..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wigan 0-2 Chelsea: Ivanovic and Lampard ease Blues to victory as Hazard impresses on Premier League debut

Chelsea got its Premier League campaign under way with three points against Wigan as goals within the first seven minutes from Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard secured a 2-0 win.

The Blues, who were beaten in the Community Shield by Manchester City last weekend, handed a Premier League debut to Eden Hazard, and the 32 million pound summer signing from Lille was the catalyst as the visitors flew out the blocks to take the lead after just two minutes at the DW Stadium.

In what was a swift counter-attacking move, Hazard rolled Ivan Ramis in the middle of the pitch before releasing Ivanovic and the Serbian made no mistake as he fire home to leaving Ali Al-Habsi with no chance.

And Wigan was soon two behind as, with just six minutes gone, Hazard again wreaked havoc on the home side's defense, escaping a challenge from Maynor Figueroa before Ramis, enduring a nightmare start to his Latics career, came across and bundled the 21-year-old forward over for a penalty.

Lampard made no mistake from the spot, drilling the ball low underneath Al-Habsi's arms to put the Champions League holders two goals to the good.

Wigan fashioned its first chance of the half after 18 minutes when Emerson Boyce crossed over from the right towards Franco Di Santo and although the former Chelsea man did well to climb between David Luiz and Ivanovic he could only direct his header onto the top of the net.

Roberto Martinez's side came more and more into the game as the half wore on and Victor Moses, who could be on his way to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, came close to pulling a goal back as he flashed an effort across goal but Petr Cech was on hand to divert the ball behind for a corner.

Chelsea was struggling to hit top gear in spite of its pulsating start to the match and Di Santo could have halved the deficit in stoppage time of the first half but, after racing onto a clever through ball from Figueroa, he failed to beat Cech when through one-on-one after a loose first touch narrowed the angle.

Wigan continued to push forward in search of a way back into the match with Di Santo and Moses both shooting wide shortly after the break but Fernando Torres then had the chance to put the game beyond the hosts with his first real sight of goal.

The Spaniard gambled in behind the Latics defence after Ryan Bertrand had headed on but despite touching the ball past Al-Habsi, Ramis successfully chased back to clear off the line.

Oscar was then introduced just after the hour mark for his Chelsea debut and, after replacing the impressive Hazard, he came close to opening his account for his new club but his low shot across goal drifted inches wide of the post.

Martinez's men refused to lie down and were looking the most likely as new signing Arouna Kone headed wide following a corner before Jordi Gomez acrobatically fired over the bar.

Luiz then came close to adding a third for the visitors but his header was comfortably claimed by Al-Habsi and the Blues, despite struggling to build on their impressive start to the game, saw out the final minutes to pick up the 2-0 victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: Chicharito will play less with RVP around

Just days after selling Robin van Persie to rivals Manchester United, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is still discussing the topic with the media.

With the inclusion of the Dutch forward, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has likened his current crop of footballers to the one that obtained the treble in 1999. Wenger is wary of such a comparison.

"Ferguson is a bit too confident when he speaks of [1999]," said the French manager in response to his opposite number's comments. "But, of course it increases their potential offensively because they've got a world-class player."

Wenger was also critical of the move having a positive effect on young strikers on the team, such as Danny Welbeck, Angelo Henriquez and Javier Hernandez. The logjam at forward for United has shifted the pecking order beneath Wayne Rooney and Van Persie.

"They have as well a number of players, like Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, who will have restricted chances to play," Wenger said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allen counting on Liverpool to bounce back against Manchester City

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is counting on his side to bounce back from the disappointment of their 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion when they take on champions Manchester City next Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers suffered a dismal start to his Liverpool career with a heavy defeat, in a game which also saw Daniel Agger sent off.

Yet the Reds face a busy week, traveling to Hearts in the Europa League on Thursday before welcoming City to Anfield, and Allen is looking forward to the challenge.

