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    Kovacic confident of earning Real Madrid starting spot

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    Mateo Kovacic insists that he could not reject Real Madrid when they made an offer for him and is confident of breaking into the starting XI at the Santiago Bernabeu side.

    Kovacic completed a reported €30 million (£21.8m) move to the Spanish giants from Inter in August, but has come on as a late substitute in the opening two games of the season.

    The 21-year-old maintains that he had no option but to join Madrid when they made an approach and insists he is ready to fight for his place in Rafael Benitez’s first team.

    "Real Madrid is one of the few teams in the world you cannot say no to,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In the end, the clubs found a solution that made all parties happy.
    "Every player dreams of playing for Madrid. It has happened to me at 21-years-old, so I consider myself very lucky.

    "I don't think a club like this base their decisions on a single performance, but perhaps playing for Inter against Madrid helped a little.
    "I know it will be tough to earn a starting place, but I'm sure I'll do it."

    Inter have won both of their opening two games in Serie A following Kovacic’s departure and the midfielder believes the club will thrive in his absence.

    "I was sorry to leave Inter,” he said. “It all happened so fast, but by putting together so many good players, I am sure that Inter will have a great season.

    "I hope to see Inter in the Champions League next year.

    "At the beginning of the season everyone was optimistic and my former team-mates’ start to the season justifies the enthusiasm of the Nerazzurri fans.

    “The competition is so great and it is a very long road, but I hope with all my might that Inter will do the job.”
     

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    Romero: Van Gaal saved my career

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    Goalkeeper Sergio Romero has thanked Louis van Gaal for the confidence shown in him, conceding he might still be without a club had it not been for the Manchester United manager.

    Argentina stopper Romero was a free agent after leaving Sampdoria at the end of the 2014-15 campaign before being snapped up by the Old Trafford coach this summer.

    The 28-year-old has started all four of United's Premier League fixtures amid the David de Gea transfer saga and admits there had been little interest in his signature from other teams despite strong performances for his country.

    "I am very grateful to Van Gaal. I found it difficult to find a new club, even though I had played well at the World Cup and the Copa America," Romero told La Nacion."I do not have the feeling that I am the undisputed No.1 already, but I do feel a lot of support from the technical staff.

    "It is very important for a goalkeeper to feel the support of the coach. You don't rotate goalkeepers. You either start or have to settle for a spot on the bench.There is no third option. And Van Gaal is giving me the confidence I need.

    It is unclear as of yet whether he will continue to start for United now that De Gea's proposed move to Real Madrid has fallen through but for now Romero is enjoying representing the club.

    "Although I missed part of pre-season, I immediately started playing for the biggest club in the world, because that is what Manchester United are," he added."Playing for United is like a dream come true and I hope it will not end any time soon."
     

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    Pogba is unique, the Buffon of midfielders - Trezeguet


    David Trezeguet has hailed Juventus star Paul Pogba as "unique" and believes he could reach incredible heights like team-mate Gianluigi Buffon.

    The 37-year-old has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for years, having won the Uefa Cup, Champions League, World Cup and reached a European Championship final throughout a glittering career.

    Pogba is seen as one of the most promising players in the world, with the 22-year-old midfielder already a pivotal player for Juve.

    Trezeguet believes Buffon is the greatest goalkeeper ever and feels Pogba can have an equally successful career.

    "He's the best goalkeeper of all time," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't see anyone who has had the continuity Buffon has for the last 20 years. Since his time at Parma, he has maintained a very high level.

    "He has always been crucial, it is impressive. I cannot explain how he does it.

    "Paul has a unique future ahead of him. He may be the Buffon of midfielders if he continues to work as hard as he has worked at Juve.

    "I see that he is happy and it is during these times that we grow. He has it all and he is so young."

    The World Cup and European Championship winner also spoke highly of Juve's summer signing Paulo Dybala.

    "He has a bright future ahead of him and is a very important future. It has already proved himself at Palermo and will prove even more in Turin," he added.

    "He doesn't play the same role as me, but I see a little bit of myself in him from when I arrived at Juve: young, with desire to demonstrate value and technically good to help me grow.

