Hi machan...kalekin dakke
HIHI
wediya ewenne neha bro
but footballl pissuwa nam ehemmamai
Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
HIHI
wediya ewenne neha bro
but footballl pissuwa nam ehemmamai
Benfica 1-0 Monaco: Eagles soar after late Talisca strike
Benfica kept their hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 alive with a late Talisca strike proving enough to beat Monaco.
Needing to avoid defeat to have any chance of making it out of Group C, Jorge Jesus' side had to wait until the 82nd minute in Lisbon before the young striker lashed home a left-wing corner.
Under Leonardo Jardim, back in Portugal for the first time since leaving Sporting Lisbon, Monaco created several chances but were repeatedly denied by home goalkeeper Julio Cesar.A draw would have suited the principality club but they were denied by Talisca’s first goal in the competition.
The win sees Benfica move level with Zenit St Petersburg on four points, just one behind second-placed Monaco with two matches remaining.Jardel, replacing the suspended Lisandro Lopez, was one of four changes for the hosts from the sides' meeting two weeks ago, and they made a positive start to proceedings.
Nicolas Gaitan was first to test Danijel Subasic with a low shot after a mazy run and a minute later Eduardo Salvio dragged an effort wide of the Monaco goal.
Monaco, who gave Lacina Traore his first start in the Champions League in place of the injured Dimitar Berbatov, found themselves on the back foot for large parts of the first half, but were grateful that Benfica's finishing lacked accuracy.Eventually the visitors came into the game but they too were wasteful.A 37th-minute Joao Moutinho corner was only cleared as far as Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, but the Belgian volleyed well over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Gaitan had the best opening of the half as the interval beckoned, but, having found space inside the penalty area, his effort from 12 yards was superbly deflected over his own crossbar by Andrea Raggi.Talisca, who had scored eight in his last nine Benfica matches, then went close but his powerful shot on 51 minutes was pushed away by Subasic.
As the hour approached Monaco began to pressurise the Benfica goal, and they would have been ahead had Cesar not made a fine save to deny Ferreira-Carrasco before Luisao bravely blocked Traore as the Ivorian burst clear.
With the game becoming stretched in the closing 15 minutes both sides found themselves in good positions, and from a late Benfica corner the breakthrough finally came.
Gaitan's corner was flicked on by Derley and Talisca benefited with a low finish under the body of Subasic from inside the six-yard box.
Benfica kept their hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 alive with a late Talisca strike proving enough to beat Monaco.
Needing to avoid defeat to have any chance of making it out of Group C, Jorge Jesus' side had to wait until the 82nd minute in Lisbon before the young striker lashed home a left-wing corner.
Under Leonardo Jardim, back in Portugal for the first time since leaving Sporting Lisbon, Monaco created several chances but were repeatedly denied by home goalkeeper Julio Cesar.A draw would have suited the principality club but they were denied by Talisca’s first goal in the competition.
The win sees Benfica move level with Zenit St Petersburg on four points, just one behind second-placed Monaco with two matches remaining.Jardel, replacing the suspended Lisandro Lopez, was one of four changes for the hosts from the sides' meeting two weeks ago, and they made a positive start to proceedings.
Nicolas Gaitan was first to test Danijel Subasic with a low shot after a mazy run and a minute later Eduardo Salvio dragged an effort wide of the Monaco goal.
Monaco, who gave Lacina Traore his first start in the Champions League in place of the injured Dimitar Berbatov, found themselves on the back foot for large parts of the first half, but were grateful that Benfica's finishing lacked accuracy.Eventually the visitors came into the game but they too were wasteful.A 37th-minute Joao Moutinho corner was only cleared as far as Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, but the Belgian volleyed well over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.
Gaitan had the best opening of the half as the interval beckoned, but, having found space inside the penalty area, his effort from 12 yards was superbly deflected over his own crossbar by Andrea Raggi.Talisca, who had scored eight in his last nine Benfica matches, then went close but his powerful shot on 51 minutes was pushed away by Subasic.
As the hour approached Monaco began to pressurise the Benfica goal, and they would have been ahead had Cesar not made a fine save to deny Ferreira-Carrasco before Luisao bravely blocked Traore as the Ivorian burst clear.
With the game becoming stretched in the closing 15 minutes both sides found themselves in good positions, and from a late Benfica corner the breakthrough finally came.
Gaitan's corner was flicked on by Derley and Talisca benefited with a low finish under the body of Subasic from inside the six-yard box.
Juventus 3-2 Olympiakos: Pogba saves hosts' blushes
Juventus came from behind to beat Olympiakos 3-2 and breathe life into their Champions League campaign.
The defending Serie A champions were knocked out of the competition in the group stages last term and a repeat looked on the cards just after the hour-mark on Tuesday.
Juve - who had already lost two of three Group A matches - trailed 2-1 when Delvin N'Dinga headed Giannis Maniatis' cross in to silence the home fans.Alberto Botia had earlier levelled for the Greek giants, cancelling out Andrea Pirlo's free-kick in his 100th appearance in Europe's premier club competition.
But Juve produced a spirited comeback as Roberto's unfortunate 65th-minute own goal was followed by Paul Pogba's winner a minute later.Arturo Vidal's then failed to score a penalty but Juve took home the points, pulling them level with Olympiakos and three points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid - who won 2-0 at Malmo.
Juve were brighter in the opening stages, but were limited to efforts from distance - Claudio Marchisio with the best opportunity as his fizzing strike was smartly palmed over by Roberto.It was a strike from outside the box that gave the hosts the lead, though, as Pirlo netted his second free-kick in four days.
The 35-year-old - who opened the scoring from a set-piece for Juve in their 2-0 win at Empoli on Saturday - curled into the top-left corner from 25 yards in trademark fashion in the 21st minute.
But Olympiakos quickly drew level after Gianluigi Buffon turned an Ibrahim Afellay cross behind for a corner instead of catching it - something he could have done comfortably.Buffon's unorthodox piece of goalkeeping cost Juve as Botia beat Giorgio Chiellini and saw his glancing header hit the net from Alejandro Dominguez's corner.
Juve could have gone ahead again from another Pirlo free-kick, but Leonardo Bonucci headed over, and while the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack, the chances kept coming for Allegri's men.
Alvaro Morata first poked wide of the onrushing Roberto before Marchisio somehow missed the target from close range after Kwadwo Asamoah's excellent cross from the left.Juve turned the screw after the break but Vidal's attempted square for a free Carlos Tevez was blocked, while the Chilean also nodded wide.
Olympiakos then took the lead in the 61st minute as a Dominguez free-kick was hooked back into the box by captain Maniatis, with N'Dinga reacting quickest to direct it into the top-right corner.The goal could have floored Juve, but they showed impressive resolve and drew level when Botia's inadvertent flick-on hit Llorente, and the ball ricocheted off the post and in via the unwitting Roberto's back.
Pogba then crowned his 100th Juventus appearance with his first Champions League goal as his attempted back-heel hit Botia and came back to him, the Frenchman lashing home from the edge of the penalty area.Llorente - who made a significant contribution off the bench - had a header blocked before Tevez turned wide, while the Spaniard also fired over in the closing stages.
Vidal had the chance to add gloss to the scoreline in the 95th minute, after Tevez was brought down in the area, but saw his penalty superbly kept out by Roberto. Three goals proved enough for Juve, though, as they claimed an important victory.
Juventus came from behind to beat Olympiakos 3-2 and breathe life into their Champions League campaign.
The defending Serie A champions were knocked out of the competition in the group stages last term and a repeat looked on the cards just after the hour-mark on Tuesday.
