Official: Danilo signs for Real Madrid

The defender has been linked with Los Blancos for months and, on Tuesday, they finally came to an agreement with Porto for a summer move

Real Madrid have confirmed the £22.8 million signing of Porto right-back Danilo, who has signed a contract until 2021.

The Brazilian, 23, has been rumoured to be on the European champions' radar for months and Danilo confessed a week ago he was proud of being linked with Carlo Ancelotti's men.

And, on Wednesday at midnight, the two clubs announced the defender would be leaving the Dragao this summer to sign a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Porto hereby informs the market that it has reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the permanent transfer of Danilo for the value of €31.5m," the Portuguese club said in a statement to the stock market.

Real Madrid confirmed in their statement that Danilo would be joining the Spanish heavyweights - who reportedly saw off competition from rivals Barcelona for Danilo's signature - until June 30, 2021.

Danilo has been ever-present in Julen Lopetegui's side in his fourth season at the club, bagging four goals and four assists as Porto have romped to the last eight of the Champions League.

They face Scudetto holders Juventus for a spot in the semi-finals, while Porto are three points adrift of Primeira Liga table-toppers Benfica with eight games to go.

Tue 31 Mar 2015 - International Friendlies Results

• Italy 1 - 1 England FT
• Netherlands 2 - 0 Spain FT
• Portugal 0 - 2 Cape Verde Islands FT
• Puerto Rico 0 - 3 Canada FT
• Liechtenstein 1 - 0 San Marino FT
• Estonia 1 - 1 Iceland FT
• Switzerland 1 - 1 USA FT
• Russia 0 - 0 Kazakhstan FT
• Sweden 3 - 1 Iran FT
• Ukraine 1 - 1 Latvia FT
• Luxembourg 1 - 2 Turkey FT
• Austria 1 - 1 Bos-Herce FT

INT'NAL FRIENDLY RESULT: ARGENTINA 1 ECUADOR 0

The PSG man's first international goal helped the Albiceleste to victory as their injured captain watched on

It was a landmark day for Javier Pastore, who scored his maiden international goal as Argentina overcame Ecuador 2-1 in an international friendly at MetLink Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Argentina were without captain Lionel Messi for the second consecutive match, with a foot injury sidelining the 97-cap veteran, but Pastore stepped up in his absence.

Pastore netted the winner 13 minutes into the second half to inspire Argentina, ending his 17-match international goal drought.

Argentina and Ecuador were level at the break after Miller Bolanos cancelled out Sergio Aguero's eighth-minute opener in the United States.

Gerardo Martino's Argentina have one more friendly fixture - against Bolivia on June 6 - remaining before the Copa America kicks off in Chile in June, while Ecuador face Panama (June 3 and 7) in a double-header ahead of the tournament's curtain-raiser on June 11.

INT'NAL FRIENDLY RESULT: ITAL 1 ENGLAND 1

Chief football writer in Turin

• Italy unbeaten since World Cup
• England now not lost in nine matches
• Both teams started with experimental sides
• Harry Kane makes full England debut

Andros Townsend's spectacular strike gave an experimental England line-up a creditable draw against Italy in Turin.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle's first-half header looked to have put Italy on course for victory in this friendly as England struggled to get to grips with the changes made by manager Roy Hodgson after Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier win against Lithuania.

England, however, were lifted by the introduction of several substitutes and Townsend capped a second-half display that merited a draw. The Tottenham winger's rising 20-yard drive 11 minutes from time gave Italy's veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

Hodgson's side then ended the game on top and only a fine save from Buffon stopped England captain Wayne Rooney - who had earlier hit the bar - from adding to his total of 47 goals for his country and closing even further on Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time record of 49.

The experiment of using Phil Jones in midfield failed dismally and he reverted to defence when Chris Smalling went off ill just before half-time. Similarly, it was a wasted night for Arsenal's Theo Walcott, misused in a forward role rather than on the wing.

England completed 126 passes in the final third of the pitch, 42 more than Italy

There were pluses too, however, with an excellent cameo from Everton's Ross Barkley and a composed performance from Michael Carrick when he replaced Smalling.

England, for long periods, looked poor and disjointed in a performance pock-marked by wayward passing. It was no coincidence that they improved significantly once players assumed more familiar positions and others were introduced who gave them pace, drive and width.

