David Luiz Belter Seals Europa League Semifinal Win for Chelsea


Chelsea scored three times in nine minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit and seal their progression to this season’s Europa League final, where they’ll face Benfica in Amsterdam.

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The goals, which came from Fernando Torres, Victor Moses and David Luiz, represented the quickest treble in European club competition this season and helped Chelsea to a 5-2 aggregate win over Swiss champions Basel.

But it was the guests who attacked with conviction from the opening whistle, as Marco Streller’s daisy-cutter narrowly missed Petr Cech’s left-hand post after barely a minute. And while Frank Lampard hit the post in the ninth minute with a shot from distance, Streller came close again in the 26th with a superbly taken volley from Markus Steinhofer’s cross that, again, came close to finding its way inside the far post.

Then, with just a minute of normal time remaining in the first half, Mohamed Salah bagged a deserved opener for Basel.

Just four minutes earlier, the Egyptian international had been denied by a superb Cech stop (and Valentin Stocker might have even been awarded a penalty on a subsequent drive that looked to have hit Ryan Bertrand’s arm). Salah made no mistake on this occasion, though, accelerating past the offside trap to receive Stocker’s ball before finishing calmly past the Chelsea goalkeeper.234304hp2

It was a different Blues side Basel had to contend with after the restart, however, and Torres began the onslaught after restoring level terms in the 50th minute with a tap-in following Yann Sommer’s initial save on Frank Lampard.

Two minutes later, Chelsea had turned a one-goal deficit into a one-goal advantage on the night and a 4-2 lead on aggregate. Then Victor Moses, pouncing on another rebound inside the area, beat Sommer from in close with his second effort after Gaston Sauro had blocked his first.

And to complete the triple salvo, David Luiz made it 3-1 to the hosts with an absolutely stunning goal just shy of the hour mark.

For a moment—as the midfielder dribbled the ball along the 18-yard box—it looked as though Frank Lampard was going to take a shot. But after seeing David Luiz flying into space, he left the ball for his teammate—jumped out of the way, actually—as the Brazilian unleashed a left-footed belter that arched magnificently inside the top corner of the Basel goal.

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From there it was only a matter of holding on to what they already had, and while Torres had a trio of chances to build on the lead, Chelsea were able to cruise to the final whistle with relative comfort.

The Basel fans, who created an impressive match atmosphere throughout the 90 minutes, lit flares and a massive flag on fire during the final minutes, but there were to be no more fireworks on the pitch as Chelsea claimed the 3-1 win.

The London outfit now have a chance to become the first club to win the Champions League and Europa League in successive seasons (in that order) when they face Benfica in the May 15 final at Amsterdam Arena.

Wayne Rooney plans talks with Sir Alex Ferguson over Manchester United future? #MUFC


 

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will reportedly seek assurances over his future with manager Sir Alex Ferguson before committing himself to the club.

The England striker’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with reports consistently linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Rooney plans to hold talks with Ferguson about where he is seen to fit into United’s starting XI by the boss before agreeing to stay with the club, according to the Daily Mail.

Ferguson recently hinted that the Liverpudlian forward would be staying at the club beyond this season.

Paul Gorst

Andre Schurrle worrying about Chelsea move? #CFC #ChelseaFC


Bayer Leverkusen attacker Andre Schurrle has reportedly grown concerned that his proposed transfer to Chelsea may not materialise.

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The German international is believed to have agreed terms on a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge following talks between the Premier League club and his agent.

However, the Blues have still been unable to agree a fee with Leverkusen, who want Kevin de Bruyne as well as £20m for their player, according to the London Evening Standard.

Chelsea are thought to only want to loan out De Bruyne, though, after he impressed during a stint in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen this season.

As a result, 22-year-old Schurrle is said to have started to doubt that a move will now happen.

By Liam Apicella

Related

#ChelseaFC on brink of capturing Andre Schurrle signing, says agent.. #CFC

#ChelseaFC on brink of capturing Andre Schurrle signing, says agent.. #CFC


The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, and his representative Ingo Haspel is expecting ‘positive news’ over the player’s future

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Chelsea are on the brink of signing Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle, according to the player’s agent – and he could join the club within the next few days.

Talks have been ongoing between the Premier League club and the German side over a potential €22 million player-swap deal which would see Kevin De Bruyne move in the other direction.

With a disappointing domestic campaign (by their standards) coming to a close, Chelsea are already looking ahead to next season and Ingo Haspel, Schurrle’s agent, has claimed the 22-year-old could be a Blues player very soon.