“It was brilliant to make my debut. It wasn't the ideal debut in terms of the result, but it was one of those days that didn't go for us and we have to move on from that,” he told the club’s official website.

"It could be a very special week for me, getting the chance to play in Europe for Liverpool and then hopefully my Anfield debut against Manchester City, and we hope at the end of both of those games it will be a nicer feeling. We will certainly give everything we have got for our supporters."

Allen also claimed decisions had gone against the Reds in the defeat to West Brom, but backed his team to be ready for the next game against Hearts.

“They scored a fantastic first goal and that was one when sometimes you have to hold your hand up and say it is a great goal and there's not much we could have done to stop that,” he added.

"The first goal certainly gave them a foothold in the game and then with the decisions that went against us, and going down to 10 men, it changes everything.

"Throughout the season there is going to be some days like this and we will regroup, work hard in training and get ready for Thursday's game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lampard hails 'brilliant' Hazard impact

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has hailed the arrival of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge after the Belgian youngster inspired the Blues to a 2-0 win over Wigan in their first game of the new Premier League season.

Lampard scored a penalty won by the Belgian after a good forward run and the former Lille man also provided an assist when he played in Branislav Ivanovic for the Blues' opening goal.

And the 34-year-old, who captained England in their midweek win over Italy, felt that Hazard was key to the comfortable victory for Roberto Di Matteo's side.

"[He was] brilliant. It's not easy at a young age to come into the Premier League no matter how good a player you are," he told Sky Sports.

"You saw the quality he brought there with the little spin and putting Ivanovic through and then the speed to get away from his man for the penalty. That's something that I know Chelsea fans are crying out to see and it’s great to play with him.

"You always want to get a win on the opening day and I think coming here, the way they finished the season last year it was a very tough game and we started very well, through this man [Hazard] mainly and it was great football."

Defender Ivanovic is not best-known for his rampaging runs forward from back, but Lampard revealed it was no surprise to him to see the Serbian in an advanced position of the field.

He claimed: "Branislav's got the legs and the pace to get up there and he's always eager to do that. The link, the turn and the pace, was what made that goal."

Hazard, who joined the Blues for 32 million pounds in the summer after long and protracted negotiations, also admitted his delight to secure a win on his debut.

He said: "Yes I'm very happy. My first game, a win, it’s okay."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus coach Conte set to face appeal panel on Monday

Banned Juventus coach Antonio Conte is set to appear in front of an appeal panel at the Federal Court of Justice in Rome, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Conte, who led the Bianconeri to the Serie A title in 2011-12, was handed a ten-month suspension following an investigation into match-fixing.

The 43-year-old was accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing whilst at the helm of Siena, with the Italian FA (FIGC) rejecting a plea bargain from the coach in a drawn-out judicial wrangling.

"His presence in the courtroom is a further sign of respect to show how to fight this story," lawyer Antonio De Rensis was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"There is already a perfect harmony with this talented fellow. In addition, we will reinforce our line on appeal, the reasons for bitterness from [Filippo] Carobbio to Conte. Tomorrow we hope to highlight our reasons.

"On Monday you will understand why we disagree with the reasoning of the specifications."

The report states that Conte's legal team will be seeking a reduction of the ban to a time period of three to six months. Juventus begin their Serie A campaign against Parma on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool must keep Skrtel and Agger - Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that it is vital to the progress of the club that it holds on to center-back pair Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.

The duo formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the Reds' back line last season, meaning that Carragher often spent long spells on the substitutes' bench.

But the veteran is prepared to look beyond his lack of match action and is more concerned that the club do not let either of their top talents depart Anfield.

"It's probably not so good for me but, joking apart, it's absolutely vital we keep them," the 34-year-old told the Daily Star.

"I know Vincent Kompany was great for Manchester City last season but, for me, as a defensive partnership these two are the best in the Premier League.

"I don't think either has signed a new contract just yet but Martin is very close and Daniel wants to stay at Liverpool. That's brilliant news."

