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Muller proud to make Bayern history with record win at Werder
Thomas Muller was thrilled as Bayern Munich made history by becoming the first team to win their first nine Bundesliga fixtures with Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Werder Bremen.
The Germany international broke the deadlock midway through the first half after being set up by Thiago Alcantara, with die Roten settling for a narrow victory despite creating a number of chances to net a second.And while Muller admitted he was more concerned with the win as compared to the record, he was still pleased to see his side accomplish the record.
"We got the full three points regardless of whether it is a record or not," Muller told Bayern's official website.
"But it is obviously a great feat. That is a tough job to repeat for any team."We dominated proceedings and got a few more good chances in the second half. We saw some hectic situations in the Bremen area.
"We would obviously have liked to score a second goal, because it remained a tight affair right until the end."We put in a fine performance overall, though."
Pep Guardiola's men have a commanding lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with 27 points - seven ahead of title rivals Borussia Dortmund.Their win at Weserstadion ensures they head into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Arsenal in the best possible form.
Thomas Muller was thrilled as Bayern Munich made history by becoming the first team to win their first nine Bundesliga fixtures with Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Werder Bremen.
The Germany international broke the deadlock midway through the first half after being set up by Thiago Alcantara, with die Roten settling for a narrow victory despite creating a number of chances to net a second.And while Muller admitted he was more concerned with the win as compared to the record, he was still pleased to see his side accomplish the record.
"We got the full three points regardless of whether it is a record or not," Muller told Bayern's official website.
"But it is obviously a great feat. That is a tough job to repeat for any team."We dominated proceedings and got a few more good chances in the second half. We saw some hectic situations in the Bremen area.
"We would obviously have liked to score a second goal, because it remained a tight affair right until the end."We put in a fine performance overall, though."
Pep Guardiola's men have a commanding lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with 27 points - seven ahead of title rivals Borussia Dortmund.Their win at Weserstadion ensures they head into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Arsenal in the best possible form.
Allegri: Juventus do not fear Inter
Juventus have no fear ahead of their Derby d'Italia meeting with Inter on Sunday, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.Defending champions Juve have endured a poor start to the campaign, sitting 12th on the table with two wins from their opening seven fixtures.
Roberto Mancini's team are in second position with 16 points - eight more than the Bianconeri have - though Inter have not beaten Juve at San Siro in Serie A since 2010.And despite his side's poor domestic form, Allegri claimed his players feel no trepidation and are focused on putting in a positive display on Sunday.
"At this moment the table tells us that Inter are favourites for the Scudetto, then Roma, Napoli, Milan and eventually Juve," Allegri told reporters in a press conference on Saturday.
"We are not afraid of Inter, we respect them but we have no fear. This is not going to be a knockout round, nor will it be decisive for the Scudetto. The plan is to be in the running for the title in March and reaching that period in the best form.
"They are a great team full of quality players and we are only focused on the fact that every player wants to play in this kind of game."It's the Derby d'Italia and we will play in front of 80,000 people, plus there's all those watching it on television.
"All these reasons give us huge motivation to play at our best. It will be crucial to go to Milan and play well, especially from a technical point of view."
Juventus have no fear ahead of their Derby d'Italia meeting with Inter on Sunday, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.Defending champions Juve have endured a poor start to the campaign, sitting 12th on the table with two wins from their opening seven fixtures.
Roberto Mancini's team are in second position with 16 points - eight more than the Bianconeri have - though Inter have not beaten Juve at San Siro in Serie A since 2010.And despite his side's poor domestic form, Allegri claimed his players feel no trepidation and are focused on putting in a positive display on Sunday.
"At this moment the table tells us that Inter are favourites for the Scudetto, then Roma, Napoli, Milan and eventually Juve," Allegri told reporters in a press conference on Saturday.
"We are not afraid of Inter, we respect them but we have no fear. This is not going to be a knockout round, nor will it be decisive for the Scudetto. The plan is to be in the running for the title in March and reaching that period in the best form.
"They are a great team full of quality players and we are only focused on the fact that every player wants to play in this kind of game."It's the Derby d'Italia and we will play in front of 80,000 people, plus there's all those watching it on television.
"All these reasons give us huge motivation to play at our best. It will be crucial to go to Milan and play well, especially from a technical point of view."
Blanc: Difficult week for PSG makes Bastia win sweeter
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says setbacks to his side's preparations in a "difficult week" made their 2-0 win over Bastia on Saturday especially pleasing.
A game of few chances saw the Ligue 1 leaders prevail through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's second-half brace to seal a hard-earned win for Blanc's men, who have not lost in the league since March.
Despite acknowledging preparations were difficult, having seen many of his star names jet across the globe on international duty in recent weeks, Blanc took time to praise their professionalism sealing their win in Corsica.
"I am very pleased with the three points and this allows us to prepare well for [Real] Madrid," he told reporters after the game, looking ahead to Wednesday's Champions League clash.
"We had a difficult week. Our preparation conditions were not optimal with players recovering very late having made some insane trips."
Argentina international Angel Di Maria was one of several first-team players rested for the trip to Corsica, but Blanc insists Bastia's good performance was the main factor in their early struggles at the Stade Armand Cesar."I wanted to preserve my players by making some rotations," the 49-year-old continued.
"While our first period was average, our work and especially that of Bastia during 45 minutes was very helpful for the second period where we had more space and freedom."Never forget the opponent - when you say that Paris was winded you did not focus on Bastia's performance."
Blanc added his side are likely to be presented with similar challenges to their preparations for future matches, insisting it cannot be used as an excuse."It was another difficult week ahead but we will not hide behind that," he said. "It is what comes with being a big club and especially those with a lot of South Americans."
Les Parisiens stand atop Ligue 1 having collected 26 points so far, five ahead of Angers who sit in second.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says setbacks to his side's preparations in a "difficult week" made their 2-0 win over Bastia on Saturday especially pleasing.
