Live Commentary: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (3-4) - as it happened

Live Commentary: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (3-4) - as it happened ( scroll down below for watch goals)

 

TEAMS:

REAL MADRID: Lopez; Essien, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Ozil, Modric, Alonso; Ronaldo, Higuain, Di Maria

| Real's starting XI

DORTMUND: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Blaszczykowski, Bender, Gundogan, Gotze; Reus, Lewandowski

 

Dortmund's starting XI

 

0 minJust a reminder of the main team news. Essien and Di Maria both come into the Madrid side, with Khedira and Pepe dropping to the bench. Higuain is also preferred to Benzema in attack. Meanwhile, Dortmund are unchanged from the first leg, with Lewandowski leading the attack. Right, the away side get the action underway.

2 minTruly sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. It has been buzzing in the Spanish capital all afternoon. Bright start from the away side as Gundogan finds the run of Reus with a cutting pass, but the flag is raised. Madrid have possession moments later as they begin to pass and probe outside the Dortmund box.

4 minHalf-chance for the home side as Di Maria collects a loose ball outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Plenty of suggestions that Dortmund have come to attack as Reus once more runs beyond the Madrid defence, but Sergio Ramos is on hand to clear. Short, incisive passing from the Spanish outfit in the opening four minutes of football.

6 minCHANCE! End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Ozil collects a pass in the final third before slipping it towards Higuain, the Argentine strikes an effort from close range, but Weindfeller is out to make a fine save. The resulting corner comes in towards Ronaldo, but Subotic manages to get enough on the clearance before Di Maria fires over moments later.

8 minReal Madrid are averaging just about three goals a game in this stadium this season, which would be enough if they did not concede. Half-chance for Dortmund this time as Lewandowski strikes an effort from close range, but Diego Lopez is on hand to make the save. It has been a bright start from both sides, but the home team are in control of the possession.

10 minMadrid continue to pressure with another dangerous corner into the box, but once more Dortmund manage to clear. Alonso forces it into the box moments later, but Subotic manages to hook over his own crossbar. It is so important that the Spanish side find the back of the net in this period. Ronaldo tries his luck moments later, but the Portuguese can over fire over the crossbar.

12 minDortmund attempt to force a chance of their own as Gundogan slips a pass beyond Varane, but Lopez is out to clear under pressure from Reus. Madrid have possession down the other end moments later, but Schmelzer fells Higuain outside the box. Ozil whips the free kick into the box, but Higuain can only head wide of the target. However, the offside flag had been raised.

14 minDortmund continue to quell the Madrid attacks with Hummels and Bender both making challenges outside the box. Meanwhile, it does not look good for Ozil, who is receiving a period of treatment on the sidelines. There is no question that Dortmund have come here to play this evening as they force another high ball into the box, but Lewandowski can only fire straight at Ramos.

16 minCHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a cross from Coentrao, but somehow his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Dortmund are forced into an early change as Kevin Grosskreutz replaces Gotze, who had appeared to be struggling. All-action start as the challenges continue to fly in. Another wonderful chance comes to Ozil, but the German fires wide.

18 minGood grief Madrid could be three goals ahead on the evening after 18 minutes of football. Dortmund just have not started. Will the home side be made to regret those missed opportunities? The away side cannot keep hold of the ball at the moment as Madrid continue to force the issue. Somehow, the score remains goalless on the evening.

21 minNot too much to report in the last couple of moments with Dortmund just starting to gain some sort of control in possession of the ball. In truth, they should be at least two goals behind on the evening. Ozil continues to cause problems as he drops into the gap, but the final pass has just not been there. Ronaldo also has a go from distance, but he drags it wide of the post.

23 minEnd-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Essien bursts forward from defence before attempting to find Ozil, but Bender is across to clear at the vital moment. Reus has possession down the other end moments later as he slides in Piszczek, but Ramos is across to make the challenge. Stunning opening 23 minutes to this Champions League semi-final second leg.

25 minOnce more Dortmund threaten on the counter as Schmelzer floats a dangerous cross towards Lewandowski, but Ramos is on hand to make a fine clearance at the vital moment. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Ronaldo tries his luck down the other end, but it comes to nothing. How on earth is this match still goalless?!

27 minCHANCE! It's really bright work from Ozil as the German drives down the left before finding Di Maria, but the Argentine's effort strikes his own teammate Higuain. It was never going to be dull this match. Meanwhile, Howard Webb is forced to book Coentrao for a late challenge on Lewandowski.

29 minHiguain threatens to cause problems once more as he challenges Weidenfeller, but the German goalkeeper was always favourite to claim. There is no question that Mourinho's words have fired up his team this evening, but that first goal continues to elude them. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, but still neither side can open the scoring. Howard Webb is also having a difficult evening as the challenges continue to fly in.

32 minThe chances have certainly dried up in the last couple of moments with Dortmund settling in the Madrid half. The atmosphere remains, but it is the away supporters that can be heard high in the gods. You just wonder whether Madrid will be made to regret those early missed chances. One goal changes the entire complexion of this match, but the Madrid passes are just starting to go astray.

34 minIt's really bright play from the away side with Lewandowski and Reus combining in the final third before Bender attempts to slide a pass towards the former, but Varane is across to clear at the vital moment. Di Maria threatens down the right moments later, but his cross is cleared by Hummels. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

36 minIt's really measured from Dortmund as they continue to keep possession in their own half, which is unsettling the home supporters. In truth, we have not had a clear chance in this match since the early stages. Even Ronaldo is losing concentration as the Portuguese is challenged by Bender. Just a reminder that a 3-0 score would take Madrid into the final.

38 minDi Maria attempts to force the issue as he floats a high cross into the box, but once more Hummels is on hand to hand back to his own goalkeeper. The battle between Ramos and Lewandowski continues as the Spanish defender appears to elbow the striker, but Howard Webb is not interested. Madrid really need some sort of inspiration before the interval.

41 minMadrid want a penalty as Subotic appears to handle in the box, but the linesman had his flag raised. It might well have been given had Higuain not moved into an offside position. Again Madrid attempt to build from the back as Ramos finds Alonso in midfield, but the Spaniard is immediately surrounded by both Bender and Gundogan.

43 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Higuain searches out Ronaldo in the box, but Weidenfeller is out to claim off the head of the Portuguese striker. Ozil appears to be in moments later, but once more the flag is raised. Madrid have suddenly come alive in the latter stages of the half, but it remains 0-0 on the night.

45 minMadrid continue to force the issue with Di Maria and Ozil both delivering crosses in quick succession, but Weidenfeller is on hand to claim. Higuain again moves into the box moments later, but he is offside. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of stoppage time.

45 min+2No respite for Howard Webb as the English referee books both Bender and Gundogan in quick succession. The latest foul presents Madrid with a free kick some 40 yards from goal. Ronaldo steps up to take the effort, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. That has dropped somewhere in Madrid central.

45 min+2HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Borussia Dortmund

8.33pmSo there we have it. Howard Webb brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Madrid started the match on the front foot, but were guilty of missing a host of guilt-edged chances. Dortmund have certainly grown into the half, however, as they enter the break with their 4-1 first-leg lead in tact. Madrid have work to do in the Spanish capital.

 

  STATISTICS: Madrid have had more of the possession with 60%, while they have had seven attempts to Dortmund's two. Ronaldo and Ozil were both guilty of missing glorious chances in the early stages of the match, but Lewandowski also had an opportunity to send Dortmund into the lead. Madrid need to find at least three goals in the second half if they are to make it to the final.

  BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Kaka and Karim Benzema, while they also have Sami Khedira, who could be used to release another midfield player. Dortmund, meanwhile, have already been forced into one change, but they still have the likes of Mortiz Leitner, Nuri Sahin and Julian Schieber in reserve.

