Latest ads
-
Power Lifting Lever Belt- SkullVamp
- Updated:
-
port.lk Domain for sale
- Lankan-Tech
- Updated:
-
Colombo Kaduwela - Two Storey House for Sale- dilrasan
- Updated:
-
Wechat qr verification
- Pawan2005
- Updated:
-
🚀 GOOGLE AI PRO 18 MONTHS ACTIVATION 🚀- sayuru bandara
- Updated:
..::Football II::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
UEFA Champions League 2012.10.03 Group Stage Fixtures
UEFA Champions League 2012.10.03 Group Stage Fixtures
Group C
Zenit Vs AC Milan
Group D
Manchester City Vs Dortmund
Ajax Vs Real Madrid
Group A
Dynamo Kyiv Vs Dinamo Zagreb
Porto Vs PSG
Group B
Schalke Vs Montpellier
Arsenal Vs Olympiacos
Group C
Anderlecht Vs Malaga
Group C
Group D
Group A
Group B
Group C
Tom Ince set to Sign for Manchester United
TOM INCE is set to follow in his father’s footsteps and sign for Manchester United in a £4million January deal.
SunSport understands dad Paul has been trying to push the move through.
The former United midfielder spoke with Alex Ferguson earlier this week in a bid to get the 20-year-old Blackpool ace to Old Trafford.
And his intervention appears to have done the trick, with the switch on course for the New Year transfer window. England Under-21 player Ince has been on fire for the Seasiders this season, scoring six times in eight games.
He moved to Blackpool from Liverpool only last summer and his two-year deal is due to expire at the end of the current campaign. But Fergie wants him in as soon as possible and is confident of tying everything up in the next two weeks.
Ince Snr, 44, played more than 200 times for United between 1989 and 1995, winning two Premier League titles.
TOM INCE is set to follow in his father’s footsteps and sign for Manchester United in a £4million January deal.
SunSport understands dad Paul has been trying to push the move through.
The former United midfielder spoke with Alex Ferguson earlier this week in a bid to get the 20-year-old Blackpool ace to Old Trafford.
And his intervention appears to have done the trick, with the switch on course for the New Year transfer window. England Under-21 player Ince has been on fire for the Seasiders this season, scoring six times in eight games.
He moved to Blackpool from Liverpool only last summer and his two-year deal is due to expire at the end of the current campaign. But Fergie wants him in as soon as possible and is confident of tying everything up in the next two weeks.
Ince Snr, 44, played more than 200 times for United between 1989 and 1995, winning two Premier League titles.
Manchester City 1-1 Borussia Dortmund: Cool Balotelli rescues precious Champions League point for Mancini’s men
MANCHESTER, England -- For Roberto Mancini, there continues to be no sign of improvement to an increasingly desperate Champions League record.
The Italian cut a frustrated figure at Etihad Stadium as Manchester City needed an 89th-minute Mario Balotelli penalty to draw 1-1 against an excellent http://www.goal.com/en-us/search/results?q=borussia+dortmund&sa=Borussia Dortmund.
Substitute Balotelli, who had only been on the pitch for eight minutes, stroked home the spot kick with ice-cool precision after Neven Subotic had been harshly penalized for hand-balling a David Silva volley.
It came after Dortmund had created a glut of excellent opportunities only to be denied by a Joe Hart masterclass in goal.
The England No. 1 could not prevent Marco Reus from giving the visitors the lead after 60 minutes but he was equal to everything else the Bundesliga champions threw at him, with half a dozen outstanding saves.
It kept City in the match and the English club was able to create enough late pressure to get its second Champions League campaign up and running and bring relief to the home supporters.
Mancini knew City could ill afford another slip-up in a daunting group which pits the champions of Spain, England, Germany and Holland against one another.
But following the opening 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid while Dortmund was beating Ajax 1-0, City has just one point from its opening two Group D fixtures.
City's supporters will need no reminding of the echoes of their debut Champions League campaign last year, when failure to win the team's first home game against Napoli left it with too small a margin of error thereafter.
The pressure is on Mancini, who has recorded a solitary quarterfinal appearance from five previous campaigns with City, Lazio and Inter Milan, to enhance his Champions League credentials.
He will target six points from the forthcoming home-and-away assignments against group minnows Ajax to recover some lost ground.
Mancini made only two changes from the team that beat Fulham 2-1 last Saturday, with Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko replacing Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry, who did not even make the substitute’s bench.
Selecting three attacking midfielders to support strike pair Sergio Aguero and Dzeko was a signal of intent from the City boss against a Dortmund lineup he praised before kick off for their willingness to attack.
One player the visitors did not face was Joleon Lescott, who might be a first-choice center half for England following John Terry’s international retirement, but he no longer enjoys such exalted status for his club.
He was dropped in favor of Matija Nastasic for City's opening Champions League fixture, the 3-2 defeat away to Real Madrid, and the Serbian teenager held on to his place after starting ahead of Lescott at Fulham.
Although Mancini has sought to reassure Lescott, the defender will have watched Nastasic and Vincent Kompany keep Dortmund's attack at bay with a degree of concern about his own future.
Dortmund has made a stuttering start to the new Bundesliga campaign, where it trails leader Bayern Munich by seven points even though it lies in third place.
Backed by their magnficent 4,000-strong away support, whose chants, rhythmic jumping, scarf waving and drumming provided a constant accompaniment to the match, the visitors more than played their part in a pulsating opening period.
The two teams traded opportunities as they stayed faithful to promises from their managers that they would not hold back but a masterclass of goalkeeping at both ends kept the score goal-less at the break.
Three of City’s best opportunities fell to the lively Aguero, who was denied athletically on each occasion by the excellent Roman Weidenfeller. The Dortmund keeper also kept out Samir Nasri, while David Silva sliced a volley horribly over the bar from inside the six-yard box shortly before the interval.
At the other end, Gotze, the brilliant German prospect, brought the best out of Hart, who was even busier than in Madrid a fortnight ago.
The England No. 1 turned an early Gotze drive on to the post and, later, clawed the winger’s half-volley on to the crossbar. Gotze was left shaking his head with disbelief when Hart then charged off his line like a demented bull to deny him from close range.
Hart added to the feeling of goalkeeping invincibility with a point-blank save from the unmarked Ilkay Gundogan seconds before the interval.
It brought to an end a riveting opening spell in which City had enjoyed 63 percent of possession but managed less shots on target (four to five) than the impressive visitors.
The second half continued where the first half finished off, with Hart denying Gotze for the fourth time in the match by flinging himself to his right to tip a rasping effort around his post for a corner.
But Hart’s one-man show of resilience was finally broken after an hour. The catalyst was a terrible mistake from Jack Rodwell, a 33rd-minute replacement for the injured Javi Garcia.
Rodwell lost possession after playing a loose pass without looking and his error was pounced upon by the outstanding Marco Reus, who galloped towards goal and lifted the ball past Hart and into the bottom-left corner.
The Dortmund fans erupted in joy and, in perfect English, chided their hosts with a chant of ‘You only sing when you’re winning’.
A one-goal advantage was the very least Dortmund’s adventure deserved and they continued to create some outstanding opportunities on the counterattack as City played a high line in search of an equalizer.
