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Bayern lage hodama side 1kath newei ada play karanne & danata thiyana widiyatanam Bayern & Roma thamai Qualified wenne.
2nd half 1ke wena deyak thamai
2nd half 1ke wena deyak thamai
Barcelona 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Messi, Neymar & Suarez seal top spot for Blaugrana
Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain to top spot in Champions League Group F by coming storming back from a goal down to triumph 3-1 at Camp Nou.
The Catalans came into the Camp Nou clash a point adrift of the French champions, but first-half goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar – Barca's scorers in a 3-2 defeat in Paris in September - negated Zlatan Ibrahimovic's earlier effort.
Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring after the interval to subject PSG to their first defeat of the season in all competitions.
Ibrahimovic stunned the home crowd on his return to the club where he spent the 2009-10 campaign - driving home a left-footed effort from 12 yards after 15 minutes.
Barca hit back when Messi met a Suarez cross in the six-yard box four minutes later, and Neymar completed the turnaround before half-time with a delightful curling strike.
PSG's hopes of claiming a point were effectively dashed as Suarez reacted quickest to a Salvatore Sirigu parry 13 minutes from time.
The result sees Barca earn a seeding for the last 16, ensuring they avoid the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while PSG will be bracing themselves for a tricky draw.
Despite needing a win to top the group, Luis Enrique elected to make five changes to his starting XI, compared to Laurent Blanc's six, but it was Barca who made the brighter start – Messi curling a 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar.
The Barca boss may have been questioning his selection when Ibrahimovic, who had not beaten his former club in five previous attempts, broke the deadlock.
Lucas Moura sent a low cross into the penalty area, where Blaise Matuidi laid the ball off for an unmarked Ibrahimovic to drill home. PSG's lead was to last just four minutes, though.
A Javier Mascherano ball from deep found Suarez approaching the byline, and the Uruguayan picked out an advancing Messi with a superb first-time cross to tee up his team-mate for a 75th Champions League goal.
Barca continued to live dangerously at the back, and Lucas should have done better when he guided wide from a Matuidi cross, before a completely unmarked Edinson Cavani drew a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a strike from just outside the area.
The hosts began to show glimpses of their attacking talent in the closing stages of the opening half and took the lead through Neymar in the 41st minute – the Brazilian tearing through the PSG half before dispatching a terrific curling effort from 20 yards.
Pedro miscued a cross when Barca looked dangerous at the beginning of the second period, and he was almost made to pay as PSG failed to make the most of a goalmouth scramble at the other end.
Suarez had the ball in the back of the net 10 minutes after the restart, but the whistle had already blown for handball against the former Liverpool man.
Both sides struggled to carve out clear-cut chances thereafter, but Sirigu could only push a first-time shot from Neymar into the path of Suarez in the 77th minute and the striker made no mistake in putting a gloss on the victory with his second Barca goal.
Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain to top spot in Champions League Group F by coming storming back from a goal down to triumph 3-1 at Camp Nou.
The Catalans came into the Camp Nou clash a point adrift of the French champions, but first-half goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar – Barca's scorers in a 3-2 defeat in Paris in September - negated Zlatan Ibrahimovic's earlier effort.
Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring after the interval to subject PSG to their first defeat of the season in all competitions.
Ibrahimovic stunned the home crowd on his return to the club where he spent the 2009-10 campaign - driving home a left-footed effort from 12 yards after 15 minutes.
Barca hit back when Messi met a Suarez cross in the six-yard box four minutes later, and Neymar completed the turnaround before half-time with a delightful curling strike.
PSG's hopes of claiming a point were effectively dashed as Suarez reacted quickest to a Salvatore Sirigu parry 13 minutes from time.
The result sees Barca earn a seeding for the last 16, ensuring they avoid the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while PSG will be bracing themselves for a tricky draw.
Despite needing a win to top the group, Luis Enrique elected to make five changes to his starting XI, compared to Laurent Blanc's six, but it was Barca who made the brighter start – Messi curling a 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar.
The Barca boss may have been questioning his selection when Ibrahimovic, who had not beaten his former club in five previous attempts, broke the deadlock.
Lucas Moura sent a low cross into the penalty area, where Blaise Matuidi laid the ball off for an unmarked Ibrahimovic to drill home. PSG's lead was to last just four minutes, though.
A Javier Mascherano ball from deep found Suarez approaching the byline, and the Uruguayan picked out an advancing Messi with a superb first-time cross to tee up his team-mate for a 75th Champions League goal.
Barca continued to live dangerously at the back, and Lucas should have done better when he guided wide from a Matuidi cross, before a completely unmarked Edinson Cavani drew a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a strike from just outside the area.
The hosts began to show glimpses of their attacking talent in the closing stages of the opening half and took the lead through Neymar in the 41st minute – the Brazilian tearing through the PSG half before dispatching a terrific curling effort from 20 yards.
Pedro miscued a cross when Barca looked dangerous at the beginning of the second period, and he was almost made to pay as PSG failed to make the most of a goalmouth scramble at the other end.
Suarez had the ball in the back of the net 10 minutes after the restart, but the whistle had already blown for handball against the former Liverpool man.
Both sides struggled to carve out clear-cut chances thereafter, but Sirigu could only push a first-time shot from Neymar into the path of Suarez in the 77th minute and the striker made no mistake in putting a gloss on the victory with his second Barca goal.
Roma 0-2 Manchester City: Nasri & Zabaleta send visitors through
Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to a 2-0 Champions League win at Roma and qualification from Group E.
A dramatic Sergio Aguero hat-trick in the 3-2 win over group winners Bayern Munich last time out had kept City in the hunt for the second qualification place, despite a largely lacklustre campaign.
And despite their talisman's absence with a knee injury on Wednesday, Manuel Pellegrini's team recovered from a shaky start at the Stadio Olimpico to produce their most assured European performance of the season against a Roma team that lacked ideas in attack.
By contrast, Nasri buzzed inventively throughout for City and his wonderful 60th-minute effort cannoned home off the upright.
A post came to City's rescue 11 minutes later when Joe Hart got a decisive fingertip onto Kostas Manolas' header and, with Bayern beating CSKA Moscow 3-0 in Germany, their progress to the knockout stages was confirmed when Nasri set up Pablo Zabaleta to score a second four minutes from time.
Former England defender Ashley Cole was unable to win a place in Roma's matchday squad, while experienced midfielder Daniele De Rossi was only named as a substitute.
Edin Dzeko led the City attack as Aguero began his recuperation - the Argentine forward leading a high-profile list of absentees that also included Vincent Kompany (hamstring) and Yaya Toure (suspension), while David Silva returned to the visitors' bench after a knee problem.
Hart took the captain's armband with Kompany missing and the goalkeeper spread himself to make a fine close-range save in the fifth minute as Jose Holebas sprung the City offside trap.
A nervy opening for Pellegrini's defence continued as Radja Nainggolan burst down the left channel and Eliaquim Mangala made a vital clearance with Gervinho poised to convert.