Juve - who had already lost two of three Group A matches - trailed 2-1 when Delvin N'Dinga headed Giannis Maniatis' cross in to silence the home fans.Alberto Botia had earlier levelled for the Greek giants, cancelling out Andrea Pirlo's free-kick in his 100th appearance in Europe's premier club competition.
But Juve produced a spirited comeback as Roberto's unfortunate 65th-minute own goal was followed by Paul Pogba's winner a minute later.Arturo Vidal's then failed to score a penalty but Juve took home the points, pulling them level with Olympiakos and three points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid - who won 2-0 at Malmo.
Juve were brighter in the opening stages, but were limited to efforts from distance - Claudio Marchisio with the best opportunity as his fizzing strike was smartly palmed over by Roberto.It was a strike from outside the box that gave the hosts the lead, though, as Pirlo netted his second free-kick in four days.
The 35-year-old - who opened the scoring from a set-piece for Juve in their 2-0 win at Empoli on Saturday - curled into the top-left corner from 25 yards in trademark fashion in the 21st minute.
But Olympiakos quickly drew level after Gianluigi Buffon turned an Ibrahim Afellay cross behind for a corner instead of catching it - something he could have done comfortably.Buffon's unorthodox piece of goalkeeping cost Juve as Botia beat Giorgio Chiellini and saw his glancing header hit the net from Alejandro Dominguez's corner.
Juve could have gone ahead again from another Pirlo free-kick, but Leonardo Bonucci headed over, and while the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack, the chances kept coming for Allegri's men.
Alvaro Morata first poked wide of the onrushing Roberto before Marchisio somehow missed the target from close range after Kwadwo Asamoah's excellent cross from the left.Juve turned the screw after the break but Vidal's attempted square for a free Carlos Tevez was blocked, while the Chilean also nodded wide.
Olympiakos then took the lead in the 61st minute as a Dominguez free-kick was hooked back into the box by captain Maniatis, with N'Dinga reacting quickest to direct it into the top-right corner.The goal could have floored Juve, but they showed impressive resolve and drew level when Botia's inadvertent flick-on hit Llorente, and the ball ricocheted off the post and in via the unwitting Roberto's back.
Pogba then crowned his 100th Juventus appearance with his first Champions League goal as his attempted back-heel hit Botia and came back to him, the Frenchman lashing home from the edge of the penalty area.Llorente - who made a significant contribution off the bench - had a header blocked before Tevez turned wide, while the Spaniard also fired over in the closing stages.
Vidal had the chance to add gloss to the scoreline in the 95th minute, after Tevez was brought down in the area, but saw his penalty superbly kept out by Roberto. Three goals proved enough for Juve, though, as they claimed an important victory.
Malmo 0-2 Atletico Madrid: Koke and Raul Garcia send Rojiblancos six points clear
Koke and Raul Garcia's strikes gave Atletico Madrid a 2-0 victory at Malmo and a commanding lead in Champions League Group A on Tuesday.
The Spanish champions went ahead on the half hour through Koke's neat flick and sealed the points 12 minutes from time courtesy of Garcia's emphatic finish.
But between those goals, last season's losing finalists were given a stern examination by their Swedish counterparts in a frenetic second half.Diego Godin blocked Anton Tinnerholm's goal-bound volley before Markus Rosenberg's ferocious shot cannoned back off the post as the visitors wobbled.
It took Garcia's drilled finish from inside the box to give Atletico breathing space, making it five wins on the bounce in all competitions as the away side became the first team in eight European outings to win at Malmo.
Despite his two goals to break his La Liga duck against Cordoba at the weekend, Antoine Griezmann was dropped to the bench by Atletico coach Simeone – the Frenchman making way for Garcia.
Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen was substituted with a leg injury in the Allsvenskan fixture against Atvidaberg at the weekend and was given an early test when Gabi's in-swinging free-kick glanced off Erik Johansson after three minutes – the shot-stopper doing well to tip the ball wide.
The visitors should have taken the lead after 19 minutes when a slick passing move opened up the Malmo defence and Koke cleverly squared for Garcia 10 yards out, but Olsen made a fine low save.
They were ahead 11 minutes later, though, when another brilliant team move saw Juanfran released down the right and his low cross was beautifully flicked in by Koke from six yards out.
That goal made it six that the midfielder has been involved in during this year's competition.The Swedish champions put in a spirited showing in the first half, and Isaac Kiese Thelin's powerful header flew wide after 37 minutes.
They ought to have equalised a minute before half-time on the counter as Rosenberg's superb pass found Emil Forsberg, but a heavy first touch allowed Atletico to clear.Malmo came out fighting after the interval and went agonisingly close to levelling after 48 minutes when Tinnerholm's terrific volley was superbly blocked by Godin.
The visitors went even closer shortly after when Rosenberg reacted quickest to his blocked free-kick to lash a fierce effort against the post.Atletico were rattled and Guilherme Siqueira's causal chest back to Miguel Angel Moya in the 57th minute afforded Tinnerholm a sight of goal, but the goalkeeper smothered the shot.
Simeone's side weathered the storm before confirming the win in the 78th minute when Juanfran's cross was only half cleared and Garcia arrowed a precise strike into the bottom-left corner, leaving Atletico still leading the way in Group A.
Koke and Raul Garcia's strikes gave Atletico Madrid a 2-0 victory at Malmo and a commanding lead in Champions League Group A on Tuesday.
The Spanish champions went ahead on the half hour through Koke's neat flick and sealed the points 12 minutes from time courtesy of Garcia's emphatic finish.
But between those goals, last season's losing finalists were given a stern examination by their Swedish counterparts in a frenetic second half.Diego Godin blocked Anton Tinnerholm's goal-bound volley before Markus Rosenberg's ferocious shot cannoned back off the post as the visitors wobbled.
It took Garcia's drilled finish from inside the box to give Atletico breathing space, making it five wins on the bounce in all competitions as the away side became the first team in eight European outings to win at Malmo.
Despite his two goals to break his La Liga duck against Cordoba at the weekend, Antoine Griezmann was dropped to the bench by Atletico coach Simeone – the Frenchman making way for Garcia.
Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen was substituted with a leg injury in the Allsvenskan fixture against Atvidaberg at the weekend and was given an early test when Gabi's in-swinging free-kick glanced off Erik Johansson after three minutes – the shot-stopper doing well to tip the ball wide.
The visitors should have taken the lead after 19 minutes when a slick passing move opened up the Malmo defence and Koke cleverly squared for Garcia 10 yards out, but Olsen made a fine low save.
They were ahead 11 minutes later, though, when another brilliant team move saw Juanfran released down the right and his low cross was beautifully flicked in by Koke from six yards out.
That goal made it six that the midfielder has been involved in during this year's competition.The Swedish champions put in a spirited showing in the first half, and Isaac Kiese Thelin's powerful header flew wide after 37 minutes.
They ought to have equalised a minute before half-time on the counter as Rosenberg's superb pass found Emil Forsberg, but a heavy first touch allowed Atletico to clear.Malmo came out fighting after the interval and went agonisingly close to levelling after 48 minutes when Tinnerholm's terrific volley was superbly blocked by Godin.
The visitors went even closer shortly after when Rosenberg reacted quickest to his blocked free-kick to lash a fierce effort against the post.Atletico were rattled and Guilherme Siqueira's causal chest back to Miguel Angel Moya in the 57th minute afforded Tinnerholm a sight of goal, but the goalkeeper smothered the shot.