A game of few chances saw the Ligue 1 leaders prevail through Zlatan Ibrahimovic's second-half brace to seal a hard-earned win for Blanc's men, who have not lost in the league since March.
Despite acknowledging preparations were difficult, having seen many of his star names jet across the globe on international duty in recent weeks, Blanc took time to praise their professionalism sealing their win in Corsica.
"I am very pleased with the three points and this allows us to prepare well for [Real] Madrid," he told reporters after the game, looking ahead to Wednesday's Champions League clash.
"We had a difficult week. Our preparation conditions were not optimal with players recovering very late having made some insane trips."
Argentina international Angel Di Maria was one of several first-team players rested for the trip to Corsica, but Blanc insists Bastia's good performance was the main factor in their early struggles at the Stade Armand Cesar."I wanted to preserve my players by making some rotations," the 49-year-old continued.
"While our first period was average, our work and especially that of Bastia during 45 minutes was very helpful for the second period where we had more space and freedom."Never forget the opponent - when you say that Paris was winded you did not focus on Bastia's performance."
Blanc added his side are likely to be presented with similar challenges to their preparations for future matches, insisting it cannot be used as an excuse."It was another difficult week ahead but we will not hide behind that," he said. "It is what comes with being a big club and especially those with a lot of South Americans."
Les Parisiens stand atop Ligue 1 having collected 26 points so far, five ahead of Angers who sit in second.
Wilfried Bony reveals Malaria bout
Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony has revealed that he contracted malaria ahead of this season.
Bony replaced the injured Sergio Aguero in Manuel Pellegrini's XI to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.
The Ivorian – who made just two Premier League starts for City last season after struggling with injury - suggested a bout of the illness kept him out of the club's pre-season tour to Australia and Vietnam.
However, he is keen to look forward and keep making an impact in the first team.
"I got malaria from Africa when I was coming back but I am okay now," Bony said on Saturday.
"It has been four years now that I didn't make pre-season. Sometimes it happens like this, that you have the worst time and get a lot of injuries, then other times you are just happy.
"I feel I have turned the corner. I have had a lot of injuries and been sick, and feel that is all away from me now.
"I just want to do my job, do my best in training and score when I get my chance in the match. Every striker is happy when he scores, especially when the team wins."
City are at home to Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony has revealed that he contracted malaria ahead of this season.
Bony replaced the injured Sergio Aguero in Manuel Pellegrini's XI to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.
The Ivorian – who made just two Premier League starts for City last season after struggling with injury - suggested a bout of the illness kept him out of the club's pre-season tour to Australia and Vietnam.
However, he is keen to look forward and keep making an impact in the first team.
"I got malaria from Africa when I was coming back but I am okay now," Bony said on Saturday.
"It has been four years now that I didn't make pre-season. Sometimes it happens like this, that you have the worst time and get a lot of injuries, then other times you are just happy.
"I feel I have turned the corner. I have had a lot of injuries and been sick, and feel that is all away from me now.
"I just want to do my job, do my best in training and score when I get my chance in the match. Every striker is happy when he scores, especially when the team wins."
City are at home to Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Saints must manage game better - Koeman
Ronald Koeman says Southampton must learn how to protect a lead after seeing his side squander a two-goal advantage in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City.
Captain Jose Fonte - who signed a new deal until 2018 on Friday - and centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk put Southampton into a 2-0 lead by half time at St Mary's Stadium.
But the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy struck twice for Leicester in the second half - including an injury-time equaliser - to deny the home side all three points.
"We have to know how to manage the game," Koeman said.
"It's a difficult one because we were 2-0 up and defending the result. It's difficult because we didn't get space to play but we have to recognise [what decisions to make].
"Also we had a big chance from Sadio [Mane] at 2-0 to kill the game, then from 2-1 it's more difficult.
"At 2-0 up at half time you don't expect not to win the game but I think it's a deserved point for Leicester.
"They made it very difficult and I think in the last 30 minutes it looked like they were more fresh and had more belief in the result than Southampton."
Koeman is also waiting to learn the extent of a back injury to goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who was unable to make the starting XI.
He added: "We have to wait and see. He had pain in his back.
"He wasn't 100 per cent to start so we have to wait to see what will happen in the next few days."
Ronald Koeman says Southampton must learn how to protect a lead after seeing his side squander a two-goal advantage in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City.
Captain Jose Fonte - who signed a new deal until 2018 on Friday - and centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk put Southampton into a 2-0 lead by half time at St Mary's Stadium.
But the league's top scorer Jamie Vardy struck twice for Leicester in the second half - including an injury-time equaliser - to deny the home side all three points.
"We have to know how to manage the game," Koeman said.
"It's a difficult one because we were 2-0 up and defending the result. It's difficult because we didn't get space to play but we have to recognise [what decisions to make].
"Also we had a big chance from Sadio [Mane] at 2-0 to kill the game, then from 2-1 it's more difficult.
"At 2-0 up at half time you don't expect not to win the game but I think it's a deserved point for Leicester.
"They made it very difficult and I think in the last 30 minutes it looked like they were more fresh and had more belief in the result than Southampton."
Koeman is also waiting to learn the extent of a back injury to goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who was unable to make the starting XI.
He added: "We have to wait and see. He had pain in his back.
"He wasn't 100 per cent to start so we have to wait to see what will happen in the next few days."
Sterling hails best Manchester City performance
Raheem Sterling believes his match-winning display against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday was his best yet for Manchester City.
The England international scored a first-half hat-trick as City stormed to a 5-1 win over Eddie Howe's newly-promoted side at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling feels his performance was his best since arriving from Liverpool in July and he is now looking ahead to the upcoming clashes with Sevilla in the Champions League and local rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.
"That was my best game so far for City. I had chances and I finished them so I'm happy," Sterling told reporters.
"The movement up front and the passing from midfield has been really good in the last few games and we've been playing some good, free-flowing stuff.
"We have to put this game to one side now and look towards Sevilla on Wednesday and Man United next weekend, but our focus for now is purely on Wednesday."