Carragher looks set to win back his place in the Liverpool defense after Agger conceded a penalty and received a red card in his side's 3-0 opening-day defeat at West Brom on Saturday.

His partner Skrtel also gave away a spot kick in new boss Brendan Rodgers' disappointing first league game in charge of the Reds at the Hawthorns.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United veteran Giggs hails mouth-watering Van Persie capture

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs says that players and staff are just as excited as the club's supporters following the arrival of former Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

The Netherlands international completed his £24 million move to Old Trafford on Friday and joins ex-Crewe youngster Nick Powell and former Borussia Dortmund man Shinji Kagawa as the new arrivals at last season's Premier League runners-up.

And ahead of their opening game of the season, a meeting with Everton at Goodison Park on Monday, the Red Devils veteran enthused that the players are just as buoyant as the fans following the latest addition to their already star-studded squad.

"The players are just like the fans in terms of talking about who we might sign and wondering which players might come in," Giggs told the club's official website.

"It's always very exciting for us when we sign new players because you know that whoever comes in with have a lot of quality and will help improve the team.

"You can see just from one training session the qualities he has which we know all about anyway because of all the times we’ve played against him. He brought that lift to training that a top player brings and that all bodes well."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently claimed that his new crop of strikers rivals the four options he had during the club’s historic treble wining season of 1999, and Giggs thinks that the addition of a proven and experienced player in the shape of Van Persie will help the development of younger forwards such as England international Danny Welbeck and Mexico's Chicharito.

"They’re young lads and good lads who want to learn," he stated of the pair. "They've already learnt a lot from Wayne and you’ve seen the improvement from both players.

"Any player looks at the older lads who play in their position and what you can take from them and improve upon by watching them, and there’s no doubt Danny and Chicha will learn plenty from Robin."

In the past, the club has tended to bring in younger talent and look to develop them, however, at 29 years old and with an unimpressive injury record, the signing of Van Persie has been said to represent an about-face in policy.

Giggs, though, who himself had injury troubles as a younger player and has been able to continue playing at the age of 38, does not see it being a problem for the Dutchman.

"Football has changed so much – it used to be that once you turned 30 you were on that slippery slope, but these days players look after themselves a lot better and the whole sports science side of the game has changed whereby players can go on and produce better football for much longer after 30.

"We know the manager likes to buy younger players and see them develop here, but now and again when there is a player out there who is that little bit older and more experienced then he’ll go for it. It’s a good balance to have."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels: I will be fit in time for Bundesliga opener against Werder Bremen

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels believes he will be fit to face Werder Bremen on Friday, despite suffering an injury in midweek.

The German international was involved in a collision with Gonzalo Higuain in Argentina's 3-1 win over Die Mannschaft on Wednesday, before being diagnosed with a neck strain.

Hummels was forced to sit out the champions' 3-0 win over Oberneuland in the DFB-Pokal first round, but maintains that he will be involved in the Bundesliga opener.

"I went in [for] a threesome for a header, [and at] first I felt nothing. It was only after three or four minutes later [that I felt it] violently," the defender told the club's official website.

"I'll definitely be fit [for the game against Werder Bremen]."

Jurgen Klopp's men begin their quest for a third consecutive Bundesliga title against Werder on Friday, kick-off at 2:30 p.m. ET.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney urges Manchester United to focus and avoid another Everton slip-up

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has urged his team to focus against Everton at Goodison Park on Monday and avoid another slip-up after last season's 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, which he feels cost his side the title.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were leading the Toffees 4-2 with less than 10 minutes to go back in April when goals by Steven Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini grabbed an unlikely draw and allowed Manchester City the chance to leapfrog their city rivals at the top of the table.

Rooney is expecting another tough match against his former club, but has urged his side to stay focused, particularly if they go ahead against David Moyes's men.

"I know as an Evertonian, growing up, playing for Everton against Manchester United, when United go to Goodison the whole place is lifted - the fans, they make it more difficult,” he told the club's official website.

