Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Hamburg 1-3 Bayern Munich: Ribery returns with a goal in cup cruise
Franck Ribery marked his first start since recovering from a troublesome back problem with a goal as Bayern Munich kicked off the defence of their DFB-Pokal crown with a comfortable 3-1 win at Hamburg.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game at the Imtech Arena and David Alaba doubled the visitors' advantage with stunning long-range strike just before the break.
Ribery then made it 3-0 with a deflected strike 10 minutes after half-time, rendering Pierre-Michel Lasogga's late header purely academic.
However, the game ended on a sour note, with a supporter invading the pitch just before the full-time whistle and striking Ribery in the face with his scarf.
Victory sees Bayern keep their hopes of a third successive DFB-Pokal title alive, while Hamburg's attentions will turn to league survival.
Hamburg made three changes for the contest, but they were let down by a first-team regular in the seventh minute as Thomas Muller intercepted a misjudged back pass from defender Westermann and fed Lewandowski, who found the net at the second attempt.
The visitors were dominant and Philipp Lahm came close to doubling Bayern's lead on 43 minutes only to be denied at point-blank range by Jaroslav Drobny, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Alaba's sensational strike a minute later.
Having received a pass from Xabi Alonso, the Austria international pushed forward unchallenged into the Hamburg half, before unleashing a swerving 35-yard effort that a wrong-footed Drobny could not keep out.
Hamburg found themselves three goals behind on 55 minutes as Ribery found the back of the net.
Juan Bernat raced down the left and played a pass into the Frenchman's feet. He cut inside two defenders before seeing a low drive deflect off Djourou on its way in.
Three minutes later it could have been four but the Hamburg keeper got down well to deny Muller, and Manuel Neuer was called into action for the first time on 68 minutes when Lasogga found room 20 yards from goal to hit a powerful effort.
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola rang the changes just after the hour but the visitors continued to press and Ribery was denied a stunning second goal in the 73rd minute.
Substitute Sebastian Rode made good ground down the right and his cross was met by the winger but his technique-laden volley was brilliantly tipped around the post by the goalkeeper.
Hamburg finally got themselves on the scoresheet with five minutes remaining as Lasogga met a Rafael van der Vaart cross at the back post to head beyond Neuer.
The game ended on a sour note as a crowd member ran onto the pitch and appeared to lash out at Ribery, sparking angry reactions from players from both sides, and referee Marco Fritz immediately blew the final whistle after the invader was taken away.
Franck Ribery marked his first start since recovering from a troublesome back problem with a goal as Bayern Munich kicked off the defence of their DFB-Pokal crown with a comfortable 3-1 win at Hamburg.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game at the Imtech Arena and David Alaba doubled the visitors' advantage with stunning long-range strike just before the break.
Ribery then made it 3-0 with a deflected strike 10 minutes after half-time, rendering Pierre-Michel Lasogga's late header purely academic.
However, the game ended on a sour note, with a supporter invading the pitch just before the full-time whistle and striking Ribery in the face with his scarf.
Victory sees Bayern keep their hopes of a third successive DFB-Pokal title alive, while Hamburg's attentions will turn to league survival.
Hamburg made three changes for the contest, but they were let down by a first-team regular in the seventh minute as Thomas Muller intercepted a misjudged back pass from defender Westermann and fed Lewandowski, who found the net at the second attempt.
The visitors were dominant and Philipp Lahm came close to doubling Bayern's lead on 43 minutes only to be denied at point-blank range by Jaroslav Drobny, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Alaba's sensational strike a minute later.
Having received a pass from Xabi Alonso, the Austria international pushed forward unchallenged into the Hamburg half, before unleashing a swerving 35-yard effort that a wrong-footed Drobny could not keep out.
Hamburg found themselves three goals behind on 55 minutes as Ribery found the back of the net.
Juan Bernat raced down the left and played a pass into the Frenchman's feet. He cut inside two defenders before seeing a low drive deflect off Djourou on its way in.
Three minutes later it could have been four but the Hamburg keeper got down well to deny Muller, and Manuel Neuer was called into action for the first time on 68 minutes when Lasogga found room 20 yards from goal to hit a powerful effort.