Simeone's side weathered the storm before confirming the win in the 78th minute when Juanfran's cross was only half cleared and Garcia arrowed a precise strike into the bottom-left corner, leaving Atletico still leading the way in Group A.
Basel 4-0 Ludogorets: Swiss side stroll to victory
Basel moved closer to the last 16 of the Champions League after easing to a 4-0 Group B victory against Ludogorets on Tuesday.
Paulo Sousa's side entered the match level with Liverpool and Ludogorets with three points from three games.The Bulgarian side beat 10-man Basel with a stoppage-time winner on matchday three, but there was to be no repeat as the hosts cruised to a vital three points to take second place with two games left.
Breel Embolo and Derlis Gonzalez punished poor defending with first-half goals before Shkelzen Gashi and Marek Suchy underlined the gulf between the two sides after half-time.With Real Madrid out in front in Group B, the battle for second place is now finely poised ahead of Basel's trip to Anfield on matchday five.
Both sides started without their respective match-winners from earlier in the campaign with Yordan Minev suspended for Ludogorets and Marcos Streller still out injured for Basel.And the visitors' intentions were clear from the first whistle as they packed men behind the ball, delaying and disrupting the game whenever possible.
That approach succeeded in stifling the Swiss champions and Ludogorets even created an unlikely chance of their own with a 26th-minute counter attack, only for Dani Abalo to panic and slice over the bar at the back post.But the resistance was broken in the 33rd minute and for all their committed defending, Ludogorets were undone by a single throughball from Fabian Frei.
Embolo's run through the middle was not tracked and the 17-year-old took full advantage, shrugging off the challenge of Georgi Terziev when it eventually arrived before beating Vladislav Stoyanov with from 12 yards.Ludogorets did not learn from their mistake and Gonzalez profitted from similarly slack defending in the 41st minute.
Frei was once again afforded time and space to pick out the Paraguayan, who advanced on goal before applying a cool finish past a static Stoyanov.Mihail Alexandrov was thwarted in his attempts to reduce the deficit in first-half stoppage time, with Tomas Vaclik, in stark contrast to his opposite number, racing off his line to clear the danger.
The confidence was coursing through the Basel team as Embolo and Gashi tried their luck from distance early in the second half.
The pair then combined to put the result beyond doubt after 59 minutes as Embolo delievered a wonderful cross from the right that Gashi merely had to tap in from three yards.Gashi looked like helping himself to another in the 65th minute, after more fine build-up play from the energetic Embolo, until a fantastic block by Brayan Angulo.
But Angulo's team-mates failed to match that level of defending from the resulting corner and Suchy was allowed to convert a loose ball from close range.Embolo could have added a fifth in the closing stages, but was denied by Stoyanov and instead the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for home favourite Marcelo Diaz.
The Chilean came on to replace Frei and make his first European appearance since receiving a three-match in last season's Europa League quarter-final against Valencia, rounding off a fine night for the home side.
Basel moved closer to the last 16 of the Champions League after easing to a 4-0 Group B victory against Ludogorets on Tuesday.
Paulo Sousa's side entered the match level with Liverpool and Ludogorets with three points from three games.The Bulgarian side beat 10-man Basel with a stoppage-time winner on matchday three, but there was to be no repeat as the hosts cruised to a vital three points to take second place with two games left.
Breel Embolo and Derlis Gonzalez punished poor defending with first-half goals before Shkelzen Gashi and Marek Suchy underlined the gulf between the two sides after half-time.With Real Madrid out in front in Group B, the battle for second place is now finely poised ahead of Basel's trip to Anfield on matchday five.
Both sides started without their respective match-winners from earlier in the campaign with Yordan Minev suspended for Ludogorets and Marcos Streller still out injured for Basel.And the visitors' intentions were clear from the first whistle as they packed men behind the ball, delaying and disrupting the game whenever possible.
That approach succeeded in stifling the Swiss champions and Ludogorets even created an unlikely chance of their own with a 26th-minute counter attack, only for Dani Abalo to panic and slice over the bar at the back post.But the resistance was broken in the 33rd minute and for all their committed defending, Ludogorets were undone by a single throughball from Fabian Frei.
Embolo's run through the middle was not tracked and the 17-year-old took full advantage, shrugging off the challenge of Georgi Terziev when it eventually arrived before beating Vladislav Stoyanov with from 12 yards.Ludogorets did not learn from their mistake and Gonzalez profitted from similarly slack defending in the 41st minute.
Frei was once again afforded time and space to pick out the Paraguayan, who advanced on goal before applying a cool finish past a static Stoyanov.Mihail Alexandrov was thwarted in his attempts to reduce the deficit in first-half stoppage time, with Tomas Vaclik, in stark contrast to his opposite number, racing off his line to clear the danger.
The confidence was coursing through the Basel team as Embolo and Gashi tried their luck from distance early in the second half.
The pair then combined to put the result beyond doubt after 59 minutes as Embolo delievered a wonderful cross from the right that Gashi merely had to tap in from three yards.Gashi looked like helping himself to another in the 65th minute, after more fine build-up play from the energetic Embolo, until a fantastic block by Brayan Angulo.
But Angulo's team-mates failed to match that level of defending from the resulting corner and Suchy was allowed to convert a loose ball from close range.Embolo could have added a fifth in the closing stages, but was denied by Stoyanov and instead the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for home favourite Marcelo Diaz.
The Chilean came on to replace Frei and make his first European appearance since receiving a three-match in last season's Europa League quarter-final against Valencia, rounding off a fine night for the home side.
Arsenal 3-3 Anderlecht: Gunners capitulate to miss chance to go through
Arsenal must wait to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage after letting a three-goal lead slip at home to Anderlecht.
A Mikel Arteta penalty and brilliant Alexis Sanchez volley put the Gunners firmly in command inside the first half-hour, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to have sealed the points when he made it 3-0 on 58 minutes.
But Anderlecht were far from finished, and former Portsmouth star Anthony Vanden Borre struck twice - the second from the penalty spot - to give them hope before Aleksandar Mitrovic snatched a dramatic equaliser at the death.
The Belgians almost opened the scoring after eight minutes when Dennis Praet's effort deflected off Per Mertesacker and into the side-netting, but the hosts responded as the returning Aaron Ramsey - in for Mathieu Flamini – saw a strike blocked and Alexis struck a post before Chancel Mbemba clumsily brought down Welbeck having found himself the wrong side of the Arsenal man.
Skipper Arteta calmly lofted the ball past opposing captain Proto to give Arsene Wenger's side the lead and Alexis made it 2-0 with a fifth goal in his last three games soon after.The former Barcelona man's long-range strike beat Proto at the near post to leave the visitors in real danger.
Arsenal's dream half ended with a scare as Ramsey sustained a knock to his lower back, but the Welshman emerged apparently unscathed after the interval.Oxlade-Chamberlain made it three soon after with his first European goal of the season after some slack play from Sacha Kljestan in midfield.
The England international robbed the American and surged past Vanden Borre before slamming the ball beyond Proto, although the experienced full-back then did his best to sour things for Arsenal as he hit back within three minutes from close range.Vanden Borre was on the end of Andy Kawaya's delivery to pull a goal back for the visitors before reducing the deficit to one from the spot following Nacho Monreal's foul on Mitrovic.
And Mitrovic proved to be Anderlecht's hero, capping a remarkable comeback by heading home Andy Najar's delivery to salvage the Belgians' second point of the group and gain some revenge for Arsenal's last-gasp 2-1 win in Brussels.
Arsenal must wait to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stage after letting a three-goal lead slip at home to Anderlecht.
