..::Football III::..

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Van Gaal: Nothing more Manchester United could have done

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes his side could not have done anything more in the 3-2 defeat to Wolfsburg that knocked them out of the Champions League.

PSV's 2-1 home win over CSKA Moscow saw United condemned to third spot in Group B and falling into the Europa League.Anthony Martial opened the scoring for Van Gaal's team and Marouane Fellaini made it 2-2 in the second half, but on both occasions Wolfsburg replied quickly through central defender Naldo to halt the visitors' momentum.

"I think it's a crazy match, we had chances but they also had chances," Van Gaal told BT Sport after the game.

"When we score, they score after two minutes. Also, the winning goal was two minutes after we equalise. We had chances to win, we fought for the win but we couldn't do more than what we have done.

"It is strange but okay, it happens. Also in Eindhoven, CSKA scoring, then, within 10 minutes, PSV take the lead. That's football but you are right, [a lack of concentration] is the first option that I think [can explain the defeat]."United were ranked as favourites to win the group when the draw was made but Van Gaal believes decisions have gone against his team in a closely fought first round.

"Now, you can say we were favourites," he added. "It was a tight group, all [of the] results are like that."It's always 1-0 or 2-1 but when you overview everything you remember that the first match against PSV there were also decisions of the referee that are not positive for us.

"When it is a tight group it can happen."

Ekko me para United Euro League giya eka eka athakin hodai. At least they've a chance of winning that. Eth Champions League last 16 giyanam no chance over the top teams like Barca, Real, PSG. Sure ekata last 16 walinma knockout wenna thibba.
What they need is good playmaking and a good striker who has that instinct and do dribbles well.

 

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Young: PSV draw more costly than Wolfsburg defeat

Ashley Young has blamed a lack of killer instinct earlier in the Champions League for Manchester United's group-stage exit rather than Tuesday's decisive defeat to Wolfsburg.

United were dumped out of Europe's premier club competition after a 3-2 defeat in Germany, with PSV winning 2-1 against CSKA Moscow to take second place in Group B.

But Young pointed to the goalless draw against the Dutch side at Old Trafford as the result that cost Louis van Gaal's side the most."I think what has cost us is not winning the games when we should have done, like PSV Eindhoven at home," Young told MUTV. "We had the chance to win that and we would have gone through on the night if we had.

"So it could have been a totally different story going into the Wolfsburg match."

The 30-year-old hopes their exit – and subsequent fall into the Europa League – will not have a negative effect on their form in other competitions, with United now on a four-game winless run."We've got great character and a great team spirit, so I don't think that [a drop in form] will happen," Young added.

"We are fully aware of what will happen [to our fixture list with the Europa League] and we are disappointed but we have to dust ourselves down and go again on Saturday."

 

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Young: PSV draw more costly than Wolfsburg defeat

PSV home draw 1ka group stages walinma knockout wechcha 1kata main reason 1kak​

 

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Herrera steps up Man Utd injury comeback

Ander Herrera came through a rigorous training session on Wednesday with no issues as he looks to prove his fitness ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

The Spanish midfielder has not played for the Red Devils since limping off with a hamstring problem in the opening stages of the 2-1 win at Watford on November 21, and his absence has been compounded by a host of other injuries within Louis van Gaal's squad.

Herrera was back at Carrington for a light workout on Tuesday, and after reacting positively to his return to the training field he then took part in an increased session on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old is expected to now step up his workload in training over the next couple of days in a bid to make himself available for the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Herrera's return would be a timely boost for Van Gaal, who could be without nine other first-team players as his side look to bounce back from their Champions League exit at the hands of Wolfsburg on Tuesday.

Aside from Herrera, United also headed to Germany without Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, Morgan Schneiderlin, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. They then lost Matteo Darmian to a hamstring injury in the first half and Chris Smalling ended the match carrying a groin issue.

United are also waiting to hear whether Bastian Schweinsteiger will be suspended after being charged with violent conduct for his collision with West Ham's Winston Reid in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

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Pato could stay at Corinthians - Tite

Corinthians coach Tite would welcome Alexandre Pato back, even though the club are keen to sell him.

The 26-year-old's loan spell with Sao Paulo, where he has been since February 2014, ended this month, with speculation surrounding a potential European transfer intensifying.

Although Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade previously said he was "praying to sell" Pato due to his high wages, Tite feels he would have a role to play with the newly crowned Campeonato Brasileiro champions."He is a great player. I want him, yes," the coach said in an interview with Radio Globo.

