..::Football III::..

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Freiburg 1-1 Bayern Munich: Hofler ends Guardiola's 100% record

An under-strength Bayern Munich drew 1-1 with Freiburg on Tuesday night as Pep Guardiola's 100% start to the Bundesliga season came to an end.

Xherdan Shaqiri put the visitors ahead after 32 minutes when he fired past Oliver Baumann in the Freiburg goal.

But Bayern were pegged back five minutes from time when they conceded only their second goal of the season, as substitute Nicolas Hofler volleyed home from close range.

Guardiola made six changes to his side from the 2-0 win over Nurnberg ahead of Friday's Uefa Super Cup clash with Chelsea on Friday, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Mario Mandzukic all dropping to the bench.The hosts were without the suspended Francis Coquelin, while Christian Gunter replaced Mensur Mudzja.

It was Freiburg who had the first goalscoring chance of the match when Julian Schuster's powerful strike forced a good save from Manuel Neuer after 11 minutes.Soon after, Bayern’s Toni Kroos and Xherdan Shaqiri both stung the palms of Baumann during what was an entertaining opening period.

Guardiola’s much-changed side then began to control proceedings and were rewarded just after the half-hour mark when Shaqiri gave them the lead.The Switzerland international controlled a Thomas Muller cross from the right, which evaded Oliver Sorg, and drove home past Baumann.

Despite dominating possession for the remainder of the half, the champions could not add to their slender lead before the break.

Shaqiri then almost doubled his tally for the game 10 minutes into the second period, forcing Baumann into a save with his feet, before Charles Laprevotte cut in from the left and hit the post with a curling effort for the home side.With the game finely poised, Bayern should have doubled their lead when Kroos found himself clean through. However, the Germany international was thwarted one-on-one before the goalkeeper reacted well to deny Muller's follow up.

But, with just five minutes to go, the home side drew level, with substitute Hofler firing a left-foot volley past Neuer from close range.

Dante almost restored Bayern's lead three minutes later when he poked over from inside the six-yard box, but Guardiola was forced to settle for a share of the spoils for the first time this season.

 

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Pedro flattered by PSG link

Barcelona forward Pedro has admitted he is honoured to have been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, amid reported interest from the Ligue 1 champions.Reports have suggested les Parisiens had tabled an offer of €40 million for the Spain international, who has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2016.

Blaugrana president Sandro Rosell has since denied those rumours, however, but Pedro revealed he is flattered by the speculation, while committing his future to Barcelona.The 26-year-old told Marca: "I'm only thinking of triumphing at Barcelona, but it is an honour that other clubs look at you."

The Spain international has netted 70 times in 214 appearances for the Catalans in his five-year stint since making his debut for the first team.

 

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Rodgers: Liverpool might have lost to Notts County a year ago!

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that his side's extra-time victory over Notts County on Tuesday is evidence of their progress under his stewardship.

The Reds were cruising at half-time in their Capital One Cup encounter at Anfield but saw their two-goal lead wiped out in the second period by the dogged visitors.

However, after goals from Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson saw out a 4-2 victory for the the hosts in extra time, Rodgers hailed his squad's character, telling reporters: "I've got to give credit to the players. Maybe a year ago we might have lost the game.

"I think they showed tremendous character, especially going down to 10 men [due to Kolo Toure's injury] and controlling the game at that stage.

"We wanted to win the game and get the goals and they did that. To be 2-0 up and give away the goals we did, we're obviously disappointed, but I can only commend my players for the brilliant character they showed to keep going and you have to give the credit to Notts County."

Aly Cissokho, Joe Allen and Toure were all forced off with injuries during the game and Rodgers discussed the possibility of the trio facing time on the sidelines.

"It was obviously disappointing with Cissokho getting injured early on," he remarked. "He was distraught coming off as you can imagine.

"Joe Allen we need to check but he has maybe tweaked his hamstring and Kolo Toure has overstretched his groin which doesn't look so good, to be honest."

But the Northern Irishman remains adamant that the extra 30 minutes' play will have little affect on his fit squad members ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Anfield.

"We've got plenty of recovery time now for the players," Rodgers insisted. "That was the idea, that I could put some of the senior players in knowing there was enough recuperation period after the game and obviously to give our young players some experience tonight.

"They'll all be fine, they'll recover well and we'll be excited now looking forward to that game on Sunday."