A Mikel Arteta penalty and brilliant Alexis Sanchez volley put the Gunners firmly in command inside the first half-hour, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looked to have sealed the points when he made it 3-0 on 58 minutes.
But Anderlecht were far from finished, and former Portsmouth star Anthony Vanden Borre struck twice - the second from the penalty spot - to give them hope before Aleksandar Mitrovic snatched a dramatic equaliser at the death.
The Belgians almost opened the scoring after eight minutes when Dennis Praet's effort deflected off Per Mertesacker and into the side-netting, but the hosts responded as the returning Aaron Ramsey - in for Mathieu Flamini – saw a strike blocked and Alexis struck a post before Chancel Mbemba clumsily brought down Welbeck having found himself the wrong side of the Arsenal man.
Skipper Arteta calmly lofted the ball past opposing captain Proto to give Arsene Wenger's side the lead and Alexis made it 2-0 with a fifth goal in his last three games soon after.The former Barcelona man's long-range strike beat Proto at the near post to leave the visitors in real danger.
Arsenal's dream half ended with a scare as Ramsey sustained a knock to his lower back, but the Welshman emerged apparently unscathed after the interval.Oxlade-Chamberlain made it three soon after with his first European goal of the season after some slack play from Sacha Kljestan in midfield.
The England international robbed the American and surged past Vanden Borre before slamming the ball beyond Proto, although the experienced full-back then did his best to sour things for Arsenal as he hit back within three minutes from close range.Vanden Borre was on the end of Andy Kawaya's delivery to pull a goal back for the visitors before reducing the deficit to one from the spot following Nacho Monreal's foul on Mitrovic.
And Mitrovic proved to be Anderlecht's hero, capping a remarkable comeback by heading home Andy Najar's delivery to salvage the Belgians' second point of the group and gain some revenge for Arsenal's last-gasp 2-1 win in Brussels.
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Galatasaray: Reus helps fire Klopp's men into knockout rounds
Borussia Dortmund cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday.
Saturday's 2-1 loss at Bayern Munich was a fifth straight Bundesliga defeat for Jurgen Klopp's side.
However, Dortmund put their domestic problems behind them by making it four wins from four in Group D following victories over Arsenal, Anderlecht and a 4-0 romp in Istanbul two weeks ago.
This was a tighter affair in the opening stages as a strong contingent of Galatasaray fans helped create a great atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.
But Dortmund held their nerve as Reus beat the offside trap to net in the 39th minute and Sokratis Papastathopoulos added a second soon after half-time.Hakan Balta briefly got the visitors back in it, only for substitute Ciro Immobile to put the hosts in control again and a Semih Kaya own goal compounded Galatasaray's misery.
Galatasaray may also face a Uefa inquest after play twice had to be halted briefly due to flares and firecrackers being thrown onto the pitch by the away supporters.
Dortmund were without Mats Hummels, Nuri Sahin, Marian Sarr and Ji Dong-Won through injury, while Oliver Kirch and Jakub Blaszczykowski were also absent due to a lack of match fitness.
Galatasaray had Aydin Yilmaz sidelined with a foot problem, but Felipe Melo had sufficiently recovered from a thigh strain to make the starting line-up and Umut Bulut was preferred to Burak Yilmaz up front.
The visitors had an early penalty appeal turned down when Bulut went to ground too easily after making contact with Erik Durm and Wesley Sneijder's overhead kick was comfortably saved by Roman Weidenfeller.
Dortmund then went close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes when Papastathopoulos headed against the crossbar from a Reus corner, while Shinji Kagawa was just wide when curling one in with the outside of his right foot.
The hosts went ahead six minutes before the break, though, when Lukasz Piszczek's fine through-ball picked out a great run from Reus in behind the Galatasaray backline and the playmaker coolly slotted past Fernando Muslera.Sneijder almost caught Weidenfeller napping with a snapshot at the start of the second period, but Dortmund were in control when Galatasaray failed to clear a cross and Sebastian Kehl headed down for Sokratis to hook the ball home.
The Turkish side pulled one back after 69 minutes when Balta headed in a Sneijder corner, but Dortmund then broke away through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his cross was clinically chested down and forced past the outrushing goalkeeper by Immobile.
Aubameyang almost added another for Dortmund on the counter-attack, but the fourth did come when an Immobile cross deflected in off Kaya for an own goal.
Borussia Dortmund cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-1 victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday.
Saturday's 2-1 loss at Bayern Munich was a fifth straight Bundesliga defeat for Jurgen Klopp's side.
However, Dortmund put their domestic problems behind them by making it four wins from four in Group D following victories over Arsenal, Anderlecht and a 4-0 romp in Istanbul two weeks ago.
This was a tighter affair in the opening stages as a strong contingent of Galatasaray fans helped create a great atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park.
But Dortmund held their nerve as Reus beat the offside trap to net in the 39th minute and Sokratis Papastathopoulos added a second soon after half-time.Hakan Balta briefly got the visitors back in it, only for substitute Ciro Immobile to put the hosts in control again and a Semih Kaya own goal compounded Galatasaray's misery.
Galatasaray may also face a Uefa inquest after play twice had to be halted briefly due to flares and firecrackers being thrown onto the pitch by the away supporters.
Dortmund were without Mats Hummels, Nuri Sahin, Marian Sarr and Ji Dong-Won through injury, while Oliver Kirch and Jakub Blaszczykowski were also absent due to a lack of match fitness.
Galatasaray had Aydin Yilmaz sidelined with a foot problem, but Felipe Melo had sufficiently recovered from a thigh strain to make the starting line-up and Umut Bulut was preferred to Burak Yilmaz up front.
The visitors had an early penalty appeal turned down when Bulut went to ground too easily after making contact with Erik Durm and Wesley Sneijder's overhead kick was comfortably saved by Roman Weidenfeller.
Dortmund then went close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes when Papastathopoulos headed against the crossbar from a Reus corner, while Shinji Kagawa was just wide when curling one in with the outside of his right foot.
The hosts went ahead six minutes before the break, though, when Lukasz Piszczek's fine through-ball picked out a great run from Reus in behind the Galatasaray backline and the playmaker coolly slotted past Fernando Muslera.Sneijder almost caught Weidenfeller napping with a snapshot at the start of the second period, but Dortmund were in control when Galatasaray failed to clear a cross and Sebastian Kehl headed down for Sokratis to hook the ball home.
The Turkish side pulled one back after 69 minutes when Balta headed in a Sneijder corner, but Dortmund then broke away through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his cross was clinically chested down and forced past the outrushing goalkeeper by Immobile.
Aubameyang almost added another for Dortmund on the counter-attack, but the fourth did come when an Immobile cross deflected in off Kaya for an own goal.
Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool: Second-string Reds narrowly beaten
Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a narrow but comfortable victory over a depleted Liverpool side at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema scored the decisive goal for the reigning European champions in the 27th minute, peeling away from Kolo Toures and applying a clinical finish to Marcelo's whipped cross from the left flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a rare off-night and Brendan Rodgers introduced Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling in the second half in a bid to find a Liverpool equaliser, but the visitors rarely troubled the Madrid defence.
Rodgers made seven alterations to the the side that suffered a dispiriting 1-0 Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday - Gerrard, Sterling and Mario Balotelli among those on the bench as their boss cast an eye towards this weekend's Premier League clash with leaders Chelsea.
Simon Mignolet experienced a predictably busy evening but his team-mates offered a growing threat in the second half, with Adam Lallana the closest to finding an equaliser.
Real poured forwards once more in the closing stages as they looked to make sure of a 12th consecutive win in all competitions, but Ronaldo was unable to equal Raul's Champions League all-time record of 71 goals.