Sterling also offered praise to team-mate Wilfried Bony, who came into the side in place of the injured Sergio Aguero and scored twice.
"Wilfried did really well today," he added.
"He held up the ball well and took his chances when they came. He was brilliant this afternoon."
Raheem Sterling believes his match-winning display against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday was his best yet for Manchester City.
The England international scored a first-half hat-trick as City stormed to a 5-1 win over Eddie Howe's newly-promoted side at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling feels his performance was his best since arriving from Liverpool in July and he is now looking ahead to the upcoming clashes with Sevilla in the Champions League and local rivals Manchester United in the Premier League.
"That was my best game so far for City. I had chances and I finished them so I'm happy," Sterling told reporters.
"The movement up front and the passing from midfield has been really good in the last few games and we've been playing some good, free-flowing stuff.
"We have to put this game to one side now and look towards Sevilla on Wednesday and Man United next weekend, but our focus for now is purely on Wednesday."
Sterling also offered praise to team-mate Wilfried Bony, who came into the side in place of the injured Sergio Aguero and scored twice.
"Wilfried did really well today," he added.
"He held up the ball well and took his chances when they came. He was brilliant this afternoon."
Wenger: I considered resting Sanchez
Arsene Wenger admits he considered resting Alexis Sanchez ahead of Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday.
The Chile international continued his sublime form by opening the scoring in the second half at Vicarage Road before goals from Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey wrapped up the win.
Asked if he considered dropping Sanchez, Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “I did. Yesterday in the training session he looked quite sharp and the medical people told me he has no problem at all, then I thought I would test if he is ready and if he was not ready I would take him out.
“But sometimes it is easier to start the game and take the players off than when you go into the game a little bit tired, because you go with the game. So I decided to go for that.
“I believe every player hates not playing but as well you have periods as a player. When a player is on a scoring moment then sometimes the flow can be disturbed. That is why I leave him in.”
Arsene Wenger admits he considered resting Alexis Sanchez ahead of Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday.
The Chile international continued his sublime form by opening the scoring in the second half at Vicarage Road before goals from Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey wrapped up the win.
Asked if he considered dropping Sanchez, Wenger told Arsenal’s official website: “I did. Yesterday in the training session he looked quite sharp and the medical people told me he has no problem at all, then I thought I would test if he is ready and if he was not ready I would take him out.
“But sometimes it is easier to start the game and take the players off than when you go into the game a little bit tired, because you go with the game. So I decided to go for that.
“I believe every player hates not playing but as well you have periods as a player. When a player is on a scoring moment then sometimes the flow can be disturbed. That is why I leave him in.”
Barcelona 5-2 Rayo Vallecano: Neymar scores four in rout
Neymar scored four goals as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barca had lost two of their previous three games prior to this but Neymar cancelled out Javi Guerra's opener by winning and converting two penalties before adding two quick-fire goals late on to help keep his side level on points with Real Madrid.
Guerra made the most of slack Barca defending 15 minutes in to earn the visitors a surprise lead, but Neymar proved too hot for Rayo to handle in the first half and had two of four penalty appeals given by the referee.
Having coaxed fouls from Diego Llorente and Nacho Martinez, Neymar tucked both spot kicks away to help Luis Enrique's men deal with the absence of injured star Lionel Messi.
The Argentina man has had his struggles with penalties and Neymar will have a case to take them even when Messi returns.
Neymar capped a sublime display with two goals in two second-half minutes before laying on a fifth for Luis Suarez. Jozabed's late finish mattered little as Barca moved second ahead of a clash between third-place Villarreal and Celta Vigo in fourth on Sunday.
Sergi Roberto was moved into midfield at Javier Mascherano's expense and he played Ivan Rakitic clean through for Barca's first chance, as Tono denied the Croatian one-on-one seven minutes in.
The pressure from the hosts continued as Tono's poor clearance fell to Sergio Busquets, who passed to Luis Suarez, only for the Rayo goalkeeper to redeem himself by saving the Uruguayan's effort from inside the area.
Jeremy Mathieu then denied Bebe a shot on goal after a quick counter, before Rayo took the lead against the run of play as Guerra punished some slack Barca defending.
The in-form striker turned home Bebe's cross to register his fourth goal in six La Liga games to silence the Camp Nou 15 minutes in.
Neymar then saw his first penalty appeal waved away following a challenge from Llorente but the Rayo man fouled the Barca forward again soon after.
Referee Pedro Perez awarded what was a blatant penalty and Neymar converted before Suarez appeared to have completed the turnaround, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Neymar continued to cause Rayo problems, turning Martinez inside out before being upended inside the area for a second time - finding the opposite corner from the spot shortly after the half-hour mark.
Martinez appeared to foul Neymar again before the break but the Brazilian was denied a third penalty.
Rayo began the second-half brightly and Claudio Bravo was called on to deny Guerra his second before producing a fine double stop after efforts from Lass Bangoura and Patrick Ebert to keep Barca in front.
Despite Rayo's attempts, Neymar continued to prove unstoppable, finishing well when Tono saved from Suarez before his forward partner put a fourth goal on a plate for him 19 minutes from time.
Suarez earned his reward for a tireless display up front with a fifth - Neymar turning provider with an inch-perfect cross for the former Liverpool man to finish from close range - the pair having scored all of Barca's last nine league goals between them.
Jozabed's strike five minutes from time to make it 5-2 mattered little, as Rayo were left to contemplate a 10th consecutive defeat to Barca, shipping 45 goals in that spell.
Neymar scored four goals as Barcelona came from behind to defeat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barca had lost two of their previous three games prior to this but Neymar cancelled out Javi Guerra's opener by winning and converting two penalties before adding two quick-fire goals late on to help keep his side level on points with Real Madrid.
Guerra made the most of slack Barca defending 15 minutes in to earn the visitors a surprise lead, but Neymar proved too hot for Rayo to handle in the first half and had two of four penalty appeals given by the referee.