“I am waiting for information from either Leverkusen or Chelsea, but there could be some positive news by the end of this weekend,” he told reporters.

“It is an indication of how much Chelsea want the player that they are continuing to negotiate.”

Schurrle has 11 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances for the Werkself and has attracted the attention of a number of European clubs this season, with Chelsea looking to bolster their attacking options next season.

A potential spanner in the works for the Blues, however, is that they appear reluctant to part with De Bruyne just a year after selling him, while the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are also keen on the Belgium international.

Mata praises ‘amazing’ Bale following double PFA award success


The Chelsea star missed out to the Wales international – who was also named Young Player of the Year – for the main award, but is confident of bettering Spurs in the top-four race

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has hailed the talents of Gareth Bale after missing out on the Professional Footballers Association Player of the Year award to the Tottenham star.
Mata turned 25 on Sunday as the Blues registered a confident 2-0 win over Swansea at Stamford Bridge to reclaim third spot and pole position to secure Champions League football next season.
And the Spaniard is positive about Chelsea’s prospects come the end of the campaign, with a Europa League semi-final second leg also to come on Thursday.

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“Congratulations to Gareth Bale for being named player of the year and young player of the year,” Mata wrote on his blog for Grada360.com. “He’s a superb player with amazing skills and he’s only 23 years old.
“I couldn’t have thought about a better way to celebrate [my birthday] than a victory and the company of my family and friends.
“We managed to beat a competitive Swansea, a team with some friends of mine like Pablo [Hernandez] and Michu.
“[They are] three key points in our aim to be in the next Champions League, even more after Arsenal and Tottenham’s draws [against Manchester United and Wigan respectively].”

Tom McKeown

Saturn’s Satan – A monster hurricane with an eye of over 2,000km ..#NASA #Saturn


Nasa spacecraft captures stunning image of a cyclone at Saturn’s North Pole

1752463444In an undated in this false-color image from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and provided by NASA/JPL shows stunning views of a monster hurricane at Saturn’s North Pole. The eye of the cyclone is an enormous 1,250 miles across. That’s 20 times larger than the typical eye of a hurricane here on Earth. The hurricane is believed to have been there for years.This image is among the first sunlit views of Saturn’s north pole captured by Cassini’s imaging cameras. (AP)

Nasa’s Cassini spacecraft has captured stunning views of a monster hurricane at Saturn’s North Pole.

The eye of the cyclone is an enormous 1,250 miles (2,010 kilometers) across. That’s 20 times larger than the typical eye of a hurricane here on Earth. And it’s spinning super-fast. Clouds at the outer edge of the storm are whipping around at 330 mph (531 kph).

The hurricane is parked at Saturn’s North Pole and relies on water vapor to keep it churning. It’s believed to have been there for years. Cassini only recently had a chance to observe the vortex in visible light.

Scientists hope to learn more about Earth’s hurricanes by studying this whopper at Saturn.

Cassini was launched from Cape Canaveral in 1997 and arrived at Saturn in 2004.

Van Persie magic seals 20th Premier League title for Man United. #MUFC


United have taken an unassailable 16-point lead over City

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Manchester United reclaimed their Premier League crown in style on Monday as Robin van Persie‘s hat-trick inspired a 3-0 win over Aston Villa that gave them an unassailable 16-point lead over Manchester City and erased the pain of last season.

Van Persie’s goals after two, 13 and 33 minutes – the second among the best ever scored at Old Trafford – propelled Alex Ferguson’s side to a record-extending 20th league title in front of a jubilant home crowd.

After the hurt of having their crown snatched away by Manchester City on goal difference in stoppage time on the final day of the 2011-12 season, United were determined to make sure of the title with four games to spare.

“When you lose the title it’s hard to take it, the way we did (last year) it was not a nice feeling,” forward Wayne Rooney, who set up two of the goals in a performance that went some way to answering his recent critics, told Sky Sports.

“So we’ve all dug in deep, we’ve all worked together and done fantastic to get ourselves into this position and tonight we finished the job off.”

With the championship guaranteed, United still have much to play for as they aim for 96 points to beat the record points total of 95 set by Chelsea in 2004-05.

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With United’s tally currently on 84 points, Ferguson’s side remain on target to overhaul Chelsea’s record provided they win their four remaining games.

Monday’s win earned the club and Ferguson, who has now won 49 club trophies in his managerial career, a 13th Premier League title.

