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..::Football II::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Congratulations Manchester United!!!
Full Time
Manchester United 3 Vs 2 Braga
Manchester United Goal(s)
Chicharito 25',75'
J.Evans 62'
Braga Goal(s)
Alan 2',20'
Manchester United Goal(s)
Chicharito 25',75'
J.Evans 62'
Braga Goal(s)
Alan 2',20'
Congratulations Manchester United!!!
Congratulations Manchester United!
Another Comeback!
Chicharito Patta!
Congratulations Manchester United!Another Comeback!
Chicharito Patta!
Barcelona 2-1 Celtic: Heartbreak for Hoops after Alba wins it late
Barcelona overcame a spirited display from Celtic to secure a 2-1 victory courtesy of a stoppage-time winner in their Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday evening.
The Scottish champion took a surprise lead in the first half, with Javier Mascherano heading past his own goalkeeper after a superb delivery from Charlie Mulgrew wide on the right.
The home side leveled the scores shortly before the break, though, when a neat, intricate move involving Xavi and Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta stabbed the ball into the bottom right corner.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Jordi Alba was on hand to break Celtic hearts by prodding home at the far post after beating his man for pace on the outside and latching onto a Adriano ball into the box.
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova rang the changes for the game, bringing in young center back Marc Bartra, Xavi, Adriano, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez for the suspended Sergio Busquets while David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Martin Montoya and Cristian Tello dropped out of the starting eleven.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon made four changes for the game, with Mikael Lustig, Emilio Izaguirre, Scott Brown and Georgios Samaras coming into the side for Adam Matthews, Tony Watt, Lassad Nouioui and Beram Kayal.
The home side should have taken the lead as early as the second minute when a cute pass in behind the back four from Lionel Messi saw Sanchez miss a one-on-one chance, dinking his effort just past the post.
It was Celtic which took a shock lead in the 17th minute, though, with Mulgrew's viciously whipped free kick from the right wing proving too difficult to handle and Mascherano was left red-faced after nodding into his own net under pressure from Samaras.
After finding itself frustrated for the majority of the half, struggling to break down a stubborn Celtic defense, Barcelona drew level right on the stroke of halftime through Iniesta, who latched on to a magnificent through ball from Xavi to poke the ball past the onrushing Forster.
It was Celtic which managed to create the first chance of the second half, though, when Barcelona's weakness from set pieces was almost cruelly exposed again with the impressive Victor Wanyama planting his header just wide after another superb Mulgrew center.
With Barcelona pushing for the lead, it took a world-class save from Forster to deny Messi who looked odds on to tap home from what looked like an offside position just six yards from goal after some good work by both Sanchez and Pedro.
Moments later, it took another save of magnificent quality to keep out a Messi header from point-blank range after Forster launched himself at a delicately clipped ball over the top from Xavi as the game headed into the final 10 minutes.
But Celtic's resolve was broken in the 93rd minute when Adriano's cross into the far post saw Alba steal in ahead of his marker and poke home to hand Barcelona all three points on a night where the visiting side had defended superbly.
Barcelona overcame a spirited display from Celtic to secure a 2-1 victory courtesy of a stoppage-time winner in their Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday evening.
The Scottish champion took a surprise lead in the first half, with Javier Mascherano heading past his own goalkeeper after a superb delivery from Charlie Mulgrew wide on the right.
The home side leveled the scores shortly before the break, though, when a neat, intricate move involving Xavi and Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta stabbed the ball into the bottom right corner.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Jordi Alba was on hand to break Celtic hearts by prodding home at the far post after beating his man for pace on the outside and latching onto a Adriano ball into the box.
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova rang the changes for the game, bringing in young center back Marc Bartra, Xavi, Adriano, Pedro and Alexis Sanchez for the suspended Sergio Busquets while David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Martin Montoya and Cristian Tello dropped out of the starting eleven.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon made four changes for the game, with Mikael Lustig, Emilio Izaguirre, Scott Brown and Georgios Samaras coming into the side for Adam Matthews, Tony Watt, Lassad Nouioui and Beram Kayal.
The home side should have taken the lead as early as the second minute when a cute pass in behind the back four from Lionel Messi saw Sanchez miss a one-on-one chance, dinking his effort just past the post.
It was Celtic which took a shock lead in the 17th minute, though, with Mulgrew's viciously whipped free kick from the right wing proving too difficult to handle and Mascherano was left red-faced after nodding into his own net under pressure from Samaras.
After finding itself frustrated for the majority of the half, struggling to break down a stubborn Celtic defense, Barcelona drew level right on the stroke of halftime through Iniesta, who latched on to a magnificent through ball from Xavi to poke the ball past the onrushing Forster.
It was Celtic which managed to create the first chance of the second half, though, when Barcelona's weakness from set pieces was almost cruelly exposed again with the impressive Victor Wanyama planting his header just wide after another superb Mulgrew center.
With Barcelona pushing for the lead, it took a world-class save from Forster to deny Messi who looked odds on to tap home from what looked like an offside position just six yards from goal after some good work by both Sanchez and Pedro.
Moments later, it took another save of magnificent quality to keep out a Messi header from point-blank range after Forster launched himself at a delicately clipped ball over the top from Xavi as the game headed into the final 10 minutes.
But Celtic's resolve was broken in the 93rd minute when Adriano's cross into the far post saw Alba steal in ahead of his marker and poke home to hand Barcelona all three points on a night where the visiting side had defended superbly.
FC Nordsjaelland 1-1 Juventus: Beckmann free kick earns Danes famous draw
Juventus' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group E minnow FC Nordsjaelland at Parken Stadium on Tuesday night.
However, it could have been even worse for the Bianconeri, who fell behind to a stunning free kick goal from Mikkel Beckmann early in the second half. Indeed, there were just under 10 minutes remaining when the Italian champion finally drew level through substitute Mirko Vucinic.
Fellow replacement Nicklas Bendtner had a chance to be a hero on home soil but he headed wide late on and Juve was forced to settle for its third successive draw in this season's Champions League - and ninth in total in European competition.
The Bianconeri had gone into the game in Copenhagen knowing that nothing less than a victory would suffice if the club was to retain any real chance of progressing as winner of Group E - or perhaps even progressing at all.
Still, while the visitors, and Andrea Pirlo in particular, were undoubtedly intent on taking control of the game early on, FCN was in no mood to be pushed around and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges.
Indeed, with Kasper Lorentzen, Joshua John and Andreas Laudrup all impressing in support of lone frontman Beckmann, the tournament debutant carried an undeniable attacking threat. The club could even have taken the lead on the half hour when John latched onto a kick from Jesper Hansen and looked to flick the ball past the onrushing Gianluigi Buffon only to see the goalkeeper rather fortuitously block with the side of his chest when it could so easily have been his flailing left arm.
However, it was Juve, with Pirlo predictably pulling the strings, which looked the more likely to score in a tight opening 45 minutes. With one superbly-executed, first-time pass in behind the FCN defense, Pirlo put Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only for the diminutive forward to be muscled off the ball by the impressive Jores Okore.
