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Ajax has retained its Eredivisie crown after Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over relegation candidate VVV clinched a second straight league success for the Amsterdam giants.

Head coach Frank de Boer’s men were trailing AZ by five points halfway through the season, but an impressive winning streak after the winter break helped the Godenzonen to their 31st title.

The team’s last domestic loss came all the way back on Feb. 5, when Utrecht recorded a 2-0 win at the Amsterdam ArenA. Ajax has since put together an impressive 13 consecutive Eredivisie victories, the latest of which came courtesy of a Siem de Jong double.

The 2011-12 campaign marks De Boer’s second Eredivisie title since his appointment as head coach in Dec. 2010, when he replaced Martin Jol at the helm.

Ajax has one official game remaining this season, ending this term with an away match versus Vitesse on Sunday.

Article source: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ajax-retains-eredivisie-title-win-195500021--sow.html

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Standings Saturday in Spanish first-division football:

Team GP W D L GF GA Ptsx-Real Madrid 37 31 4 2 117 31 97Barcelona 37 28 6 3 112 27 90Valencia 37 17 10 10 59 43 61Malaga 37 16 7 14 53 53 55Atletico Madrid 37 14 11 12 52 46 53Mallorca 37 14 10 13 41 42 52Levante 37 15 7 15 51 50 52Osasuna 37 12 15 10 40 59 51Athletic Bilbao 37 12 13 12 49 49 49Sevilla 37 13 10 14 47 46 49Getafe 37 12 11 14 40 49 47Real Betis 37 13 7 17 45 54 46Espanyol 37 12 9 16 45 55 45Real Sociedad 37 11 11 15 45 52 44Granada 37 12 6 19 35 55 42Villarreal 37 9 14 14 39 52 41Rayo Vallecano 37 12 4 21 52 73 40Zaragoza 37 11 7 19 34 61 40Sporting Gijon 37 10 7 20 42 68 37r-Racing Santander 37 4 15 18 26 59 27

x-champions

r-relegated

Article source: http://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Spanish-Football-Standings-3537421.php

19 April 2012 22:51

Fenerbahce midfielder Emre Belozoglu has been banned for two games by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

Trabzonspor’s Didier Zokora had accused Emre of racially abusing him during last weekend’s Super Lig clash between the clubs.

However, while Emre has been deemed guilty of insulting the former Tottenham Hotspur man, he has not been found to have used a racial slur.

Trabzonspor president Sadri Sener was quick to express his disgust with the ruling and attacked the character of Emre, with whom he claims to have had a run-in following Turkey’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Belgium in June of last year.

“Racism is a horrible crime,” he told Trt.

“They should have ended his football career, but he has been banned for two matches!

“After we (Turkey) played away against Belgium, Emre was waiting at the gate of the airplane to beat me. There are witnesses.

“That day, they told me he’d ‘never wear his nation’s jersey again’. The situation is clear: Emre is this kind of man.”

Emre was charged with using racially-aggravated language by the Football Association during his time with Newcastle United.

Article source: http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/April/19/emre-banned-for-two-matches

Ajax successfully defended their Eredivisie title on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 victory over VVV-Venlo.

The Amsterdam club came into the match with a six-point advantage over nearest challengers Feyenoord and needing just a point to wrap up the championship ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend.

And two goals from Siem de Jong saw Ajax home, rendering Feyenoord’s 4-1 demolition of Heracles Almelo futile.

Feyenoord knew Ajax needed only a point to become champions for the 31st time and goals by Otman Bakkal, Jerson Cabral, Sekou Cisse and Ruben Schaken saw them into a 4-0 lead before Willy Overtoom scored a consolation.

However, victory moved Feyenoord one spot closer to a Champions League spot, although they must win their final game if they are to keep PSV Eindhoven out of the top two and progress into the competition.

PSV Eindhoven kept the heat on second-placed Feyenoord with a crushing 5-0 victory over ADO Den Haag.

The home side were already leading 2-0 through goals from Jeremain Lens and Ola Toivonen when the teams were forced to leave the Philips Stadion pitch soon after half-time due to heavy rain.