 

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Simeone not interested in Casillas

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has ruled out a sensational move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas before the transfer window closes.The Spain international, 32, lost his starting berth to Diego Lopez under Jose Mourinho last term but has been unable to win back his slot since Carlo Ancelotti took charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Casillas's struggles have prompted speculation he could seek a move away from los Blancos in an effort to maintain his position with la Roja ahead of next summer's World Cup.Atleti, as well as Arsenal, have reportedly been monitoring his situation, but Simeone says Thibaut Courtois - who is on loan at the club for a third consecutive season - is his number one.

"Courtois is our goalie," he told reporters. "We also have two other goalkeepers waiting for their chance. So no, we wouldn't be interested in Iker Casillas."
Los Rojiblancos face Barcelona in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday, which kicks off at 22:00 BST.

 

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Manchester City agree €4.7m deal with Atletico Madrid for Demichelis

Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle with Atletico Madrid for centre-back Martin Demichelis, Goal understands.

City have negotiated a fee of around €4.1 million up front, plus a further €580k in add-ons, with the Liga club.

Personal terms are yet to be agreed with the Argentine defender, though further talks are scheduled for Wednesday as the Premier League side look to recruit cover for the injured Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian limped out of the 4-0 win over Newcastle United in City's first league game of the season, and with Matija Nastasic also sidelined through injury they were forced to field Javi Garcia alongside Joleon Lescott Cardiff City on Sunday, a game they lost 3-2.

Sources close to the deal revealed that City officials were reluctant to pay over €2m for the defender as recently as last week, but the club are now hoping to push through a move for double that price.

Demichelis only joined Atleti on a free transfer from Malaga in July, but has been singled out by Manuel Pellegrini, his former manager at La Rosaleda, to bolster his defensive ranks at the Etihad Stadium.

The pair also worked together at River Plate in 2002-03, before Pellegrini moved to Europe to take charge of Villarreal.

 

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Chiellini admits Bayern fear

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he fears being drawn with Bayern Munich in the group stages of the Champions League.

Antonio Conte's men were humbled 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-final stage of last season's tournament by the German champions, who ultimately won the competition.

And the 29-year-old, who started both clashes against Jupp Heynckes' men last term, has admitted he is dreading the prospect of being drawn alongside the Bavarians once again in Thursday's draw.

He told the club's official website: "If I had to choose one team for us to avoid, it would be Bayern Munich.

"But we will take each game as it comes and take stock of what happens afterwards.

"The Champions League must not be an objective, but instead a dream for us to pursue."

The Italian champions will be drawn from Pot three for Thursday's draw in Monaco, which takes place at 16:45 BST.

 

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Napoli demand €100m after Higuain accident

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is demanding €100 million in compensation after striker Gonzalo Higuain injured himself in the region of Campania.

The Argentina international suffered cuts to his face after diving from a hired boat and landing on submerged rocks. He was taken to hospital in a neck brace, where he reportedly required eight stitches to close two separate wounds.De Laurentiis has blasted the medical attention given to the former Real Madrid striker, who could be out for several weeks.

"I have not met with Higuain," he told Sky Sport Italia. "But I want to see this cut to see if I can sue the region of Campania and Capri."An actor, a footballer, an ordinary person - when they go to hospital they must be looked after well.

"I saw a picture of the wound and I am willing to ask my lawyers to ask for €100m in damage - a figure that I will donate to charity."I'm tired of not having equal medical care. Politicians must be taught a lesson."Capri Mayor Ciro Lembo, meanwhile, defended the care given to Higuain.He told Adnkronos: "Gonzalo Higuain received adequate medical attention.

“He [De Laurentiis] could have avoided making such comments, as despite working under difficult conditions, the medical staff who attended the player received his thanks and the thanks of his friends.

“On top of that, De Laurentiis made the comments on the condition of the player without even having seen him. I therefore don’t understand what he’s accusing the medical staff of.”

 

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Hodgson: Rooney can handle media scrutiny

England manager Roy Hodgson is confident Wayne Rooney can handle the media scrutiny surrounding a possible Manchester United exit.

Chelsea have had two bids for the striker rejected, and Jose Mourinho has called on Rooney to make his feelings clear regarding a move to Stamford Bridge.