Fresh from a brace including a spectacular volley in Real's 4-0 win at Granada on Saturday, James Rodriguez forced Mignolet to palm an early 20-yard effort behind at full stretch.The Belgian goalkeeper was called into action again in the 10th minute when an error from Martin Skrtel allowed Benzema to tee up Ronaldo.
A handful of important blocks from the defenders stationed in front of Mignolet saw Liverpool weather the early pressure and eventually play with increased assurance, but they fell behind with 27 minutes played.
Isco exchanged passes with Ronaldo to find Marcelo and the left-back crossed for Benzema to steer the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
As they did in Liverpool, Real sought a swift second to kill off the game after opening the scoring - Mignolet turning away a stinging Ronaldo free-kick before Kolo Toure touched a lofted pass from Raphael Varane onto the roof of his own net under pressure from Benzema.
Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed his kick on the end of Luka Modric's chipped 39th-minute through ball and, although Emre Can was wasteful on a rare venture into the Real box, Liverpool were grateful to see no time added for first-half stoppages.Mignolet continued to get the better of Ronaldo in their personal duel, grasping a 49th-minute side-footed effort at the second attempt.
Alberto Moreno then gave Iker Casillas his first save of the night in the Madrid goal and the Liverpool full-back also played in a pass for Lallana to cleverly turn and slide a shot narrowly beyond the far post.
Fabio Borini's 61st-minute free-kick deflected wide off a disorganised Real defensive wall and that relatively rocky period prompted Carlo Ancelotti to bring on Gareth Bale for Rodriguez, the Wales winger ending three weeks on the sidelines with a gluteal injury.
As Rodgers prepared to send on Gerrard and Sterling to exploit an increasing sense of Real vulnerability, Toure produced an excellent last-ditch challenge to thwart Ronaldo.Benzema was unsuccessful from another teasing Marcelo cross in the 69th minute before Bale struck the crossbar as the Brazilian supplied further ammunition.
As it was, Liverpool retained a measure of pride but three straight European defeats means there is no further room for error in their remaining group encounters with Ludogorets and Basel.
Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a narrow but comfortable victory over a depleted Liverpool side at Santiago Bernabeu.
Karim Benzema scored the decisive goal for the reigning European champions in the 27th minute, peeling away from Kolo Toures and applying a clinical finish to Marcelo's whipped cross from the left flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a rare off-night and Brendan Rodgers introduced Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling in the second half in a bid to find a Liverpool equaliser, but the visitors rarely troubled the Madrid defence.
Rodgers made seven alterations to the the side that suffered a dispiriting 1-0 Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday - Gerrard, Sterling and Mario Balotelli among those on the bench as their boss cast an eye towards this weekend's Premier League clash with leaders Chelsea.
Simon Mignolet experienced a predictably busy evening but his team-mates offered a growing threat in the second half, with Adam Lallana the closest to finding an equaliser.
Real poured forwards once more in the closing stages as they looked to make sure of a 12th consecutive win in all competitions, but Ronaldo was unable to equal Raul's Champions League all-time record of 71 goals.
Fresh from a brace including a spectacular volley in Real's 4-0 win at Granada on Saturday, James Rodriguez forced Mignolet to palm an early 20-yard effort behind at full stretch.The Belgian goalkeeper was called into action again in the 10th minute when an error from Martin Skrtel allowed Benzema to tee up Ronaldo.
A handful of important blocks from the defenders stationed in front of Mignolet saw Liverpool weather the early pressure and eventually play with increased assurance, but they fell behind with 27 minutes played.
Isco exchanged passes with Ronaldo to find Marcelo and the left-back crossed for Benzema to steer the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
As they did in Liverpool, Real sought a swift second to kill off the game after opening the scoring - Mignolet turning away a stinging Ronaldo free-kick before Kolo Toure touched a lofted pass from Raphael Varane onto the roof of his own net under pressure from Benzema.
Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed his kick on the end of Luka Modric's chipped 39th-minute through ball and, although Emre Can was wasteful on a rare venture into the Real box, Liverpool were grateful to see no time added for first-half stoppages.Mignolet continued to get the better of Ronaldo in their personal duel, grasping a 49th-minute side-footed effort at the second attempt.
Alberto Moreno then gave Iker Casillas his first save of the night in the Madrid goal and the Liverpool full-back also played in a pass for Lallana to cleverly turn and slide a shot narrowly beyond the far post.
Fabio Borini's 61st-minute free-kick deflected wide off a disorganised Real defensive wall and that relatively rocky period prompted Carlo Ancelotti to bring on Gareth Bale for Rodriguez, the Wales winger ending three weeks on the sidelines with a gluteal injury.
As Rodgers prepared to send on Gerrard and Sterling to exploit an increasing sense of Real vulnerability, Toure produced an excellent last-ditch challenge to thwart Ronaldo.Benzema was unsuccessful from another teasing Marcelo cross in the 69th minute before Bale struck the crossbar as the Brazilian supplied further ammunition.
As it was, Liverpool retained a measure of pride but three straight European defeats means there is no further room for error in their remaining group encounters with Ludogorets and Basel.
Guardiola ready to unleash Ribery on Roma
Pep Guardiola says he is ready to unleash Franck Ribery on Roma after his impressive cameo in the win over Borussia Dortmund.
The Bayern Munich winger came off the bench with 20 minutes to go against Jurgen Klopp's side on Saturday and sparked his side's comeback, playing a part in Robert Lewandowski's equaliser before winning the penalty from which Arjen Robben scored the winner.
Guardiola was impressed with his display in the 2-1 triumph and has indicated he could field the 31-year-old from the start against Roma on Wednesday as he looks to get his team playing to a satisfactory standard."He made the difference against Dortmund," Guardiola told reporters.
"We're playing better than I thought we would, but we're not quite at the level where I want us to be."Roma have a very good and youthful side and can impose their game on you if you give them too much room.
"It's a different game [to the 7-1 thrashing in Rome]. We're focused on the massive chance we have to progress to the next round."
Pep Guardiola says he is ready to unleash Franck Ribery on Roma after his impressive cameo in the win over Borussia Dortmund.
The Bayern Munich winger came off the bench with 20 minutes to go against Jurgen Klopp's side on Saturday and sparked his side's comeback, playing a part in Robert Lewandowski's equaliser before winning the penalty from which Arjen Robben scored the winner.
Guardiola was impressed with his display in the 2-1 triumph and has indicated he could field the 31-year-old from the start against Roma on Wednesday as he looks to get his team playing to a satisfactory standard."He made the difference against Dortmund," Guardiola told reporters.
"We're playing better than I thought we would, but we're not quite at the level where I want us to be."Roma have a very good and youthful side and can impose their game on you if you give them too much room.
"It's a different game [to the 7-1 thrashing in Rome]. We're focused on the massive chance we have to progress to the next round."
Arsenal send scouts to watch €15m-rated Germany international Kramer
Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer ahead of the January window.
The Gunners have sent scouts to regularly watch the Bayer Leverkusen player, who is in the second season of a two-year loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Arsenal are in the market for a midfield anchorman after failing in a deadline-day bid to land William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon in the summer window.
The north London club tabled a €27 million bid for Carvalho but were unable to push through a late summer deal.
Kramer, who is rated at around €15m, is contracted to Leverkusen until 2017 and is due to return to the club at the end of the season, but his future is shrouded in doubt.
The 23-year-old has not played a single minute for Leverkusen's first team after being loaned out for four consecutive campaigns and has said publicly he would rather stay at Monchengladbach and will not allow his future to be decided by Bayer.