James Milner had a low 20th-minute drive pushed away by Morgan De Sanctis but Hart produced an even better stop from Gervinho when Roma sprung forward immediately on the counter-attack.
Dzeko lacked conviction when he stabbed a shot over under pressure after fine interplay between Nasri and Jesus Navas, and the latter then crossed for the Bosnia striker to glance wide in the 29th minute as City grew into the contest.
The lively Gervinho shot wastefully at Hart having raced through on an increasingly rare Roma attack and City responded, with De Sanctis out quickly to deny Milner after Nasri's 39th-minute pass.
Hart kept Miralem Pjanic's long-range strike out of the bottom corner in the 58th minute amid a cagey opening to the second half that was soon interrupted by Nasri.
There appeared to be little on when the Frenchman drifted in from the left flank but he whipped a shot past the sprawling De Sanctis and in off the near post.
Nainggolan forced Hart to push a rasping shot over at the other end before the in-form Adem Ljajic turned Zabaleta inside out prior to blasting off target in the 67th minute.
It was becoming an increasingly accomplished night for Hart as he did just enough to deny Manolas, although Martin Demichelis came to his goalkeeper's rescue from the resulting corner - clearing off the goalline.
Roma poured forward in search of the two goals they needed to go through at City's expense late on, but that meant gaps at the back and when Nasri calmly rolled a pass into Zabaleta's path with four minutes left, the marauding right-back settled the issue.
Samir Nasri inspired Manchester City to a 2-0 Champions League win at Roma and qualification from Group E.
A dramatic Sergio Aguero hat-trick in the 3-2 win over group winners Bayern Munich last time out had kept City in the hunt for the second qualification place, despite a largely lacklustre campaign.
And despite their talisman's absence with a knee injury on Wednesday, Manuel Pellegrini's team recovered from a shaky start at the Stadio Olimpico to produce their most assured European performance of the season against a Roma team that lacked ideas in attack.
By contrast, Nasri buzzed inventively throughout for City and his wonderful 60th-minute effort cannoned home off the upright.
A post came to City's rescue 11 minutes later when Joe Hart got a decisive fingertip onto Kostas Manolas' header and, with Bayern beating CSKA Moscow 3-0 in Germany, their progress to the knockout stages was confirmed when Nasri set up Pablo Zabaleta to score a second four minutes from time.
Former England defender Ashley Cole was unable to win a place in Roma's matchday squad, while experienced midfielder Daniele De Rossi was only named as a substitute.
Edin Dzeko led the City attack as Aguero began his recuperation - the Argentine forward leading a high-profile list of absentees that also included Vincent Kompany (hamstring) and Yaya Toure (suspension), while David Silva returned to the visitors' bench after a knee problem.
Hart took the captain's armband with Kompany missing and the goalkeeper spread himself to make a fine close-range save in the fifth minute as Jose Holebas sprung the City offside trap.
A nervy opening for Pellegrini's defence continued as Radja Nainggolan burst down the left channel and Eliaquim Mangala made a vital clearance with Gervinho poised to convert.
James Milner had a low 20th-minute drive pushed away by Morgan De Sanctis but Hart produced an even better stop from Gervinho when Roma sprung forward immediately on the counter-attack.
Dzeko lacked conviction when he stabbed a shot over under pressure after fine interplay between Nasri and Jesus Navas, and the latter then crossed for the Bosnia striker to glance wide in the 29th minute as City grew into the contest.
The lively Gervinho shot wastefully at Hart having raced through on an increasingly rare Roma attack and City responded, with De Sanctis out quickly to deny Milner after Nasri's 39th-minute pass.
Hart kept Miralem Pjanic's long-range strike out of the bottom corner in the 58th minute amid a cagey opening to the second half that was soon interrupted by Nasri.
There appeared to be little on when the Frenchman drifted in from the left flank but he whipped a shot past the sprawling De Sanctis and in off the near post.
Nainggolan forced Hart to push a rasping shot over at the other end before the in-form Adem Ljajic turned Zabaleta inside out prior to blasting off target in the 67th minute.
It was becoming an increasingly accomplished night for Hart as he did just enough to deny Manolas, although Martin Demichelis came to his goalkeeper's rescue from the resulting corner - clearing off the goalline.
Roma poured forward in search of the two goals they needed to go through at City's expense late on, but that meant gaps at the back and when Nasri calmly rolled a pass into Zabaleta's path with four minutes left, the marauding right-back settled the issue.
Chelsea 3-1 Sporting: Mourinho's men end Group G campaign unbeaten
Chelsea finished their Champions League group stage campaign unbeaten with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sporting at Stamford Bridge.
Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Filipe Luis was brought down by Ricardo Esgaio inside the first ten minutes.
Andre Schurrle added a second shortly after, with a fierce shot from the edge of the box following good work by Nemanja Matic.
Sporting clawed a goal back in the second half through Jonathan Silva, but John Obi Mikel restored the home side's advantage and secured all three points, while Schalke's victory over Maribor meant the Lisbon side did not qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Jose Mourinho made six changes after Chelsea's first loss of the season at Newcastle United on Saturday as the likes of Schurrle, goalkeeper Petr Cech and highly rated defender Kurt Zouma came in.
The visitors, also missing the suspended Cedric, were crucially without Manchester United loanee Nani - scorer in four of their five Champions League matches this season - due to a thigh injury and his absence robbed Sporting of much of their dynamism.
And Chelsea were quickly ahead after Esgaio clumsily fouled Filipe Luis just inside the penalty area.
It was a needless foul and Fabregas made no mistake from the spot, slotting straight down the middle.
Chelsea's next meaningful attack resulted in another goal, as Nemanja Matic - who scored in his side's 1-0 win at Sporting in September - drove forward with purpose, before finding Schurrle.
The Germany international quickly turned before firing a 20-yard effort into the bottom-left corner - even if goalkeeper Rui Patricio got a hand to it.
Patricio did better to keep out Schurrle's effort on the bounce in the 23rd minute, while Matic curled a fizzing left-footed strike just over after Mohamed Salah drew a swarm of Sporting defenders towards him on the left.
Sporting were neat on the ball and rarely made errors, but simply could not compete with Chelsea's speed and power.
And although they created a decent chance when the ball spilled to Diego Capel after a goalmouth scramble, Cech was alert to come off his line and block the Spaniard's strike, keeping Chelsea two goals ahead at the break.
The visitors did pull a goal back just after the interval, though, after Andre Carrillo stormed past Luis on the right and swung a dangerous cross in.
Schurrle tried to head clear, but the ball hit his back and bounced invitingly to Jonathan Silva, who chested it down before blasting a finish into the left corner.
The goal buoyed by the travelling fans, but Chelsea's riposte was swift and devastating.
First, Schurrle played in Salah and, although his excellent effort forced a great save from Rui Patricio in the 52nd minute, Chelsea did not have to wait long for a third goal.
Fabregas swung in a free-kick from the left and Mikel nipped in front of Matic to meet Gary Cahill's flick-on and stab home from less than a yard.
