has now cleared up, but claims it hampered the striker's recovery from injury.

"The virus is fine," he said. "It was hard, he had to go to the hospital and obviously it doesn't help him to recover from his injury. But he didn't play on Sunday because of the injury, not because of the virus.

"Diego has the hamstring [injury] because he played two matches in three days when he was not with us."

Questioned whether he hoped Costa's fitness problems were over, Mourinho quipped: "But he still has [to play for] the national team in November!"

Chelsea face League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup on Tuesday, with Costa unlikely to feature, but Mourinho insists he is not taking the fourth-round fixture lightly.

"You can say that Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup is a friendly, but we have to play the match and respect the match," Mourinho added.

"They are doing very well in their league, they did very well against superior teams [Norwich City, Blackpool and Leicester City) in the Capital One Cup.

"It is a big day for them and we know it is going to be difficult for us. And because we have so many injured players, it is even more difficult."

No Premier League loan move for Dempsey

Clint Dempsey's agent rubbished suggestions the Seattle Sounders forward will spend the MLS close-season on loan in the Premier League.

Reports in the British media claimed Dempsey was being targeted by Aston Villa, QPR and Stoke City to keep the American fit between the end of the 2014 MLS play-offs in December and the start of the 2015 season in March.

But Lyle Yorks told MLSsoccer.com on Sunday that Dempsey's only priority is the Sounders' involvement in the play-offs with Seattle aiming for their first MLS Cup title after lifting the Supporters' Shield last week.

"The rumour that broke about Clint going on loan is completely false and inaccurate," Yorks said.

"There have been no discussions to that effect. Clint's immediate focus is the play-offs with Seattle."

Dempsey has scored 15 goals and notched 10 assists in 26 games for the Sounders this season with Seattle set to take on the winner of FC Dallas versus Vancouver Whitecaps in a two-legged Western Conference semi-final starting on November 2.

Leading into the 2014 MLS season, Dempsey spent two months on loan with former club Fulham in the Premier League.

Ronaldo crowned La Liga´s best

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed a hat-trick of honours after being named La Liga's 2013-14 Player of the Year at the LFP awards on Monday.

Ronaldo received the top gong in recognition of his stellar campaign last season that saw him score 31 goals in just 30 matches for Real Madrid.

The Portugal captain also took out the Best Forward award and Best Goal for his incredible backheel against Valencia in May.

"I have to thank my team-mates, Real Madrid, my family... it is a very good moment in my career," Ronaldo said.

"For me, the important thing is to win collective prizes, but I like the individual ones, too. I work every day, in training, to continue adding more to this."

The 2013-14 Coach of the Year went to Argentine Diego Simeone after defying the odds to guide Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title last term.

Atletico remarkably topped the standings ahead of fancied duo Barcelona and Real for their first league crown since 1995-96.

"I want to share this with my players, without whom none of this would be possible," Simeone said afterwards.

"Thanks to Koke, Gabi, Miranda, [Thibaut] Courtois... and everyone who made it possible to win the title."

Costa Rica international Keylor Navas was named the Best Goalkeeper for his consistent season with Levante before making the switch to Real.

Real star Sergio Ramos took out the Best Defender, while team-mate Luka Modric (Best Defensive Midfielder) and Barcelona veteran Andres Iniesta (Best Attacking Midfielder) took out the respective midfield awards.

Granada's Yacine Brahimi received the Best African Player award, while Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca was named the best South American.

Revelation of the Year went to Barcelona youngster Rafinha Alcantara, who spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo.

Chelsea appoint Purslow

Christian Purslow has been appointed by Chelsea to run their global commercial activities following chief executive Ron Gourlay's departure.

Gourlay left Stamford Bridge last week and Chelsea have confirmed chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia will assume the roles formerly held by him.

Purslow - formerly managing director at Premier League side Liverpool - will join the club immediately.

"The club has ambitious plans to build the Premier League's most pioneering global commercial programme, partnering with innovative and market-leading organisations from around the world," read a Chelsea statement.

"The club believes Mr Purslow has the vision and the leadership qualities to help us achieve these plans.

"‎Chelsea does not expect to announce any other senior appointments in the near future. As announced last week, chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia have assumed the executive responsibilities held by our former chief executive."

Broken finger rules out Hamer

Leicester City goalkeeper Ben Hamer faces a four-week spell on the sidelines having undergone surgery on a broken finger.

The 26-year-old - signed in the close-season from Charlton Athletic - picked up the injury in training on Friday prior to Leicester's 2-0 defeat to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson told the club's official website: "He had a nasty break of his finger on Friday which needed an operation. He'll be out for a few weeks.

"It was pretty straightforward in terms of the surgery and he'll probably have another operation again this week and then we'll see how he is.

