Sports

Di Maria's poor form and dismissal in the 1-2 FA Cup quarters defeat by Arsenal led to speculation that the record 59.7 million-pound signing may seek a move away.

Manchester City were stunned by relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday, losing 1-0 in a further blow to their Premier League title defense.

Queens Park Rangers' relegation fears worsened and their dismal away record continued with a 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.

Roma seems unable to get out of their slump and fell to an eighth draw in nine league matches last weekend at Chievo Verona.

Gareth Bale has gone nine games without scoring a goal, while Karim Benzema's presence had been barely felt in recent matches.

City manager Pellegrini has committed himself to the club despite speculation that failure to land a trophy this season could see the Chilean packing his bags.

Martino has named Messi, Aguero and Higuain in a squad to face El Salvador and Ecuador in international friendlies later this month in US.

Brunt has been charged by the Football Association with verbally abusing match officials following the FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa.

"He's a quality player and we'll be looking for him to produce because it is big game after big game now," said Giggs.

Third-place Napoli have the chance to close the gap on Roma to two points when they host Inter Milan later.

AC Milan were held 2-2 by Verona while Eto'o opened his Sampdoria account with a stunning strike in a 2-0 home win over Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday.

Aritz Aduriz rose to head in the only goal in the 26th minute, and strike partner Inaki Williams outshone Madrid's star-studded attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Two goals from in-form Harry Kane lifted Tottenham back in to the Premier League top six as they punished a wasteful QPR.

Barcelona advanced 6-2 on aggregate after winning the first leg of the semi-final by the same scoreline.

Henderson and Sturridge scored for Liverpool in a 2-0 win that kept the Reds in the hunt for Champions League qualification on Wednesday.

Pique wrote an apology to the court hearing in Barcelona for the public order offence that took place on October 13, last year.