England's run of seven straight victories since the World Cup may be over but Hodgson might regard this as a satisfactory few days. Victory against Lithuania made it five wins out of five in the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign and this was a worthwhile fact-finding mission in Italy.

Hodgson will get his players back together in June for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in June then another key qualifier away to Slovenia.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has scored two goals in three Italy appearances

Joe Hart became the sixth England goalkeeper to reach 50 caps

Italy are unbeaten at home since August 2013 - since then, five wins and five draws

Six of the last 10 goals scored in international matches involving England have been headers

Italy have conceded just nine goals in their last 13 international matches

INT'NAL FRIENDLY RESULT: HOLLAND 2 SPAIN 0

Netherlands scored twice in the first 16 minutes to ease to a 2-0 friendly victory over Spain in Amsterdam.

The two sides met in the group stages in the 2014 World Cup, when Netherlands thrashed their opponents 5-1.

They also faced one another in the 2010 World Cup final, when Andres Iniesta scored Spain's winner.

But Guus Hiddink's men were on top on Tuesday, going ahead through Stefan de Vrij's header and Davy Klaassen struck a second past goalkeeper David De Gea.

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was beaten twice after starting the game for Spain

The game at the World Cup in Brazil last year brought to an end Spain's dominant run in major tournaments, during which they won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, and the 2010 World Cup.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque fielded an experimental side on Tuesday, with Malaga forward Juanmi and Sevilla midfielder Vitolo making their international debuts.

But despite experienced players such as Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal's Santi Cazorla in the midfield, they were unable to prevent the hosts from running away with the match in the opening stages, condemning Spain to a third consecutive friendly loss for the first time since 2001.

Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi should have made it 3-0 but missed a free header in the second half, with Vitolo fluffing an effort for the visitors as they tried in vain to get back into the contest.

With the top two sides from each European group qualifying for Euro 2016, Oranje are currently third in Group A, while La Roja are second in Group C.

MEXICO 1 PARAGUAY 0

El Tri completed a successful international break with a win over Paraguay in a bruising encounter.

Eduardo Herrera scored with his first touch in international football, netting the only goal in Mexico's 1-0 triumph over Paraguay in Kansas City on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old striker volleyed Juan Carlos Medina's free kick home at the back post in just the third minute at Arrowhead Stadium, and while Mexico had the better of the chances for the rest of the match, El Tri had to settle for successive one-goal wins.
Mexico's blistering start - Herrera had a second goal ruled out in the sixth minute - saw Paraguay attempt to shut the match down by out muscling its opponent, and the game at times descended into simply a string of fouls and dangerous tackles.
Miguel Herrera's Mexican side has three more friendlies before it kicks off its Copa America campaign against Bolivia in June.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY RESULT: PORTUGAL 0 CAPE VERDE 2

Portugal struggled without captain Cristiano Ronaldo as they fell to a surprise defeat in a friendly at home to the Cape Verde Islands.

Portugal are top of their qualifying group for Euro 2016 but rested Ronaldo against the African side and finished with 10 men in defeat.

Odair Fortes put Cape Verde ahead before Admilson Gege doubled their lead after the break.

The hosts then had Andre Pinto sent off to round off a poor evening in Estoril.

Cape Verde - eliminated at the group stage of this year's Africa Cup of Nations - are ranked 38th in the world, sandwiched between Wales and Scotland.

MECHI ZA LEO KUFUZU MICHUANO YA ULAYA

• England v Lithuania 19:45
• Macedonia v Belarus 19:45
• Slovakia v Luxembourg 19:45
• Spain v Ukraine 19:45
• Slovenia v San Marino 19:45
• Switzerland v Estonia 19:45
• Liechtenstein v Austria 19:45
• Moldova v Sweden 19:45
• Montenegro v Russia 19:45

John Terry: Chelsea captain extends contract with club

Chelsea captain John Terry has extended his contract at the club until the end of the 2015-16 season.

The 34-year-old, whose previous deal ran out at the end of the current campaign, has made over 550 appearances for the Premier League leaders.

Chelsea have a six-point advantage with a game in hand on their rivals and boss Jose Mourinho said: "This new contract is not to say 'thank you very much'.

"It is because John continues to perform. He is a top defender."

Mourinho recently said he could "guarantee" Terry would be offered a new deal, which is in line with Chelsea's policy of offering those over the age of 30 only one-year deals.