But Hodgson, after including Rooney in his latest England squad, feels the high level of attention the 27-year-old has attracted during his career stands him in good stead ahead of the climax of the transfer window.

"I'm relieved for him most of all," he told reporters. "He's an important player, he's been a fantastic servant for a good number of years now to England.

"He's still got the burning ambition to do well for England in the future, so a fully fit and a match fit Wayne Rooney is important to the country, but it's also important to his club and it's important to Wayne himself because he's a man who loves to play football and he's the first on to the pitch and the last off it.
"I think Wayne Rooney has been under a lot of scrutiny since he was about 17 years of age, so if anyone is probably equipped to deal with scrutiny it is Wayne Rooney."

Rooney was the stand out performer as United drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday, and Hodgson praised the striker for maintaining his drive to perform in light of continued uncertainty.

He continued: "I'm sure David Moyes had no worries or concerns that he would do anything other than give his best and play to the very best of his ability [against Chelsea] just as I had no concerns he would do the same for us, because that is the nature of the man, that is the nature of the player and it's great when it comes off.

"I thought it came off for us during his 60 minutes and I thought it came off in spades [on Monday night] for Manchester United, so I was delighted for him and delighted for his club."

 

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Hodgson: Rooney can handle media scrutiny

England manager Roy Hodgson is confident Wayne Rooney can handle the media scrutiny surrounding a possible Manchester United exit.

Chelsea have had two bids for the striker rejected, and Jose Mourinho has called on Rooney to make his feelings clear regarding a move to Stamford Bridge.

But Hodgson, after including Rooney in his latest England squad, feels the high level of attention the 27-year-old has attracted during his career stands him in good stead ahead of the climax of the transfer window.

"I'm relieved for him most of all," he told reporters. "He's an important player, he's been a fantastic servant for a good number of years now to England.

"He's still got the burning ambition to do well for England in the future, so a fully fit and a match fit Wayne Rooney is important to the country, but it's also important to his club and it's important to Wayne himself because he's a man who loves to play football and he's the first on to the pitch and the last off it.
"I think Wayne Rooney has been under a lot of scrutiny since he was about 17 years of age, so if anyone is probably equipped to deal with scrutiny it is Wayne Rooney."

Rooney was the stand out performer as United drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday, and Hodgson praised the striker for maintaining his drive to perform in light of continued uncertainty.

He continued: "I'm sure David Moyes had no worries or concerns that he would do anything other than give his best and play to the very best of his ability [against Chelsea] just as I had no concerns he would do the same for us, because that is the nature of the man, that is the nature of the player and it's great when it comes off.

"I thought it came off for us during his 60 minutes and I thought it came off in spades [on Monday night] for Manchester United, so I was delighted for him and delighted for his club."

 

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Illarramendi nears Real Madrid debut

Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield options will soon be strengthened by the imminent returns of Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira.

Madrid’s summer signing from Real Sociedad has yet to appear for the club after picking up a muscle injury sustained during pre-season.

But the Spain Under-21 international completed a full training session on Tuesday as he builds up fitness ahead of his first team bow.

Illarramendi undertook fitness drills put on for all members of the Blancos squad who did not start Monday night’s 1-0 win over Granada.

The 23-year-old trained at the same intensity as the rest of the Galacticos and is set to take part with the complete squad when they reconvene on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, there was also positive news on Sami Khedira, who trained alone with no ill effects following a left knee knock picked up on the opening weekend against Betis.

Those absences have been compounded by a lengthy layoff to Xabi Alonso, leaving coach Ancelotti short of numbers in the centre of the park.

Last season’s Liga runners-up have been underwhelming in a pair of narrow wins at the start of the campaign, and face Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

 

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Pardew: Arsenal must pay world-class money for Cabaye

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has warned Arsenal it will take "world-class money" to prise Yohan Cabaye away from the club.

The Gunners have identified the Frenchman as one of a number of transfer targets, and made a £10 million bid for the midfielder.

But Newcastle snubbed the offer, with Pardew going on to describe the timing of the bid as "direspectful".

And with just days remaining before the transfer window closes, the Emirates Stadium outfit have been told they will need to significantly improve upon their original offer for Cabaye.

"He either stays or he goes," Pardew told reporters. "The bottom line with a world class player is he has to go for world-class money."

Pardew also indicated Cabaye has been left out of the squad to face Morecambe in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.