Reus and Gandogan forced more fine saves from Hart before Robert Lewandowski, who had worked the City defence so well all game, missed an excellent opportunity to double his team’s advantage after 76 minutes. Latching on to a sumptuous Gandogan delivery from the right, the Pole had the goal at his mercy but he inexplicably sent his toe poke wide of the left upright.
Balotelli made City pay for their wastefulness. Subotic could consider himself unlucky when he was penalised in the 88th minute for handball, and doubly unlucky that the nerveless Italian was at hand to make him pay.
MANCHESTER, England -- For Roberto Mancini, there continues to be no sign of improvement to an increasingly desperate Champions League record.
The Italian cut a frustrated figure at Etihad Stadium as Manchester City needed an 89th-minute Mario Balotelli penalty to draw 1-1 against an excellent http://www.goal.com/en-us/search/results?q=borussia+dortmund&sa=Borussia Dortmund.
Substitute Balotelli, who had only been on the pitch for eight minutes, stroked home the spot kick with ice-cool precision after Neven Subotic had been harshly penalized for hand-balling a David Silva volley.
It came after Dortmund had created a glut of excellent opportunities only to be denied by a Joe Hart masterclass in goal.
The England No. 1 could not prevent Marco Reus from giving the visitors the lead after 60 minutes but he was equal to everything else the Bundesliga champions threw at him, with half a dozen outstanding saves.
It kept City in the match and the English club was able to create enough late pressure to get its second Champions League campaign up and running and bring relief to the home supporters.
Mancini knew City could ill afford another slip-up in a daunting group which pits the champions of Spain, England, Germany and Holland against one another.
But following the opening 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid while Dortmund was beating Ajax 1-0, City has just one point from its opening two Group D fixtures.
City's supporters will need no reminding of the echoes of their debut Champions League campaign last year, when failure to win the team's first home game against Napoli left it with too small a margin of error thereafter.
The pressure is on Mancini, who has recorded a solitary quarterfinal appearance from five previous campaigns with City, Lazio and Inter Milan, to enhance his Champions League credentials.
He will target six points from the forthcoming home-and-away assignments against group minnows Ajax to recover some lost ground.
Mancini made only two changes from the team that beat Fulham 2-1 last Saturday, with Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko replacing Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry, who did not even make the substitute’s bench.
Selecting three attacking midfielders to support strike pair Sergio Aguero and Dzeko was a signal of intent from the City boss against a Dortmund lineup he praised before kick off for their willingness to attack.
One player the visitors did not face was Joleon Lescott, who might be a first-choice center half for England following John Terry’s international retirement, but he no longer enjoys such exalted status for his club.
He was dropped in favor of Matija Nastasic for City's opening Champions League fixture, the 3-2 defeat away to Real Madrid, and the Serbian teenager held on to his place after starting ahead of Lescott at Fulham.
Although Mancini has sought to reassure Lescott, the defender will have watched Nastasic and Vincent Kompany keep Dortmund's attack at bay with a degree of concern about his own future.
Dortmund has made a stuttering start to the new Bundesliga campaign, where it trails leader Bayern Munich by seven points even though it lies in third place.
Backed by their magnficent 4,000-strong away support, whose chants, rhythmic jumping, scarf waving and drumming provided a constant accompaniment to the match, the visitors more than played their part in a pulsating opening period.
The two teams traded opportunities as they stayed faithful to promises from their managers that they would not hold back but a masterclass of goalkeeping at both ends kept the score goal-less at the break.
Three of City’s best opportunities fell to the lively Aguero, who was denied athletically on each occasion by the excellent Roman Weidenfeller. The Dortmund keeper also kept out Samir Nasri, while David Silva sliced a volley horribly over the bar from inside the six-yard box shortly before the interval.
At the other end, Gotze, the brilliant German prospect, brought the best out of Hart, who was even busier than in Madrid a fortnight ago.
The England No. 1 turned an early Gotze drive on to the post and, later, clawed the winger’s half-volley on to the crossbar. Gotze was left shaking his head with disbelief when Hart then charged off his line like a demented bull to deny him from close range.
Hart added to the feeling of goalkeeping invincibility with a point-blank save from the unmarked Ilkay Gundogan seconds before the interval.
It brought to an end a riveting opening spell in which City had enjoyed 63 percent of possession but managed less shots on target (four to five) than the impressive visitors.
The second half continued where the first half finished off, with Hart denying Gotze for the fourth time in the match by flinging himself to his right to tip a rasping effort around his post for a corner.
But Hart’s one-man show of resilience was finally broken after an hour. The catalyst was a terrible mistake from Jack Rodwell, a 33rd-minute replacement for the injured Javi Garcia.
Rodwell lost possession after playing a loose pass without looking and his error was pounced upon by the outstanding Marco Reus, who galloped towards goal and lifted the ball past Hart and into the bottom-left corner.
The Dortmund fans erupted in joy and, in perfect English, chided their hosts with a chant of ‘You only sing when you’re winning’.
A one-goal advantage was the very least Dortmund’s adventure deserved and they continued to create some outstanding opportunities on the counterattack as City played a high line in search of an equalizer.
Reus and Gandogan forced more fine saves from Hart before Robert Lewandowski, who had worked the City defence so well all game, missed an excellent opportunity to double his team’s advantage after 76 minutes. Latching on to a sumptuous Gandogan delivery from the right, the Pole had the goal at his mercy but he inexplicably sent his toe poke wide of the left upright.
Balotelli made City pay for their wastefulness. Subotic could consider himself unlucky when he was penalised in the 88th minute for handball, and doubly unlucky that the nerveless Italian was at hand to make him pay.
Porto 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain: James Rodriguez breaks through to earn deserved triumph
Porto has taken control of Champions League Group A, recording a 1-0 win over PSG at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday evening.
Vitor Pereira’s side dominated matters throughout, yet they had to wait until seven minutes from time to secure three points thanks to a magnificent finish from James Rodriguez, with the hosts having passed up a catalog of chances previously.
This was an open game from the outset, though it would be the home side which dictated the tempo of the game and fashioned the vast majority of the chances. As early as the fourth minute Porto had a glaring chance to move ahead, though after Marco Verratti had uncharacteristically given away possession on the edge of his box he was given a reprieve as Joao Moutinho slashed horribly wide.
The tone of the evening was set for the hosts, who too often failed to test Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG net despite getting into some excellent positions. It took nearly half an hour for the Italian goalkeeper to be seriously worked, with James Rodriguez’s low drive pushed away from the corner of the net.
Immediately prior to that moment, PSG had enjoyed its best two opportunities of the evening. Both fell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the giant Swede headed wide from six yards and then flicked over when played through on goal when he had time for at least one extra touch.
Before the break there was still time for the home team to waste perhaps its best opening of the evening as Jackson Martinez hammered a header over the top from close range when he really should have scored.
The break of play did not offer a change in the momentum of the game and three times in the opening five minutes of the second period the visitors were reliant on last-ditch blocks to thwart the hungry hosts. Soon afterwards, Rodriguez had a terrific hooked volley pass just wide of target.