"The first prognosis would be that it will be about three or four weeks."

Hamer made his Premier League debut for Leicester against Stoke City last month - his clean sheet helping to secure a 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium.

Van Persie happy with United progress

Robin van Persie believes Manchester United are heading in the right direction after salvaging a draw against Chelsea on Sunday.

The Netherlands international scored in stoppage time at Old Trafford on Sunday to rescue a point from his side's clash with the Premier League leaders.

Van Persie's late goal extended United's unbeaten run in the league to four matches and ensures they will head into this weekend's Manchester derby on something of a positive note.

Ahead of this season's first meeting with fierce rivals City, Van Persie feels the point proves Louis van Gaal's side can compete with the league's best sides.

"We all know that this club wants to go for the highest - first place," he told the club's official website.

"[Sunday] showed everyone that we can compete with the best in England - I think soon with the best in Europe too. It’s just a process and we are now in the middle of that process.

"It’s getting better every day, we are improving all the time."

Van Persie received a yellow card for removing his shirt after equalising against Chelsea - something Van Gaal described as a "stupid reaction".

The former Arsenal man revealed emotion got the better of him as he celebrated his first United goal since the end of September.

"I know it’s one of the rules that you have to keep your shirt on but sometimes you forget and everything comes together and the whole place explodes," he added.

"It was one of those fantastic moments and the main thing is that we got something out of this game because we deserved it."

Juventus 2 Palermo 0: Champions bounce back to restore lead at the top

Juventus responded to their European disappointment by beating Palermo 2-0 to restore their lead at the top of Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's side suffered a second successive UEFA Champions League defeat against Olympiakos in midweek, and Roma drew level with them at the summit of the Italian top flight with a draw at Sampdoria on Saturday.

But goals in each half from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente gave Juve a comfortable home win on Sunday - a victory that puts them three points clear of Rudi Garcia's men.

The champions appeared cagey early on, but were settled by Vidal's deserved 32nd-minute opener, before Llorente sealed a 23rd straight Serie A home win with his first goal of the season shortly after the hour.

Palermo, by contrast, remain in the bottom three with just one win from their eight matches since returning to the top flight.

Allegri made three changes to the Juve side beaten in Athens on Wednesday and, after a cautious opening to the game, it was one of those introduced - Claudio Marchisio - who registered the first meaningful attempt.

The midfielder went close with two volleys at goal in as many minutes, the second dipping just too late after the ball fell nicely for him 15 yards out.

Juve looked more comfortable thereafter, and with the home crowd behind them, started asking questions of the visitors.

Vidal floated in between the lines and almost created the opener in the 17th minute as he picked out Llorente from the left, but the Spaniard headed straight at Stefano Sorrentino.

Juve were dominating possession, but they were reminded of Palermo's threat on the counter when Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez combined for the latter to force Gianluigi Buffon into action just before the half-hour mark.

That scare sparked increased focus from Juve and they took the lead on 32 minutes after a break of their own.

Carlos Tevez led the charge, travelling forward with the ball at pace before timing his pass perfectly for the overlapping Vidal to slot coolly beyond Sorrentino with his left foot.

The tension that had inhibited the hosts' play disappeared after the opener. Vidal should have doubled the lead 11 minutes after half-time when Zouhair Feddal mindlessly teed him up six yards from goal, but the Chilean blazed over the bar.

Tevez continued to cause Palermo problems and Sinisa Andelkovic almost turned the striker's dangerous cross into his own net on 64 minutes.

There was no doubt from the resulting corner, however.

Llorente rose highest in the box to meet Andrea Pirlo's out-swinging cross and direct low out of Sorrentino's reach.

Juve substitute Sebastian Giovinco almost got in on the act late on, as first his powerful shot from a tight angle was well saved by Sorrentino's feet before the 27-year-old hit the post from 18 yards.

But the hosts' easy victory had long been secured, as they went some way to getting over their continental heartache.

West Ham 2 Manchester City 1: Amalfitano and Sakho give hosts deserved win

West Ham survived a late onslaught from Manchester City to beat the Premier League champions 2-1 on Saturday.

Goals in each half from Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho put Sam Allardyce's in-form side in control against an under-par City at Upton Park, only for a brilliant individual effort from David Silva 13 minutes from time to set up a grandstand finish.

Manuel Pellegrini's men threw everything at West Ham in the closing stages, but a stoic rearguard action from the hosts' defence - marshalled superbly by James Collins - ensured West Ham ended a five-and-a-half-year wait for a victory over City.

Allardyce claimed in the build-up that this game represented West Ham's best opportunity to end their winless run against City, due to the combination of his team's good form and the champions' midweek exertions in Europe, when Pellegrini's side drew 2-2 at CSKA Moscow.

