Photos : Real madrid finally nail Athletico madrid to land la-decima

Diego Simeone stormed the pitch
after Atletico Madrid collapsed in
farcical scenes as city rivals Real
Madrid won the UEFA Champions
League.

Simeone – who last Saturday led
Atletico to their first La Liga title since 1996 – was sent off in the dying stages of extra time after running onto the field to confront Real Madrid players shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo completed the scoring in his side's 4-1 victory in the all-Spanish final.

The fiery Argentinian appeared to
exchange angry words with Real
defender Raphael Varane after
watching his side capitulate late on in Lisbon.

Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo all scored in the last 10 minutes as Real producing a stirring comeback to win the competition for a record 10th time.

Extra time looked unlikely after Diego Godin nodded Atletico in front towards the end of the first half, giving them a lead they held until the 93rd minute.

Carlo Ancelotti's men dug deep,
though, and finally saw a significant
spell of sustained pressure rewarded when Sergio Ramos headed in a corner to force an additional 30 minutes.

After the first period of extra time
ended goalless and Simeone
confronted referee Bjorn Kuipers,
Atletico, visibly struggling, folded, as Bale – scorer of Real's extra-time
winner in last month's Copa del Rey
final – popped up at the far post to
nod his side in front in the 110th
minute.

Marcelo then rifled in a third with two minutes to play before Ronaldo's penalty sparked shameful scenes from Simeone.

Victory means Ancelotti has now won the trophy as coach on three
occasions, making him the most
successful manager in the
competition's history, while Atletico
were left to rue another late goal in
European football's showpiece. The
club's only other final appearance, in 1974, saw Bayern Munich force a
replay – which they won 4-0 - with a
120th-minute goal.

Much of the pre-match talk
surrounded the fitness of stars
Ronaldo and Diego Costa, but both
started, although Arda Turan was not so lucky and missed out with a knee problem.

Simeone's experiment to start Costa – who travelled to Serbia for specialist treatment on a niggling hamstring injury in the build-up – quickly backfired, though, as the striker limped off in the ninth minute and was replaced by Adrian Lopez.

Chances were few and far between in a cagey first 30 minutes before a
sloppy Tiago error saw the contest
come to life, with the midfielder
conceding possession in his own half, only for Bale, after a menacing run, to shoot wide.

And Bale's missed chance proved
costly in the 36th minute as Godin
gave Atletico the lead against the run of play.

Real failed to clear a corner and
Juanfran's header back into the box
caught them napping, meaning
goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to come storming off his line.

He was too late to win the ball,
though, and agonisingly saw Godin
beat Sami Khedira and put a looping header over him and, eventually, over the line, despite his best efforts.

Thibaut Courtois had to be alert to tip over a deflected Ronaldo free-kick in the 54th minute and the Real talisman spurned two more opportunities in the next 60 seconds, firing a snapshot wide before producing a wayward
header.

Ancelotti's men kept pressing as Isco missed the target with a long-range effort and although Atletico were still a threat on the counter-attack, they were forced back as Real ramped up the pressure in the last 20 minutes.

First, Bale lashed wide before Ronaldo fired over with a scissor-kick and the chances kept coming as another storming run from the former ended with an errant shot.

Desperate blocks were the order of
the day as far as Atletico were
concerned, but Real's perseverance
eventually paid off as Ramos superbly planted a header in the bottom-left corner from Luka Modric's corner to force extra time.

And the added half-hour proved
crucial as Real took the lead with 10
minutes remaining through Bale, who raced to the far post after Angel di Maria's shot was partially saved to head in.

Marcelo then made his mark before
Ronaldo, who had already claimed the record for the most strikes in a
Champions League season, sealed
victory with his 17th goal of his
European campaign.

Hala Madrid

QPR back in EPL after an epic play off final and one shot on target

Queens Park Rangers clinched promotion to the Premier League in the most dramatic style as Bobby Zamora scored in the 90th minute of their Championship
play-off final to seal a 1-0 victory over Derby County.

On a tense afternoon at Wembley, QPR had to withstand a Derby onslaught in the second half after Gary O'Neil's straight red card had left them with just ten men for
the final half hour.

But Zamora pounced in the final minute to dash Derby's dreams and secure a return to the top flight just a year after being
relegated.

What a come back, park the bus then break loose with a single shot on target that counts. Mourinho was right I guess.

Glad to have Barton back, anticipating for his spats and drama.