It was undoubtedly Giovinco who was carrying the Bianconeri’s most potent attacking threat but after seeing a smart volley saved by Jesper Hansen on 28 minutes, the former Parma man squandered a terrific chance to break the deadlock moments later after being played through by Paolo De Ceglie. Giovinco rounded the advancing Hansen with ease but allowed the acute angle to get the better of him and fired into the side netting.
The diminutive forward also tested Hansen with stinging drives either side of half time, first after sending the scrambling FCN defence one way and then the other, and then after latching onto a fine knock-on by strike partner Alessandro Matri.
The opening goal, therefore, came as a real bolt from the blue - and Juventus only had itself to blame, some sloppy play in midfield eventually leading to De Ceglie putting his own defense under pressure with a poor pass before an unsettled Giorgio Chiellini needlessly barged Laudrup out of the way on the edge of the area.
Beckmann, whose shooting up until this point had been tame at best, stepped up to take the resulting free kick and calmly curled the ball up and over the wall and into the top right corner, sparking raucous celebrations from the home side's supporters.
Juventus, unsurprisingly, redoubled its efforts in a bid to drag back into the game and Giovinco, after rising wonderfully to meet another fine De Ceglie delivery, was only denied a long overdue goal by the most amazing one-handed save from Hansen.
The Italian champion continued to press, sending Bendtner and Vucinic on to bolster its attacking ranks. In the end, it was the latter who made the breakthrough, volleying home a fine cross from Mauricio Isla from wide on the right side with just under 10 minutes remaining.
Bendtner, though, could have really kick started his Juventus career on 87 minutes but he headed another inviting cross from De Ceglie well wide after arriving late into the area. In truth, though, it was probably only just that FCN held on to claim the greatest result in the club's 21-year history.
Juventus' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group E minnow FC Nordsjaelland at Parken Stadium on Tuesday night.
However, it could have been even worse for the Bianconeri, who fell behind to a stunning free kick goal from Mikkel Beckmann early in the second half. Indeed, there were just under 10 minutes remaining when the Italian champion finally drew level through substitute Mirko Vucinic.
Fellow replacement Nicklas Bendtner had a chance to be a hero on home soil but he headed wide late on and Juve was forced to settle for its third successive draw in this season's Champions League - and ninth in total in European competition.
The Bianconeri had gone into the game in Copenhagen knowing that nothing less than a victory would suffice if the club was to retain any real chance of progressing as winner of Group E - or perhaps even progressing at all.
Still, while the visitors, and Andrea Pirlo in particular, were undoubtedly intent on taking control of the game early on, FCN was in no mood to be pushed around and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges.
Indeed, with Kasper Lorentzen, Joshua John and Andreas Laudrup all impressing in support of lone frontman Beckmann, the tournament debutant carried an undeniable attacking threat. The club could even have taken the lead on the half hour when John latched onto a kick from Jesper Hansen and looked to flick the ball past the onrushing Gianluigi Buffon only to see the goalkeeper rather fortuitously block with the side of his chest when it could so easily have been his flailing left arm.
However, it was Juve, with Pirlo predictably pulling the strings, which looked the more likely to score in a tight opening 45 minutes. With one superbly-executed, first-time pass in behind the FCN defense, Pirlo put Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only for the diminutive forward to be muscled off the ball by the impressive Jores Okore.
It was undoubtedly Giovinco who was carrying the Bianconeri’s most potent attacking threat but after seeing a smart volley saved by Jesper Hansen on 28 minutes, the former Parma man squandered a terrific chance to break the deadlock moments later after being played through by Paolo De Ceglie. Giovinco rounded the advancing Hansen with ease but allowed the acute angle to get the better of him and fired into the side netting.
The diminutive forward also tested Hansen with stinging drives either side of half time, first after sending the scrambling FCN defence one way and then the other, and then after latching onto a fine knock-on by strike partner Alessandro Matri.
The opening goal, therefore, came as a real bolt from the blue - and Juventus only had itself to blame, some sloppy play in midfield eventually leading to De Ceglie putting his own defense under pressure with a poor pass before an unsettled Giorgio Chiellini needlessly barged Laudrup out of the way on the edge of the area.
Beckmann, whose shooting up until this point had been tame at best, stepped up to take the resulting free kick and calmly curled the ball up and over the wall and into the top right corner, sparking raucous celebrations from the home side's supporters.
Juventus, unsurprisingly, redoubled its efforts in a bid to drag back into the game and Giovinco, after rising wonderfully to meet another fine De Ceglie delivery, was only denied a long overdue goal by the most amazing one-handed save from Hansen.
The Italian champion continued to press, sending Bendtner and Vucinic on to bolster its attacking ranks. In the end, it was the latter who made the breakthrough, volleying home a fine cross from Mauricio Isla from wide on the right side with just under 10 minutes remaining.
Bendtner, though, could have really kick started his Juventus career on 87 minutes but he headed another inviting cross from De Ceglie well wide after arriving late into the area. In truth, though, it was probably only just that FCN held on to claim the greatest result in the club's 21-year history.
Lille 0-1 Bayern Munich: Muller goal gets Bavarians' Champions League campaign back on track
Bayern Munich claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Lille in France to get its UEFA Champions League campaign back on track.
The Bavarians were in control for much of the match without ever really getting out of first gear, and Thomas Muller's 19th-minute penalty proved to be enough on the night. The hosts looked vulnerable from the outset, and Jupp Heynckes' side should have been goal up within a minute of the opening kick.
Philipp Lahm picked out Muller pefectly with a right-wing cross, but the German international's control failed him when he was completely unmarked. Had he taken a more measured first touch, he would have surely found the target from a matter of yards.
The Bavarians maintained control, and Franck Ribery, who came through Lille's youth academy, was looking lively, forcing untried youngster Djibril Sidibe into a string of clumsy fouls, only for Bayern's set piece takes to fail to deliver.
Soon enough, though, Bayern's dominance paid off. Lahm took advantage of a drop in concentration from Lucas Digne, darted into the box, and fell, slightly softly, under a challenge from the fullback. Muller stepped up, and calmly passed the ball into the back of the net from the spot to break the deadlock.
After the halftime restart, the hosts returned with more vigor, pressing Bayern more in midfield, but spare a pop shot from Florent Balmont that was blocked by Dante's head, they were no closer to grabbing an equalizer.
At the other end, an excellent block from Sidibe forced Xherdan Shaqiri's volley well over the bar, while a Muller cross caused mayhem among the static LOSC defense, which eventually managed to clear its lines with Mario Mandzukic lurking.
Muller missed a golden opportunity to kill off the game 14 minutes from time, trying to sweep home a Lahm cross with his right foot when he could have had a tap in with his left. Within seconds, he was almost made to pay for his error. Ryan Mendes, fresh from the bench, was gifted possession by Dante inside the Bayern box, but saw his effort blocked by Schweinsteiger.
Lille now sits six points behind all other Group F sides. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, can take a huge step towards progression when its host Les Dogues in two weeks.
Bayern Munich claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Lille in France to get its UEFA Champions League campaign back on track.
The Bavarians were in control for much of the match without ever really getting out of first gear, and Thomas Muller's 19th-minute penalty proved to be enough on the night. The hosts looked vulnerable from the outset, and Jupp Heynckes' side should have been goal up within a minute of the opening kick.
