Amalfitano - No Magpies deal

Midfielder plays down reports claiming he has signed for Newcastle



Reims midfielder Romain Amalfitano says reports claiming he has already agreed a summer switch to Newcastle are wide of the mark.

The Magpies have been strongly linked with a move for the highly-rated 22-year-old. They are not the only club to have expressed an interest, though, and the battle to secure his signature is expected to intensify as the summer transfer window draws ever closer. Amalfitano will drop into the free agent pool at the end of the season, making him even more of an attractive proposition to interested parties.

He admits he would welcome the opportunity to try his luck in England, but has made it clear that no deal to take him to St James' Park has been put in place. "I am a Reims player and I will be out of contract at the end of the season," said Amalfitano. "I want to finish this season strongly. "Newcastle are a fantastic club and to play for them would be a dream come true, but nothing is done as yet. Let's wait and see what happens." - http://www1.skysports.com/

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Sergio Ramos: I have adapted to play as a centre-back for Spain

La Liga star reveals he has adapted to play as a centre-back, while also claiming the coach only 'selects the best' in regard to Torres and Albiol's national axe



Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has declared he is ‘comfortable’ playing at centre-back for Spain should manager Vicente del Bosque request him to do so.

The 25-year-old usually operates at right-back under Jose Mourinho, and despite claiming he is ok with repositioning, he reminded the press he is a World and European champion. “If I have to play at centre-back, I’ll do it without any problems,” said Ramos to reporters. “I have adapted and feel comfortable in the middle, but I am a World and European champion at right-back.”

Meanwhile, Ramos also briefly commented on Fernando Torres and team-mate Raul Albiol’s axe from the national squad, yet mentioned that the national team boss will only pick the cream of the crop. “They have contributed a lot and might be on their way to getting back [into the team]. The coach is to select the best. There is nothing to discuss,” added Ramos. Spain take on Venezuela on 29 February, kick-off 20:00 GMT. - http://www.goal.com/

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Guardiola hails 'leader' Messi but says he 'doesn't think' Barcelona will win La Liga

Speaking after his side's 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid, the Catalan coach conceded that he does not believe his team can defend their league title, but says they will give their all



Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has admitted that the Blaugrana are unlikely to retain their La Liga crown, but vowed to continue fighting until the end of the campaign.

The Catalans met heavy resistance from Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday, but managed to edge the game courtesy of a wonderful late strike by Lionel Messi after Dani Alves and Radamel Falcao had scored earlier on.

"I don't think we will win the league, but we will fight until the end," said Guardiola at the post-match press conference."We have passed a difficult test against a very tough opponent."

And the Catalan coach also took time to praise the Argentine for his leadership qualities after the 24-year-old's improvised free-kick gave Barca victory."A leader is he who steps forward when his team needs him and Leo [Messi] has been doing that for four years," he explained.Barcelona are 10 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, and now face Sporting Gijon next weekend. - http://www.goal.com/

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Barcelona FC B Vs Hercules 2/25 3:45AM GMT+8

SPAIN SEGUNDA DIVISION: 12BET odds Barcelona FC B Vs Hercules 2/25 3:45AM GMT+8

Hercules have won their last four home games, but Barcelona have won 9/9 on the road this season. And they have been ahead by half-time in 8/9. There's value in backing Barcelona/Barcelona at 1.56, even if their hosts have only been beaten once that way this season. Because Barca are that good.

Barcelona B are playing without pressure and the team tries to perform as the first squad. They got really nice results lately, despite the loss in last roun from the leaders and the biggest tittle candidate - La Coruna. Barcelona is playing offensive football recording 4 overs in last 6 maches.

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Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid denied 'clear' free kick before CSKA Moscow equaliser

The Spain international felt that Cristiano Ronaldo had been fouled just moments before the Russian side levelled the game through Swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom



Sergio Ramos felt that Real Madrid had been denied a "clear" free kick in the run-up to CSKA Moscow's equaliser in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Los Blancos looked poised to take a one-goal advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with the Russian side courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's 28th-minute strike - but Pontus Wernbloom levelled matters with just over 30 seconds of injury time remaining.Ramos, though, felt that CSKA's equaliser should not have stood, claiming that Ronaldo had been fouled as the Portuguese tried to break up-field just moments before Wernbloom struck.

