Top 10 VAR controversies

There have been plenty of VAR controversies since its introduction

Wednesday night's drama in Paris is not the first time the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been involved in controversy.

Manchester United stunned Paris Saint - Germain by becoming the first team in the history of the Champions League to advance to the next round having lost in the first leg of a knockout match by two or more goals at home.

However, the visitors relied on Marcus Rashford's late penalty, awarded by Presnel Kimpembe for handball after the VAR's intervention, to promote to the last eight of Europe's premier club competition.

The champions of the Ligue 1 were furious at the spot kick award, with their injured forward Neymar calling it a "disgrace," but it's just the latest in a long line of controversy involving the VAR ...

1) ' You're not giving such a penalty in a World Cup final '

2018 World Cup Football VAR

When the VAR took center stage in Moscow, the 2018 World Cup final was delicately balanced at 1 - 1 approaching half - time.

A corner from the right was flicked on by Blaise Matuidi and the ball struck Ivan Perisic's hand, although the midfielder seemed to know little about it.

Referee Nestor Pitana initially signaled for just one corner, but a VAR review was initiated and after watching numerous replays, the Argentine reversed his original decision and awarded the penalty after consulting pitch - side replays converted by Antoine Griezmann.

However, Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic disagreed with the decision, saying: "I never comment on refereeing, but let me say one phrase: you don't give such a penalty in a World Cup final."

2) Paris Match

MANU vs PSG VAR

United somehow got the better of PSG on away goals last Wednesday night in the Champions League but only after they got a controversial injury - time penalty in the second leg at the Parc des Princes.

The decision came after PSG defender Kimpembe was finally penalized for handball as referee Damir Skomina ruled that after watching replays he had blocked the shot of Diogo Dalot with his arm.

According to Dermot Gallagher, the spot kick would never be given in the Premier League, though, even when VAR comes to England.

3) VAR's international debut

The VAR in use at the 2017 Confederations Cup

During the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia our first look at the VAR in the international arena came, although it did not go smoothly.

During the tournament, there were numerous hiccups, culminating in referee Milorad Mazic failing to upgrade the yellow card given to Chile's Gonzalo Jara to a red for what appeared to be a clear elbow on German striker Timo Werner.

The official finally consulted the technology after complaints from Germany. But he chose not to send Jara off despite the evidence.

"Other sports have to look at it and think about what a joke football is," Lee Dixon, former defender of the arsenal, told ITV.

"Everyone in the box who thinks it's a yellow card should be locked up, put in a van, and somewhere driven away."

4) Tunisia get shirty with Kane

Harry Kane goes down in the area against Tunisia

After failing to award Gareth Southgate's side two penalties, England's opening group - stage victory over Tunisia in the 2018 World Cup was marred by more VAR controversy.

England was convinced that they should have been given spot kicks after what Ferjani Sassi and Yassine Meriah, bundled to the floor on both occasions, seemed to be clear - cut fouls.

However, the man who mattered most disagreed, although FIFA subsequently analyzed precisely why VAR Sandro Ricci had not told referee Wilmar Roldan to look at the tuchline monitor incidents.

5) Spot-on decision at the home of football

Kane  spot against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final after a VAR referral

The VAR decided on Spurs ' Carabao Cup semi - final first - leg tie with Chelsea, but again after the game there was much talk about the key decision in the tie.

Kane was the match - winner of the hosts from the Wembley penalty spot in January, but it was the spot kick award that was debated so hotly in the first place.

Kane was deemed by the video assistant to be on hand, overturning the decision on the touchline by the assistant referee, before being updated by Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea's keeper.

In the meantime, Chelsea had a different view of the incident, with the Blues subsequently revealing their own angle that seemed to show that the Spurs striker was offside.

6) 'Incompetency of the highest order'

The VAR once again dominated Manchester City's 3 - 2 first - leg win over Schalke in their last-16 Champions League clash in February 2019.

On this occasion, the controversy centered around how long it took for referee Carlos del Cerro Grande to award a handball against Nicolas Otamendi to the Bundesliga side the first of their first two - half penalties.

Apparently because of a technical issue, the official did not review the incident himself on the side of the pitch, while there were also no replays on the big screens or any other indication of what was going on in the Veltins Arena.

However, Grande eventually awarded Schalke a spot kick after a three - minute delay accompanied by boos, from which Nabil Bentaleb levelled matters at night.