"He had a great year, is maturing, looks like he has readapted to Brazil and the needs we have."He scored important goals in a great season at Sao Paulo. Our arms are open [to him].

"In a 4-1-4-1 he can play on the left, through the middle or on the right. He has an impressive ability to finish."

 

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Benatia 'not good enough for Bayern' - Matthaus

Former Bayern Munich star Lothar Matthaus believes Medhi Benatia is not good enough to play for the Bundesliga champions, claiming the defender's characteristics do not suit coach Pep Guardiola's philosophy.

The Morocco international joined Bayern from Roma in August 2014 for an initial fee of €26 million, signed to partner Jerome Boateng at centre-back.

The 28-year-old has been struggling to live up to the high expectations at the Allianz Arena and Matthaus feels the time has already come for him to move on.
"Bayern have been looking for a second Boateng for a number of years now," Matthaus told Sport Bild.

"Holger Badstuber has been injured too often to be a reliable partner for Boateng at the back. Javi Martinez could fill that position, but he has been unavailable due to injury for quite some time as well."Bayern signed Benatia from Roma because of all the injuries in defence. It is now becoming clear that Benatia is not good enough for Bayern, though.

"He lacks the ability to play for Bayern. They hugely overpaid for him. He is a decent stopper, who is strong in the air and in the duels. But he lacks the technical skills needed for Guardiola's style of play."He is by no means the quick defender Bayern need under Guardiola."

 

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Mangala backs Sterling to keep getting better

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala believes Raheem Sterling is destined to become a key player at the Etihad Stadium and will only get better in the years to come.

The England international has developed into an important part of the first team at City since joining the club from Liverpool ahead of the 2015-16 campaign and has already netted eight goals from 22 appearances in all competitions.Sterling scored twice and set up another in the 4-2 Champions League win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday and Mangala is confident there is still more to come from the 21-year-old.

"He did really well for us on Tuesday and he's shown he can score important goals for us," Mangala told the official City website.

"He's a great talent and he wants to learn and keep improving and I'm certain he will."

Manuel Pellegrini's men clinched top spot in Group D following the results on Tuesday, but Mangala is not getting carried away just yet."It's good to finish top of the group, but we'll wait and see what happens in next week's draw," he added.

"You need to improve in this competition and you have to work to do that, but we feel we are learning all the time."

 

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Klopp: We have to build Sturridge's resistance

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Daniel Sturridge’s hamstring setback is not serious, but Liverpool have to work on the striker’s resistance.

The 26-year-old felt a problem with his muscle in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United over the weekend, and a scan on Tuesday revealed a strain.

Sturridge had only just returned to action following a knee injury and then a foot complaint. He scored twice in 59 minutes against Southampton, inspiring Liverpool to an irresistible 6-1 Capital One Cup quarter-final win. The England international then got close to half an hour off the bench against Newcastle on Sunday, when he felt discomfort.

Sturridge is now sidelined for an unspecified period again, with the Reds boss refusing to rush his recovery process.

“It’s a hamstring and it’s not easy to say when he can be back for us,” Klopp said at his press conference in Switzerland ahead of the Europa League encounter with Sion.

“There are two different things we have to look at – the one thing is the injury and the other is how we can bring him into a shape that is so intensive for him, so he needs to train.

“The good thing with the muscle injury is that early he can start to run and to train - not football but all the other things he needs.

“If you look at his history in the last months, and maybe the year, it’s not a long time he’s been able to train. It’s always train, be available, play, next big or small injury, so that for us is now very important and with all the games, we have to find the specific point when it’s possible to bring him [on] for minutes and what makes most sense for his general shape.

"I can’t say at this moment what we will do exactly, but we’ll have to look at it.”

Klopp added: “The injury is not that serious, but there’s another problem. The last time he trained, he got 60 minutes at Southampton, which was quite good, and then another 30 at Newcastle, which was not that good because in one of the first moments when he had a shot at goal, he felt something in the muscle.

“It’s not that serious, but it’s not possible to play. Now we have to build up his resistance. It is like it is.

“Always there is so much rush in the situation, you have to be ready now and not tomorrow, it was better yesterday… we have to cool down this situation a little bit and help him be more resistant for all the games we have.”

 

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Ramsey named the BEST attacking midfielder in the Premier League by Gerrard

An in-form Aaron Ramsey is the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League, according to Steven Gerrard.