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola rang the changes just after the hour but the visitors continued to press and Ribery was denied a stunning second goal in the 73rd minute.
Substitute Sebastian Rode made good ground down the right and his cross was met by the winger but his technique-laden volley was brilliantly tipped around the post by the goalkeeper.
Hamburg finally got themselves on the scoresheet with five minutes remaining as Lasogga met a Rafael van der Vaart cross at the back post to head beyond Neuer.
The game ended on a sour note as a crowd member ran onto the pitch and appeared to lash out at Ribery, sparking angry reactions from players from both sides, and referee Marco Fritz immediately blew the final whistle after the invader was taken away.
Cornella 1-4 Real Madrid: Varane at the double in easy victory
Real Madrid opened their Copa del Rey defence with an ultimately comfortable 4-1 win over third-tier side Cornella on Wednesday.
In the first leg of the sides' fourth-round clash, a much-changed Real side were somewhat laboured in securing victory at Espanyol's Estadi Cornella-El Prat home, but did enough to secure a 10th consecutive triumph in all competitions.
Real made hard work of the first half, but were ahead at the break thanks to two Raphael Varane headers, which sandwiched a stunning equaliser from Cornella's lone striker Oscar Munoz.The Liga giants' greater quality shone through after the interval as Javier Hernandez quickly established a two-goal cushion.
Real's fourth of the game, and 50th of the season, was scored by Marcelo and ensured a routine win for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who rested a host of key players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.Cornella's part-timers will have a chance to impress at the Santiago Bernabeu in the tie's second leg.
The Liga side quickly hit the front as Varane rose unchallenged to firmly nod home James Rodriguez's inswinging corner.Though camped firmly in their own half, Cornella found a response as a long heave out of defence was flicked infield and Alex Gallar prodded into the path of Munoz, who held off Alvaro Arbeloa's challenge and lashed past Keylor Navas.
Real were struggling to create opportunities as Cornella captain David Garcia - a dentist by trade - kept his midfield colleagues well drilled, Isco and Rodriguez routinely drifting in from the flanks only to find their path blocked.
Yet the visitors retook the lead with 10 minutes to go in the opening half, Varane again scoring from a corner - this time delivered by Isco - as Cornella goalkeeper Jose Segovia failed to get a fist on the ball.Hernandez settled any remaining nerves five minutes into the second half, drifting across the 18-yard line before clipping a low angled shot beyond Segovia's reach and into the corner.
Second-half substitute Marcelo saw a cheeky backheeled effort saved, but the Brazilian claimed a goal with 20 minutes to go after following in Isco's parried shot to score from a narrow angle.Ancelotti responded by withdrawing stand-in captain Karim Benzema and Isco. Raul de Tomas was handed a debut in place of the former, while midfielder Alvaro Medran came on for his second outing at first-team level.
The youngsters appeared eager to impress, though they could not force Segovia into action, and the more senior members of the squad will return looking to keep Real's form up when they head to Granada in La Liga on Saturday.
Real Madrid opened their Copa del Rey defence with an ultimately comfortable 4-1 win over third-tier side Cornella on Wednesday.
In the first leg of the sides' fourth-round clash, a much-changed Real side were somewhat laboured in securing victory at Espanyol's Estadi Cornella-El Prat home, but did enough to secure a 10th consecutive triumph in all competitions.
Real made hard work of the first half, but were ahead at the break thanks to two Raphael Varane headers, which sandwiched a stunning equaliser from Cornella's lone striker Oscar Munoz.The Liga giants' greater quality shone through after the interval as Javier Hernandez quickly established a two-goal cushion.
Real's fourth of the game, and 50th of the season, was scored by Marcelo and ensured a routine win for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who rested a host of key players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.Cornella's part-timers will have a chance to impress at the Santiago Bernabeu in the tie's second leg.
The Liga side quickly hit the front as Varane rose unchallenged to firmly nod home James Rodriguez's inswinging corner.Though camped firmly in their own half, Cornella found a response as a long heave out of defence was flicked infield and Alex Gallar prodded into the path of Munoz, who held off Alvaro Arbeloa's challenge and lashed past Keylor Navas.
