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Les Girondins have taken control of Group A from Die Roten in a remarkable encounter in France. Hans-Joerg Butt saved two penalties as Bayern ended with nine men as Thomas Mueller and Daniel Van Buyten were both dismissed.
Girondins de Bordeaux took a meaningful step towards the knockout stages of the Champions League by securing a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich.
Laurent Blanc’s side had a nightmare start, with Michael Ciani putting the ball through his own net on Bayern’s first foray forward. However, the centre-back, who scored the winning goal against Maccabi Haifa three weeks ago, would produce a sublime near-post flick to level matters. A rash challenge from Thomas Mueller saw him pick up a second yellow card with only half an hour gone and Bordeaux took advantage before the break as Marc Planus became the local hero with a somewhat fortuitous strike.
Penalties were the talk of the second half, as les Girondins would miss two as their dominance continued. Hans-Joerg Butt would twice save, once from Yoann Gourcuff and once from Jussie, but it didn’t matter in the end.
Continue reading ‘Girondins de Bordeaux 2-1 Bayern Munich: Michael Ciani Scores At Both Ends As Marc Planus Wins It’
The Porto forward scored a goal in each half to give the home side a valuable win.
Hulk was the hero for Porto as he scored twice to see his team come from behind despite being reduced to ten men midway through the second half of this Champions League encounter.
The win takes the Portuguese giants to within touching distance of a place in the next phase of the competition as they moved onto six points, while APOEL remain with just one point along with Atletico Madrid.
In Jesualdo Ferreira’s 100th game in charge of the home team, he will be pleased with the spirit and determination that his side showed in what proved to be a hard-fought encounter that became even more difficult after Mariano Gonzalez was dismissed.
Having beaten Atletico Madrid in their previous home encounter Porto were confident of picking up further points against APOEL in order to remain tucked in behind Chelsea in Group D.
A bright start would have encouraged Ferreira but after Hulk and Meireles tested the keeper it appeared that Dionisios Chiotis would be the first to be beaten in the visitors goal.
It was not to be though as APOEL stunned their hosts by taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Alvaro Pereira helped the ball over his own line while trying to stop Konstantinos Charalambidis from meeting Chrysostomos Michail’s cross.
Continue reading ‘Porto 2-1 APOEL: Incredible Hulk Powers Hosts To Victory’
There was more than a hint of a goalkeeping nightmare for both glovesmen during an exciting tie at the Bernabeu, which lived up to its billing.
Real Madrid went down to AC Milan in the Champions League group stage at the Bernabeu to leave the two clubs level on 6 points in Group C; a brace from Alexandre Pato and a stunning Andrea Pirlo strike were enough to sink the hosts, who registered goals through Raul and Royston Drenthe.
Dida’s interventions on 19 minutes gifted the Blancos’ captain a 66th goal in the competition before Milan restored parity though Pirlo’s wonderful effort just after the hour.
A defensive calamity, a combination of awfulness between Pepe, Raul Albiol and Iker Casillas, allowed a Massimo Ambrosini through-ball to run through to Pato a moment later; the Brazilian could not believe his luck and stroked the ball home with minimal fuss.
Drenthe smashed a leveller with just over 10 minutes to play and Raul saw an offside effort chalked off before Thiago Silva thought he won it for the visitors.
His compatriot, Pato, did in the 87th minute from Seedorf’s through pass as the Madrid defensive line was typically shoddy.
Continue reading ‘Real Madrid 2-3 AC Milan: Pato Double Helps Sink Blancos’
German champions held at home in a dull encounter notable for a slap from a frustrated Brazilian.
After Manchester United’s earlier win in Moscow VfL Wolfsburg and Besiktas came into the game knowing a win could put them in prime position for the coveted second spot in Group B.
It was the home side who motored into early action in the Volkswagen Arena with prolific marksman Edin Dzekolooking particularly lively up front for the German champions.
The lanky Bosnian was a persistent threat in the opening 45 minutes and was the recipient of several fine crosses from Marcel Schafer making forays down the left hand channel.
Dzeko should have put Die Wolfe ahead in the ninth minute when he latched onto one such cross but although he was unmarked he blazed his header over the bar.
In the battle of the Brazilian strikers, Grafite for VfL and Bobo for Besiktas, it was the latter who looked the more imposing in the first half.
Bobo stood out for the Turks and went close on the half hour mark after a neat flick put him one one one with Benaglio only for the Swiss keeper to block bravely at his feet to keep the scores level.