And so it proved, as City struggled to cope with West Ham's energetic pressing game - exemplified by nobody better than on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, who was outstanding throughout.

It was no surprise when Allardyce named an unchanged XI from last week's 3-1 win at Burnley, and the hosts - who have now lost just one of their last six Premier League games - looked full of confidence from the off.

Victory means West Ham now sit just one point adrift of second-placed City, for whom the result represents a blow in their efforts to keep pace with table-topping Chelsea.

Unsurprisingly, it was Sergio Aguero who provided City's early attacking threat, with the elusive Argentinian dropping deep to run directly at the heart of West Ham's backline.

The likes of Silva and Yaya Toure were struggling to assert their usual influence for City, though, and West Ham were rewarded for their solid start when Amalfitano rounded off a superb team move after 21 minutes.

Much has been made of Allardyce's excellent business in the transfer window, and it was three of his new recruits who combined to break the deadlock after 21 minutes.

The impressive Enner Valencia showed his searing pace in latching onto a perfectly weighted pass from Song down the right, before cutting back for Amalfitano to convert from no more than four yards.

Clearly buoyed by the opener, West Ham upped the tempo of their game and could have doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time, only for Collins to narrowly fail to connect with Amalfitano's low cross after a brilliant set-piece routine.

West Ham picked up where they left off after the break, with Stewart Downing and Sakho threatening Joe Hart's goal.

But, as the home side's intensity inevitably dropped, City - and Aguero and Toure in particular - sparked into life.

Aguero forced Adrian into a superb save on the hour, before inexplicably missing the visitors' best chance of the game, as he struck the bar from six yards after Toure's driving run through the middle ended with Jesus Navas cutting back to the striker.

Toure himself then rattled Adrian's bar, and that narrow miss proved costly as Sakho headed home his sixth Premier League goal of the season from Aaron Cresswell's deep cross to seemingly give West Ham an unassailable lead with 15 minutes to go.

Silva had other ideas, though, as he jinked in from the right, beat four West Ham defenders before curling an unstoppable shot beyond Adrian from 18 yards.

City laid siege to Adrian's goal thereafter, with Toure firing into the side-netting in the 90th minute and Stevan Jovetic forcing the goalkeeper into another save, but West Ham held firm to secure a deserved three points.

Southampton 1 Stoke City 0: Mane puts Saints second

Sadio Mane's first Premier League goal sent Southampton up to second as Stoke City were beaten 1-0 at St Mary's on Saturday.

The Senegal international saw his effort in the 8-0 mauling of Sunderland last weekend taken off him and officially awarded as a Patrick van Aanholt own-goal, but there was no denying the winger seven days later as his strike sealed all three points for Ronald Koeman's side.

Mane, who replaced Shane Long in Southampton's only change following that stunning victory, tucked home the rebound in the first half after Graziano Pelle's shot had bounced back off the upright.

All four previous Premier League meetings between these two sides had ended level, but that trend was bucked as Southampton won for the sixth time in their last seven league games.

It could have been a more emphatic win for the home side, as Morgan Schneiderlin and Pelle struck the woodwork either side of Mane's winner, with Stoke never looking like denying the south-coast club a fourth successive home victory.

The visitors, who came from behind to defeat Swansea City last Sunday, were unable to carve out any clear goalscoring opportunities as Southampton climbed above Manchester City into second, three points behind Chelsea.

Mane went close with a curling effort which flew narrowly wide of the right-hand post in the fourth minute.

Former Southampton man Peter Crouch headed Steven N'Zonzi's cross off target 12 minutes in, before Victor Moses - accused of cheating to win a penalty by Swansea boss Garry Monk last Sunday - beat three men on a mazy run into the area which ended with a tame shot straight at Fraser Forster.

Dusan Tadic tested Asmir Begovic with a low drive in the 29th minute and from the resulting corner, Schneiderlin's strike came back off the crossbar after a well-worked routine involving Tadic and Mane.

Four minutes later, however, the home side took a lead which was no more than they deserved.

After Pelle's initial effort had struck the post, Mane reacted quickest to side-foot the rebound in off the underside of the bar.

Southampton made a strong start to the second period and almost doubled their lead within four minutes as Pelle's header from Tadic's cross bounced back off the bar.

As the game entered the final quarter of an hour, Pelle continued to go in search of his seventh league goal of the campaign, this time heading wide of goal from Tadic's corner.

Mame Biram Diouf, replaced by Jonathan Walters in one of two changes for Stoke, was introduced shortly after half-time by Mark Hughes and almost made a telling contribution 12 minutes from time, just failing to get a proper connection on Phil Bardsley's deep cross from the right.

