2334 Beiträge -
Forengott
|
|
|
BARCELONA, Spain -- Lionel Messi ended Barcelonas run of three straight losses and kept it in the Spanish league title chase by scoring a late free kick to complete its 2-1 comeback win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Men s/Women s Adidas Originals NMD R1 Glitch Midni...night Grey . Messis 75th-minute goal answered some of the criticism the clubs all-time leading scorer had received for his lacklustre performances in the teams recent losses in the league, Champions League and Copa del Rey final. Barcelona was on its way to another defeat when Aritz Aduriz scored in the 50th, provoking a smattering of white handkerchiefs in the Camp Nou stands, but Pedro Rodriguez equalized when he slotted in Alexis Sanchezs scuffed strike in the 72nd. Barcelona still needed defender Javier Mascherano to block Mikel Ricos point-blank try in injury time to protect the three points after Cristian Tello had wasted one of numerous opportunities to put the result beyond doubt. "After the first half I thought that this wasnt to be our day after missing so many chances," said Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino, whose job probably depends on Barcelona catching Atletico to defend its title. "But we kept fighting. We played with a lot of heart to overcome a difficult week and a game that had turned against us. Messi defends himself on the pitch and I am happy for him." Barcelona moved provisionally into second place, four points behind leader Atletico Madrid. Madrid is two points behind Barcelona but with a game to play. Messi set up his winner after earning a foul on the edge of the area, and the Argentina forward used his left foot to finally beat Gorka Iraizoz after the goalkeeper had denied him twice. While not exactly his electrifying old self, Messi was active creating scoring chances from the start, but Alexis Sanchez sent Pedros pass off the bar from close range in the 38th. Barcelonas attack was working. Its defence, however, showed the same frailties that have plagued it in the second half of the season. Adurizs beautiful bicycle kick crashed into the post before goalkeeper Jose Pinto palmed away Markel Susaetas follow-up at the half-hour mark. The patience of Barcelonas fans began to fray when Bartra lost the ball near his area and Aduriz expertly drove the ball into the corner of the net. And when Messi sent the ball wide one-on-one against Iraizoz a collective groan filled the stadium. But Pedro was finally able to steer the ball in when Dani Alves began a move from the right flank to start Barcelona on its way to a much-needed victory. "We knew that after all the opinions and criticism that we have received that we had to do our job and be professionals," Mascherano said. "We have to hold on to that small hope that if we win our games we can then see what happens. We cant just let (Atletico and Madrid) slip up and not be there." Bilbaos loss put its hold on fourth place and the last Champions League in danger after Sevilla closed the gap to three points by thrashing Granada 4-0, with the Basques hosting the Andalusian side next round. Sevilla, which opens its Europa League semifinal against Valencia on Thursday, eased past Granada thanks to Diego Mainzs own goal and goals by Kevin Gameiro, Stephane Mbia and Victor Machin. Celta Vigo outclassed Almeria with a 4-2 away win as forward Manuel "Nolito" Agudo netted a double, and Paulao scored one goal and set up another, but both for the wrong team, as bottom-side Real Betis slumped to a demoralizing 3-1 defeat at Rayo Vallecano. Celta kept Almeria in the relegation zone thanks to Nolitos brace and goals by fellow forwards Charles and Fabian Orellana, while Rafina set up two scores. Paulaos nightmare began in the 14th when he left his back pass woefully short of reaching goalkeeper Adan Garrido, and Rochina Raixes poached the ball to roll it in. The Brazilian defender followed that mistake by clearing a cross into his own net in the 27th. Paulao asked to be substituted and was replaced five minutes later, with the Rayo fans in Vallecas Stadium politely applauding him to show their support. Betis was left on the brink of relegation, 10 points from safety with four games to go. Nike Vapormax Platinum Red . 42 sitting next to the bench. The 57-year-old with greying hair couldnt box out or grab a rebound, but owner Ted Leonsis waved his red towel and egged on a cheering crowd that chanted "Free Nene!" The Wizards did just fine without the suspended Brazilian forward. Men s Adidas NMD XR1 W Utility Ivy Core Red . Of all the names out there who could realistically be dealt by Wednesdays deadline, Ryan Kesler remains No. 1 on the most desired list. And while were not sure if theyre any closer to a deal, we now have a defined price. http://www.ratrush.com/nike-vapormax-ireland.html . - On the night Dirk Nowitzki overtook Dominique Wilkins on the career scoring list, Brandan Wright was a human highlight film all by himself. JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- Beast Mode was Least Mode again. Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch abruptly ended his media availability -- again -- walking away from a throng of reporters while escorted by a member of the New Jersey State Police on Wednesday after about 7 uncomfortable minutes in which he answered just a few questions. The elusive Lynch, who created a stir at media day Tuesday by talking for only 6 1/2 minutes, writhed in his seat and leaned his head back at times. A few dozen reporters, lined up as much as five deep, tried to ask questions during the players 45-minute availability at the team hotel. "I really dont have too much to say, boss," Lynch said in a tone barely above a whisper. "I really dont. I appreciate it, but I dont get it. Im just here so I wont get fined, boss. Thats the only reason Im here." Earlier this month, Lynch was fined $50,000 for not co-operating with the Seattle media. The NFL put that fine on hold, saying it would be rescinded if he complied with media obligations. During media day, Lynch spoke for 6 1/2 minutes before leaving, then returning to speak to Deion Sanders for NFL Network, to the Seahawks website, and to Armed Forces Network -- and acknowledged he was trying to avoid being fined by the league for not meeting his media requirements. It didnt appear Lynch would be fined, for either Tuesday or Wednesday. "Players are required to participate and he participated," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email to The Associated Press. "His comments of the past two days have been widely circulated." In a statement before Tuesdays media session, the Pro Football Writers of America said it was "extremely disappointed in the lack of meaningful access" to Lynch at media day. The PFWA added that several "long-standing and high-profile members were appalled by Mr. Lynchs conduct and refusal to answer any questions." The organization also called the statement by the league that Lynch participated Tuesday "an affront to our membership," but added that it was "encouraged" that the NFL would continue to monitor the situation. Players have clauses in their contract requiring them to co-operate with the media. Fullback Michael Robinson, one of Lynchs buddies who was seated to his left, even poked fun at the situation by asking Lynch a question of his own. "What do you think of your fullback?" Robinson said, laughing. Men s Running Ultra Boost Shoes . "Is he a pretty cool brother?" "No," Lynch responded. "What?" Robinson asked incredulously. "No," Lynch repeated. "Thats messed up," a smiling Robinson said. "We went to dinner last night and everything, man." After Lynch was short with his answers to a few questions, Robinson moved the microphone in front of himself and began answering questions for Lynch. "Im going to slide up in this thing," Robinson said with a smile, "and break up the monotony a little bit. Uhh, Marshawn aint going to try to say nothing to you guys, so you can direct your questions toward me." Robinson used the running backs "boss" figure of speech to end each sentence. One reporter asked how Lynch was feeling. "He just wants to play ball, boss," Robinson said. Robinson was then asked how he would define "Beast Mode." "Its a lifestyle, boss," Robinson responded as Lynch, wearing headphones on top of his head, sat back in his chair smiling. Lynch was asked if he was concerned he could be fined for not showing up at the availability, and he handled that one himself. "Im here, man," Lynch said. "So, I dont have to pay the fine, boss." Lynch said it was a "false" assumption that he doesnt like talking to the media because he was once misquoted. He also said that its not hard balancing being a private person and a football star because the fans dont mind how he goes about his business. "The media has a problem with it," Lynch said. "Its a problem if they choose to take something away from me for not doing it." A reporter reminded Lynch that its the NFL that issues the fines. "Well, reporters have to call it in," Lynch said. "So, it starts somewhere, right?" At one point, Lynch looked up at a team staffer and asked, "Whats up with that time?" A few moments later, a reporter tried to ask a question, shouting, "Hey, Marshawn!" Lynch got up, climbed over a few chairs and made his way through the crowd of reporters and disappeared through an area restricted to team personnel. "He gets it done on game day," Robinson said after Lynch left. "If youre looking for somebody whos going lead by example, all you have to do is watch him run the ball and you know what time it is." Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
|
4556 Beiträge & 4314 Themen in 4 Foren