Continue reading ‘VfL Wolfsburg 0 – 0 Besiktas: Bore Draw In Germany As Grafite Sees Red’
Saloman Kalou’s double helps Chelsea sink Atletico.
Chelsea made it three wins out of three in Group D, with a comfortable win over disappointing Spaniards Atletico Madrid.
It was Salomon Kalou who was the Chelsea hero with two goals either side of the break, plus a first goal in ten matches for Frank Lampard and an Atletico own goal, that erased some of the woe from Saturday’s defeat at Villa Park and sees Chelsea top of their group, with one foot firmly in the next round.
Chelsea made four changes from the side that lost to Aston Villa at the weekend, with Branislav Ivanovic, Juliano Belletti, Michael Ballack and Kalou coming in – Ricardo Carvalho, Florent Malouda, the injured Jose Bosingwa and the suspended Didier Drogba making way.
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan returned to the Atletico Madrid side after being rested for the 3-0 loss against Osasuna. Raul Garcia started his first game since the opening day of the season, while Jose Antonio Reyes, formerly of Arsenal, and Florent Sinama-Pongolle – once of Liverpool and Blackburn – were on the bench.
Continue reading ‘Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid: Blues Bounce Back In Style’
Valencia’s late goal maintains Red devil’s perfect start.
An Antonio Valencia halfvolley five minutes from time was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Mancester United at CSKA Moscow as they returned to the scene of their Champions League triumph back in 2008.
Nemanja Vidic looked shaky during the early stages of the match, and on five minutes his Sloppy play in the middle of United’s half presented Milos Krasic with an opportunity to attack. The midfielder proceeded by dummying Rio Ferdinand, but unfortunately for CSKA his struck effort from the edge of the box lofted shot wildly over van der Sar’s goal.
Igor Akinfeev, relatively untroubled thus far in the half, demonstrated a moment of uncertainty on the quarter-hour mark as the Russian goalkeeper flapped unimpressively a deep cross from Fabio Da Silva.
Brazilian midfielder Anderson, under much scrutiny so far this season attempted to impress his manager a fans with a free kick on 25 minutes, but his tame effort made easy picking for Akinfeev.
Moments later, veteran Paul Scholes hit a far more impressive effort. Incorporating the much talked-about artificial surface, Scholes hit a strike from around thirty yards which bounced awkwardly in front of Akinfeev, and the goalkeeper could only parry away nervously.
Continue reading ‘CSKA Moscow 0-1 Manchester United: Persistence Pays Off As Late Valencia Strike Seals Victory’
A rare right-foot volley from Gaby was enough to keep Marseille’s Champions League campaign alive.
Marseille remained in the hunt to progress to the Champions League group stage as they picked up their first points of the competition this campaign thanks to Gabriel Heinze’s right-footed volley in what was a sloppy encounter against FC Zurich.
The visitors had the ball in the back of the net as early as the third minute when Cheyrou’s freekick from 20 yards out was spilled by Leoni and Brandao bundled the rebound over the line, but the whistle had already gone after two players were adjudged to have been offside when the delivery came in.
The French side continued to dominate possession but their inability to find the killer ball in the final third meant that the Zurich goal was rarely threatened. The hosts gradually got into the game and after 22 minutes, they had their first look-in at the Marseille goal but Gajic’s left-footed drive flew well wide of Mandanda’s right post.
Cheyrou tried his luck again from distance just before the half hour mark after the Swiss side made a hash of a simple clearance, but the OM midfielder could only drag his shot wide.
Neither team were able to string any more than three meaningful passes together before giving the ball away. The lack of clear-cut chances infront of goal was evident and the frustration showed when Okonkwo rifled in a shot from all of 30 yards out which flew horribly high and wide. Lucho was next to hammer an off-target shot towards goal and moments later, Hilton came close for Marseille when he rose high to meet Valbuena’s flick on but he sent his header over the bar from six yard out.
Continue reading ‘FC Zurich 0-1 Marseille: Gabriel Heinze Earns OM First Win’
The Bianconeri ended their poor run of form.
Juventus earned their first win of the 2009/10 Champions League season with a 1-0 victory over ten-man Maccabi Haifa in Turin.
Giorgio Chiellini scored the only goal of the game with a close-range header on 46 minutes, but Juve will have goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to thank for the win after he produced a couple of world class saves, one of them miraculous.