46 minHere we go then. Both sides of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the final, with the German outfit leading 4-0 from the first leg. No changes for either side at the interval. Right, Madrid get the half underway.

48 minHalf-chance for the home side in the early stages of the half as Di Maria delivers a low cross into the box, but Hummels is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is met by Varane, but once more Hummels gets something on the header. Good pressure from Madrid, but another corner comes to nothing as Ramos is penalised for pushing Subotic.

50 minYou just get the feeling that the next goal could ultimately decide this match. If Madrid manage to score in the next five minutes or so, then it truly is game on. However, a Dortmund goal and surely it is all over. Once more Madrid attempt to pass and probe outside the box, but Essien is adjudged to have felled Bender. Still no goals on the evening in this semi-final encounter.

52 minCHANCE! Glorious opportunity for the away side as Lewandowski strikes an effort from just outside the box, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid attempt to counter through Ronaldo, but Piszczek fells the Portuguese. It is all very frantic at the moment.

52 minCROSSBAR! Oh my good grief! How are Dortmund not in the lead? Wonderful chance for Lewandowski once more as the Pole collects a pass from Reus before thumping an effort towards goal, but it smashes against the crossbar. Madrid really need to be careful here.

54 minRonaldo attempts to force the issue down the other end moments later as he meets a cross form Di Maria, but once more Piszczek is across to clear the danger. Ozil is involved with Ronaldo moments later, but the attack breaks down. The Spanish outfit really need to find some sort of inspiration here. How on earth is this still goalless?!

56 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Ozil finds Higuain just outside the box, but the Argentine cannot gather under pressure from Hummels. Meanwhile, it appears that Gundogan is struggling for Dortmund at the moment. We are getting to that stage where both managers will be thinking about making changes. Little under 35 minutes remaining. Madrid need three goals without reply.

58 minMadrid do indeed make a double change with Benzema and Kaka replacing Higuain and Coentrao. It has just not happened for Higuain this evening. Time for one of these players to make themselves a hero. However, Dortmund continue to threaten on the counter with the pace of Reus. It is hard not to be impressed by the German outfit.

61 minMadrid have reverted to a three-man defence with Ozil moving to the right. Another half-chance arrives as Ronaldo finds the run of Benzema, but Subotic is across to clear at the vital moment. Ronaldo attempts to go alone moments later, but Blaszczykowski is across to challenge. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.

63 minBenzema is involved once more as he drives into the box before floating a cross towards Ozil, but the German loses possession at the vital moment. Dortmund attempt to break with Reus, but he cannot keep possession. One-way traffic at the moment, but Madrid just cannot find that goal. Meanwhile, Lewandowski versus Ramos continues.

65 minCHANCE! Oh my good grief! Stunning opportunity for the away side as Gundogan meets a cross from Reus, but somehow Lopez makes a wonderful save. That is fabulous from the Spanish stopper. That is why he is keeping Casillas out of the team. Dortmund score there and that is curtains there is no question about that.

67 minLewandowski wants a penalty moments later as he appears to be pulled back by Ramos, but the referee is not interested. It is a case of 'too many cooks' for Madrid, meanwhile, as Benzema and Ronaldo clash outside the box. The best part of 25 minutes remaining, but Madrid need three goals without reply.

69 minAgain Kaka is involved as he collects possession outside the box before attempting to slip a pass towards Ronaldo, but Hummels is across to make the save. Dortmund attempt to break with Reus, but once more he loses possession. Di Maria has a half-chance, but his effort is wide of the post. Meanwhile, third and final change for the home side as Khedira replaces Alonso.

72 minMadrid continue to play their football on the edge of the box, but it is just not failing in the final third with a Dortmund shirt on hand to make the clearance. Time is not on their side, meanwhile, as we enter the final 20 minutes. Another half-chance comes to Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide of the target.

74 minAnother opportunity comes to Ronaldo as the Portuguese meets a cross from Ozil, but it was just too high for the striker, who could not direct it on target. You just get the feeling that it is going to be one of those nights for the home side. It is the Dortmund supporters that are making the noise as we move ever-closer to the final whistle. But one goal would give Madrid hope, it almost comes as Kaka meets a cross from Di Maria, but it is wide of the post.

76 minNot too much from Dortmund as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but their manager will not mind with their 4-1 lead still intact. Just a reminder that Madrid have made all three of their changes, but Klopp still has two remaining if he should wish to add fresh legs. Ronaldo attempts to force it down the left once more, but he loses possession at the vital moment.

78 minCHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Reus finds Lewandowski in the box, but somehow the Pole cannot find the back of the net with Ramos on hand to make a fine block. There is no question that Dortmund feel that they can open the scoring this evening. Little over 10 minutes remaining, Madrid need at least three goals or they are out at the semi-final stage once more.

80 minMadrid attempt to force the issue once more as Modric whips a cross into the box, but once more Hummels is on hand to make a towering clearance. The home side want a free kick outside the box moments later when Hummels appears to handle, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that it should indeed have been given.

82 minSafe to say that Mourinho is not happy with Webb as the remonstrates with the fourth official, but that will not change the decision. His side are running out of time here with little over eight minutes of normal time remaining. Ozil attempts to force another low ball into the box moments later, but once more Hummels is out to clear. It is slipping away from the Spanish side.

83 minThe bookings are just starting to arrive for the home side with Ramos and Khedira both picking up yellow cards in the last couple of moments. Dortmund attempt to force another cross into the box through Reus, but Essien clears for a corner. It is almost over. Dortmund are almost into the Champions League final.

83 minGOAL! Madrid 1-0 Dortmund (Benzema)

 

 Here's the Benzema goal that made it 1-0:

84 minBreakthrough! Madrid have their first of the evening as Benzema converts an Ozil cross at the near post. It is a start, but they need to score twice more. Surely they cannot? Surely? Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.

86 minRonaldo and Khedira both have efforts from inside the box, but Dortmund are throwing everything in the way. Madrid have a free kick outside the box moments later as Reus fells Modric. Ozil takes on the set piece, but Ramos's header is blocked by the Dortmund goalkeeper.

87 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Ramos meets a cross from Di Maria, but it is straight into the arms of Weidenfeller. Hardly time to take a breath here as the home side continue to force the ball into the box, but once more the danger is cleared. Incredible noise in the stadium.

88 minDortmund make their second change of the match as Lewandowski is replaced by Kehl. How much time will be added here? Madrid still need to score twice to make it to the final. Modric forces another cross into the box moments later, but Subotic clears.

88 minCHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side once more as Benzema strikes an effort from outside the box, but Weidenfeller makes the save. It is all happening here.

88 minGOAL! Madrid 2-0 Dortmund (Ramos)

 

 

And the Ramos goal:

 

89 minMadrid have their second! Oh my word they have their second! Madrid have time to do this now. Can they produce the remarkable? How much added time is the question on everyone's lips.

90 minProblem for Blaszczyowski here as the midfielder hits the deck following a challenge from Ramos. The midfielder is replaced by Santana. We still not have seen the amount of time that will be added here. But I suspect it could be six minutes.

90 min+2Madrid force the issue with another cross into the box, but Ramos just cannot make contact. The pressure remains as Ronaldo feed a low ball into the box, but it moves out for a corner. Madrid have their backs up here. Can they score?

90 min+3Half-chance for Ramos as the Spaniard meets the corner from Ozil, but his header is wide of the post. What an opportunity to score that decisive third goal. It appears that five minutes has been added and we are into the third of those.

90 min+5Ronaldo attempts to force the issue down the left, but he loses possession. Benzama fires another low cross into the box moments later, but again it is Hummels. Time is running out here as we enter the final minute. Dortmund have possession.