Ramos, though, felt that CSKA's equaliser should not have stood, claiming that Ronaldo had been fouled as the Portuguese tried to break up-field just moments before Wernbloom struck."There are refereeing issues that I don't want to get into," the Spain international told reporters after the game. "I think it's clear foul on Ronaldo before the goal for CSKA but we cannot go back in time and do anything about it now."

Meanwhile, Ramos' fellow defender Pepe believes that in spite of the late setback, Madrid are still in control of the tie."We deserved to win tonight," the Portugal international argued. "It's a shame, but we're in a good position to progress at the [Santiago] Bernabeu."Madrid welcome CSKA to the Spanish capital for the return leg on March 14. - http://www.goal.com/

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Betis leave Zaragoza bottom

Ruben Castro bags a brace as Betis win again



Ruben Castro scored a goal in each half as Real Betis claimed their second consecutive La Liga victory and left opponents Real Zaragoza rooted to the bottom of the table.

The Spanish striker opened the scoring four minutes before the break and added his second in the 67th minute to wrap up a 2-0 win as his side boosted their hopes of claiming a Europa League spot. The home side made an encouraging start and almost grabbed the lead in the seventh minute when Ruben Micael saw his 20-yard effort tipped around the post by Betis goalkeeper Fabricio Agosto. Luis Garcia saw a header booted clear by Jose Antonio Dorado and moments later the same player forced Fabricio to punch to safety as Zaragoza continued to look most likely to score.

Angel Laffita also came close before Castro's opener against the run of play when he was fed by Jose Canas on the right and unleashed a right-footed shot into the top corner of Roberto Jimenez's net. Zaragoza pressed for an equaliser early in the second half with Apono firing just wide, but Betis should have extended their lead on the hour when Castro and Salva Sevilla both had shots blocked in the box.

Six minutes later the visitors secured victory when Jimenez could only parry a shot from Jorge Molina and Castro followed up with a low right-footed shot past the keeper from 12 yards. Zaragoza forced a handful of late corners, but failed to put pressure on the Betis goal and remain stranded five points adrift of second-bottom Sporting Gijon. - http://www1.skysports.com/

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Real Zaragoza vs Real Betis 2/21 4AM GMT+8

SPAIN PRIMERA LALIGA: 12BET preview Real Zaragoza vs Real Betis 2/21 4AM GMT+8

Victories over Granada, Real Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao have left Betis joint top after the opening three rounds, level on nine points with Valencia, and they will hope to continue that run when they host Real Zaragoza on Thursday. It is an impressive start for last season's Segunda Division champions but Dorado is taking little heed of the acclaim his side are receiving.

While Betis have enjoyed the perfect start, Zaragoza have had a mixed time.They began with a 6-0 home drubbing by Real Madrid but since then have drawn 0-0 at Rayo Vallecano and at the weekend beat Espanyol 2-1 thanks to a brace from Luis Garcia - who left Espanyol for Zaragoza this summer.Coach Javier Aguirre is hoping to build on that win against Betis, but concedes it is unlikely to be easy against the in-form Andalusians.

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Elche Vs Celta Vigo 2/19 7PM GMT+8

SPAIN  DIVISION 2: 12BET odds Elche Vs Celta Vigo 2/19 7PM GMT+8

Against opponent such as Celta Vigo that is currently placed in the top 6 of the Spain Segunda Division Elche has managed to collect an average of 1.8 points in 5 matches this season.  Against opponent such as Elche who is currently placed in the top 6 of the Spain Segunda Division Celta Vigo has managed to collect an average of 0.2 points in 5 matches this season. 

Concerning matches played at home against the top 6 this season Elche has collected 1.5 points on average in 2 matches. When looking at matches played away against the top 6 this season Celta Vigo has collected 0 points on average in 2 matches.