7) VAR's English bow

VAR made its English football debut at Anfield in January 2018 in a highly eventful fourth - round FA Cup clash between Liverpool and West Brom.

And referee Craig Pawson was a busy man, chalking off the header for offside from Craig Dawson, then awarding the hosts a penalty for a pull on Mo Salah, before ruling out a ' goal ' for a foul from Baggies.

8) England pay the penalty

England appeared on the course for a 1 - 0 win over Italy in March 2018, that is until Wembley's VAR's late intervention.

Referee Deniz Aytekin decided that defender James Tarkowski had caught Federico Chiesa in the box with the resulting penalty being converted by Lorenzo Insigne.

England manager Gareth Southgate, however, did not believe that in the first place a clear and obvious error had been made, complaining: "I think my only observation in this instance would be that I don't think it's clear and obvious."

9)  An 'embarrassing' FA Cup episode at Wembley

The VAR was first introduced in the 2017 - 18 FA Cup, but its debut was again dominated by several controversial calls, none more so than in a fifth - round replay at Wembley between Tottenham and Rochdale.

On that occasion, after spotting a foul in the build - up, though after a long delay, referee Paul Tierney first disallowed Erik Lamela's early strike before the official then consulted the technology to award a penalty to the home team.

Tierney first awarded Spurs a free kick for a foul on Kieran Trippier, only after another intervention from the VAR to change his mind.

Although Heung - Min Son converted the spot kick to double the lead of Spurs, his ' goal ' was actually ruled out after his stuttering run - up was deemed illegal.

However, Argentina was scathing after Mauricio Pochettino's side won the tie 6 - 1, calling the VAR confusion "embarrassing."

10) When is a red not a red?

As mentioned earlier, in the 2017 Confederations Cup, the VAR endured a rocky international bow, and none more so than during a match between Germany and Cameroon in Group B.

Now, having caught Emre Can with a high tackle by Ernest Mabouka, referee Wimar Roldan first booked the wrong player Sebastian Siani.

The Colombian, however, looked at the challenge on the Touchline TV monitor, only to add to his initial error by sending Siani off.

Cameroon complained and he finally got to the right decision after Roldan reviewed the incident for a second time and dismissed Mabouka.

Chris Gayle clues that he might reverse the ODI cricket retirement decision!

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle clued that after inflicting another brutal innings on England, he might reverse his decision to retire from one - day international cricket.

Before the drawn series against Eoin Morgan's team, the Windies batsman announced that he would quit international 50-over cricket at the end of the World Cup this summer.

But Gayle was against England in electric form, scoring in four innings for two centuries and two fifties, culminating in a 27-ball 77 in St Lucia's final fixture, a knock with nine sixes.

"We'll just have to wait and see. Maybe I'd say something else on another day. We'll wait for now to see what's going on." said Chris Gayle.

"Captain [ Jason Holder ] said in the final game that when I strike the ball so well, he can't understand how I can announce my retirement. The youngsters have something to feed off." 

Gayle finished the series with 424 runs at an average of 106 with a top score of 162 in Grenada, while he muscled 39 sixes over his four knocks – taking his maximum tally in all forms of international cricket combined with a record of 515.

The Jamaican also revealed his blistering 77 in St Lucia, with the "wrong bat" coming up with Windies passing England's total of 113 in just 12.1 overs.

"I think from a personal point of view this must be my best ODI tournament - but I'm not sure, I'm not a person of statistics so I can't remember a lot of statistics," Gayle said. 

"I know I had a good series, but this one was exceptional - it's fantastic to be able to do it at home. It's also great to average a hundred against England."

"I played in a few T20 series and did n't really get runs [ despite ] putting in the work - I was like ' what's going on? That's my format and why I've been branded the T20 King!"

"I was like ' whoever gets the willow will feel it, ' and fortunately it was at home against England.

"I picked the wrong bat today - so things are going on! 

"I did n't want to rhythm the bowlers and get on top of us.

"Sometimes it can be a bit tricky when you chase a small total, so I said ' let's try to push it over in the first and see if it works - and it did. '

"I'm in a bit of shape as well so I can see the ball better.

"If you put them on the back foot, they're going to forget how good a wicket is to bowl on and play as batters in our hands."

The captain of Real Madrid Sergio Ramos charged for procuring yellow card deliberately

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was charged by UEFA for deliberately receiving a yellow card in the match against Ajax in the Champions League to serve a suspension before the quarter-finals.