The players returned around 15 minutes later, and PSV soon set about increasing their lead with Toivonen making it 3-0 before Zakaria Labyad added a fourth. Dries Mertens completed the scoring late on before ADO saw Kevin Visser sent off.

At the other end of the table, Dusan Tadic’s late strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for FC Groningen, but the point was enough to confirm Eredivisie survival for visitors NAC Breda.

John Karelse’s side headed into the game with a mathematical chance of suffering the drop, but an early effort from Edwin Luijckx set them on their way to making sure of safety.

Excelsior will go into the final game of the season two points adrift at the bottom of the table after they could only 2-2 draw with nearest rivals De Graafschap in a match delayed late on by a thunderstorm.

Soufian El Hassnaoui opened the scoring for the hosts but Excelsior turned things around and took the lead through goals from Luigi Bruins and Roland Alberg.

It stayed that way until 12 minutes from the end when Michael de Leeuw headed the hosts level, and Excelsior were then reduced to 10 men when Mick van Buren saw red.

Heerenveen climbed into the automatic Europa League qualification places as they recovered from 2-0 down to win a seven-goal thriller at FC Twente.

Luuk de Jong’s early double put Twente in control but Bas Dost, Oussama Assaidi (two) and Luciano Narsingh’s efforts for Heerenveen meant Douglas’ late header was not enough for the home side.

AZ Alkmaar lost ground in the battle for European football, though, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at NEC Nijmegen.

The mid-table hosts took the lead after 13 minutes when Genero Zeefuik finished from close range, and AZ needed a Ruud Boymans header just before the hour mark to rescue a point.

Vitesse Arnhem twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at FC Utrecht.

Edouard Duplan put the hosts in front in the 28th minute only for Giorgi Chanturia to level two minutes before the interval.

Frank Demouge restored Utrecht’s lead early in the second half, but Nicky Hofs struck eight minutes from time to earn Vitesse a point.

RKC Waalwijk hammered Roda JC 5-2 to move above their opponents in mid-table.

Evander Sno and Aaron Meijers scored two goals each with Ricky ten Voord also on the scoresheet in an impressive display from the home side.

Mads Junker and Sanharib Malki replied for Roda, but they slipped down to ninth as a result of the loss – one point below their hosts.

Article source: http://www.soccer365.com/news/european_news/general/15676/ajax_retain_eredivisie_crown

1929_Barcelona

1930_Athletic Bilbao

1931_Athletic Bilbao

1932_Real Madrid

1933_Real Madrid

1934_Athletic Bilbao

1935_Real Betis

1936_Athletic Bilbao

1940_Atletico Aviacion

1941_Atletico Aviacion

1942_Valencia

1943_Athletic Bilbao

1944_Valencia

1945_Barcelona

1946_Sevilla

1947_Valencia

1948_Barcelona

1949_Barcelona

1950_Atletico Madrid

1951_Atletico Madrid

1952_Barcelona

1953_Barcelona

1954_Real Madrid

1955_Real Madrid

1956_Athletic Bilbao

1957_Real Madrid

1958_Real Madrid

1959_Barcelona

1960_Barcelona

1961_Real Madrid

1962_Real Madrid

1963_Real Madrid

1964_Real Madrid

1965_Real Madrid

1966_Atletico Madrid

1967_Real Madrid

1968_Real Madrid

1969_Real Madrid

1970_Atletico Madrid

1971_Valencia

1972_Real Madrid

1973_Atletico Madrid

1974_Barcelona

1975_Real Madrid

1976_Real Madrid

1977_Atletico Madrid

1978_Real Madrid

1979_Real Madrid

1980_Real Madrid

1981_Real Sociedad

1982_Real Sociedad

1983_Athletic Bilbao

1984_Athletic Bilbao

1985_Barcelona

1986_Real Madrid

1987_Real Madrid

1988_Real Madrid

1989_Real Madrid

1990_Real Madrid

1991_Barcelona

1992_Barcelona

1993_Barcelona

1994_Barcelona

1995_Real Madrid

1996_Atletico Madrid

1997_Real Madrid

1998_Barcelona

1999_Barcelona

2000_Deportivo La Coruna

2001_Real Madrid

2002_Valencia

2003_Real Madrid

2004_Valencia

2005_Barcelona

2006_Barcelona

2007_Real Madrid

2008_Real Madrid

2009_Barcelona

2010_Barcelona

2011_Barcelona

2012_Real Madrid

NOTE: There was no competition from 1937-39 because of war.