Real were struggling to create opportunities as Cornella captain David Garcia - a dentist by trade - kept his midfield colleagues well drilled, Isco and Rodriguez routinely drifting in from the flanks only to find their path blocked.
Yet the visitors retook the lead with 10 minutes to go in the opening half, Varane again scoring from a corner - this time delivered by Isco - as Cornella goalkeeper Jose Segovia failed to get a fist on the ball.Hernandez settled any remaining nerves five minutes into the second half, drifting across the 18-yard line before clipping a low angled shot beyond Segovia's reach and into the corner.
Second-half substitute Marcelo saw a cheeky backheeled effort saved, but the Brazilian claimed a goal with 20 minutes to go after following in Isco's parried shot to score from a narrow angle.Ancelotti responded by withdrawing stand-in captain Karim Benzema and Isco. Raul de Tomas was handed a debut in place of the former, while midfielder Alvaro Medran came on for his second outing at first-team level.
The youngsters appeared eager to impress, though they could not force Segovia into action, and the more senior members of the squad will return looking to keep Real's form up when they head to Granada in La Liga on Saturday.
Song: I don't want to go back to Barcelona
On-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song is planning to stay in England for the foreseeable future after an impressive start to his West Ham career.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce brought the Cameroon international to Upton Park this summer, after the midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements by new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.
The former Arsenal midfielder has looked assured in a West Ham side that climbed to fourth in the Premier League table after a superb victory over champions Manchester City on Saturday.
Song was awarded man of the match for his display against City and the 27-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from several suitors over a permanent move.
And whatever he decides to do next, Song has stated his desire to remain in England when his loan deal expires at the end of the current campaign.
"I think my future will be here [in England]," he told Sky Sports. "My family, everyone is happy here. I'm very happy to come back to England.
"I've always said if I move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here anyway.
"I just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we'll see what is happening at the end of the season."
On-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song is planning to stay in England for the foreseeable future after an impressive start to his West Ham career.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce brought the Cameroon international to Upton Park this summer, after the midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements by new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.
The former Arsenal midfielder has looked assured in a West Ham side that climbed to fourth in the Premier League table after a superb victory over champions Manchester City on Saturday.
Song was awarded man of the match for his display against City and the 27-year-old is reportedly attracting interest from several suitors over a permanent move.
And whatever he decides to do next, Song has stated his desire to remain in England when his loan deal expires at the end of the current campaign.
"I think my future will be here [in England]," he told Sky Sports. "My family, everyone is happy here. I'm very happy to come back to England.
"I've always said if I move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here anyway.
"I just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we'll see what is happening at the end of the season."
Dortmund not scared of Bayern - Hummels
Mats Hummels believes Saturday's game against Bayern Munich is the perfect opportunity for Borussia Dortmund to gain confidence and get back on track after a difficult start to the 2014-15 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's men sit a disappointing 15th in the Bundesliga table with just seven points from nine games, but Hummels does not fear this weekend's clash with the reigning champions."We have a great game on Saturday. It’s a great challenge, but if there’s one game to gain confidence, it’s the one against Bayern," Hummels told the official Dortmund website.
Dortmund beat St Pauli 3-0 on Tuesday evening in the DFB Pokal and Hummels was pleased with BVB's performance."We’ve never had to go through anything like this, it dents your confidence. But we’ve taken a great step forward against St. Pauli.
"The second half wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was important to progress. All in all [it was] a commanding performance from us."
Mats Hummels believes Saturday's game against Bayern Munich is the perfect opportunity for Borussia Dortmund to gain confidence and get back on track after a difficult start to the 2014-15 campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's men sit a disappointing 15th in the Bundesliga table with just seven points from nine games, but Hummels does not fear this weekend's clash with the reigning champions."We have a great game on Saturday. It’s a great challenge, but if there’s one game to gain confidence, it’s the one against Bayern," Hummels told the official Dortmund website.
Dortmund beat St Pauli 3-0 on Tuesday evening in the DFB Pokal and Hummels was pleased with BVB's performance."We’ve never had to go through anything like this, it dents your confidence. But we’ve taken a great step forward against St. Pauli.
"The second half wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was important to progress. All in all [it was] a commanding performance from us."