Hughes threw on Marko Arnautovic and Oussama Assaidi in a bid to force an equaliser, but the visitors were unable to breach a defence which has conceded fewer goals than any other side in the top flight.

Liverpool 0 Hull City 0: Rodgers´ men frustrated in goalless draw

Liverpool spurned the chance to end a difficult few days with a win as they were held to a 0-0 Premier League draw by Hull City on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers' side were convincingly beaten by Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with Mario Balotelli's performance and half-time shirt swap causing controversy.

However, Rodgers kept faith with the Italian for Saturday's Premier League clash at Anfield and the former Milan striker went close twice in the second half - incredibly hitting an effort straight at Eldin Jaukopovic from five yards with the last kick of the game.

Liverpool's attacking ranks looked disjointed at times as they missed out on the chance to record a third consecutive top-flight victory, although their first clean sheet at Anfield since March will serve as a small positive.

Steve Bruce's side are now three unbeaten on the road after a solid defensive showing stifled to hosts, adding to last weekend's point picked up at Arsenal.

Hull rarely looked like grabbing a first win at Anfield , but they did display the defensive tenacity that kept them afloat in the top flight last term.

Robbie Brady - replacing the injured Andrew Robertson at left wing-back - struggled to get to grips with Raheem Sterling early on and the former Manchester United trainee was perhaps fortunate to see the England man pulled up for handball after bundling him over in the penalty area.

Dejan Lovren's header was then kept out by Ahmed Elmohamady on the line after nine minutes before Balotelli was denied by Jakupovic from a narrow angle, though Hull's third-choice goalkeeper, making a rare outing due to injuries to Allan McGregor and Steve Harper, was rarely tested.

The one-time Switzerland international was made to work by team-mate Alex Bruce however, when his sloppy backpass almost allowed Balotelli in on goal, while the centre-back was perhaps fortunate to see a heavy tackle on Adam Lallana in the box go unpunished, though home appeals were muted.

Having sat deep for much of the half, Hull found their feet just before the interval with Jake Livermore bringing a save out of Simon Mignolet after good work from Hatem Ben Arfa on the right before a fierce Tom Huddlestone volley deflected just wide off Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool dominated after the break and Balotelli looked set to register his first league goal for the club just after the hour but an acrobatic clearance from Brady kept the scores level and Sterling's firm effort on the rebound was gathered comfortably by Jakupovic.

The frustration continued for Liverpool and Balotelli as a third penalty shout was waved away after a clumsy challenge from Alex Bruce before the Italian spurned the final chance of the game.

Substitute Coutinho crossed after good work down the left and Balotelli could only hit his effort at the goalkeeper as Hull clung on for a point.

West Brom 2 Crystal Palace 2: Berahino´s last-gasp penalty saves hosts

An injury-time penalty from Saido Berahino rescued a 2-2 draw for West Brom against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

It appeared as though the visitors would be rewarded for an excellent first half as a goal from Brede Hangeland and Mile Jedinak's spot-kick put Palace into a two-goal lead at The Hawthorns at the interval.

West Brom claimed a share of the spoils, though, as substitute Victor Anichebe halved the deficit shortly after the break before Berahino's seventh Premier League goal of the season ensured a 2-2 draw at the death.

Hangeland, who continued to deputise for the injured Scott Dann, opened the scoring with a close-range effort from a Palace set-piece, before captain Jedinak added a second from 12 yards in first-half injury time.

Anichebe's six-yard header brought West Brom back into the game, although Palace felt hard done by after goalkeeper Julian Speroni was caught by the elbow of the Craig Dawson.

And West Brom's concerted second-half pressure finally bore fruit as Jedinak was punished for a clumsy foul on Anichebe and Berahino - who also scored in West Brom's 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Monday - stayed cool to level the match.

West Brom looked lively in the opening stages but Palace wingers Wilfried Zaha, one of three men to come in from the Chelsea defeat, and Yannick Bolasie soon started causing problems.

One particularly mazy run from Zaha led to a free-kick in a dangerous area on the right, and from Joe Ledley's cross Fraizer Campbell's looping header forced Ben Foster - restored to West Brom's line-up after a calf injury - to tip over the crossbar.

The resulting corner saw Palace move ahead in the 16th minute. Hangeland met Bolasie's delivery in a packed six-yard box and, though Foster saved his first effort, the centre-back poked home the rebound.

West Brom responded well and Speroni made a smart stop from Gardner's stinging 25-yard drive.

Palace weathered the storm and Zaha had claims for a penalty seven minutes before the break when he was felled by Dawson on the left of the area.

The visitors were awarded a spot-kick on the stroke of half-time, though. Sebastien Pocognoli slid through Bolasie prompting referee Mark Clattenburg to point to the spot.