The Bianconeri came into this clash on a terrible run of five games without a win in all competitions, and were locked in third place in Group A, two points above the point-less Greens.
Juve coach Ciro Ferrara unleashed Sebastian Giovinco and Diego from the start for the time this season as the pint-sized duo supported lone striker David Trezeguet. Hasan Salihamidizc, Alex Del Piero and Claudio Marchisio were all out injured.
Maccabi Haifa were minus the services of young teenage talent Eyal Golasa, as well as Biram Kayal (suspended), captain Yaniv Katan, and Amir Edri.
The visitors were desperately close to taking the lead in the first minute as Vladimir Dvalishvili was all alone six yards out, but Gianluigi Buffon produced a miracle save to claw the ball out.
There was controversy on seven minutes as Trezeguet was dragged back as he ran through on goal, but the referee awarded a free kick and not a penalty. Nir Davidovitch palmed away Fabio Grosso’s set-piece.
Juventus started to take control and Trezeguet flicked the ball inches wide on 19 minutes from Grosso’s cross. Momo Sissoko then lashed off-target after good Giovinco work.
Continue reading ‘Juventus 1-0 Maccabi Haifa: Giorgio Chiellini Header The Difference In Turin’
It was a lesson in defending and finishing.
Sevilla taught Stuttgart the value of taking one’s chances as a Sebastien Squillaci double and a Jesus Navas strike saw the Spanish outfit oust their German opponents.
It was the hosts that started the brighter with Julian Schieber and Cacau looking threatening up front and the Schwaben had the ball in the net when Zdravko Kuzmanovic scored from outside the box but an offside Schieber had interferred with Varas’ view and the goal was disallowed.
Then Sevilla began to show their class with some slick passing and fluid movement and Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas began to shine.
Although the Germans were probably still on top in the early stages Squaillaci popped up to head home from Adriano’s cross after a quick short corner after just 23 minutes.
The goal was against the run of play and heads could have dropped for the struggling Bundesliga side but Markus Babbel’s men continued to play some good football and Aliaksandr Hleb fired an effort from distance before Kuzmanovic and Schieber kept a shaky Javi Varas busy.
Continue reading ‘Stuttgart 1-3 Sevilla: Efficient Andalucians Put Slack Hosts To The Sword’
Reds’ Champions League future hangs in balance.
A stoppage time goal from Cesar Delgado condemned Liverpool to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions as they were beaten 2-1 by Lyon at Anfield.
A Yossi Benayoun goal had given the home side the lead, but a second half equaliser from Maxime Gonalonssaw the Reds pegged back.
Manager Rafael Benitez’s woes were further compounded by the loss of Steven Gerrard, who pulled up with an injury during the first half.
Liverpool had the ball in the net after 15 minutes through Dirk Kuyt, as he nodded home Steven Gerrard’s curled delivery, but the Dutchman was adjudged to have pushed Jeremy Toulalan as he tussled for space.
The Reds had looked to put their recent poor results behind them even earlier on, as Gerrard received a pass from Yossi Benayoun, but saw his side-footed effort deflected wide for a corner.
It took just 25 minutes for Gerrard to be replaced by Fabio Aurelio though, as the midfielder, responsible for so much of what makes Liverpool tick, was substituted due to what appeared to be a recurrence of his recent groin trouble.
It was almost another nightmare start for the Reds, as the lively Aly Cissokho beat debutant Martin Kelly and crossed for Lisandro Lopez, whose header was kept out at point-blank range by Pepe Reina’s frame.
Continue reading ‘Liverpool 1-2 Lyon: Stoppage Time Delgado Strike Stuns Anfield’
The Gunners were pegged back deep into injury time after Cesc Fabregas looked to have earned them a comfortable win.
Arsenal were without several big names for their first ever competitive clash against Dutch side AZ Alkmaarthis evening, Theo Walcott and Thomas Rosicky adding to manager Arsene Wenger’s already sizeable list of enforced absentees.
Gael Clichy did make a return from injury at left-back, but the returning Manuel Almunia had to make do with a place on the bench as Vito Mannone retained his place in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal scored the first ever goal at AZ’s DSB Stadium in a 2006 friendly, but despite currently lying bottom of Group H with just a point to their name, the Dutch side have been defeated just once in 34 home competitive European games.
They looked to be heading for their second until three minutes into injury time when Mendes da Silva drew things level for AZ, in a game in which Arsenal rarely looked anything other than comfortable after a Cesc Fabregas tap-in gave them the lead thirty-six minutes in.
