Eder disappoints, Icardi falls flat again

Mancini pinned his hopes of goals on Eder, the Italy international striker signed on a two-year loan from Sampdoria during the week.

Inter's boss decided against partnering Eder with his former Samp team-mate Icardi, dropped to the bench after missing an easy chance during last weekend's 1-1 draw against relegation candidates Carpi.

The new signing made a lively start, but fluffed his big chance when he miscued a header from Juan Jesus's left-wing cross when unmarked seven yards from goal.

It brought to mind Mancini's put-down after Icardi's bad miss last weekend, when he said: "I would have scored that and I'm 50 years old."

As if that was not bad enough, Icardi made a mess of his big chance yet again when he missed from the penalty spot.

History repeats, 1984 style...

Milan's fans unfurled a banner in tribute to Mark Hateley's 1984 derby winner

In the minutes before kick-off, Milan's fans unfurled a banner depicting the thunderous header from former England striker Mark Hateley that ended a long wait for a derby victory over Inter in October 1984.

Mihajlovic's side took the lead in the 2016 version with a similarly powerful header, as Alex got in behind Davide Santon to convert Keisuke Honda's cross - the first headed goal Inter have conceded in Serie A this season.

It was a poor night for former Newcastle right-back Santon, recalled for his first start since late October, capped when he gave the ball away to Bonaventura, who set up Niang for Milan's third.

Milan keep cool in the derby heat

Roberto Mancini was sent to the stands after a confrontation with the fourth official

Both sides looked very ordinary for long spells at the San Siro, with neither suggesting they have the quality to match title contenders Napoli and Juventus.

Crucially, though, Milan kept their composure when it mattered, and secured a win that dealt a significant blow to Inter's Champions League hopes.

Mancini lost his head early in the second half when debutant Eder's penalty appeal was rightly turned down, with Milan's teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma getting the ball as he collided with the striker following his own sliced clearance.

Inter failed to take advantage when they had the chance to draw level from the penalty spot, and lost their defensive discipline as Sinisa Mihajlovic's side then struck twice in quick succession.

Milan 3-0 Inter Milano

AC Milan secured an impressive Serie A derby victory as Inter missed a penalty and saw boss Roberto Mancini sent off.

Centre-back Alex headed Milan into a first-half lead, before Mancini was dismissed from the dugout for arguing over a rejected penalty appeal.

Mauro Icardi then hit the post from the spot after he was brought down by Alex.

Milan struck twice in the final 20 minutes, with Carlos Bacca turning in a cross from M'Baye Niang, who added a third from Giacomo Bonaventura's pass.

The result leaves the rivals as they were in the table, Inter fourth and Milan sixth.

How the top of the La Liga standings looks after Barcelona's 2-1 win against Atletico on Saturday evening

All this after Atletico had started the brighter of the two sides and taken the lead on 10 minutes when Saul was allowed to drive the ball back from the right byline and Koke, arriving unmarked on the penalty spot, finished past Claudio Bravo.

It seemed Barcelona would now be in for a real test. They would have to beat Jan Oblak twice – a keeper who had only conceded three goals away from home all season and who had kept 14 clean sheets in 21 games.

It took them just 28 minutes to do it.

First came the resistance though. Godin and Jose Gimenez dived in front of a Dani Alves shot to send it clear and Godin and Gabi were booked – the defender for catching Suarez and the midfielder for chopping down Ivan Rakitic.

Stubborn defending, especially at the limits of the laws of the game only takes a team so far however and eventually the Barca goals came.

First Suarez went close when Oblak blocked his shot at the near post. The Slovenian keeper got down well but the next shot intended for that near post pocket found its destination – Oblak couldn't stop it, he barely saw it. 

Messi was the executioner, Alba the architect with a clever cross straight to the Argentine's feet in a crowded area.

When the second came it was far less intricate. Alves played in Suarez down the right and he shielded the ball from Jimenez long enough for it to sit up for him in the six-yard box allowing him to thunder it through Oblak's legs.

Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez give hosts top-of-the-table win as Filipe Luis and Diego Godin see red

Brutal finishing from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and two brutal challenges from Luis Felipe and Diego Godin – both provoking red cards – meant Barcelona beat nine-man Atletico Madrid to go three points clear at the top of La Liga.

Messi was off the pitch writing in agony, and Barca coach Luis Enrique was on the pitch protesting at the end of the first half after Filipe Luis launched an horrific knee-high challenge on the five-times Ballon d'Or winner. He received a straight red for the assault on the Argentine who had earlier scored from Jordi Alba's pass to cancel out Koke's opener.

In the second period Luis Suarez was then sent several feet high by a late lunging challenge from Godin and the defender who had already been booked was shown a second yellow. Suarez had put Barca ahead just before the break, burying Dani Alves' pass.

Real Madrit #History Steven McManaman

In four seasons at the club, Steve McManaman became one of the most loved players by our fans thanks to his teamwork and quality. One of the Englishman's standout moments was scoring the second goal against Valencia to help win our eighth European Cup!