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“I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved. I don’t get carried away, I don’t look back, only look forward,” he told MUTV.

“There is no reason why we can’t go on and improve for next year.”

STRANGE PLACES

Ferguson, who has secured some of his 13 championships in strange places over the years including at the gym, on the golf course and while watching snooker, would agree nothing beats doing it at Old Trafford with “champions” ringing out.

Fans had already stocked up on T-shirts, scarves and flags emblazoned with “20″ before the game knowing they were unlikely to need a refund and their faith was justified with less than 90 seconds on the clock.

Rooney’s diagonal ball from his own half found Antonio Valencia on the right wing and the Ecuadorian passed to Rafael who crossed to Ryan Giggs with the 39-year-old pulling the ball back for Van Persie to tap in with ease.

The Dutchman could have scored a second a minute later when he volleyed just over, while Rafael hit the post before Van Persie produced a candidate for goal of the season to double their lead in the 13th minute.

Another superb pass from Rooney from just inside his own half set up Van Persie for an exquisite left-foot volley from just outside the box that flew past helpless Villa keeper Brad Guzan and into the net.

His third, on 33 minutes, again involved Giggs who was fed by Shinji Kagawa before finding Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman had time to shift the ball on to his left foot before sending it in off the post for his 24th league goal of the season making him the league’s top scorer.

“The important thing was to win the game and we won the game. It was great to score so early,” Van Persie told Sky Sports.

“I feel very happy, but it’s weird you know, I have waited so long for my first title – but it’s a great feeling.”

FULL SWING

Villa, desperate for damage limitation in their relegation battle, did a better job of containing United in the second half and Van Persie was called on to demonstrate his worth at the other end of the field with a headed clearance off the line.

Kagawa missed a chance to give United a fourth, inexplicably firing high and wide, but that will be forgotten as the party gets into full swing.

United’s players will not get their hands on the trophy for another three weeks as it will not be presented until their final home match of the season against Swansea City on May 12.

United, who have 84 points to City’s 68 with their neighbours having played one game fewer, head to Arsenal in their next match on Sunday where they can continue the party in front of Van Persie’s former team mates.

ENJOY TONIGHT

Asked what he thought about going back to the Emirates as a champion with United, Van Persie replied: “Let us enjoy tonight first.”

It was fitting that the goals came from the man whose hot form has driven United’s season.

His arrival in the close season from Arsenal was a signal that Ferguson would be true to his vow that his side would never again miss out because they had not scored enough goals.

Van Persie’s treble against a young Aston Villa team, who remain a perilous three points above the relegation zone with some damage to their goal difference, took him above Liverpool’s Luis Suarez on top of the scoring charts.

The debate will rage over where this United team fits in among Ferguson’s great sides of the past, with this crop sometimes criticised for not living up to the likes of the 1994 double-winners or 1999 treble winners.

There will be few, however, that would argue about Van Persie’s place among the Old Trafford greats.

MATCH STATS

Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 0

Robin Van Persie 2″
Robin Van Persie 13″
Robin Van Persie 33″

Go Bananas for Good Skin


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Bananas are so delicious, bright in color, and taste good with a variety of foods! Did you also know bananas are great for your skin? Since ancient times, they have helped cure people of skin-irritating bug bites and are ideal for soothing irritated and rash-like skin. Read on to learn some great things bananas can do for your skin:

Bananas-Soothe-Your-SkinBananas can soothe even the most sensitive skin so as long as you are not allergic to bananas, you are safe!

High-in-PotassiumBananas are high in potassium, which is beneficial in fighting acne. Mash up a banana and apply directly to your skin. Doing so will suffocate the bacteria in your skin cells, forcing breakouts from acne to heal more quickly.

Loaded-with-anti-bacterial-propertiesBananas have many anti-bacterial properties which can reduce swelling and infections from other skin issues, including Psoriasis, Eczema, and painful bug bites as described earlier.

Use-Banana-Peel-to-ExfoliateUse the inside peel of the banana and gently rub on your clean skin as an awesome exfoliating treatment! Doing so will soothe and heal your skin from other irritating skin conditions.

Lots-of-Nutrients-and-AntioxidantsThis yummy fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants like Vitamin C which when applied to the skin (even the peel), can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Blood flow will circulate better and collagen production will be boosted.

Bananas-Loaded-With-NutrientsMake sure you eat a banana a day too! Your body will benefit from all the nutrients like Potassium and Vitamin C and your digestive tract will function better.