Arsenal’s own Dutchman Robin van Persie should have scored early on after he was given far too much time in the box having been set up by Abou Diaby, but AZ goalkeeper Sergio Romero was there to make the crucial save.
Continue reading ‘AZ Alkmaar 1-1 Arsenal: Gunners Rocked By AZ Late-Show’
Another disappointing performance in the Champions League from Jose Mourinho’s increasingly schizophrenic side.
Jose Mourinho’s side couldn’t have come into this game in better health. Not only did they notch up their most convincing win of the campaign so far with the 5-0 hammering of Genoa away from home at the weekend, but the coach was able to name an almost full strength side, Diego Milito the only absentee.
For Dynamo, veteran goalkeeper Oleksander Shovkovski failed to recover from a muscle injury and Stanislav Bogush deputised between the posts.
After the first 45 minutes, the few Inter fans that had bothered to turn up must have been thinking their Champions League failings had become a curse.
Continue reading ‘Inter 2-2 Dynamo Kiev: Classy Dynamo Full Of Eastern Promise’
The Russians came, the Russians saw and the Russians have successfully conquered the cauldron that is the Camp Nou.
Little known Rubin Kazan have created one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history when they stunned a seemingly indestructible Barcelona side 2-1 at the CampNou.
Aleksandr Ryazantsev gave the visitors an astonishing lead just two minutes into the game, but Barca’s incessant pressure paid off when they levelled through Zlatan Ibrahimovic two minutes into the second period. But Karadeniz Gokdeniz would have the last laugh when he smashed in the winning goal 15 minutes from time.
Rubin surprised mighty Inter two weeks ago when they took an early lead against the Serie A champions and the Russians went on to recreate their shock against the reigning Champions League winners.
Just 120 seconds into the contest, Aleksandr Ryazantsev pounced on a stray pass by Rafa Marquez and arrowed in a 30-yard thunderbolt past a hapless Victor Valdes.
Romanians romp to easy Ibrox win.
Unirea Urziceni went from European minnows to Group G contenders as they destroyed a sorry Rangers side at Ibrox.
The Scots had been in poor form all season, despite topping their domestic league table, however any hope that they would finally get things together against the Romanians – who’s town is less than half the attendance tonight – was blown away in a second half blitz from Dan Petrescu’s men.
The ‘Gers had taken an early lead, and missed a penalty, but were blown away by a side they had been expected to beat comfortably.
Rangers manager Walter Smith will now find himself under severe pressure, with the light blue’s European dreams hanging by a thread.
Continue reading ‘Rangers 1-4 Unirea Urziceni: ‘Gers destroyed in Champions League embarassment’
The Greeks take a big step towards qualification for the group stages.
Ieroklis Stoltidis proved the hero for Olympiacos when his stoppage time strike condemned Standard Liege to a heartbreaking defeat after it had looked like the visitors would manage a draw, thanks largely to a fine performance from Sinan Bolat in goal.
Stoltidis was on hand to head home from Luciano Galetti’s late corner and give the home side all three points in an entertaining contest.
The home side settled into a rhythm early on but as the first half wore on the Belgian visitors fought their way into the game. Neither side displayed the necessary quality in the final third to finish some fine attacking moves until De Camargo struck with 37 minutes gone to give the visitors the lead.
His goal was a well worked effort too as Valencia target Milan Jovanovic slipped a neat through ball into the box and Standard’s captain De Camargo was on hand to fire the visitors into a surprise lead.
Continue reading ‘Olympiacos 2-1 Standard Liege: Super Sub Stoltidis Stuns Standard’
The hosts started the game brilliantly, but the Italians bounced back to pick up the full three points on away soil.
The home side were off to a great start when Peter Czvitkovics gifted them an early lead, but Fiorentina fought back and eventually recorded a comfortable win via goals from Adrian Mutu (2x), Alberto Gilardino andMario Santana. Gergely Rudolf scored a second goal for Debrecen, but it was too little too late.
The home side started the match with attacking intentions and got their reward after only two minutes. Adamo Coulibaly set Jozsef Varga, who reached Peter Czvitkovics with a delicious ball to the back post and the latter did not fail to open the score from close range.
Fiorentina were not too impressed though and drew things level again only minutes later. Dario Dainelli latched on to a long cross and sent the ball back in the box for Romanian hitman Adrian Mutu, who steered the ball against the back of the net from ten yards out.
