Klinsmann dismissed as Bayern Munich coach

German champions Bayern Munich have sacked coach Jurgen Klinsmann and appointed the experienced Jupp Heynckes as his replacement for the final five games of the Bundesliga season.

Klinsmann's fate was sealed after Bayern Munich's 1-0 home defeat by Schalke on Saturday.

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Klinsmann's fate was sealed after a meeting with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, general manager Uli Hoeness and director Karl Hopfner on Monday morning.

The 44-year-old took charge of Bayern last July, after leading an unfancied Germany side to the 2006 World Cup semifinals on home soil.

However, despite taking the club to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, he has been dismissed after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Schalke left the club three points adrift of league leaders Wolfsburg.

Saturday's defeat, following the 5-1 Champions League aggregate reverse to Barcelona, and elimination by Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup, has proved he final straw for the club's board, eager to ensure qualification for next season's Champions League.

A statement on the Bavarian club's official Web site confirmed the decision: "The board have informed Jurgen Klinsmann that we have decided to end our co-operation. This also applies to the assistant coaches Martin Vasquez and Nick Theslof.

"The board has seen the minimum aim for the season come under threat with our recent results and has therefore decided to take this step. The board thanks Jurgen Klinsmann and his coaching team for their work and wish them all the best for the future."

Klinsmann also issued a statement on the official Web site saying: "Of course, I am very disappointed at the moment. Nevertheless, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Bayern Munich, the fans, the coaches, the players and my colleagues for an exciting time. We have laid the foundations for the future. I still believe that the team can be German champions this season."

Talking about the decision, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "We did not come to this decision lightly. But the results of the past weeks, the way in which they came about and above all, the situation we find ourselves in five games before the end of the season forced us to act out of a sense of responsibility to the club.

"In Jupp Heynckes and Hermann Gerland, we have two experienced coaches who will take over the running of the team until the end of the season."

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Klinsmann signed a two-year contract when he joined the club last July, his first-ever domestic coaching role.

However, despite remaining in the hunt for the Bundesliga for the majority of the season, there have been many un-Bayern like moments for the club's supporters to endure. The first signs of trouble came last September when Werder Bremen embarrassed Bayern 5-2 in front of their own fans at Munich's Allianz Arena.

The 4-2 German Cup defeat by Leverkusen in March was another low-point, as was the 5-1 hammering at league leaders Wolfsburg earlier this month.

Klinsmann's replacement Heynckes has already successfully coached Bayern, winning two consecutive Bundesliga titles in 1989 and 1990 in his first coaching stint in Munich between 1987 and 1991.

He then coached Athletic Bilbao between 1992 and 1994, Eintracht Frankfurt and Tenerife before moving to Real Madrid where he delivered the Champions League to the Spanish giants in 1998 after a 32-year wait.

A lack of domestic success saw him replaced at the Bernabeu and he had brief stints at Benfica and a return to Athletic Bilbao before heading back to the Bundesliga as coach of Schalke in June 2003.

In June 2006, he was appointed coach of Borussia Moenchengladbach but stepped down after a dreadful run of results that saw the team drop to 17th place in the table after 14 consecutive games without a win.

Fabregas double extends Arsenal unbeaten run

Captain Cesc Fabregas scored both goals as Arsenal extended their unbeaten Premier League run to 20 matches with a comfortable 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Cesc Fabregas rounds goalkeeper Brad Jones for Arsenal's second goal in their 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

On a warm sunny afternoon in north London, Russian Andrey Arshavin -- who scored all four of Arsenal's goals at Liverpool on Tuesday -- again pulled the strings for Arsene Wenger's side, who go into Wednesday's Champions League semifinal against Manchester United at Old Trafford in good heart.

Just 48 hours after receiving an English FA misconduct charge following the FA Cup clash with Hull City last month, Spanish playmaker Fabregas put Arsenal ahead with a sublime 26th-minute goal.

Nicklas Bendtner flicked the ball to Fabregas in the center-circle, who immediately released Arshavin down the left.