Cech made a good save to keep out Islam Slimani's header, following good work from Carlos Mane down the right, but that was as close as Sporting got to a second.
The visitors did continue to apply pressure until the final whistle, as Chelsea - who handed 18-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek a senior debut - were happy to sit back and rest on their lead.
Chelsea finished their Champions League group stage campaign unbeaten with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sporting at Stamford Bridge.
Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Filipe Luis was brought down by Ricardo Esgaio inside the first ten minutes.
Andre Schurrle added a second shortly after, with a fierce shot from the edge of the box following good work by Nemanja Matic.
Sporting clawed a goal back in the second half through Jonathan Silva, but John Obi Mikel restored the home side's advantage and secured all three points, while Schalke's victory over Maribor meant the Lisbon side did not qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Jose Mourinho made six changes after Chelsea's first loss of the season at Newcastle United on Saturday as the likes of Schurrle, goalkeeper Petr Cech and highly rated defender Kurt Zouma came in.
The visitors, also missing the suspended Cedric, were crucially without Manchester United loanee Nani - scorer in four of their five Champions League matches this season - due to a thigh injury and his absence robbed Sporting of much of their dynamism.
And Chelsea were quickly ahead after Esgaio clumsily fouled Filipe Luis just inside the penalty area.
It was a needless foul and Fabregas made no mistake from the spot, slotting straight down the middle.
Chelsea's next meaningful attack resulted in another goal, as Nemanja Matic - who scored in his side's 1-0 win at Sporting in September - drove forward with purpose, before finding Schurrle.
The Germany international quickly turned before firing a 20-yard effort into the bottom-left corner - even if goalkeeper Rui Patricio got a hand to it.
Patricio did better to keep out Schurrle's effort on the bounce in the 23rd minute, while Matic curled a fizzing left-footed strike just over after Mohamed Salah drew a swarm of Sporting defenders towards him on the left.
Sporting were neat on the ball and rarely made errors, but simply could not compete with Chelsea's speed and power.
And although they created a decent chance when the ball spilled to Diego Capel after a goalmouth scramble, Cech was alert to come off his line and block the Spaniard's strike, keeping Chelsea two goals ahead at the break.
The visitors did pull a goal back just after the interval, though, after Andre Carrillo stormed past Luis on the right and swung a dangerous cross in.
Schurrle tried to head clear, but the ball hit his back and bounced invitingly to Jonathan Silva, who chested it down before blasting a finish into the left corner.
The goal buoyed by the travelling fans, but Chelsea's riposte was swift and devastating.
First, Schurrle played in Salah and, although his excellent effort forced a great save from Rui Patricio in the 52nd minute, Chelsea did not have to wait long for a third goal.
Fabregas swung in a free-kick from the left and Mikel nipped in front of Matic to meet Gary Cahill's flick-on and stab home from less than a yard.
Cech made a good save to keep out Islam Slimani's header, following good work from Carlos Mane down the right, but that was as close as Sporting got to a second.
The visitors did continue to apply pressure until the final whistle, as Chelsea - who handed 18-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek a senior debut - were happy to sit back and rest on their lead.
Bayern Munich 3-0 CSKA Moscow: Bavarians end Russians' qualification hopes
Bayern Munich ended CSKA Moscow's hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League by defeating the Russians 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Thomas Muller's first-half penalty and late goals from Sebastian Rode and Mario Gotze sealed a routine victory for Bayern, while defeat for CSKA means they cannot even enjoy the consolation of Europa League football in the new year.
The Bundesliga champions came into Wednesday's clash at the Allianz Arena already confirmed as pool winners, while the picture was slightly more complicated for CSKA.
Leonid Slutsky's men needed a win in Munich and had to hope the game between Roma and Manchester City in Italy ended in anything other than victory for the home side.
In the end, City claimed second spot with a 2-0 win in Rome while CSKA finished bottom of the group with five points.
The most pleasing aspect of a straightforward dead-rubber win for Bayern boss Pep Guardiola is sure to be the long-awaited return to his starting XI of Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who began a match for the first time since the World Cup final in July.
Guardiola made five alterations from Bayern's 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend, including bringing in Schweinsteiger and 18-year-old midfielder Gianluca Gaudino for his Champions League debut.
Seydou Doumbia, recalled as one of three CSKA changes from the 1-0 victory at Kuban Krasnodar on Saturday, flashed an early header off target but it was the home side who took the lead in the 18th minute.
Bebras Natcho felled Franck Ribery inside the area, and Muller coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to become Bayern's leading goalscorer in this competition with 24.
Doumbia almost produced a sensational equaliser five minutes later when he found himself one-on-one with Manuel Neuer after a mazy run, but his finish was weak and stopped by the legs of the goalkeeper.
That chance apart, Bayern continued to dominate possession and went close to a second shortly before the break when Schweinsteiger saw his shot tipped over by Igor Akinfeev.
Guardiola replaced Muller and Ribery with Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Robben at half-time, and the latter threatened with a thumping drive straight at Akinfeev just before the hour.
Ahmed Musa fired wide when off-balance in a rare CSKA attack 10 minutes later, but Akinfeev was again called into action to stop Robben from close range shortly after.
Lewandowski again went close 10 minutes from time, seeing his initial effort blocked by Akinfeev before rolling the rebound against the base of the post and seeing Mario Fernandes hack clear off the line.
A second goal did arrive four minutes later, though, as Schweinsteiger stood up a cross from the left and Rode was left all alone to head in from close range at the back post.
And Bayern added gloss to the scoreline when Gotze applied a simple finish following neat interplay on the edge of the area in the 90th minute.
Bayern Munich ended CSKA Moscow's hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League by defeating the Russians 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Thomas Muller's first-half penalty and late goals from Sebastian Rode and Mario Gotze sealed a routine victory for Bayern, while defeat for CSKA means they cannot even enjoy the consolation of Europa League football in the new year.
The Bundesliga champions came into Wednesday's clash at the Allianz Arena already confirmed as pool winners, while the picture was slightly more complicated for CSKA.
Leonid Slutsky's men needed a win in Munich and had to hope the game between Roma and Manchester City in Italy ended in anything other than victory for the home side.
In the end, City claimed second spot with a 2-0 win in Rome while CSKA finished bottom of the group with five points.
The most pleasing aspect of a straightforward dead-rubber win for Bayern boss Pep Guardiola is sure to be the long-awaited return to his starting XI of Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, who began a match for the first time since the World Cup final in July.
Guardiola made five alterations from Bayern's 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend, including bringing in Schweinsteiger and 18-year-old midfielder Gianluca Gaudino for his Champions League debut.
Seydou Doumbia, recalled as one of three CSKA changes from the 1-0 victory at Kuban Krasnodar on Saturday, flashed an early header off target but it was the home side who took the lead in the 18th minute.
Bebras Natcho felled Franck Ribery inside the area, and Muller coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to become Bayern's leading goalscorer in this competition with 24.
Doumbia almost produced a sensational equaliser five minutes later when he found himself one-on-one with Manuel Neuer after a mazy run, but his finish was weak and stopped by the legs of the goalkeeper.