Defender Ramos was booked on February 13 in the 89th minute of Madrid's 2-1 victory in Amsterdam, which meant that he would miss the second leg of the last-16 tie at the Bernabeu.

Ramos was quoted speaking immediately after the match as saying he "would lie" if he deliberately refused to earn the booking.

However, Ramos later used social media to emphasize that it was not intended to collect a caution, but to deliberately give a free kick to prevent an Ajax equalizer.

UEFA initiated a disciplinary investigation and confirmed that Ramos was charged under Article 15 on Tuesday evening. Ramos was booked on Kasper Dolberg of Ajax for a foul.

If found guilty when the UEFA Control handles the case, 28 February Ethics and Disciplinary Body, A prolonged suspension could punish Ramos.

Geoffrey Kondogbia, a midfielder of Valencia, was recently granted a two-game ban by UEFA after being ruled to be cautious during the Europa League win at Celtic.

Ramos also interviewed the Spanish newspaper Marca to deny any wrongdoing once again.

"I'm very surprised about all this.  I was referring to forcing the foul, It was an inevitable foul. Not to forcing the booking," Ramos Said.

Asked whether he knew that the foul would lead to a yellow card and a ban, he said, "Yes, but I had no choice." 

"In the 88th minute, it was a very dangerous counter-attack, with an open match and tie. "

"That's why I said I'd lie if I said I didn't know I had a penalty, Just as I knew I had no choice but to make a wrong.  And that's what I meant when I said you have to make difficult decisions in football."

Ramos said more: "In the group stage match against Roma, I could do it if I wanted to force a penalty, Because we were already classified as the first of the groups and the last game was inconsistent against CSKA. By the way, I didn't play in that match."

Ronaldo is behind Comprising with Messi and M Bappe

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has had a lot of competition with Lionel Messi when Ronaldo was in Real Madrid. After joining Ronaldo Juventus, although the fight of the two did not end, but the excitement is somewhat decreasing. Ronaldo himself can not get out of the way. Ronaldo is the highest scorer in Italian Serie A but he is behind the chances of winning 'European Golden shoe' comparing with Messi and MBappe. 

During at Barcelona's last match Messi was making a hat-trick against Sevilla and he left behind everyone. Messi is the highest scorer in La Liga this Season, he scored 25 goals. If it is counted 2 points per goal, Messi has achieved 50 points and he is above the winning list for Golden Shoe. MBappe scored 22 goals and has achieved 44 points. Ronaldo has scored 19 goals ans has achieved  38 points. Messi and Ronaldo will still play 13 matches in their own league. PSG star MBappe will get 12 matches in the league one.

Ronaldo is getting an opportunity to catch Messi and MBappe, but the another one is also breathing on his shoulder. Christopher Pionti an ordinary forward of Poland. However, in this season there is no way to tell him ordinary. This forward scored 18 goals for Genoa and AC Milan and now he is the second highest scorer in the Serie A. Pionti is  showing the courage to overtake Ronaldo with 36 points. After that, four stars - Edinson Cavani, Sergio Aguero, Fabio Quagalierla and Mohammad Salah - scored equal 17 goals.

Boycott Pakistan in World Cup: Harbhajan

Harbhajan Singh

In the event of militant attacks in Kashmir India's cricket has kept pace with anti-Pakistan protests. Removing the pictures of Pakistani legend cricketers at the Punjab stadium and Mumbai, Stop the broadcasting of the PSL- India is protesting in all possible ways. It is now demanding to boycott the India-Pakistan match in the upcoming World Cup. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also agreed with the claims made by CCI Secretary Suresh Bafnar.

India should boycott matches against Pakistan in the interest of the country, If need India should walkover- Said Harbhajan Singh. "We should not play against Pakistan in any way. If we do not get three points against Pakistan, we can be the champions of the World Cup. Let's have three points."

Not only Cricket, He has demanded to end all relations with Pakistan. 'First of all, the country. Our soldiers are dying again and again. Not just cricket, no sport should be played with Pakistan. There is no longer any need to keep our relationship with them. We are next to each member of the army. Their self-sacrifice should not be in vain.'

Harbhajan hopes his country should teach Pakistan, 'We are going through hard times. What happened is unfair, incredible. Our government must take any tough action against Pakistan.'