Bananas-have-so-many-benefitsWho knew bananas could be so good for the skin? Now you do! Throw one in your purse or backpack on your way to school or work and enjoy it as a mid-day snack! Great burst to your energy and your skin will be beautiful too!

Petrofac in $3.7bn Abu Dhabi deal


Petrofac Emirates is partnering with Daewoo Shipbuilding

British oil and gas group Petrofac said on Thursday that its Petrofac Emirates joint venture firm has won a $3.7-billion (2.8-billion-euro) contract to develop a key field in Abu Dhabi.

“Petrofac is pleased to announce that Petrofac Emirates, its joint venture with Mubadala Petroleum, has been awarded a contract by Zakum Development Company for the Upper Zakum, UZ750 field development in Abu Dhabi,” said a statement from the London-listed firm.

“The contract is worth approximately $3.7 billion and has been secured by Petrofac Emirates in consortium with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd.”

The group added that Petrofac Emirates’ share of the contract was valued at $2.9 billion.

Manchester United can seal title if City lose to Spurs #MUFC


City go to White Hart Lane 13 points behind United

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Manchester United’s striker Robin van Persie celebrates scoring his goal during the English Premier League match against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, in east London, on April 17, 2013. (AFP)

Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League trophy could be prised away once and for all this weekend as Roberto Mancini’s side face Tottenham Hotspur knowing defeat would allow Manchester United the chance to be crowned champions on Monday.

A sense of inevitability has hung over the title race for several weeks but below it, the season is reaching a nerve-jangling climax both in the battle to qualify for next year’s Champions League and to stay in the top flight.

City go to White Hart Lane 13 points behind United, who play Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday when the title race could be decided.

City would like nothing more than to prolong the title fight for another week, but that could be scuppered with Tottenham embroiled in a scrap with Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton for third and fourth places.

While City’s pride is at stake, the repercussions of Sunday’s match are likely to be far more serious for Spurs whose hopes of a top-four finish are under threat from their London rivals.

United top the table with 81 points, followed by City on 68, Chelsea 61, Arsenal 60, Spurs 58 and Everton 56. City, Spurs and Chelsea have played 32 games, all the rest 33.

Andre Villas-Boas‘s side were in pole position for third place a few weeks ago before defeats by Liverpool and Fulham and a home draw with Everton handed the initiative back to Arsenal and Chelsea.

Chelsea moved into third spot with a 3-0 win at Fulham on Wednesday to climb a point ahead of Arsenal, held to a 0-0 home draw by Everton on Tuesday.
 
MORE PRESSURE

Arsenal’s Saturday kickoff at Fulham means they can apply more pressure before Chelsea go to Liverpool and Spurs play City.

Tottenham’s players have had a breather since losing to Basel on penalties in the Europa League, although the break may not have been long enough for Welsh winger Gareth Bale to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in the first leg of the tie.

Without him and the injured Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe, Tottenham are a far less dangerous side and concern is mounting in north London that the club will suffer a near-miss for the second season in a row.

They finished fourth last year but were denied a Champions League spot by Chelsea who finished sixth but won the European Cup to take their place.

Arsenal’s draw with Everton offered encouragement for Spurs who, according to midfielder Lewis Holtby, face “six cup finals” between now and the end of the season.

“It will be a tremendous game on Sunday,” he told Tottenham’s website. “City have just reached the final of the FA Cup and these six games are our cup finals.

“They are a side full of quality players but we’re determined to get three points, especially at home. It would be a massive win for us.”

Everton (56) can move ahead of Tottenham, albeit having played two more games, with victory over Sunderland on Saturday – a match with ramifications at the top and bottom.

Sunderland moved three points clear of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at Newcastle United last weekend – a match memorable for new manager Paolo Di Canio‘s celebratory knee slide at St James’s Park.
 
CLOSE FRIEND

The emotional Di Canio coming face to face with Everton’s intense manager David Moyes is an intriguing prospect as is Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp taking on close friend Tony Pulis’s Stoke City in a match that Rangers must win to keep their slim hopes of survival alive.

Along with bottom club Reading, who play Norwich City, QPR are 10 points adrift of 17th-placed Aston Villa.

Stoke, who have lost six of their last seven league games, are nose-diving towards the drop and defeat by QPR would increase the pressure on Pulis whose side begin the weekend just three points above 18th-placed Wigan Athletic who have played a game less than their fellow strugglers.

Wigan, whose annual fight against the drop has this season been interrupted by a run to the FA Cup final, face West Ham on Saturday and will be hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat  by City.