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Granada Vs Real Sociedad 2/19 7PM GMT+8

SPAIN PRIMERA LALIGA: 12BET odds Granada Vs Real Sociedad 2/19 7PM GMT+8

The Andalusians sit just one place above the relegation zone but have lost only three of their 11 home games so far this campaign, and Rico believes victory over Sociedad at Los Carmenes this weekend is a must.

Sociedad boss Philippe Montanier, meanwhile, has demanded more from his side despite moving up to 11th with a 2-0 win over Sevillaon Monday.Montanier is also hoping for more consistency from young midfielder Ruben Pardo after he starred and scored the second goal against Sevilla.Antoine Griezmann is expected to regain his place behind Imanol Agirretxe in attack as Xabi Prieto is ill, while Asier Illarramendi could feature after three months out with a knee injury.

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Real Valladolid CF Vs Girona 2/18 4AM GMT+8

SPAIN DIVISION 2: 12 BET odds Real Valladolid CF Vs Girona 2/18 4AM GMT+8 

Girona that is currently placed in the bottom 6 of the Spain Segunda Division Real Valladolid CF has managed to collect an average of 2 points in 14 matches this season. Real Valladolid CF who is currently placed in the top 6 of the Spain Segunda Division Girona has managed to collect an average of 0.56 points in 9 matches this season.

Real Valladolid CF’s performance is greatest when looking at opponents in the mid 10 with an average of 2.5 points per game.Girona’s performance is greatest when looking at opponents in the top 6 with an average of 0.25 points per game.

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Clark ready to take action

Sacked Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark has taken advice on his legal options after being dismissed by the League One club.

Lee Clark is viewed as a manager of some potential

• Clark perplexed by sacking

Lee was sacked on Wednesday, along with the rest of his management team, one of the most surprising managerial casualties of the season.

ESPNsoccernet can reveal that an angry Clark has already taken the first steps in launching a claim for unfair dismissal through the courts by discussing his options with a legal team. Clark will argue that there were no grounds for the sacking.

Huddersfield have only lost three games so far this season in League One and went on a 43-game unbeaten run under Clark that was only ended in November by Charlton. They have lost only three of the previous 55 league fixtures.

However, despite this, the 39-year-old former Newcastle United midfielder evidently did not do enough to convince the board that the club would achieve promotion at the end of the season.

A statement on the club's website revealed the sacking and stated: "Huddersfield Town would like to place on record it's thanks to Lee and his coaching staff and wish them all the best for the future. Academy Manager Mark Lillis will take temporary charge of the first team until a new manager is appointed."

"This was a very difficult decision; one not taken lightly or in response to one result. Concerns have been raised over recent weeks," Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle said.

"Lee and his coaching staff have put their all into the job over the past three seasons and he has made a huge contribution to the Club. However with 16 matches to go we still have an opportunity to achieve promotion and we have made this change with this in mind."

Clark who quit as first-team coach at Norwich to succeed Stan Ternent at the Galpharm Stadium, led Huddersfield to the League One play-off final in May.

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Bundesliga Leverkusen look to bounce back

Bayer Leverkusen will look to bounce back from two defeats in a row when they take on Augsburg on Saturday in the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen have not won in four matches, including a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday and a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Leverkusen’s main weakness this season has been in front of goal, having only hit the back of the net 28 times in 21 games, which is worse than 12th-placed Cologne and 13th-placed Mainz.

Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok is the club’s top scorer in the Bundesliga with just six goals, while Stefan Kiebling, Bayer’s main forward, has scored only four goals in 15 games.

Bayer are sixth on the Bundesliga table and have 31 points, but need a win to ensure they are still in the European places at the end of the weekend, with Hannover just behind on goal difference.

Augsburg, Leverkusen’s visitors on Saturday, are second-bottom with 18 points, including only one win on the road this season.

A victory for Augsburg could take them above the relegation spots if Hertha Berlin lose and Kaiserslautern fail to win.

Hertha host league leaders Dortmund, while Kaiserslautern are also at home where they will face third-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Dortmund lost to Hertha when the Berlin-based club travelled west on September 10, but the reigning champions have won five straight in the Bundesliga heading into this weekend’s fixture.