But Harbhajan demand will be met at all? When asked about the issue of IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, he replied a little bit diplomatically, 'I can not say now whether we will take part in the India-Pakistan match. The World Cup is still very late. Let's see what happens. ' But without the consent of the Indian government that India will not participate in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan, he has made it very clear, 'Our position is clear. If the government does not say we will not play with Pakistan.Sport above all, that's okay, but when the country is attacked by a terrorist attack, its influence also in the sport.'

Pictures of their legendary cricketers are being removed, - Not so happy Pakistan too.   With a counter-statement of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the picture of the Pakistani players have been covered or have been removed, they are not satisfied. They will also talk to Indian board officials about the matter in the ICC meeting scheduled this month, the PCB said.

Messi has made 'Half Century' with 'Century'!

Messi against Olympiacos F.C.

No club of Greece could ever win at Nou Camp. Barcelona have won six times each and every time they win. Seventh times and the trend does not change. Barcelona have won 3-1 goals against Olympiacos F.C. The most successful club in Greece's football history.


Although most successful in the home, Olympiacos is quite unknown in Europe to Barcelona. In the Champions League, the two teams met in the first competitive match on Wednesday night. There was One-sided fight taking 10 players and Messi has made '100' and '50'.


The fans were waiting for a goal from Messi. Messi could touch 100 goals milestone at European club event. But in 61th minute Messi has made two milestones together from a free kick with a great goal. It was his 100th goal in the European club event and 50th goal in the current calendar in total combining his country and club. It is again seventh time in the last eight calendar!

From 2010 to 2017, within this eight year, Only Messi made 45 goals in 46 matches in 2013. In addition, in the remaining seven years, scored a minimum of 50 goals.


Messi is now the second player to score hundreds in UEFA organized club event. He had to play 122 matches to make this record.

Klopp's reaction

Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp admitted he nearly clapped Jamie Vardy after the striker scored from an audacious effort against Liverpool.

"Things like this happen when you are in such a good moment like Jamie Vardy and Leicester are," Klopp said. "Obviously you need a little bit of luck but it was really good. First of all you need to be brave enough to do it.

"It's the perfect season for Leicester and the perfect season for Jamie Vardy. They deserve every point they get and Jamie has deserved every goal he's scored until now. I was close to clapping my hands to be honest but I just felt too bad at that moment," he continued.

"At the end, the game is decided by a world-class goal from Jamie Vardy," Klopp added. "One second before we were in their box and we didn't shoot. That maybe shows you the difference.

BECKHAM DOES IT AGAIN!

David Beckham

David Beckham has proved once again that he is one of the nicest people of all time. 

A paramedic, Catherine Maynard was treating a patient in central London as they waited for an ambulance to transfer him to the hospital. 

Beckham was passing by and he thought they looked a bit chilly, so he decided to warm them up with a couple of hot drinks.  "I was waiting with my patient and it was very cold outside," Maynard said. "I saw someone who looked like David Beckham, he said hello and got in his car. I said to the man I was treating, 'I think that was David Beckham'. Ten minutes later, he came back with a cup of coffee for me and a tea for the patient. "I couldn't believe it when he came back.” Maynard concluded. 

Ronaldo hits hat-trick in Real rout

Cristiano Ronaldo

Prolific Cristiano Ronaldo hit a 35th hat-trick for Real Madrid who swept aside Espanyol 6-0 in a ruthless attacking display in La Liga on Sunday. 

The Portuguese led the way as Real sought to keep in the title chase after an inconsistent season so far that still leaves them in third place, four points behind leaders Barcelona. 

Karim Benzema headed in a whipped cross from James Rodriguez after seven minutes and then Ronaldo won and struck home a penalty. 

A Rodriguez strike was deflected in after 16 minutes and Ronaldo showed a sublime touch to beat two players and curl a 20 yard shot into the corner before halftime. 

Ronaldo headed in from close range after 82 minutes and is now joint top scorer in La Liga on 19 goals with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. 

Espanyol’s misery was complete with an own-goal from Oscar Duarte.

Barca are three points clear, on 51 points, after their 2-1 victory in the top of the table clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday. 

Ronaldo gave his backing to coach Zinedine Zidane with the side having scored 16 goals in three home games since he took over from Rafa Benitez. 

‘Zidane is doing well and you can see the results on the pitch,’ Ronaldo told reporters. ‘Zidane has come with a different idea of work and the atmosphere is better. We are winning by big margins. 