He added: "He either stays or he goes but he will not play tomorrow that’s for sure.

"The answer to this is not simple. He is either going to be sold and we have to replace him in the window we have left or he will stay.

"As the manager of Newcastle United I have to protect him but the first thing I have to protect is club, and trust me that is first on the agenda while I am here."

The France international is yet to play a competitive game for the club this season, having also been excluded for clashes with Manchester City and West Ham.

 

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Xavi: Neymar can lead Barcelona trophy chase

Barcelona veteran Xavi says Neymar can inspire the club to a new generation of success.

The 33-year-old midfielder has begun his 15th season in the Blaugrana’s first team, during which time he has won an incredible 21 different titles.

But Xavi is not content to settle on that figure, and believes new recruit Neymar is the man to lead Barca to more glory.

“He’s a player who can really make a difference,” Xavi told the club's official website.

“He’s a quiet guy, he’s only young, but he shows a lot of intelligence. The boss is bringing him in slowly, and he’s showing his worth."

The €57 million signing from Santos has had to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench during the early stages of the campaign, but delivered a devastating cameo in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana against Atletico Madrid.

Trailing 1-0 to a David Villa goal - and with Lionel Messi taken off injured - Neymar was summoned from the sidelines to grab a vital equaliser and square the game at 1-1 ahead of the return leg at the Camp Nou.

It was the 21-year-old superstar’s first competitive goal for Barcelona, and Xavi says that was only the beginning of many great things.

“At the Calderon he gave us an extra spark and he’s very good in one on one situations which is important for us," he continued.

“When teams close us down, we need wide men who can take men on and he’s a player who is able to really make a difference.

“He can get in the box, he can score and he is set to really make a difference at Barca.”

With Messi sidelined for the visit of Atletico, Neymar may well be given the nod to lead the line but Xavi believes that any success Barca do have will be down to the strength of the squad as a whole.

“At this club you are always expected to win and I think we have a team that can do that," he added.

“We’ve been through some tough times with Tito falling ill again and we have all had to adapt, but I think the team is fine now.

“We’ve started the season really well, with a spectacular debut at the Camp Nou and I think we can compete for the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Champions League.”

 

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Lille demand €15m for wantaway Thauvin

Lille have slapped a €15 million price tag on the head of their troublesome young midfielder Florian Thauvin.

The talented 20-year-old was reported to have been absent from training on Tuesday as he attempts to force a move away from les Dogues.

Marseille have already had two separate bids for the former Bastia player rejected, with Lille president Michel Seydoux adamant the player will remain at the club.

“If we give in to whatever kind of pressure, the power wouldn't be in the right place,” Seydoux told RMC.

“There’s no reason for him to leave Lille. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I am 99.9% sure he will stay.”

Thauvin signed for the three-time Ligue 1 champions from Bastia in January, but was loaned back to the Corsican outfit for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.

The former Grenoble youngster was an important player in France’s Under-20 World Cup win during the summer, and his displays in Turkey alerted a host of top European clubs.

Marseille had an initial offer of €5.5m flatly rejected by Lille in June, with the Stade Velodrome club having another bid worth €10m rejected last week.

Lille’s refusal to countenance Thauvin’s departure has only strengthened his intention to leave, with his refusal to train on Tuesday being seen as a signal of intent to force through a move.

Thauvin’s actions have been criticised by Seydoux, who believes the youngster is only "hurting himself".

"The real victim is Florian Thauvin, who's not playing football," he added.

“He's making his own problems. I think his advisors are not the best in the world. It should be very simple, and it's a bit too complicated for me.

"Lille lived before Florian Thauvin and will live after him. The question that needs asking is why the advice he's getting is so bad.

“We're in a normal world, he's not being exploited, he's in a rather good club with good ambitions. I think Florian has everything to gain in closing this chapter and putting on his boots."

L’Equipe have reported Lille have asked a Belgian agent to try to reconcile with Thauvin or find the player a new club.

The sports daily also suggested the 2010-11 double winners were softening their stance on the player previously described as "untransferable" and were privately prepared to accept a bid of €15m to wash their hands of Thauvin.

Marseille remain in pole position to win the race for his signature, but Newcastle may also renew their interest after missing out in January.