The Wales international has been shifted to the right flank this season to accommodate Arsenal’s wealth of options in central midfield, but the former Liverpool and England captain believes the 24-year-old is wasted out wide.

"I’ve played both roles, mentally, he won’t be happy playing out wide because he hasn’t got the legs,” Gerrard told BT Sport.

“His qualities are all in the middle, for me, when he’s in that form, he’s the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League, so you’ve got to play your best players where they want to be, and I’m sure that’s in the middle.”

Rio Ferdinand also believes Ramsey’s lack of speed makes him a poor choice for Arsenal’s flank.

“He’s influential when he’s in a central area, out wide he hasn’t got the pace, in the middle of the pitch he makes things happen. He’s industrious, he’s got great quality, he’s got an eye for a pass,” said the former Manchester United centre-back.

“I think he needs to be in the centre of the park. His best season for Arsenal was from central areas, scoring goals, getting in the box, being difficult to pick up and having an influence on the game.”

 

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Olympiacos 0-3 Arsenal: Hat-trick hero Giroud sends Gunners into last 16

Arsenal secured their passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the 16th straight season as Olivier Giroud's hat-trick earned them a hugely impressive 3-0 victory at Olympiacos.

Arsene Wenger's side came into Wednesday's clash in Greece knowing a victory by any scoreline other than 1-0 or 2-1 would see them leapfrog their opponents and claim second spot in Group F.

Having lost the reverse fixture in September 3-2, the odds appeared to be against the visitors but Arsenal - who had tasted defeat in three of their first four group games to leave their hopes hanging in the balance - showed admirable steel and a clinical edge to avoid being eliminated from the opening group stage of the competition for the first time since 1999-2000.

After Mathieu Flamini struck the crossbar, Giroud opened the scoring with a near-post header shortly before the half-hour mark.

And the Frenchman doubled his tally with the crucial second goal early in the second half, getting on the end of Joel Campbell's excellent pass to slot home.

Midway through the second period, Omar Elabdellaoui was perhaps harshly penalised for handling Nacho Monreal's shot, and Giroud coolly converted the spot-kick for his first Arsenal hat-trick that sends Wenger's men through as runners-up behind Bayern Munich.

Roared on by the vociferous home support, Olympiacos had made the brighter start and the first serious effort on goal arrived in the 20th minute when Seba fired narrowly off target from the edge of the box.

Arsenal burst into life five minutes later, though, and went agonisingly close to going in front.

Former Olympiacos loanee Campbell got free down the right and his cutback found Flamini, whose effort took a slight deflection off Manuel da Costa and struck the bar.

Arsenal did not have long to rue their ill-fortune, however, as in the 29th minute Aaron Ramsey crossed from the left for Giroud and the Frenchman's header crept under Roberto into the bottom-left corner.

Olympiacos' response was strong and Laurent Koscielny had to be alert to divert Felipe Pardo's dangerous cross away from the lurking Brown Ideye.

There was concern for Arsenal at the start of the second period when Giroud fell awkwardly on his right ankle, but he soon recovered to make another telling contribution.
Campbell was the provider, showing composure inside the box to take four Olympiacos defenders out of the game with a cute pass which allowed Giroud to sidefoot home.

Arsenal then went in search of a third as Theo Walcott - in his first start since October - volleyed narrowly wide.

At 2-0 down Olympiacos knew one goal would see them advance at Arsenal's expense, and Kostas Fortounis stung the palms of Petr Cech before Per Mertesacker's superb block denied Ideye.

Just when it seemed the hosts were regaining a foothold in the game, Elabdellaoui threw himself at Monreal's effort, which cannoned into his arm.

Referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed to the spot and Giroud made no mistake, sending Roberto the wrong way from 12 yards.

That left Olympiacos needing three goals to progress - a task that proved well beyond Marco Silva's side, who must now console themselves with a place in the Europa League, while Arsenal are left to eagerly await Monday's draw for the last 16.

 

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Chelsea 2-0 Porto: Blues cruise into last 16

Chelsea tied up top spot in Champions League Group G with a comfortable 2-0 win over Porto, who finish in third place and fall into the Europa League.

Jose Mourinho's men knew that a win would guarantee first place and the Premier League champions ensured they would avoid Europe's top sides in the second round thanks to an early own goal and Willian's second-half strike.

Following an eighth defeat of their Premier League title defence against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, Mourinho welcomed skipper John Terry back from injury and recalled Diego Costa.

Costa, on the bench in the Blues' last two games, had a hand in the hosts' hugely fortuitous opener when his saved effort rebounded in off Ivan Marcano.