Philipp Lahm picked out Muller pefectly with a right-wing cross, but the German international's control failed him when he was completely unmarked. Had he taken a more measured first touch, he would have surely found the target from a matter of yards.
The Bavarians maintained control, and Franck Ribery, who came through Lille's youth academy, was looking lively, forcing untried youngster Djibril Sidibe into a string of clumsy fouls, only for Bayern's set piece takes to fail to deliver.
Soon enough, though, Bayern's dominance paid off. Lahm took advantage of a drop in concentration from Lucas Digne, darted into the box, and fell, slightly softly, under a challenge from the fullback. Muller stepped up, and calmly passed the ball into the back of the net from the spot to break the deadlock.
After the halftime restart, the hosts returned with more vigor, pressing Bayern more in midfield, but spare a pop shot from Florent Balmont that was blocked by Dante's head, they were no closer to grabbing an equalizer.
At the other end, an excellent block from Sidibe forced Xherdan Shaqiri's volley well over the bar, while a Muller cross caused mayhem among the static LOSC defense, which eventually managed to clear its lines with Mario Mandzukic lurking.
Muller missed a golden opportunity to kill off the game 14 minutes from time, trying to sweep home a Lahm cross with his right foot when he could have had a tap in with his left. Within seconds, he was almost made to pay for his error. Ryan Mendes, fresh from the bench, was gifted possession by Dante inside the Bayern box, but saw his effort blocked by Schweinsteiger.
Lille now sits six points behind all other Group F sides. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, can take a huge step towards progression when its host Les Dogues in two weeks.
Manchester United 3-2 Braga: Chicharito double completes magnificent turnaround 
A Chicharito-inspired Manchester United recovered from an early suckerpunch to beat Braga 3-2 in their Champions League clash at Old Trafford to remain top of Group H, extending the club's lead to five clear points.
Alan scored in the second and 20th minutes to rock the Red Devils but the Mexican's double on either side of a Jonny Evans equalizer rescued all three points.
Sir Alex Ferguson followed through on his pre-match talk of implementing a diamond, with Wayne Rooney captaining the side from its forward point and Michael Carrick beating Scott Wootton to a start at center back.
The makeshift nature of the defense showed, however, when Alan profited from badly disorganized marking to rise and head home within just two minutes from Hugo Viana's cross. Old Trafford's noise was blunted.
The visitors had arrived fearless and they doubled their lead on 20 minutes, this time exploiting Carrick. Eder skinned the England man on the left touchline and darted inside to cut a pass back into the box, where Alan stabbed home for his second.
Braga's two-goal cushion lasted all of five minutes and it was thanks to a smart piece of refereeing that United riposted. Serbian official Milorad Mazic indicated an advantage when Robin van Persie was fouled on the left flank but Shinji Kagawa picked up the loose ball and dinked a cross for Chicharito, who was onside at the far post to head it into the net.
Both teams pushed for more, with Van Persie firing wide with his right foot at one end before Alan nearly exploited more uneasy defending by volleying just past the post. Kagawa's movement saw him break past the back line but, just as he rolled it to the unmarked Chicharito, the Japanese was harshly flagged for offside.
Needing to seize control of an open contest after halftime, United had to replace the injured Kagawa with Nani, flattening its diamond formation accordingly. Possession did indeed come more easily but penetration slightly less so as the Braga rearguard held their own.
The breakthrough came from a poorly cleared corner, however, which fell to Evans. The defender scuffed his first attempt but it bobbled back to him and a scruffy finish was enough to beat Beto and return to level terms.
Buoyed, United pushed for more and, after setting Nani up for a saved stinger, the excellent Chicharito got further reward for a superb performance. The Mexican powerfully headed home from a pinpoint delivery by Tom Cleverley, another bright spark in the turnaround.
Braga had looked deflated ever since Evans' equalizer and never really threatened to get back into proceedings, even when David de Gea's risky pass to Cleverley opened things up. Ruben Amorim's first touch deserted him, however, and the opportunity fell flat. In the end, Sir Alex's men were comfortable in their victory.
Galatasaray 1-1 CFR Cluj: Yilmaz leveller can't lift Turkish side from bottom of Group H
Galatasaray left it late to secure a 1-1 draw in the Champions League against 10-man CFR Cluj in appalling conditions at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Torrential rain before kick off meant that the fixture was played on a water-logged pitch, though this did not hinder the visitors who took the lead midway through the first half when Dany Nounkeu turned into his own net.
Cluj were reduced to 10 men soon after but Gala were unable to capitalise on their man advantage with Felipe Melo failing to convert from the penalty spot. But with 15 minutes remaining, Burak Yilmaz equalised with his side's first Champions League goal this season, also securing them their maiden point.
Proof that the sodden pitch was going to cause for a turbulent match was evident within the opening two minutes. After the hosts gave the ball away, Emmanuel Eboue offered too much space to Camora on the left. He found Rafael Bastos in the area but the forward sliced his effort high and wide of the goal.
To their credit Gala continued to attempt to play good football in the face of the adverse conditions and their first shot of goal came in the 14th minute. Hamit Altintop's 20-yard strike was parried aside by Mario Felgueiras and although Umut Bulut was first to the loose ball, the referee was unconvinced as he fell to the floor inside the box.
But Cluj, maintaining a more direct gameplan, silenced the stadium in the 19th minute. Camora once more found space down the left and he crossed for Pantelis Kapetanos. The striker got a foot on the ball but was fortunate that a wicked deflection off of Nounkeu carried the ball into the back of the net.
With 28 minute played the Istanbul outfit were given a huge boost when Matias Aguirregaray was dismissed for his second booking in the space of three minutes after bringing down Selcuk Inan.
Momentum immediately swung the way of the hosts and after Felgueiras thwarted Altintop, Laszlo Sepsi conceded a penalty for handball with 10 minutes of the first half remaining. Felipe Melo stepped up to take the spot-kick but the keeper guessed right, clawing the ball away and capping a brilliant half.
Six minutes after the restart Gala failed to take the most of yet another gilt-edged chance. The excellent Nordin Amrabat picked out Bulut in space in front of goal but he failed to connect with the ball properly as it skidded off the slick surface.
With the Cluj defence camped back on the edge of their own area, the hosts enjoyed total dominance. But Fatih Terim's men continued to rally and the Romanian resistance was finally broken with 13 minutes remaining. Amrabat's cross found Yilmaz in the area, who had replaced the injured Johan Elmander in the first half, and he beat the keeper to the ball to nod into the net.
Galatasary were unable to go a step further and find the winner meaning they remain bottom of Group H while Cluj rise above Braga and into second.
Galatasaray left it late to secure a 1-1 draw in the Champions League against 10-man CFR Cluj in appalling conditions at the Turk Telekom Arena.
Torrential rain before kick off meant that the fixture was played on a water-logged pitch, though this did not hinder the visitors who took the lead midway through the first half when Dany Nounkeu turned into his own net.
Cluj were reduced to 10 men soon after but Gala were unable to capitalise on their man advantage with Felipe Melo failing to convert from the penalty spot. But with 15 minutes remaining, Burak Yilmaz equalised with his side's first Champions League goal this season, also securing them their maiden point.