Having coaxed fouls from Diego Llorente and Nacho Martinez, Neymar tucked both spot kicks away to help Luis Enrique's men deal with the absence of injured star Lionel Messi.
The Argentina man has had his struggles with penalties and Neymar will have a case to take them even when Messi returns.
Neymar capped a sublime display with two goals in two second-half minutes before laying on a fifth for Luis Suarez. Jozabed's late finish mattered little as Barca moved second ahead of a clash between third-place Villarreal and Celta Vigo in fourth on Sunday.
Sergi Roberto was moved into midfield at Javier Mascherano's expense and he played Ivan Rakitic clean through for Barca's first chance, as Tono denied the Croatian one-on-one seven minutes in.
The pressure from the hosts continued as Tono's poor clearance fell to Sergio Busquets, who passed to Luis Suarez, only for the Rayo goalkeeper to redeem himself by saving the Uruguayan's effort from inside the area.
Jeremy Mathieu then denied Bebe a shot on goal after a quick counter, before Rayo took the lead against the run of play as Guerra punished some slack Barca defending.
The in-form striker turned home Bebe's cross to register his fourth goal in six La Liga games to silence the Camp Nou 15 minutes in.
Neymar then saw his first penalty appeal waved away following a challenge from Llorente but the Rayo man fouled the Barca forward again soon after.
Referee Pedro Perez awarded what was a blatant penalty and Neymar converted before Suarez appeared to have completed the turnaround, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Neymar continued to cause Rayo problems, turning Martinez inside out before being upended inside the area for a second time - finding the opposite corner from the spot shortly after the half-hour mark.
Martinez appeared to foul Neymar again before the break but the Brazilian was denied a third penalty.
Rayo began the second-half brightly and Claudio Bravo was called on to deny Guerra his second before producing a fine double stop after efforts from Lass Bangoura and Patrick Ebert to keep Barca in front.
Despite Rayo's attempts, Neymar continued to prove unstoppable, finishing well when Tono saved from Suarez before his forward partner put a fourth goal on a plate for him 19 minutes from time.
Suarez earned his reward for a tireless display up front with a fifth - Neymar turning provider with an inch-perfect cross for the former Liverpool man to finish from close range - the pair having scored all of Barca's last nine league goals between them.
Jozabed's strike five minutes from time to make it 5-2 mattered little, as Rayo were left to contemplate a 10th consecutive defeat to Barca, shipping 45 goals in that spell.
Torino 1-1 Milan: Baselli strike cancels out Bacca's opener
Daniele Baselli cancelled out Carlos Bacca's opener to help Torino to a 1-1 draw with Milanin Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino.
Riccardo Montolivo and Giacomo Bonaventura threatened for Milan in the opening 45 minutes, yet both failed to break the deadlock as it remained all square at half-time.The visitors would open the scoring after the interval, though, as substitute Bacca found the net after some fine work from Andrea Bertolacci.
Torino levelled the scoring just 10 minutes later, however, as Baselli beat Diego Lopez from inside the area.Maxi Lopez had a fine chance to help the home side to victory, yet he failed to beat the Milan goalkeeper with eight more minutes on the clock.
Failure to see out the win will do Sinisa Mihajlovic's job prospects no good, amid sustained reports that Milan's hierarchy are already thinking of dispensing of his services.
Both sides struggled to impose themselves on the opening stages of the match. Montolivo was the first to try his luck in the 17th minute, but the Milan captain blasted his opportunistic shot over the crossbar.
Montolivo again looked dangerous shortly after when he went past Kamil Glik inside the area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, yet Daniele Padelli pulled off a fine save to deny the Italy international.
Milan came close to opening the scoring at the half-hour mark. Bonaventura stepped up to a free-kick just outside the left-hand side of the area, but the attacking midfielder was unfortunate to see his attempt hit the side netting.
Mihajlovic's men were awarded another free-kick in a dangerous position shortly before the break, yet Alex went for power rather than accuracy and hit his shot wide of the target.
Bonaventura had a penalty shout turned down at the hour mark, but Milan went ahead regardless just minutes later. Bertolacci went past his marker down the left and set up Bacca with an intelligent pass and the Colombia international found the top corner with a sublime finish.The former Sevilla man nearly got a second just 60 seconds later, only to see his cheeky backheel cleared off the line by Glik.
Torino finally had their first shot of the game halfway through the second half, yet Daniele Baselli's long-range strike was deflected wide for a corner.The hosts did restore parity in the 73rd minute after Baselli nicked the ball off team-mate Andrea Belotti before beating Diego Lopez at his near post.
Maxi Lopez should have gifted Torino the lead in the 82nd minute after a quick counterattack, only to see his low shot at the near post saved by his namesake in the visitors' goal as Mihajlovic's men clung on to a point that may do little to help his individual cause.
Daniele Baselli cancelled out Carlos Bacca's opener to help Torino to a 1-1 draw with Milanin Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino.
Riccardo Montolivo and Giacomo Bonaventura threatened for Milan in the opening 45 minutes, yet both failed to break the deadlock as it remained all square at half-time.The visitors would open the scoring after the interval, though, as substitute Bacca found the net after some fine work from Andrea Bertolacci.
Torino levelled the scoring just 10 minutes later, however, as Baselli beat Diego Lopez from inside the area.Maxi Lopez had a fine chance to help the home side to victory, yet he failed to beat the Milan goalkeeper with eight more minutes on the clock.
Failure to see out the win will do Sinisa Mihajlovic's job prospects no good, amid sustained reports that Milan's hierarchy are already thinking of dispensing of his services.
Both sides struggled to impose themselves on the opening stages of the match. Montolivo was the first to try his luck in the 17th minute, but the Milan captain blasted his opportunistic shot over the crossbar.
Montolivo again looked dangerous shortly after when he went past Kamil Glik inside the area before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, yet Daniele Padelli pulled off a fine save to deny the Italy international.
Milan came close to opening the scoring at the half-hour mark. Bonaventura stepped up to a free-kick just outside the left-hand side of the area, but the attacking midfielder was unfortunate to see his attempt hit the side netting.
