Bundesliga Game of the Week: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Hannover

Borussia Dortmund got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against 8th placed Hannover. Striker Robert Lewandowski started after reports he could miss out and took only 8 minutes to put the home side ahead comfortably slotting home. He then doubled his own and team's tally in the 21st minute tapping home after the Hannover keeper could only parry a effort. The away team kept plugging away though and were rewarded with 5 minutes to play in the half. After a mix up in defence Abdellaoue was able to head the ball over the line to halve the deficit.

The home side were able to get back in control with the game in the second half, largely down to the introduction of midfielder Gotze. The game was wrapped up in the 73rd minute when Schieber cool fired home from 18 yards after a run and cut back from captain Jacob Blaszczykowski. Dortmund remain in 2nd place and Hannover continue their poor away form, losing 9 out of 12.

Starting Line Ups:
Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Subotic, Groskreutz, Schmelzer, Santana, Blaszczykowski (Bender), Gundogan (Gotze), Reus (Sahin), Kehl, Schieber, Lewandowski

Hannover 96: Zieler, Chahed, Pocognoli, Schulz, Djourou (Schlaudraff), Konan, Pinto, Rausch (Schmiedebach), Hoffmann, Sobiech, Abdellaoue (Haggui).

La Liga Game of The Week: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Real Madrid warmed up for Tuesday's crunch Champions League tie against Manchester United with their second victory against Barcelona in a week, this time with an under strengthen side. Madrid started without Ronaldo, Ozil and Khedira but they showed no sign of struggling against their rivals when Karim Benzema put the home side ahead from close range after just 6 minutes.

A strong Barcelona outfit struck back within 15 minutes of going a goal behind when Lionel Messi cut inside and fired under Diego Lopez in the Real goal. Barcelona dominated the possession but with the match their for the taking the home side introduced Ronaldo in hope of getting the win. And that came with only 8 minutes to play when Sergio Ramos rose highest to nod home and take all 3 points.

Victor Valdes received a red card after the final whistle for his protests to the referee.

Starting Line Up:
Real Madrid: Diego Lopez, Varane, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao (Arbeloa 69), Kaka (Khedira, 58), Modric, Essien, Callejon, Morata, Benzema (Ronaldo 58)]

Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Mascherano, Alba, Pique, Iniesta, Thiago (Tello 85), Busquets, Villa (Sanchez 67), Messi, Pedro (Adriano 77)

Premier League Game of the Week: Tottenham Hotspur Vs Arsenal 3/3/13

I don't think anyone will argue that the Premier League Game of the Week this weekend is the North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal on Sunday. As well as the usual atmosphere with this type of game, it has an extra edge this weekend as the home side currently sit 4 points ahead of Arsenal, and are looking to finish above them in the league for the first time in 18 years. A win for Spurs would put them 7 points clear of Arsenal, and in a very good position with 10 games remaining, as they eye a place back in the Champions League next season. However, a win for Arsenal would make things very tight at the top, and give them a much needed boost.

Both sides are in good form in the league, with Tottenham not losing a game in 2013, and Arsenal winning their last 3, against Stoke, Sunderland and Aston Villa, respectively. Arsenal won the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium 5-2, but they haven't won at White Hart Lane since 2007, so the home side will go into this one the favourites.

Player to Watch: With 6 goals in his last 4 league games, including two in a 3-2 win against West Ham on Monday night, the Player to Watch in this match is without doubt Tottenham's Gareth Bale. He is in the form of his life at the moment, and has scored 4 goals in North London derbies since moving to Tottenham in 2007, so could make the difference yet again this weekend.

Follow @Soccer_Xtra for team news and live score updates throughout the game, and check back to www.soccer-xtra.blogspot.com for a match report afterwards.

Bundesliga Game of the Week: Borussia Dortmund Vs Hannover 96 2/3/13

Borussia Dortmund will be looking to get back to winning ways after last weeks 1-0 defeat to league leaders Bayern Munich. Top scorer Lewandoski is set to miss out for home side and with Hannover coming into the game off a 5-1 home win against Hamburg it will prove to be a tight affair.