Continue reading ‘Debrecen 3 – 4 Fiorentina: La Viola Prevail In Seven Goal Thriller’
Arsene Wenger plans to remain in football for the rest of his life.
The Arsenal boss, who is 60 on Thursday, cannot imagine retiring from the game he is obsessed with.
Wenger is in Holland as his team looks to make it three Champions League wins out of three against AZ Alkmaar.
After tonight’s clash, Wenger will be focusing on other things – although that won’t include a 60th knees-up with a giant Arsenal birthday cake and red-and-white candles.
Instead, he will spend this landmark birthday at the club’s annual meeting before treating his missus to a romantic night watching a selection of Europa League matches.
Continue reading ‘I’ll Be In Football Till The Day I Die – Arsene Wenger’
Rafa Benitez sends his side into Euro battle tonight roaring: “We’ll bounce back and save our season.”
Liverpool face Lyon in a rut of three straight defeats – and no goals scored – for the first time in two years.
Another flop following the beachball farce against Sunderland would leave them deep in crisis ahead of Sunday’s Manchester United clash.
But Benitez insisted: “This week can change everything for the positive.
“I’m sure we will soon be winning again . . . and as soon as we play well in one or two, everyone will be thinking ‘maybe he’s right’.”
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has more freedom at Real Madrid than he ever did under Alex Ferguson.
And the £80million world record buy believes he is surrounded by better players at the Bernabeu.
The ex-Manchester United star, 24, said: “You feel more pressure at Madrid but I love that, it drives me on.
“My coach Manuel Pellegrini is clearly different to Sir Alex Ferguson. In fact I’m much more free here, free to roam around the pitch in certain matches.
Reds’ talisman will travel to France with the rest of the squad, but Torres will not.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed this afternoon that Steven Gerrard is fit and available for selection for the Reds’ Champions League clash with Olympique Lyonnais tomorrow night.
“I think so. He has been training, so hopefully he will be available tomorrow,” the Spaniard told reporters at today’s press conference.
“It’s important. We have had some problems with injuries since the beginning of the season, so Gerrard fit is a big boost for us.”
There was less encouraging news though as far as striker Fernando Torres was concerned. The forward missed training today after picking up an adductor problem whilst on duty with the Spanish national team.
Benitez explained: “He is still not ready, so we have to wait a little bit. Hopefully [he'll be fit] for the weekend, but not for this game.”
Goal
Five big names will miss the midweek trip to Russia.
Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung and Patrice Evra will all be missing when Manchester United face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The quintet have been ruled out of the game at the Luzhniki Stadium with a variety of knocks and strains, according to United’s official website.
Two players who have made the trip who were originally thought doubtful are striker Dimitar Berbatove, whose girlfriend gave birth in Bulgaria in last week, and centre-back Nemanja Vidic.
Continue reading ‘Rooney, Giggs, Evra, Park & Fletcher Miss Manchester United’s Trip To CSKA Moscow’
Joel Santana’s reign as the head coach of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts, South Africa came to an end today as the Brazilian-born coach reached an ‘amicable’ decision with the country’s football governing body, SAFA, to step down with immediate effect.
The decision, announced at a press conference at SAFA’s headquarters in Johannesburg, comes amid a spate of poor results for the South Africans who have lost eight of their last nine matches under Santana. The two assistant coaches, Pitso Mosimane and Jairo Leal will take over the reins in the meantime as the South Africans will now embark on a new search for a coach to lead them to the FIFA World Cup on home soil.
SAFA president, Kirsten Nematandani said that he believes the decision to be in the “best interest of the team” as the South Africans prepare for the FIFA World Cup next year.
“After a long management meeting today, the association and Mr Santana reached an amicable decision to part ways,” he said. ”We all felt this was at the best interest of the team going forward. We want to take this opportunity to thank him for his services and wish him all the best in his future coaching endeavours.”
The draw for the 2010 World Cup play-off has taken place and some exciting fixtures came up.
All eyes were fixed on Zurich today, where the draw for the European play-offs for the 2010 FIFA World Cupstarted at 14.00 CET. Delegations and high-ranking officials from the eight participating nations eagerly followed the draw conducted by FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke and South Africa international Steven Pienaar.