The Russian raced into the area before laying the ball back across into the path of the on-rushing Fabregas, who drilled his shot past keeper Brad Jones, low in the far corner.

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Boro almost snatched an equalizer when former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere took a through ball on his chest and raced into the area, but returning goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, fit again after an ankle injury, was quick off his line to make a crucial block.

On 67 minutes, Arsenal cut the visitors' defense wide open again. Arshavin stepped inside to find a square pass to Emmanuel Eboue, who slid the ball through into the path of Fabregas.

Jones rushed out to close down the Arsenal captain, but was promptly rounded before Fabregas rolled the ball into the empty net.

The result means fourth-placed Arsenal are now 10 points clear of Aston Villa, with four matches to play, and need just one more win to confirm the final Champions League qualifying place.

However, they are only six points behind Chelsea, with the two still to face each other, and could still snatch third position.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Middlesbrough remain third bottom of the table, but will drop to second bottom if Newcastle claim at least a point against Portsmouth on Monday.

In the day's other match, Blackburn aided their fight against relegation by defeating Wigan 2-0 to move up to 15th place in the table, six points above the drop zone.

Zaki apologises for late return

Zaki flew back to Manchester on Thursday

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Wigan have confirmed that striker Amr Zaki has apologised for returning late from international duty with Egypt.

Zaki, 26, reported back on Thursday, 48 hours later than the club had expected.

Manager Steve Bruce claimed it was the fourth time Zaki had returned late and said he was the most "unprofessional" player he had ever worked with.

He has been fined by the club and chief executive Brenda Spencer told their website: "Zaki said the reason for his behaviour was personal."

The fine imposed on the striker, who is on loan from Egyptian side El Zamalek until the end of the season, was the maximum amount allowed for by the Professional Footballers Association guidelines.

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"The whole affair has been very disappointing and the club are keen to draw a line under it," added Spencer.

"Steve has told him that the door is not closed for him but he has a lot to do to earn a place back in the team. That is before we discuss anything more long term."

Zaki, who picked up an injury while on international duty, is reported to have told Egyptian television that both he and Bruce were "laughing" after the apology was made.

"I clarified many things to Bruce," said the striker.

"He understood my reasons for staying in Egypt during the past week but told me I should have returned immediately to England after the Zambia match.

"He wanted my hamstring injury to be assessed by Wigan medics. I apologised to him and we ended up laughing.

"I may return to training after a week. I'm determined to do my best in the remaining Premier League matches."

The player's agent, Nader Shawky, has said Zaki is keen to continue playing in England next season and that "several" clubs had made inquiries about him.

And Zamalek's marketing director, Khaled Refaat, told BBC Sport Manchester City made an inquiry about the striker in January and that "two or three" other clubs had expressed an interest in the 26-year-old.

Zaki scored seven goals in his first eight Premier League games, but has not scored in open play since 18 October.

Liverpool 4-0 Blackburn

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Torres (centre) is mobbed by team-mates after heading Liverpool's second

Liverpool kept up the pressure on title rivals Manchester United with a commanding home win over Blackburn.

Fernando Torres put them ahead with a brilliant swivel and volley into the corner after controlling on his chest.

Torres was in irresistible mood and headed in a Xabi Alonso free-kick as the home side dominated proceedings.

Daniel Agger fired in a ferocious 30-yard strike late on before David Ngog nodded in from point-blank range to round off the impressive win.

There had been a poignant build up to the last match at Anfield ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy in which 96 fans died during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

A minute's silence was impeccably observed and it was a significant occasion as well as a significant game - one which Jamie Carragher had called the most important league match of his career as Liverpool chase a first title since 1990.

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Carragher gathered the Reds players in a huddle before kick-off to deliver a rallying call and duly backed up his words with actions.

He flighted a ball to Torres, who controlled it with his back to goal before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the far corner past keeper Paul Robinson's despairing dive.

It was a goal of the highest quality and one which Javier Mascherano should have added to after a swift counter attack.

The Argentine had a one-on-one after being played in by Dirk Kuyt only to sidefoot too close to keeper Paul Robinson, who blocked the ball away.