90 min+6FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund (3-4 on aggregate)

Live Commentary: Stuttgart 2-1 Freiburg - as it happened

 

 

 

 

 

 STUTTGART XI: Ulreich; Sakai, Rudiger, Niedermeier, Molinaro; Gentner, Boka; Harnik, Maxim, Traore; Ibisevic

FREIBURG XI: Mujdza; Krmas, Diagne, Gunter; Ginter, Schuster; Schmid, Guede, Makiadi; Kruse

 

0 minKICKOFF: Here we go then, the hosts in white kick us off.

2 minFreiburg, who could move into the Champions League qualifier spot with a win remember, have started somewhat on the back foot. Stuttgart have started with some nice passing early on.

4 minHalf-chance early on for the visitors. Schmid is set away down the right from a nicely worked free kick and his low cross is just blocked before Kruse can sweep it in from close range. Boka fouls Maxim and Stuttgart have a free kick in a good spot for a ball in.

6 minSome nice work from Gotuku Sakai finds Antonio Rudiger down the right, but his cross is too deep. Stuttgart do keep it in, however, and continue with their nice passing. Freiburg's stall is set out to play on the break early on.

8 minSome nice passing by Freiburg there as Schmid plays left to Julian Schuster, whose low cross towards Cedric Makiadi doesn't reach him. That's a couple of crossing chances they've had, but Stuttgart have been able to deal with them.

10 minSchmid has been very lively early on. He nicks it past Boka on the half-way line, before trying to find Schuster on the left, but the captain had strayed marginally offside. At the other end Harnik is set away down the right but Mensur Mujdza is first to his cross and clears. The hosts now have a free kick around 30 yards out now.

12 minMaxim took the free kick, but he goes for placement and gets it completely wrong. Makiadi is muscled off the ball really well by Rudiger - far too easily for my liking. At the other end Diagne gets the better of Ibisevic.

14 minThere have been no real chances on goal thus far. A few crosses have come in from dangerous positions but neither goalkeeper has had anything to do thus far. In fact, it's a little scrappy.

14 minCHANCE! There is a chance! A real chance. Maxim breaks into the box down the left after being found by Gentner. The German gets it back but skies a left-footed effort from a slight angle.

16 minStuttgart are on top now. A nice passing move is wasted by Boka, who went for the ambitious diagonal ball that was easy for Mujdza to clear.

17 minSAVE! Sven Ulreich is the first keeper called into action. Schmid crosses low to Kruse who hammers towards goal from the middle of the box but Ulreich gets a firm couple of hands on it to push it wide. Good save.

19 minDISALLOWED GOAL! Now Freiburg are starting to control the game after their effort on goal. Kruse again finds space after being found by Schmid, but his touch takes him wide and he eventually wins a corner. From it, it's put in at the far post by I think Makiadi, but it's been ruled out. It can't have been offside.

22 minIn fact it was offside. Makiadi was across the line, behind the goalkeeper, when the ball was played in. Really bad positioning and if he'd have just been where he finished from at the start then his side would be leading. They come again and Kruse's cross to the lurking Makiadi is harmlessly over the bar.

24 minHow can Stuttgart respond to that warning sign from Freiburg? Very well, in fact. Molinaro swings a deep cross that Maxim keeps in to cut across the face, but Diagne is in the right place to clear.

26 minGentner looks for Sakai, but it's really well intercepted by the sliding Schuster, who had tracked the Japanese all the way.

28 minBOOKING: Kruse drifts to the right this time and is found over the top, but again it's a disappointing cross. Schuster is booked for pulling back Harnik as he tried to break down the right.

30 minCHANCE! Mujdza, who is now playing at right-back, is found by Kruse. He crosses low but Rudiger is there to hack clear over his own bar. It wasn't convincing, but ended up safe. At the other end Stuttgart break but Traore dallies on the ball and the chance is gone. They come back down the left but this time it's at the feet of Oliver Baumann.

32 minGentner goes for the ambitious chip over Baumann from range. The keeper had drifted slightly away from his line, but had plenty of time to get back and gather.

32 minGOAL! Stuttgart 1-0 Freiburg (Christian Gentner)

34 minWhat an assist that is by Harnik. The Austrian chips it over the entire defence to Gentner, who had arrived late in the box to head past Baumann neatly. All the credit has to go to Harnik there.

36 minThere have been spells in this game where both sides have been on top, and Stuttgart have scored during on of theirs. How can Freiburg respond? They must be sick of the sight of Stuttgart.

38 minThe answer is not very well so far. Sakai then gets a chance on the volley from a really well worked move down the left, but completely mishits his effort and it doesn't even go out of play.

40 minThere has been a lack of chances since the goal, but Stuttgart have remained on top of the contest. The crowd are in good voice and it wouldn't surprise me if they got another before the break.

41 minGOAL! Stuttgart 2-0 Freiburg (Vedad Ibisevic)

43 minWell, just as I say it, there it is. It's poor from Schuster, who gives the ball away to Harnik, who then threads in Ibisevic to slot home for 2-0. That could well be it.

45 minThey're just on top in every area now, Stuttgart. Tackles that look 50-50 are going their way and they're also getting all the lucky breaks. Freiburg come forward with Schuster and Gunter, but just cannot work a chance.

45 minHALF-TIME: Stuttgart 2-0 Freiburg

3.18pmFreiburg's hopes of getting into the top four have not gone well in the first 45 minutes here. It hasn't been completely dominant from Stuttgart, but they have certainly created more and have used the ball far better.

3.22pmFreiburg will need to play much, much better if they stand a hope of a point here tonight. They have not been good at all and we could well see some changes for them at the break. Kruse has been lively, but he's had no support.

3.26pmAs far as the statistics go, Stuttgart have had the better of the ones that matter. The possession is an even 50%, but Stuttgart are leading 7-3 in goal attempts and 3-2 in attempts on target. They have no corners to Freiburg's four, though.

3.31pmFreiburg are out there nice and early, but we're still waiting for Stuttgart to join us on the pitch. The away side look composed for the second half. Nothing to lose now, I suppose.

45 minKICKOFF: Freiburg get us back underway.

46 minSAVE! Almost 3-0 right at the start of the half! Harnik shimmies past Krmas but his effort at goal is weak and Baumann is able to get it wide.

48 minFREIBURG SUB: Krmas is struggling with an injury and it's Hohn who comes on for him. A good young player.

50 minFreiburg have a chance from a free kick wide left. Schmid swings it in an Ibisevic, unchallenged, heads it back over his own goal for a corner. Ulreich comes out to claim it though and the minor spell of pressure from the visitors is over.

52 minStuttgart are looking comfortable on the ball now. Largely due to the fact that Freiburg simply aren't pressing them when not on the ball.

54 minThere's now lots of passing in midfield and defence from both sides, but neither have much urgency to get forward it seems. That's fair enough for the hosts, but Freiburg can't have just given up. It's still too early though to get desperate, in fairness - one goal and they'll be right back in it.

56 minSHOT! Boka finds Maxim superbly on the right side of the box. The Romanian is completely open and has time to control on his chest and fire a half-volley towards goal, but it was straight at Baumann who gathers.

57 minFREIBURG SUB: It's a second change for the visitors, and Johannes Flum comes on for Schuster.

58 minFreiburg try to create a chance, with the new man Flum involved. Eventually Stuttgart can clear when Makiadi went to ground a little too easily.

60 minThe visitors are pressing now quite a bit and are camped in the hosts' half, but they still have yet to really test Ulreich all game. He's made a couple of stops, but nothing beyond routine.

62 minAt least the visitors seem to be dealing with Stuttgart at the back now. That's the first step, not to concede again, and then they must use the remaining half an hour to create the chances needed.

64 minFREIBURG SUB: Santini, a striker, is coming on for Guede in what is an attacking move. That's also their last change already.