National coaches Carlos Queiroz (Portugal), Matjaz Kek (Slovenia), Miroslav Blazevic (Bosnia Herzegovina) and Alexei Mikhailichenko (Ukraine), plus former France boss and current French FA Technical Director Gerard Houllier saw the following matches being drawn. The first leg will take place on November 14, the second on November 18. That’s a Saturday and a Wednesday, respectively.
Continue reading ’2010 World Cup UEFA Play-off Draw: France Meet Ireland, Portugal Face Bosnia’
The Sun reports that referee Mike Jones is set to be axed from next weekend’s match list after his much-publicised error at Sunderland on Saturday.
Darren Bent scored his eighth goal of the season in bizarre fashion, his shot taking a wicked deflection off a beach-ball thrown on to the pitch by a young Liverpool fan, and whizzing past a bewildered Pepe Reina in goal. The Black Cats went on to secure a 1-0 win.
The 41-year-old Cheshire referee has come under heavy criticism from experts and former match officials, who argue the goal should have been disallowed due to ‘outside interference’.
Continue reading ‘Ref Mike Jones To Be Dropped Over Sunderland’s Beach-Ball Goal Against Liverpool’
Milan were looking to put their recent troubles behind them as they welcomed Roma to the San Siro for the Serie A weekend posticipo.
The visitors took just two minutes to find an opener when Jeremy Menez made the most of a sloppy back pass to fire home from six yards. The Rossoneri came fighting back but looked extremely exposed as the Giallorossi continued to threaten on the counter attack.
Ronaldinho levelled the scoring shortly after the re-start as Milan were handed a lifeline from the spot. Alexandre Pato then silenced his critics as he rounded the keeper in spectacular fashion to gift the Rossoneri the lead with 20 minutes to go.
Despite being reduced to ten men in the final stages, the Rossoneri held out for the three points to ease the pressure surrounding their rookie coach.
Roma came storming out the blocks and took just 120 seconds to break the deadlock. After a scuffed back pass from Thiago Silva, Menez found himself clear on goal and he wasted nothing as he smashed the ball past a helpless Dida in the Milan goal.
The Rossoneri eventually picked themselves up after their torrid opening and on 15 minutes Andrea Pirlo tested Doni with a curling free kick from the edge of the box. The Brazilian stopper took no chances as he punched the ball clear with a number of players looming to knock it goalbound.
Abel Resino’s future as coach of Atletico de Madrid is in the balance after they suffered another embarrassing reverse against Osasuna with Chelsea waiting to further dent their Champions League ambitions in midweek.
Walter Pandiani scored twice and Aranda added a third as the home side in the Reyno de Navarra scored all of their goals inside the first half an hour and left los Colchoneros with an impossible task.
After securing their first win in their sixth league game two weeks ago, Atletico thought they had turned a corner but another inept display saw things worsen and the board will surely meet this week to discuss the trainer.
Atletico had lost three times in their first six matches in la Primera and picked up just a point from two matches in Europe to lead to question marks about Resino’s ability to see the team challenge for trophies.
The absence of Diego Forlan in this encounter can be used as no excuse as it was the same story again at the back for the visitors as the hosts could have doubled their tally at least.
Continue reading ‘Osasuna 3-0 Atletico Madrid: Resino On The Brink As Colchoneros Slump Again’
After seeing his side go down 1-0 to Deportivo La Coruna, Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez was keen to add some perspective to the result.
Speaking to Marca after the game, he said, “We were clear that we would to be champions by beating Madrid, and we are not going to be relegated after losing to Depor.”
“Deportivo have earned five straight wins. Juan Rodriguez played out of his skin.
“I am happy that they treated us as a big team. We were not wise.
Continue reading ‘Jimenez: Sevilla’s Loss To Deportivo La Coruna Is Not A Disaster’
Tonight Inter recorded an incredible 5-0 in the away match against Genoa to go top of the Serie A table. Coach Jose Mourinho tried not to get too excited in his post-match comments, though he admitted it feels good to be on top of the standings again.
“We only won a match. It was not a perfect match, just three important points,” he said to Sky. “That’s what matters to me. I would have traded this 5-0 win with five 1-0 wins.”
On the individual players, Mourinho said: “[Mario] Balotelli did what we needed him to do. Defence, attack, everything we needed. [Wesley] Sneijder? I prefer to talk about the team. We can talk about everyone, but the group is what made the difference, although it’s clear that only playing a great match you can leave this pitch with such a result.
“Walter Samuel and Sneijder went off for precaution, while Esteban Cambiasso suffered a slight injury. Diego Milito and Thiago Motta won’t be back for Tuesday.”