“We know it's going to be a really tough game because, the one thing about Everton is that they work extremely hard. They are a really fit team. You need to keep the ball well and keep possession and try and tie them down.

The England international also said he felt last season's eight-goal thriller had cost his team the Premier League title, but is hopeful the Red Devils can emerge victorious from Monday night's clash.

“That game probably did cost us the league," he added. "That was really disappointing for us, so we hope we can go there and get the three points this time. It's a really tough first game even though, over the last few years, Everton haven't really started well in the league.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 1-1 Valencia: Guardado makes debut against Blancos

Real Madrid was less than convincing as it begun the defense of its La Liga crown with a 1-1 draw against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mexican international Andres Guardado made his debut for Los Che.

Things began promisingly for the reigning champion as Gonzalo Higuain, who was picked ahead of Karim Benzema, put them ahead after just 10 minutes. But it soon became guilty of sitting back and failing to make its ball retention count and shortly before the break Jonas restored parity. Los Blancos were unable to regain their advantage in the second half and thus had to settle for a point in front of disgruntled and frustrated home supporters.

Madrid signaled their intent to score an early goal with an intense start that saw both Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo take shots from long-range. Neither managed to work Diego Alves but it did not take much longer for Los Blancos to find the net.

Di Maria clipped the ball up to Higuain, who had sprung the offside trap, and the striker controlled the ball exquisitely. Yet after seeing his initial and follow-up efforts saved by the keeper, the third time proved a charm as he rifled a volley into the back of the net with just 10 minutes on the clock.

Following the goal, Jose Mourinho's men played a far more patient game but, despite controlling possession, opportunities to find the net were sparse as Valencia sat deep.

But patience soon turned to complacency for the hosts and Los Che capitalized by netting an equalizer three minutes before the break. Iker Casillas failed to clear Tino Costa's fantastic delivery and Jonas duly headed the ball into the vacated goal. The keeper did however succeed in injuring Pepe, who was subsequently withdrawn at half time.

Mourinho's men were unable to find the net again as the two sides shared the spoils on the opening weekend of La Liga. Mourinho will demand better finishing when Madrid faces Barcelona in the Super Cup in midweek.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid's Pepe in hospital following Casillas collision

Pepe has been taken to the hospital for observation after a collision with Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas during the 1-1 draw with Valencia.

With the keeper attempting to clear a cross that led to Jonas' equalizing for Los Che, the duo came together and the impact left both men prone on the ground while the opposition celebrated.

Pepe was replaced by Raul Albiol at half -time and departed the Santiago Bernabeu for the hospital soon after. Real Madrid stated that initial test show there is no brain damage to the 29-year-old, but revealed he would stay overnight for observations.

Cristiano Ronaldo lent his support to his teammate, stating to the Press Association: "[Pepe] is in hospital and we'll see how he progresses. He is an important player for us but his health is the most important thing."

Iker Casillas offered his recollections of the event and also praised his counterpart in the Valencia goal for keeping the scores level until full time.

"I remember nothing of the play. Only that I went for the ball, and nothing else. It is a pity to concede goals from set pieces," he said to reporters after the game. "Let's see if what Pepe has is something. They've taken him to hospital because head injuries can be serious."

Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the opening goal of the night, echoed the sentiments of his teammates.

"It is a game we should have won because we had many chances, especially in the second half. Their goalkeeper was good. It is a shame, but it is not cause for alarm," he said.

It seems unlikely that the center back will be fit when Madrid face their arch rivals Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at Camp Nou on Thursday night.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Michael Bradley scores in Roma's final preseason match, against Aris FC

Roma played its final preseason match ahead of the Serie A season, beating Aris FC, 3-0. American midfielder Michael Bradley scored in the 71st minute.

Bradley's goal was sandwiched between strikes from Pablo Osvaldo and new signing Mattia Destro. The 25-year-old notched on a flicked header off a Rodrigo Taddei cross.