    "Dybala has it all and will be the future of Juve.

    "Juve have lost three core players like Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez. It will take time to fix the team."
     

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    Casillas hits out at ‘ungrateful’ Manchester United over Valdes treatment

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    Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hit out at Manchester United over their treatment of Victor Valdes.The Spaniard moved to Old Trafford in October 2014 initially to train with the club as he recovered from a serious knee injury.

    Valdes then signed an 18-month contract with the Red Devils but has subsequently been frozen out after manager Louis van Gaal claimed he refused to play in a reserve game.

    "I want to send all my support and a lot of encouragement to Victor," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "This is proof that at times football is ungrateful."He deserves to find a solution soon because of the type of player he is.”

    Valdes was linked with Besiktas at the end of transfer window but remains at Old Trafford despite having being excluded from their Champions League squad and Casillas is hoping his situation improves."Had they told us a year-and-a-half ago that he would be in this situation, no one would have believed it,” he added.

    "Obviously, no one wishes him that. I know he will come out of this situation because he has a privileged mind and I really hope he comes out of this."I'm certain he will succeed because we all get back to enjoying ourselves [after leaving a club]."
     

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    Pedro: I will miss 'great guy' Messi

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    Chelsea new boy Pedro says he will miss Lionel Messi, having departed Barcelona after 11 years at the club.

    The Spain international left Barca in August, joining the Blues for a fee of £21 million.

    And, having spent the majority of his career with Messi, Pedro insists that he will notice the absence of the four-time Ballon d’Or winner.

    "I will miss Messi so much,” he told El Pais. “He's a great teammate, a great guy. We've lived a lot of things together, a lot of matches, a lot of goals. He knows me well.

    “It felt weird, seeing myself with Chelsea’s shirt, and imagining playing and not finding Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets or Andres Iniesta on the pitch.

    “Fortunately I continue to enjoy them in the national team.”

    Pedro also maintains that Barcelona did not want to sell him, after protracted negotiations with both the Blues and Manchester United, but he says that a conversation with Jose Mourinho persuaded him to leave.

    "I think Barcelona didn't want to sell me,” he added.

    "It all started with a phone call from Cesc Fàbregas. Then Mourinho calls me and I had to make a decision. He made me feel important, he gave me confidence.”

    With Chelsea participating in the Champions League this season, the Blues may face Barca in the latter stages but Pedro maintains that he will never celebrate against his former club.

    "I don't want even think about the chance of play at Camp Nou, I will never celebrate a goal against Barcelona," he said.
     

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    Neuer: Germany made mistakes against Scotland

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    Manuel Neuer has admitted Germany made mistakes in their 3-2 Euro 2016 qualification campaign win over Scotland on Monday, but was pleased with their overall performance.

    Thomas Muller twice gave Joachim Low's men the lead, but sloppy defending allowed the hosts back into the game on both occasions before Ilkay Gundogan eventually scored the winner after the break.

    With two games reamining in Group D, Germany remain top of the table by two points but the Bayern Munich stopper was not satisfied with the team's defensive performance."We made mistakes from set pieces, which meant that Scotland were able to equalise twice," Neuer told the official DFB website."It’s annoying to concede goals, but we performed well and were the better team overall.

    "We want to keep going, as we have played well in the previous two matches. We have to keep the momentum going."Goalscorer Gundogan, meanwhile, was quick to concede Scotland did not make life easy for the world champions.

    "The Scots sat very, very deep. They made it difficult for us. But we played good football and were dangerous throughout. I’m pleased to have scored again," the Dortmund midfielder added.Muller was once more the hero for Germany and the prolific attacker was happy with his fine form in recent games, having scored eight goals in his past seven matches for his country.

    "I have been clinical in the last couple of games, which is always good. We knew what kind of game to expect. We were calm on the ball, it was a case of being patient," concluded the Bayern star.
     

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    Guardiola: I'd have played for Catalan team instead of Spain

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    Pep Guardiola says that he would have chosen to play for the Catalan national team had it existed when he was playing.

    The Bayern Munich boss won 47 caps for Spain during his playing career, winning Olympic gold with La Roja. The Catalan side exists now, but as it is not recognised by Fifa, players are free to feature for it and Spain simultaneously.