On the hour mark Sirigu was required to block Porto’s best opening of the second half. Silvestre Varela was released through the center, but the Italian was out quickly to deny the attacker.
Porto’s chance seemed to have gone, but with seven minutes remaining Rodriguez won the match with a finish of class, sending a curling first-time shot into the far corner of the net after a cross deceived everyone in the box.
Victory for the home side was thoroughly deserved against a lackluster PSG outfit, whose naivety at this level as a unit shone through in this encounter. While the French club are stuck on three points, Porto move onto six, though both teams will still be favored to progress from this group.
Porto has taken control of Champions League Group A, recording a 1-0 win over PSG at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday evening.
Vitor Pereira’s side dominated matters throughout, yet they had to wait until seven minutes from time to secure three points thanks to a magnificent finish from James Rodriguez, with the hosts having passed up a catalog of chances previously.
This was an open game from the outset, though it would be the home side which dictated the tempo of the game and fashioned the vast majority of the chances. As early as the fourth minute Porto had a glaring chance to move ahead, though after Marco Verratti had uncharacteristically given away possession on the edge of his box he was given a reprieve as Joao Moutinho slashed horribly wide.
The tone of the evening was set for the hosts, who too often failed to test Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG net despite getting into some excellent positions. It took nearly half an hour for the Italian goalkeeper to be seriously worked, with James Rodriguez’s low drive pushed away from the corner of the net.
Immediately prior to that moment, PSG had enjoyed its best two opportunities of the evening. Both fell to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but the giant Swede headed wide from six yards and then flicked over when played through on goal when he had time for at least one extra touch.
Before the break there was still time for the home team to waste perhaps its best opening of the evening as Jackson Martinez hammered a header over the top from close range when he really should have scored.
The break of play did not offer a change in the momentum of the game and three times in the opening five minutes of the second period the visitors were reliant on last-ditch blocks to thwart the hungry hosts. Soon afterwards, Rodriguez had a terrific hooked volley pass just wide of target.
On the hour mark Sirigu was required to block Porto’s best opening of the second half. Silvestre Varela was released through the center, but the Italian was out quickly to deny the attacker.
Porto’s chance seemed to have gone, but with seven minutes remaining Rodriguez won the match with a finish of class, sending a curling first-time shot into the far corner of the net after a cross deceived everyone in the box.
Victory for the home side was thoroughly deserved against a lackluster PSG outfit, whose naivety at this level as a unit shone through in this encounter. While the French club are stuck on three points, Porto move onto six, though both teams will still be favored to progress from this group.
Arsenal 3-1 Olympiakos: Gervinho, Podolski and Ramsey on target as Gunners make it two from two
Arsenal took another step towards the knockout stages of the Champions League as the Gunners maintained their perfect start to the competition with a stuttering 3-1 home victory over Olympiakos.
Lukas Podoslki and substitute Aaron Ramsey struck in the second half to brighten up a largely uninspiring display from Arsene Wenger’s side after it struggled to break down well organized opponents for much of the evening.
Not that the Frenchman will care after a result that leaves Arsenal with six points from its opening two Group B fixtures and on course for another comfortable qualification for the second round of Europe’s elite competition.
The hosts controlled possession but lacked attacking thrust for much of the game, taking the lead against the run of play through Gervinho in the 42nd minute before Konstantinos Mitroglou deservedly leveled for Olympiakos on the stroke of halftime.
Podolski eased nerves in the Emirates Stadium after firing home in the 56th minute and Ramsey sealed the three points with an impudent finish with the last kick of the game.
It was far from perfect, however. What will most concern Wenger will be the lackadaisical performance of a back four that had looked so assured early in the season following the promotion of Arsenal legend Steve Bould to assistant manager.
While Arsenal displayed their usual domination of possession in the early exchanges, the central defensive pair of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny was so casual they were virtually horizontal.
Mitroglou served a warning as his snapshot from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Vito Mannone before Paulo Machado missed a gift-wrapped chance, mishitting from inside the six-yard box after evading Arsenal defenders to meet Ioannis Maniatis’ cross.
Arsenal took a lead it barely deserved three minutes before the break through Gervinho. After excellent work from Santi Cazorla on the left, the ball broke for the Ivorian to shift into space and strike low into the corner from 20 yards for his fifth goal of the season.
The strike was met with relief all round from the home crowd but Olympiakos deservedly leveled on the stroke of halftime. Leandro Greco whipped in a wonderful cross from the left and Mitroglou was on hand to glance the ball into the far corner.
Arsene Wenger may not have been allowed in the dressing room at halftime due to a touchline ban but his anger with his side’s lack of attacking thrust would have been relayed to his players.
They responded after the break, especially through the twinkling toes of Cazorla and Gervinho as the latter began to torment the Olympiakos back four with his movement and trickery.
Cazorla wastefully shot wide from 12 yards before Podolski doubled the Gunners’ lead in the 56th minute, the German taking advantage of Olympiakos’ uncertain defending to swivel in the box and shoot low and hard through goalkeeper Balazs Megyeri’s legs.
Arsenal went hunting for a third. Koscielny headed over unmarked before substitutes Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud combined for the Frenchman to volley straight at Megyeri.
In the dying seconds, substitute Ramsey raced on to Giroud's flick-on and scooped a delightful finish over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Olympiakos still showed enough to prove it will not be the whipping boy and Arsenal faces a difficult return fixture, but the Gunners cruised home in the closing stages to complete the victory.
Arsenal took another step towards the knockout stages of the Champions League as the Gunners maintained their perfect start to the competition with a stuttering 3-1 home victory over Olympiakos.
Lukas Podoslki and substitute Aaron Ramsey struck in the second half to brighten up a largely uninspiring display from Arsene Wenger’s side after it struggled to break down well organized opponents for much of the evening.
Not that the Frenchman will care after a result that leaves Arsenal with six points from its opening two Group B fixtures and on course for another comfortable qualification for the second round of Europe’s elite competition.
The hosts controlled possession but lacked attacking thrust for much of the game, taking the lead against the run of play through Gervinho in the 42nd minute before Konstantinos Mitroglou deservedly leveled for Olympiakos on the stroke of halftime.
Podolski eased nerves in the Emirates Stadium after firing home in the 56th minute and Ramsey sealed the three points with an impudent finish with the last kick of the game.
It was far from perfect, however. What will most concern Wenger will be the lackadaisical performance of a back four that had looked so assured early in the season following the promotion of Arsenal legend Steve Bould to assistant manager.
While Arsenal displayed their usual domination of possession in the early exchanges, the central defensive pair of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny was so casual they were virtually horizontal.
Mitroglou served a warning as his snapshot from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Vito Mannone before Paulo Machado missed a gift-wrapped chance, mishitting from inside the six-yard box after evading Arsenal defenders to meet Ioannis Maniatis’ cross.
Arsenal took a lead it barely deserved three minutes before the break through Gervinho. After excellent work from Santi Cazorla on the left, the ball broke for the Ivorian to shift into space and strike low into the corner from 20 yards for his fifth goal of the season.
The strike was met with relief all round from the home crowd but Olympiakos deservedly leveled on the stroke of halftime. Leandro Greco whipped in a wonderful cross from the left and Mitroglou was on hand to glance the ball into the far corner.