‘We will keeping chasing Barcelona and Atletico, and see where we are at the end of the season.’ 

Valencia manager Gary Neville’s wait for a first La Liga win continued after a 1-0 home defeat by lowly Sporting Gijon. 

Former England and Manchester United defender Neville, who took on his first head coaching job at the start of December, has gone eight league games without a victory. Valencia have slipped to 12th place and have not won in 11 La Liga games in total, including under previous coach Nuno Espirito Santo, their worst run since 1986. 

Antonio Sanabria’s 50th-minute penalty gave Sporting victory.

Kevin Gameiro, Vicente Iborra and Yevhen Konoplyanka were on target for in-form Sevilla who moved up to fifth with a 3-1 victory over Levante. 

Big time Suarez delivers again

Luis Suarez

Always the man for the big occasion, Luis Suarez was Barcelona’s match-winner once more as the European champions took firm control of the La Liga title race by defeating closest rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1. Barca were far from their best on Saturday, outplayed for the first half hour, they fell behind early on.

Yet, even Atletico’s rock solid defence was powerless to stop a two-goal burst in eight minutes just before half-time from Lionel Messi and Suarez. Victory moves Luis Enrique’s men three points clear of Atletico – having also played a game less – and seven ahead of third-placed Real Madrid. Suarez’s winning goal was strikingly reminiscent of his strike that beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the height of last season’s battle for the Liga title. 

Using his body strength to hold off Jose Maria Gimenez, he controlled a long ball from Dani Alves before firing into the corner with his second touch. Since his controversial signing for Barca after biting an opponent for the third time in his career at the World Cup 18 months ago – which led to a four-month ban – Suarez has consistently been the man to turn the big games in the Blaugrana’s favour. He scored the decisive second goal in the Champions League final as Juventus were downed 3-1 and twice more against Real Madrid in a 4-0 humiliation of Los Blancos earlier this season.

Moreover, his presence has completely changed the trajectory of the Barca-Atletico rivalry. The season before his arrival, Atletico went six games unbeaten against the Catalans, knocking them out of the Champions League and winning the Liga title in a final day showdown at the Camp Nou. Since then, Saturday’s win takes Barca’s winning streak against Los Rojiblancos to six, including returning the favour by winning the title at the Vicente Calderon last season. 

‘He is such an important player, he makes the difference. Without doubt his arrival has given Barcelona more penetration than they already had,’ said Atletico boss Diego Simeone. ‘He has different qualities to the rest. He is strong, a typical number nine in the area, he is a very complete player and he has enriched Barcelona.’ Partly due to his previous indiscretions, Suarez has had to watch his strike partners Messi and Neymar be paraded whilst he was sidelined during the recent individual awards season. 

Yet, it is he who has scored more goals this season than anyone else in Europe with 31 in 32 games. Suarez even took on the goalscoring mantle to keep Barca on top when Messi was out injured for two months earlier in this season. ‘I think he was already a very complete player at Liverpool and here he has been even better,’ said Barca boss Luis Enrique. ‘Luis gives us a lot of things and all of them are positive.’ Since both Luis’ arrived at Barcelona, they’ve won five of a possible six trophies. 

Kerber stuns Serena to protect idol Graf’s record

Angelique Kerber

On a night when Steffi Graf loomed large over Rod Laver Arena, an inspired Angelique Kerber stunned Serena Williams in a three-set classic to win the Australian Open on Saturday and become Germany’s first grand slam champion in 17 years. 

In the ultimate tribute to her childhood hero, Kerber foiled Williams’s bid to match the German great’s tally of grand slam titles, closing out a magnificent 6-4 3-6 6-4 win in her first major final. 

The seventh seed’s triumph secured her nation’s first grand slam win since Graf raised her 22nd and final trophy at the 1999 French Open. 

‘Yeah, I think I helped Steffi right now,’ a beaming Kerber told reporters. ‘This is the first big tournament of the year, and I won it, the first grand slam. It sounds crazy, but I can say I’m a grand slam champion now.’ 

Kerber sought inspiration from Graf during a trip to the 46-year-old’s Las Vegas home last year and put in a performance worthy of her mentor.

She defended brilliantly throughout the two-hour and eight-minute cliff-hanger, showing nerves of steel to fend off Williams who had roared back from 5-2 down in the deciding set. 

In a final game riven with tension, Williams succumbed on the first match point with a volley that floated well past the baseline. 