Proof that the sodden pitch was going to cause for a turbulent match was evident within the opening two minutes. After the hosts gave the ball away, Emmanuel Eboue offered too much space to Camora on the left. He found Rafael Bastos in the area but the forward sliced his effort high and wide of the goal.
To their credit Gala continued to attempt to play good football in the face of the adverse conditions and their first shot of goal came in the 14th minute. Hamit Altintop's 20-yard strike was parried aside by Mario Felgueiras and although Umut Bulut was first to the loose ball, the referee was unconvinced as he fell to the floor inside the box.
But Cluj, maintaining a more direct gameplan, silenced the stadium in the 19th minute. Camora once more found space down the left and he crossed for Pantelis Kapetanos. The striker got a foot on the ball but was fortunate that a wicked deflection off of Nounkeu carried the ball into the back of the net.
With 28 minute played the Istanbul outfit were given a huge boost when Matias Aguirregaray was dismissed for his second booking in the space of three minutes after bringing down Selcuk Inan.
Momentum immediately swung the way of the hosts and after Felgueiras thwarted Altintop, Laszlo Sepsi conceded a penalty for handball with 10 minutes of the first half remaining. Felipe Melo stepped up to take the spot-kick but the keeper guessed right, clawing the ball away and capping a brilliant half.
Six minutes after the restart Gala failed to take the most of yet another gilt-edged chance. The excellent Nordin Amrabat picked out Bulut in space in front of goal but he failed to connect with the ball properly as it skidded off the slick surface.
With the Cluj defence camped back on the edge of their own area, the hosts enjoyed total dominance. But Fatih Terim's men continued to rally and the Romanian resistance was finally broken with 13 minutes remaining. Amrabat's cross found Yilmaz in the area, who had replaced the injured Johan Elmander in the first half, and he beat the keeper to the ball to nod into the net.
Galatasary were unable to go a step further and find the winner meaning they remain bottom of Group H while Cluj rise above Braga and into second.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Chelsea: Holder humbled by Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho strikes
Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho got the goals as a hugely impressive Shakhtar side dealt Chelsea’s Champions Leaguen progression hopes a blow with a deserved victory in Donetsk.
The Brazilian duo did the damage with a goal early in each half as the Ukrainian champion asserted itself at the top of Group E and extended their 11-month unbeaten record at the Donbass Arena.
Oscar netted a late consolation but, for Chelsea, the path to the knockout stages now looks far more perilous after failing what was always likely to be a stern test of their renewed European aspirations.
Roberto Di Matteo made two changes to the Chelsea side which saw off Tottenham on Saturday. John Terry captained the team for the first time since accepting his FA punishment for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, while Frank Lampard was recalled in place of Eden Hazard.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, was unchanged from the side which came close to inflicting a shock defeat on Juventus last time out, with the creative trio of former Blues target Willian, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Teixeira supplying Luiz Adriano up front.
The Ukrainians began with the confidence of a side unbeaten at home for almost a year, and took the lead three minutes in when Adriano’s attempted shot struck Terry and broke for Teixeira, who calmly stroked the ball low beyond a helpless Cech.
Chelsea steadied the ship but Shakhtar continued to look the more incisive, and on 16 minutes when Willian jinked inside Ramires and ripped a shot over Cech’s crossbar.
Things got worse for the European champion with the early withdrawal of Lampard through injury, and soon after the lively Willian tested Cech again with a curling drive.
The Blues goalkeeper made further good saves to deny Mkhitaryan and Tomas Hubschmann as the half drew to a close, and in truth the visitors were fortunate to reach the break only one goal behind.
Chelsea tried to rally at the start of the second half but soon found itself in big trouble again, however, when Hazard gave the ball away cheaply on the halfway line and Adriano fed Fernandinho, who fired in from the angle.
Left with a mountain to climb, Di Matteo’s men attempted to rally, but was repeatedly frustrated by disciplined Shakhtar defending which restricted the visiting side to hopeful shots from range.
Daniel Sturridge replaced the ineffective Fernando Torres with 20 minutes left, and the England man made an immediate impact, cleverly playing in Hazard to force a solid stop from an otherwise criminally under-worked Andriy Pyatov.
But this was a rare moment of invention from a Chelsea attack uncharacteristically devoid of imagination, and it was Shakhtar which continued to look more dangerous on the counter.
Mkhitaryan and Hubschmann both went close to adding insult to injury before the Blues gave themselves hope of a miraculous comeback on 87 minutes, as Branislav Ivanovic surged to the byline and crossed low for Oscar to tap home.
But it proved to be false hope, and Shakhtar ran out worthy winner.
Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho got the goals as a hugely impressive Shakhtar side dealt Chelsea’s Champions Leaguen progression hopes a blow with a deserved victory in Donetsk.
The Brazilian duo did the damage with a goal early in each half as the Ukrainian champion asserted itself at the top of Group E and extended their 11-month unbeaten record at the Donbass Arena.
Oscar netted a late consolation but, for Chelsea, the path to the knockout stages now looks far more perilous after failing what was always likely to be a stern test of their renewed European aspirations.
Roberto Di Matteo made two changes to the Chelsea side which saw off Tottenham on Saturday. John Terry captained the team for the first time since accepting his FA punishment for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, while Frank Lampard was recalled in place of Eden Hazard.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, was unchanged from the side which came close to inflicting a shock defeat on Juventus last time out, with the creative trio of former Blues target Willian, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Teixeira supplying Luiz Adriano up front.
The Ukrainians began with the confidence of a side unbeaten at home for almost a year, and took the lead three minutes in when Adriano’s attempted shot struck Terry and broke for Teixeira, who calmly stroked the ball low beyond a helpless Cech.
Chelsea steadied the ship but Shakhtar continued to look the more incisive, and on 16 minutes when Willian jinked inside Ramires and ripped a shot over Cech’s crossbar.
Things got worse for the European champion with the early withdrawal of Lampard through injury, and soon after the lively Willian tested Cech again with a curling drive.
The Blues goalkeeper made further good saves to deny Mkhitaryan and Tomas Hubschmann as the half drew to a close, and in truth the visitors were fortunate to reach the break only one goal behind.
Chelsea tried to rally at the start of the second half but soon found itself in big trouble again, however, when Hazard gave the ball away cheaply on the halfway line and Adriano fed Fernandinho, who fired in from the angle.
Left with a mountain to climb, Di Matteo’s men attempted to rally, but was repeatedly frustrated by disciplined Shakhtar defending which restricted the visiting side to hopeful shots from range.
Daniel Sturridge replaced the ineffective Fernando Torres with 20 minutes left, and the England man made an immediate impact, cleverly playing in Hazard to force a solid stop from an otherwise criminally under-worked Andriy Pyatov.
But this was a rare moment of invention from a Chelsea attack uncharacteristically devoid of imagination, and it was Shakhtar which continued to look more dangerous on the counter.
Mkhitaryan and Hubschmann both went close to adding insult to injury before the Blues gave themselves hope of a miraculous comeback on 87 minutes, as Branislav Ivanovic surged to the byline and crossed low for Oscar to tap home.