Pellegrini: Rooney replaceable at Manchester United
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Wayne Rooney is replaceable at Manchester United as he looks set to return to action.
The England and United captain has been forced to sit out the Red Devils' last three Premier League outings through suspension but is set to be available to face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
But Pellegrini feels that Rooney is not the main man at Old Trafford and that there are plenty who could trouble his team when the two sides meet.
"I think Rooney is a very important player for Manchester United but I think that big teams never depend on one player," he told reporters.
"They have enough important, creative players to replace him."
Goal understands that the former Everton man could yet miss out against the Premier League champions with a foot injury, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Fellow striker Radamel Falcao should also be fit after missing out with a knock against Chelsea.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes that Wayne Rooney is replaceable at Manchester United as he looks set to return to action.
The England and United captain has been forced to sit out the Red Devils' last three Premier League outings through suspension but is set to be available to face City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
But Pellegrini feels that Rooney is not the main man at Old Trafford and that there are plenty who could trouble his team when the two sides meet.
"I think Rooney is a very important player for Manchester United but I think that big teams never depend on one player," he told reporters.
"They have enough important, creative players to replace him."
Goal understands that the former Everton man could yet miss out against the Premier League champions with a foot injury, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Fellow striker Radamel Falcao should also be fit after missing out with a knock against Chelsea.
James: I'm no Ronaldo who scores 60 goals a year
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has warned that people shouldn't expect him to score "60 goals per season" like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 23-year-old impressed at the 2014 World Cup as he netted six goals in five games to scoop up the Golden Shoe, but he has insisted that he is not a natural goalscorer like his Portuguese team-mate.
"I knew that I had to adapt to Real Madrid, but I also knew that I could still improve and raise my game," the Colombia international told Cadena Ser.
"I am not a goalscorer, though. Of course, I like to score goals, but I'm no Cristiano Ronaldo who scores 60 goals per season."Cristiano is the best player in the world for me. He's a goalscoring machine and a true superstar. What stands out most, however, is that he is a great person as well."
James' arrival eventually saw Angel Di Maria decide to leave the club for Manchester United, but the ex-Monaco star does not feel any extra pressure to replace the man who played a key role in Madrid's Champions League win in 2013-14.
"No, I don't feel any sort of pressure. Angel is a great player and I have a lot of respect for what he achieved here. But I think I can achieve some great things at Madrid as well."The Colombia midfielder then went on to praise Isco, who shone in the wins over Liverpool and Real Madrid in Gareth Bale's absence, with James admitting his team-mate is a lot better than he thought.
"All the players at Madrid have a lot of quality, but the one who has surprised me the most is Isco. I really like his style of play."
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has warned that people shouldn't expect him to score "60 goals per season" like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 23-year-old impressed at the 2014 World Cup as he netted six goals in five games to scoop up the Golden Shoe, but he has insisted that he is not a natural goalscorer like his Portuguese team-mate.
"I knew that I had to adapt to Real Madrid, but I also knew that I could still improve and raise my game," the Colombia international told Cadena Ser.
"I am not a goalscorer, though. Of course, I like to score goals, but I'm no Cristiano Ronaldo who scores 60 goals per season."Cristiano is the best player in the world for me. He's a goalscoring machine and a true superstar. What stands out most, however, is that he is a great person as well."
James' arrival eventually saw Angel Di Maria decide to leave the club for Manchester United, but the ex-Monaco star does not feel any extra pressure to replace the man who played a key role in Madrid's Champions League win in 2013-14.
"No, I don't feel any sort of pressure. Angel is a great player and I have a lot of respect for what he achieved here. But I think I can achieve some great things at Madrid as well."The Colombia midfielder then went on to praise Isco, who shone in the wins over Liverpool and Real Madrid in Gareth Bale's absence, with James admitting his team-mate is a lot better than he thought.
"All the players at Madrid have a lot of quality, but the one who has surprised me the most is Isco. I really like his style of play."
Isco on his best Real Madrid form - Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti has praised Isco for his impressive Real Madrid displays this season, insisting he is in his best form since joining the club.The former Malaga midfielder has already delivered four assists in his nine league appearances this term, just two less than he did in 32 Liga games throughout last season.