Arsene Wenger may not have been allowed in the dressing room at halftime due to a touchline ban but his anger with his side’s lack of attacking thrust would have been relayed to his players.
They responded after the break, especially through the twinkling toes of Cazorla and Gervinho as the latter began to torment the Olympiakos back four with his movement and trickery.
Cazorla wastefully shot wide from 12 yards before Podolski doubled the Gunners’ lead in the 56th minute, the German taking advantage of Olympiakos’ uncertain defending to swivel in the box and shoot low and hard through goalkeeper Balazs Megyeri’s legs.
Arsenal went hunting for a third. Koscielny headed over unmarked before substitutes Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud combined for the Frenchman to volley straight at Megyeri.
In the dying seconds, substitute Ramsey raced on to Giroud's flick-on and scooped a delightful finish over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Olympiakos still showed enough to prove it will not be the whipping boy and Arsenal faces a difficult return fixture, but the Gunners cruised home in the closing stages to complete the victory.
Zenit St Petersburg 2-3 AC Milan: Abbiati brilliance earns Rossoneri valuable Group C victory
Fortune smiled on AC Milan as the struggling Italian outfit claimed its first win in Champions League Group C by edging out Zenit 3-2 in an enthralling encounter at the Petrovsky Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Rossoneri made a rip-roaring start to the game, racking up two goals in the space of three first-half minutes through Urby Emanuelson and Stephan El Shaarawy. However, Hulk dragged Zenit back into the game with a fine strike just before the break before setting up Roman Shirokov for the equalizer early in the second period.
Milan wasn't done, though, and it snatched a precious win courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Tomas Hubocan that consigned Zenit to a first home defeat in UEFA competition since September 2008.
As it was, it took an element of fortune for Milan to break the deadlock 13 minutes in, with Vyacheslav Malafeev unable to change direction quick enough to keep out an Emanuelson free kick that had taken a wicked deflection off Shirokov.
What followed just moments later, though, bore the hallmarks of greatness, El Shaarawy picking the ball up some 35 meters from goal before gliding past Viktor Fayzulin, then flicked the ball around the outside of Nicolas Lombaerts before finishing with the confidence of a player who is in the form of his young life.
Zenit’s players were visibly stunned by the concession of two goals in quick succession and it took them some time to regain their composure. However, after spending the first half hour on his backside, appealing for nonexistent free kicks, Hulk gradually began to prove his significant worth to the home side’s cause.
The Brazil international produced two wonderful deliveries towards the tail end of the half, both of which resulted in Abbiati being called into action, with the first cross taking a nick off Riccardo Montolivo and the second very nearly redirected into the bottom corner by Roman Shirokov.
Hulk also twice stung the hands of the Rossoneri keeper with well-struck drives - the second of which was a free kick - before he deservedly halved the hosts’ deficit right on the stroke of halftime, driving the ball home left-footed after being slipped in on goal by Shirokov.
That goal came in injury time at the end of an absorbing opening period, and Zenit was level within four minutes of the restart. Shirokov made amends for his part in Emanuelson’s goal by popping up unmarked at the far post to head home Hulk’s corner from the right-hand side.
The momentum was now very much with the Russians but Milan really should have reclaimed the lead six minutes later, but Boateng headed wide from some eight yards out, after stretching to get his head on the end of Ignazio Abate’s cross.
Buoyed by that near miss, Milan continued to press and it nicked a crucial win when Hubocan, under pressure from Giampaolo Pazzini, made a mess of a cross from Montolivo and put through his own net.
Consequently, the Rossoneri will now go into their crunch double-header header with Malaga with confidence renewed, while Zenit is now facing elimination ahead of meetings with Anderlecht after back-to-back defeats.
Fortune smiled on AC Milan as the struggling Italian outfit claimed its first win in Champions League Group C by edging out Zenit 3-2 in an enthralling encounter at the Petrovsky Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Rossoneri made a rip-roaring start to the game, racking up two goals in the space of three first-half minutes through Urby Emanuelson and Stephan El Shaarawy. However, Hulk dragged Zenit back into the game with a fine strike just before the break before setting up Roman Shirokov for the equalizer early in the second period.
Milan wasn't done, though, and it snatched a precious win courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Tomas Hubocan that consigned Zenit to a first home defeat in UEFA competition since September 2008.
As it was, it took an element of fortune for Milan to break the deadlock 13 minutes in, with Vyacheslav Malafeev unable to change direction quick enough to keep out an Emanuelson free kick that had taken a wicked deflection off Shirokov.
What followed just moments later, though, bore the hallmarks of greatness, El Shaarawy picking the ball up some 35 meters from goal before gliding past Viktor Fayzulin, then flicked the ball around the outside of Nicolas Lombaerts before finishing with the confidence of a player who is in the form of his young life.
Zenit’s players were visibly stunned by the concession of two goals in quick succession and it took them some time to regain their composure. However, after spending the first half hour on his backside, appealing for nonexistent free kicks, Hulk gradually began to prove his significant worth to the home side’s cause.
The Brazil international produced two wonderful deliveries towards the tail end of the half, both of which resulted in Abbiati being called into action, with the first cross taking a nick off Riccardo Montolivo and the second very nearly redirected into the bottom corner by Roman Shirokov.
Hulk also twice stung the hands of the Rossoneri keeper with well-struck drives - the second of which was a free kick - before he deservedly halved the hosts’ deficit right on the stroke of halftime, driving the ball home left-footed after being slipped in on goal by Shirokov.
That goal came in injury time at the end of an absorbing opening period, and Zenit was level within four minutes of the restart. Shirokov made amends for his part in Emanuelson’s goal by popping up unmarked at the far post to head home Hulk’s corner from the right-hand side.
The momentum was now very much with the Russians but Milan really should have reclaimed the lead six minutes later, but Boateng headed wide from some eight yards out, after stretching to get his head on the end of Ignazio Abate’s cross.
Buoyed by that near miss, Milan continued to press and it nicked a crucial win when Hubocan, under pressure from Giampaolo Pazzini, made a mess of a cross from Montolivo and put through his own net.
Consequently, the Rossoneri will now go into their crunch double-header header with Malaga with confidence renewed, while Zenit is now facing elimination ahead of meetings with Anderlecht after back-to-back defeats.
Ajax 1-4 Real Madrid: Ronaldo treble condemns hapless hosts to defeat
Real Madrid recorded a 4-1 victory over Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League Group D encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA.
The guests deservedly went 1-0 up in the 42nd minute when Cristiano Ronaldo found the net from close range, before Karim Benzema made it two shortly after the break with a fantastic finish. Niklas Moisander pegged one back after a corner kick only minutes later, only to see Ronaldo restore Madrid's two-goal lead with a well-placed shot. Shortly after, the Portugal star got his hat trick with yet another fine finish.
Madrid started the match the better side of the two and got a number of chances to open the scoring early on. Ronaldo should have gifted the Liga champions the lead in the 14th minute, but he failed to beat Kenneth Vermeer from inside the area. Kaka then came close only minutes later, but he too was denied by Vermeer as the glovesman made yet another excellent save, while the Ajax shot stopper also kept out Benzema's shot from the rebound.