Terry has won 13 major honours with the Stamford Bridge club since making his debut in 1998, winning the Champions League, Europa League, three Premier League titles, five FA Cup trophies and three League Cup victories.

He captained Chelsea to two top-flight titles in Mourinho's first spell at Chelsea but was not always selected by interim boss Rafael Benitez during an injury-troubled 2012-13 season.

"I am happy that he completely deserves this new contract after a season where he has already played 40 matches," added Mourinho.

He skippered the Blues to a 2-0 victory over Spurs in the Capital One Cup final earlier this month, but they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris St-Germain and the FA Cup by League One Bradford.

FALCAO APIGA 2 COLOMBIA IKIIFUNGA BAHRAIN 6-0

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao scored twice as Colombia beat Bahrain in an international friendly.

Falcao, who has netted four times in 22 matches at United on loan from Monaco, is now only one goal short of Arnoldo Iguaran's Colombia record of 24.

Carlos Bacca scored from Falcao's pass before the striker scored twice in four minutes - a volley and a low strike.

Second-half goals from Adrian Ramos and debutants Johan Mojica and Andres Renteria sealed the convincing victory.

Falcao missed the World Cup in Brazil last year after knee ligament surgery and has now scored 23 goals in 55 internationals.

His loan spell at Old Trafford, worth £265,000 per week, expires at the end of the season when United must decide whether to take up a £43.5m option to buy him.

Earlier this week, Falcao suggested he may leave the Premier League side when he said: "I need to find a place where I have continuity and I can play."

Falcao played for 72 minutes against Bahrain before being substituted.

BRAZIL BEAT FRANCE 3-1

• Varane heads hosts France ahead in the first half
• Neymar scores eighth goal in seven games as Brazil win
• France lose for the first time since the 2014 World Cup
• Dunga unbeaten since taking charge of Brazil in July

Brazil recorded their seventh successive victory since their 2014 World Cup humiliation as they came from behind to beat France in Paris.

Raphael Varane powerfully headed in Mathieu Valbuena's left-wing corner to put the French ahead.

But Oscar equalised when he linked up with Roberto Firmino and poked the ball past France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

Neymar made it 2-1 as he collected Willian's pass and shot past Mandanda before Luiz Gustavo headed in a third.

The victory maintains Dunga's 100% record since he took charge of Brazil for a second time in July.

He is helping to restore some pride to Brazilian football after the side suffered their heaviest ever World Cup defeat when they were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the World Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte.

Luiz Felipe Scolari resigned as coach after the tournament, which also saw Brazil lose 3-0 against the Netherlands in the third-fourth play-off.

Only two of the first XI from that Germany defeat started in Paris and Dunga will be pleased with their fightback after they fell behind to Varane's 21st-minute header.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar equalised before Neymar put the South Americans ahead with his eighth goal in seven internationals.

Brazil's results in Dunga's second spell as coach
6 September: Beat Colombia 1-0	10 September: Beat Ecuador 1-0
11 October: Beat Argentina 2-0	14 October: Beat Japan 4-0
12 November: Beat Turkey 4-0	18 November: Beat Austria 2-1
26 March: Beat France 3-1	29 March: v Chile (Emirates Stadium)

Dunga, who was previously in charge of Brazil from July 2006 to July 2010, will also be happy with his side's defensive strength.

Varane's goal was only the second Brazil had conceded in seven games and they had to hold on under sustained pressure in the second half when the score was 2-1.

Mamadou Sakho, Moussa Sissoko and Antoine Griezmann were denied by Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson, before Karim Benzema fired a volley over the crossbar.

Those misses proved costly for the French as Gustavo ended the game as a contest when he met Willian's corner.

It was France's first defeat in seven games since their World Cup quarter-final loss to Germany and the scoreline could have been wider as Willian's low shot was well saved by Mandanda.

For Brazil, who play Chile at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Sunday, it was another pleasing night as their footballing recovery continues.

Elsewhere, Chile suffered a shock 2-0 friendly defeat against Iran, while Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao scored twice as Colombia thrashed Bahrain 6-0.

Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Marcel Desailly appeared on the pitch before the game in a ceremony to mark French players with at least 100 caps

There was a minute's silence before the game to pay tribute to the victims of the Germanwings air disaster

Moussa Sissoko, Morgan Schneiderlin and Oscar were among seven Premier League players in the starting line-ups

Real Madrid centre-half Raphael Varane scored his second international goal for France

Chelsea midfielder Oscar scored for Brazil, his 12th goal in international football

EPL TEAM OF THE WEEK

GOALKEEPER - Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace)

Speroni is only six games shy of matching Nigel Martyn's Palace goalkeeping record of 79 Premier League appearances

I was speaking to a Crystal Palace fan who didn't fancy her team getting anything at Stoke. I told her I thought they might get a point, but neither of us thought that goalkeeper Julian Speroni would be the star of the show in Palace's 2-1 win. I don't know why, because the Argentine has had another excellent season for the Eagles and once again his performance was the difference between the sides.

DEFENDER - Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)

Clyne has made more tackles (97) than any other defender in the Premier League this season

He was unlucky not to get in the team last week after his performance in Southampton's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and once again the full-back's penetrating runs created mayhem in their 2-0 success over Burnley. It was Clyne's initial shot that found its way to striker Shane Long to prod home as the Saints continued their assault on a European place next season. It was an important victory for Southampton and a nice birthday present for manager Ronald Koeman.

LA LIGA: BARCELONA BEAT REAL MADRID 2-1

Jeremy Mathieu netted his first La Liga goal for Barcelona since arriving from Valencia last summer

Cristiano Ronaldo poked Madrid level - his seventh goal in his last eight visits to the Nou Camp

Luis Suarez's matchwinner was his sixth goal in his last seven La Liga appearances

CHELSEA BEAT HULL 3-2 IN PHOTOS

Diego Costa limped off with 15 minutes left clutching his hamstring

Ahmed Elmohamady was a constant outlet for Hull on their right

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho did not look pleased after his side threw away a two-goal lead

Chelsea's Ramires and Hull City's David Meyler take part in a robust encounter

MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT LIVERPOOL 2-1

Midfielder Juan Mata opened the scoring for Manchester United after slotting in from close range

Daniel Sturridge scored at the near post for Liverpool

Wayne Rooney missed a late penalty for Manchester United

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel squared-up after a challenge by the defender

Brazil legend Pele was a guest of honour at Anfield 

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was sent off 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute as Manchester United retained their grip on a top-four place with a vital win at Anfield.

Gerrard was introduced for Adam Lallana at the start of the second half with United deservedly leading through Juan Mata's early goal - but was gone almost as quickly after following up a thunderous tackle on the goalscorer with a reckless reaction to a challenge with a clear stamp on Ander Herrera.

It was inexcusable behaviour from a player of Gerrard's experience, having just been handed the responsibility by manager Brendan Rodgers of getting an underperforming Liverpool side back into the game.

Mata emphasised the folly of Gerrard's red card when he added a second with a sensational volley just before the hour to confirm United's superiority in a game that confirmed the impression that manager Louis van Gaal is now getting the sort of performances and results he demands.

MECHI ZA LEO EPL

• Man City v West Brom 12:45
• Aston Villa v Swansea 15:00
• Newcastle v Arsenal 15:00
• Southampton v Burnley 15:00
• Stoke v Crystal Palace 15:00
• Tottenham v Leicester 15:00
• West Ham v Sunderland 17:30

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a hat-trick as Paris St-Germain beat Lorient to go top of Ligue 1.

The Swede scored an early penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.

PSG dominated and yet missed a host of chances before Jordan Ayew equalised from 20 yards and then had a shot blocked off the line moments later.

But Ibrahimovic scored a second penalty after a foul on Javier Pastore and in injury time swept home his third.

The talismanic striker has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons recently. He was sent off last week against Chelsea in the Champions League, earning himself a one-game ban for their first leg against Barcelona.

And last weekend he was filmed screaming in a foul-mouthed rant where he claimed France "does not deserve" PSG after they lost to Bordeaux. He has a French league hearing on 9 April over that incident.

Ibrahimovic looked like he might have to come off injured moments after his opener but he stayed on

But it was his night at the Parc des Prince as PSG overtook Lyon, who could go back to the summit on Saturday when they face Nice (15:00 GMT).

With four minutes he opened the scoring with a penalty after he was flattened by keeper Lecomte, who was booked for the challenge.