Porto threatened in spells, knowing a victory was always likely to be required with Dynamo Kyiv recording the win expected of them against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Ukraine.

Maccabi's failure to spring an upset means the Portuguese side now head into the Europa League, with Willian sealing victory for Chelsea seven minutes into the second half.

Amid a subdued atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea appeared nervy in the opening stages but were handed a huge slice of fortune for their 12th-minute opener.

Eden Hazard set Costa in on goal for Chelsea's first meaningful chance of the game and when the striker's effort was saved by Iker Casillas, it hit Marcano and bounced over the line despite Maicon's best efforts to clear.

Oscar saw a penalty appeal waved away after going down with Marcano in his vicinity and the Brazilian then sent a deflected shot just wide before the half-hour mark.

Costa dragged an effort wide of Casillas' right-hand post as Chelsea edged the final stages of the half, with Willian's powerful drive testing the former Real Madrid goalkeeper early after the restart.

Jesus Corona's curled strike forced Thibaut Courtois into a smart save but Willian would not be denied with his next attempt, drilling past Casillas from 18 yards after being played in by Hazard.

With Kyiv leading, Porto threw caution to the wind and Yacine Brahimi curled an effort wide before Courtois tipped substitute Cristian Tello's effort around the post.

But Chelsea remained in control - Hazard hitting the post late on - and an improved display ensured Mourinho had something to smile about in what has been a difficult campaign. Porto are left to focus on Europa League football.

 

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Congratulations for Arsenal & Chelsea​

 

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Valencia 0-2 Lyon: Neville's debut ends in Champions League elimination

Maxwel Cornet and Alexandre Lacazette ruined Gary Neville's debut as Valencia coach by firing Lyon to a 2-0 win at the Mestalla on Wednesday to end the Liga side's Champions League ambitions.

Valencia still had a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the competition in Neville's first game in charge after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo last week, but had to beat Lyon and hope Gent dropped points against Zenit.

They made an encouraging start to the match and Shkodran Mustafi came close to gifting his side lead twice in the opening stages of the game, even seeing a goal disallowed for an alleged foul.Their European dreams were dealt a major blow, though, when Cornet opened the scoring with a stunning shot in the top corner.

Lyon continued to threaten on the counter-attack in the remainder of the game and eventually got a second when Lacazette found the net with a calm finish late in the second half.

There were plenty of chances early on and Valencia came incredibly close to opening the scoring after eight minutes of play. Mustafi beat Maxime Gonalons to the ball after a Rodrigo De Paul corner, only to see his powerful header come back off the upright.

The Germany international did find the net just minutes later after yet another corner, but the referee had spotted a foul in the build-up and awarded Lyon a free-kick.

Lyon got a fine chance of their own in the 12th minute after Lacazette sent Cornet through one-on-one with Jaume Domenech, but the Valencia goalkeeper got a foot to it to deny the 19-year-old.

Domenech was again called into action at the half-hour mark, pulling off a superb save to deny Rafael after the former Manchester United defender had connected with a free-kick from the right.

Lyon shot stopper Anthony Lopes made his first noteworthy save shortly after, keeping out Paco Alcacer’s header from 10 yards after a pinpoint cross from the left by Jose Gaya.

Cornet broke the deadlock in the 37th minute and the Lyon youngster did so in spectacular fashion. The attacker collected the ball near the touchline down the right wing, cut inside and then curled home a fantastic strike in the top corner as he was surrounded by three defenders.

Valencia struggled to create chances of note from open play in the early stages of the second half, prompting substitute Javi Fuego to try his luck from long range on the hour mark, but Lopes comfortably saved his attempt.

Sergi Darder should have doubled Lyon's lead with 20 minutes to go after a quick counter-attack, but he failed to find the net from close range after being set up by Lacazette.Dani Parejo could have levelled the scoring after a corner, but the Valencia skipper rushed his shot and aimed wide.

The visitors continued to look dangerous on the break and eventually got a second goal in the 76th minute. Corentin Tolisso found Lacazette with a clever throughball and the France international coolly slotted home after shrugging off Aymen Abdennour to effectively put the match to bed.

 

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Gent 2-1 Zenit St. Petersburg: Belgian side secure famous win

Gent became the first Belgian side to reach the Champions League last 16 since 2000-01 as they registered a 2-1 victory over Zenit.

Laurent Depoitre and Danijel Milicevic scored the goals to send the hosts through in second place in Group H, with Zenit also progressing as pool winners, 14 years after Anderlecht reached the second phase of the competition.