But it proved to be false hope, and Shakhtar ran out worthy winner.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Chelsea: Holder humbled by Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho strikes
kawaaaaa.....!!!!! T_T
Zenit 1-0 Anderlecht: Kerzhakov penalty rescues unconvincing hosts
Zenit St Petersburg claimed the first points of its Champions League campaign after a narrow 1-0 win over Anderlecht at the Petrovsky Stadium on Wednesday.
With both sides needing a win to resurrect their failing European challenges, a penalty from Aleksandr Kerzhakov in the second half, given after a foul by Milan Jovanovic, was enough to send the Russian outfit to a victory that it barely deserved.
Anderlecht will rightfully be disappointed with the result, as it fashioned the best chances throughout the match, and fell victim to a momentary lapse at the back to leave it with one point from its opening three games.
Zenit now moves off the foot of the table with the win and sit three points behind Group C leaders Malaga, which squares off with AC Milan later on Wednesday.
With so much at stake, it was perhaps no surprise to see the match take a while to get off the ground, as both sides seemed determined to prevent a goal rather than score themselves.
The first opening went Anderlecht’s way after 12 minutes, as a delightful one-two between Tom de Sutter and Jovanovic saw the latter drag wide of the far post after going one-on-one with Vyacheslav Malafeev.That chance seemed to spark Zenit forward, and a stinging free-kick from Hulk was whipped inches wide of the far post, with two of his teammates close to getting a touch.
The best chance of the first-half fell to Anderlecht after 26 minutes, when Guillaume Gillet turned Domenico Criscito inside out to find himself in point blank range, only to slide the ball across goal when it was begging to be hit.
That was about as close the match got to a goal before the break, as both teams were extremely labored in their play, despite the 0-0 scoreline doing more harm than good to their chances of making the knockout stages.
Anderlecht came close four minutes after the restart, after good work from De Sutter out wide saw him tee up Jovanovic inside the area, but the Serbian, instead of attacking the cross, elected to go to ground in futile hopes for a penalty.
But the second half followed the pattern of the first, with both teams lacking any sort of initiative in attack, as goalmouth action remained elusive.There was finally some action of note just past the hour mark, as a testing free-kick from Lucas Biglia was punched clear by Malafeev moments before Kanu was able to connect.
Not long after, substitute Vladimir Bystrov cut into space just inside the area, but his shot was fired disappointingly over the bar.
Bu Zenit was handed a huge stroke of luck with 18 minutes remaining, after Anyukov was hauled down by Jovanovic while attacking a free-kick, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a penalty.
Most of the players were unaware that the infraction had been called, but after matters had settled, Kerzhakov stepped up to send Proto the wrong way and give the home side a lead it scarcely deserved.
Anderlecht pressed forward in the time that remained, but despite a few spells of pressure, it could not strike a telling blow as Zenit ran off with the points, though with Malaga and AC Milan set to square off later in the day, its task in Group C remains monumental.
Zenit St Petersburg claimed the first points of its Champions League campaign after a narrow 1-0 win over Anderlecht at the Petrovsky Stadium on Wednesday.
With both sides needing a win to resurrect their failing European challenges, a penalty from Aleksandr Kerzhakov in the second half, given after a foul by Milan Jovanovic, was enough to send the Russian outfit to a victory that it barely deserved.
Anderlecht will rightfully be disappointed with the result, as it fashioned the best chances throughout the match, and fell victim to a momentary lapse at the back to leave it with one point from its opening three games.
Zenit now moves off the foot of the table with the win and sit three points behind Group C leaders Malaga, which squares off with AC Milan later on Wednesday.
With so much at stake, it was perhaps no surprise to see the match take a while to get off the ground, as both sides seemed determined to prevent a goal rather than score themselves.
The first opening went Anderlecht’s way after 12 minutes, as a delightful one-two between Tom de Sutter and Jovanovic saw the latter drag wide of the far post after going one-on-one with Vyacheslav Malafeev.That chance seemed to spark Zenit forward, and a stinging free-kick from Hulk was whipped inches wide of the far post, with two of his teammates close to getting a touch.
The best chance of the first-half fell to Anderlecht after 26 minutes, when Guillaume Gillet turned Domenico Criscito inside out to find himself in point blank range, only to slide the ball across goal when it was begging to be hit.
That was about as close the match got to a goal before the break, as both teams were extremely labored in their play, despite the 0-0 scoreline doing more harm than good to their chances of making the knockout stages.
Anderlecht came close four minutes after the restart, after good work from De Sutter out wide saw him tee up Jovanovic inside the area, but the Serbian, instead of attacking the cross, elected to go to ground in futile hopes for a penalty.
But the second half followed the pattern of the first, with both teams lacking any sort of initiative in attack, as goalmouth action remained elusive.There was finally some action of note just past the hour mark, as a testing free-kick from Lucas Biglia was punched clear by Malafeev moments before Kanu was able to connect.
Not long after, substitute Vladimir Bystrov cut into space just inside the area, but his shot was fired disappointingly over the bar.
Bu Zenit was handed a huge stroke of luck with 18 minutes remaining, after Anyukov was hauled down by Jovanovic while attacking a free-kick, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a penalty.
Most of the players were unaware that the infraction had been called, but after matters had settled, Kerzhakov stepped up to send Proto the wrong way and give the home side a lead it scarcely deserved.
Anderlecht pressed forward in the time that remained, but despite a few spells of pressure, it could not strike a telling blow as Zenit ran off with the points, though with Malaga and AC Milan set to square off later in the day, its task in Group C remains monumental.
Barcelona's Montoya denies theft allegations
Barcelona’s Montoya has took to Twitter to strongly deny he took 230 euros from a taxi driver in Madrid.
Earlier this week, it was alleged by a local man named Miguel Collado that the player stole his wallet when he dropped off Barca’s Cristian Tello, Gerard Deulofeu and Montoya himself in the Spanish capital.
However, the 21-year-old moved to refute the claims on the social networking site.
“The accusations coming regarding the theft of a taxi driver's portfolio are totally false,” said Montoya.Mr Collado alleges La Masia graduate challenged him to contact the police and said it was simply his word again Montoya’s.
“In my wallet I had my documents, 230 euros and my daughter’s medical card. She’s interned in a hospital at the moment,” Mr Collado told Terra.es. “Montoya told me that I was only a taxi driver and that he was a footballer, that it was going to be his word against mine."
He added, “I filed a complaint at first but I wasn’t planning on following it through, but then a fake agent contacted me and threatened me. He also said I was a f****** racist. That’s when I decided to be serious about it. “It was my second ride of the day and it was only 8:15 AM, there is no chance that someone else was the thief other than this t**t.”
Barcelona has yet to comment on the accusations.
Barcelona’s Montoya has took to Twitter to strongly deny he took 230 euros from a taxi driver in Madrid.
Earlier this week, it was alleged by a local man named Miguel Collado that the player stole his wallet when he dropped off Barca’s Cristian Tello, Gerard Deulofeu and Montoya himself in the Spanish capital.
However, the 21-year-old moved to refute the claims on the social networking site.
“The accusations coming regarding the theft of a taxi driver's portfolio are totally false,” said Montoya.Mr Collado alleges La Masia graduate challenged him to contact the police and said it was simply his word again Montoya’s.