    The independence campaign is growing in Catalunya and Guardiola admits he would have foregone the chance to play for Spain if the state had its own team.

    "If there'd been a Catalan state, I would have played for the Catalan national team because I'm from Santpedor,” he is quoted as saying by Marca.

    Guardiola, though, insists that he was “very happy with Spain”, saying that he gave his all for the cause.

    The issue of support for Catalonia has been in the news this week, with Gerard Pique – who has publicly supported independence – subjected to a number of jeers from the crowd during Spain’s 2-0 win over Slovakia.

    Guardiola, though, says that he has no qualms about airing his views.

    "If someone is bothered by my participation in the process, it is their problem,” he added.
     

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    Afghanistan 0-6 Japan: Kagawa & Okazaki shine in Samurai Blue rout

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    Japan recorded a 6-0 win over Afghanistan on Tuesday to maintain their unbeaten record in AFC World Cup qualifying Group E.

    Vahid Halilhodzic’s men beat Cambodia earlier this month, following a draw with Singapore on matchday one, and they built on that win at Azadi Stadium in Iran.

    Shinji Kagawa and Masato Morishige sent Japan in at half-time with a 2-0 advantage, before the Borussia Dortmund attacker doubled his tally five minutes into the second period.

    Shinji Okazaki then netted a quickfire brace to make sure of the win, and a subsequent goal from Keisuke Honda added further gloss.

    The four-time Asian champions started the match with attacking intentions, creating a number of fine chances early on.

    Morishige and Makoto Hasebe both failed to find the net from inside the area, but there was no denying Kagawa in the 10th minute.

    The former Manchester United star twisted past his marker after being set up by Genki Haraguchi and found the net with a sublime shot from the edge of the box, beating Ovays Azizi at his near post.

    Morishige nearly doubled his side's lead with a dangerous free-kick that took an awkward bounce just in front of the goalkeeper, only to see his effort hit the crossbar, with Shinji Okazaki heading wide from the rebound.

    The Afghan goalkeeper pulled off a sublime save to keep out a header from close range following a Japan corner kick, but Honda pulled back the rebound for Morishige, who tapped home from five yards out to get his goal at last.

    Japan effectively put the match to bed early in the second half, with Kagawa doubling his personal tally after another Haraguchi assist.

    Hotaru Yamaguchi then got all the time and space he needed from the Afghanistan defence to set up Okazaki for a simple finish. The latter made it five only minutes later when he pounced on a deflected Honda shot to get his second of the game.

    Slaven Skeledzic's men kept on pushing for a consolation goal, but struggled to contain the Japanese attackers as Honda made it 6-0 after a fine assist from substitute Takashi Usami.

    Tuesday’s win sees Japan climb to second place in the table with seven points from three encounters, trailing leaders Syria by two points.

    Afghanistan, meanwhile, remain fourth with three points from as many games.
     

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    Hernandez joining Bayer Leverkusen is a great story - Bender

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    Bayer Leverkusen captain Lars Bender has hailed the signing of Javier Hernandez as a "great story" and believes the deal shows how attractive the Bundesliga side have become.

    The Mexico international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, joined the German side from Manchester United in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

    Bender, though, welcomes the signing and believes the 27-year-old will add a lot to the club.

    "It's a great story with him," he told Bild. "We have got a quality player and signing him shows that we have a sporting appeal have gained attractiveness."

    Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling insists Hernandez will add to the attacking potency of the side.

    "He is a great footballer. He is very fast and can help us confuse our opponents," he explained.

    And goalkeeper Bernd Leno added: "Bayer has reached a good value in Europe in recent years and he brings a lot of experience into our young team."
     

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    Manchester United have no excuses this season, says Herrera

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    Ander Herrera believes there are no excuses for Manchester United this campaign and feels they must improve on last season's fourth-placed finish.

    Louis van Gaal guided the Old Trafford side back to the Champions League in his first season in charge, but Herrera has stressed the objective must be to challenge for the title in 2015-16.