That chance apart, Bayern continued to dominate possession and went close to a second shortly before the break when Schweinsteiger saw his shot tipped over by Igor Akinfeev.
Guardiola replaced Muller and Ribery with Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Robben at half-time, and the latter threatened with a thumping drive straight at Akinfeev just before the hour.
Ahmed Musa fired wide when off-balance in a rare CSKA attack 10 minutes later, but Akinfeev was again called into action to stop Robben from close range shortly after.
Lewandowski again went close 10 minutes from time, seeing his initial effort blocked by Akinfeev before rolling the rebound against the base of the post and seeing Mario Fernandes hack clear off the line.
A second goal did arrive four minutes later, though, as Schweinsteiger stood up a cross from the left and Rode was left all alone to head in from close range at the back post.
And Bayern added gloss to the scoreline when Gotze applied a simple finish following neat interplay on the edge of the area in the 90th minute.
Maribor 0-1 Schalke: Super-sub Meyer sends Di Matteo's men into last 16
Max Meyer came off the bench to earn Schalke a 1-0 win at Maribor that sent the Bundesliga outfit into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea's defeat of Sporting Lisbon meant that a victory was enough for Roberto Di Matteo's side to qualify from Group G in second place.The Bundesliga outfit had recovered from a 5-0 thrashing by the pool winners at Stamford Bridge to claim emphatic wins over Mainz and Stuttgart in domestic action.
However, having been held to a 1-1 draw by Maribor at the Veltins Arena back in September, they were ready for a tough test for the return clash in Slovenia, especially with a volatile home crowd in such good voice.
Schalke's patient approach failed to pay dividends in the first half, with the visitors having plenty of possession but lacking penetration up front as Maribor went closest to breaking the deadlock through Marcos Tavares.
The normally reliable Klaas-Jan Huntelaar wasted a golden opportunity when hitting the woodwork from close range soon after the break, but Meyer spared his blushes when taking advantage of a goalkeeping error to net the winner with 28 minutes left.Maribor defender Petar Stojanovic played in a mask to protect his broken nose, while Agim Ibraimi returned up front for the Slovenians and Aleksander Rajcevic replaced Marko Suler at the back.
Schalke, with Di Matteo again favouring a 3-5-2 formation and Marco Hoger getting the nod ahead of Meyer, were without a host of injured players, including Julian Draxler, Jefferson Farfan and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Ibraimi had a half-chance for the hosts 10 minutes in after being picked out by Mitja Viler but his shot was wild and wide, while Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann comfortably dealt with a long-range Tavares effort.
However, Maribor went close to making a breakthrough when a Soares Arghus header was blocked by Atsuto Uchida, who then had to react quickly to keep out Tavares' shot on the rebound.
At the other end, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting went to ground in the box but referee Szymon Marciniak correctly waved play on, while Huntelaar blazed his shot well over the crossbar on the break as a tight first period ended in stalemate.
Schalke tried to up the tempo at the start of the second half, but a couple of early corners and a free-kick whipped into the box came to nothing and they were almost hit on the break by the lively Tavares.
Huntelaar then missed a great chance to break the deadlock after 55 minutes when a ricochet off Tranquillo Barnetta fell to him eight yards out but his scuffed shot hit the post and was then cleared by Rajcevic as the ball rolled back along the line.
The visitors were ahead seven minutes later, though, when goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic poorly parried a Hoger cross and substitute Meyer, recently on for Barnetta, coolly slotted the ball home.
The home supporters did their best to rally Maribor, but Schalke grew in confidence once in front and restricted their opponents to long-range attempts as the Germans held on to book their spot in the knockout rounds.
Max Meyer came off the bench to earn Schalke a 1-0 win at Maribor that sent the Bundesliga outfit into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea's defeat of Sporting Lisbon meant that a victory was enough for Roberto Di Matteo's side to qualify from Group G in second place.The Bundesliga outfit had recovered from a 5-0 thrashing by the pool winners at Stamford Bridge to claim emphatic wins over Mainz and Stuttgart in domestic action.
However, having been held to a 1-1 draw by Maribor at the Veltins Arena back in September, they were ready for a tough test for the return clash in Slovenia, especially with a volatile home crowd in such good voice.
Schalke's patient approach failed to pay dividends in the first half, with the visitors having plenty of possession but lacking penetration up front as Maribor went closest to breaking the deadlock through Marcos Tavares.
The normally reliable Klaas-Jan Huntelaar wasted a golden opportunity when hitting the woodwork from close range soon after the break, but Meyer spared his blushes when taking advantage of a goalkeeping error to net the winner with 28 minutes left.Maribor defender Petar Stojanovic played in a mask to protect his broken nose, while Agim Ibraimi returned up front for the Slovenians and Aleksander Rajcevic replaced Marko Suler at the back.
Schalke, with Di Matteo again favouring a 3-5-2 formation and Marco Hoger getting the nod ahead of Meyer, were without a host of injured players, including Julian Draxler, Jefferson Farfan and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Ibraimi had a half-chance for the hosts 10 minutes in after being picked out by Mitja Viler but his shot was wild and wide, while Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann comfortably dealt with a long-range Tavares effort.
However, Maribor went close to making a breakthrough when a Soares Arghus header was blocked by Atsuto Uchida, who then had to react quickly to keep out Tavares' shot on the rebound.
At the other end, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting went to ground in the box but referee Szymon Marciniak correctly waved play on, while Huntelaar blazed his shot well over the crossbar on the break as a tight first period ended in stalemate.
Schalke tried to up the tempo at the start of the second half, but a couple of early corners and a free-kick whipped into the box came to nothing and they were almost hit on the break by the lively Tavares.
Huntelaar then missed a great chance to break the deadlock after 55 minutes when a ricochet off Tranquillo Barnetta fell to him eight yards out but his scuffed shot hit the post and was then cleared by Rajcevic as the ball rolled back along the line.
The visitors were ahead seven minutes later, though, when goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic poorly parried a Hoger cross and substitute Meyer, recently on for Barnetta, coolly slotted the ball home.
The home supporters did their best to rally Maribor, but Schalke grew in confidence once in front and restricted their opponents to long-range attempts as the Germans held on to book their spot in the knockout rounds.
Ajax 4-0 APOEL: Schone double, Klaassen & Milik send Dutch champions into Europa League
Ajax have recorded a 4-0 win over APOEL in Wednesday's Champions League Group F encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Frank de Boer's men needed only a draw from their final fixture to finish third in the pool, but wrapped up a spot in European football's secondary club competition in style.
Lasse Schone scored either side of half-time before Davy Klaassen and Arkadiusz Milik added a goal apiece as the Dutch champions ran riot against their Cypriot counterparts.
Having created the better of the first-half chances, Ajax were made to wait until the stroke of half-time to move in front. Marios Antoniades upended Milik in the area with Schone applying a confident finish from the spot, despite Urko Pardo going the right way.
Schone picked up where he left off after the break and double his side's advantage with a cool finish after a quick counter five minutes into the second period.