“In my wallet I had my documents, 230 euros and my daughter’s medical card. She’s interned in a hospital at the moment,” Mr Collado told Terra.es. “Montoya told me that I was only a taxi driver and that he was a footballer, that it was going to be his word against mine."
He added, “I filed a complaint at first but I wasn’t planning on following it through, but then a fake agent contacted me and threatened me. He also said I was a f****** racist. That’s when I decided to be serious about it. “It was my second ride of the day and it was only 8:15 AM, there is no chance that someone else was the thief other than this t**t.”
Barcelona has yet to comment on the accusations.
Sir Alex: 'Hernandez has got me thinking'
In light of his sparkling two-goal performance in Manchester United's win over Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday, Javier Hernandez has given Sir Alex Ferguson a selection problem, the coach says.
“The kid is getting better all the time,” the Scotsman told ITV. “He practices well all the time and his relationship with the goal is fantastic.”
The coach opted for a three forward line including the Mexican, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, and the offense seemed to click at times, with Hernandez doing the finishing.
After Manchester fell behind two goals, Chicharito scored the home team’s first. In the second half, the Mexican got his second off a Tom Cleverley pass to secure the 3-2 victory.
“It was a great cross by Cleverley for the second goal, but Chicharito’s movement behind the defense was phenomenal,” Sir Alex said.
With Hernandez’s continued good form, Ferguson says he’ll have a dilemma going forward as to how to select his team.
“Hernandez has got me thinking,” Ferguson said. “Him, Van Persie, Rooney, I don't know what to do with them to be honest.”
In light of his sparkling two-goal performance in Manchester United's win over Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday, Javier Hernandez has given Sir Alex Ferguson a selection problem, the coach says.
“The kid is getting better all the time,” the Scotsman told ITV. “He practices well all the time and his relationship with the goal is fantastic.”
The coach opted for a three forward line including the Mexican, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, and the offense seemed to click at times, with Hernandez doing the finishing.
After Manchester fell behind two goals, Chicharito scored the home team’s first. In the second half, the Mexican got his second off a Tom Cleverley pass to secure the 3-2 victory.
“It was a great cross by Cleverley for the second goal, but Chicharito’s movement behind the defense was phenomenal,” Sir Alex said.
With Hernandez’s continued good form, Ferguson says he’ll have a dilemma going forward as to how to select his team.
“Hernandez has got me thinking,” Ferguson said. “Him, Van Persie, Rooney, I don't know what to do with them to be honest.”
Sergio Ramos thanks Casillas for Ballon d'Or nomination
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has paid tribute to his teammate Iker Casillas after the goalkeeper nominated him for the Ballon d’Or.
Ramos was the 31-year-old's first pick along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Xavi. Whether it's a player, coach or journalist voting, five points goes to first pick, three to second choice and one point to the third selected player.
And the versatile Spanish full-back took to his Twitter page to thank his club and national colleague on his selection for the individual award.“I want to thank my great friend Iker for his vote for the Golden Ball,” tweeted Ramos.The 26-year-old, who is just three caps short of 100 for Spain, has enjoyed a phenomenal year of success for both club and country, as he won La Liga and the European Championships.
Earlier, Ramos had said the Spain No. 1 was the best goalkeeper in the world, and the shot-stopper is tipped to have an outside chance of lifting prestigious award which has been won by Lionel Messi for the past three seasons running.
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has paid tribute to his teammate Iker Casillas after the goalkeeper nominated him for the Ballon d’Or.
Ramos was the 31-year-old's first pick along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Xavi. Whether it's a player, coach or journalist voting, five points goes to first pick, three to second choice and one point to the third selected player.
And the versatile Spanish full-back took to his Twitter page to thank his club and national colleague on his selection for the individual award.“I want to thank my great friend Iker for his vote for the Golden Ball,” tweeted Ramos.The 26-year-old, who is just three caps short of 100 for Spain, has enjoyed a phenomenal year of success for both club and country, as he won La Liga and the European Championships.
Earlier, Ramos had said the Spain No. 1 was the best goalkeeper in the world, and the shot-stopper is tipped to have an outside chance of lifting prestigious award which has been won by Lionel Messi for the past three seasons running.
Villas-Boas dismisses Adebayor exit talk
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has insisted Emmanuel Adebayor remains part of his plans despite the striker failing to start a game since completing his permanent move from Manchester City.
Speculation suggested the 28-year-old has grown frustrated at falling behind Jermain Defoe in the pecking order and could seek a move away in January.
However, Villas-Boas has praised the former Arsenal striker’s displays when coming off the bench and has assured him that his opportunities will arrive over the coming weeks.
"Obviously, every player wants to play, at the moment we are using the structure of one striker and Defoe has been doing extremely well," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News. "I think Ade has done extremely well in the games where he has come in for the squad, certainly he is in contention for games where we play with two strikers.
"At the moment we haven't found the comfort in that formation yet, but in the future when we use it, when we rotate the strikers, he will be back in contention."
The former Chelsea tactician downplayed suggestions Adebayor wanted out, adding: "No, I don't think so. I don't think the club will be willing to let anyone go."
Adebayor scored 17 times last season while on loan at White Hart Lane but has yet to find the back of the net so far this campaign.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has insisted Emmanuel Adebayor remains part of his plans despite the striker failing to start a game since completing his permanent move from Manchester City.
Speculation suggested the 28-year-old has grown frustrated at falling behind Jermain Defoe in the pecking order and could seek a move away in January.
However, Villas-Boas has praised the former Arsenal striker’s displays when coming off the bench and has assured him that his opportunities will arrive over the coming weeks.
"Obviously, every player wants to play, at the moment we are using the structure of one striker and Defoe has been doing extremely well," Villas-Boas told Sky Sports News. "I think Ade has done extremely well in the games where he has come in for the squad, certainly he is in contention for games where we play with two strikers.
"At the moment we haven't found the comfort in that formation yet, but in the future when we use it, when we rotate the strikers, he will be back in contention."
The former Chelsea tactician downplayed suggestions Adebayor wanted out, adding: "No, I don't think so. I don't think the club will be willing to let anyone go."
Adebayor scored 17 times last season while on loan at White Hart Lane but has yet to find the back of the net so far this campaign.
Reina backs Agger and Skrtel to emulate Carragher and Hyypia for Liverpool
Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina believes that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel can emulate the Premier League club’s former heroes and become legends themselves.
The center backs have both committed their long-term futures to Brendan Rodgers' side and Reina thinks they can become as good as Champions League-winning pair Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher.
"I don't see any reason why they can't do the same as Carra and Sami did, though they were one of the greatest center back couples this club has ever had," Reina told the club’s official website. "The understanding between them is great and they've been really solid lately. In the last year and a half or so they have been brilliant for us."It's great for the club and I'm happy for them that they've got new deals."
Both Skrtel and Agger are 27-years-old and Reina is eying several years behind the pair, who have just signed new contracts with the Reds.
"If I am not mistaken they are similar ages to each other, so they have five or six years still to play their best football," he said. "It's good they've signed contracts because it's a fact that they are one of the best center back couples in the Premier League."
Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina believes that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel can emulate the Premier League club’s former heroes and become legends themselves.
The center backs have both committed their long-term futures to Brendan Rodgers' side and Reina thinks they can become as good as Champions League-winning pair Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher.