66 minIt's safe to say that this half has been less exciting than the first! Stuttgart are already taking their time over set pieces in the 66th minute. They're more than happy for this to end 2-0, as Ibievic reaches for a Molinaro cros but cannot make contact.

68 minBOOKING: There's a slight mix up in the Freiburg half, but as Traore looked to race through the ball bounces to Baumann. Both teams seem to be playing on the break here as Harnik is fouled by Hahn after latching on to a Sakai ball. Hohn is carded, rightly.

70 minWith 20 minutes left I'd be very surprised if Freiburg get back into this one. They are seeing a lot of the ball but not in the right area.

73 minStuttgart now are starting to take control again. Ever since 1-0 they have looked most likely to score, but really that's not true this half. Neither side has.

75 minHarnik has looked a constant threat down the right. Sakai again looks for him over the top but he's just beaten to it this time by Hohn.

77 minIt has really been a good performance by the hosts at the back. Kruse has been most lively but has been completely nullified in this half. Baumann is worked again as Harnik goes over the top for Szakai, and the keeper just wins the battle.

79 minMolinaro makes a superb burst down the left, tracked by Kruse. He eventually manages to find Traore in the box but the shot is too close to Baumann and there's not goal. However, Stuttgart are firmly on top.

80 minSTUTTGART SUB: The second goalscorer Ibisevic comes off for Federico Macheda, who of course is on loan from Manchester United. He has not impressed so far, though.

82 minSTUTTGART SUB: Probably more time wasting by the hosts as Hajnal comes on now for Maxim. The Romanian played very well again.

84 minSAVE! Ouch! Baumann this time keeps it out with his face! Macheda finds space down the left, cuts inside and shoots from a tight angle, but it's a corner via the face of the brave keeper.

86 minOFF THE POST! Traore won't come close. He bursts into the box at pace, fires low past Baumann but sees his effort hit the post and roll across the line. He can only turn the rebound into the side netting. At the other end Ulreich does well to keep out a Gunter cross.

87 minSTUTTGART SUB: That was Traore's last action. He has deserved a goal but makes way for Okazaki.

88 minGOAL! Stuttgart 2-1 Freiburg (Ivan Santini)

89 minWell, the Croatian makes the final few minutes very interesting! Sakai cannot clear his lines, which allows Santini to nip and and roll the ball past Ulreich. It was scarcely deserved, but now they're just one behind.

90 minSAVE! Now Stuttgart have Ulreich to thank! Flum shoots from all of 25 yards and it's rising, but the keeper gets a solid hand to keep it out! A frantic end here and I think that's three minutes left.

90+1 minGood claim from Ulreich who clutches a very, very long throw. However, Freiburg come again through Kruse but his cross is long.

90+3 minFULL-TIME: Stuttgart 2-1 Freiburg

 

Live Commentary: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 Augsburg - as it happened

 

 GLADBACH XI: Ter Stegen; Jantschke, Brouwers, Dominguez, Daems; Marx, Xhaka; Herrmann, Arango, Mlapa; Hanke

AUGSBURG XI: Manninger; Verhaegh, Vogt, Callsen-Bracker, Ostrzolek; Baier, Werner, Moravek, Ji, Hahn; Molders

 

0 minKICKOFF: The hosts get us underway. Let's go!

2 minMarc-Andre Ter Stegen gets an early touch from a header by Jantschke. The goalkeeper was quite frankly awful at the weekend, so Gladbach will be hoping for much better from him. No side really on top of this in the early stages - passes are going astray from the men in white and those in black.

4 minIt's Alex Manninger this time with some hideous goalkeeping! He slices a clearance into the air, which Mlapa picks up and passes to Marx, but his shot is sliced high and wide.

6 minAugsburg try to work a move, but Ostrzolek wastes the chance on the left flank with a cross that goes out for a goal kick. Not a very exciting start to this one. However, the hosts break and Hanke goes for goal from outside the box but it's deflected wide.

8 minMlapa, who has looked quite lively so far, wins a free kick when Verhaegh refused to jump for a header. Ter Stegen, meanwhile, is down at the other end holding his ankle. It looks like he was hurt after a goal kick a few moments ago, but there doesn't look a lot in it.

10 minHanke wins the header from Juan Arango's free kick, but he's offside. Manninger is furious with his defenders for letting him free, though - not a fan of the offside trap, clearly. The hosts are just about on top now; they're seeing the ball in better areas.

12 minGreat flick from Mlapa towards Patrick Herrmann, but the winger sees the headlines and pulls a shot well wide from an angle outside the box. At the other end, Werner shoots from outside the box but Ter Stegen is behind it comfortably.

14 minAugsburg are just getting into the game now. Moravek is almost found in behind but it's well defended by Brouwers. A lot of shots are coming in from range, but none has threatened for either side.

16 minBOOKING: It's an early yellow for the home captain Filip Daems for a nasty tackle on Hahn. He was late and his studs were showing as well. Not nice at all.

18 minMlapa uses his pace to steal the ball off the head of Callsen-Bracker, but he goes down as Vogt comes across - I can't tell if he dived or slipped. Either way, nothing is given and then Marx has a shot from range that is deflected to safety.

20 minBoth teams are struggling to break down the other. Gladbach win a corner, but again the defence wins and Callsen-Bracker this time heads away. It comes back in but Hanke is offside. No real chances as yet.

22 minAugsburg have upped the pressure in the last few moments with a series of corners, but eventually Ter Stegen wins a free kick as Ji jumped with him. Not a lot in it, really, but that's the sort of decision keepers will get nearly every time.

24 minYou'd have to think that it will take a set piece for a goal here tonight. While neither side has really threatened yet from a dead ball, they've look even less dangerous from open play. The hosts are perhaps just the better team, but neither deserves the lead.

25 minPENALTY TO GLADBACH!

26 minRED CARD! Kevin Vogt is off for tugging down Mlapa in the box when he was through. That's the only decision the referee could have made!

26 minGOAL! Gladbach 1-0 Augsburg (Filip Daems)

28 minI did say it would probably come from a set piece and it has indeed. Daems sends Manninger the wrong way from the spot and the visitors are now a goal and a man down. At the other end Molders tries for an immediate response, but shoots wide when well placed in the box.

30 minOFF THE POST! Mlapa should have made it two! Hanke threads his partner through to the left side of the box and with Manninger beaten the ball hits the post and goes out for a throw. So close.

30 minAUGSBURG SUB: Werner makes way so that the visitors can have two centre-backs again. It's Dominik Reinhardt on.

32 minCredit to Augsburg, they've probably been at their most threatening since going a man down. That said, they should probably be 2-0 down and that would almost certainly be game over. They're still in it at the moment, though.

34 minGladbach are slowing the pace of the game down, now. With the extra man they can take their time and wait for their chance to pick off Augsburg.

36 minThere's a wall of white now whenever Augsburg come forward. I suspect the hosts are waiting to pip the ball before using their numbers to attack quickly. Augsburg have a corner, though.

38 minIt's an awful corner from Moravek and it goes out for a throw. Here come the hosts on the break as Hanke plays Herrmann through but he went for goal from a ridiculous angle instead of looking up and seeing Mlapa.

40 minJi does really well to slip past a couple of challenges. He sets up Moravek but he shoots with a wall of bodies in front of him and it's blocked. The ball comes back in from Hahn, but Ter Stegen comes to nearly the edge of his box to punch well.

42 minGladbach are slowly but surely wresting control of this one. A corner comes in that Brouwers meets but he cannot get the direction on his header and it's well over after beating Ji in the air.

45 minHahm is down clutching his ankle after a strong tackle from Daems. It's just a corner in the and, which is half-cleared before Moravek finds Hahn and he slices a poor effort at Ter Stegen. Two minutes to be added on.

