Presented as Real Madrid's new coach yesterday following the departure of Rafael Benítez, Zinédine Zidane staged his first official press conference this afternoon, the 43-year-old setting out his stall for the rest of the season.On his mission at MadridIt's always been important to see good football here and I want to continue that. I want to play attacking, balanced football and nothing more. We're going to do all we can to play as well as possible.Everyone is going to be important, so James [Rodríguez] and Isco – two formidable players – will be important for me and the fans.We're in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. We have a...
Football Update
Zidane replaces Benítez at Real Madrid
Rafael Benítez has left his position as Real Madrid coach seven months after his appointment, with Zinédine Zidane taking charge.The 55-year-old's departure was announced today along with the promotion of Zidane to his first head coaching role. The Frenchman, 43, previously worked as assistant to Benítez's predecessor Carlo Ancelotti and, since 2014, had occupied the helm of reserve team Real Madrid Castilla."This is an important day for me," said Zidane as he was unveiled alongside his family on Monday evening. "I'm more excited now than I was when I signed as a player. I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well."We have th...
How the knockout sides fared over the festive period
With 16 of the UEFA Europa League last 32 in action over the Christmas and New Year period, UEFA.com rounds up how they all got on.SUNDAY 3 JANUARYValencia 2-2 Real MadridGranada 2-1 SevillaAthletic 2-2 Las PalmasDeportivo La Coruña 1-2 VillarrealEverton 1-1 Tottenham HotspurPanionios 1-3 OlympiacosCaen 0-0 Marseille (aet, Marseille won 3-1 on pens) (Cup last 64)Raon l'Etape 1-1 St-Étienne (aet, St-Étienne won 4-3 on pens) (Cup last 6...
McCarty downs United, Dempsey inspires Sounders
© Getty ImagesDax McCarty scored against his former team to give the New York Red Bulls a 1-0 win over DC United in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference semi-finals.McCarty headed home a free-kick in the 72nd minute from midfielder Sacha Kljestan to give the top-ranked Red Bulls the advantage heading into the second leg next Sunday. McCarty spent half of the 2011 season with DC before a trade sent him to New York. It was ...
Leaky Roma scrape through to knockout stage
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Atlético move above Barcelona, Arsenal on top
SATURDAYAtlético Madrid 1-0 LevanteMidfielder Thomas Partey struck with nine minutes to go to propel Atlético to the top of the Liga, bottom-of-the-table Levante having frustrated Diego Simeone's men in Madrid. Atlético had the better of the first half, and both Koke and Juanfran struck the crossbar in the second period, but they were able to take full advantage of Barcelona's earlier slip as the Ghanaian battled through to finish.
End of year poll: Unsung hero of 2015
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