"In general, being involved in the football business is often like modern human trafficking," he said. "But for me, a contract can say whatever it wants. If I don't want to play somewhere next season, I won't play there. In the end, I will still decide where I play."
Arsenal's scouts have been impressed by Kramer's progress over the last 12 months, having scouted him last season and over the current campaign
The midfielder was a member of Germany's World Cup-winning squad and started the final victory against Argentina before being substituted with concussion in the first half.
The midfielder has played nine league games for Monchengladbach so far this season, scoring in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Stuttgart.
Arsenal's current defensive midfielders, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Arteta and Flamini started in the back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Burnley in recent weeks, but are both approaching the latter stages of their careers, while other midfielders Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both have a history of injuries.
Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer ahead of the January window.
The Gunners have sent scouts to regularly watch the Bayer Leverkusen player, who is in the second season of a two-year loan at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Arsenal are in the market for a midfield anchorman after failing in a deadline-day bid to land William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon in the summer window.
The north London club tabled a €27 million bid for Carvalho but were unable to push through a late summer deal.
Kramer, who is rated at around €15m, is contracted to Leverkusen until 2017 and is due to return to the club at the end of the season, but his future is shrouded in doubt.
The 23-year-old has not played a single minute for Leverkusen's first team after being loaned out for four consecutive campaigns and has said publicly he would rather stay at Monchengladbach and will not allow his future to be decided by Bayer.
"In general, being involved in the football business is often like modern human trafficking," he said. "But for me, a contract can say whatever it wants. If I don't want to play somewhere next season, I won't play there. In the end, I will still decide where I play."
Arsenal's scouts have been impressed by Kramer's progress over the last 12 months, having scouted him last season and over the current campaign
The midfielder was a member of Germany's World Cup-winning squad and started the final victory against Argentina before being substituted with concussion in the first half.
The midfielder has played nine league games for Monchengladbach so far this season, scoring in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Stuttgart.
Arsenal's current defensive midfielders, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Arteta and Flamini started in the back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Burnley in recent weeks, but are both approaching the latter stages of their careers, while other midfielders Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both have a history of injuries.
Kolarov out for a month for Manchester City
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Aleksandar Kolarov will miss a month due to a calf injury.
The defender was injured during the warm-up to Sunday's Manchester derby, with Gael Clichy stepping up from the substitutes' bench to face Louis van Gaal's side.
The Serbia international will now face a spell on the sidelines, though Pellegrini is hopeful fellow defender Eliaquim Mangala will be able to return against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
"Kolarov has a muscle injury in his calf – he will be out for at least one month," he told reporters. "Mangala is in the squad list for tomorrow [Wednesday]."
The Premier League champions are up against it in their bid to reach the Champions League knockout stages, having picked up just two points from their opening three group matches.
Pellegrini's side threw away a two-goal lead on matchday three in Russia, and though rivals Roma and Bayern Munich are clear in the qualifying positions, the former Malaga boss does not believe a failure to win on Wednesday will lead to elimination.
"It's impossible to be sure but I think this group will be decided in the last game against Roma in Italy," he said.
"I don't think that this game [against CSKA] is sudden death – you can continue mathematically with a draw but it's a really important game.
"There have been times that a team has qualified with a low points total and then gone on to win the competition
"With a winning mentality and an ambitious mind, you always have a chance. That's the way we must be."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Aleksandar Kolarov will miss a month due to a calf injury.
The defender was injured during the warm-up to Sunday's Manchester derby, with Gael Clichy stepping up from the substitutes' bench to face Louis van Gaal's side.
The Serbia international will now face a spell on the sidelines, though Pellegrini is hopeful fellow defender Eliaquim Mangala will be able to return against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
"Kolarov has a muscle injury in his calf – he will be out for at least one month," he told reporters. "Mangala is in the squad list for tomorrow [Wednesday]."
The Premier League champions are up against it in their bid to reach the Champions League knockout stages, having picked up just two points from their opening three group matches.
Pellegrini's side threw away a two-goal lead on matchday three in Russia, and though rivals Roma and Bayern Munich are clear in the qualifying positions, the former Malaga boss does not believe a failure to win on Wednesday will lead to elimination.
"It's impossible to be sure but I think this group will be decided in the last game against Roma in Italy," he said.
"I don't think that this game [against CSKA] is sudden death – you can continue mathematically with a draw but it's a really important game.
"There have been times that a team has qualified with a low points total and then gone on to win the competition
"With a winning mentality and an ambitious mind, you always have a chance. That's the way we must be."
Casillas: I want to play for Real Madrid until I'm 40
Iker Casillas claims that, while every player needs a "crash-course in impatience" at Real Madrid, he has never entertained the idea of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu and wants to continue playing there until he's 40.
The Spain international's future with the Blancos appeared very much in doubt after he was ostracised by former boss Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season before then being shifted to the role of cup competitions goalkeeper under Carlo Ancelotti last season.However, Casillas has now re-established himself as Madrid's first-choice shot-stopper despite the summer arrival of Keylor Navas from Levante and says he never considered leaving the club he has represented since he was a teenager.
"Madrid's so big it seems like winning the European Cup only buys you a month," he told The Guardian. "When you come to this club you need a crash-course in impatience. There’s no time here.
"There’s always speculation but after all the stories, the rumours, I’m still here.
"There’s never been a chance for me to go anywhere else because I’ve never thought about it."All the presidents I’ve had have said: ‘The day you don’t want to be here, just come and tell me.’ And I’m still here. It started here and I want it to finish here.
"I think I can play until I’m 40. I feel fit and strong. If your head and body are fine, you can do it. And if you’re happy, if you have got a target, you never have a reason to go anywhere else."Indeed, despite lifted the Champions League for the third time in May, courtesy of Madrid's 4-1 defeat of city rivals Atletico, Casillas is still hungry for more continental glory.
"We waited a decade for La Decima," he pointed out. "Now we’re thinking about the 11th European Cup."And we’ve got the team for that, so why not?"
Madrid are currently in the midst of an 11-game winning streak in all competitions and will be confident of extending their run on Tuesday against Champions League Group B rivals Liverpool, who are struggling for form this season.
Iker Casillas claims that, while every player needs a "crash-course in impatience" at Real Madrid, he has never entertained the idea of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu and wants to continue playing there until he's 40.
The Spain international's future with the Blancos appeared very much in doubt after he was ostracised by former boss Jose Mourinho during the 2012-13 season before then being shifted to the role of cup competitions goalkeeper under Carlo Ancelotti last season.However, Casillas has now re-established himself as Madrid's first-choice shot-stopper despite the summer arrival of Keylor Navas from Levante and says he never considered leaving the club he has represented since he was a teenager.
"Madrid's so big it seems like winning the European Cup only buys you a month," he told The Guardian. "When you come to this club you need a crash-course in impatience. There’s no time here.
"There’s always speculation but after all the stories, the rumours, I’m still here.
"There’s never been a chance for me to go anywhere else because I’ve never thought about it."All the presidents I’ve had have said: ‘The day you don’t want to be here, just come and tell me.’ And I’m still here. It started here and I want it to finish here.
"I think I can play until I’m 40. I feel fit and strong. If your head and body are fine, you can do it. And if you’re happy, if you have got a target, you never have a reason to go anywhere else."Indeed, despite lifted the Champions League for the third time in May, courtesy of Madrid's 4-1 defeat of city rivals Atletico, Casillas is still hungry for more continental glory.
"We waited a decade for La Decima," he pointed out. "Now we’re thinking about the 11th European Cup."And we’ve got the team for that, so why not?"
