Inter 3-2 Bologna (aet): Ranocchia nets dramatic winner to seal semi-final slot

The defender popped up in the last minute of extra time to win the game, after the Rossoblu had fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a draw after 90 minutes

Inter showed their resolve to recover from a nightmare end to regular time, as they overcame Bologna 3-2 in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia.

Fredy Guarin and Rodrigo Palacio appeared to have assured qualification for the home side with a goal each, but Bologna battled back and regained parity through Alessandro Diamanti and Alberto Gilardino in the dying minutes of the second half. The game was finally decided thanks to Andrea Ranocchia, who scored the decisive strike seconds before the end of extra time.

The quarter-final tie began in an even fashion, with Inter perhaps shading the opening exchanges, albeit facing strong resistance from an organised Rossoblu outfit. After failing to impress against Pescara at the weekend, Antonio Cassano was back to his best as he spearheaded his side’s attack; the forward almost opened the scoring after a wonderful run through the heart of the away defence, only to drag his effort wide after running out of space in the penalty area.

The visitors struggled to break down their rivals in the final third, and looked most dangerous from distance. Alessandro Diamanti was a constant danger from range and fired an effort into the side-netting for his side’s best early chance, while at the other end a delightful Cassano free kick was headed just wide by Matias Silvestre. Il Bambino’s partnership with Fredy Guarin was giving the visiting backline no end of trouble, and it was no surprise when one of the duo opened the scoring.

Cassano laid off to his Colombian team-mate on the edge of the area with 34 minutes played, but Guarin still had a lot of work to do. With a delicate feint, the playmaker shrugged off his marker’s attentions and released a bullet shot that left Federico Agliardi with no chance to save.

Bologna were left to chase the game from 1-0 down, but to their credit they refused to give up. Samir Handanovic made several top-class saves, denying Alberto Gilardino after the striker connected with Marco Motta’s cross and keeping Diamanti at bay from distance once more. The goalkeeper’s safe hands ensured Inter would enter the break with a slim advantage, as they chased a place in the last-four of Italy’s domestic cup competition.

The visitors continued their search for an equaliser after the break, aided by a home side that re-emerged from the tunnel a far more defensive outfit than the first half. Bologna were gifted possession by the deep-lying hosts, but still looked most dangerous from distance, with another Diamanti effort whistling inches wide of Handanovic’s post.

After an indifferent start to the half, Andrea Stramaccioni’s side finally regained their rhythm and started to push forward again, inspired by Cassano who was directing proceedings. The speed of Alvaro Pereira almost yielded a second goal when the Uruguayan sprinted through to meet a deep pass, but he was thwarted by the swift reaction of Agliardi who came racing out to deny the wing-back one-on-one.

The match appeared to have ended as a contest 15 minutes from time, when Inter punished their opponents on the break. Juan’s long pass upfield found substitute Rodrigo Palacio, and the Argentine did brilliantly to advance before curling a glorious 25-yard effort beyond Agliardi and into the top corner.
The game was not over yet though, as Diamanti hit back almost immediately with a free kick guided with expert precision into the roof of the net.

Andrea Ranocchia then gave his side a scare in heading against his own post, and there would be one more twist in the tale during regular time. Marco Motta floated a teasing centre across the Inter goal, and it was met by Gilardino who turned in to level the scores with just seven minutes remaining. The drama continued with Ranocchia bundling Cassano’s cross into the net, but the effort was ruled out for a foul as the game entered extra time.

After that frenetic finish the game lowered in tempo during the next 30 minutes, although Javier Zanetti and Manolo Gabbiadini both missed golden chances to put their teams through. In the dying seconds, however, Ranocchia nodded home a corner to give his side the most dramatic of victories.

Inter move on to meet either Roma or Fiorentina in the last-four, with the two teams meeting on Thursday evening. Juventus and Lazio clash in the other semi-final tie

Liga – Real Madrid beat Valencia in Copa del Rey quarter-final

Real Madrid put themselves on course for a place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals after securing a 2-0 first leg victory over Valencia at the Bernabeu.