The away side sit in 8th position, looking to continue on a good run of form that could see a late charge for a major European cup place. Last week's defeat to Bayern leaves the home side 17 points adrift of top spot and will now be looking over their shoulders at Bayer Leverkusen who sit only 1 point behind them in third.

Player to watch: With Dortmund in desperate need of 3 points Marco Rues will no doubt be key to any success the home side are going to have. With Lewandoski missing the young German international will have to provide the ammunition.


Soccer Xtra Prediction: Dortmund 2-1 Hannover

La Liga Game of the Week: Real Madrid Vs Barcelona 2/3/13

Real Madrid and Barcelona meet for the second time in a week after Madrid's comfortable 3-0 victory at the Nou Camp in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey. With Barcelona having already seemingly wrapped up the league the game will have no barring on where the title ends up but will still have an edge to it with Barcelona looking for revenge for the cup exit.

A win for the away side will put them 19 points clear of their hosts and there's no doubt that the men from Madrid will have one eye on their midweek tie with Manchester United which is nicely poised at 1-1. A win for Madrid will put them within touching distance of their neighbours Atletico.

Players to watch: In a game littered with world class talent it is hard to look past current Balon D'or winner Lionel Messi. After a quiet game on Tuesday night he will be looking to add to his 38 league goals so far this season.



Soccer Xtra Prediction: Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona

Serie A Game of the Week: Napoli 1-1 Juventus

The Serie A Game of the Week between league leaders Juventus and second placed Napoli has ended in a 1-1 draw. The away side took the lead after just 10 minutes, when Giorgio Chiellini got on the end of a superb cross by Andrea Pirlo, and powered a header past the helpless Morgan de Sanctis. Juventus continued to dominate the early parts of the game, and had a great chance to double their lead when Mirko Vucinic was put through, but was denied by a superb one handed save by de Sanctis.

Napoli managed to capitalise on Juventus' failure to add to their lead just before half time, when Gokhan Inler let fly with a superb shot from 25 yards, and after a slight deflection, beat Buffon in the Juve goal. There was a moment of controversy a couple of minutes later when Edinson Cavani looked to have elbowed Chiellini after the defender pulled his hair, but the striker was only given a yellow card for what easily could have been a red.

The second half was end to end from start to finish, with plenty of chances for both sides, but Napoli definitely had the best of them. Both Marek Hamsik and Christian Maggio forced good saves from Buffon, but the clearest of chances fell to substitute Blerim Dzemaili. The Juve keeper parried a Hamsik shot, but Dzemaili unbelievably fired wide of an open goal.

Juventus still sit 6 points clear at the top of Serie A, in pole position for back to back league titles.

Starting Line Ups:

Napoli: De Sanctis, Cannavaro, Campagnaro, Britos (Dzemaili 47), Maggio, Inler (Armero 85), Behrami, Zuniga, Hamsik, Pandev (Insigne 67), Cavani.

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio (Padonin 90), Peluso, Giovinco (Matri 75), Vučinić (Pogba 86)

Serie A Game of the Week: Napoli Vs Juventus 1/3/13

The two top teams in the Italy come up against each other in the Serie A Game of the Week this weekend, when Napoli host Champions Juventus on Friday night in Naples. A win is a must for the home side if they are going to push Juve all the way for the title, as they currently sit 6 points behind The Old Lady in second place. You would think that a win for Juve will end Napoli's hope of a first Serie A title since 1990.

Juventus will go into the game as favourites, as they won 2-0 in the return fixture back in October, and Napoli haven't been in the best of form themselves recently, winning just 2 of the last 6, drawing their last 3 league games to Udinese, Sampdoria and Lazio, scoring just one in those 3 games.

Player to watch: Even though he hasn't scored since Napoli's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on January 20th, the Serie A top scorer with 18 goals Edinson Cavani is the Player to Watch in Friday's match. Napoli have struggled to score of late, which is no coincidence with Cavani's barren spell in front of goal, but they will be hoping he is back to his best if they are to beat the Champions.