Isco also played a key role for his side on Wednesday as they beat Cornella 4-1 in the Copa del Rey. The playmaker set up Raphael Varane for one goal, before seeing an effort saved by the goalkeeper, making it easy for Marcelo to slot home the rebound.Ancelotti said he was delighted with his side's display and highlighted the individual performance of the 22-year-old.
"There was a nice atmosphere in the stadium," the Italian told reporters. "We had lots of supporters here. The players have worked well, they have shown good organisation and everyone can be pleased with the performance.
"Isco is on good form and he is well-loved by the fans. He is really focused, covers lots of ground and is currently on his best form since he got here."We hope he carries on as he is and maintains the same attitude.
"Benzema is in good shape so he didn't need to be rested for this game. The whole squad was in good shape and those that haven't played much like Khedira or Illarra have been fine."The coach made headlines when he appeared to criticise Sepp Blatter by saying it was "impossible to shut up the president of Fifa", but he moved to clear up those comments, which he said were made after a misunderstanding.
Ancelotti said: "I need to set the record straight with regards to Blatter. Perhaps the question was not so clear. I was asked about the Ballon d'Or for Neuer, but he had talked about the World Cup Golden Ball winner and I agree with him on that point."
Carlo Ancelotti has praised Isco for his impressive Real Madrid displays this season, insisting he is in his best form since joining the club.The former Malaga midfielder has already delivered four assists in his nine league appearances this term, just two less than he did in 32 Liga games throughout last season.
Isco also played a key role for his side on Wednesday as they beat Cornella 4-1 in the Copa del Rey. The playmaker set up Raphael Varane for one goal, before seeing an effort saved by the goalkeeper, making it easy for Marcelo to slot home the rebound.Ancelotti said he was delighted with his side's display and highlighted the individual performance of the 22-year-old.
"There was a nice atmosphere in the stadium," the Italian told reporters. "We had lots of supporters here. The players have worked well, they have shown good organisation and everyone can be pleased with the performance.
"Isco is on good form and he is well-loved by the fans. He is really focused, covers lots of ground and is currently on his best form since he got here."We hope he carries on as he is and maintains the same attitude.
"Benzema is in good shape so he didn't need to be rested for this game. The whole squad was in good shape and those that haven't played much like Khedira or Illarra have been fine."The coach made headlines when he appeared to criticise Sepp Blatter by saying it was "impossible to shut up the president of Fifa", but he moved to clear up those comments, which he said were made after a misunderstanding.
Ancelotti said: "I need to set the record straight with regards to Blatter. Perhaps the question was not so clear. I was asked about the Ballon d'Or for Neuer, but he had talked about the World Cup Golden Ball winner and I agree with him on that point."
Ribery confronted by supporter
Franck Ribery was confronted and insulted by a supporter during Bayern Munich 's 3-1 DFB Pokal win at Hamburg on Wednesday night.
A fan ran onto pitch during the dying seconds of the Bavarians' victory at the Imtech Arena and struck the Frenchman in the face with his scarf.The supporter then made an offensive hand gesture towards Ribery before eventually being apprehended by stewards and escorted from the field of play.
Ribery had been making his first start of the season for Bayern after missing the opening weeks of the 2014-15 campaign through injury.The 31-year-old marked his return with a deflected strike 10 minutes into the second half, after first-half efforts from Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba had put Pep Guardiola's men in complete control of the tie.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga pulled a goal back for the hosts in the closing stages but Bayern held on comfortably to set themselves up nicely for Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.
Franck Ribery was confronted and insulted by a supporter during Bayern Munich 's 3-1 DFB Pokal win at Hamburg on Wednesday night.
A fan ran onto pitch during the dying seconds of the Bavarians' victory at the Imtech Arena and struck the Frenchman in the face with his scarf.The supporter then made an offensive hand gesture towards Ribery before eventually being apprehended by stewards and escorted from the field of play.
Ribery had been making his first start of the season for Bayern after missing the opening weeks of the 2014-15 campaign through injury.The 31-year-old marked his return with a deflected strike 10 minutes into the second half, after first-half efforts from Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba had put Pep Guardiola's men in complete control of the tie.