Torres blazed the rebound high but the Reds were in inspired form and were zipping the ball about with confidence and purpose.

Emiliano Insua and Albert Riera, in particular, were combining to penetrative effect down the left flank as Blackburn were left chasing shadows.

Insua whipped in an inviting cross for an unmarked Kuyt, who failed to capitalise on the chance by heading straight at Robinson.

But Liverpool did not have to wait long to double their lead as Torres again showed his finishing prowess by nodding in Alonso's free-kick.

Blackburn afforded the hosts far too much time and space, which was a surprise considering their precarious position in the table, although injuries to a number of key players did not help.

Riera went close with a couple of shots as Liverpool continued to cruise, although Blackburn centre-back Christopher Samba nearly made the home side pay for not being as ruthless in the final third during the second half.

The ball fell to him at the far post but the makeshift striker slipped as he got his shot away and Jose Reina saved in a rare moment of action on his 200th appearance for Liverpool.

The home side eventually increased their lead when Agger delivered a piledriver into the top corner and Ngog added the fourth in injury time after Lucas headed across goal as the Reds moved top of the table before Manchester United's game against Sunderland at 1500 BST.

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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:

"We had confidence and were always in control. The first goal was very important, it opened the game up and we were able score.

"My only concern was that we did not score more. Goal difference will be very important if this title race goes to the wire.

"After what happened in midweek against Chelsea, that was the perfect response. We have done our side of the job, the pressure is on Manchester United now."

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce:

"I think there was a little bit of fear in the team. We should have got tighter, instead we just let them play their game plan.

"They are certainly capable of winning the title, even if Manchester United have a game in hand.

"If Liverpool keep playing like that and continue with that pace and confidence, it is possible they can win it.

"There will be a lot of twists and turns yet and they certainly believe they can do it."

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BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Liverpool's Fernando Torres on 9.13 (on 90 minutes).

Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished

Late start for Masters favorite Tiger

Tiger Woods has been given a late start on Thursday as he begins his bid for a fifth Masters green jacket.

Woods is all smiles as he contemplates a fifth Masters green jacket.

The world number one will go out in the penultimate group with Ryder Cup teammate Stewart Cink and Jeev Milkha Singh of India.

With unpredictable weather forecast for the first major of the season, Woods may be handed the advantage of playing in anticipated warmer afternoon conditions.

Cold and windy weather in the build-up to the tournament mean Woods will tee off for real without having played a full practice round at Augusta.

He completed 11 holes on Sunday, five late on Monday, none on Tuesday with only nine planned for Wednesday when he will also skip the traditional eve-of-Masters par-three competition.

"Hopefully the weather will be good enough where the scores will be a little bit lower," he told Press Association.

"The last two years, we have had terrible weather conditions and the weather hasn't allowed us to shoot really low numbers.

"The weather this week is going to be interesting again. We'll see how it plays out."

Woods will be playing in the group directly behind defending Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa, Adam Scott of Australia and teenage New Zealand amateur sensation Danny Lee.

Immelman relegated Woods to second place last year before Tiger claimed his 14th major at the U.S. Open, playing through the pain barrier to beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff.

Extensive knee surgery followed that triumph at Torrey Pines and after a nine- month break, Woods returned to win the third tournament of his comeback at Bay Hill two weeks ago.

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It has given him renewed confidence that he can complete a sweep of the majors this season.

Well, I know I can do it. I've done it," he said.

"It's hard for me to sit here and tell you that it can't be done because I've done it before. Hopefully it will start this week for me."

The group behind Woods contains three of the most promising players in world golf, Ryder Cup hero Anthony Kim of the United States, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Ryo Ishikawa of Japan.

World number two Phil Mickelson has a morning start, paired with flamboyant Colombian Camilo Villegas and U.S. veteran Jim Furyk.

Mickelson, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour this season, can claim top spot in the rankings from Woods if he wins his fourth major and Woods finishes lower than fifth.

The other big attraction for the galleries on Thursday will be the return to the Masters after seven years of Australian veteran Greg Norman, who qualified after his third place finish at the British Open last year.