Article source: http://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/Spanish-Football-Champions-3528925.php

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Indonesian police are looking to arrest Ralph Marshall, the right hand man of Malaysian multi-billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, over fraud and money laundering charges, the republic’s media have reported.

Article source: http://my.news.yahoo.com/trabzonspors-burak-yilmaz-overjoyed-winning-goal-com-world-212500129--soccer.html

29 April 2012 19:20

Ajax closed in on back-to-back Eredivisie titles after recording a crucial 2-1 win over Twente on Sunday.

Frank De Boer’s team are almost certain to clinch a 31st league title, sitting six points clear at the top with two matches remaining.

Hosts Twente dominated the opening half-hour and created several chances, but it was Ajax who opened the scoring.

Goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov brought down Gregory van der Wiel in the area, and former Twente man Theo Janssen stepped up and coolly converted the penalty.

Emotions boiled over early in the second half when Ola John tried to draw a foul from Jan Vertonghen’s seemingly harmless challenge, sparking a tussle which saw Toby Alderweireld injured by coins thrown from the stands.

Despite creating few opportunities in the second half, Twente found an equaliser in the 70th minute.

Clumsy Ajax defending from a corner saw the ball fall to Leroy Fer, who drew his side level with a thumping finish.

Ajax required only minutes to respond, with Van der Wiel putting Ajax ahead with a powerful strike.

The win means Ajax need just a point to secure the title, though the reigning champions’ superior goal difference means they will likely win the league even if they were to lose their remaining two games.

Feyenoord recorded a precious 1-0 victory at home to AZ Alkmaar, with Otman Bakkal the hero for the hosts.

Ronald Koeman’s men moved into second, the final Champions League place, as Bakkal latched onto a pass from Ron Vlaar before beating Esteban for what was the winner against fourth-placed AZ.

PSV Eindhoven are just a point behind Feyenoord in third after their 3-1 victory at Roda JC.

Dries Mertens, Marcelo and Memphis Depay were all on the scoresheet for Phillip Cocu’s men in an eventful encounter at Parkstad Limburg Stadion.

Roda’s goalkeeper Pawel Kieszek was sent off in the 81st minute, and Jeremain Lens missed the penalty rewarded for the Pole’s foul.

Mid-table sides NEC Nijmegen and RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw at Stadion de Goffert.

Article source: http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/April/29/eredivisie-wrap-ajax-edge-closer-to-title-glory

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Indonesian police are looking to arrest Ralph Marshall, the right hand man of Malaysian multi-billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, over fraud and money laundering charges, the republic’s media have reported.

Article source: http://my.news.yahoo.com/spanish-football-federation-offers-host-euro-2012-report-081300839--soccer.html

EXCLUSIVE
By Lolade Adewuyi

Twenty-two-year-old striker Ekigho Ehiosun came into the national limelight exactly 14 months ago during a friendly international against Sierra Leone in Lagos. The Warri Wolves forward came on as a substitute in the game after fellow debutant Emmanuel Emenike was injured.

Ehiosun, the leading scorer in the league at that point, had only just been called up due to an injury that kept out Everton’s Victor Anichebe from then coach Samson Siasia’s first encounter with the Super Eagles.

He took his chances and scored the winning goal seven minutes after his introduction into the match, the 58th goal by a debutant in Nigerian colours.

Alongside his fine performances in the Olympic squad, it was not long before Ehiosun would be courted by teams across the world, but he settled for a year-long loan deal with Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor, who have an option of extending the contract by two years. In Turkey, Ehiosun has scored nine goals for his club who were unfortunately relegated at the end of this season.

Before the club’s last game at the weekend, Ehiosun took time out to answer questions from Goal.com. The young player hopes to see Nigerian football return to their glory days while he is yet to decide his club future after his team was relegated.