Follow @Soccer_Xtra for team news and live score updates throughout the game, and check back to www.soccer-xtra.blogspot.com for a match report afterwards.

La Liga Game of the Week: Real Betis 3-0 Malaga

Real Betis moved to within 1 point of 6th placed Real Sociedad with a comfortable 3-0 home victory against Champions League chasing Malaga. The home side made a fantastic start and were ahead after just 30 seconds when Jorge Molina headed past keeper Willy at the near post from a corner. Betis doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Mario Alvarez headed home from another corner which saw more poor defending from Malaga.

The home team wrapped up the points on the stroke of half time after a flowing Betis move first saw Dorlan Pabon's header well saved by Willy, but the forward was on hand to turn the ball home from a tight angle. Ignacio Camacho received a red card on the hour mark for the away side after picking up two bookings to rub salt into the wounds, but their was no further goals leaving Malaga only 1 point clear of 5th placed Valencia after the weeks matches.

Starting Line Ups:
Real Betis: Adrian, Nacho, Angel, Mario, Amaya, Benat, Canas, Carlos, Molina, Pabon, Campbell

Malaga: Caballero, Demichelis, Lugano, Antunes, Sanchez, Joaquinm Toulalan, Camacho, Isco, Portillo, Saviola

Serie A Game of the Week: Inter 1-1 AC Milan

The Serie A Game of the Week between Inter and AC Milan has ended as a 1-1 draw this evening. Milan dominated the first half, and opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Kevin Prince Boateng superbly found Stephan El Shaarawy, and the forward expertly finished past Inter 'keeper Samir Handanovic with the outside of his right foot. AC could, and should, have scored more before the half time whistle was blown, with Mario Balotelli having a header brilliantly saved by Handanovic, before the former Man City striker poked a shot straight at Handanovic minutes later. Inter would have been happy to still be in with a chance at half time.

And Inter began the second half far better than they did the first, with Guarin forcing a superb save from Abbiati, and with 20 minutes remaining, they were rewarded for their improvement. Nagatomo crossed for substitute Ezequiel Schelotto on his Milan Derby debut to head past Abbiati in Milan's goal, and equalise for the home side. The final part of the game was end to end as both sides went in search for a winner, but no real clear cut chances were created, with the game ending all square at 1-1. Inter remain 5th on 44 points, 2 places and 1 point behind 3rd placed Milan.

Starting Line Ups:

Inter: Handanovic, Zanetti, Juan Jesus, Ranocchia, Nagatomo (Chivu 77), Gargano, Cambiasso (Schelotto 68), Alvarez (Kuzmanovic 74), Guarin, Palacio, Cassano.

AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Zapata, Mexes, De Sciglio, Muntari (Ambrosini 90), Montolivo, Nocerino, Boateng (Niang 81), Balotelli, El Shaarawy (Bojan 87)

Premier League Game of the Week: Manchester City 2-0 Chelsea

Manchester City did all they could to try and keep pressure on local rivals Manchester United with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. Both sides started the game nervy with real cut chances few and far between. It wasn't until after the interval that the game sprung into life.

5 minutes into the second half Demba Ba beat the offside trap and was fouled in the penalty area by an onrushing Joe Hart leaving the referee no option but to point to the spot. But Frank Lampard saw his penalty superbly saved by Hart which kicked the home side into life. 10 minutes later and the home side were ahead. Yaya Toure collected the ball on the edge of the area, skipped past 2 defenders before curling the ball past Petr Cech and into the far post. And the game was ended as a contest with 5 minutes to play when Carlos Tevez smashed home from just outside the box.

Starting Line Ups:

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Clichy, K Toure, Nastasic, Milner, Garcia, Rodwell (Tevez), Silva (Lescott), Y Toure, Aguero (Nasri)

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, David Luiz, Cahill, Ramires, Lampard (Oscar), Mata, Mikel (Torres), Hazard (Moses), Ba

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La Liga Game of the Week: Real Betis Vs Malaga 24/2/13

Fourth placed Malaga will be looking to strengthen their hold on their Champions League place when they travel to Betis having won their last 2 away league games. But the home side sit in 8th position and are unbeaten in their last 3, but have not beaten Malaga in the league until 2004.