Continue reading ‘It’s Just Another Three Points – Inter Coach Mourinho’
David Beckham And…?
David’s new facial topiary makes us go funny in our tummies.
Carlo Ancelotti blasted his day-dreaming Blues after two blunders cost them dear.
The Chelsea boss was fuming as his side conceded twice from corners at Villa Park.
Valencia secured a goalless draw with a Barcelona side looking for a record breaking seventh consecutive victory at the start of the season.
David Villa missed out for the hosts as they lined up with Juan Mata up front. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was only on the bench for Pep Guardiola’s men after picking up a knock on international duty with Sweden. Lionel Messi started despite a gruelling week with the Argentina squad, while Andres Iniesta and Pedro completed the attacking trident.
Valencia had a golden opportunity within the first minute as Pablo Hernandez raced through on goal, but he could only fire weakly at Victor Valdes.
Pablo was causing problems for the visitors’ defence as los Che started well, but Iniesta was also making some endeavouring runs down the left hand side as the champions looked to settle into their rhythm.
Robin Dutt made a single change to the team that beat Hannover 5-2 in their last outing. Changing from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, forward Tommy Bechmann was replaced with Julian Schuster, who played in attacking midfielf behind lone striker Mohamadou Idrissou.
By contrast, Louis van Gaal made several changes to the squad that drew 0-0 with Koeln two weeks ago. In a 4-4-2 setup, strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose were supported by playmaker Thomas Mueller. Mark van Bommel rejoined the team as midfield anchor, pushing Anatoliy Tymoshchuk to the right flank.
The game got off to a lively start as neither side was afraid to attack. In the fourth, Toni took his first shot on goal in several months, but it was easily claimed by Simon Pouplin. Two minutes later, Idrissou beat the Bayern offside trap, but was run down as he approached the goal.
Bayern probably should have gone ahead in the 11th, but Bastian Schweinsteiger’s first-time strike was saved superbly by Pouplin.
As per the usual, Bayern controlled the majority of possession, and found plenty of space on the left side of midfield. However, Freiburg’s fullbacks and defensive midfielders rarely went forward, and the visitors never had room to create opportunities in their attacking third.
Continue reading ‘Freiburg 1-2 Bayern Munich: Bayern Capitalize on Freiburg Complacency, Mistakes’
Despite being without any of first-team strikers, Bruno Labbadia dug deep and played Tolgay Arslan alongside third-choice forward Marcus Berg.
Juup Heynckes’ only change to the squad that beat Nurnberg 4-0 was the inclusion of Renato Augusto at the expense of Toni Kroos.
At kickoff, the two contestants were deadlocked for first place, and by the way the match was played, it showed. As expected, the two teams’ highly technical midfields waged an enticing battle, but neither side was able to do enough to set up a decent shot.
Both defenses were quick to react to any forward motion, and battlers David Jarolim, Ze Roberto, Arturo Vidal and Simon Rolfes provided excellent support for their respective back lines.
The first effective attacking move was more than a half hour in the making, and was the doing of Leverkusen. Tranquillo Barnetta dribbled to the edge of Hamburg’s penalty area and released Gonzalo Castro. Hamburg goalkeeper Frank Rost raced off his line, but the Leverkusen fullback managed to play the ball across the face of goal. To Hamburg’s fortune, the ball trickled clear and out of play for a goal kick.
Continue reading ‘Hamburg 0-0 Leverkusen: Bundesliga Battle for the Top Ends Scoreless’
Inter recorded an incredible 5-0 victory at the Stadio Marassi against Genoa without Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito to go top of the Serie A table.
Inter travelled to face Genoa hoping to take advantage of Juventus’ slip up earlier today against Fiorentina, who earned a draw at the Stadio Olimpico of Turin.
The league leaders didn’t take long to take the lead at the Stadio Marassi, as after just six minutes Esteban Cambiasso’s shot on a free kick move was deflected by Francesco Modesto and beat Marco Amelia to make it 1-0 Inter.
The visitors continued to create the most threats, and in the 13th minute Dejan Stankovic was found by a great pass from Wesley Sneijder, but the Serbian’s shot went just wide of the post.
Stankovic was Inter’s most dangerous player, and three minutes later he came close again with a header on a cross from the right by Maicon which he sent just wide.
Continue reading ‘Genoa 0-5 Inter: Nerazzurri Hit Five Past Grifoni At Marassi To Go Top’
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