Madrid are currently in the midst of an 11-game winning streak in all competitions and will be confident of extending their run on Tuesday against Champions League Group B rivals Liverpool, who are struggling for form this season.
My style will bring trophies to Barcelona, says Luis Enrique
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is adamant he will not change his footballing philosophy despite back-to-back defeats.
Barca followed up their 3-1 Clasico setback to Real Madrid with a shock 1-0 loss at home to Celta Vigo, allowing Carlo Ancelotti's side to leapfrog them in the Liga standings.
The Catalans also suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, but, despite recent criticism, Luis Enrique insists he will bring success to the club with his own brand of football."I won't change anything. I want to improve myself and the squad. I want to win prizes with my own philosophy," he said.
"After two losses, it is time for us to take the three points. I don't know if we will get back on track if we beat Ajax, but that's not something that worries me.
"I feel always the pressure of being the coach of a top club, but that's normal. It will be very important to win tomorrow, so we can hopefully finish top of our group."I expect a courageous Ajax against us. I saw the game from last season. It will be difficult, but we have two completely different teams in comparison with the previous season. We will fight Ajax in our own way."
Luis Enrique went on to tip counterpart Frank de Boer to become a future head coach at Camp Nou following his impressive record in Amsterdam in recent seasons.
"Frank de Boer has already won a lot of prizes with Ajax in the Eredivisie. De Boer and Ajax are a good combination, and he would also be a good combination with Barcelona. He has experience and knows Barcelona well. You don't know what the future will bring."
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is adamant he will not change his footballing philosophy despite back-to-back defeats.
Barca followed up their 3-1 Clasico setback to Real Madrid with a shock 1-0 loss at home to Celta Vigo, allowing Carlo Ancelotti's side to leapfrog them in the Liga standings.
The Catalans also suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, but, despite recent criticism, Luis Enrique insists he will bring success to the club with his own brand of football."I won't change anything. I want to improve myself and the squad. I want to win prizes with my own philosophy," he said.
"After two losses, it is time for us to take the three points. I don't know if we will get back on track if we beat Ajax, but that's not something that worries me.
"I feel always the pressure of being the coach of a top club, but that's normal. It will be very important to win tomorrow, so we can hopefully finish top of our group."I expect a courageous Ajax against us. I saw the game from last season. It will be difficult, but we have two completely different teams in comparison with the previous season. We will fight Ajax in our own way."
Luis Enrique went on to tip counterpart Frank de Boer to become a future head coach at Camp Nou following his impressive record in Amsterdam in recent seasons.
"Frank de Boer has already won a lot of prizes with Ajax in the Eredivisie. De Boer and Ajax are a good combination, and he would also be a good combination with Barcelona. He has experience and knows Barcelona well. You don't know what the future will bring."
Moyes talks hit wage snag
Real Sociedad have held talks with David Moyes over their vacant coaching position, although hope of a swift appointment has receded due to the former Everton and Manchester United manager's wage demands.
The Basque outfit sacked coach Jagoba Arrasate on Sunday after their defeat at home to Malaga saw them drop to 19th place in La Liga.
Goal has learned Moyes is the club's top target thanks largely to his work at Everton, where he worked wonders with a low budget and brought through a number of youth-team players in his 11-year tenure.
Initial talks were positive but the deal has now hit a stumbling block with the Basque side struggling to put together a suitable financial package.
Real are thought to have offered around €1m per year to the Scot, who is keen to rebuild his career abroad after his spell at Old Trafford came to a disappointing end last April.
"He is the club's top target," a source told Goal. "The board believes his style fits with the club's current squad and they were very impressed with what he did at Everton. Talks have gone well, but they are still some way off an agreement financially. La Real could stretch to €1.5m per year, but are unlikely to pay more than that."
Former Betis and West Bromwich Albion boss Pepe Mel is also in the frame for the job, along with German Thomas Tuchel (previously with Mainz), while ex-Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has expressed an interest through his representatives.
Real Sociedad have held talks with David Moyes over their vacant coaching position, although hope of a swift appointment has receded due to the former Everton and Manchester United manager's wage demands.
The Basque outfit sacked coach Jagoba Arrasate on Sunday after their defeat at home to Malaga saw them drop to 19th place in La Liga.
Goal has learned Moyes is the club's top target thanks largely to his work at Everton, where he worked wonders with a low budget and brought through a number of youth-team players in his 11-year tenure.
Initial talks were positive but the deal has now hit a stumbling block with the Basque side struggling to put together a suitable financial package.
Real are thought to have offered around €1m per year to the Scot, who is keen to rebuild his career abroad after his spell at Old Trafford came to a disappointing end last April.
"He is the club's top target," a source told Goal. "The board believes his style fits with the club's current squad and they were very impressed with what he did at Everton. Talks have gone well, but they are still some way off an agreement financially. La Real could stretch to €1.5m per year, but are unlikely to pay more than that."
Former Betis and West Bromwich Albion boss Pepe Mel is also in the frame for the job, along with German Thomas Tuchel (previously with Mainz), while ex-Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has expressed an interest through his representatives.
Pirlo: Juve showed real strength in comeback
Andrea Pirlo hailed a "fundamental" win as Juventus survived a scare to see off Olympiakos 3-2 in Group A of the Champions League.
The Serie A champions looked well on their way when Pirlo - making his 100th Champions League appearance - curled in a trademark free-kick after 20 minutes. But the Greek side stunned the hosts through Alberto Botia and Delvin N'Dinga's to lead by the hour mark.
Juve went out at the group stage of last year's tournament but turned the game on its head in 46 seconds to prevent themselves from doing so again.
First, goalkeeper Roberto was unfortunate to put through his own net, but Paul Pogba smashed home the winner just a minute later on his 100th appearance for the club.Arturo Vidal saw a late penalty tipped onto the crossbar to keep the Italians third in the pool behind Olympiakos on head-to-head record.
The nature of the win breathed new life into Juve's Champions League campaign though, and Pirlo was happy with how the team played.He told Sky Sports Italia: "It is a fundamental victory and we resolved it with the calm and strength to turn it around. It's a shame about the penalty, but we are satisfied with the performance.
"A win was crucial and we knew that it depended on us. Now there are another two games we have to make the most of."
Andrea Pirlo hailed a "fundamental" win as Juventus survived a scare to see off Olympiakos 3-2 in Group A of the Champions League.
The Serie A champions looked well on their way when Pirlo - making his 100th Champions League appearance - curled in a trademark free-kick after 20 minutes. But the Greek side stunned the hosts through Alberto Botia and Delvin N'Dinga's to lead by the hour mark.
Juve went out at the group stage of last year's tournament but turned the game on its head in 46 seconds to prevent themselves from doing so again.
First, goalkeeper Roberto was unfortunate to put through his own net, but Paul Pogba smashed home the winner just a minute later on his 100th appearance for the club.Arturo Vidal saw a late penalty tipped onto the crossbar to keep the Italians third in the pool behind Olympiakos on head-to-head record.
The nature of the win breathed new life into Juve's Champions League campaign though, and Pirlo was happy with how the team played.He told Sky Sports Italia: "It is a fundamental victory and we resolved it with the calm and strength to turn it around. It's a shame about the penalty, but we are satisfied with the performance.
"A win was crucial and we knew that it depended on us. Now there are another two games we have to make the most of."
Prandelli: Galatasaray deserved something against Dortmund
Cesare Prandelli refused to be too downbeat despite a 4-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund dashing Galatasaray's Champions League hopes.