A win for Malaga will move them to within four points of third place Real Madrid, who came from a goal down to win at Deportivo on Saturday and a win for the home side will move them into 7th place and give them a realistic chance of a Europa League place at worst.

Player to Watch: The Spanish midfielder has been key to Malaga's success in both the league and Champions League this season and will no doubt spearhead any threat the away side have. Isco was recently capped by Spain in a 3-1 win against Uruguay.

Soccer_Xtra Prediction: Real Betis 1-3 Malaga

Premier League Game of the Week: Man City Vs Chelsea 24/2/13

The Premier League game of the week involves the English Champions and European Champions, in a must win game for the home side. Roberto Mancini's side currently sit 15 points behind rivals Manchester United at the top of the table and anything but a win would surely see an end to City's title hopes.

Chelsea come into the game after scrapping through the their Europa League tie against Sparta Prague thanks to a late Eden Hazard strike. Chelsea have a impressive record away at City in the League winning 10 out of 15 meetings but have lost on their last 3 visits to the Etihad Stadium in the league. If Manchester City fail to win it will be the first time they have gone 4 league games without victory since November 2009.

Player to Watch: Chelsea's midfielder Frank Lampard has been in fantastic form since the turn of the year and is only 3 goals behind Bobby Tambling's All time club record. He makes his 550th appearance for the club and will be key if Chelsea are to have any success tomorrow.

Soccer_Xtra Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Chelsea

Serie A Game of the Week: Inter Milan Vs AC Milan 24/2/13

The Serie A game of the week this weekend is without doubt the Milan derby between Inter and AC Milan this Sunday evening. Neither Inter or AC look like they will challenge Juventus for the Serie A title, but that takes nothing away from the importance of the game to the fans of both sides. Just 1 point separates the two teams currently, with AC sitting in 3rd on 44 points, and Inter 5th on 43 points.

With only the top 3 in the Serie A qualifying for the Champions League the following season, it looks as if Inter and AC will be fighting it out for 3rd place, as Juve and Napoli look likely to occupy the top two positions come May. Form does go out of the window in fixtures of such magnitude, but Milan must be the more confident of the two after beating Parma 2-1 in their last Serie A fixture, whereas Inter lost 4-1 away to fellow Champions League hopefuls Fiorentina, applying more pressure onto manager Andrea Stramaccioni.

Player to watch: The player we feel that could have a massive impact on this game is Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Balotelli of course left Inter for Manchester City in 2010, before signing for boyhood club AC last month. He has scored 4 times in 3 league games so far, meaning he is heading into his first game against his old club in prime form.

Soccer_Xtra Prediction: Inter 1-3 AC Milan

Bundesliga Game of the Week: SC Freiburg 0-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

The Bundesliga Game of the Week between SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt wasn't what it was built up to be, as it ended in a disappointing goalless draw. It was an even, but feisty affair, with the possession equally shared between the two sides, as neither could break the other down, as they looked to strengthen their position in the Champions League places.

Frankfurt remain 4th in Bundesliga with 38 points from their 23 games, 1 place ahead of SC Freiburg, who are on 35 points from the same amount of matches. Both Hamburg and Mainz 05 play in the Bundesliga tomorrow, and can overtake Freiburg with a victory.

Starting Line Ups: 

SC Freiburg: Baumann, Schmid, Ginter, Diagne (Krmas 54), Sorg, Schuster, Makiadi, Caligiuri, Guede (Flum 61), Kruse, Rosenthal (Terrazzino 86)

Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp, Jung, Zambrano, Anderson, Oczipka, Schwegler, Rode, Aigner (Lanig 88), Meier, Celozzi, Matmour (Occean 45)

Bundesliga Game of the Week: SC Freiburg Vs Eintracht Frankfurt 22/2/13

The game of the week in the Bundesliga for this weekend is between two Champions League chasing sides, SC Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday evening. The home side sit one position and 3 points behind their opposition in 5th place, but a win would take them above Frankfurt on goal difference.