Moenchengladbach, who have not lost in seven games, could draw level at the top of the table if they win and Dortmund lose, although that hypothetical would open the door for Bayern Munich who are just two points behind the top team and take on bottom-placed Freiburg on Saturday.

Schalke, the other club still within touching distance of Dortmund, host Wolfsburg on Sunday.

It is the first of two evenly-matched games on Sunday, with ninth-placed Stuttgart travelling north to take on Hannover, who are seventh.

In other matches this week, Hoffenheim and Mainz are in action on Friday, while on Saturday, Hamburg host Bremen and Cologne will play Nurnberg.

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Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola rues final passes and misuse of first-half space

The Catalan coach believes his side could have done better in the first 45 minutes, but admitted he was happy as the champions ran out 3-1 winners over Bayer Leverkusen On Tuesday



Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has expressed his unhappiness at his team’s first-half display in their 3-1 victory victory against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Despite a reasonable start, the Catalan boss rued the misuse of space in the opening 45 minutes, but did applaud the champions' second-half efforts after they stepped up their game in the second period.

"We had a few chances in the first half, but perhaps the final pass was missing," Guardiola told reporters at the post-match press conference. "I think the second half was good, we used the space better after we took the lead. "We tried to improve our game. But we were playing away and we came into the game after the break.

The 41-year-old claimed to be content at having scored three goals in Germany, and explained just how hard it is to get a result outside of La Liga. "When you play against the German teams then you don’t have the control, you don’t have the possession and you receive a lot of problems because they are physically stronger and they are a very good team. "In the second half we played a game which wasn’t very interesting for us, but we’re still happy to score three goals away from home." Guardiola was not the only person left rueing missed opportunities as Leverkusen defender Stephen Reinartz claimed the home side were unlucky not to equalise for a second time after hitting the post shortly after Alexis Sanchez’s second.

"It was very hard to play against them but we knew that before,” Reinartz told Goal.com. “It was very positive that we had some good chances and we had the chance to make it 2-2. Barcelona weren’t as good as everyone thought." Midfielder Simon Rolfes suggests the visitors were the more physical side, stating that the Spanish giants were much fitter. "It was a very special game. The problem is, if you get and win the ball against Barcelona, then you are tired and they are okay." - http://www.goal.com/

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Sporting Gijon appoint Javier Clemente as coach

The former Spain and Serbia coach will take charge of the struggling Liga team and will hope to guide them to safety after their poor start to the season



Sporting Gijon have announced via their official website that Javier Clemente has been installed as the club's new coach.The 61-year-old will replace caretaker Inaki Tejada, who took over the team following the sacking of Manolo Preciado in early February.

Clemente, who has signed a contract until the end of the season, will officially be presented at El Molinon's press room on Tuesday afternoon.The Basque-born boss joins Sporting with the difficult task of guiding the club out of the relegation zone, as they sit 19th in the Liga table with just 19 points from 22 matches. The former Spain coach, who has also guided Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Olympique de Marseille, among other clubs, will now return to La Liga after a brief spell with the Cameroon national team. - http://www.goal.com/

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Real Sociedad vs Sevilla 2/14 4AM GMT+8

SPAIN PRIMERA LALIGA: 12BET odds Real Sociedad vs Sevilla 2/14 4AM GMT+8

Sevilla changed the coach after disastrours part of the season till now. They are in the lower part of the table, fact that should ashamed them. The team is 0-2-5 in their last 7 league matches. But the fact that they are playing comfortable against Sociedad should boost them. Sociedad is still close to the danger zone and will search goals and points. They were almost close to take point from Barcelona in last round but lost with 2:1 at Nou Camp. Both teams have played over 50% of matches over this line in current season. The good thing for Sevilla, but also for this bet is the way Sociedad defends the goal, since they are receiving goal in almost every match, and in two of last five matches they were desperate.

 Get the great odds for soccer betting at 12BET sportsbook. Good Luck!!!

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