He partners 1985 winner Bernhard Langer of Germany and Lee Westwood of England.

Padraig Harrington, who edged out Norman at Royal Birkdale and then took the PGA Championship in the absence of the recovering Woods, will begin his bid for a third straight major with a morning start with Mike Weir of Canada and Japan's Ryuji Imada.

Woods said that the Irishman faces a tough task as he bids for a "Paddy Slam."

"It's not going to be easy -- I remember trying to do it myself and it's hard," he said. "

"People don't realize that just one gust of wind here or there could cost you the tournament on Thursday. Sometimes it does."

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Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa

Macheda produced a moment of magic to win the game for United

Federico Macheda scored a stunning late winner as Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League.

The 17-year-old substitute turned in the box and curled in a superb strike to make his debut the stuff of dreams.

Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from an indirect free-kick after a James Milner backpass, before John Carew's header restored parity.

Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa in front only for Ronaldo to level with a low shot and Macheda to snatch victory.

It was an incredible finish to a match that twisted and turned - and had looked to be going the way of Villa rather than the champions.

But after digging deep, and finding inspiration from an untried teenager, United have leapfrogged Liverpool at the top of the table.

Macheda impact impresses Phelan

And they also avoided a third successive league defeat, which would have been more galling given that Villa were thumped 5-0 by Liverpool in their last match.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said his side's last-gasp 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday had placed the pressure on United, and he looked to be right from the way they started against Villa.

They struggled with an unfamiliar back four that was forced upon them because of Rio Ferdinand's injury and Nemanja Vidic's suspension.

Gary Neville, returning from injury, was brought in to partner John O'Shea in the heart of defence, but that proved to be a costly mistake.

Carew quickly served notice that he would enjoy the mismatch against Neville when his header was scrambled clear via Darren Fletcher and the post.

And the visitors were in the mood to expose United's vulnerabilities.

606: DEBATE This has been one of the best seasons for the Premier League in years - the title keeps swinging one way then the other and its still not quite done with WOLF_HAMMER

The pace of Agbonlahor, back in the side for the injured Emile Heskey, and the poise and passing of Gareth Barry was causing United all manner of problems.

But United were handed a lifeline when Milner passed the ball back to Brad Friedel, who picked the ball up, and the resulting free-kick in the area was cracked in by Ronaldo after Ryan Giggs had rolled the ball to him.

The goal settled United's nerves and they began to stroke the ball around with more confidence, but without really penetrating.

And Villa remained dangerous on the break, particularly through Agbonlahor, whose speed was a big problem for Neville.

Ashley Young's free-kick was tipped over by Edwin van der Sar as Villa threatened.

From another quick counter Villa deservedly restored parity, Barry's excellent right-wing cross powerfully headed into the bottom corner by Carew as Neville stood by helplessly.

Shortly after, Neville was switched with right-back Jonny Evans - but it had been a half-hour to forget for the United skipper.

O'Neill praises 'terrific' Villa

He would have felt better if Ronaldo's glancing header had gone either side of Friedel rather than straight at the keeper and given United a half-time lead.

Instead, Villa struck again on 58 minutes when Ronaldo was caught in possession and Villa moved the ball quickly to Carew, and his cross was headed in by Agbonlahor.

United's response was to bring on Macheda for Nani.

The young Italian, who signed professional terms with United in August 2008, hit a hat-trick for the reserves against Newcastle on Monday.

He appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after he fell under challenge from Curtis Davies, then at the other end Davies was close to converting Ashley Young's free-kick.

United needed something special from somewhere and it came from Ronaldo, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low drive into the bottom corner to drag his side level.

Neville hails 'brilliant' Macheda

The impetus was all with the hosts now and it took a fine save from Friedel to deny Fletcher from 12 yards.

Substitute Danny Welbeck was next to be thwarted by Friedel as he saw his shot saved at point-blank range.

But United were not to be denied and Macheda produced a moment of magic to win the game when he turned and curled a peach of a shot into the far corner.