 

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Arsenal target Kondogbia set for Monaco

Arsenal target Geoffrey Kondogbia is set for a move to Monaco after terminating his contract with Sevilla.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move away from los Rojiblancos in recent months, with the Gunners holding a firm interest before being put off over concerns regarding third party ownership.

Kondogbia has told Sevilla that an unnamed team will now meet his release clause, which stands at €20 million, with that club believed to be Monaco.

"Geoffrey Kondogbia is already history at Sevilla FC," read a statement on the Spanish side's website on Tuesday. "The French international has officially informed the club that he will unilaterally rescind his contract."

The Spanish outfit appear to have pre-empted the 20-year-old's departure by announcing the signing of QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia on a season-long loan.

Kondogbia, 20, joined Sevilla from Lens last summer and made 31 appearances for the club last season.

 

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Wenger confirms Arsenal interest in Mata

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that he would be keen to sign Juan Mata should Chelsea be prepared to sell to their rivals.

During the Blues' summer pursuit of Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, it has been reported that the Spaniard, who has started only once so far this season, is seen as expendable by Jose Mourinho, though the Portuguese has long maintained that he has no intention of losing the crowd favourite.

Speaking after the Gunners' 2-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce, Wenger neither confirmed nor denied reports suggesting that Mata's father watched the game in an executive box and remained coy on whether his injury worries deepen his need to sign players.

"I have heard, like you, that Juan Mata may be on the market," he told the press. "I like him [but] there is a reluctance in England to sell to each other.

"We have to see how bad the injuries are but I can't tell you more than that.

"We are on the market – the whole world knows that now - but I can't be more creative than that because nothing has been concluded yet."

Wenger also admits that he does not know whether Aaron Ramsey will be fit to face Tottenham on Sunday. The midfielder picked up a groin problem late on against the Turkish giants, having scored both of his side's goals as the Gunners cruised into the group stage, triumphing 5-0 on aggregate.
Lukas Podolski was withdrawn with a hamstring injury early in the second half, while Jack Wilshere's ankle problem also flared up in the closing stages after some hefty challenges from Fenerbahce defenders.

"That's a negative – we paid the price because we lost Podolski, I don't know how Ramsey is or how Wilshere will respond to his ankle problem," Wenger lamented. "The two tackles on Wilshere [late on] were disappointing.

"Podolski will definitely be out for 21 days and we have to check on Ramsey's groin [on Wednesday].

"Jack should be alright for Sunday and I'm hopeful on Aaron but I don't know how bad it is.

"I wanted to take Wilshere off. I would have played with 10 men, because they had to score five goals in 10 minutes. Even with 10 men, we could have avoided that but he told the physio he wanted to go on."

 

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UEFA Champions League Play-offs 2nd Leg Fixtures 2013.08.28

UEFA Champions League Play-offs 2nd Leg Fixtures 2013.08.28​

Zenit Vs Pacos Ferreira

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Maribor Vs Plzen

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Real Sociedad vs Lyon

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AC Milan Vs PSV

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Celtic Vs Shaktar

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Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg Fixture 2013.08.28

Spanish Super Cup 2nd Leg Fixture 2013.08.28


AGG

(1-1)

Barcelona Vs Atletico Madrid

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2nd Leg 1ke pattama gemak yai 1-1 nisaGood Luck for both

 

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Schweinsteiger could miss Super Cup - Pep

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger could miss Friday's Uefa Super Cup clash with Chelsea through injury.

The Germany international limped off the field injured during the Bavarians' 1-1 draw with Freiburg on Tuesday, prompting Bayern boss Pep Guardiola to confirm the 29-year-old faces a battle to be fit to face the Blues.

The 42-year-old told reporters: "He [Schweinsteiger] sprained his ankle. There will be a medical check tomorrow. I hope he will play on Friday, but we do not know that yet."

Tuesday's result brought Bayern's 100% start to the Bundesliga season to an end, but Guardiola insisted he was happy with the performances of his side after the game.

He added: "We played well, very well. But if you’re only 1-0 up in the Bundesliga, things like this can always happen. We never stopped attacking and we had chances. But I’m very, very proud of my players.”

The former Barcelona boss opted to rest a number of key players for the visit to the Mage Solar Stadion ahead of Friday's game, with Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery and Mario Mandzukic all named on the bench.

 

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Thawa dawas 5k wage thiyenne Transfer Window 1ka close wennabut David Moyes still quiet