Frankfurt head into the game confident after coming behind to beat Freiburg in the reverse fixture at the end of September 2012 2-1, thanks to a brace from Alexander Meier. However, they haven't won for 3 games since a 2-0 win at Hamburg at the beginning of the month, so will need to find some form against a Freiburg team who have won their last 2 in the Bundesliga, including a superb 3-2 win at Werder Bremen last time out.

Player to watch: With 6 goals and 6 assists in 22 Bundesliga games so far this season, Freiburg's Max Kruse is the player to watch in this fixture. The 24 year old scored Freiburg's goal in their defeat to Frankfurt in September, and opened the scoring against Werder Bremen last weekend, contributing to a steady start to his Freiburg career after moving from FC St. Pauli last summer.

Soccer_Xtra Prediction: SC Freiburg 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

La Liga Round Up 3/2/13

Malaga 1-1 Real Zaragoza

4th placed Malaga were held to a 1-1 draw at home to 15th placed Real Zaragoza. Without the now departed Nacho Monreal, the home side went a goal down inside a quarter of an hour, when Portugal striker Helder Postiga put Zaragoza into the lead. The lead lasted less than 10 minutes though, as Isco fired home a penalty to level for Malaga in the 23rd minute. However, Malaga couldn't find a winner in the remaining 70 minutes of the match, despite the away side having Jose Mari sent off late on.

Sevilla 2-1 Rayo Vallecano
Sevilla moved up to 11th in La Liga with a 2-1 win over Champions League hopefuls Rayo Vallecano. The first half was goalless up until the final minute, where Ivan Rakitic put the home side into the lead. Alejandro Dominguez equalised for Rayo shortly after half time, but within 4 minutes of that goal, Alvaro Negredo restored Sevilla's lead. They held onto their advantage to move onto 29 points, with Vallecano staying 7th on  34.

Valencia 1-1 Barcelona 
Valencia have moved up to 7th in La Liga after holding leaders Barcelona to a 1-1 draw this evening. Despite turning up late to training on Thursday, in a rather unfit state should we say, Ever Banega was named in the Valencia starting line up, and opened the scoring midway through the first half. However, the lead didn't last long, as Pedro was fouled in the box, and Lionel Messi fired home the equaliser from the spot. Barca certainly weren't at their best and struggled to create any clear cut chances in the second half, with the game ending level after neither side could a winner.

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Betis
Diego Costa's goal gave Atletico a vital win to move 2 points closer to leader Barcelona. In a tight game it was Costa's strike on the hour mark that separated the sides and move the home side 7 points of local rivals Real.

Real Sociedad 3-0 Mallorca
Real Mallorca remained in trouble at the bottom of La Liga after a 3-0 defeat at mid table Sociedad. After a goalless first 25 minutes Mallorca were reduced to ten men when Marquez was shown a second yellow card. This opened the floodgates and three second half goals from Castro, Vela and Ifran gave the home side the 3 points.

Bundesliga Round Up 3/2/13

Nurnberg 2-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
FC Nurnberg held on to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 this afternoon. The home side were awarded a penalty early, which was converted by experienced defender Timmy Simons. Tomas Pekhart doubled the lead on the half hour mark, as Nurnberg looked as if they would pick up a much needed victory. However, Patrick Herrmann clawed a goal back for Gladbach 15 minutes into the second half to give the home side a scare, but Nurnberg were strong enough to hold out for the victory, moving up to 14th.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
Despite a second half comeback from the home side, Borussia Dortmund have beaten 2nd placed Bayer Leverkusen to move above them in the table. The away side were quickly into their stride, going 2 to the good within 10 minutes, with goals from Marco Reus and Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski, the latter from the penalty spot. It took until 15 minutes into the second half before Leverkusen could strike back, when Stefan Reinartz scored, and just 5 minutes later, the comeback was complete when defender Reinartz scored again. However, less than 60 seconds later, Robert Lewandowski put Dortmund back in front which seemed to the knock the wind out of the home side. Dortmund hanged on for the 3 points, despite a missed penalty by "Kuba".