45+2 minHALF-TIME: Gladbach 1-0 Augsburg

8.20pmFor a game with a penalty, a red card and the woodwork rattled, there has been a surprising lack of action. Mlapa, who flicked over Vogt before being brought down for the penalty, has been the brightest spark of the half.

8.24pmIt was also Mlapa who rattled the post, not long after the penalty went in. He's shown pace, power, and I expect he will improve even more as the Augsburg players inevitably tire.

8.28pmThere has been a forced change for Augsburg, bringing on Reinhardt, and seeing as Gladbach are winning I don't expect either coach to look to his bench just yet. However, if it stays 1-0 for another 20 minutes or so then that could change.

8.32pmIf the result stays as it is, Gladbach will move up one place to sixth. Augsburg remain 16th no matter what - unless they win 9-1 - but they will have played a game more with matches running out.

8.34pmA German of Is this the way to Amarillo is playing in the ground. That's odd. Just about ready for the restart now.

45 minKICKOFF: We're back underway. Can Augsburg turn a 1-0 and one-man deficit around here?

48 minGladbach as expected have started the half stronger. The passing hasn't been great, though, and we're still waiting for a chance in this half. Really, we've just had the two real ones in the first.

49 minBOOKING: Herrmann goes into the book for an unnecessary foul on Ostrzolek. He tugged him back from behind in the Augsburg half. Silly foul.

50 minCHANCE! Xhaka is played in by Arango in the air, but Callsen-Bracker clears well with his head to stop the Swiss from shooting. Good defending, and more will be needed.

52 minBOOKING: Marx quickly follows his teammate into the book with a late tackle on Baier in midfield. He looks hurt, Baier, but is up and should be ok. It wasn't too bad.

54 minBOOKING: Herrmann breaks with rapid pace from an Augsburg corner and Verhaegh, with Ostrzolek covering, takes away the legs of the youngster from behind. He doesn't complain.

56 minArango half shoots and half crosses from the free kick. It ends up on target but Manninger gathers easily enough. With the referee's insistence on his yellow card, the players are going down a bit easily just now. Except Ji, who pops up straight away after being fouled.

58 minYou wouldn't be able to tell Augsburg had 10 men if you were watching for the first time. Credit has to go to them for that, as they are giving as much as they're getting at the moment. They still haven't tested Ter Stegen though.

60 minHerrmann wastes another chance. Marx finds Arango, who plays a lovely pass inside to the winger on the left, but his cross is straight to the lurking Augsburg defender Reinhardt. That was a fantastic chance for a drilled cross, but he went in the air.

62 minGladbach are now firmly in control. Mlapa looks to weave through but Verhaegh tackles well and the ball falls to Marx from outside the box but he skies it instead. It would have had to be some shot from there.

64 minBaier goes for goal at the other end from a similar distance, but he too goes high and wide. It has a lot of competitiveness this match but a real lack of goal action, which is unfortunate.

66 minAUGSBURG SUB: The hosts win another free kick in Arango range to swing it in. It's met by a Gladbach head but goes wide. Molders makes way for Musona.

68 minHanke loses out to Ostrzolek and Augsburg break. He feeds left to Moravek but it's a terrible cross and goes out for a goal kick.

70 minAugsburg have a free kick of their own when Baier is brought down by Jantschke. It's swung in and Verhaegh gets a touch but the ball evades everyone else and goes for a goal kick.

73 minOFF THE POST! Gladbach are getting a bit sloppy, but then a neat one-two in the middle sees Marx spray wide to Herrmann. He finds Hanke who shoots left-footed, but his shot from the edge of the box hits the post.

74 minGLADBACH SUB: Hrgota is coming on for the excellent Mlapa. He deserved a goal tonight, but no-one else has.

76 minGLADBACH SUB: Younes comes on for Herrmann, who has reall disappointed with his end product.

77 minCHANCE! Younes is straight into the action. He cuts inside past a couple of tackles before finding Hanke, whose shot is blocked at close range. Good work from the substitute.

80 minUntil Gladbach get a second, Augsburg are still in this. Xhaka strikes left-footed from outside the box. It was well hit, but always missing. They've struggled to break down the 10 men.

82 minCLOSE! Xhaka again goes for goal form just outside the box. It was a lot closer this time, but was still a yard or so over the bar. Manninger wasn't troubled really.

84 minAUGSBURG SUB: Oehrl comes on for Moravek. He has worked hard, but as with most players has lacked an end product.

86 minThey're somewhat queueing up for shots now. Ostrzolek managed to clear when Hrgota looked likely to shoot at the far post. Just before that Marx shot low from an angle, but Manninger gathered well. They're dominating, but still don't look like they'll score.

88 minNo chances of note in the last few minutes. In fact, the Gladbach pressure has alleviated somewhat and it's being played much more in the middle of the park. Luuk de Jong is warming up.

89 minGLADBACH SUB: Indeed De Jong comes on, and it's Hanke who makes way.

90 minSAVE! Augsburg almost steal a point at the end! A scramble in the box sees a shot come in from one of a number of Augsburg bodies and Ter Stegen is worked late on to keep it out. I think Ji got the shot away.

90+2 minDe Jong looks for Hrgota, and he's forced slightly wide so takes it all the way to the corner.

90+3 minGladbach just need to cling on to the ball here, and they go again into the corner for Hrgota. Three big points about to be earned.

90+3 minFULL-TIME: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 Augsburg

 

Live Commentary: Real Valladolid 1-1 Sevilla - as it happened

 

TEAMS:

VALLADOLID: Jaime; Rukavina, Valiente, Balenziaga, Rueda; Ebert, Rubio, Oscar, Perez; Larsson, Guerra

SEVILLA: Palop; Maduro, Navarro, Fazio, Coke; Cala, Rakitic, Hervas; Reyes, Negredo, Navas

0 minSo there we have it. Quick word on the main team news. No Manucho for the home side this afternoon, but Javi Guerra does start in attack alongside Larsson. Sevilla, meanwhile, are without Geoffrey Kondogbia, with Javi Hervas handed a rare start. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Spain.

2 minNot a full house inside the stadium, but there is certainly a good atmosphere. In truth, neither side has much to play for in the latter stages of the season. A solid run of results could move Sevilla into European contention, but it is a big ask. Plenty of challenges flying in from both sides in the early stages of proceedings.

4 minCala becomes the first player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Ebert, who had made a run down the right. The German takes the resulting free kick, but Fazio rises to clear the danger. The pressure remains as Larsson feeds a low pass towards Oscar moments later, but the Spaniard just cannot find space in a crowded penalty area.

6 minGood pressure from Sevilla in the last couple of moments with Fazio and Coke both coming close with headers, but Jaime is fairly comfortable dealing with the danger. Negredo is the target from a Navas cross moments later, but it is just too powerful for the Spaniard. Bright opening six minutes, but no real chances for either side thus far.

8 minHalf-chance for the home side as Ebert takes on a free kick outside the Sevilla box. However, the German's effort is just high of the crossbar. There is no question that Valladolid have missed his presence this season, with the midfielder spending a large part of the campaign on the sidelines. Sevilla are just struggling to keep possession with eight minutes on the clock.

10 minFirst real sign of Reyes as the Sevilla winger collects possession on the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Jaime is across to quell the danger. The pressure continues as Navas delivers a similar cross from the opposite side, but Negredo's header never had enough power to keep the goalkeeper.

12 minBoth managers are very animated on the sidelines in the early stages of proceedings, but there is almost the sense of an end of season type of fixture. Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last few moments, meanwhile, with the referee called into action to deal with a number of challenges. A free kick does come into the Valladolid box from Rakitic, but Valiente heads clear.

15 minNot too much for either set of supporters to get excited about at the moment with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Sevilla have just started to test Valladolid in the wide areas, but the home side have been equal to the threat thus far. Larsson tries his luck from distance for Valladolid, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.