Aris previously employed Eddie Johnson, Freddy Adu, Nery Castillo and Hector Cuper. All have since moved on, however, and Aris' lineup is almost entirely Greek.

Bradley previously scored in preseason with his new club, which he joined from Chievo Verona this summer, in a 2-1 win over Liverpool in Fenway Park.

Roma begins the Serie A season next Sunday against Catania.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'We're not in the best shape physically' - Ronaldo reacts to Madrid draw

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he and his Real Madrid teammates are not yet in their prime physical shape.

Los Blancos were held at home by Valencia in a 1-1 draw on Sunday and the Portuguese superstar revealed that his side still has work to do on the training ground to improve its competitiveness.

"We're not yet in the best shape physically," Ronaldo said after the game. "It is normal. We'll be better, we are trying to."

"We have tried everything, but still need to reach the highest level we can.

"The equalizer was a pity, we had given everything to win. We had many chances but it was not to be."

Madrid will now turn its attentions to arch-rival Barcelona, which is faces in the first leg of the Super Cup at Camp Nou on Thursday evening.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galliani: Cassano likely to be traded

Adriano Galliani has fueled speculation over a swap deal involving AC Milan's Antonio Cassano and Inter's Giampaolo Pazzini, by admitting that an exchange is the most likely outcome for the player's departure.

It has been suggested that the Italy international will be used as part of a deal to bring in Pazzini from Inter, and the Milan chief executive admitted that talks are ongoing.

"I will not deny something is stirring. Cassano asked us to be sold. The most likely solution is a swap," Galliani admitted in a press conference. "There are negotiations in place. There is no doubt about that and we will see. As with all negotiations, they can conclude positively or negatively."

The comments came in the wake of the Rossoneri's 3-2 defeat at the hands of Juventus in the Berlusconi Trophy this weekend, of which Cassano did not play a part.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero eases Manchester City's concerns over his knee injury

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has eased concerns over his knee injury by confirming there is no significant damage to the joint.

The Argentina international was stretchered off after just 13 minutes of City's Premier League opener against Southampton following a collision with fullback Nathaniel Clyne.

The 24-year-old is now set to undergo a scan on Monday to reveal the extent of the problem but the forward remains upbeat about his situation.

"The studies I had done revealed there's no significant injury but it was a very tough hit to my knee," Aguero posted on Twitter. "Tomorrow, the physicians will evaluate the time it will take for me to recover. I can't muster words to thank for your concern and with this much support, I'll probably get back up on my feet soon."

Manchester City won the match 3-2 but found themselves trailing after 68 minutes as goals from Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis cancelled out Carlos Tevez's opener. Edin Dzeko drew his side level in the 72nd minute before Samir Nasri grabbed a late winner.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: Real Madrid did more than enough to win

Jose Mourinho revealed his disappointment at Real Madrid's performance in the 1-1 draw with Valencia and stated that, though it was not good enough, it was sufficient for three points on the night.

Los Blancos took an early lead through Gonzalo Higuain but soon sat back and allowed Los Che to equalize. The visitors then had their goalkeeper to thank for a string of saves that ensured they left the Santiago Bernabeu with a point.

"I expected more from my team. Last season it was [Vicente] Guaita [who kept the game as a draw] and this year it was Diego Alves. We did not have a great game but we did more than enough to win," Mourinho said in his post-match press conference.

"Alves was the best, he made some very good saves. If we had played better we would have created more chances.

"We always want to win. We are not content with draws. We could not lose this match because the opponent did not create chances.

Madrid travels to Camp Nou to face Barcelona in the Super Cup for the first Clasico of the season on Thursday evening, but Mourinho insisted he was more interested in the well being of Pepe, who was withdrawn with injury during the game.

"I worry about Pepe, not the Super Cup. It is just a game and I want a player who is well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini: Adam Johnson can leave Manchester City

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that Adam Johnson could be on his way out of the club this summer.