With Valencia slipping to a home defeat against Lyon, Gent did not even need a point to ensure their progression but a dominant first-half performance and Milicevic’s late winner helped head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouc's team end their guests' perfect record in the group stage.

Depoitre broke his scoring drought with the opener in the 18th minute, heading home Moses Simon's cross, while Zenit struggled for creativity up front before the break, with Brazilian star Hulk rested by coach Andre Villas-Boas.

The dynamic of the game changed after half-time, though, as Zenit returned revitalised, and the Russians found an equaliser in the 65th minute thanks to Artem Dzyuba’s sixth goal of the group stage.However, Milicevic popped up with 13 minutes remaining to hammer home Gent's second.

After a quiet opening quarter-of-an-hour, the hosts took the lead in the 18th minute. Simon darted down the left flank and crossed to the near post, where Depoitre rose superbly to loop his header over Zenit goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin and into the far corner.

The visitors were chasing a record-breaking sixth win out of six in this season’s group stage but rarely threatened the home side’s goal during the first half, with Lodygin making comfortable saves from Nana Asare and Renato Neto at the other end as Gent enjoyed the larger share of territory and possession.

Depoitre should have given the hosts a two-goal lead in the 31st minute but, after collecting Luis Neto's horribly under-hit back pass, the striker was foiled by a good save from Lodygin, who used his right boot to deny the forward his eighth goal of the season in all competitions.

Simon could have done better than shoot straight at Lodygin seven minutes before half-time from Depoitre’s flick-on, as Gent continued to dominate, while Asare missed a golden chance to double the Belgians’ advantage in the 41st minute, as he turned Thomas Foket’s cross straight at Lodygin from less than six yards out.

Zenit presented a different prospect for Gent in the early moments of the second half, with home keeper Matz Sels pawing away a powerful effort from Aleksandr Ryazantsev in the 48th minute and, with 25 minutes remaining, the Russian outfit found an equaliser.Home captain Sven Kums sliced his attempted clearance high into the air inside the Gent penalty area and Dzyuba outmuscled the home defence to control the ball and sidefoot underneath Sels from 10 yards out.

Zenit seemed to have the momentum as the game entered its final quarter but, moments after the home crowd learned of Valencia conceding a second goal to Lyon, Milicevic cued wild celebrations in the stands at the Ghelamco Arena in the 77th minute.

The wide midfielder found himself with time and space inside the area to lash a half-volley beyond Lodygin and make absolutely certain of Gent's place in the knockout stages.

 

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Dinamo Zagreb 0-2 Bayern Munich: Lewandowski hits second period brace in late rally

Bayern Munich ground out a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League at Stadion Maksimir on Wednesday, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice in the second period.

El Arbi Hillel Soudani missed a big opportunity after being put through one-one-one with Sven Ulreich early on before the Algeria attacker headed wide of the target on the stroke of half-time.The arrival of Thomas Muller after the interval changes the pattern of the match, with Bayern's second string line-up more dynamic in the final third.

Muller set up Lewandowski to head in the opener on 61 minutes with a whipped cross from the right wing before the prolific Pole chipped in his second just three minutes later.

Arturo Vidal was brought down inside the area with two minutes to play but Muller's spot-kick struck the foot of the upright and rebounded away from goal.

Pep Guardiola's side were already assured of top spot in the pool, but Lewandowski's clinical double - taking him to seven Champions League goals for the campaign - made it 15 points from their six games.

Bayern should have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute when Medhi Benatia climbed highest to meet a Xabi Alonso corner only to wastefully glance his header wide.

To their credit, Zagreb responded swiftly to that early let-off, with the rested Manuel Neuer's deputy, Ulreich, called upon to deny Domagoj Antolic and Josip Pivaric in quick succession.

As the lively opening continued, Franck Ribery and Lewandowski both went close to putting the visitors in front, Eduardo producing two fine saves to keep them at bay.

The home side's attacking forays became less frequent as the half wore on, although Ulreich did have to react sharply to block a shot from Soudani after the forward was played in by skipper Antolic after 25 minutes.

Alonso and Sebastian Rode were next to threaten for Guardiola's team, but for all their attacking fluency, Bayern continued to look vulnerable at the back and were fortunate not to be punished on the stroke of half-time when Soudani headed over after Ulreich had failed to gather a free-kick.