Kerber was already flopping to the ground before the ball had landed, and she flung her racquet away as a packed crowd of 15,000 roared in elation and disbelief. 

The 24-year-old Williams has no liking for runner-up finishes at grand slams, and her defeat was the first in a final since her shock loss to Sam Stosur at the 2011 US Open. Her hopes of pulling off a rare calendar grand slam were left in tatters once again, only four months after they were crushed in the US Open semi-finals by Italian Roberta Vinci. 

Williams was nonetheless gracious in defeat, walking directly to Kerber’s side of the court to embrace her warmly as the champion wept with joy. ‘She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from: just to always stay positive and to never give up,’ Williams told reporters. ‘I was really inspired by that. So, honestly, she’s a really good girl. If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did. ‘I mean, every time I walk in this room, everyone expects me to win every single match, every single day of my life. As much as I would like to be a robot, I’m not. I try to.’ 

It was instead an all-too-human display by Williams in an opening set laden with 23 unforced errors — 20 more than her opponent. Kerber broke her twice to wrap up the set before Williams regrouped to send the match into a decider, accompanied by screams of ‘C’mon!’ 

Atletico appeal transfer ban

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid lodged an appeal Monday against a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA over their dealing in under-age players.

The ban starts from the July transfer window this year and finishes with the January transfer market in 2017. 

Real Madrid were hit with the same punishment.

Atletico were also fined 900,000 Swiss francs (820,000 euros) and Real 360,000 (330,000 euros). However, both clubs are still allowed to sign players until the end of the month. 

Atletico in a statement announced that they had ‘lodged an appeal against the decision by FIFA’s disciplinary commission’. 

World football’s governing body FIFA said the alarm was raised over the two clubs by FIFA’s Transfer Matching System and its disciplinary committee completed the inquiry. 

Under international football rules, players under 18 cannot be transferred to another country, except in limited circumstances. All transfers need the approval of a special FIFA committee. 

European champions Barcelona have just completed a one year ban for similar reasons. 

Counter Attack of Bernard Tomic!

Bernard Tomic

So Bernard Tomic has a 'reputation' to speak loose words! That's why, can he gibe Roger Federer (!) Australian tennis player slebor said, at the moment Federer is behind to Novak Djokovic!

Federer knows it also! But suddenly why this bad boy is distraught on Federer? Bernard Tomic is anger for a speech of Federer. Federer said about Bernard Tomic, He has come with many promises, but couldn't show anything! At the beginning of the year he plays a little bit well in the Australian Open, after he plays nothing!

Federer reminded to Tomic, a year makes with 52 weeks not only with one week! Tomic feels anger for this.

Messi to the rescue for Barcelona

Leonel Messi

Lionel Messi scored a spectacular winner as Barcelona moved to the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday.

The European champions were handed the perfect start when Munir El Haddadi tapped home the opener after just 64 seconds, but were far from their best and Malaga deservedly levelled through Juanpi either minutes before the break. 

Messi had been struggling with a slight hamstring strain in the past week, but the five-time World Player of the Year made the difference once more as he volleyed home his 20th goal of the season to move Barca a point clear of Atletico Madrid in top spot. Atletico and Real Madrid – who now trail Barca by five points – are both in action on Sunday when they face Sevilla and Real Betis respectively. 

Barcelona were without the injured Neymar and suspended Gerard Pique, but did have the luxury of welcoming back Messi and Luis Suarez after they missed the 2-1 win Copa del Rey win at Athletic Bilbao in midweek. 

And Suarez made a telling impact after just a minute as he wriggled clear inside the area and although his low shot was kept out by Carlos Kameni, the ball fell invitingly for El Haddadi to tap home his fourth goal in three games. 

Despite a great start, though, Barca were completely outplayed by Malaga in the first-half and were only saved by some wasteful play by the hosts in the final third. 

Malaga got on level terms as Barca again gave the ball away needlessly inside their own half and Charles teed up Juanpi, whose effort deflected in off Mascherano. 

However, Barca could still have been ahead at the break as Kameni made a fine low save to deny El Haddadi his second and Miguel Torres produced a brilliant block to prevent Messi rolling home the rebound into an empty net.

Love for Andrew!