Ronaldo once more threatened after 35 minutes of play, but his header after Kaka's pinpoint cross was too weak to trouble Vermeer. Nevertheless, the Portugal international did find the net shortly after. Benzema danced past Toby Alderweireld down the left, before sending in a low cross that deflected into Ronaldo's path, who tapped home from close range.
Ajax started the second half with attacking intentions, but its changed attitude immediately was costly. A poor free-kick from Christian Eriksen was the start of a Madrid counterattack, which eventually ended up at Kaka on the right wing. The Brazilian curled in a perfect cross for Benzema, and the striker found the net with a fantastic bicycle kick.
The Eredivisie champions pegged one back from out of nowhere in the 56th minute, though. Eriksen found the unmarked Moisander with a corner toward the far post, and the defender headed home as Iker Casillas arrived at the scene too late.
Madrid continued to threaten on the counterattack and both Benzema and Angel Di Maria could have restored its two-goal lead. The former's header went over the bar, though, while the latter's shot was stopped by Vermeer.
Ajax, meanwhile, got a huge chance to level the scoring after some good work from Ryan Babel. The attacker sent in an excellent low cross from the right for substitute Danny Hoesen, who really should have found the net from five yards out. Nevertheless, the former Fulham youngster rushed his shot and squandered the chance.
Ronaldo then put the match to bed in the 79th minute after a quick combination with Benzema. The Frenchman set up the prolific attacker on the edge of the box, and the former Manchester United star beat Vermeer with a well-placed shot in the far corner.
There was more to come from Ronaldo, though, as he got his hat trick only one minute later with a delicate chip over the Ajax goalkeeper after being played in by a neat pass from Sami Khedira.
Ajax sits last in the section with zero points from two meetings. Its next game is the home match versus Manchester City on Oct. 24.
Real Madrid leads Group D with six points from two encounters, and resumes Champions League action away against Borussia Dortmund in three weeks time.
Real Madrid recorded a 4-1 victory over Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League Group D encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA.
The guests deservedly went 1-0 up in the 42nd minute when Cristiano Ronaldo found the net from close range, before Karim Benzema made it two shortly after the break with a fantastic finish. Niklas Moisander pegged one back after a corner kick only minutes later, only to see Ronaldo restore Madrid's two-goal lead with a well-placed shot. Shortly after, the Portugal star got his hat trick with yet another fine finish.
Madrid started the match the better side of the two and got a number of chances to open the scoring early on. Ronaldo should have gifted the Liga champions the lead in the 14th minute, but he failed to beat Kenneth Vermeer from inside the area. Kaka then came close only minutes later, but he too was denied by Vermeer as the glovesman made yet another excellent save, while the Ajax shot stopper also kept out Benzema's shot from the rebound.
Ronaldo once more threatened after 35 minutes of play, but his header after Kaka's pinpoint cross was too weak to trouble Vermeer. Nevertheless, the Portugal international did find the net shortly after. Benzema danced past Toby Alderweireld down the left, before sending in a low cross that deflected into Ronaldo's path, who tapped home from close range.
Ajax started the second half with attacking intentions, but its changed attitude immediately was costly. A poor free-kick from Christian Eriksen was the start of a Madrid counterattack, which eventually ended up at Kaka on the right wing. The Brazilian curled in a perfect cross for Benzema, and the striker found the net with a fantastic bicycle kick.
The Eredivisie champions pegged one back from out of nowhere in the 56th minute, though. Eriksen found the unmarked Moisander with a corner toward the far post, and the defender headed home as Iker Casillas arrived at the scene too late.
Madrid continued to threaten on the counterattack and both Benzema and Angel Di Maria could have restored its two-goal lead. The former's header went over the bar, though, while the latter's shot was stopped by Vermeer.
Ajax, meanwhile, got a huge chance to level the scoring after some good work from Ryan Babel. The attacker sent in an excellent low cross from the right for substitute Danny Hoesen, who really should have found the net from five yards out. Nevertheless, the former Fulham youngster rushed his shot and squandered the chance.
Ronaldo then put the match to bed in the 79th minute after a quick combination with Benzema. The Frenchman set up the prolific attacker on the edge of the box, and the former Manchester United star beat Vermeer with a well-placed shot in the far corner.
There was more to come from Ronaldo, though, as he got his hat trick only one minute later with a delicate chip over the Ajax goalkeeper after being played in by a neat pass from Sami Khedira.
Ajax sits last in the section with zero points from two meetings. Its next game is the home match versus Manchester City on Oct. 24.
Real Madrid leads Group D with six points from two encounters, and resumes Champions League action away against Borussia Dortmund in three weeks time.
Dynamo Kiev 2-0 Dinamo Zagreb: Ukrainains produce convincing display in Group A
Kiev almost had another goal right from the restart, as Miguel Veloso fed Ideye Brown with a delicious ball into the area, but his header was tipped just over the bar by Ivan Keleva.http://www.goal.com/en-us/teams/ukraine/370/dynamo-kiev Dynamo Kiev got back to winning ways in the Champions League after dispatching Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Ukrainians were taken apart 4-1 by Paris Saint Germain on the opening matchday, but there were no signs of such a scoreline repeating itself as they dominated from start to finish.
Oleh Husyey headed the home side into an early advantage ofter only three minutes, before an own goal from Josip Pivaric ended the challenge of te Croatian visitors after barely half an hour.
Only Kiev's profligacy cost it a third goal in the second half, but Dynamo nevertheless claimed a vital three points that puts it back into the hunt for qualification from Group A by drawing level with PSG, while Zagreb sinks to the bottom of the standings without a single point.
The home side came flying out of the gates and needed only two minutes to take the lead. Ognjen Vukojevic sent a good cross into the heart of the area, from which Husyev needed no second invitation to head home.
Kiev though soon took its foot off the gas after the bright early start, and allowed Zagreb to gain a foothold in the game.Fatos Beciraj found himself in a great position as he skipped past keeper Oleksander Shovkovski at an angle, but his delivery was just missed by the onrushing Marcelo Brozovic.But Kiev would soon hit back. Veloso brought the very best out of Keleva with a swerving free kick on the half hour mark, and two minutes later, it would force their second.
Taye Taiwo’s cross seemed harmless, but an unfortunate intervention from Zagreb defender Pivaric wrongfooted Keleva and nestled into the back of the net.
It could have been 3-0 two minutes before half time, but Andriy Yarmolenko failed to properly connect with a delivery from Brown in a gilt-edged position right in front of goal.
Shovkovski had his first save to make minutes after the restart, smothering a vicious attempt from substitute Duje Cop, who tested the Kiev keeper again moments later when chasing down his sloppy clearance.
But it proved to be something of an aberration, as the clear superiority of Kiev over the beleaguered visitors endured as the second half wore on.
Another good delivery from Husyev was scuffed by Yarmolenko, before the goalscorer took matters into his own hands with a testing drive that was tipped by Keleva.
The chances continued to fall Kiev’s way. Veloso blasted just wide, before Brown beat Keleva with a deft chip, only for Tonel to race back and hack clear off the line.
The goalmouth action dried up as the match entered its closing stages, and the hosts played out the last moments in confidence, knowing that the points were long safe.