17 minAgain Larsson is involved for the home side as he combines with Guerra before curling an effort towards the top corner, but Palop is on hand to make the save. Negredo attempts to force the issue down the other end moments later, but the Spanish striker cannot find space in a crowded box. Still no real chances for either side with 17 minutes on the clock.

19 minGood possession from Valladolid as they continue to enjoy the ball in their own half, but Sevilla will not be overly concerned with the threat they have faced thus far. Oscar does provide a piece of quality as he delivers a ball towards Guerra, but Fazio clears. It is strange that Manucho is not playing with the amount of high balls that have been played into the box.

22 minReally scrappy period of the match in the last few moments as the challenges continue to fly in. However, the referee has been on hand to calm proceedings when necessary. Negredo attempts to fashion a chance as he comes deep to collect the ball before spinning behind, but the pass from Hervas never had enough power to reach the striker.

24 minSevilla have just started to take control of the possession in the last few moments with Cala, Hervas and Rakitic enjoying periods with the ball. However, we have not seen too much from Reyes and Navas in a wide position. Perez tries his luck from distance moments later, but his effort moved wide of Palop's post.

26 minHalf-chance for the home side this time as Guerra collects a pass from Ebert before striking an effort from close range, but Valiente is across to make a fine block. The pressure continues as Larsson feeds Rueda outside the box, but the Spaniard can only fire high and wide of the post.

28 minIn fairness to the home supporters, they are making a deafening noise inside the stadium despite the lack of action on the pitch. Thankfully we have not yet seen a Mexican wave, which is a clear sign that the action is not quite up to the expected standard. Still no real chances for either side with 28 minutes on the clock. The game is crying out for a goal.

31 minIt would be no exaggeration to say that the ball has spent more time in the air than on the ground in the last couple of moments. Sevilla do have the ball in the back of the net as Negredo collects a pass from Rakitic before scoring from close range, but the referee spots the linesman's flag. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

33 minAnother misplaced pass brings a huge groan from the crowd as Rubio loses possession in the middle of the park. Navas attempts to break, but the Spaniard is immediately challenged by Ebert, who has been his side's best player thus far. Just a reminder that it is seven months since Sevilla have won on the road in the league.

35 minNegredo attempts the spectacular as he volleys an effort from just inside the opposing half, but Jaime is on hand to make the save. Another half-chance arrives to Fazio moments later as the defender meets a loose ball in the box, but the Valladolid stopper is on hand to make a fine save to his left.

38 minSevilla are certainly on the front foot at the moment with Navas and Reyes seeing more of the ball. However, the pair have just been unable to find that elusive pass in the final third. Negredo remains the target as he hovers in the box, but Valiente and Balenziaga have been solid thus far. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.

40 minIt's Valladolid's turn to attack as Ebert launches another dangerous free kick into the box, but Fazio is on hand to clear. Another free kick follows moments later, but Reyes blocks, even though the Spaniard was just about five yards away when it was taken. Not too much for either set of supporters to get excited about thus far this evening.

41 minGOAL! Valladolid 1-0 Sevilla (Guerra)

42 minFirst blood to Valladolid! Well, there has been a distinct lack of quality thus far, but it had to be Ebert that provided the piece of brilliance. The German slides a wonderful ball to Guerra, who finishes past Palop. What a time to open the scoring.

44 minIt is harsh on Sevilla, but they have been guilty of missing a few guilt-edged chances. There is no question that Ebert has been the best player on the pitch by quite a sizeable distance. Larsson threatens down the left moments later, but Navas is across to quell the Swede.

45 minSevilla attempt to respond as Navas beats two defenders before finding Rakitic in the box, but the midfielder's effort never had the power to trouble Jaime. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.

45 min+1HALF-TIME: Valladolid 1-0 Sevilla

6.46pmWell, Sevilla have been here before that is for certain. They have been so impressive on their own patch this season, but have not won on the road for seven months, when they overcame Deportivo. The first real piece of quality provided the opening goal with Guerra finishing off an Ebert pass after 41 minutes.

6.51pmSTATISTICS: The home side have just shaded the possession with 53%, while both sides have had three attempts. However, Valladolid's only attempt on target brought the opening goal, while Sevilla's two efforts on target were both tame. It has been an extremely low-key 45 minutes of La Liga football.

6.56pmBENCH WATCH: Both sides have attacking options on the bench if either manager should decide to make a change. Valladolid could call upon the likes of Omar, Alberto Bueno, Lluis Sastre or Manucho, while Sevilla have Baba Diawara and Manu del Moral in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.

46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side which is not too surprising at this stage of events. As it stands, Valladolid would move into 12th, while Sevilla would remain 11th. Right, the away side get the half underway.

48 minJust a reminder that Sevilla have taken just three points from their last possible 33 on the road, a truly terrible record for a team with such pedigree. Half-chance for the away side in the early stages of the half as Negredo meets a long ball from Reyes, but the extra touch allows Jaime out to quell the danger at the vital moment.

50 minThe lively start to the second period continues as Ebert's run is spotted by Guerra, but the German just cannot make contact with the cross. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Perez curls an effort towards the top corner, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar.

52 minOscar attempts to force the issue down the right moments later as he collects possession before driving a cross towards Larsson, but the Swede just cannot make proper contact. You cannot help but think that Sevilla are not the same team without Kondogbia, who gives them such presence in midfield. That is the biggest compliment that can be paid to the young French midfielder.

54 minSevilla attempt to build from the back of Fazio combines with Coke before Cala collects possession in midfield, but the Spaniard just cannot find a teammate in the final third. Navas is involved moments later, but his cross is blocked by Valiente. Good spell for the away side, but the score remains 1-0.

56 minIt must be said that the pitch is in top-notch condition for this stage of the season, with the home side making use of the surface. Another counter almost brings Valladolid's second goal as Ebert finds Guerra outside the box, but his effort is neither here nor there as it finds the hands of the goalkeeper.

58 minCHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Negredo meets a Navas cross, but his header is pushed away by the impressive Jaime. Wonderful movement from the powerful striker, but he could not find the back of the net. You simply have to take those chances at this level.

61 minLittle under 30 minutes of football remaining in Valladolid, with the home side still leading courtesy of that finish from Guerra five minutes before the interval. Sevilla are offering an attacking threat, however, with Negredo causing problems with his movement, but Reyes and Navas have been too inconsistent for large spells. I suspect we could see some changes in the next five minutes or so.

61 minHalf-chance for the away side once more as Navas meets a cross from Negredo, but Balenziaga is across to make a fine challenge. Sevilla do indeed make a change as Alberto Moreno replaces Cala. Still no movement on the Valladolid bench, but Manucho is the obvious option. Can Sevilla force an equaliser?

62 minAgain Navas is the target for Rakitic as the Croatian finds the winger down the right, but once more Balenziaga is across to make a fine challenge. The resulting corner also causes problems, but Jaime comes through traffic to clear the danger, before Coke is quelled by Rueda.

62 minPENALTY TO SEVILLA!

62 minGOAL! Valladolid 1-1 Sevilla (Negredo)

63 minThe away side level from the spot as Negredo thumps his effort straight down the middle. It is harsh on Valiente, however, who is adjudged to have handled in the penalty area. In truth, the ball travelled no distance at all before striking his hand.

65 minSevilla make their first change of the match as Perotti replaces Hervas, who has just struggled to make an impact. Still no movement on the Valladolid bench, which does seem strange. Perotti almost makes an immediate impact as he thumps an effort from distance, but it is wide of the post.

68 minValladolid do indeed make a change as Alberto Bueno replaces Larsson, who has just tired in the second period. You just get the feeling that there is going to be a winner in the latter stages, but who wants it more? Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Valladolid.

70 minCROSSBAR! Wonderful counter attack from the home side as Guerra finds Ebert in the box, but the German can only rattle his effort against the crossbar. What a chance to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining. The atmosphere has just moved up a notch or two in the last few minutes.