    "Last season was the first with the new staff and a lot of new players like me but, now, we have no excuses," Herrera told the official club magazine."We have to fight for everything. We are going to try to win every game.

    "When I see the millions of supporters we have, I just think we cannot be fourth in the league, we have to be higher. "It's a very exciting season and we will be fighting for everything."

    United sit fifth in the Premier League with seven points from four games following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Swansea City before the international break.They resume domestic action on Saturday, when they host rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
     

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    Liverpool will be at Manchester United's throat from the start, says Clyne

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    Nathaniel Clyne has stressed that Liverpool cannot afford to allow Manchester United any space when they lock horns at Old Trafford on Saturday.

    The England international has settled in immediately at Anfield following his £12.5m transfer from Southampton, having started in each of the Reds league matches so far.

    Brendan Rodgers' men sit seventh in the Premier League with seven points from four games, level with United, and Clyne is confident they can cause their rivals plenty of problems at the weekend.

    "We need to be at their throats from the start, not let them settle in the game, and with the quality we have up front we can cause them problems," the defender told Liverpool's official website.

    "Working hard, playing on the front foot and taking the game to them is going to be key. We can’t allow them to pass the ball around as they like to or have too much free space."

    Clyne also revealed that playing in big games like Saturday's encounter was a factor in his move from the south coast."One of the reasons I signed for Liverpool is to play in big matches like this," he added.

    "Playing at Old Trafford last season with Southampton and getting the three points was a great feeling. It was a well-deserved victory; we played really well and you have to be on top of your game if you want to come away with three points."
     

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    Ronaldo will score more than Messi, says Ancelotti

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    Carlo Ancelotti has backed Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo to pip Barcelona forward Lionel Messi to the league top goalscorer award this campaign.

    The Portugal international netted 48 times last term to scoop the Pichichi award ahead of Messi, and Ancelotti has little doubt he can repeat that feat this term, even though both men remain scoreless so far in 2015-16.

    "It is a bit strange that neither Ronaldo, nor Messi has scored yet this season in La Liga," Ancelotti told reporters.

    "But I do not have any doubts about Cristiano. I know him very well and I am willing to bet that he will win the Pichichi trophy again this season.

    "When I was in charge last season, he scored 61 goals in all competitions. He really was incredible.

    "Messi's drought so far is also quite unusual, but there is no reason to doubt him either. He is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

    "Cristiano and Messi are among the best ever and Spain is really fortunate to enjoy both of them."

    Ronaldo, 30, has won the Pichichi trophy three times so far in his career, emerging top of the goalscoring charts in 2010-11, 2013-14 and last season.
     

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    Barca still the team to beat - Mendieta

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    Gaizka Mendieta feels all-conquering Barcelona are well placed to continue their dominance both at home and abroad this season.

    Barca swept the board with a league, cup and UEFA Champions League treble last season, as Luis Enrique's first season in charge at the Nou Camp ended in the same glory as Pep Guardiola's had six years earlier.

    FIFA's enforced transfer ban means new signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal, who arrived from Atletico Madrid and Sevilla respectively, cannot play until January, Mendieta reckons the Catalan club are best placed to retain the Champions League while also remaining the team to beat in La Liga.

    "They're still the favourites for me," the ex-Spain international said."They have a team with the same players and same manager as last year, and I think that takes a bit of the advantage from Madrid.

    "But, Madrid is Madrid! We've seen the power they've got, the team they've got, and with [new coach Rafael] Benitez now I think they're going to get better.
    "Obviously it takes time, but I think it's still between Madrid and Barcelona."
     

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    Guti: I hope De Gea can cope with a year in the stands

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    Guti has told Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea he should take comfort in the fact that Real Madrid will wait for him - even if he has to spend the whole 2015-16 season sitting in the stands.

    The 24-year-old Spain international was left in limbo on the final day of the transfer window when his long-mooted move to the Santiago Bernabeu broke down due to the late filing of paperwork.

    However, former Real favourite Guti has urged De Gea to remain patient as he waits for his move, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to return for the shot stopper when his contract expires at the end of the season.