Mihajlovic's men were awarded another free-kick in a dangerous position shortly before the break, yet Alex went for power rather than accuracy and hit his shot wide of the target.
Bonaventura had a penalty shout turned down at the hour mark, but Milan went ahead regardless just minutes later. Bertolacci went past his marker down the left and set up Bacca with an intelligent pass and the Colombia international found the top corner with a sublime finish.The former Sevilla man nearly got a second just 60 seconds later, only to see his cheeky backheel cleared off the line by Glik.
Torino finally had their first shot of the game halfway through the second half, yet Daniele Baselli's long-range strike was deflected wide for a corner.The hosts did restore parity in the 73rd minute after Baselli nicked the ball off team-mate Andrea Belotti before beating Diego Lopez at his near post.
Maxi Lopez should have gifted Torino the lead in the 82nd minute after a quick counterattack, only to see his low shot at the near post saved by his namesake in the visitors' goal as Mihajlovic's men clung on to a point that may do little to help his individual cause.
United can beat anyone on top form, Herrera warns
Manchester United can beat any opponent and aim for titles if they repeat the performance they produced against Everton on Saturday, Ander Herrera has claimed.
Louis van Gaal's side bounced back from their 3-0 loss to Arsenal with a convincing victory at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Herrera and captain Wayne Rooney.
And Herrera, who was a commanding presence in the middle of the park, revealed United had been waiting to deliver the perfect response to their defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
"If we keep playing like this we can beat everybody. We showed everyone that Manchester United are here and that we are here to fight for everything," the Basque midfielder told MUTV afterwards.
"When you lose the way that we did against Arsenal then we couldn't wait for this game. I think the first 20 minutes today were fantastic and this was the way we had to react."When you have to fight for everything you have to play like we did."
Having kept the gap with rivals Manchester City at the top of the table to two points, United now switch their focus to the Champions League ahead of a trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow, and Herrera wants his side to prepare quickly for the encounter."We are very proud, we are very happy for this victory but we don't have too much time to enjoy this," added the 26-year-old. "We have to go to Russia in the week and the group is still very equal."
United go into the match at the Arena Khimki on Wednesday needing a result, having secured only three points from their opening two group games.
Manchester United can beat any opponent and aim for titles if they repeat the performance they produced against Everton on Saturday, Ander Herrera has claimed.
Louis van Gaal's side bounced back from their 3-0 loss to Arsenal with a convincing victory at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Herrera and captain Wayne Rooney.
And Herrera, who was a commanding presence in the middle of the park, revealed United had been waiting to deliver the perfect response to their defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
"If we keep playing like this we can beat everybody. We showed everyone that Manchester United are here and that we are here to fight for everything," the Basque midfielder told MUTV afterwards.
"When you lose the way that we did against Arsenal then we couldn't wait for this game. I think the first 20 minutes today were fantastic and this was the way we had to react."When you have to fight for everything you have to play like we did."
Having kept the gap with rivals Manchester City at the top of the table to two points, United now switch their focus to the Champions League ahead of a trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow, and Herrera wants his side to prepare quickly for the encounter."We are very proud, we are very happy for this victory but we don't have too much time to enjoy this," added the 26-year-old. "We have to go to Russia in the week and the group is still very equal."
United go into the match at the Arena Khimki on Wednesday needing a result, having secured only three points from their opening two group games.
Neymar the star of Barca's party in Messi's absence
Another party for Neymar. Barcelona's Brazilian forward was the star of the show for all the right reasons as he did his celebrating on the pitch and put four goals past Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening. In the continued absence of Lionel Messi, this was just what the champions needed.
The 23-year-old has endured some trying times over the last few weeks and months. Criticised for some poor performances this term and hit with a tax fraud case as well, the former Santos forward came under fire during the international break as he was pictured partying with celebrities in his homeland.
That was in a period when he had been expected to remain in Barcelona and build up his fitness as he was still suspended and unable to feature in his country's World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela.
Nevertheless, the break looked to have helped and it was a very different Neymar in the game against Rayo. After Barca went behind early on, the Brazilian won and converted two penalties to turn a deficit into a lead. And it could have been more because he was also denied at least one and probably two more spot-kicks when he himself was fouled in the box on both occasions.
Nevertheless, he completed his hat-trick by tapping in a rebound after the break and added a fourth just a minute later with another simple finish. These were not classic goals, but Neymar had earned them in a buzzing and dynamic display from start to finish.
Previously, it had been left to Luis Suarez to step up after injury sidelined Messi late last month. From Neymar, much more had been expected and on Saturday, it was finally - and emphatically - delivered.
"It's not easy to play against a team like Rayo," he said afterwards. "They have some really good players and they play good football. We did our job." And he added: "It was one of my best games for Barcelona."
It was. Every time he had the ball in an attacking position, the Brazilian looked likely to do damage and he was fouled constantly by Rayo's desperate defenders. And when he wasn't hacked, he seemed set to score. In the end, the visitors were lucky to restrict him to only four.
With Messi out for around another month as he recovers from the knee ligament injury he suffered in the 2-1 win at home to Las Palmas on September 26, Neymar's return to form is timely.
Even though Barca are likely to overcome BATE Borisov home and away in the Champions League in that time, Getafe and Villarreal present tough tests in La Liga and the Clasico at Real Madrid takes place on November 21. Even if Messi is back for that (which is the plan), the Catalans need Neymar at his best for one of their key clashes in the race for the Primera Division.
"Sum up Neymar's game in one word? I would say it in two: Im-pressive!" Luis Enrique said afterwards. The word in Spanish (impresionante) carries more weight than its English translation, yet it was still an understatement.
Messi watched the game from the stands with Andres Iniesta (also injured) and he will have been impressed too. The Argentine has had his problems from the penalty spot this season with two misses from his three spot-kicks - and on this evidence he may have a new rival for the job in Neymar.