Next up for Kiev is a trip to Portugal to face Porto, while Zagreb welcomes PSG to the Maksimir stadium. Both matches take place in three weeks.
Kiev almost had another goal right from the restart, as Miguel Veloso fed Ideye Brown with a delicious ball into the area, but his header was tipped just over the bar by Ivan Keleva.http://www.goal.com/en-us/teams/ukraine/370/dynamo-kiev Dynamo Kiev got back to winning ways in the Champions League after dispatching Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Ukrainians were taken apart 4-1 by Paris Saint Germain on the opening matchday, but there were no signs of such a scoreline repeating itself as they dominated from start to finish.
Oleh Husyey headed the home side into an early advantage ofter only three minutes, before an own goal from Josip Pivaric ended the challenge of te Croatian visitors after barely half an hour.
Only Kiev's profligacy cost it a third goal in the second half, but Dynamo nevertheless claimed a vital three points that puts it back into the hunt for qualification from Group A by drawing level with PSG, while Zagreb sinks to the bottom of the standings without a single point.
The home side came flying out of the gates and needed only two minutes to take the lead. Ognjen Vukojevic sent a good cross into the heart of the area, from which Husyev needed no second invitation to head home.
Kiev though soon took its foot off the gas after the bright early start, and allowed Zagreb to gain a foothold in the game.Fatos Beciraj found himself in a great position as he skipped past keeper Oleksander Shovkovski at an angle, but his delivery was just missed by the onrushing Marcelo Brozovic.But Kiev would soon hit back. Veloso brought the very best out of Keleva with a swerving free kick on the half hour mark, and two minutes later, it would force their second.
Taye Taiwo’s cross seemed harmless, but an unfortunate intervention from Zagreb defender Pivaric wrongfooted Keleva and nestled into the back of the net.
It could have been 3-0 two minutes before half time, but Andriy Yarmolenko failed to properly connect with a delivery from Brown in a gilt-edged position right in front of goal.
Shovkovski had his first save to make minutes after the restart, smothering a vicious attempt from substitute Duje Cop, who tested the Kiev keeper again moments later when chasing down his sloppy clearance.
But it proved to be something of an aberration, as the clear superiority of Kiev over the beleaguered visitors endured as the second half wore on.
Another good delivery from Husyev was scuffed by Yarmolenko, before the goalscorer took matters into his own hands with a testing drive that was tipped by Keleva.
The chances continued to fall Kiev’s way. Veloso blasted just wide, before Brown beat Keleva with a deft chip, only for Tonel to race back and hack clear off the line.
The goalmouth action dried up as the match entered its closing stages, and the hosts played out the last moments in confidence, knowing that the points were long safe.
Next up for Kiev is a trip to Portugal to face Porto, while Zagreb welcomes PSG to the Maksimir stadium. Both matches take place in three weeks.
Anderlecht 0-3 Malaga: Pellegrini's side runs riot in Belgium to top Group C
Malaga made it two wins from two in Champions League Group C with a scintillating 3-0 victory over an outclassed Anderlecht side at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on Wednesday night.
Having swept Zenit aside in its tournament opener, the Spanish side looked a cut above its host from start to finish and had already wasted a couple of gilt-edged chances before Eliseu scored with a stunning volley just before the break.
Joaquin doubled the advantage with a penalty before Eliseu struck again just after the hour mark to extend Anderlecht's winless run of home games in the group stages of the Champions League to 10.
One of the form sides in Europe, Malaga arrived in Brussels brimming with confidence and unsurprisingly played with a real swagger throughout. With Javier Saviola supported in attack by Isco and Joaquin, who were again given licence to roam and interchange as they saw fit, the visitors’ movement during the opening 45 minutes was often a joy to behold.
The trio combined wonderfully to prise open the Malage defense 26 minutes in only for Joaquin to see his shot blocked by the advancing Proto. Saviola, who had played the former Betis man in on goal, tried to nod home the rebound but he failed to get enough purchase on his header and Anderlecht managed to clear.
If the squandering of that particular opening was a shame, Saviola’s failure to convert Malaga’s next magnificent move was the equivalent of a footballing tragedy. Eliseu, who was a tremendous driving force down the right-hand side, shaped to try his luck from distance with a free kick but he instead played the ball forward to Joaquin, who put Saviola in on goal with the most sublime first-time flick.
The Argentine did everything right, controlling the pass instantaneously before attempting to prod the ball past Proto, but the Belgian miraculously managed to parry it over the bar.
However, Malaga’s intricate link-up play was finally rewarded just before the interval, in a far more direct – yet no less stunning – fashion, with Eliseu thundering a 25-yard volley into the top left corner of the net, after Anderlecht had failed to fully clear a corner.
The hope, from the home crowd's perspective at least, was that their side might be able to regroup during the interval but, if anything, it looked even more out of its depth after the restart, and a second Malaga goal was an inevitability. It arrived on 56 minutes, Joaquin converting a spot-kick with some conviction, after the marauding Monreal had been recklessly upended by Cheikhou Kouyate.
Anderlecht's spirit now well and truly broken, Malaga really began to enjoy itself, and its almost ridiculously fluid forward line carved its opponent open at will.
The Spanish side finally put the finishing touches on the masterpiece on 74 minutes when Isco surged forward from midfield before slipping the ball through for Eliseu, who lobbed the ball over the hapless Proto with the most delicious first-time flick of his left boot.
The Andalusians could have scored many more in the final quarter, with Manuel Iturra the biggest culprit in that regard after shooting tamely on goal after a brilliant one-two with Isco, but they ultimately settled for three goals, and more importantly, three points that keeps them on top of Group C ahead of their mouth-watering match-up with AC Milan later this month.
Malaga made it two wins from two in Champions League Group C with a scintillating 3-0 victory over an outclassed Anderlecht side at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on Wednesday night.
Having swept Zenit aside in its tournament opener, the Spanish side looked a cut above its host from start to finish and had already wasted a couple of gilt-edged chances before Eliseu scored with a stunning volley just before the break.
Joaquin doubled the advantage with a penalty before Eliseu struck again just after the hour mark to extend Anderlecht's winless run of home games in the group stages of the Champions League to 10.
One of the form sides in Europe, Malaga arrived in Brussels brimming with confidence and unsurprisingly played with a real swagger throughout. With Javier Saviola supported in attack by Isco and Joaquin, who were again given licence to roam and interchange as they saw fit, the visitors’ movement during the opening 45 minutes was often a joy to behold.
The trio combined wonderfully to prise open the Malage defense 26 minutes in only for Joaquin to see his shot blocked by the advancing Proto. Saviola, who had played the former Betis man in on goal, tried to nod home the rebound but he failed to get enough purchase on his header and Anderlecht managed to clear.
If the squandering of that particular opening was a shame, Saviola’s failure to convert Malaga’s next magnificent move was the equivalent of a footballing tragedy. Eliseu, who was a tremendous driving force down the right-hand side, shaped to try his luck from distance with a free kick but he instead played the ball forward to Joaquin, who put Saviola in on goal with the most sublime first-time flick.
The Argentine did everything right, controlling the pass instantaneously before attempting to prod the ball past Proto, but the Belgian miraculously managed to parry it over the bar.