Congrats QPR, Redknapp

Ashley Cole set to leave Chelsea for greener pasture

Ashley Cole is set to leave Chelsea this summer after revealing that staying at Stamford Bridge is not an option for him.

The 33-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire at the end of June, while he retired from international duty after being left out of England's World Cup
squad.

Jose Mourinho has preferred the right- footed Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back this season, but the 51-year-old was upbeat over Cole's future at the club and hinted a
new deal could be reached.

However, late on Monday evening, Cole conceded an extension is unlikely and will now assess offers elsewhere ahead of the new season.

"I am weighing up my options for playing next season with my agent and sadly it does not look like Chelsea will be one of them," the left-back posted on Twitter.

Cole joined Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006 and went on to win the Premier League tile in 2010, the Champions League in 2012 and the FA Cup four times.

Barça names Enrique new coach

Barcelona have named former player Luis Enrique as their new manager on a two- year contract.

Gerardo Martino was sacked at the end of a season that saw Barca miss out to Atletico Madrid for the La Liga title after they drew with them on the final day of the season.

Enrique led Celta Vigo to a ninth-place finish in the Spanish league this season but has now been given the opportunity to impress on a bigger stage.

"The FC Barcelona board of directors have confirmed Luis Enrique Martineza as the new first-team coach, following a proposal
from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta," the club said in a statement on their official website.

"Luis Enrique, 44, will sign a two-year deal."

Enrique played for Barcelona from
1996-2004, moving to the Nou Camp following a five-year spell at rivals Real Madrid.

Giggs writes an emotional farewell letter to Man Utd fans

Ryan Giggs has confirmed his retirement from the playing ranks on the day he was named as new Manchester United manager
Louis van Gaal's assistant.

Giggs penned an open letter to United fans explaining his pride at being able to extend his relationship with the club in the
coaching ranks after a glittering playing career.

The Wales winger retires after 963
appearances for the club, and more than 1,000 overall when you include his 64 international caps, and he celebrated winning 34 trophies in a golden age at Old
Trafford.

The letter on the club's official website read: "Today is a fantastic day for Manchester United. Louis van Gaal is a great appointment and let me begin by telling you how delighted I am to be working with someone of his calibre.

"His credentials are second to none and I'm positive the club will thrive under his leadership over the coming years.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as
assistant manager of Manchester United.

"I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times.

"My dream was always to play for
Manchester United, and although it
saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best
players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt
and appreciated your support.

"I want to also give a huge thanks to the backroom staff and support teams we have and have had at Manchester United over the years.

"I would not have achieved the success I have without your continuing dedication and commitment to creating the best
environment to enable the players to thrive. I would not have won 34 trophies in my career without you. I would also like to say a special thanks to my friends and family for all your love and support.

"For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions - immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the
future.

"United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to
return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way.

"To the greatest fans in world football, thank you, I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the biggest and best club in the world."

United name Van Gaal as new manager

Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester United , with Ryan Giggs named his assistant.

The Dutchman will begin a three-year contract at Old Trafford after the conclusion of his work in charge of Netherlands at the World Cup.

Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout, countrymen of Van Gaal, also arrive at Old Trafford as coaches, with the former specialising in
goalkeeping and the latter in scouting the opposition.

As reported by Goal , Van Gaal told friends that he was "very keen" on taking over at United following the sacking of David Moyes in April.

The Dutchman agreed a deal in principle with the club on April 26 but an official announcement was delayed to work around his commitments with the Dutch national team .

"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud," Van Gaal said.

"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions. Together I'm sure we will make history."

"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today," United's chief executive, Ed Woodward, said in a statement.

"He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.

"Everyone is very excited about this new phase in the club's history. His track record of success in winning leagues and cups
across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice for us."

The appointment of Giggs as Van Gaal's No.2 fits the incoming manager's desire for an ally on the coaching staff who knows the club well , as explained by Goal earlier
in May.

Patrick Kliuvert had been expected to follow Van Gaal to England, but it was decided earlier in May that the former Barcelona striker would not make the move to Old Trafford.

"I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager," the Welshman enthused. "Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about
coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters.

"Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I'm delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key
role."

Drogba to leave Galatasary

With Galatasaray 's season now over, Didier Drogba has
announced his intention to leave the Turkish club when his contract expires this summer.

The 36-year-old moved from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2013 and helped the side to the Super Lig title the Turkish Super Cup the same year.

Speaking to the club's official TV channel, the former Chelsea icon issued a heartfelt goodbye.