After Marco Reus and Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored for Dortmund, Hakan Balta's header briefly gave the Turkish outfit hope of a comeback.
But Ciro Immobile's breakaway strike and an unfortunate Semih Kaya own goal ended such thoughts.Prandelli still felt his team put up a better display than when losing 4-0 to the same opponents in Istanbul.
"When you look at our performance, it wasn't a fair result," said the former Italy manager."The guys worked very hard and, compared to the first game in Istanbul, we have improved.
"We conceded the goals because of some small mistakes, but we'll get better in time."Prandelli explained that striker Burak Yılmaz, who scored Galatasaray's goals in the 1-1 draw with Anderlecht and a 4-1 loss at Arsenal, was dropped to the bench for tactical reasons and due to a slight ankle injury.
The visitors must also now wait to see if impose any sanctions on them after the match twice had to be halted briefly due to away fans throwing flares onto the pitch.
Cesare Prandelli refused to be too downbeat despite a 4-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund dashing Galatasaray's Champions League hopes.
After Marco Reus and Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored for Dortmund, Hakan Balta's header briefly gave the Turkish outfit hope of a comeback.
But Ciro Immobile's breakaway strike and an unfortunate Semih Kaya own goal ended such thoughts.Prandelli still felt his team put up a better display than when losing 4-0 to the same opponents in Istanbul.
"When you look at our performance, it wasn't a fair result," said the former Italy manager."The guys worked very hard and, compared to the first game in Istanbul, we have improved.
"We conceded the goals because of some small mistakes, but we'll get better in time."Prandelli explained that striker Burak Yılmaz, who scored Galatasaray's goals in the 1-1 draw with Anderlecht and a 4-1 loss at Arsenal, was dropped to the bench for tactical reasons and due to a slight ankle injury.
The visitors must also now wait to see if impose any sanctions on them after the match twice had to be halted briefly due to away fans throwing flares onto the pitch.
'Beautiful' Dortmund had Galatasaray on the ropes - Klopp
Jurgen Klopp praised his "beautiful" Borussia Dortmund team after they swept Galatasaray aside with a 4-1 triumph on Tuesday.
The Signal Iduna Park club sealed their progress into the Champions League last 16 with the triumph on home soil, continuing their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.
The win was in sharp contrast to their five losses in six games in the Bundesliga and Klopp was thrilled with how strikes from Marcos Reus, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Ciro Immobile and an own goal from Semih Kaya secured all three points.
"The team was focused from the start," he told Sky. "We had a grip on the game.
"Galatasaray had some dangerous moments, but we played with passion and we did everything well. We scored beautiful and important goals at the right time.
"I was never worried about the result, the team was stable during the match."
Klopp also slammed the behaviour of Galatasaray supporters in Dortmund, with the game having to be paused a couple of times due to the visitors' fans throwing firecrackers on the pitch.
"Some of the Galatasaray fans' actions annoyed me," he added. "Unfortunately I can't say this has never happened with our fans, there were some incidents, too. But today... This casts a shadow on a fantastic match.
"It was pure provocation. If this was 2-0 or 3-0 for Galatasaray, this would never have happened. Lots of security measures were taken and still they manage to get this stuff in here. That is unbelievable."
Dortmund need just one win from their final two games to top Group D of the Champions League, which will see them top-seeded in the last 16.
Jurgen Klopp praised his "beautiful" Borussia Dortmund team after they swept Galatasaray aside with a 4-1 triumph on Tuesday.
The Signal Iduna Park club sealed their progress into the Champions League last 16 with the triumph on home soil, continuing their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.
The win was in sharp contrast to their five losses in six games in the Bundesliga and Klopp was thrilled with how strikes from Marcos Reus, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Ciro Immobile and an own goal from Semih Kaya secured all three points.
"The team was focused from the start," he told Sky. "We had a grip on the game.
"Galatasaray had some dangerous moments, but we played with passion and we did everything well. We scored beautiful and important goals at the right time.
"I was never worried about the result, the team was stable during the match."
Klopp also slammed the behaviour of Galatasaray supporters in Dortmund, with the game having to be paused a couple of times due to the visitors' fans throwing firecrackers on the pitch.
"Some of the Galatasaray fans' actions annoyed me," he added. "Unfortunately I can't say this has never happened with our fans, there were some incidents, too. But today... This casts a shadow on a fantastic match.
"It was pure provocation. If this was 2-0 or 3-0 for Galatasaray, this would never have happened. Lots of security measures were taken and still they manage to get this stuff in here. That is unbelievable."
Dortmund need just one win from their final two games to top Group D of the Champions League, which will see them top-seeded in the last 16.
Arsenal always in danger of blowing lead against Anderlecht, admits Wenger
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were always in danger of squandering their three-goal lead against Anderlecht because his side defended poorly “from the first to the last minute”.
Arsenal were on course to reach the Champions League knockout phase after goals from Mikel Arteta, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Wenger’s side a three-goal lead, but the Belgian champions were able to rescue a draw following Anthony Vanden Borre’s double and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s 90th-minute equaliser.
"The result is very disappointing,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
“We had a bit of bad luck because the first goal was offside. A bit of lack of concentration because we thought the job was done.
“And a bit of fatigue as well, we had problems to finish the game and we didn't win the challenges anymore. Overall, defensively we were poor from the first to the last minute today.
"When they came back to 3-2 you want to secure yourself again and we were maybe not cautious enough because we wanted to score goal number four. I still think if you look at the goals, it's very poor defending. I was never completely sure that we were not in danger because the whole game we didn't defend well."
Borussia Dortmund have progressed from Group D following their 4-1 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, while two points from their final two games would guarantee Arsenal a place in the round-of-16 stage.
When asked if he was frustrated or angry with his side’s display against Anderlecht, Wenger replied: “Both. But you have to be realistic as well, they are a good side.
“It's hugely disappointing today but over the two games we got four points and when you look at their performances it's well played for us.
"We'll see [if top spot in the group has now gone]. We have to win our next game and see. We have a chance. It's likely now that Dortmund will win the group and our one worry is to qualify first. I'm confident because one point should be enough but it's not done."
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal were always in danger of squandering their three-goal lead against Anderlecht because his side defended poorly “from the first to the last minute”.
Arsenal were on course to reach the Champions League knockout phase after goals from Mikel Arteta, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Wenger’s side a three-goal lead, but the Belgian champions were able to rescue a draw following Anthony Vanden Borre’s double and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s 90th-minute equaliser.
"The result is very disappointing,” Wenger told Sky Sports.
“We had a bit of bad luck because the first goal was offside. A bit of lack of concentration because we thought the job was done.
“And a bit of fatigue as well, we had problems to finish the game and we didn't win the challenges anymore. Overall, defensively we were poor from the first to the last minute today.
"When they came back to 3-2 you want to secure yourself again and we were maybe not cautious enough because we wanted to score goal number four. I still think if you look at the goals, it's very poor defending. I was never completely sure that we were not in danger because the whole game we didn't defend well."
Borussia Dortmund have progressed from Group D following their 4-1 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday evening, while two points from their final two games would guarantee Arsenal a place in the round-of-16 stage.
When asked if he was frustrated or angry with his side’s display against Anderlecht, Wenger replied: “Both. But you have to be realistic as well, they are a good side.
“It's hugely disappointing today but over the two games we got four points and when you look at their performances it's well played for us.
"We'll see [if top spot in the group has now gone]. We have to win our next game and see. We have a chance. It's likely now that Dortmund will win the group and our one worry is to qualify first. I'm confident because one point should be enough but it's not done."
- Status