Goal.com: How has it been for you making the transition from Nigeria to Turkey almost a year on? How has it improved your game?

Ehiosun: It’s really been wonderful, though a little rough in the beginning considering so many factors, but thank God all is going so very well now. It has really improved my game tremendously, I’ve learnt so many things in the beautiful game in the shortest of time.

Goal.com: Which of your goals this season is your favourite so far?

Ehiosun: I have scored some beautiful goals, it will be hard to pick the favourite one; at home against Galatasaray and two in away games.

  Ehiosun strikes again | The goal against Galatasaray is amongst his favourites

Goal.com: How do you look back upon the just-concluded season? Do you think your club could have done things differently?

Ehiosun: It was indeed a good season for us though we started very slowly, we couldn’t pick up on time and that really cost us. We tried so hard in the second round, lots of fight but I believe the result has been there before creation.

Goal.com: What plans do you have for the future seeing that the club has been relegated? Have you had interest from other clubs?

Ehiosun: For now I have nothing to say, there might be lots of offers but it’s better to let things unfold themselves. When it’s time, trust me you will also know about it.

Goal.com: The Nigeria Premier League keeps losing its best players to European leagues, from your experience, why is this exodus continuing in droves?

Ehiosun: Why won’t the [NPL] lose her best when the difference is so clear? Don’t forget the game is all about survival and trying to make ends meet. It’s no different from other occupations; the bottom line is to meet the needs of those of your household who look unto you. Considering the economic situation of the country, everyone is looking for a better pay, even those in government.

So to us in the game, it’s the earlier the better but with the wisest of decisions by God’s Grace. You don’t want to get into issues because of the eagerness, take your time but don’t waste time.

Goal.com: What do you think of the Super Eagles’ prospects for Afcon 2013 and Brazil 2014?

Ehiosun: You don’t need to tell a blind man it’s raining or a deaf/dumb man that the market is on fire. The Super Eagles have been left out for a while, now is the time to make things right. With God helping her, I see lots of good things ahead. The situation will speak for itself when the time comes.

Determined to succeed | ‘I will give my best to Nigeria when called upon’

Goal.com: You burst into the Super Eagles like dynamite, scoring on your debut against Sierra Leone, but you have had no invitation from Stephen Keshi, do you think you can still shine in Keshi’s new Eagles side? Have you spoken to the coach about your future in the national team?

Ehiosun: It was only the Grace of God in a man’s life that can make what happened in that February 9 game, so grateful to God and also thankful to coach Samson Siasia for believing in me. You’re wrong about not getting an invitation from the coach Stephen Keshi-led crew. I got invited in his first two games and was only left out in the qualifier against Rwanda. But I wasn’t really left out because I got a call from him. That was a good thing from him, I really respect him for that. He is indeed a good man even outside the game. I don’t think I really need to speak about my future in the team, I will let my game speak for me.

Goal.com: How do you feel with the policy of Stephen Keshi that seems to favour home based players in the Super Eagles over players in Europe? Would you reconsider playing in Nigeria in order to maintain a starting place with the Super Eagles if you had the choice to come back home?

Ehiosun: To me it is not any favouritism policy like you’re trying to say, it’s all about building a strong team for the nation. Don’t also forget I was a product from that team (home-based). We all have a role to play irrespective of where you play, home or abroad. Trust me, the home based also need the experiences of their foreign counterparts. It’s all about getting a good result at the end. Why should I want to come back home to play now, not when I still have an opportunity to play outside, because of the national team? No man! Tell me you are not serious about that! That’s impossible! Same ball we all play! Time for everything! Starting or no starting shirt, it’s still a learning process! My policy is to give your best when called upon.

Goal.com: What areas do you think the administrators and clubs should work upon to improve the game in Nigeria?

Ehiosun: They all know better than I do, most of them see what happens in other leagues/countries. It’s not a day job. I know, but these days accumulate to weeks and to months and to only God knows. Poor man’s prayer, we go better one day God helping us.

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Article source: http://my.news.yahoo.com/ehiosun-game-back-nigeria-national-team-100000725--soccer.html