"I don't see any reason why they can't do the same as Carra and Sami did, though they were one of the greatest center back couples this club has ever had," Reina told the club’s official website. "The understanding between them is great and they've been really solid lately. In the last year and a half or so they have been brilliant for us."It's great for the club and I'm happy for them that they've got new deals."
Both Skrtel and Agger are 27-years-old and Reina is eying several years behind the pair, who have just signed new contracts with the Reds.
"If I am not mistaken they are similar ages to each other, so they have five or six years still to play their best football," he said. "It's good they've signed contracts because it's a fact that they are one of the best center back couples in the Premier League."
Falcao is a goal machine, says Adrian
Adrian Lopez has taken the time to praise Atletico Madrid teammate Radamel Falcao following his impressive start to the 2012-13 campaign.
The Colombia international has already netted 12 goals in eight official appearances for los Rojiblancos this term, and the Spaniard has hailed his fellow forward's predatory instincts.
"We tend not to listen to what the press says about Falcao's future and neither does he. But it's normal that everyone is talking about him because he is a goal machine," Adrian was quoted as saying by AS.
Falcao is not the only striker at Atletico drawing interest, with Adrian having plenty of admirers of his own, but the Spaniard says he is happy with his current club and just focusing on finding ways to help the team.
"I'm very happy at the club and I want to do as much as I can for the team."
Adrian has a contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2015.
Adrian Lopez has taken the time to praise Atletico Madrid teammate Radamel Falcao following his impressive start to the 2012-13 campaign.
The Colombia international has already netted 12 goals in eight official appearances for los Rojiblancos this term, and the Spaniard has hailed his fellow forward's predatory instincts.
"We tend not to listen to what the press says about Falcao's future and neither does he. But it's normal that everyone is talking about him because he is a goal machine," Adrian was quoted as saying by AS.
Falcao is not the only striker at Atletico drawing interest, with Adrian having plenty of admirers of his own, but the Spaniard says he is happy with his current club and just focusing on finding ways to help the team.
"I'm very happy at the club and I want to do as much as I can for the team."
Adrian has a contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2015.
Arsenal 0-2 Schalke: Huntelaar & Afellay gun down sloppy hosts
Schalke became the first foreign side to win at Arsenal in nine years as it took advantage of a pitiful display by Arsene Wenger’s side to take top spot in Champions League Group B.
Late goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay settled a game that the German visitors dominated throughout, tearing Arsenal’s insipid defense to pieces, with left back Andre Santos particularly guilty of complacency as he was torn to shreds by Schalke winger Jefferson Farfan.
As Stan Kroenke and Arsene Wenger watched from the stands and boos rung out from the few fans who stayed in the ground until full time, you got the sense that Arsenal’s AGM on Thursday night became even more interesting with a result that leaves the Gunners second in the group with three matches to play. They remain one point behind Schalke and three above third placed Montpellier.
It was the manner of the display that will really grate with supporters who made little attempt to hide their frustration as Arsenal fell to its second home defeat in 28 European matches at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners had just three attempts on target in the entire match, and neither of those were noteworthy. While no one could be said to have played well, Santos was particularly dreadful at the back while Gervinho’s decision making highlighted the lack of confidence in their attacking play.
Schalke - who have lost just once this season - took control of the game from the very start, with winger Farfan constantly exposing Santos.
In the 14th minute, the German side had a legitimate claim for a penalty when Afellay was released by Farfan and went down under a challenge from Vito Mannone, only to be shown a yellow card for simulation. Replays suggested the Arsenal goalkeeper did make contact with the Dutchman’s foot.
Schalke began to believe in their chances of becoming only the second side to win a Champions League game at the Emirates Stadium.
Just before halftime, Huntelaar struck wide of the near post from six yards after meeting Christian Fuchs’ cross when he should have scored.
The second period started in the same manner, Farfan again breezing past Santos and squaring for Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes, who made a mess of his attempted shot and blazed over the crossbar.
As the frustration of the Arsenal fans grew, so did the desperation of the players, with Gervinho booked for an outrageous dive as he tangled with substitute Jermaine Jones.
In the 76th minute, Schalke finally scored the goal it deserved and Arsenal was punished for its carelessness.
It was far too easy for the visitors. Afellay was allowed to head unchallenged 25 yards from goal to Huntelaar, who was played onside by Santos and smashed the ball low past Mannone.
Four minutes before full-time, Schalke again struck on the break and Santos was again left chasing Farfan’s shadow before the Peruvian crossed for Afellay to slot home from inside the six-yard box. Too easy, too good.
Schalke became the first foreign side to win at Arsenal in nine years as it took advantage of a pitiful display by Arsene Wenger’s side to take top spot in Champions League Group B.
Late goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Ibrahim Afellay settled a game that the German visitors dominated throughout, tearing Arsenal’s insipid defense to pieces, with left back Andre Santos particularly guilty of complacency as he was torn to shreds by Schalke winger Jefferson Farfan.
As Stan Kroenke and Arsene Wenger watched from the stands and boos rung out from the few fans who stayed in the ground until full time, you got the sense that Arsenal’s AGM on Thursday night became even more interesting with a result that leaves the Gunners second in the group with three matches to play. They remain one point behind Schalke and three above third placed Montpellier.
It was the manner of the display that will really grate with supporters who made little attempt to hide their frustration as Arsenal fell to its second home defeat in 28 European matches at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners had just three attempts on target in the entire match, and neither of those were noteworthy. While no one could be said to have played well, Santos was particularly dreadful at the back while Gervinho’s decision making highlighted the lack of confidence in their attacking play.
Schalke - who have lost just once this season - took control of the game from the very start, with winger Farfan constantly exposing Santos.
In the 14th minute, the German side had a legitimate claim for a penalty when Afellay was released by Farfan and went down under a challenge from Vito Mannone, only to be shown a yellow card for simulation. Replays suggested the Arsenal goalkeeper did make contact with the Dutchman’s foot.
Schalke began to believe in their chances of becoming only the second side to win a Champions League game at the Emirates Stadium.
Just before halftime, Huntelaar struck wide of the near post from six yards after meeting Christian Fuchs’ cross when he should have scored.
The second period started in the same manner, Farfan again breezing past Santos and squaring for Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes, who made a mess of his attempted shot and blazed over the crossbar.
As the frustration of the Arsenal fans grew, so did the desperation of the players, with Gervinho booked for an outrageous dive as he tangled with substitute Jermaine Jones.
In the 76th minute, Schalke finally scored the goal it deserved and Arsenal was punished for its carelessness.
It was far too easy for the visitors. Afellay was allowed to head unchallenged 25 yards from goal to Huntelaar, who was played onside by Santos and smashed the ball low past Mannone.
Four minutes before full-time, Schalke again struck on the break and Santos was again left chasing Farfan’s shadow before the Peruvian crossed for Afellay to slot home from inside the six-yard box. Too easy, too good.
Montpellier 1-2 Olympiakos: Mitroglou strikes in injury time to give Greeks valuable victory
Olympiakos secured a dramatic late victory in Group B after goals from Vassilis Torossidis and Kostas Mitroglou cancelled out Gaetan Charbonnier's first goal for Montpellier at the Stade de la Mosson.