Pierre-Michel Lasogga pulled a goal back for the hosts in the closing stages but Bayern held on comfortably to set themselves up nicely for Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.
Manchester City slump 'worries' Pellegrini
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini admits that he is "worried" by his side's current struggles after an impressive Newcastle dumped the League Cup holders out of the competition.
Goals from Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko sealed the Magpies' passage to the quarter-finals, with the visitors comfortably the better.
City are six points off the pace in the Premier League, struggling in the Champions League and have now surrendered their League Cup trophy with a whimper, leaving the Chilean in no mood to offer up excuses.
He told the press: "We are not playing well, with a lack of trust. We aren't scoring enough goals and conceding too easy goals. We must be worried. We didn't win any of the three games this week.
"I'm worried about why we are not playing the way we normally play. We conceded two easy goals. We are not playing the way that we normally do. We're not passing the ball quickly. With one competition less we can concentrate more."
David Silva made the starting line-up but only lasted five minutes of action before being taken off with a knee injury, but Pellegrini insists that starting the Spaniard with the Manchester derby approaching on Sunday was no risk.
"There was no reason why David couldn't play," the Chilean declared. "He was prepared. We tried to play with the best players. David was perfect to play. He was not going to play the whole game. My idea was to change him for Samir Nasri."
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was full of praise for his side and enjoyed some vindication after frequent criticism.
"I do know what I'm doing," he remarked. "I think I've had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal - and I look forward to playing them next. This was a victory for our fans.
"I've been criticised for not concentrating on the cups but I think I've been unlucky when they've come around.
"We had a game plan but the players needed to execute it. I couldn't ask for any more. They were terrific and carried a threat all night.
"I was impressed with our younger players, in particular, and that bodes well for us going forward. We just needed belief and the victories have given us that. We believed we could win tonight and it was shown out there on the pitch.”
Pardew hailed the professionalism of Ryan Taylor, who made his comeback after 26 months out with a cruciate ligament injury and put in a commanding midfield display.
The Magpies manager enthused: "He was outstanding. Professional footballers sometimes get a bad press for the way they conduct themselves but you're talking about a guy who has conducted himself in the best possible manner.
"He got his reward tonight. To play like he did was a credit to him. He's a special player in our group; our players all love him. We all respect him."
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini admits that he is "worried" by his side's current struggles after an impressive Newcastle dumped the League Cup holders out of the competition.
Goals from Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko sealed the Magpies' passage to the quarter-finals, with the visitors comfortably the better.
City are six points off the pace in the Premier League, struggling in the Champions League and have now surrendered their League Cup trophy with a whimper, leaving the Chilean in no mood to offer up excuses.
He told the press: "We are not playing well, with a lack of trust. We aren't scoring enough goals and conceding too easy goals. We must be worried. We didn't win any of the three games this week.
"I'm worried about why we are not playing the way we normally play. We conceded two easy goals. We are not playing the way that we normally do. We're not passing the ball quickly. With one competition less we can concentrate more."
David Silva made the starting line-up but only lasted five minutes of action before being taken off with a knee injury, but Pellegrini insists that starting the Spaniard with the Manchester derby approaching on Sunday was no risk.
"There was no reason why David couldn't play," the Chilean declared. "He was prepared. We tried to play with the best players. David was perfect to play. He was not going to play the whole game. My idea was to change him for Samir Nasri."
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was full of praise for his side and enjoyed some vindication after frequent criticism.
"I do know what I'm doing," he remarked. "I think I've had most of the scalps as Newcastle manager, maybe except Arsenal - and I look forward to playing them next. This was a victory for our fans.
"I've been criticised for not concentrating on the cups but I think I've been unlucky when they've come around.
"We had a game plan but the players needed to execute it. I couldn't ask for any more. They were terrific and carried a threat all night.
"I was impressed with our younger players, in particular, and that bodes well for us going forward. We just needed belief and the victories have given us that. We believed we could win tonight and it was shown out there on the pitch.”
Pardew hailed the professionalism of Ryan Taylor, who made his comeback after 26 months out with a cruciate ligament injury and put in a commanding midfield display.