After the forward's four-goal salvo, Suarez scored to make it five for Barca and Rayo pulled one back at the other end in an entertaining encounter.
"In training, if the players have that many chances they score nine or 10," Luis Enrique added afterwards. "So we need to be more effective."
It was a remark that could have been applied to many of his players. But not Neymar. He did all he could and with the Brazilian on this fantastic form, Barcelona won't be missing Messi much over the next few weeks - and that is the best news of all for the Catalan club right now.
Another party for Neymar. Barcelona's Brazilian forward was the star of the show for all the right reasons as he did his celebrating on the pitch and put four goals past Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening. In the continued absence of Lionel Messi, this was just what the champions needed.
The 23-year-old has endured some trying times over the last few weeks and months. Criticised for some poor performances this term and hit with a tax fraud case as well, the former Santos forward came under fire during the international break as he was pictured partying with celebrities in his homeland.
That was in a period when he had been expected to remain in Barcelona and build up his fitness as he was still suspended and unable to feature in his country's World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela.
Nevertheless, the break looked to have helped and it was a very different Neymar in the game against Rayo. After Barca went behind early on, the Brazilian won and converted two penalties to turn a deficit into a lead. And it could have been more because he was also denied at least one and probably two more spot-kicks when he himself was fouled in the box on both occasions.
Nevertheless, he completed his hat-trick by tapping in a rebound after the break and added a fourth just a minute later with another simple finish. These were not classic goals, but Neymar had earned them in a buzzing and dynamic display from start to finish.
Previously, it had been left to Luis Suarez to step up after injury sidelined Messi late last month. From Neymar, much more had been expected and on Saturday, it was finally - and emphatically - delivered.
"It's not easy to play against a team like Rayo," he said afterwards. "They have some really good players and they play good football. We did our job." And he added: "It was one of my best games for Barcelona."
It was. Every time he had the ball in an attacking position, the Brazilian looked likely to do damage and he was fouled constantly by Rayo's desperate defenders. And when he wasn't hacked, he seemed set to score. In the end, the visitors were lucky to restrict him to only four.
With Messi out for around another month as he recovers from the knee ligament injury he suffered in the 2-1 win at home to Las Palmas on September 26, Neymar's return to form is timely.
Even though Barca are likely to overcome BATE Borisov home and away in the Champions League in that time, Getafe and Villarreal present tough tests in La Liga and the Clasico at Real Madrid takes place on November 21. Even if Messi is back for that (which is the plan), the Catalans need Neymar at his best for one of their key clashes in the race for the Primera Division.
"Sum up Neymar's game in one word? I would say it in two: Im-pressive!" Luis Enrique said afterwards. The word in Spanish (impresionante) carries more weight than its English translation, yet it was still an understatement.
Messi watched the game from the stands with Andres Iniesta (also injured) and he will have been impressed too. The Argentine has had his problems from the penalty spot this season with two misses from his three spot-kicks - and on this evidence he may have a new rival for the job in Neymar.
After the forward's four-goal salvo, Suarez scored to make it five for Barca and Rayo pulled one back at the other end in an entertaining encounter.
"In training, if the players have that many chances they score nine or 10," Luis Enrique added afterwards. "So we need to be more effective."
It was a remark that could have been applied to many of his players. But not Neymar. He did all he could and with the Brazilian on this fantastic form, Barcelona won't be missing Messi much over the next few weeks - and that is the best news of all for the Catalan club right now.
Mihajlovic: AC Milan suffer unnecessary anxiety
Sinisa Mihajlovic rued AC Milan's inability to hold on to their lead in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Torino, and believes nervousness saw them concede the equaliser.
Carlos Bacca opened the scoring after coming off the bench in the second half, yet Daniele Baselli restored parity with the Turin side's first shot on target - much to the frustration of the Milan coach.
"We put in a good performance, but we just stopped playing after we grabbed the lead," Mihajlovic blasted at his press conference afterwards."It is almost as if we got nervous after we opened the scoring. We always play well for one half or so.
"And then we started playing again after they levelled the scoring. It is a matter of anxiety. I have to fix the same problems game after game. We are Milan and have to be more clever."We dropped two points here. I understand that the fans are not satisfied, but we are disappointed as well.
"We just keep trying to improve and grow, though."The heavily-reinforced Rossoneri's third game without a victory sees them languishing in 11th, having picked up just 10 points from eight games so far.
Sinisa Mihajlovic rued AC Milan's inability to hold on to their lead in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Torino, and believes nervousness saw them concede the equaliser.
Carlos Bacca opened the scoring after coming off the bench in the second half, yet Daniele Baselli restored parity with the Turin side's first shot on target - much to the frustration of the Milan coach.
"We put in a good performance, but we just stopped playing after we grabbed the lead," Mihajlovic blasted at his press conference afterwards."It is almost as if we got nervous after we opened the scoring. We always play well for one half or so.
"And then we started playing again after they levelled the scoring. It is a matter of anxiety. I have to fix the same problems game after game. We are Milan and have to be more clever."We dropped two points here. I understand that the fans are not satisfied, but we are disappointed as well.
"We just keep trying to improve and grow, though."The heavily-reinforced Rossoneri's third game without a victory sees them languishing in 11th, having picked up just 10 points from eight games so far.
Rooney is England's greatest-ever, says Herrera
Wayne Rooney is the greatest player in the history of English football, according to Manchester United team-mate Ander Herrera.
The Red Devils' captain completed the scoring for his team following a pass from Herrera, in a 3-0 victory on his return to the club that gave him his steps in the professional game.And Herrera, who doubled United's lead following Morgan Schneiderlin's opener, has no doubts that the striker's record has established him as an all-time great.
"He [Rooney] did great work for us. He is very important for England and also for us," Herrera told MUTV.
"He is our leader, the best English player in history, so we have to enjoy him and it is going to help us a lot."When you have your captain in good form, scoring goals and if he is happy then it is very important for us."