APOEL's task was made almost impossible when lively 19-year-old winger Ricardo Kishna jinked through the visiting defence and crossed for Klaassen to head in a third soon after.
And there was time for the ever-dangerous Milik to get in on the act, as the group's bottom club APOEL were outclassed.
After persistent play down the right from Schone, Ricardo van Rhijn curled an effort over the crossbar five minutes in for Ajax as APOEL initially struggled to grow into the game.
Nektarios Alexandrou had a shot blocked by Nick Viergever on the visitors’ first foray forward before Schone took a touch too many in the area and was crowded out after purposeful play down the left from Kishna.
While Ajax were without injured striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, Milik almost opened the scoring shortly before the half-hour mark but saw his stooping header kept out by Pardo.
Milik - on loan from Bayer Leverkusen - then had a free-kick deflected off target before Schone gave the Eredivisie champions a deserved lead before the break.
After Milik was clumsily brought down by Antoniades, Schone found the bottom left corner.While APOEL started the second half positively, they carelessly gave away possession in midfield with the ball falling nicely for Schone.
The Denmark international played in Milik, but after the Pole was initially thwarted, he laid the ball back on for Schone who made no mistake to effectively tie up the match.
Just three minutes later, Kishna cut in from the left and evaded the attentions of a number of APOEL defenders to loft a cross in for Klaassen - who powered a downward header past Pardo.Klaassen then turned provider for Milik 16 minutes from time to ensure Ajax take something from a difficult group that saw Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain progress to the knockout stages.
Wednesday's result sees Ajax clinch third spot and Europa League qualification with five points from six games, while APOEL finish last in their section with one point.
Ajax have recorded a 4-0 win over APOEL in Wednesday's Champions League Group F encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Frank de Boer's men needed only a draw from their final fixture to finish third in the pool, but wrapped up a spot in European football's secondary club competition in style.
Lasse Schone scored either side of half-time before Davy Klaassen and Arkadiusz Milik added a goal apiece as the Dutch champions ran riot against their Cypriot counterparts.
Having created the better of the first-half chances, Ajax were made to wait until the stroke of half-time to move in front. Marios Antoniades upended Milik in the area with Schone applying a confident finish from the spot, despite Urko Pardo going the right way.
Schone picked up where he left off after the break and double his side's advantage with a cool finish after a quick counter five minutes into the second period.
APOEL's task was made almost impossible when lively 19-year-old winger Ricardo Kishna jinked through the visiting defence and crossed for Klaassen to head in a third soon after.
And there was time for the ever-dangerous Milik to get in on the act, as the group's bottom club APOEL were outclassed.
After persistent play down the right from Schone, Ricardo van Rhijn curled an effort over the crossbar five minutes in for Ajax as APOEL initially struggled to grow into the game.
Nektarios Alexandrou had a shot blocked by Nick Viergever on the visitors’ first foray forward before Schone took a touch too many in the area and was crowded out after purposeful play down the left from Kishna.
While Ajax were without injured striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, Milik almost opened the scoring shortly before the half-hour mark but saw his stooping header kept out by Pardo.
Milik - on loan from Bayer Leverkusen - then had a free-kick deflected off target before Schone gave the Eredivisie champions a deserved lead before the break.
After Milik was clumsily brought down by Antoniades, Schone found the bottom left corner.While APOEL started the second half positively, they carelessly gave away possession in midfield with the ball falling nicely for Schone.
The Denmark international played in Milik, but after the Pole was initially thwarted, he laid the ball back on for Schone who made no mistake to effectively tie up the match.
Just three minutes later, Kishna cut in from the left and evaded the attentions of a number of APOEL defenders to loft a cross in for Klaassen - who powered a downward header past Pardo.Klaassen then turned provider for Milik 16 minutes from time to ensure Ajax take something from a difficult group that saw Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain progress to the knockout stages.
Wednesday's result sees Ajax clinch third spot and Europa League qualification with five points from six games, while APOEL finish last in their section with one point.
Porto 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk: Aboubakar salvages draw for hosts
Shakhtar Donetsk have held Porto to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio do Dragao in Wednesday evening's Champions League Group H meeting.
Porto and Shakhtar were assured of first and second place respectively in Group H ahead of Wednesday's meeting at the Estadio do Dragao and, with both under-strength, the first half was a dull affair.
However, play flowed from end to end after the interval and, after Taras Stepanenko's thumping header had given Shakhtar the lead, Aboubakar's 87th-minute piledriver ensured the spoils were shared.Porto therefore advance as one of only three unbeaten teams, alongside Real Madrid and Chelsea.The Portuguese giants are also unbeaten against Shakhtar in six matches, having rescued a point late on.
Julen Lopetegui made nine changes to his Porto side ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table domestic league clash against Benfica, while Shakhtar's starting XI included four alterations – three due to suspensions – for their final game of 2014.
Shakhtar spurned a glaring opportunity to take the lead four minutes in. Vyacheslav Shevchuk's low cross from the left deceived goalkeeper Andres Fernandez and found Oleksandr Gladkiy at the back post. The striker had the goal at his mercy, but somehow failed to make contact with the ball and the chance went begging.
Porto swiftly settled into their rhythm but, despite monopolising possession for the rest of the half, they were unable to seriously test Andriy Pyatov.
Ricardo Quaresma showcased some crowd-pleasing trickery, but his end product let him down. One speculative drive from distance missed the target, while another shot from the edge of the box went straight at the Shakhtar goalkeeper.
Bernard's pace did torment Porto, but Shakhtar committed few men forward and the diminutive Brazilian often found himself outnumbered.There was worrying news for Porto towards the end of the opening half, when 17-year-old midfielder Ruben Neves was stretchered off.
Soon after the restart, Bernard's pace - and impeccable first touch - got him through on goal, but Fernandez raced from his line and deflected the ball wide.
From the resulting corner, however, Shakhtar broke the deadlock. Stepanenko attacked Bernard's delivery aggressively, rose above Adrian Lopez and headed powerfully into the roof of the net.The contest duly opened up and Aboubakar sent a first-time volley narrowly wide after Quaresma had chipped a ball over the back of the Shakhtar defence.
Fernandez then held on to Yaroslav Rakitskiy's header from another Bernard corner, while Porto substitute Bruno Martins Indi headed against the crossbar following a fine Ricardo cross.Just as it looked as if Shakhtar would hold on, Aboubakar thundered the ball home from the edge of the area, maintaining Porto's unbeaten record.
Porto had already secured top spot in their group with 11 points from six games, with Shakhtar ending in second position with 9 points.
Shakhtar Donetsk have held Porto to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio do Dragao in Wednesday evening's Champions League Group H meeting.
Porto and Shakhtar were assured of first and second place respectively in Group H ahead of Wednesday's meeting at the Estadio do Dragao and, with both under-strength, the first half was a dull affair.