Premier League Round Up 3/2/13

West Brom 0-1 Tottenham
Tottenham capitalised on Chelsea losing yesterday, by beating 10-man West Bromwich Albio to move within 1 point of their London rivals. The home side dominated the first half, but failed to open the scoring, with Shane Long spurring numerous chances. Straight after half time, West Brom defender Goran Popov appeared to spit at Tottenham's Kyle Walker, and was given a straight red card. Tottenham dominated the game from there on in, with the only goal of the game scored by Gareth Bale 20 minutes from time.

Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool
The Barclays Premier League Champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. Edin Dzeko opened the scoring for Manchester City after 23 minutes, as they looked to reduce Manchester United's lead at the top of the league to 7 points with a win. However, just 6 minutes later, Daniel Sturridge fired home a superb equaliser against his old club to draw Liverpool level.

The away side started to dominate the game, and with less than 20 minutes remaining, captain Steven Gerrard fired home a superb trademark volley from 25 yards, leaving Joe Hart helpless. But almost immediately, City were level, as Pepe Reina came out to close down Sergio Aguero, but the Argentine took the ball around the Spaniard and produced an outstanding finish from a tight angle.

Serie A Round Up 3/2/13

Chievo 1-2 Juventus
Juventus restored their 3 point advantage over Napoli in the early kick off in Serie A today, with a 2-1 win away at Chievo. Alessandro Matri gave the league leaders the perfect start, when he scored inside 10 minutes. Stephan Lichsteiner made it 2 just before half time, as Juventus looked to have had the game won already. However, Chievo got a goal back through Cyril Thereau just after the break to scare the away side, but an equaliser wasn't to arrive, as Chievo remain 12th in Serie A on 28 points from their 23 games.

Fiorentina 2-0 Parma
Fiorentina eased to victory this afternoon against 10th placed Parma. Luca Toni gave the home side the lead half an hour into the game, and from there on in, they never looked like giving up all 3 points. Stevan Jovetic doubled Fiorentina's advantage just after half time, and even though they couldn't get the 3rd goal, Fiorentina won comfortably.

Genoa 3-2 Lazio
Lazio's second half comeback wasn't enough, as they lost 3-2 away at Genoa, but remain in 3rd place in Serie A. Marco Borriello gave the home side an early lead, which was quickly doubled by Andrea Bertolacci. Sergio Floccari got one back for Lazio just after half time, and with 12 minutes remaining, Stefano Mauri expertly slotted home a penalty to draw level. However, Marco Rigoni popped up in stoppage time with the winner for Genoa to move out of the relegation zone.

Palermo 1-2 Atalanta
Atalanta moved up to 13th with a 2-1 win away at struggling Palermo. The first half was a scrappy affair, with both sides failing to open the scoring, but the deadlock was broken not long after half time by Carlos Carmona. German Denis doubled Atalanta's lead with 20 minutes remaining, as they looked as if they would ease to victory. Nelson struck for the home side late on, but Atalanta held on for the victory, as Palermo slipped to bottom of Serie A.

Pescara 2-3 Bologna
Bologna came out on top in a thriller this afternoon, winning away at Pescara 3-2. Former Manchester City winger Vladimir Weiss opened the scoring from the penalty spot for the home side, but 4 minutes later Alessandro Diamanti did the same to equalise for Bologna. However, Pescara were awarded another penalty just before half time, which Gaetano D'Agostino slotted home to restore the lead. Alberto Gilardino immediately brought Bologna level straight after half time, before Panagiotis Kone put them into the lead for the first time in the 65th minute. Bologna held out for the win, moving up to 14th, with Pescara falling into the relegation zone.

Siena 3-1 Inter Milan
Bottom side Siena produced the shock of the day, by beating Inter Milan 3-1. Innocent Emeghara gave Siena the lead in the 21st minute, before Antonio Cassano equalised less than 60 seconds later for Inter. However, Siena restored their lead just 3 minutes later, when Alessio Sestu scored. Inter defender Christian Chivu was sent off early into the second half, giving away a penalty, in which Alessandro Rosin coolly slotted home to double their advantage. Inter couldn't get back into the game, which meant they fell to 4th in Serie A, but Siena's 6th win of the season meant that they moved up to 19th.