72 minAnother half-chance for Ebert as he strikes an effort from distance, but this time Palop is on hand to make the save. Just a reminder that following the completion of this match we have action from Real Sociedad against Valencia, with a place in the top four on offer. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.

75 minManucho is being put through a rigorous warm-up at the moment which suggests that we will see the former Manchester United striker in the latter stages. Again Ebert causes problems for Sevilla, but his low cross is too powerful for Guerra. It has been suggested that Ebert will join Atletico Madrid next season. If so, they have signed some player.

77 minCHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for the away side as Perotti finds Negredo inside the box, but the Spanish striker can only clip his effort wide of the post. You just get the feeling that he will have some say in the final 10 minutes or so. Will we have a winner?

80 minBueno is next to try his luck as he collects possession outside the box, but Palop was always comfortable dealing with the danger. Another half-chance arrives moments later as Rukavina delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Fazio is on hand to clear the danger. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Valladolid.

82 minHalf-chance for the away side this time as Navas collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Jaime is across to make the save. Coke has an opportunity from a Reyes corner moments later, but the Spaniard can only turn wide of the post.

84 minAlmost a costly mistake from Fazio as the Sevilla defender slips at the vital moment, but Bueno just cannot gather possession. Negredo has a strike from close range down the other end, but Jaime is on hand to make the save. Little over five minutes remaining with the two sides still level at 1-1.

86 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Ebert finds Guerra in the box, but somehow the Spaniard clips over the crossbar when it looked easier to score. Again the threat comes from Ebert, who has been wonderful this evening. Will Valladolid be made to regret that missed chance?

88 minNeither side is settling for the point as players continue to flood forward, but it just isn't falling in the final third. Meanwhile, the tempo has just been interrupted by a host of challenges in the last few moments. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining. However, you just get the feeling that we could have late drama.

90 minReyes is in all sorts of bother here as he leaves the pitch on a stretcher. The Spaniard is replaced by Israel Puerto, who is making his debut for the club this afternoon. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.

90 min+3Not too much to report in the final couple of moments with neither side offering too much in the final third. Valladolid continue to fire high balls into the box, but the referee stops play by awarding a free kick to Sevilla. Little under one minute of stoppage time remaining.

90 min+3FULL-TIME: Valladolid 1-1 Sevilla

 

Live Commentary: Real Sociedad 4-2 Valencia - as it happened

 

 TEAMS:

SOCIEDAD: Bravo; Mikel, C Martinez, I Martinez, De la Bella; Castro, Prieto, Illarra, Bergara; Agirretxe, Vela

VALENCIA: Alves; Pereira, Costa, Mathieu, Cissokho; Albelda, Banega, Feghouli, Parejo; Soldado, Jonas

 

0 minSo there we have it. Just a quick word on the main team news this evening. No Antoine Griezmann for the home side, but Carlos Vela does start in attack alongside Agirretxe. Valencia, meanwhile, are without Tino Costa, but Dani Parejo does come into the side. There are also starts for Roberto Soldado and Jonas. Right, the away side get the action underway.

2 minBright start from the home side as Vela collects possession outside the box before driving past Cissokho, but his effort just whistles past the far post. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Perfect for a game that is of such importance to both teams. High-tempo opening to proceedings.

4 minIt's really smart work from Soldado down the other end as he collects possession on the edge of the box, but Carlos Martinez fells the Spaniard. The resulting free kick, which is taken by Banega, is cleared, with Vela leading the counter, but the Mexican's final pass is just too long for Bergara, who had made a late run into the box.

6 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee called into action to deal with a number of challenges. The latest free kick allows Mathieu the chance to strike a free kick, but Bravo is across to make a fine save. Where did that come from?! What an opening six minutes to this match.

8 minFeghouli is next to come close as the midfielder meets a low cross from Jonas, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Sociedad attempt to break with Vela, but once more the Mexican is surrounded by black shirts. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be all-important this evening.

10 minAnother half-chance for the away side as Banega collects a pass from Soldado before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post at the vital moment. It has been one-way traffic in the opening 10 minutes of the match. It appears that Ernesto Valverde's side have picked up from where they left off against Malaga last weekend.

12 minThe match has just settled in the last couple of moments with both sides enjoying periods with possession. Another half-chance does arrive for Valencia as Soldado meets a low cross from Jonas, but the Spaniard's effort never had enough power to trouble Bravo. Not too much from the likes of Vela and Agirretxe in the opening 12 minutes of football.

14 minSuddenly Vela bursts into life as he collects possession in the box before turning and striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. It really has been a breakthrough season for the former Arsenal striker. Still no goals in Sociedad, but an extremely bright opening to proceedings.

16 minSociedad have just started to demonstrate their threat on the counter in the last few moments with Vela and Xabi Prieto both drawing fouls from the Valencia defence. The away side remain a danger, however, as Soldado strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post, before Agirretxe fires wide down the other end.

18 minThe wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium remains as the home supporters continue to make their voices known. Sociedad respond to the noise as De la Bella whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Mathieu is on hand to make a fine challenge, with Prieto seemingly on hand to tap home from close range. Much better from the home side.

21 minThe corner count continues to rise as Sociedad force two in quick succession. However, the first is cleared by Jonas before the second is collected by Alves. Valencia do look slightly nervous in defence at the moment, but they have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight matches. Luckily, they have found the goal trial in the last few weeks. Another free kick arrives for Valencia moments later as Inigo Martinez fells Soldado.

23 minThe resulting free kick is taken by Jonas, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Well, we have played 23 minutes of football this evening and the two sides appear incredibly well-matched. Both deserve to be in the Champions League next season, but that simply will not happen. A win for Sociedad this evening would make them huge favourites with five matches remaining.

25 minHalf-chance for the home side this time as Castro collects a header from Agirretxe, but Mathieu is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Feghouli is the target for Banega's pass down the other end, but Bravo is out to clear. Hardly time to take a breath as Ricardo Costa makes a wonderful challenge to deny Castro.

25 minGOAL! Sociedad 0-1 Valencia (Soldado)

26 minFirst blood to Valencia! The away side take the lead as Soldado meets a cross from Cissokho to score his 18th league goal of the season. Wonderful glancing header from the Spanish striker. That is a real blow to Sociedad at this stage of the match.

28 minSilence in the stadium as Soldado hands Valencia the lead. However, it is so important that the home supporters stay with their side this evening. You just get the feeling that we could see a glut of goals as both sides continue to attack. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

31 minThe home side want a penalty as Vela goes down in the box, but the referee is not interested. Mathieu wants a yellow card for the Mexican, but the official does not take any action. It is important that Sociedad keep their discipline this evening. Not a match for the faint-hearted as the challenges continue to fly in.

33 minAnother half-chance for the away side as Soldado collects a pass from Jonas before chipping the goalkeeper, but Bravo appears to handle outside the box. No decision from the referee, however. As expected, the Spanish striker is fuming. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Sociedad.

34 minIt's wonderful football from the home side once more as Prieto and Agirretxe combine outside the box before finding Vela, but the Mexican just cannot evade the challenge of Albelda. It has become slightly bitty in the last few minutes with the referee forced to deal with a number of challenges. However, Valencia will not mind with their one-goal lead intact.

34 minGOAL! Sociedad 1-1 Valencia (Inigo Martinez)

35 minSociedad level! Wonderful from the home side as Inigo Martinez peels off in the box before thumping a left-footed volley into the back of the net. He has scored four goals this season, but that is the most important by some distance.

37 minI had a feeling that this match would be the game of the weekend. It is certainly living up to that tag thus far. Just a reminder that there are currently just two points between these two sides, with Sociedad sitting fourth and Valencia occupying fifth. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.