    "De Gea is one of the two or three best keepers in the world and it is a shame what has happened," Guti told Spanish newspaper AS."All of Madridismo was hoping that he would come this season. The president did everything possible to bring him here, but it wasn't to be.

    The status of De Gea will be in significant focus ahead of United’s home game against Liverpool on Saturday, with Sergio Romero eager to stake his claim for the number one spot.The Argentine international has started all four of United's games in the Premier League this season but Guti is confident his compatriot will get his move to La Liga.

    "I hope that he is able to handle a year in the wilderness if he is left in the stands and that he knows that the best team in the world is waiting for him after that."
     

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    Nolito denies Barcelona interest

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    Celta Vigo star Nolito has denied reports Barcelona made a bid for his services this summer.

    The 28-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou, having played under Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique during the coach's time in charge of the Galician club.

    Nolito even admitted in an interview last week that it would be difficult to turn down a return to Barca, having spent three years with the Catalans' B team between 2008 and 2011, as well as making two Liga appearances for the senior squad.

    However, he insists that he has yet to receive any approach from the European champions, telling Faro de Vigo: "I never had the option of moving to Barcelona. When people say so many things and they assumed I was going to Barcelona, ​​I had to go out and talk.

    "Neither my agent, me or anyone at Celta called. I said if the club came to get me, I would go."

    The forward then revealed he could even sign a new contract in the near future, while denying the deal would include a reasonable buy-out clause in order to encourage interest from Barca.

    "Today there is nothing signed, but what I do know is that my agent is talking with Celta but I try to stay out of those discussions," Nolito added. "What I want is to put a stop to the rumours.

    "It is a pain because everyone asks you if you are leaving. It's a little overwhelming, but I try to stay out. I try to follow my own way and focus on the job.

    "There will be no advantage for Barcelona in my release clause. If we agreed to renew the contract the clause will be agreed by my representative, Celta and me.

    "If Barcelona come after me they have to speak with Celta. I'm focused on playing and I'm not aware of what will happen at Christmas."
     

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    'No issue between Van Gaal & De Gea' - Mata

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    Juan Mata insists that there has been no falling out between Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal and David De Gea over the goalkeeper's collapsed move to Real Madrid.

    After months of speculation, De Gea looked set to complete a deadline-day move to the Santiago Bernabeu that would have seen Blancos No.1 Keylor Navas move in the opposite direction.

    However, the relevant documentation was not lodged with La Liga in time, meaning De Gea must remain at United, until at least the January transfer window.

    Given the Spain international has yet to see a minute of Premier League action so far this season, there has been speculation that Van Gaal will leave De Gea in the stands for the final year of his contract.

    Mata, though, insists that there is no issue between the two and says that he fully expects United's Players' Player of the Year for the past two seasons to have another big campaign at Old Trafford.

    "I don’t think there’ll be a problem with the club, the coach or the fans," the Spain playmaker told reporters. "That’s how I perceive it.

    "The fans love [De Gea] very much and he’s highly regarded by both the club and the coach. I think it will still be the same.

    "The last two years David has been the best player in our team. His saves have earned us a lot of points. I have no doubt this will be a very good year, too."

    Mata also dismissed the suggestion that De Gea's focus has and will continue to be affected by his inability to complete his proposed move to Madrid.

    "I’ve talked with him a lot," the former Chelsea man added. "There have been hectic and stressful days but he is such a quiet, centred person, nothing changes him."
     

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    Januzaj scores on Dortmund debut in refugee friendly

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    Adnan Januzaj scored on his first outing for Borussia Dortmund in a charity friendly clash against St. Pauli on Tuesday.

    The on-loan Manchester United winger turned brilliantly away from his marker, before firing home a deflected shot from the edge of the area, in the first half of the encounter in Hamburg.

    Dortmund and St. Pauli had organised the game in order to raise further awareness of the refugee crisis currently engulfing Europe.

    The match, following on from a 'Refugees Welcome' campaign that has seen thousands of German football fans offer support to asylum seekers, was designed to "set a sign and play its part in establishing a welcoming culture for those who have fled to Germany", according to St. Pauli.

    A number of migrants and volunteer workers living in Hamburg were invited to the game, with more than 21,000 tickets sold in total prior to kick-off.