Karim Benzema scored just before the break and an own goal from Andres Guardado in the 74th minute gave Jose Mourinho’s side the advantage in the quarter-final ahead of next week’s return at the Mestalla.

The winners go on to meet either holders Barcelona or Malaga, who meet at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

On the other side of the draw, Real Zaragoza host Sevilla on Wednesday, and Atletico Madrid receive Real Betis on Thursday.

“It is a good result,” Real captain Iker Casillas said, “But the way forward in the Cup is very tough.

“We have the return leg away and after that, if we progress, a meeting with either Barca or Malaga, who are in good form. But the victory gives us a lift and helps us get over our frustrations in La Liga.”

After a recent poor run of form which has seen Real slip 18 points behind league leaders Barcelona, Mourinho’s name once again was met with a mixture of whistles and applause before the start of the 600th top-flight match of his career.

Brazil full back Marcelo was back in the side after almost three months out with a foot injury but first-choice centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe were missing through suspension and injury respectively.

Luka Modric fluffed an early chance for the hosts and Iker Casillas pulled off a great reflex save to deny Jonas.

As so often happens with Real, a close chance at one end turned into a goal at the other, as Michael Essien burst away on a counter-attack.

He fed Sami Khedira, who immediately laid off for Benzema and the hosts were 1-0 up in the 37th minute.

Valencia carved the perfect opportunity to equalise midway through the second half, after good work by Ever Banega, but when Casillas parried Roberto Soldado’s shot Jonas fired wide of the gaping goal.

As with the first goal, Real immediately struck back.

Substitute Fabio Coentrao’s low cross was turned into the net by a combination of Guardado and Gonzalo Higuain as the two slid in at the near post, the Argentine getting the final touch with his hand.

Valencia’s new coach Ernesto Valverde was sent off after the goal, though he was sanguine when asked if he was unhappy with the referee.

“It’s a lot easier when you see it on the television,” Valverde told a news conference. “We have to try and put ourselves in their place.

“Perhaps when I see it on the television it will hurt more. We had chances to score and this is more painful.”

Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita denied Cristiano Ronaldo with two magnificent saves towards the end to keep his side’s hopes alive in the tie.

Premier League – Redknapp set to complete Remy deal

QPR manager Harry Redknapp expects Marseille striker Loic Remy to complete his £8 million move to Loftus Road on Wednesday after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Redknapp, who was speaking after his side’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay win at West Brom, is also confident of sealing a £7million deal for Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila in the next couple of days. The pair are expected to go straight into the Rangers squad for the weekend Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham.

Redknapp said: “Remy had a medical today and the personal stuff is all sorted. I watched him so many times when I was at Tottenham. The fee then was around about £20million. He’s a good buy for us.”

He added: “It’s all done, all sorted. I didn’t think we’d get him. I went to see him at Marseille last week and he wasn’t keen but the chairman Tony Fernandes worked ever so hard. He wouldn’t give up and the boy decided to come.

“He’s quick, a French international, his movement is excellent and he has the potential to be a real star in the Premier League. Newcastle United wanted him and Graham Carr (chief scout) doesn’t make too many mistakes. Graham’s got good judgement.”

As regards M’Vila, Redknapp said: “I also liked M’Vila when I was at Tottenham. He’s 22, played against England a couple of years ago for France, and was fantastic.

“They (Rennes) turned down £28million from an English club for him a year ago. Spurs offered £15m for him in August. The deal looks okay.

“M’Vila’s had a few off-the-field problems. If he behaves himself, and plays as we know he can, he’ll do well.”

M’Vila is currently banned from international duty until June 30, 2014 after he and four team-mates broke a curfew to visit a Parisian nightclub just days before a key game with the Under-21 side, against Norway in the European Championship play-offs in October.