And Jedinak kept his cool and sent Foster the wrong way with a penalty to the bottom left-hand corner.

Anichebe was introduced at half-time and made an almost-immediate impact.

Speroni pulled off a fine save to keep out Berahino's curling effort, but from Chris Brunt's resulting corner, Anichebe nodded home.

Palace were left fuming with the decision, though, as Speroni appeared to take an elbow to the head from Dawson and he was replaced between the posts by Wayne Hennessey.

Anichebe's strength was causing the Palace defence problems and he saw another shot blocked in the penalty area, before Gardner's looping long range effort beat Hennessey but not the crossbar.

But the pressure finally told in stoppage time, as Jedinak needlessly chopped down Anichebe and Berahino placed his penalty into the bottom left-hand corner.

Sunderland 0 Arsenal 2: Sanchez double the difference

Alexis Sanchez grabbed a double as Arsenal
capitalised on more hapless defending from Sunderland to win 2-0 on Saturday.

Sanchez took advantage of dreadful errors from defender Wes Brown and goalkeeper Vito Mannone to ensure the Stadium of Light faithful, expecting a response following last weekend's Premier League hammering at Southampton, went home disappointed.

All eyes were on Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet's team selection following that 8-0 defeat seven days ago.

Yet Poyet largely retained faith in those players by making just two alterations, none of which came in defence as Adam Johnson and Jack Rodwell replaced Jordi Gomez and Connor Wickham.

And Arsenal, buoyed by Wednesday's last-ditch 2-1 UEFA Champions League win at Anderlecht, capitalised on their opponents' uncertainty when Brown's shocking back-pass gifted Sanchez an opener.

The visitors were in cruise control thereafter, with another miserable afternoon for Sunderland capped when Mannone failed to control Santiago Vergini's backpass in his six-yard box, allowing Sanchez to tap into an empty net in stoppage time.

Wenger, without the suspended Jack Wilshere, made three changes, with Wojciech Szczesny returning in goal having been suspended in midweek and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta given starts.

That meant Emiliano Martinez and Aaron Ramsey had to settle for places on the bench, where they were joined by Theo Walcott - who was appearing for the first time having spent nine months on the sidelines with a cruciate injury.

Sunderland were clearly determined to impose themselves early, although it did not take long for Arsenal to settle into a typically comfortable passing rhythm.

Arsenal's crisp play led to a first opening after 15 minutes, Danny Welbeck cutting in from the left and sending a powerful curler just over.

The home side enjoyed a good spell afterwards, only to go behind due to an individual error after 30 minutes.

Brown was the culprit, mis-hitting an attempted back-pass to allow Sanchez to race through and delicately chip Mannone for his fourth league goal since joining from Barcelona.

Not content with one, Arsenal continued to press forward with Santi Cazorla shooting just wide before Calum Chambers forced Mannone into a save.

Sunderland were dealt a blow early in the second period as injury forced off Steven Fletcher, Wickham deputising.

Wickham's introduction did not have much impact initially as Arsenal picked up where they left off, epitomised by Sanchez drawing a save from Mannone with a strike from distance.

A feistier spell ensued after that effort as Sunderland attempted to rally, Sebastian Larsson stinging the hands of Szczesny with a powerful 20-yard attempt.

That proved just a brief flurry, however, as Arsenal quickly reassumed control - albeit without really threatening a second goal.

Arsenal almost added another with 12 minutes to go, only for Welbeck to head tamely over after being picked out by the marauding Nacho Monreal.

Welbeck's miss set up a nervy ending to the game, with Patrick van Aanholt volleying wide from distance after Szczesny had left his line.

Cazorla missed a great chance to add a second when firing just over, but it mattered little as Sunderland's vulnerability reared its head again in the 92nd minute following Mannone's blunder.

Real Madrid 3 Barcelona 1: Suarez denied in pulsating Clasico

Real Madrid came from behind to overwhelm a Luis Suarez-boosted Barcelona en route to a 3-1 Clasico triumph in La Liga.

Luis Enrique made the entry to Barcelona's team sheet that the eyes of the football world were waiting for as Suarez started, having served his four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.

The Uruguay star enjoyed a dream start to life in a Barcelona shirt as he laid on Neymar's fourth-minute opener, from which Real hit back ferociously - Karim Benzema passing up a host of chances in quick succession.

Lionel Messi's customary composure in front of goal deserted him before his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot before half-time.

That was the first league goal conceded by Barcelona this season but Pepe headed Carlo Ancelotti's team ahead and there was a party atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu when Benzema converted a brilliant 61st-minute counter-attack.