The Magpies manager enthused: "He was outstanding. Professional footballers sometimes get a bad press for the way they conduct themselves but you're talking about a guy who has conducted himself in the best possible manner.
"He got his reward tonight. To play like he did was a credit to him. He's a special player in our group; our players all love him. We all respect him."
Manchester United keep tabs on World Cup winner Howedes
Manchester United have sent scouts to run the rule over Schalke's World Cup-winning defender Benedikt Howedes, Goal understands.
Howedes was an ever-present at left-back for Germany in the summer, but primarily plays in the heart of the defence for the Bundesliga side.
Like Marcos Rojo, who United signed from Sporting this summer, Howedes's versatility appeals to Louis van Gaal as he continues his search for reinforcements at the back ahead of the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old's contract expires in 2017 and he is valued at around €18 million [£14m] by Schalke, which would fall comfortably into the Red Devils' price range should they be tempted to make their interest concrete.
The Premier League side have scouted Howedes on several occasions this season, including during the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in August when he shone on the left side of defence.
The Schalke academy graduate is thought to have a long-term admirer in United boss Van Gaal, who first showed an interest during his time in charge of Bayern between 2009 and 2011.
Howedes himself has admitted in the past that the Munich club had tried to sign him, and in August hinted that he could be interested in a move away from the Bundesliga.
"I said it before that it could be an option to play for club abroad one day," he said. "To know about a new culture and environment."
United are also continuing to monitor Howedes's team-mate Julian Draxler, who was subject of serious interest from Arsenal in the previous January transfer window.
The 21-year-old could leave the Veltins Arena in the summer, but he is not understood to feature highly on the Red Devils' list of potential targets.
Moves for midfielders Kevin Strootman, of Roma, and Sami Khedira, of Real Madrid, are more likely.
Van Gaal is a keen admirer of Strootman from their time together with the Netherlands national team, while Khedira's contract situation at the Santiago Bernabeu has piqued Premier League interest, including at Arsenal and Chelsea.
United's scouting missions in Gelsenkirchen have also lead them to right-back Atsuto Uchida. Both Howedes and Draxler missed the recent derby victory against Borussia Dortmund, and it is believed the Red Devils' representative kept tabs on the Japan international.
Current United full-back Rafael is keen to discuss new terms at Old Trafford with less than two years remaining on his current deal, and Van Gaal is yet to be convinced of the Brazilian's ability.
Uchida, however, is believed to be close to signing a new contract with Roberto Di Matteo's side.
League Cup fifth round draw: Chelsea face Derby, Liverpool visit Bournemouth
Chelsea will travel to Derby County while Liverpool will take on Bournemouth following the draw for the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Elsewhere, Manchester City's conquerors, Newcastle, will face Tottenham in an all-Premier League tie while League One Sheffield United host Southampton.
Jose Mourinho's side faced the Rams in the third round of last season's FA Cup - winning 2-0 - and will again take on Steve McClaren's side in their pursuit of the first available silverware of the season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have scraped past Middlesbrough and Swansea City in the earlier rounds and face their first away trip of the competition when they take on Eddie Howe's Championship high-flyers.
Tottenham saw off Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday to book their place in the last eight and will host Alan Pardew's side in a repeat of their recent Premier League defeat at White Hart Lane.
And Nigel Clough's Sheffield United, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, will look to reach the last four of a domestic cup competition for the second consecutive season when they face Ronald Koeman's buoyant Saints.
The ties will be played in the week beginning December 15.
Draw in full:
Derby County v Chelsea
Tottenham v Newcastle
Bournemouth v Liverpool
Sheffield United v Southampton
Chelsea will travel to Derby County while Liverpool will take on Bournemouth following the draw for the quarter-finals of the League Cup.
Elsewhere, Manchester City's conquerors, Newcastle, will face Tottenham in an all-Premier League tie while League One Sheffield United host Southampton.
Jose Mourinho's side faced the Rams in the third round of last season's FA Cup - winning 2-0 - and will again take on Steve McClaren's side in their pursuit of the first available silverware of the season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have scraped past Middlesbrough and Swansea City in the earlier rounds and face their first away trip of the competition when they take on Eddie Howe's Championship high-flyers.