"Galatasaray will always be in my heart, I'm very proud to have represented this team.

"I didn't come here for money. If I wanted money I would have stayed in China. I came to Turkey to play football, to feel the passion again. Scoring against Fenerbahce
and Besiktas, I think I gave some happiness to our fans."

Drogba also went on to thank a certain former manager for recommending that he move to the Turkish heavyweights.

"Jose Mourinho and Wesley Sneijder had a big impact on my decision to sign. Jose said to me 'if Wesley is going then you should
go to', so I came.

"It was great to have a chance to play alongside him [Sneijder]."

Drogba did not give any indication as to where his future lies but his foremost concern will be Cote d'Ivoire's World Cup campaign.

Martins scores wonder goal

The Seattle Sounders bounced back
thanks to Obafemi Martins' wonder
strike, as the goals flowed in the MLS on Saturday.

On a day where an average of over
three goals were scored per game,
Seattle's 1-0 win over the San Jose
Earthquakes arguably included the pick of the strikes, with Martins lobbing visiting goalkeeper Jon Busch early in the first half at CenturyLink Field.

In the eighth minute, the Sounders
attacked down the left and Gonzalo
Pineda chipped the ball into the box for Martins to run on to.

The Nigerian striker let the ball
bounce once before hooking it over
his shoulder with his left boot and
Busch watched open-mouthed as
Martins' lob looped over his head and inside the far post.

Due to an otherwise strong
performance by Busch, Seattle had to settle for a one-goal win but coach Sigi Schmid would have been thrilled to return to the winners' list, after watching his team succumb to a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of New England
Revolution last week.

The victory kept the Sounders top of the Western Conference with 25
points, two ahead of Real Salt Lake,
who defeated Colorado Rapids 2-1.
In the Eastern Conference, New
England moved into pole position with their second straight five-goal
performance, prevailing 5-3 away to the Philadelphia Union.

The Revolution led 2-0 and 5-1 but
had to weather a late flurry from
Philadelphia, who scored twice in the final 15 minutes.

A header from A.J. Soares and Diego Fagundez's smooth finish gave the visitors the early advantage before Vincent Nogueira dragged Union back into the contest in the 36th minute with a pile-driver from the edge of the
area.

Lee Nguyen restored New England's
two-goal margin just after half-time
before Chris Tierney curled his free- kick past Philadelphia goalkeeper Zac MacMath to make it 4-1 in the 57th minute.

Patrick Mullins scored the Revolution's fifth 10 minutes later before Sheanon Williams' 76th-minute strike and Sebastien Le Toux's stoppage-time penalty ensured a nervous finish for New England.

The victory took the Revolution to 20 points, three ahead of the East's
previous leaders Sporting Kansas City and third-placed Houston Dynamo, who defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0.

In all 25 goals were scored on
Saturday with Portland Timbers versus Columbus Crew finishing 3-3.

After Max Urruti put the Timbers in
front in the fifth minute, Columbus
striker Federico Higuain produced
another contender for goal of the day, chipping Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from 25 yards.

Just after the half-hour mark the
Timbers had Alvas Powell sent off,
before Higuain converted a penalty for the visitors in first-half stoppage time.

The second half burst into life in the final 10 minutes with Portland captain Will Johnson equalising for the hosts, immediately followed by Ethan Finlay's goal for Columbus, before Gaston Fernandez made it 3-3 in the 85th minute, as the Timbers claimed their seventh draw from 10 games this season.

In other results, FC Dallas were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Chivas USA, Jermain Defoe got on the scoresheet in Toronto FC's 2-0 defeat of New York Red Bulls and DC United versus Montreal Impact ended 1-1.

Drogba donates €1m to mining blast victims in Turkey

Galatasaray attacker Didier Drogba has donated €1 million to the families of the victims of the mining
disaster in Soma, Turkey.

The Istanbul giants' players wore helmets ahead of their league game against Kayseri Erciyesspor at the weekend to show their
support and the Cote d'Ivoire international has gone one step further in his role as U.N. ambassador.

"I am a U.N. ambassador of goodwill and I will do all that I can to help the people in Soma," Drogba told reporters.

"But I don’t want anyone to use my name.
I’m not someone who will promote himself in such issues. I don’t need this sort of a self-promotion."

On May 13 an explosion at a coal mine in Soma, Turkey, caused an underground mine fire, which burned until 15 May.

In total, 301 people were killed in what was the worst mine disaster in Turkey's history.