Redknapp is also still hopeful of signing Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore on loan and has not ruled out renewing his interest in West Brom duo Jonas Olsson and Peter Odemwingie. Neither of the duo started Albion’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR in an FA Cup third-round replay at the Hawthorns.

FA Cup – Walters redeems himself as Stoke win Cup replay

Jon Walters re-set his radar to score twice in Stoke City’s 4-1 extra-time win over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup to make up for his weekend horror show against Chelsea.

Ireland international Walters, who headed two own goals and missed a penalty in his side’s 4-0 home league thrashing on Saturday, went from zero to hero as his side beat second tier Palace in a replay to set up a fourth round clash with Manchester City – a repeat of the 2011 final.

Premier League Sunderland suffered an upset as they lost 2-0 at home to Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a busy night of third-round replays during which third tier Brentford set up a dream tie against holders and west London neighbours Chelsea.

Harry Redknapp’s Queens Park Rangers, still propping up the Premier League, enjoyed a morale-boosting 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion thanks to a last-gasp header from Jay Bothroyd.

Top flight Fulham avoided going the way of Sunderland, surviving by the skin of their teeth at second tier Blackpool, Kieran Richardson equalising with the last kick of normal time before Brede Hangeland scored in extra time for a 2-1 victory.

Bolton, for whom Marvin Soredell scored twice after halftime, will face Everton in round four while QPR will fancy their chances of a Cup run with a home draw against third tier MK Dons who beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.

Fulham will be away to either Manchester United or West Ham United who replay their third-round tie on Wednesday.

Walters was left red-faced after his calamitous display against Chelsea but recovered to inspire Stoke after Palace had dragged the tie into extra-time with Glen Murray’s penalty.

First he headed in a Matthew Etherington cross to make it 2-1 before shooting home to deflate Palace. Cameron Jerome completed Stoke’s victory.

Leeds United booked a fourth round clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur after El-Hadji Diouf sealed a 2-1 victory at Birmingham City.

Premier League strugglers Wigan Athletic fielded a shadow squad at third tier Bournemouth but avoided a shock as Mauro Boselli’s goal sealed a 1-0 win on the south coast.

Third tier Brentford, whose history is lacking many notable highs despite their ground being directly under the Heathrow airport flightpath, set up an enticing Cup derby with Chelsea thanks to a 2-1 defeat of fourth tier Southend United.

Championship side Hull City needed extra time to beat third tier Leyton Orient 2-1.

The fourth round will be played on the weekend of January 26-27.

Guardiola: I want to manage in Premier League

The 41-year-old is one of the most sought-after managers in football and, after being linked with Bayern Munich, his latest revelation will give fresh hope to his English suitors

The former Barcelona coach has spent this season on a self-imposed sabattical following four years of enormous success at the Catalan club, during which time he won 14 trophies.

And despite being linked with a move to Bayern Munich, the 41-year-old Spaniard has offered hope to his Premier League suitors.

“As a player, I couldn’t realise my dream to play there,” Guardiola said in a message to the Football Association.

“But I hope in the future I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there.

“It is unique, to play in that league. I want to feel the supporters, the environment, the media and the style of the players.

“I am still young, just 41, so I hope in the future I could train there and enjoy that. I have always found English football very fascinating. The support of the home team is amazing.

“In Italy, Latin people will support you when you are playing and when you lose, they kill you. In England, I’m always surprised people always support everything and that is nice. That’s why I hope to have the challenge to train there.

“I had the opportunity to play two finals at Wembley and that’s why my relationship with England is pretty close.

“I played there twice, once as a player when I was 19 and it was my first Champions League as a player, as Barcelona finally won the Champions League. It was a huge honour to play at the old Wembley.

“When I was manager of Barcelona, for our second Champions League in three years, it was a real pleasure to play in the new Wembley.

“Congratulations on this huge anniversary, because 150 years is a lot of years. ‘Also because they created the rules of football and have a responsibility for the game. They have been important in the development of our beautiful, beautiful game.”