Andrew's daughter with Liverpool Jersey

May be the wailing and lamentation can go away from Liverpool fans after a long time in this season. After two eras later All Reds can be the delight of the wining of a title. Liverpool fans surely was bursting of spirit wining against Manchester City the major rival of the title yesterday. Because this victory has closed enough their favorite team Liverpool to win the English Premier League title after 1990. Andrew Nari was one of hundreds of Liverpool fans from around the world. He would be too glad to win the favorite team. But he did not go to see the final stages of this historic success! Malaysian Airlines plane missing since last month as the underpinnings of his existence!

On that day, Andrew served as Chief Stewards of the missing aircraft. Seemed to fly with passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. From the day of the occurrence his family does not know what happened on his fate really. The family cannot accept him dead until they don't get any evidence. After over a month they believe Andrew will come back one day. 

Andrew greatly loved football. Liverpool was the peer of his life. Recently a tweet of his daughter Maria blast shook the social networking world, 'Dad, Liverpool has won the match, please come back to watch the match.' This Tweet has shaken the authorities of the Liverpool club also. Andrew has recognized as a special supporter. A few days ago his daughter Maria got an 'All Red' jersey written his father's name.

Maria was excited by getting a new jersey. Again she has written on Twitter to her father,  'Dad, it's for you. I'm sure it will get you the most happy people in the world. '  Maria also wished to Liverpool.  Dad's favorite team can win the title in this season this year, she hoped so. She has written on twitter, 'I hope Liverpool will be at the top of the all-time points list, and you will win the title. For my father, for us and for all Liverpool supporters. 

Champions League: Ronaldo inflicts on Messi's record

Cristiano Ronaldo

A record for the highest goalscorer in the Champions League so far this season was under control of Lionel Messi's own. In Champions League this Argentine star had 14 goals in 2011-12 season.  Yesterday Cristiano Ronaldo inflicted on Messi's record. Scoring a goal against Dortmund Ronaldo has touched Messi.

In 2011-12 season Messi had to play 11 matches to score 14 goals. And now, Ronaldo has 14 goals in just eight matches played in this season in Champions League.  On average of goals Ronaldo has scored a goal on every 50.71 minutes. There was hardly anyone in the Champions League and to the goals of this rate. In 2011-12 season Messi scored a goal on every 70.71 minutes. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy is closer to the average of goals as Ronaldo. This dutch star scored a goal on every 57 minutes in 2002-03 season in Champions League. He was the highest scorer with twelve goals in that season in Champions League. Messi had broken this record scoring 12 goals in 2010-11 season. On next year Messi overtoped Nistelrooy scoring 14 goals.

In this season in Champions League Ronaldo would be able to break this record of 14 goals.  Winning against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter finals of the first leg by 3-0 Real Madrid is ahead of the semi-final. If Real Madrid can not go to the final, though they have still three matches to play.  Although one of the goals in three matches this season as the top scorer Ronaldo's name alone will be written.

During this season, the highest goal scorer in the list after Ronaldo is Zlatan Ibrahimović.  He has scored 10 goals in this season in Champions League. Messi is at number three in this list. He has scored 8 goals in this season.

Champions League: Barcelona is in danger!

UEFA Champions League

Anyone can be the assailant who is familiar in secure fortress. Xavi are afraid of this. Since Atletico Madrid keeps all of the ins and outs of Barça, anything can happen.

First leg of the quarter final of Barca-Atletico Madrid match in the Champions League should store an adventure today. This season, the two teams could not beat each other in three meetings. Xavi knows how much it should be difficult to beat Atletico Madrid.

But tonight, in Champions League Bayern Munich - Manchester United match could be the content of the debate. Last season when the two teams faced a desperate affair of honor was expecting.  This time it may be desperate but only for Bayern Munich! United in that situation, it would be  a 'strange' if Manchester United will beat Bayern Munich in their own home ground.

However United coach David Moise is not agreeing to concede a defeat against Bayern Munich,  'We know how hard our game, We will try to take the chance where they have a little bit of weaknesses'. 

Winning the Bundesliga title remaining seven matches Josep Guardiola's team Bayern Munich is now concentrating on  Champions League title. However, Manchester United is far away from the English Premier League title and they may not be qualified for the next Champions League.

In that sense Barca-Atletico Madrid match will be much more competitive today in the Champions League. Xavi feels a little uncomfortable, 'I do not want to play in the Champions League with the Spanish team. I would rather play with someone else in the league. We are very well known to Atletico. They do not give you the opportunity. They are very handy and frozen in defense, well in attacking'.