Real close to within a point of their historic foes at La Liga's summit, while Sevilla can go level with Barca if they beat Villarreal on Sunday.

The pre-match announcement of Suarez's inclusion from the start - one of five Barcelona changes - set pulses racing and the Uruguayan did not disappoint in making an instant impact.

His floated pass to the left flank picked out Neymar, who cut inside past Dani Carvajal and Pepe to find the bottom right corner.

Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique were caught napping as Real sought an immediate response - Benzema's resulting effort touched wide by Claudio Bravo before Marcelo misplaced a 10th-minute cross behind the France striker with the goal gaping.

There was further frustration for Benzema when a header from Ronaldo's left-wing cross thudded against the crossbar and he lashed the rebound over.

Messi, who picked up a yellow card for an early foul on Toni Kroos, passed up a glorious opportunity to equal Telmo Zarra's all-time Liga scoring record when he inexplicably touched Suarez's teasing centre wide from close range in the 23rd minute.

Carvajal - brought back into Real's backline alongside the returning Sergio Ramos - then produced a vital challenge to deny Neymar and Real were level 10 minutes from half-time.

A prone Pique blocked Marcelo's low cross with his arm, leaving the referee with little option and Ronaldo sent Bravo the wrong way to maintain his record of netting in every league game this term.

Barca almost suffered further damage as Clasico debutant James Rodriguez stole in to head wide from another Marcelo delivery.

Pique turned a Ronaldo effort behind in the 50th minute but returned to his poor form of the opening period, weakly allowing Pepe far too much room to bury a header from the resulting corner.

Jeremy Mathieu - a surprise selection at left-back ahead of Jordi Alba - forced a sprawling Iker Casillas to touch a long range effort behind as Barca looked to redress the balance but Benzema had the goal his endeavours deserved after the hour.

Real streamed forward from a Barcelona corner, with Isco stealing between an unusually ponderous Andres Iniesta and Mascherano for Ronaldo and Rodriguez to work possession toward Benzema, who this time made no mistake.

Chasing the game, Barcelona found themselves permanently at the mercy of Real's relentless brilliance on the break. They were fortunate to suffer no further damage to the scoreline, only severely dented pride at their hands of their bitterest rivals.

Swansea City 2 Leicester City 0: Bony brace seals important win

Wilfried Bony netted a brace as Swansea City returned to winning ways with a 2-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City on Saturday.

The Welsh club had failed to register a victory in the league since winning their first three games of the season - a run that stretched to five matches.

However, Bony found the net on two occasions at the Liberty Stadium to give Swansea an important three points ahead of a tricky run of fixtures that includes games against Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Ivorian's first capped a superb passing move after 34 minutes and was just reward for a first half in which Swansea totally dominated possession.

And Bony doubled the lead in the 57th minute for his fourth goal in his last three top-flight matches.

The result sees Swansea climb to sixth, level on points with Arsenal and Liverpool, while Leicester now sit 16th.

Jefferson Montero was selected to make his first Premier League start as Garry Monk made two alterations to the Swansea side that lost 2-1 at Stoke City last weekend, while Nigel Pearson - who bizarrely asked for the Liberty Stadium goals to be measured before kick-off - made four changes after a 1-0 loss at Newcastle United.

The hosts enjoyed the vast majority of the ball throughout the first half, with Bony getting the better of the early chances as he glanced a header wide of the left post before firing straight at goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from outside the penalty area after being teed up by Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The Icelander should have done better when Schmeichel fluffed a clearance in the 22nd minute, but Wes Morgan did just enough to get back and deny Sigurdsson the chance to shoot from close range.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of the ball, Swansea were struggling to create clear-cut chances, but a neat passing move unlocked the Leicester defence in the 34th minute.

After sending the ball to Sigurdsson with a delightful flick, Bony ran on to the return pass to put a clinical right-footed finish beyond the reach of Schmeichel.

Leicester failed to register a single shot - on target or otherwise - during the first half, but almost claimed a huge slice of luck when a long throw found its way onto the Swansea crossbar via a touch from Jonjo Shelvey three minutes into the second period.

Swansea have been guilty of not putting games to bed in recent weeks, and they will have been wary of letting another game slip as a brighter Leicester emerged after the break, with Danny Drinkwater stinging the palms of Lukasz Fabianski.

However, Monk's men made it 2-0 shortly before the hour mark when Montero evaded his marker down the left wing, subsequently squaring to Bony for a simple finish from a central position.

Shelvey rattled the crossbar with a sensational effort from 30 yards in the 63rd minute, but Riyad Mahrez gave home goalkeeper Fabianski plenty to think about with two decent efforts at the other end.

Leicester substitute Esteban Cambiasso should have reduced the deficit in the closing stages, but his effort hit the left-hand post after Fabianski had brilliantly parried Leonardo Ulloa's header, before the Polish stopper somehow scooped the ball to safety.