AC Milan 2-1 Udinese
Mario Balotelli marked his Milan debut in dramatic fashion scoring a 93rd minute penalty to give his side the 3 points. The new signing opened his Milan account after 25 minutes with a fine finish but the scores were level just before the hour when Pizzi deflected shot found its way in the net. But it was Balotelli who kept his calm from the spot late on to earn the victory

Premier League Round Up 2/2/13

Newcastle United 3-2 Chelsea
Newcastle came from behind to win for the first time in 27 months when new signing Moussa Sissoko stole the show with two goals including a late winnner. Jonas Gutierrez put the home side ahead in the first half before 2 stunning goals, by Lampard and Mata put Chelsea in front before Sissoko scored twice to win the game late on.

Everton 3-3 Aston Villa
Aston Villa were pegged back from 3-1 as Everton fought back to earn a share of the spoils. Christian Benteke opened the scoring in the 2 minute when he calmly finished across Howard when one on one from a tight angle. Everton were level after 20 minutes through Victor Anichebe who turned his defender before firing home. They were only level for 3 minutes when Agbonlahor restored the Villa lead with a fantastic header. It was 3-1 on the hour mark when Benteke headed home a great cross from Lowton. Everton hit back again 9 minutes later with a curling finish and grabbed a dramatic equaliser in added time to salvage a point.

Reading 2-1 Sunderland
Reading left it late again to take all 3 points and move out of the relegation zone. Jimmy Kebe put the home side 1 up after just 7 minutes but Craig Gardner levelled from the spot after Pogrebynyak fouled O'Shea. But Kebe stole the show with a header 5 minutes from time to send the home fans away happy.

Wigan Athletic 2-2 Southampton
Wigan left it late to earn a home point against fellow relegation rivals. The away side came into the game on the back of their good showing at Manchester United but found themselves behind after 25 minute through Gary Caldwell. A resurgent Southampton thought they had won it after the break with goals in the 64th and 85th minutes from top scorer Lambert and Schneiderlin. But Shaun Maloney knicked an equaliser in added time.

Arsenal 1-0 Stoke City
Arsenal kept up the pressure on fellow fourth place chasers in a deserved, hard fought victory. The home side had the lions share of possession and best chances which were all foiled by an inform Asmir Begovic. And it looked like the Stoke 'keeper would earn a clean sheet until 10 minutes from time when substitute Lukas Podolski's free kick deflected in.

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United stretched their lead at the top in a game where Wayne Rooney's clinical finish was the difference. Both sides had plenty of chances throughout the game, Fulham the better, but it was Rooney who stroke in the winner with 10 minute to play to win all three points.

West Ham United 1-0 Swansea City
West Ham's on loan striker Andy Carroll was the hero in his first start of the new year after recovering from injury. In a low key affair Carroll proved the difference with a goal with just under 15 minutes left on the clock.

QPR 0-0 Norwich City
Harry Redknapp's side could not find a win with a team packed with new deadline day signings. Both sides had chances to win the game and the best feel to Adel Taarabt who when presented with a chance to win the game from the spot saw his penalty saved fantastically by Mark Bunn.

Deadline Day

Visit our Deadline Day Live page and our twitter page @Soccer_Xtra  for all the latest transfer news

Granada Sack Anquela

Spanish side Granada have parted company with their coach Juan Antonio Anquela after a poor run of form have seen the club drop into 17th place in La Liga with relegation a serious threat

Granada CF board of directors released a statement confirming the club are working hard of appointing a new manager but did not name any candidates. The club will be without a manager for this weekends game at home to Real Madrid.

QPR Sign Korean Left Back

QPR have completed the signing of South Korean left back Yun Suk-Young on a 3 and half year deal.

The full back was a member of the South Korean Olympic squad that secured a bronze medal in London. He has put pen to paper after an undisclosed fee was agree with his former club Chunnam Dragons of the K League.