Atletico midfielder Koke, however, happy to play in the quarterfinals, ' You do not play it every day in the quarterfinals. We want to show the performances against a very tough opponent'.

T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014: Worry-free India, Endangered Australia

T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014

If someone had said before the tournament starts, Australia will be looking at Bangladesh for playing in semi-final. George Bailey certainly looked with incredible eye! The team came up with it one of the favorites for the title. But they have lost two consecutive matches and reached on the edge of the shaft. Bailey's team now, so have to really look on Bangladesh! If today Bangladesh will lose the first match at Mirpur against Pakistan, then India - Australia match will be the match of the rule. Then on 1st April, Pakistan - West Indies match will be the unofficial 'quarter-final'! The winning team of that match will be India's partner of this group in semi final.

If Bangladesh will win, a little bit of hops will alive for Australia. Then Australia will be looking to win their remaining two matches and also it depends on Pakistan - West Indies match.  If Pakistan will win that match then the calculation will come  of run rate.

This difficult equation is not unknown to Australia, Bailey has persuaded the day before yesterday after losing against West Indies, 'We have not yet calculated, However, I realize that the situation has become much harder for us. Before the start of the tournament we thought a defeat maybe not too much damage. But now I am not sure will we able to manage the loss of two defeats or not'.

Australia is now uncertain to play in the semi final, however, India is now worry free to play in the semi final. After South Africa - New Zealand tour and due to the failure of the Asia Cup India team were not favorite branded in T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014. However, IPL scandals rocked the Indian cricket. As the first team to put away those debates they have reached in the semifinals of the tournament and India gets an opportunity to examine them today against Australia.

Title dreams stumbled of Real Madrid

Real Madrid lost

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said before El Clasico, 'Who will be the champion, will ensure that the last match of the season'. But the Real's points are still at the top of the table then. Yet one reason for cautions speech of Real coach, Unlike the image of La Liga. This time not only two horses, Three horses in the war. Atletico Madrid is also necked with Barcelona and Real Madrid. These three title rivals played last Wednesday night. Barca and Atletico won but Real Madrid lost. Barca and Atletico went to ahead to win the title but Real deferred.

Real Madrid had a great starting in Sevilla's home ground. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal from 25 yards away in the 14th minute. That was the 27th goal of the Portuguese winger of the League. But Real's goal to pay back takes just five minutes to Sevilla. Sevilla turned into equal by Columbian striker Carlos Bakkar's goal.But the rest of the game was still in amazement. 

Carlos took to the stake to kill the monster. Sevilla striker came in the scenario again in the 72nd minute. He forwarded Sevilla by a tremendous goal. The goal was not to pay the Real Madrid. But Real Madrid dominated the whole match.  Real had 68 percent possession, where Sevilla had only 32 percent possession. Real had seven shots to the goal, Sevilla had only two and they succeeded in both.

Now Real Madrid at number three in points table where they were at number one in the last week. Real Madrid's 70 points playing 30 matches. Atletico have 73 points and 72 of Barca playing same numbers of matches.

T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014: LED Stumps flash lights!

LED Stumps

Cricket World has revolted from start ICC T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014 in Bangladesh. And you are indeed watching T-20 Cricket World Cup 2014? You may have noticed this year stumps are flashing lights in World Cup matches!

Stumps are not like before. The lights flash as the bail dislodges from stumps! This year's World Cup, this is a new technology 'LED Stumps'. This is called 'Zings Stumps'.

If any little touch begins to boil it sends a wireless wave and light flashes. It takes less than a fifth of a second. The stumps have been used to make the composite plastic and it has a sensor that is particularly associated with Microprocessor.

Before, the winning team's players would have to take wickets as souvenir or memorabilia. But this world cup they could not take any bail or wicket. Stumps are so expensive! The total price of 40 dollars for six stumps used in each match! An  Australian company has made these stumps.

The inventor Brandi Ackerman has informed, For each match, we're using patented technology which is worth 40 thousand dollars. Each bail price equal to the price of an iPhone.  At the end of the game, so now we could not able to give them any bail or wicket. 

This is not the first time the use of Zing system's stumps. Before this world cup it has been used in Australian home T-20 league, New Zealand and West Indias also. Though this system has been used any of the events organized by the ICC in Bangladesh for the first time.

Ackerman thinks, The price will be reduced if such stumps will be popular. If within the next few years the price will arrive at fingertips then players would take these stumps or bail as  souvenir or memorabilia.