Full-back Angel Rangel, who reportedly cost just £10,000 when he arrived in south Wales from Terrassa in 2007, marked his 300th appearance for Swansea on Saturday, but it was £12million man Bony who stole the show as the hosts held on to end their winless run.

Burnley 1 Everton 3: Eto´o double downs Burnley

Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Everton heaped more misery on Burnley by securing a 3-1 Premier League win at Turf Moor.

The former Cameroon striker put the visitors in front after only four minutes on Sunday, but Danny Ings levelled with his first Premier League goal after Romelu Lukaku had given the ball away cheaply with a casual pass.

Lukaku made up for that mistake before half-time, when he was on hand to round off a slick move to put the Merseyside club back in the ascendancy.

There was no way back for Burnley from there, with Eto'o adding a third goal for Everton five minutes from time with a stunning finish.

He could even have had his hat-trick but was unlucky to see the ball bounce off the inside of the post and roll along the line late on.

In the end, that mattered little as Roberto Martinez's side recorded back-to-back victories in the Premier League.

Burnley, on the other hand, are still waiting for an elusive first Premier League win and will be bottom of the table if QPR can secure at least a point against Aston Villa on Monday.

Eto'o came into the starting line-up at the expense of Ross Barkley in the only change to the Everton side that beat Villa last weekend, and he wasted no time in justifying his inclusion.

Martinez had heaped praise on Leighton Baines in the build-up, stating that the left-back has taken his game to another level, and the England man showed his class by laying on a sixth assist of the season in the top flight to tee up the opener.

The former Wigan Athletic man whipped in an inviting cross from the byline that was headed in by the onrushing Eto'o, off the underside of the crossbar, from six yards out after just four minutes.

Burnley responded to that early setback and they were level after 20 minutes, thanks in no small part to an unwanted contribution from Lukaku.

The Belgium striker was under no pressure when he gifted the ball to Lukas Jutkiewicz deep in his own half and the former Everton man picked out the run of strike partner Ings, who kept his composure to round Tim Howard and slot the ball into an empty net.

Burnley's joy was short-lived, though, as Lukaku atoned for his earlier error by restoring Everton's lead nine minutes later.

The ex-Chelsea man rounded off a fine passing move by finding the far corner of the net with a scuffed right-footed shot after his initial attempt had been blocked.

Steven Naismith's header looped against the top of the crossbar after Leon Osman had stood the ball up to the back post six minutes before the break, as Everton attempted to extend their lead.

Lukaku then combined well with Eto'o and unleashed a shot from around 25 yards out, which was straight at Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Heaton was called into action again when he bundled the ball behind for a corner after Baines' dangerous free-kick had evaded everybody, before Barkley replaced Lukaku midway through the second half.

Ashley Barnes also came on for Jutkiewicz, as Burnley boss Sean Dyche attempted to rescue a point, but the striker's first real contribution was a late challenge on Gareth Barry which resulted in him being shown a yellow card.

With five minutes left, Eto'o sealed the points with a stunning right-footed strike from 25 yards out, as Burnley were taught another harsh lesson.

Eto'o ought to have had a hat-trick in time added on, when a poor backpass from Kieran Trippier set him clear and he rounded Heaton, but the 33-year-old saw his effort strike the far post and roll back across the face of goal.

Tottenham 1 Newcastle United 2: Pardew changes inspire fightback

Two inspired half-time substitutions from Alan Pardew helped Newcastle United come from a goal down to beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday.

Pardew saw his side pick up their first Premier League win of the season last weekend against Leicester City, but they fell behind to an early Emmanuel Adebayor goal at White Hart Lane.

However, Sammy Ameobi made an instant impact by equalising seven seconds after his introduction at the start of the second half, and fellow substitute Remy Cabella laid on Ayoze Perez's maiden Newcastle goal to complete an impressive fightback.

Mauricio Pochettino recalled Adebayor at the expense of Roberto Soldado and the decision paid off when the Togo international headed the opener after 18 minutes.

Tottenham were then stunned as Ameobi fired home from Jack Colback's long ball to register his first top-flight goal for Newcastle, before Ayoze - who moved to St James' Park from Spanish second-tier side Tenerife in the close-season - achieved the same feat when he nodded in Cabella's floated delivery.

While Spurs threatened late on, they were ultimately made to pay for their profligacy in the first half as they lost a third league game at home this term, with Pardew left to reflect on a hugely positive outing that sees Newcastle escape the bottom three.

Daryl Janmaat gave Newcastle an early scare after three minutes when he appeared to handle the ball inside the area following positive play down the left from Nacer Chadli.