The winger, who was a member of England's starting lineup against Italy in midweek, did not feature in the match-day squad as City began its title defense with a 3-2 victory over Premier League newcomer Southampton on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, the 47-year-old admitted that Johnson may have to look elsewhere in order to get the first-team soccer he desires.

"Adam wants to go to play. We are waiting for the next ten days to find a solution for him," he told reporters. "If we find a good solution Adam can go to play. I think this is better because he is young, he's a good guy and he deserves to play always and here it is not possible.
"We'll wait 10 days. If after 10 days we don’t find a solution for him he’ll stay here. He's happy and maybe he can have more chances."

The Italian did go on to concede, however, that he would be sorry to see the 25-year-old depart the club but understands the former Middlesbrough man's desire for regular match action.

He added: "He can have a future here but you have to understand when you are 25-years-old you want to play always.

“If he decides he wants to play always I agree with him and if he wants to leave I am sorry because I think he is a good guy and is different player from the other striker and wingers but I understand he wants to play."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ajaccio 0-0 Paris Saint-Germain: Ochoa keeps clean sheet

Paris Saint-Germain's tepid start to the Ligue 1 campaign continued on Sunday night as it was frustrated in a 0-0 draw away in Ajaccio, with Ezequiel Lavezzi dismissed around the hour mark. Mexican international Guillermo Ochoa kept a clean sheet.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who started the match without high-profile summer signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, offered little offensively over the course of the game, although Jeremy Menez should have scored from close range in the first half. The visitor actually came closest to winning the match, with Eduardo striking the post.

Even at the outset of the match, it was Ajaccio that showed the greater energy and verve on a hot Corsican evening. Ricardo Faty’s cross from the right was turned on by Johan Cavalli to the free Sigamary Diarra, but the winger, who was free at the back post, failed to control the ball sufficiently to threat Salvatore Sirigu properly.

For all the host's early energy, it was largely limited going forward, and the Italian would be infrequently tested. Eduardo did make the occasional dangerous incursion, but as the half wore on, PSG's influence increased.

Javier Pastore had a quiet match, yet it was his searching pass that unlocked the home rearguard. Nene gathered the ball on the left wing before squaring for Menez, whose effort from inside the six-yard box was superbly blocked by Guillermo Ochoa.

Before the interval, Nene would twice threaten from free kicks. His first was a direct effort on goal that flew just over, and the second was a cross that ultimately ended with Clement Chantome tamely heading at Ochoa.

These efforts were rather isolated bright spots for PSG in the opening period, and after the interval it was equally well restricted by the rugged and determined hosts. The frustration the visitor was feeling became clear when Lavezzi rashly challenged Bejamin Andre and was deservedly shown a red card for a two-footed stamp on the midfielder.

By this point, Eduardo had already pounced on a loose Mamadou Sakho pass to hit the post, heightening the pressure on the guest.

With around 10 minutes remaining, Ancelotti was dismissed from the dugout, having kicked out at a water bottle in a show of pique.

Ajaccio would not commit too many players forward, aware that a point was not a bad result against a powerful outfit, and opportunities in the closing stages of the match were rare. Their attacks were largely measured, but while adopting a more offensive stance, they were sure to keep things tight at the back.

Deep into stoppage time, the drama was added to as the floodlights failed, but there was no time once play restarted for either team to fashion an opening.

Though the host settled happily for a draw, preserving its unbeaten home record in 2012, PSG has now failed to win either of its opening two matches and come under significant pressure heading into difficult matches against Bordeaux and Lille.

 

[panchaz]

Real Madrid's Pepe in hospital following Casillas collision

Pepe has been taken to the hospital for observation after a collision with Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas during the 1-1 draw with Valencia.

With the keeper attempting to clear a cross that led to Jonas' equalizing for Los Che, the duo came together and the impact left both men prone on the ground while the opposition celebrated.

Pepe was replaced by Raul Albiol at half -time and departed the Santiago Bernabeu for the hospital soon after. Real Madrid stated that initial test show there is no brain damage to the 29-year-old, but revealed he would stay overnight for observations.