However, play flowed from end to end after the interval and, after Taras Stepanenko's thumping header had given Shakhtar the lead, Aboubakar's 87th-minute piledriver ensured the spoils were shared.Porto therefore advance as one of only three unbeaten teams, alongside Real Madrid and Chelsea.The Portuguese giants are also unbeaten against Shakhtar in six matches, having rescued a point late on.
Julen Lopetegui made nine changes to his Porto side ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table domestic league clash against Benfica, while Shakhtar's starting XI included four alterations – three due to suspensions – for their final game of 2014.
Shakhtar spurned a glaring opportunity to take the lead four minutes in. Vyacheslav Shevchuk's low cross from the left deceived goalkeeper Andres Fernandez and found Oleksandr Gladkiy at the back post. The striker had the goal at his mercy, but somehow failed to make contact with the ball and the chance went begging.
Porto swiftly settled into their rhythm but, despite monopolising possession for the rest of the half, they were unable to seriously test Andriy Pyatov.
Ricardo Quaresma showcased some crowd-pleasing trickery, but his end product let him down. One speculative drive from distance missed the target, while another shot from the edge of the box went straight at the Shakhtar goalkeeper.
Bernard's pace did torment Porto, but Shakhtar committed few men forward and the diminutive Brazilian often found himself outnumbered.There was worrying news for Porto towards the end of the opening half, when 17-year-old midfielder Ruben Neves was stretchered off.
Soon after the restart, Bernard's pace - and impeccable first touch - got him through on goal, but Fernandez raced from his line and deflected the ball wide.
From the resulting corner, however, Shakhtar broke the deadlock. Stepanenko attacked Bernard's delivery aggressively, rose above Adrian Lopez and headed powerfully into the roof of the net.The contest duly opened up and Aboubakar sent a first-time volley narrowly wide after Quaresma had chipped a ball over the back of the Shakhtar defence.
Fernandez then held on to Yaroslav Rakitskiy's header from another Bernard corner, while Porto substitute Bruno Martins Indi headed against the crossbar following a fine Ricardo cross.Just as it looked as if Shakhtar would hold on, Aboubakar thundered the ball home from the edge of the area, maintaining Porto's unbeaten record.
Porto had already secured top spot in their group with 11 points from six games, with Shakhtar ending in second position with 9 points.
Athletic Bilbao 2-0 BATE: San Jose & Susaeta goals clinch third spot
Athletic Bilbao proved to be too strong for BATE in Wednesday's Champions League Group H match at San Mames, with the hosts recording a 2-0 win.
Neither team could advance to the last 16 after Wednesday's clash, but the hosts knew a draw would be enough to secure their spot in Europe's second-tier competition while only a win would do for BATE.Aleksandr Yermakovich's men frustrated Athletic until the 47th minute when Mikel San Jose scored the vital opener from a corner and Markel Susaeta added a second late on.
Susaeta's strike also meant BATE hold the unenviable record of conceding the most goals in a Champions League group stage at 24, the previous mark of 22 having been set by Dinamo Zagreb during the 2011-12 season.
BATE's 2-1 victory against Ernesto Valverde's side in the reverse fixture back in September remained the source of the Belarusian club's only points and goals of the group stage.
The visitors attempted to stifle Athletic from the first whistle at San Mames and succeeded in the first half before San Jose's strike settled the nerves and the Spanish side cruised to victory.Starting without leading scorer Aritz Aduriz, who was injured in domestic action at the weekend, the home side needed a spark.
Ibai Gomez almost provided it as early as the sixth minute when he unleashed a stinging drive from 20 yards, but Artem Soroko acrobatically turned his effort behind.
A familiar pattern of play was soon established as BATE packed men behind the ball and Athletic probed for an opening with Susaeta a constant threat down the visitors' left.
The winger nearly created the opener in the 18th minute, beating two men before cutting back from the byline. Guillermo Fernandez failed to control and when it fell to Ibai, he snatched at his 15-yard shot and fired over.Valverde's men appeared to be struggling to find a way through.
Oscar de Marcos did go close on 36 minutes, turning smartly to create space on the left-hand side of the box before getting off a powerful effort, but in truth it was straight at Soroko and the goalkeeper was able to push it away.
The home side's frustration did not extend long into the second half, however.
Fernandez appeared to have wasted a great chance to give his side the lead, taking too long to get off a shot and allowing Nemanja Tubic to slide in and block his effort just a minute after the break.But from the resulting Susaeta corner, captain San Jose was afforded far too much space inside the box to volley past Soroko from eight yards.
The relief was evident and the hosts immediately began to play with more freedom. Ander Iturraspe's clever throughball with the outside of his foot six minutes later put Fernandez in on goal once more and this time the striker struck the post with a left-footed shot on the turn.BATE showed slightly more ambition after going behind, but lacked the quality to fashion any real openings.
And Susaeta then capped his performance with the goal it deserved, as he converted substitute Borja Viguera's low cross in the 88th minute.Athletic finish third in their section with seven points from six games, while BATE are the group's number last with three points.
Athletic Bilbao proved to be too strong for BATE in Wednesday's Champions League Group H match at San Mames, with the hosts recording a 2-0 win.
Neither team could advance to the last 16 after Wednesday's clash, but the hosts knew a draw would be enough to secure their spot in Europe's second-tier competition while only a win would do for BATE.Aleksandr Yermakovich's men frustrated Athletic until the 47th minute when Mikel San Jose scored the vital opener from a corner and Markel Susaeta added a second late on.
Susaeta's strike also meant BATE hold the unenviable record of conceding the most goals in a Champions League group stage at 24, the previous mark of 22 having been set by Dinamo Zagreb during the 2011-12 season.
BATE's 2-1 victory against Ernesto Valverde's side in the reverse fixture back in September remained the source of the Belarusian club's only points and goals of the group stage.
The visitors attempted to stifle Athletic from the first whistle at San Mames and succeeded in the first half before San Jose's strike settled the nerves and the Spanish side cruised to victory.Starting without leading scorer Aritz Aduriz, who was injured in domestic action at the weekend, the home side needed a spark.
Ibai Gomez almost provided it as early as the sixth minute when he unleashed a stinging drive from 20 yards, but Artem Soroko acrobatically turned his effort behind.
A familiar pattern of play was soon established as BATE packed men behind the ball and Athletic probed for an opening with Susaeta a constant threat down the visitors' left.
The winger nearly created the opener in the 18th minute, beating two men before cutting back from the byline. Guillermo Fernandez failed to control and when it fell to Ibai, he snatched at his 15-yard shot and fired over.Valverde's men appeared to be struggling to find a way through.
Oscar de Marcos did go close on 36 minutes, turning smartly to create space on the left-hand side of the box before getting off a powerful effort, but in truth it was straight at Soroko and the goalkeeper was able to push it away.
The home side's frustration did not extend long into the second half, however.
Fernandez appeared to have wasted a great chance to give his side the lead, taking too long to get off a shot and allowing Nemanja Tubic to slide in and block his effort just a minute after the break.But from the resulting Susaeta corner, captain San Jose was afforded far too much space inside the box to volley past Soroko from eight yards.