40 minMathieu becomes the last player to have his name taken for a poor challenge on Vela, with the former Arsenal striker advancing on goal. The resulting free kick is taken by the Mexican, but it just moves wide of the post. Alves is fuming as he remonstrates with his wall. Excellent strike from Vela.

42 minNot too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the middle of the pitch. Soldado does try his luck from outside the box, but Bravo was always comfortable in claiming the danger. Little over three minutes of the first period remaining.

44 minAgain Vela is a threat for the home side as the Mexican combines with Castro before advancing into the box, but once more Costa is across to make a fine challenge. In truth, this has been just about as well-matched as you could expect. Neither side deserves to enter the interval behind.

45 minSlightly subdued atmosphere in the latter stages of the half with the supporters making their way to the refreshment stands. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.

45 min+1HALF-TIME: Sociedad 1-1 Valencia

8.47pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. It was Valencia that took the lead after 25 minutes courtesy of a fine header from Soldado, but Inigo Martinez levelled for the home side nine minutes later. A draw at this stage is certainly a fair reflection of what we have seen.

8.52pmSTATISTICS: Sociedad have just about shaded the possession this evening with 53%, while both sides have had six attempts. However, just one of the home side's attempts - their goal - was on target. Meanwhile, Valencia have tested Bravo on three separate occasions. As it stands, Valencia would move above Malaga into fifth position.

8.57pmBENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Diego Ifran, David Zurutuza and Daniel Estrada. Meanwhile, Valencia have the likes of Pablo Piatti, Nelson Valdez and Andres Guardado in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.

46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of events. In truth, a point would not be the worst result for either of these two sides, certainly not for Sociedad. Right, the home side get the half underway.

48 minHalf-chance for the home side in the early stages of the half as Prieto delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Castro just cannot make contact, with Ricardo Costa easing the forward out. Valencia have a half-chance down the other end moments later as Soldado strikes from distance, but it is wide of the post.

50 minIt's really bright work from Feghouli this time as the Valencia midfielder beats two defenders before driving into the Sociedad box, but the midfielder just handles at the vital moment. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Vela fires a low cross into the Valencia box, but Costa thumps clear for what seems like the 100th time.

52 minBoth sides are approaching this match as if it is the final 10 minutes with each committing numbers to each attack. However, the tempo has just been slowed in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. In fairness, it has not been that type of match.

54 minAgain Vela is involved for the home side as he beats the offside trap before meeting a cross from Illara, but Mathieu's presence was enough to put the Mexican off at the final moment. No changes for either side thus far, but I suspect that will change in the next 15 minutes or so. I would be astounded if the likes of Ifran and Valdez were not introduced.

56 minAnother half-chance for the away side as Pereira advances forward from defence before firing a cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Soldado, who had pulled away from his marker. Meanwhile, Sociedad boss Montanier lets his frustration known on the sidelines. Free kick for Valencia moments later as Inigo Martinez fells Jonas.

58 minThe resulting free kick is taken by Mathieu, but this time the Frenchman's effort is straight into the arms of Bravo. Not too much from the home side in the last few moments, but Vela's pace is always a threat. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Sociedad, with the two sides still level at 1-1.

61 minThe foul count continues to rise as Pereira twice fells Castro in quick succession. The resulting free kick is taken by Prieto, but Cissokho is on hand to clear for a corner. The set piece also causes problems in the box, but Alves comes through a host of traffic to clear the danger.

63 minHalf-chance for Soldado once more as the striker thumps an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Slight bit of controversy moments later as Vela appears to elbow Soldado, but the referee takes no interest. Will we have a goal in the remaining 30 minutes or so?

65 minGood pressure from the away side in the last couple of moments with Soldado and Jonas both having efforts from outside the box, but neither really threatens to add to the scoring. In keeping with the end-to-end tempo, Sociedad force the ball into the opposing box moments later, but the danger is cleared by Mathieu.

67 minAnother deep cross into the Sociedad box causes problems, but Inigo Martinez just manages to clear under pressure from Soldado, who had once more made a late run into the box. Sociedad just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, meanwhile, with Agirretxe starved off possession.

69 minVela is in the wars once more as the Mexican is chopped down by Albelda. The resulting free kick is taken by Inigo Martinez, but it fails to beat the first man. However, another free kick arrives moments later as Soldado fells Castro outside the box.

72 minOh my word. We have just seen a replay from an earlier incident where Cissokho handled in the penalty area. He has already been booked, which would have seen him sent from the pitch. Someone is smiling on the away side this evening. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining with the two sides still level at 1-1.

73 minAnother half-chance for the home side as De la Bella strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just whistles past the far post. Both sides are just exchanging periods of possession, but neither can find that elusive pass in the final third. Will we have a winner in the final 15 minutes or so?

73 minAgain it's really bright work from Pereira as the Portuguese drives down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but once more Inigo Martinez is across to cleat at the vital moment. Jonas forces the issue moments later, but the Brazilian is chopped down by Bergara. It is a surprise that we still have all 22 players on the pitch. Meanwhile, change for Valencia as Feghouli is replaced by Piatti.

73 minGOAL! Sociedad 2-1 Valencia (Castro)

74 minSociedad lead! Wonderful counter attack from the home side as Castro collects a pass from Agirretxe before thumping a low effort into the back of the net. What a time to take the lead.

76 minSociedad go in search of their third as Vela strikes an effort from outside the box, but it whistles wide of the post. Valencia have a half-chance of their own moments later as Cissokho fires a low cross into the box, but Carlos Martinez is across to clear.

78 minAnother change for the away side as Guardado replaces Albelda. Meanwhile, Sociedad make a change as Castro is replaced by Zurutuza. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining. Will we have late drama? What a three points it would be for Sociedad if they can hang on.

81 minValencia force the issue as they pass and probe outside the Sociedad box, but the home side continue to repel the danger. A corner from Guardado threatens to cause problems, but Carlos Martinez is first to the ball. Meanwhile, final Valencia change as Valdez replaces Cissokho.

83 minIt is a case of anywhere will do for Sociedad at the moment as they continue to repel each long ball into the box. However, we have seen it all too often from Valencia this season, they always seem to come alive late on. That almost happens as Soldado finds room in the box, but his effort is deflected high and wide of the crossbar.

85 minYou just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail here. A half-chance comes to the home side as Agirretxe strikes an effort from close range, but Alves gets down low to make a fine save. That has kept his side in the match. Little over five minutes of football remaining in Sociedad.

86 minGOAL! Sociedad 3-1 Valencia (Agirretxe)

87 minIt's wonderful from the home side once more as Sociedad score their third of the evening on the counter. It's Agirretxe who finds the back of the net from close range following a fine cross from Prieto. Game over.

89 minValencia continue to force the issue with high balls into the Sociedad box, but it is playing into the hands of Carlos Martinez and Inigo Martinez. They have just faded in the second period. Meanwhile, change for the home side as Illarra is replaced by Ruben Pardo.

90 minGOAL! Sociedad 3-2 Valencia (Jonas)

90 min+1Jonas scores! Poor mistake from Bravo as the goalkeeper palms it straight to the Brazilian, who finishes from close range. We will play an additional four minutes. Another change for the home side as Zubikarai replaces Prieto, who has been wonderful this evening.

90 min+4Half-chance for the away side as Mathieu strikes another free kick from outside the box, but it smashes into the wall. Meanwhile, Sociedad manage to quell the danger as Carlos Martinez is felled in his own box. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.

90 min+4GOAL! Sociedad 4-2 Valencia (Agirretxe)

90 min+4The points are indeed secure as Agirretxe scores a stunning fourth from close range. No change for Alves, who is rooted to the spot. That is game, set and match. What a game.

90 min+5FULL-TIME: Sociedad 4-2 Valencia