Ozil finds his scoring boots

Barcelona forward Cesc Fabregas celebrates after scoring the winning goal in their La Liga match against Levante at the Camp Nou on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Mesut Ozil wrestled Cristiano Ronaldo from the headlines and reminded everyone of his match-winning abilities in Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday.
The Germany playmaker scored two and had a hand in creating the third, showing Wednesday's Champions League semi-final opponents Borussia Dortmund they have more to worry about than simply stopping Real's Portuguese goalscoring machine.
Jose Mourinho's side have to travel for the first leg, when Ozil's pace and defence-splitting passes will be crucial to the Spanish club's hopes of going on to tilt for a 10th European crown.
"Ozil is one of the great players who is under-rated in the Spanish league," Betis coach Pepe Mel told a news conference.
"He's at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, only he doesn't score the same number of goals. He's a star."
"We all know the player he is and what he can create, even when he isn't as brilliant as usual," Real's assistant coach Aitor Karanka said.

Real duo injured
Marcelo and Luka Modric picked up muscle injuries making them doubts for next week's Champions League semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Brazil left back Marcelo fell awkwardly during a challenge after only 12 minutes at the Bernabeu, and was carried out of the stadium on a stretcher.
Croatia midfielder Modric was substituted midway through the second half after pulling up holding the back of his thigh.
“The injuries were the worst aspect of the game," Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka told the post-match news conference. "Marcelo felt a sharp pain. Modric's problem seems only to be a strain, but he said he felt something and we'll do some checks.”

Abidal returns
As well as putting Barcelona a step closer to winning La Liga, Saturday's 1-0 home win over Levante showed that defender Eric Abidal is fit enough to play a full match after making a remarkable recovery from a liver transplant.
The former France international played at centre back alongside Adriano, the first time the 33-year-old has completed 90 minutes in more than a year, and proved he is a viable option to partner Gerard Pique in the middle of defence in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich.
Abidal's experience, athleticism and heading ability could be crucial against Bayern's fearsome attacking force, which includes his former France team mate Franck Ribery.
"It's a very happy day for everyone," said Barca's assistant coach Jordi Roura. "Abidal completed a full match and he felt very good. In footballing terms, I think he played at a very high level and he knew perfectly how to pace himself.”