Football

Barcelona's recent strong run is helping the club put a series of off-field problems behind them.

Van Gaal said he was happy to still be in the competition after moaning that everything went against his team as Cambridge got a deserved draw at a packed Abbey Stadium.

Torres struck twice in last week's 2-2 draw in their last 16, second leg at Real Madrid as Simeone's men dumped the holders out 4-2 on aggregate.

"Any negative rumours with regards to Irina and the Ronaldo family are completely false and have not been a factor in the cause of the split," said Shayk's representatives.

Cash-strapped Mohun Bagan had a perfect start to their I-League football season as Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde inspired them to a 3-1 victory over Mumbai FC.

Arteta will be out for the next three months after having a "successful" operation on the left ankle that has kept him sidelined since late November.

Espanyol advanced 3-2 on aggregate, whereas, Malaga also moved into the last eight, losing 3-2 to Levante on the night but coming through 4-3 on aggregate.

Busquets has become the latest to insist that all is well at the club, dismissing reports of a rift between Lionel Messi and Enrique.

A piece of the original World Cup trophy, which was stolen in Brazil in 1983 and never recovered, has been found in a basement at FIFA's headquarters.

Van Gaal seems unsure about how to use his attackers in the best way and after defeat against Saints he needs to change the system fast.

Xherdan Shaqiri has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract (until June 30, 2019) with Inter Milan.

"Receiving an honour such as this from the fans is always something that fills you with personal pride," Rooney said.

Messi and Luis Enrique were reported to have had heated arguments in training last Friday and again after Sunday's defeat at Real Sociedad.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that the Serie A leaders are interesting in signing Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder from Galatasaray.

Antoine Griezmann headed in two more goals to lead Atletico to a 3-1 win over Levante, as the defending champions pulled to within one point of the Spanish league lead.

Simeone warned against expecting miracles from Torres and considers that he is not a quick fix to any problem they may be facing.