Referee Anthony Taylor pointed for a corner before Adebayor helped lay on an opportunity that saw Christian Eriksen volley wide as the hosts began the brighter.

Paul Dummett fired Newcastle's first chance of the game over the crossbar 14 minutes in and Spurs' pressure then reaped rewards as Adebayor nodded in his first club goal since August.

The visiting defence initially did well to block a shot from Danny Rose and Eriksen's follow-up but, at the third attempt, Ryan Mason clipped in a cross for Adebayor to convert.

Spurs continued to dominate possession, albeit while struggling to create any further clear-cut chances, and the visitors were perhaps fortunate to go in at the break trailing by just one goal.

However, all Spurs' positive play in the first half was undone within seconds of the restart as Colback's diagonal ball caught the hosts off guard.

With Eric Dier cut out of the picture, Ameobi kept his cool to find the bottom-right corner and draw Newcastle level in sensational fashion.

An effort from Eriksen rolled marginally wide following a deflection off Fabricio Coloccini as Spurs sought to get back in front but it was another Newcastle substitute who helped craft the winning goal.

Cabella curled a delightful delivery in from the left that Ayoze was able to nod home as Newcastle completed what had seemed a most unlikely comeback.

Spurs replacement Harry Kane failed to get in on the act, spurning a great opportunity following Rose's delivery from the left, as Newcastle survived a late onslaught to win at White Hart Lane for a second season running.

Tottenham 5 Asteras Tripolis 1: Kane hits hat-trick in easy win

Harry Kane's hat-trick and a superb Erik Lamela double helped Tottenham crush Asteras Tripolis 5-1 in the UEFA Europa League.

Spurs had begun Group C with frustrating draws against Partizan and Besiktas, but Thursday's game at White Hart Lane saw a much more positive performance that was lit up by an outrageous goal from Lamela.

Kane opened the scoring with an excellent strike of his own after 13 minutes, but Lamela stole the show just before the half hour when he elected for a 'rabona' effort from the edge of the area that flew past the helpless Tomas Kosicky in the Asteras goal.

The Argentinian got his second of the match with a brilliant volley in the 66th minute before Kane added two more to complete his well-deserved treble.

Tottenham's victory was marred somewhat by keeper Hugo Lloris being sent off late on, and Kane rounded off his eventful evening by spilling Jeronimo Barrales' shot from the resulting free-kick into his own net after taking the Frenchman's place in goal.

Mauricio Pochettino made six changes to the Tottenham side beaten at Manchester City on Saturday, but it was a strong line-up with Jan Vertonghen, Ben Davies, Mousa Dembele, Andros Townsend, Kane and Emmanuel Adebayor coming in.

And Kane put them in front early on with a fierce right-footed drive from 25 yards out that arrowed beyond Kosicky and into the bottom-left corner.

The hosts survived a scare when Facundo Parra was put clean through but was denied at close range by first Lloris and then Davies, and Lamela soon capitalised on that let-off with his incredible first goal.

Townsend tried to match that effort with a long-range attempt that went just wide before then testing Rosicky with another strike as Spurs looked to extend their advantage before the break.

Asteras tried to rally at the start of the second half and managed to apply a little pressure of their own.

They were three behind on 66 minutes, though, when Lamela was fed by Kane and, after his first shot rebounded up into the air, he hit the back of the net with a left-footed screamer.

Lloris was at full stretch to keep out a fantastic volley from Fernando Usero but Tottenham added another on 75 minutes when Kosicky could only parry out Dembele's shot and Kane poached his second.

Kane completed his hat-trick with a close-range header before Lloris was dismissed for a foul on Anastasios Tsokanis when he was clean through.

Kane took over goalkeeping duties for the free-kick, but would be best advised not to give up his day job as a goalscorer as a tame Barrales shot squirmed embarrassingly under his body.

Warnock charged by FA

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for comments made after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Warnock was critical of the display of match referee Craig Pawson after the Premier League loss at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Pawson sent off Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta late in the first half for a rash lunge on Mile Jedinak before the numbers were evened up when Damien Delaney was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Warnock felt aggrieved that a robust challenge from John Terry on Fraizer Campbell had earlier gone unpunished, as well as believing the Chelsea players had surrounded Pawson and pressured the official into brandishing a second caution to Delaney.

The Palace manager stated in a media conference on Thursday that he expected to be contacted by the governing body, with the FA later confirming that he has been charged and has until October 27 to respond.

"Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has been charged by The FA for misconduct in relation to media comments he made after the game against Chelsea on 18 October 2014," an FA statement read.

"It is alleged that Warnock's post-match comments constituted improper conduct in that they implied the match referee was motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute, in contravention of FA Rule E3[1]."