Rooney's strike at Goodison Park was his second Premier League goal in three games, after he endured a quiet start to the season.Herrera got his first league start since United's 3-1 win against Liverpool in September meanwhile, and repaid Louis van Gaal's faith with a dominant performance in midfield.
Wayne Rooney is the greatest player in the history of English football, according to Manchester United team-mate Ander Herrera.
The Red Devils' captain completed the scoring for his team following a pass from Herrera, in a 3-0 victory on his return to the club that gave him his steps in the professional game.And Herrera, who doubled United's lead following Morgan Schneiderlin's opener, has no doubts that the striker's record has established him as an all-time great.
"He [Rooney] did great work for us. He is very important for England and also for us," Herrera told MUTV.
"He is our leader, the best English player in history, so we have to enjoy him and it is going to help us a lot."When you have your captain in good form, scoring goals and if he is happy then it is very important for us."
Rooney's strike at Goodison Park was his second Premier League goal in three games, after he endured a quiet start to the season.Herrera got his first league start since United's 3-1 win against Liverpool in September meanwhile, and repaid Louis van Gaal's faith with a dominant performance in midfield.
Jese has to take his chances - Benitez
Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has taken the time to praise Jese Rodriguez in the wake of a 3-0 win over Levante on Saturday and has urged the 22-year-old to make the most of his chances.
Jese featured from the start in Madrid's Liga opener against Sporting Gijon, but then remained on the bench in their next three games as Benitez was allegedly unhappy with his training attitude.
The attacker got 20 minutes of playing time in the match at home to Levante and capped a fine outing with his first goal of the season.
"Jese was much closer to what we all expect of him," Benitez told the official Madrid website.
"He's a player with quality and talent and he has to make the most of his chances. That's the way it is at Real Madrid; the demands are really high and all his team-mates are very good.
"He has to work the way he did against Levante, penetrating defences, and do that continually. It's very positive for me and for every Real Madrid fan. He has to keep that up because there is a lot of competition.
"There were several positives: seven academy products on the bench and the odd one on the pitch, the entrances of Lucas [Vazquez] and Jese that injected energy, speed and penetration, and Marcos Llorente's debut. A lot of positive aspects in the assessment of the game and the team is up at the top of the table."
Madrid are away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has taken the time to praise Jese Rodriguez in the wake of a 3-0 win over Levante on Saturday and has urged the 22-year-old to make the most of his chances.
Jese featured from the start in Madrid's Liga opener against Sporting Gijon, but then remained on the bench in their next three games as Benitez was allegedly unhappy with his training attitude.
The attacker got 20 minutes of playing time in the match at home to Levante and capped a fine outing with his first goal of the season.
"Jese was much closer to what we all expect of him," Benitez told the official Madrid website.
"He's a player with quality and talent and he has to make the most of his chances. That's the way it is at Real Madrid; the demands are really high and all his team-mates are very good.
"He has to work the way he did against Levante, penetrating defences, and do that continually. It's very positive for me and for every Real Madrid fan. He has to keep that up because there is a lot of competition.
"There were several positives: seven academy products on the bench and the odd one on the pitch, the entrances of Lucas [Vazquez] and Jese that injected energy, speed and penetration, and Marcos Llorente's debut. A lot of positive aspects in the assessment of the game and the team is up at the top of the table."
Madrid are away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Marcelo: Navas stepping out of Casillas' shadow
Real Madrid defender Marcelo believes goalkeeper Keylor Navas is stepping out of Iker Casillas' shadow following his display in the 3-0 win over Levante.
The Costa Rica international made impressive saves from Roger and Deyverson at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, earning his eighth clean sheet from 10 outings in all competitions so far this season.
Marcelo believes Navas is starting to find his feet in Madrid and is proving a capable replacement for the departed Casillas - who made 725 appearances for the club and won three Champions League titles.
"Keylor is a great goalkeeper who has worked hard while Casillas was here and this season has proven to be great," the Brazilian said on Saturday.
His sentiments were echoed by Nacho Fernandez, the defender stating that the Costa Rican's presence in goal provides the defence with peace of mind.
"Keylor is an absolutely great goalkeeper and he is showing it," Nacho added.
"It is a pleasure to have him in goal because he really makes us feel secure."
Real Madrid defender Marcelo believes goalkeeper Keylor Navas is stepping out of Iker Casillas' shadow following his display in the 3-0 win over Levante.
The Costa Rica international made impressive saves from Roger and Deyverson at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, earning his eighth clean sheet from 10 outings in all competitions so far this season.
Marcelo believes Navas is starting to find his feet in Madrid and is proving a capable replacement for the departed Casillas - who made 725 appearances for the club and won three Champions League titles.
"Keylor is a great goalkeeper who has worked hard while Casillas was here and this season has proven to be great," the Brazilian said on Saturday.
His sentiments were echoed by Nacho Fernandez, the defender stating that the Costa Rican's presence in goal provides the defence with peace of mind.
"Keylor is an absolutely great goalkeeper and he is showing it," Nacho added.
"It is a pleasure to have him in goal because he really makes us feel secure."
Luis Enrique lauds 'electric' Neymar
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique described four-goal hero Neymar as "electric" following a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The Catalans reacted to conceding a Javi Guerra opener via the Brazilian, who won and scored two penalties before adding a quick-fire brace late in an entertaining affair that further strikes from Luis Suarez and Jozabed wrapped up.
Having watched the treble winners experience some rocky form prior to the international break with losses at Celta Vigo and Sevilla, Enrique was grateful for Neymar's inspirational showing."Neymar is electric," the Blaugrana boss told reporters after the match.
"Defences must either foul him and give away a penalty or he will score goals. Since he has started the season has been great, and today he was decisive.
"In a nutshell, he has been very impressive."
Neymar's constant trickery left the Rayo backline struggling to cope but Paco Jemez's men offered plenty going forward and had chances to level early in the second half.And while a 10th consecutive win against Rayo always seemed on the cards, Enrique is demanding a lot more from his side: "Playing against Jemez's Rayo is always difficult, always complicated.