However, Malaga’s intricate link-up play was finally rewarded just before the interval, in a far more direct – yet no less stunning – fashion, with Eliseu thundering a 25-yard volley into the top left corner of the net, after Anderlecht had failed to fully clear a corner.
The hope, from the home crowd's perspective at least, was that their side might be able to regroup during the interval but, if anything, it looked even more out of its depth after the restart, and a second Malaga goal was an inevitability. It arrived on 56 minutes, Joaquin converting a spot-kick with some conviction, after the marauding Monreal had been recklessly upended by Cheikhou Kouyate.
Anderlecht's spirit now well and truly broken, Malaga really began to enjoy itself, and its almost ridiculously fluid forward line carved its opponent open at will.
The Spanish side finally put the finishing touches on the masterpiece on 74 minutes when Isco surged forward from midfield before slipping the ball through for Eliseu, who lobbed the ball over the hapless Proto with the most delicious first-time flick of his left boot.
The Andalusians could have scored many more in the final quarter, with Manuel Iturra the biggest culprit in that regard after shooting tamely on goal after a brilliant one-two with Isco, but they ultimately settled for three goals, and more importantly, three points that keeps them on top of Group C ahead of their mouth-watering match-up with AC Milan later this month.
Puyol suffers devastating arm injury
mu patta watillak watuna,,, atha ambarila giya...!
James Rodriguez came close to Juventus move, says agent
Porto starlet James Rodriguez was on the brink of a transfer to Juventus two years ago, the winger’s agent has confirmed.
Then a 19-year-old prospect at Argentine outfit Atletico Banfield, he instead joined the Estadio do Dragao club for 5.1 million euro in June 2010 and has since become a key player for the Portuguese outfit.
“I can confirm it is true,” Bruno Carpeggiani revealed to tuttojuve.com. “The move was in the pipeline for some time.
“I do not like to talk about deals [that do not materialize], but Juve at the time were not the side they are now.“You would have to ask [former Juventus chief scout Renzo] Catagnini why they did not take him.”
Although Carpeggiani said Rodriguez loved playing at Porto, he admitted that the recent sale of star forward Hulk shows the Portuguese club is not averse to selling its best players for the right price.He added: “Porto is a club dear to James' heart, so it would need a very large sum to make him interested.
“Now that Porto have sold Hulk though, I could not deprive him [of a transfer].”
Porto starlet James Rodriguez was on the brink of a transfer to Juventus two years ago, the winger’s agent has confirmed.
Then a 19-year-old prospect at Argentine outfit Atletico Banfield, he instead joined the Estadio do Dragao club for 5.1 million euro in June 2010 and has since become a key player for the Portuguese outfit.
“I can confirm it is true,” Bruno Carpeggiani revealed to tuttojuve.com. “The move was in the pipeline for some time.
“I do not like to talk about deals [that do not materialize], but Juve at the time were not the side they are now.“You would have to ask [former Juventus chief scout Renzo] Catagnini why they did not take him.”
Although Carpeggiani said Rodriguez loved playing at Porto, he admitted that the recent sale of star forward Hulk shows the Portuguese club is not averse to selling its best players for the right price.He added: “Porto is a club dear to James' heart, so it would need a very large sum to make him interested.
“Now that Porto have sold Hulk though, I could not deprive him [of a transfer].”
Nasri, Ben Arfa and M'Vila ignored in latest France squad
Samir Nasri is the highest-profile absentee from the latest France squad along with two other surprise exclusions.
The Manchester City playmaker will play no part in Les Bleus’ friendly against Japan on Oct. 12 and 2014 World Cup qualifier against fellow Group I opponents Spain, four days later.
Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has also been dropped following a dip in form and demotion to the Under-21 squad, while Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa’s absence is more surprising considering his excellent form in the Premier League.
All three played a part in France's disciplinary issues at Euro 2012, with Nasri and Jeremy Menez, who was selected by Deschamps, getting suspensions from the French federation.
Nasri served his suspension by missing an August friendly against Uruguay and a pair of World Cup qualifiers last month. M'Vila and Ben Arfa were issued warnings for their actions but not mandated to be left out of any squads.
France No. 1 goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is included on the roster despite not having cemented a first-team spot at his new club, Tottenham, while fellow familiar faces such as Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra are also included.
Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are involved, while Paris Saint-Germain has the most players in the squad with four - Christophe Jallet, Mamadou Sakho, Blaise Matuidi and Menez.
FULL FRANCE ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mickael Landreau.
Defenders: Gael Clichy, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Adil Rami, Mamadou Sakho, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Etienne Capoue, Lassana Diarra, Maxime Gonalons, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena.
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Bafetimbi Gomis, Jeremy Menez, Franck Ribery.
Samir Nasri is the highest-profile absentee from the latest France squad along with two other surprise exclusions.
The Manchester City playmaker will play no part in Les Bleus’ friendly against Japan on Oct. 12 and 2014 World Cup qualifier against fellow Group I opponents Spain, four days later.
Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has also been dropped following a dip in form and demotion to the Under-21 squad, while Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa’s absence is more surprising considering his excellent form in the Premier League.
All three played a part in France's disciplinary issues at Euro 2012, with Nasri and Jeremy Menez, who was selected by Deschamps, getting suspensions from the French federation.
Nasri served his suspension by missing an August friendly against Uruguay and a pair of World Cup qualifiers last month. M'Vila and Ben Arfa were issued warnings for their actions but not mandated to be left out of any squads.
France No. 1 goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is included on the roster despite not having cemented a first-team spot at his new club, Tottenham, while fellow familiar faces such as Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra are also included.
Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are involved, while Paris Saint-Germain has the most players in the squad with four - Christophe Jallet, Mamadou Sakho, Blaise Matuidi and Menez.
FULL FRANCE ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mickael Landreau.
Defenders: Gael Clichy, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Adil Rami, Mamadou Sakho, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Etienne Capoue, Lassana Diarra, Maxime Gonalons, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena.
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Bafetimbi Gomis, Jeremy Menez, Franck Ribery.
Europa League expectations do not faze us, says Atletico Madrid boss
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has said he is unconcerned by being deemed the favorites to win the UEFA Europa League.
The Spanish side is the defending Europa League champion and faces Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen at Vicente Calderon Thursday in Group B, looking to record a 15th straight win in European competition.Simeone however, has stated he is not flustered by the burden of expectation on his shoulders as the capital club looks to retain its crown.
“It is logical that we are among the important teams [in the Europa League], but the past year is behind us,” the Argentine told AS. “It is normal that the supporters delude themselves, but we only think about the next game. These are numbers that the press continue [to remind us of], and that's fine.”
Atletico is currently at the top of Group B, having beaten Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-0 in their opening game two weeks ago.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has said he is unconcerned by being deemed the favorites to win the UEFA Europa League.
The Spanish side is the defending Europa League champion and faces Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen at Vicente Calderon Thursday in Group B, looking to record a 15th straight win in European competition.Simeone however, has stated he is not flustered by the burden of expectation on his shoulders as the capital club looks to retain its crown.