Tottenham saw off Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday to book their place in the last eight and will host Alan Pardew's side in a repeat of their recent Premier League defeat at White Hart Lane.
And Nigel Clough's Sheffield United, who are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, will look to reach the last four of a domestic cup competition for the second consecutive season when they face Ronald Koeman's buoyant Saints.
The ties will be played in the week beginning December 15.
Draw in full:
Derby County v Chelsea
Tottenham v Newcastle
Bournemouth v Liverpool
Sheffield United v Southampton
Manchester City 0-2 Newcastle United: League Cup holders stunned & Silva suffers injury
Chelsea vs Southampton final ekak set unoth pattaMehsare League Cup 1ka Chelsea lata yanna loku chance 1kak thiyanawa
Capello: Ronaldo not as skilful as Messi
Russia boss Fabio Capello says Cristiano Ronaldo "does not possess the pure technical skill" of Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo is the current Ballon d'Or holder and widely expected to retain the individual honour on the back of a prolific year in which he fired Real Madrid to Champions League glory.
However, while Capello has the utmost respect for the Portugal international's explosive power, the Italian coach does not believe that the 29-year-old is as skilful as the Barcelona No.10."Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are two extraordinary players but they are different," the former Madrid boss is quoted as saying by AS.
"Cristiano is a powerful player, with very good technique, but he does not possess the pure technical skill of Messi. "Leo Messi is a very difficult player to play against."
Indeed, Capello revealed that he first came to realise just how much natural talent the Argentine was blessed with during former club Juventus' Gamper Trophy clash with Barca in 2005.
Messi terrorised a Bianconeri defence led by Fabio Cannavaro, prompting Capello to take the unusual step of making an approach to sign the then teenager while the game was still going on."It's completely true that I asked [then Blaugrana boss Frank] Rijkaard if he would loan me Messi," the 68-year-old confirmed.
"When the play had stopped for a minute I went over to Rijkaard and said: 'You can't play him because you've got three foreigners already. Why don't you let me have him for a year?' "Rijkaard replied: 'We're going to clear up the situation in three or four months and for that reason I can't do it.'
"That's why Messi's [Barca] debut was last in coming. I knew the value of my defender and when I saw Messi play I knew he was special.
"I could see that he could do things that didn't occur to other players."Messi is a four-time Ballon d'Or winner and currently poised to become the Spanish league's all-time top goalscorer.
Montolivo injury boost for AC Milan
AC Milan have received a boost with the news that midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has fully recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup.
The Italy international suffered a fractured shinbone during his country's warm-up clash with Republic of Ireland on May 31 and was forced to undergo surgery two days later.
However, the Rossoneri have now revealed that Montolivo's rehabilitation is going according to the plan.
"AC Milan would like to communicate that Riccardo Montolivo underwent a visit today [Thursday] from professors Herbert Schoenhuber and Riccardo Accetta, the two surgeons that operated on him on June 2 earlier this year," read a statement on the club's official site.
"The outcome of the medical visit was positive and revealed that the fractured left tibia has healed. "Montolivo will now begin the athletic preparation before resuming training again gradually with the side."
The positive progress report will raise hopes among the San Siro faithful of Montolivo being in a position to return to competitive action before the winter break, but it is still believed that the former Fiorentina captain will most likely to have to wait until the New Year to make his comeback.
AC Milan have received a boost with the news that midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has fully recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup.
The Italy international suffered a fractured shinbone during his country's warm-up clash with Republic of Ireland on May 31 and was forced to undergo surgery two days later.
However, the Rossoneri have now revealed that Montolivo's rehabilitation is going according to the plan.
"AC Milan would like to communicate that Riccardo Montolivo underwent a visit today [Thursday] from professors Herbert Schoenhuber and Riccardo Accetta, the two surgeons that operated on him on June 2 earlier this year," read a statement on the club's official site.
"The outcome of the medical visit was positive and revealed that the fractured left tibia has healed. "Montolivo will now begin the athletic preparation before resuming training again gradually with the side."
The positive progress report will raise hopes among the San Siro faithful of Montolivo being in a position to return to competitive action before the winter break, but it is still believed that the former Fiorentina captain will most likely to have to wait until the New Year to make his comeback.
- Status