The relief was evident and the hosts immediately began to play with more freedom. Ander Iturraspe's clever throughball with the outside of his foot six minutes later put Fernandez in on goal once more and this time the striker struck the post with a left-footed shot on the turn.BATE showed slightly more ambition after going behind, but lacked the quality to fashion any real openings.
And Susaeta then capped his performance with the goal it deserved, as he converted substitute Borja Viguera's low cross in the 88th minute.Athletic finish third in their section with seven points from six games, while BATE are the group's number last with three points.
I hope Messi wins the Ballon d'Or - Zanetti
Inter and Argentina legend Javier Zanetti is hoping that his compatriot Lionel Messi can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the current front runner for the award after leading Real Madrid to their 10th Champions League title, with Manuel Neuer completing the three-man shortlist.
Barcelona had a barren year last term, but Messi led his country to the World Cup final, where they lost to Germany, and Zanetti retains hope that he could scoop the prize.
"I'm hoping that Messi wins it - he's a true great," former Inter stalwart Zanetti told FIFA.com.
"He never stops surprising people: at any given moment he's capable of improvising with a touch of skill or something spectacular that can win you a game.
"In my view, he's the best player in the world."
Messi won the Ballon d'Or four straight times between 2009 and 2012, with Ronaldo beating him to the award in 2008 and 2013.
Inter and Argentina legend Javier Zanetti is hoping that his compatriot Lionel Messi can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or in January.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the current front runner for the award after leading Real Madrid to their 10th Champions League title, with Manuel Neuer completing the three-man shortlist.
Barcelona had a barren year last term, but Messi led his country to the World Cup final, where they lost to Germany, and Zanetti retains hope that he could scoop the prize.
"I'm hoping that Messi wins it - he's a true great," former Inter stalwart Zanetti told FIFA.com.
"He never stops surprising people: at any given moment he's capable of improvising with a touch of skill or something spectacular that can win you a game.
"In my view, he's the best player in the world."
Messi won the Ballon d'Or four straight times between 2009 and 2012, with Ronaldo beating him to the award in 2008 and 2013.
I'll only return to Spain for Real Madrid, says Raul
Real Madrid legend Raul has said his former team is the only club he will work for in Spain - but believes he needs more experience before taking up a coaching role.
The striker, who spent 18 years at the European giants, winning six league titles and three Champion Leagues, has joined New York Cosmos as a player ahead of the 2015 MLS season but is also due to become the director of the club's new academy.
After his unveiling, the 37-year-old admitted he would jump at the chance to rejoin Madrid in future, but only once he has built up some experience as a coach.
"Everyone always said 'go to Real Madrid, go to Real Madrid', but I feel like that will come, but I need to gain experience first," he told reporters.
"You don't just go to Real Madrid to coach without experience. It is not the same playing as it is training, so I am excited to do this here.
"If I return to Spain I'll work for Madrid. It's my house, where I developed, where I have friends, but right now I'm focused on this project."
The former Spain international said he is looking forward to working at his new club as a player and helping improve the youth system.
"I had always wanted to come to the US, and especially to join the Cosmos, because of the club's history, with players like Pele, [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Giorgio] Chinaglia.
"When I arrived I had no doubts about signing for this great club. Being able to play and to help develop the academy. Gio showed me the club's vision and that's why I'm here.
"It's a big challenge, personally and for my family. I'll put in every effort to make sure the project is a success."
Real Madrid legend Raul has said his former team is the only club he will work for in Spain - but believes he needs more experience before taking up a coaching role.
The striker, who spent 18 years at the European giants, winning six league titles and three Champion Leagues, has joined New York Cosmos as a player ahead of the 2015 MLS season but is also due to become the director of the club's new academy.
After his unveiling, the 37-year-old admitted he would jump at the chance to rejoin Madrid in future, but only once he has built up some experience as a coach.
"Everyone always said 'go to Real Madrid, go to Real Madrid', but I feel like that will come, but I need to gain experience first," he told reporters.
"You don't just go to Real Madrid to coach without experience. It is not the same playing as it is training, so I am excited to do this here.
"If I return to Spain I'll work for Madrid. It's my house, where I developed, where I have friends, but right now I'm focused on this project."
The former Spain international said he is looking forward to working at his new club as a player and helping improve the youth system.
"I had always wanted to come to the US, and especially to join the Cosmos, because of the club's history, with players like Pele, [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Giorgio] Chinaglia.
"When I arrived I had no doubts about signing for this great club. Being able to play and to help develop the academy. Gio showed me the club's vision and that's why I'm here.
"It's a big challenge, personally and for my family. I'll put in every effort to make sure the project is a success."
Ronaldo: No doubt Cristiano deserves Ballon d'Or
Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has said he has "no doubt" that Cristiano Ronaldo will win the 2014 Ballon d'Or.
The Portuguese star is favourite to win the individual accolade for a second time in a row and third overall, but faces competition from Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, the double World Cup-winner feels the 29-year-old, who guided his side to the Champions League title this year, has a clear advantage over his rivals.
"It's very nice to see this Real Madrid team play," he told Cope. "The team has a lot of quality in midfield and has Cristiano, who is very inspired every time he plays.
"This year I have no doubt that the Ballon d'Or will be for Cristiano. This year he has quite an advantage."
The former Inter striker believes that Ronaldo and Messi are ahead of every other player in world football but believes his compatriot Neymar will soon join them at the pinnacle of the game, saying: "Neymar will arrive in good time."
Ronaldo also claims another young Brazilian, Lucas Silva, would make a shrewd signing for Real Madrid following his performances for Brasileirao champions Cruzeiro.
"He is a player who has had a great championship in Brazil," he added. " He is young and has quality in midfield. I think he would be a great signing for Real Madrid."
Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has said he has "no doubt" that Cristiano Ronaldo will win the 2014 Ballon d'Or.
The Portuguese star is favourite to win the individual accolade for a second time in a row and third overall, but faces competition from Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, the double World Cup-winner feels the 29-year-old, who guided his side to the Champions League title this year, has a clear advantage over his rivals.
"It's very nice to see this Real Madrid team play," he told Cope. "The team has a lot of quality in midfield and has Cristiano, who is very inspired every time he plays.
"This year I have no doubt that the Ballon d'Or will be for Cristiano. This year he has quite an advantage."
The former Inter striker believes that Ronaldo and Messi are ahead of every other player in world football but believes his compatriot Neymar will soon join them at the pinnacle of the game, saying: "Neymar will arrive in good time."
Ronaldo also claims another young Brazilian, Lucas Silva, would make a shrewd signing for Real Madrid following his performances for Brasileirao champions Cruzeiro.
"He is a player who has had a great championship in Brazil," he added. " He is young and has quality in midfield. I think he would be a great signing for Real Madrid."
Van Gaal's upheaval has led to Manchester United injury problems - Phelan
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that the changes made to Alex Ferguson's long-standing set-up at Old Trafford may be responsible for the club's recent injury problems.
Chris Smalling limped off against Southampton on Monday as the Red Devils suffered their 43rd injury of the campaign, with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Phil Jones all still on the sidelines due to fitness issues.