Ibrahimovic seemed to be injured moments after the goal and needed treatment on the sideline but was fit to continue.

Radamel Falcao: Striker's Man Utd plight left him in tears, says mentor

Radamel Falcao has been left in tears by his Manchester United predicament, claims mentor Silvano Espindola.

The Colombian striker, 29, has scored four goals in 21 appearances for the club since joining on loan from Monaco.

"I am not going to tell you that he feels happy because he isn't," his ex-agent Espindola told AS Colombia. 

"We speak many times and we cry together. It is not an easy situation because every player wants to play and every goalscorer wants to score goals."

Falcao has struggled to make an impact at United and has rarely featured for the first team in recent weeks.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: WAFUNGAJI BORA NA ASSISTS

 TOP GOAL SCORERS

GOALS	PLAYER	TEAM	NATION	POSITION
9	Luiz Adriano	Shakhtar Donetsk	Brazil	Forward
8	Crisitano Ronaldo	Real Madrid	Portugal	Forward
8	Lionel Messi	FC Barcelona	Argentina	Forward
6	Sergio Agüero	Manchester City	Argentina	Forward
6	Edinson Cavani	PSG	Uruguay	Forward
6	Karim Benzema	Real Madrid	France	Forward
5	Mario Mandzukic	Atlético Madrid	Croatia	Forward
5	Jackson Martínez	FC Porto	Colombia	Forward
5	Yacine Brahimi	FC Porto	France	Midfielder

MOST ASSISTS

ASSISTS	PLAYER	TEAM	NATION	POSITION
4	Koke	Atlético Madrid	Spain	Midfielder
4	Héctor Herrera	Porto	Spain	Midfielder
3	Pajtim Kasami	Olympiacos	Switzerland	Midfielder
3	Fabian Frei	Basel	Switzerland	Midfielder
3	Lukas Piszczek	Dortmund	Poland	Defender
3	Cesc Fabregas	Chelsea Munich	Spain	Midfielder
3	Juanfran	Atlético Madrid	Spain	Defender
3	Andrés Iniesta	Barcelona	Spain	Midfielder

TAKWIMU ZA LA LIGA 2014/2015

 TOP GOAL SCORERS

GOALS	PLAYER	TEAM	NATION	POSITION
32	Lionel Messi	FC Barcelona	Argentina	Forward
30	C. Ronaldo	Real Madrid	Portugal	Forward
17	Neymar	FC Barcelona	Brazil	Forward
16	Carlos Bacca	Sevilla FC	Colombia	Forward
15	Alberto Bueno	Rayo Vallecano	Spain	Forward
14	A. Griezmann	Atlético Madrid	France	Midfielder
13	Karim Benzema	Real Madrid	France	Forward
12	Mario Mandzukic	Atlético Madrid	Croatia	Forward
12	Luciano Vietto	Villarreal	Argentina	Forward
12	Gareth Bale	Real Madrid	Wales	Midfielder

MOST ASSISTS

ASSISTS	PLAYER	TEAM	NATION	POSITION
14	Lionel Messi	FC Barcelona	Argentina	Forward
11	C. Ronaldo	Real Madrid	Portugal	Forward
9	D. Cheryshev	Villarreal	Russia	Midfielder
9	Luis Suarez	FC Barcelona	Uruguay	Forward
8	Koke	Atlético Madrid	Spain	Midfielder
8	K. Benzema	Real Madrid	France	Forward
8	Isco	Real Madrid	Spain	Midfielder
7	Toni Kroos	Real Madrid	Germany	Midfielder
7	J. Rodríguez	Real Madrid	Colombia	Midfielder
7	Nolito	Celta Vigo	Spain	Forward

MOST CLEAN SHEETS

CLEAN SHEETS	PLAYER	TEAM	NATION
15	Claudio Bravo	Barcelona	Chile
12	Miguel Moyà	Atlético Madrid	Spain
11	Iker Casillas	Real Madrid	Spain
11	Sergio Asenjo	Villarreal	Spain
9	Fabricio	Deportivo	Spain
9	Gorka Iraizoz	Athletic Club	Spain
9	Diego Alves	Valencia CF	Brazil
9	F. Casilla	Espanyol	Spain
9	Carlos Kameni	Malaga	Cameroon
7	Beto	Sevilla	Portugal