“It is logical that we are among the important teams [in the Europa League], but the past year is behind us,” the Argentine told AS. “It is normal that the supporters delude themselves, but we only think about the next game. These are numbers that the press continue [to remind us of], and that's fine.”
Atletico is currently at the top of Group B, having beaten Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-0 in their opening game two weeks ago.
Pato hands AC Milan a timely boost with return from injury
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a big boost ahead of the derby with Inter after Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato made a welcome return to training.
The 23-year-old has yet to make an official appearance for the Rossoneri this season due to an adductor problem, and he has spent the past few weeks working on his recovery. Pato is now one step closer to a comeback, though, after participating in a full group training session on Thursday and emerging without any setbacks.
It remains to be seen whether Pato will make the squad for the Derby della Madonnina, though, with Milan keen to ease him back into action and avoid any further long-term problems. Injuries limited Pato to just 18 games across all competitions last season, with his four goals being the lowest total in any of his five seasons with Milan.
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a big boost ahead of the derby with Inter after Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato made a welcome return to training.
The 23-year-old has yet to make an official appearance for the Rossoneri this season due to an adductor problem, and he has spent the past few weeks working on his recovery. Pato is now one step closer to a comeback, though, after participating in a full group training session on Thursday and emerging without any setbacks.
It remains to be seen whether Pato will make the squad for the Derby della Madonnina, though, with Milan keen to ease him back into action and avoid any further long-term problems. Injuries limited Pato to just 18 games across all competitions last season, with his four goals being the lowest total in any of his five seasons with Milan.
Pardew denies that Tottenham bid for Cabaye
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been quick to dismiss claims by Yohan Cabaye that the French international received an offer from Tottenham in the summer.
The 26-year-old midfielder had recently suggested that Spurs wanted him to replace Luka Modric, but that he had rejected the offer as he was happy at St James' Park. Pardew, though, contradicted Cabaye as he spoke before Newcastle's UEFA Europa League game against Bordeaux.
"There was no offer from Spurs, so Yohan didn't get that opportunity," Pardew told reporters. "But of course, the likes of Yohan and one or two other players are going to be courted by some of the top sides, that's natural.
"What is important is the development of players - I think players develop here and it is important then that we give them a platform for success, and we are doing our best to do that and this competition is part of that. The only way we can keep the likes of Yohan, Papiss Cisse, Cheikh Tiote and Demba Ba is to bring success, that's the only way and that's what we are going to have to try to do. Hopefully together, we can achieve that and then re-evaluate our goals for next year."
Cabaye has made 61 appearances so far after signing for Newcastle last summer.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been quick to dismiss claims by Yohan Cabaye that the French international received an offer from Tottenham in the summer.
The 26-year-old midfielder had recently suggested that Spurs wanted him to replace Luka Modric, but that he had rejected the offer as he was happy at St James' Park. Pardew, though, contradicted Cabaye as he spoke before Newcastle's UEFA Europa League game against Bordeaux.
"There was no offer from Spurs, so Yohan didn't get that opportunity," Pardew told reporters. "But of course, the likes of Yohan and one or two other players are going to be courted by some of the top sides, that's natural.
"What is important is the development of players - I think players develop here and it is important then that we give them a platform for success, and we are doing our best to do that and this competition is part of that. The only way we can keep the likes of Yohan, Papiss Cisse, Cheikh Tiote and Demba Ba is to bring success, that's the only way and that's what we are going to have to try to do. Hopefully together, we can achieve that and then re-evaluate our goals for next year."
Cabaye has made 61 appearances so far after signing for Newcastle last summer.
Figo: Raul wanted to retire at Madrid but was forced out
Former Portugal international Luis Figo believes that Real Madrid icon Raul wanted to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu, but was forced out against his will.
The experienced attacker, currently under contract with Al Sadd, left the Spanish club for Schalke in the summer of 2010, but Figo believes that his former teammate would much rather have stayed put.
"Raul wanted to end his career at Real Madrid, but it was not to be. He was forced out at Madrid. I hope he's happy in Qatar," Figo stated to Al Jazeera.
The 39-year-old then went on voice his opinion that Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added that it is impossible to pick a favorite between the Blancos star and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.
"I believe Ronaldo can win the Ballon d'Or this year because he has won La Liga," he said. "I don't know why he's unhappy. You'd have to ask him. I generally don't get involved in other people's business.
"Messi or Ronaldo? It really is impossible to say who is the better player between the two of them."
Figo also briefly looked ahead to Sunday's Clasico, and stressed that La Liga is by no means decided just yet.
"The eight points that separate Barcelona and Real Madrid are not too much to overcome. The league is not decided yet."
Former Portugal international Luis Figo believes that Real Madrid icon Raul wanted to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu, but was forced out against his will.
The experienced attacker, currently under contract with Al Sadd, left the Spanish club for Schalke in the summer of 2010, but Figo believes that his former teammate would much rather have stayed put.
"Raul wanted to end his career at Real Madrid, but it was not to be. He was forced out at Madrid. I hope he's happy in Qatar," Figo stated to Al Jazeera.
The 39-year-old then went on voice his opinion that Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added that it is impossible to pick a favorite between the Blancos star and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.
"I believe Ronaldo can win the Ballon d'Or this year because he has won La Liga," he said. "I don't know why he's unhappy. You'd have to ask him. I generally don't get involved in other people's business.
"Messi or Ronaldo? It really is impossible to say who is the better player between the two of them."
Figo also briefly looked ahead to Sunday's Clasico, and stressed that La Liga is by no means decided just yet.
"The eight points that separate Barcelona and Real Madrid are not too much to overcome. The league is not decided yet."
Weidenfeller: Dortmund doesn't need to fear anybody
Roman Weidenfeller believes that Borussia Dortmund does not need to fear any opponent following its performance in the Champions League Group D match against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
The Bundesliga champion dominated proceedings at the Etihad Stadium and appeared to be on its way to the full three points following Marco Reus' opener, until Mario Balotelli leveled the scoring from the spot in the closing minutes of the match.
Nevertheless, Weidenfeller, who captained his side on the night, was quite pleased with his team's performance, and feels it deserved better.
"We don't need to fear anybody," he said to UEFA's official website. "We still have a great chance to get through although we're very disappointed we got just one point. We deserved to get the three points and [conceding] at the end was a blow we didn't deserve. Joe Hart has saved his team two points and I congratulate him on his performance."
Dortmund sits second in its section following Wednesday's results with four points from two games.
Roman Weidenfeller believes that Borussia Dortmund does not need to fear any opponent following its performance in the Champions League Group D match against Manchester City on Wednesday evening.
The Bundesliga champion dominated proceedings at the Etihad Stadium and appeared to be on its way to the full three points following Marco Reus' opener, until Mario Balotelli leveled the scoring from the spot in the closing minutes of the match.
Nevertheless, Weidenfeller, who captained his side on the night, was quite pleased with his team's performance, and feels it deserved better.
"We don't need to fear anybody," he said to UEFA's official website. "We still have a great chance to get through although we're very disappointed we got just one point. We deserved to get the three points and [conceding] at the end was a blow we didn't deserve. Joe Hart has saved his team two points and I congratulate him on his performance."
Dortmund sits second in its section following Wednesday's results with four points from two games.
- Status