And Phelan, who worked alongside Ferguson at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2013, believes a shake-up in staff - including the removal of fitness coach Tony Strudwick from day-to-day duties - following Louis van Gaal's arrival at the club in July has played a part in their recent woes.
"What's happened is a continuation of the same players getting injured all the time, so you have to look to the reasons why," he told the International Business Times.
"I think Manchester United changed their thoughts on the fitness regime, they looked at it a little bit differently.
"Tony Strudwick, who was operating as head of sports science, was involved day-to-day with the first team. He understood the ins and outs of how to keep players fit, how to keep them ready for competition.
"Then suddenly they moved him sideways and did something completely different. That may have had an effect. That one area has changed."
Phelan also believes that a change in training regimes may have had an impact, with the former Netherlands coach having reportedly brought in double sessions at Carrington for his squad.
"They've brought in new people with a different way of doing things. The intensity of training may be one thing - it may be too intense, or not intense enough - but obviously slight changes have been made with the present way of doing things.
"I would have thought [the squad] is big enough at Manchester United, because they can go out and get players in, but obviously they keep breaking down and they don't seem to be getting any better. They seem to get one back and lose another two.
"Van Gaal knows now roughly the intensity of the Premier League and what his players can produce. He's been at the highest level, working with the highest players, in different countries.
"It's just a case of maybe understanding the specific requirements of players, individual players, where they need to be at certain times in order to perform. He's got enough staff there to sort that out."
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that the changes made to Alex Ferguson's long-standing set-up at Old Trafford may be responsible for the club's recent injury problems.
Chris Smalling limped off against Southampton on Monday as the Red Devils suffered their 43rd injury of the campaign, with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw and Phil Jones all still on the sidelines due to fitness issues.
And Phelan, who worked alongside Ferguson at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2013, believes a shake-up in staff - including the removal of fitness coach Tony Strudwick from day-to-day duties - following Louis van Gaal's arrival at the club in July has played a part in their recent woes.
"What's happened is a continuation of the same players getting injured all the time, so you have to look to the reasons why," he told the International Business Times.
"I think Manchester United changed their thoughts on the fitness regime, they looked at it a little bit differently.
"Tony Strudwick, who was operating as head of sports science, was involved day-to-day with the first team. He understood the ins and outs of how to keep players fit, how to keep them ready for competition.
"Then suddenly they moved him sideways and did something completely different. That may have had an effect. That one area has changed."
Phelan also believes that a change in training regimes may have had an impact, with the former Netherlands coach having reportedly brought in double sessions at Carrington for his squad.
"They've brought in new people with a different way of doing things. The intensity of training may be one thing - it may be too intense, or not intense enough - but obviously slight changes have been made with the present way of doing things.
"I would have thought [the squad] is big enough at Manchester United, because they can go out and get players in, but obviously they keep breaking down and they don't seem to be getting any better. They seem to get one back and lose another two.
"Van Gaal knows now roughly the intensity of the Premier League and what his players can produce. He's been at the highest level, working with the highest players, in different countries.
"It's just a case of maybe understanding the specific requirements of players, individual players, where they need to be at certain times in order to perform. He's got enough staff there to sort that out."
'I was bleeding' - Safari denies getting Markovic sent off
Basel's Behrang Safari has dismissed the suggestion that he got Liverpool's Lazar Markovic sent off during Tuesday's Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Swiss side were leading 1-0 in the Group B encounter when half-time substitute Markovic threw out his right arm towards the eyes of Safari, who collapsed to the floor writhing and clutching his face.
Referee Bjorn Kuipers showed a straight red card to Markovic and, with 10 men for the remaining half-hour, Steven Gerrard's equaliser was not enough to see Liverpool progress at Basel's expense.
Safari came in for criticism for what some - including Reds manager Brendan Rodgers - perceived to be an exaggerated reaction to the contact, but the Sweden international has defended his actions.
"I was bleeding from my mouth," Safari told Sportbladet. "I wouldn't have gone to ground if he hadn't hit me. I am not the kind of player who dives.
"It was a bit strange, I didn't realise that it was a red card at first. I thought the referee had blown his whistle because it was a head injury and I thought I was going to give the ball to the Liverpool players afterwards.
"But then I noticed that the Liverpool players were angry with me."
Basel's Behrang Safari has dismissed the suggestion that he got Liverpool's Lazar Markovic sent off during Tuesday's Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Swiss side were leading 1-0 in the Group B encounter when half-time substitute Markovic threw out his right arm towards the eyes of Safari, who collapsed to the floor writhing and clutching his face.
Referee Bjorn Kuipers showed a straight red card to Markovic and, with 10 men for the remaining half-hour, Steven Gerrard's equaliser was not enough to see Liverpool progress at Basel's expense.
Safari came in for criticism for what some - including Reds manager Brendan Rodgers - perceived to be an exaggerated reaction to the contact, but the Sweden international has defended his actions.
"I was bleeding from my mouth," Safari told Sportbladet. "I wouldn't have gone to ground if he hadn't hit me. I am not the kind of player who dives.
"It was a bit strange, I didn't realise that it was a red card at first. I thought the referee had blown his whistle because it was a head injury and I thought I was going to give the ball to the Liverpool players afterwards.
"But then I noticed that the Liverpool players were angry with me."
Lassanata gahawwa munata
Immobile: Dortmund must win next three
Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile has challenged his team-mates to win their last three games before the Christmas break.
BVB clambered off the bottom of the Bundesliga last Friday by beating Hoffenheim 1-0 but followed up the vital victory with a draw against Anderlecht on Tuesday.
The Italy international, who scored his side's goal in the 1-1 draw against the Belgians, feels they must go into the season's hiatus on a high note to enjoy the festive period.
"I want us to win the three remaining games in the Bundesliga so we can go into the Christmas break more relaxed," he told the club's official website.
Immobile went on to say that he was delighted to get back amongst the goals when he put his side ahead on Tuesday at the Westfalenstadion.
"I hadn't played much in the last few weeks and was looking forward to play again," he continued.
"The goal was good for me and for the team and the 1-1 draw helped us to win the group."
Dortmund's next three games are trips to Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin either side of a home clash with Wolfsburg.
Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile has challenged his team-mates to win their last three games before the Christmas break.
BVB clambered off the bottom of the Bundesliga last Friday by beating Hoffenheim 1-0 but followed up the vital victory with a draw against Anderlecht on Tuesday.
The Italy international, who scored his side's goal in the 1-1 draw against the Belgians, feels they must go into the season's hiatus on a high note to enjoy the festive period.
"I want us to win the three remaining games in the Bundesliga so we can go into the Christmas break more relaxed," he told the club's official website.
Immobile went on to say that he was delighted to get back amongst the goals when he put his side ahead on Tuesday at the Westfalenstadion.
"I hadn't played much in the last few weeks and was looking forward to play again," he continued.
"The goal was good for me and for the team and the 1-1 draw helped us to win the group."
Dortmund's next three games are trips to Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin either side of a home clash with Wolfsburg.
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