Cristiano Ronaldo lent his support to his teammate, stating to the Press Association: "[Pepe] is in hospital and we'll see how he progresses. He is an important player for us but his health is the most important thing."

Iker Casillas offered his recollections of the event and also praised his counterpart in the Valencia goal for keeping the scores level until full time.

"I remember nothing of the play. Only that I went for the ball, and nothing else. It is a pity to concede goals from set pieces," he said to reporters after the game. "Let's see if what Pepe has is something. They've taken him to hospital because head injuries can be serious."

Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the opening goal of the night, echoed the sentiments of his teammates.

"It is a game we should have won because we had many chances, especially in the second half. Their goalkeeper was good. It is a shame, but it is not cause for alarm," he said.

It seems unlikely that the center back will be fit when Madrid face their arch rivals Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at Camp Nou on Thursday night.

get well soon Pepe

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 5-1 Real Sociedad: Villa returns from injury with a goal

The Tito Vilanova era at Barcelona began with help from a familiar face, as Lionel Messi led the Blaugrana to a 5-1 win over Real Sociedad in its Primera Division season opener at Camp Nou on Sunday. Mexican international Carlos Vela played 25 minutes in the loss.

As Real Madrid stumbled to an early 1-1 draw against Valencia earlier, Vilanova picked up where predecessor Pep Guardiola left off, dominating the beleaguered visitor for large periods to clinch an emphatic home victory.

Carles Puyol's header gave Barca the lead after four minutes, only for Chory Castro to restore parity with an opportunistic finish moments later. But then Messi took over, scoring a pair of poacher's efforts in the 11th and 16th minutes to give the Catalans a lead they would never relinquish.

Pedro added the fourth just before half time, and Barca's perfect beginning to the season was completed by the return of David Villa from injury, who scored the fifth and final goal six minutes from the end.

Vilanova was not the only debutant for Barca, as Jordi Alba, the 14 million euro signing from Valencia, was handed a start at left back. Sociedad’s own new recruit Chory Castro began up front, but fellow summer signings Carlos Vela and Jose Angel had to settle for a place on the bench.

It took the Catalans only four minutes to break the deadlock, though the goal came, for them, in somewhat unconventional fashion. A corner from Xavi was thumped in by the head of Puyol to send the hosts in front.

Sociedad was straight back down the pitch. Asier Illarramendi slipped a clever pass just in front of Dani Alves, putting Castro through, where he had the time to take a touch and bury his finish high into the roof of the net after.

But just as Sociedad was able to hit back after conceding, so too did Barcelona, which regained the lead within two minutes of restarting the match. Messi’s uncharacteristically poor touch spilled a decent cross from Tello, but Pedro worked the rebound back into the Argentine, who wriggled through his markers and slotted home.

Messi’s instincts came to the fore moments later, the forward reacting quickest to a Tello center to drill the Blaugrana into a 3-1 lead, all after 16 minutes. With a two goal cushion, the hosts settled into their typical monopolization of possession, suffocating Sociedad in its own half with large periods of metronomic passing.

Barcelona was always in control, and, with four minutes to go until half time, it added a fourth in emphatic and enthralling fashion. Messi, Xavi and Fabregas were all involved in a build-up that split Sociedad in two, with the decisive ball worked to Tello on the left, who centered to Pedroto stroke into the far corner.

Sociedad set up for a damage-limitation exercise in the second half, though Antoine Griezmann snatched at an early opening as he fired wide from a good position.

However, the focus was always at the other end of the pitch, and an outstanding one-touch sequence between Messi and Pedro ended with the former blasting his finish into the side netting when he should have hit the target.

The home fans were in jubilant spirits, which were kicked up a notch by the introduction of Villa for Pedro with a quarter of an hour to go, the Spain striker making his long awaited return from a broken tibia last December. And Villa did not miss a beat, finishing a mazy run from Iniesta with aplomb in the 84th minute to round off a picture-perfect start to the new season for Barcelona.