En apenas cuatro temporadas, Steve McManaman se ganó el corazón de los madridistas gracias a su trabajo en equipo y calidad. ¡Su momento más recordado fue el gol que le marcó al Valencia para ganar la octavaCopa de Europa!

📍 Games: 158

⚽ Goals: 14
🏆 Trophies: 7

‪#‎HalaMadrid‬ ‪#‎TBT‬

De Bruyne facing 10 weeks out

Kevin De Bruyne could be out for up to 10 weeks after injuring his knee and ankle against Everton.

"I'll work hard on my recovery and hope to be back on the pitch as soon as possible. Thank you all for the supportive messages!"

De Bruyne has made a huge impact during his first season with the Blues, scoring 12 goals and creating another 12 and picking up a record three Etihad Player of the Month awards this campaign.

Regarding the injury he added: "It's my knee mostly. My boot got stuck and I fell the wrong way but nobody touched me."

Although a relatively recent addition to the City squad, the outpouring of support and well wishes from supporters across social media has been telling.

Already a firm fans' favourite, it's fair to say that De Bruyne will be missed by fans during this lengthy lay-off.

Here's a flavour of what's been said online in the wake of Kevin's injury update...

Micah Richards and his dramatic late goal

ESPN's preview concentrates on former City favourite Micah Richards and his dramatic late goal a decade ago that set his career off and running.

"Aston Villa against Manchester City in the FA Cup; Saturday's fourth-round tie will carry special meaning for one member of the Villa squad. Just a couple of weeks short of 10 years ago, this was the fixture that launched the career of one Micah Richards.

"It may have been a decade ago, but the goal Richards scored in that February 2006 game remains one of the most iconic in recent City history. Villa were leading 1-0 heading into the final seconds when the visitors nicked a corner. 

"Joey Barton took the kick, fired it into the centre of the Villa penalty area and there was Richards, just 17 years old, to power a headed equaliser into the net -- with 93 minutes on the clock. City won the fifth-round replay, but the bigger buzz surrounded the emergence of their strapping young defender who had announced himself in such dramatic style."

A nice, well-written piece - worth a read.

Cut-Prince Isco offerted of M.CITY

Given the transfer window closes on Monday, it looks increasingly as though City won't be adding to their squad this month, but next summer could be a different story.

Isco has been linked with the Blues on and off ever since his old Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini took over at the Etihad.

The Independent are now suggesting the talented midfielder is available for a cut-price fee of £25m in the summer, with Arsenal and City being kept updated on the situation.

They write: "Real Madrid midfielder Isco is believed to be available for £25m if Arsenal wish to sign him in the summer, although they will face competition from Manchester City should they follow up their interest with an official offer.

"Isco is believed to be unhappy with life at Real, according to his agent, and despite starting 12 of Real’s 21 matches this season, Spanish newspaper El Confidencial claims that a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.

"However, the problem for Arsenal is that Isco played under City manager Manuel Pellegrini during his time as Malaga head coach, could persuade him to move to the Etihad instead of London."

Elsewhere, Read Bundesliga believe Robert Lewandowski won't be heading to play in England anytime soon.

The Bayern Munich striker, they claim, will instead wait for his 'dream move' to Real Madrid. The report reads: "Lewandowski will hold out for a move to Real Madrid and reject interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City in order to get his dream move to Spain.

VAN GAAL'S INJURY UPDATE ON FOUR REDS

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Matteo Darmian will miss Manchester United’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Derby County on Friday, although he does not believe the injury is serious.

Darmian became the fifth full-back to join the injury list when he collided with Shane Long during the first half of last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Southampton. The Italian was quickly replaced by Paddy McNair and sent to hospital to undergo a thorough examination of his problem, but on Monday he used his personal Instagram account to tell fans: “Thank you all for the support, I'm fine! See you soon.”

Van Gaal has also confirmed to MUTV that Michael Carrick may return to his team for the first time since registering his 400th United appearance against Sheffield United on 9 January, but the midfielder will not play for 90 minutes against Championship side Derby at the IPro Stadium.

Asked about United’s current injury situation, the manager gave this update on Thursday: “It’s more or less the same. Darmian is now out and maybe Michael Carrick shall come in but of course he’s not able to play 90 minutes. But it’s very good he is coming back. With Darmian, it is very positive actually. It’s not too severe but he’s not able to play against Derby.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger suffered an injury during the second half of the Sheffield United match and that forced the German to miss the three following games. Phil Jones has also not featured since the 2-1 victory over Swansea City at Old Trafford on 2 January and van Gaal is reluctant to state when they will return.

“I cannot say [if they are close] because every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see,” the manager said. “Also they have to train and be adapted to the rhythm of the Premier League which is high. When you are more weeks injured it takes more time to adapt to that rhythm.”

Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are still absent with long-term injuries.

MUTV will show its exclusive interview with Louis van Gaal in 'Countdown to Kick-off' at 18:30 and 21:30 GMT.

 I d'not like this 

but

I knew it was mine

Is your team part of this?

Group stage of champions league.