The home side made a blistering start to the match, but despite playing some lovely football, Charbonnier's volleyed effort was La Paillade's only effort on target in the first half. However, the 23-year-old summer signing nabbed his first goal for his new club right after halftime to put the hosts in the driving seat.
An entertaining end-to-end contest ensued, with Montpellier threatening to stretch its lead only for Olympiakos' skipper Torossidis to nod home an equalizer. Late drama ensued with Mitroglou turning home a last-gasp winner to steal the spoils.
Although they currently lie 16th in the French top flight, Rene Girard's Montpellier started the game confidently and set the tempo early on. Younes Belhanda served warning that La Paillade were keen to put their domestic woes behind them, the midfielder flashing a fierce drive just wide on the quarter hour mark.
French striker Anthony Mounier looked particularly lively for the Ligue 1 champion in the opening stages, but the 25-year-old blasted a decent chance over after an imaginatively worked free kick.
Olympiakos, on the other hand, did not resemble a side which has strung seven back-to-back victories together domestically: Leonardo Jardim's outfit looking shell-shocked by the classy start made by the hosts.
The Greek side offered no attacking threat whatsoever in the first 20 minutes, the tricky jinkings of Leandro Greco on the left offering the only early indication that it could cause their French opponents trouble.
In was no surprise therefore when Greco created Olympiakos' first chance of note: the former Roma winger nutmegged Benjamin Stambouli before whipping in a dangerous cross that Algerian striker Rafik Djebbour was dangerously close to converting.
Despite Jardim's side starting to find their feet, Montpellier remained firmly on the front foot with the interval approaching.
However, Montpellier coach Girard - watching from the stands due to a touchline ban received in the previous 2-2 draw with Schalke - must have been frustrated that his side was creating openings without testing Olympiakos' number one Roy Carroll.
As the French side's early bluster started to flag, the Greek visitors appeared to grow in confidence. The Red and Whites back line looked solid and their midfield men were looking to cause problems: Portuguese midfielder Paulo Machedo firing a long range effort over as the Greek champion trained its sights.
After an attacking lull, however, Montpellier regained its verve and was close to taking the lead when striker Gaetan Charbonnier latched onto John Utaka's cross to force a smart stop from Carroll.
The pressing question, as both sides emerged after the break, was whether Montpellier's brittle confidence would allow them to sustain the swagger they had shown first half.
An emphatic answer was delivered just minutes after the break by Charbonnier, who followed up his own flick-on to bury a low volley past Carroll to score his first goal for the French outfit.
However, Charbonnier's delight was almost cut short immediately, his error near his own box aiding an Olympiakos attack that saw former Valencia midfielder David Fuster mangle a glorious headed opportunity.
With the visitors stung into action, the game see-sawed: the Greek champion showing far more attacking intent, with Greco still to the fore, but Montpellier continuing to threaten through the outstanding Remy Cabella, Belhanda and Utaka.
In fact, the French side reasserted itself as the game entered its latter stages, dominating possession and Belhanda going close.
Just when the game seemed to be slipping away, however, Olympiakos' skipper Torossidis rose to the occasion: the right back venturing forward and converting Jose Holebas' wicked in-swinging free kick at the second attempt on 76 minutes.
A tense final quarter followed, but the game somewhat petered out with so much at stake for both clubs - only for substitute Kostas Mitroglou to win the match at the death.
The scene is set for a humdinger of a contest on November 6 when Olympiakos hosts the return fixture - the Greeks looking to secure a place in the Champions League knockout phase and Montpellier playing for a Europa league spot.
Olympiakos secured a dramatic late victory in Group B after goals from Vassilis Torossidis and Kostas Mitroglou cancelled out Gaetan Charbonnier's first goal for Montpellier at the Stade de la Mosson.
The home side made a blistering start to the match, but despite playing some lovely football, Charbonnier's volleyed effort was La Paillade's only effort on target in the first half. However, the 23-year-old summer signing nabbed his first goal for his new club right after halftime to put the hosts in the driving seat.
An entertaining end-to-end contest ensued, with Montpellier threatening to stretch its lead only for Olympiakos' skipper Torossidis to nod home an equalizer. Late drama ensued with Mitroglou turning home a last-gasp winner to steal the spoils.
Although they currently lie 16th in the French top flight, Rene Girard's Montpellier started the game confidently and set the tempo early on. Younes Belhanda served warning that La Paillade were keen to put their domestic woes behind them, the midfielder flashing a fierce drive just wide on the quarter hour mark.
French striker Anthony Mounier looked particularly lively for the Ligue 1 champion in the opening stages, but the 25-year-old blasted a decent chance over after an imaginatively worked free kick.
Olympiakos, on the other hand, did not resemble a side which has strung seven back-to-back victories together domestically: Leonardo Jardim's outfit looking shell-shocked by the classy start made by the hosts.
The Greek side offered no attacking threat whatsoever in the first 20 minutes, the tricky jinkings of Leandro Greco on the left offering the only early indication that it could cause their French opponents trouble.
In was no surprise therefore when Greco created Olympiakos' first chance of note: the former Roma winger nutmegged Benjamin Stambouli before whipping in a dangerous cross that Algerian striker Rafik Djebbour was dangerously close to converting.
Despite Jardim's side starting to find their feet, Montpellier remained firmly on the front foot with the interval approaching.
However, Montpellier coach Girard - watching from the stands due to a touchline ban received in the previous 2-2 draw with Schalke - must have been frustrated that his side was creating openings without testing Olympiakos' number one Roy Carroll.
As the French side's early bluster started to flag, the Greek visitors appeared to grow in confidence. The Red and Whites back line looked solid and their midfield men were looking to cause problems: Portuguese midfielder Paulo Machedo firing a long range effort over as the Greek champion trained its sights.
After an attacking lull, however, Montpellier regained its verve and was close to taking the lead when striker Gaetan Charbonnier latched onto John Utaka's cross to force a smart stop from Carroll.
The pressing question, as both sides emerged after the break, was whether Montpellier's brittle confidence would allow them to sustain the swagger they had shown first half.
An emphatic answer was delivered just minutes after the break by Charbonnier, who followed up his own flick-on to bury a low volley past Carroll to score his first goal for the French outfit.
However, Charbonnier's delight was almost cut short immediately, his error near his own box aiding an Olympiakos attack that saw former Valencia midfielder David Fuster mangle a glorious headed opportunity.
With the visitors stung into action, the game see-sawed: the Greek champion showing far more attacking intent, with Greco still to the fore, but Montpellier continuing to threaten through the outstanding Remy Cabella, Belhanda and Utaka.
In fact, the French side reasserted itself as the game entered its latter stages, dominating possession and Belhanda going close.
Just when the game seemed to be slipping away, however, Olympiakos' skipper Torossidis rose to the occasion: the right back venturing forward and converting Jose Holebas' wicked in-swinging free kick at the second attempt on 76 minutes.
A tense final quarter followed, but the game somewhat petered out with so much at stake for both clubs - only for substitute Kostas Mitroglou to win the match at the death.
The scene is set for a humdinger of a contest on November 6 when Olympiakos hosts the return fixture - the Greeks looking to secure a place in the Champions League knockout phase and Montpellier playing for a Europa league spot.
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