"I think we played well in the first half but poorly in the second half. We need to be clinical, but you can't practice that. The same players score 9 or 10 times with the same chances in training."We lost a lot of balls after the break and we have to improve. At least there are not many Rayos in this league.
"I don't know if they are the bravest side [in La Liga], because there is Celta Vigo, too. But I am a fan of Jemez and I would like to see him at a big club."
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique described four-goal hero Neymar as "electric" following a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The Catalans reacted to conceding a Javi Guerra opener via the Brazilian, who won and scored two penalties before adding a quick-fire brace late in an entertaining affair that further strikes from Luis Suarez and Jozabed wrapped up.
Having watched the treble winners experience some rocky form prior to the international break with losses at Celta Vigo and Sevilla, Enrique was grateful for Neymar's inspirational showing."Neymar is electric," the Blaugrana boss told reporters after the match.
"Defences must either foul him and give away a penalty or he will score goals. Since he has started the season has been great, and today he was decisive.
"In a nutshell, he has been very impressive."
Neymar's constant trickery left the Rayo backline struggling to cope but Paco Jemez's men offered plenty going forward and had chances to level early in the second half.And while a 10th consecutive win against Rayo always seemed on the cards, Enrique is demanding a lot more from his side: "Playing against Jemez's Rayo is always difficult, always complicated.
"I think we played well in the first half but poorly in the second half. We need to be clinical, but you can't practice that. The same players score 9 or 10 times with the same chances in training."We lost a lot of balls after the break and we have to improve. At least there are not many Rayos in this league.
"I don't know if they are the bravest side [in La Liga], because there is Celta Vigo, too. But I am a fan of Jemez and I would like to see him at a big club."
Van Gaal issues warning to Depay
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned Memphis Depay that he must adapt to the philosophy of the club or risk seeing his Old Trafford career end in similar circumstances to Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
Both Di Maria and Falcao arrived with much fanfare at the start of the 2014-15 season, with the Argentinian remaining the club's record signing at £59.7 million, but the two players have since left the club after failing to perform.
The Argentina winger was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the recent transfer window, making room for the £25 million signing of Depay, while the Colombian striker now plys his trade at Chelsea after United chose not to make the loan deal from Monaco permanent.
And Van Gaal praised the talent of Depay, who was an unused substitute in the club's 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday, but insisted that the Dutch winger must adapt to the team's philosophy or face falling by the wayside.
“Some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy,” Van Gaal told reporters. “That you cannot know in advance. You have to see that.
“Because you see a lot of qualities in a player, but Depay has to put that quality in service of your team.
“That also happened with Di María and Falcao – both great players but you have to fit in with the philosophy. Not only with Memphis, with every player that we have bought.”
Depay impressed in his opening handful of appearances at Old Trafford, netting a brace in the Champions League play-off match with Club Brugge, but the 21-year-old has struggled in Premier League matches, with his form tailing off since August.
But Van Gaal remained optimistic about the Dutchman's future, with the United boss insisting that he still believes in Depay and, like all young players, the winger needs time to progress.
"Do I still believe in him? Of course," the former Netherlands manager added.
“The problem with young players is they are not consistent. That you have to learn. We have to give him time.”
Van Gaal also revealed that assistant manager Ryan Giggs had been playing a key role in the 21-year-old's development, offering the player advice, though the Dutch coach maintained that Depay is ultimately responsible for himself.
“Ryan has already given advice to him but the player is responsible for his own deeds," said the United boss.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned Memphis Depay that he must adapt to the philosophy of the club or risk seeing his Old Trafford career end in similar circumstances to Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
Both Di Maria and Falcao arrived with much fanfare at the start of the 2014-15 season, with the Argentinian remaining the club's record signing at £59.7 million, but the two players have since left the club after failing to perform.
The Argentina winger was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the recent transfer window, making room for the £25 million signing of Depay, while the Colombian striker now plys his trade at Chelsea after United chose not to make the loan deal from Monaco permanent.
And Van Gaal praised the talent of Depay, who was an unused substitute in the club's 3-0 win over Everton on Saturday, but insisted that the Dutch winger must adapt to the team's philosophy or face falling by the wayside.
“Some players cannot adapt to the team philosophy,” Van Gaal told reporters. “That you cannot know in advance. You have to see that.
“Because you see a lot of qualities in a player, but Depay has to put that quality in service of your team.
“That also happened with Di María and Falcao – both great players but you have to fit in with the philosophy. Not only with Memphis, with every player that we have bought.”
Depay impressed in his opening handful of appearances at Old Trafford, netting a brace in the Champions League play-off match with Club Brugge, but the 21-year-old has struggled in Premier League matches, with his form tailing off since August.
But Van Gaal remained optimistic about the Dutchman's future, with the United boss insisting that he still believes in Depay and, like all young players, the winger needs time to progress.
"Do I still believe in him? Of course," the former Netherlands manager added.
“The problem with young players is they are not consistent. That you have to learn. We have to give him time.”
Van Gaal also revealed that assistant manager Ryan Giggs had been playing a key role in the 21-year-old's development, offering the player advice, though the Dutch coach maintained that Depay is ultimately responsible for himself.
“Ryan has already given advice to him but the player is responsible for his own deeds," said the United boss.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is astounded by Luke Shaw's determination to return to the pitch after breaking his leg, but warns a forseeable return to action is still far away.
The left-back suffered a double fracture following in United's opening Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven Hector Moreno's challenge in September, and faces a spell of up to six months out.
However, Shaw's determination to recover has startled, and Van Gaal revealed the the 20-year-old has made significant progress even if he still faces a significant length of time on the sidelines.
“He is already here, he is already walking with a brace, and it is unbelievable,” Van Gaal told reporters at a press conference.
“Luke is here every day, he has already started his rehabilitation, but he has a long way to go.”
Shaw moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014 and had been expected to play a big role this season after starting every game under Van Gaal before his injury.
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