    Gonzalo Castro opened the scoring for Thomas Tuchel's side before St. Pauli, who had earlier missed a penalty, levelled through Fafa Picault.

    Januzaj then regained the lead for Dortmund and was replaced to a warm reception from the visiting fans just past the hour mark, as the Bundesliga side secured the win.

    After full-time, both sets of players walked the length of the pitch carrying banners bearing the 'Refugees Welcome' slogan to a standing ovation from the crowd.
     

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    Ancelotti: Simeone is a major threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid

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    Carlo Ancelotti has warned former club Real Madrid and Barcelona to expect a strong challenge from Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in 2015-16.

    Ancelotti was sacked at the end of last season and replaced by Rafa Benitez after the club failed to defend their Champions League and Copa del Rey crowns and finished second in La Liga.

    Madrid suffered an infamous 4-0 derby defeat to Atletico under the Italian last season and he believes Simeone and his side will pose a real threat in Spain's top flight this term.

    "It will be the same as the past three seasons," he said. "This year Atletico Madrid will be very strong, they are going to be a big threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

    "Simeone is a manager who knows how to get the best out of his players, so matching up to them on the pitch will be very difficult."Ancelotti also wished Benitez well for his debut campaign in charge of Madrid and again paid tribute to his former players.

    "I know first hand what it is like to train Real Madrid," he continued."I wish Rafa Benitez the best, I have a lot of respect for his work. I can only say that he has a great squad under his charge and that is because I was fortunate enough to coach them for the last two seasons."

    Atletico and Barcelona have secured maximum points from their first two La Liga matches this season, while Madrid are two points adrift with four.
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    England 2-0 Switzerland: Record-breaker Rooney seals victory for Three Lions

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    Wayne Rooney became England's all-time record goalscorer as England maintained their 100 per cent record in Euro 2016 qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday.

    After Roy Hodgson's men booked their place at next year's competition with victory over San Marino on Saturday, all eyes were on whether Rooney would break Bobby Charlton's record for England.

    The England captain moved level with Charlton on 49 goals at the weekend and, while it proved a frustrating evening for the skipper and his side at times, Rooney tucked home his historic goal from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

    After losing Fabian Delph to a hamstring problem after just nine seconds, substitute Harry Kane set England on their way to victory within 10 minutes of his introduction.

    Rooney's long-awaited moment came soon after, as he completed his historic feat after Raheem Sterling was felled inside the area - the England striker moving clear of Charlton with his 50th international goal.

    Switzerland, having looked resolute while relatively dangerous on the break, remain in pole position to join England in France from Group E, although Slovenia's win over Estonia makes life slightly trickier for Vladimir Petkovic's side.

    Delph was one of four England changes, but the Manchester City midfielder was forced to hobble off inside the first minute having appeared to tweak his hamstring.

    Delph suffered the same fate on his City debut during the close-season and Hodgson was forced to reshuffle his pack, with Ross Barkley introduced.

    The enforced change failed to halt England's momentum, though - Gary Cahill's header testing Yann Sommer before Rooney set up James Milner for a shot on target, having curled wide from inside the area minutes earlier.

    Xherdan Shaqiri offered the bulk of Switzerland's limited threat before the break before Barkley saw a curled effort blocked early in the second half.

    Rooney again threated with a header, following positive running down the right from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, before testing Sommer from distance.

    However, England failed to get the breakthrough their attacking intent warranted, while the visitors looked threatening on the counter, going close to an opener with Granit Xhaka's header from a corner.

    Kane was introduced prior to the hour mark, Rooney dropping behind the Tottenham forward, and it proved an inspired decision as the youngster made it three goals from four senior international outings soon after.

    Cutting across the ball, his strike evaded a clutch of Swiss defenders to beat Sommer and offer a further reminder that his goalscoring exploits last season are unlikely to be a one-off.

    Rooney's moment was still to come and arrived when Xhaka brought down the lively Sterling.

    The skipper stepped up amid excitement from the home crowd and, while Sommer got a hand to the ball, Rooney was not to be denied - the skipper breaking new ground in an England shirt on another positive night for the hosts.
     
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