Guardiola brought on both Muller and Jerome Boateng at half-time, and the former made an immediate impact as he flicked an Alonso corner inches wide of the post and drew a sprawling save from Eduardo shortly after.

A superb reflex block from Ulreich at the other end then prevented Junior Fernandes from firing the Croatians into an unlikely lead before Bayern finally made their pressure count in the 61st minute.

Muller provided the cross from the right and Lewandowski got in front of his marker to glance a diving header into the bottom corner.And three minutes later the Bavarians make the game safe, Rode bisecting the Zagreb defence with a superb throughball and Lewandowski cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing Eduardo.

Pivaric struck the woodwork late on - and there was even still time for Muller to strike the post with a penalty - but a comeback never looked likely as Guardiola claimed his 100th win in 132 games in charge of Bayern.

 

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Roma 0-0 BATE: Italians hold on to take last-16 place

Roma made it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League after a 0-0 draw against BATE proved enough for them to clinch second place in Group E.
Despite drawing a blank on home soil, Rudi Garcia's side still sealed progression to the next round of the competition for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

The point means Roma finish level with Bayer Leverkusen - who drew 1-1 at home with Barcelona - in the standings, yet the Italians advance at the expense of the Germans thanks to a better head-to-head record.

They could have made things much easier for themselves had they taken any of the plethora of second-half chances they created, Edin Dzeko wasting the best of them when he could not convert a glorious one-on-one opportunity.

However, in the end they were indebted to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for keeping BATE at bay and picking up what proved to be a priceless point in the battle for qualification.

Roma were dealt a blow prior to kick-off when Gervinho was forced to drop out of the starting XI after picking up an injury in the warm-up, meaning Juan Iturbe was promoted from the bench.

Whether it was the late change to the team or the lack of numbers inside a subdued Stadio Olimpico, the hosts struggled to get going in the first half.Radja Nainggolan twice had long-range attempts that were straight at Sergey Chernik.

The visiting goalkeeper did have to move to keep out a free-kick from Miralem Pjanic, sending the midfielder's attempt away from goal with a firm, two-handed stop.

Set-pieces looked like Roma's best hope of making a breakthrough. Antonio Rudiger failed to direct a header on goal from an Iago Falque corner, with Daniele De Rossi denied the chance to pounce on the loose ball by Aleksandr Hleb's brave clearance.

BATE looked comfortable in defence throughout the first half, though they should have fallen behind shortly after the interval when a poor clearance allowed Pjanic to slip a pass through to Dzeko.

However, the striker - who has struggled for goals since joining on loan from Manchester City, netting five times in all competitions - fluffed his lines in front of goal, firing an effort straight at the advancing Chernik.Alessandro Florenzi also went close, Chernik denying the winger with an excellent save at close range, while Rudiger planted a powerful header from a corner well wide.

Roma's failure to take the opportunities that came their way led to a tense finale, and BATE looked set to throw the group wide open again when Mikhail Gordeychuk stretched to meet Maksim Volodko's low cross, only for Szczesny to brilliantly deny him with a desperate dive.

The Polish goalkeeper was needed again to spare his side from falling behind in the 79th minute, making a triple save that proved crucial in the final reckoning.

 

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Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Barcelona: Hernandez strike not enough for hosts

Bayer Leverkusen slipped out of the Champions League and into the Europa League after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in Group E on Wednesday.

The Bundesliga side needed to better Roma’s result against BATE to go through, but both sides drew their final match of the group stage – the Italians held 0-0 – leaving Rudi Garcia’s side in second place.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring at the BayArena with a trademark finish, the Argentina international taking the ball around Bernd Leno to score his 80th Champions League goal.

Leverkusen quickly restored parity as Admir Mehmedi made good ground on the left, his low cross found Javier Hernandez and the in-form striker lashed home from 10 yards.

Hakan Calhanoglu should have given the hosts the lead early in the second half after a mistake by Adriano, but he fired wide before seeing two low shots well saved.

Karim Bellarabi was also denied as Roger Schmidt's men pushed for the victory they needed, but they were unable to find a way through, leaving Roma as the side going through with Barcelona.

A purposeful and positive start from Leverkusen saw Kevin Kampl and Calhanoglu threaten early on, the latter bringing a save out of Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a curling free-kick in the 12th minute.

Barcelona's first moment of note came four minutes later after a mazy run by Messi, the visitors eventually working the ball to Sandro Ramirez but his low shot was well held by Bernd Leno.

Leverkusen failed to heed that warning and Barca duly broke the deadlock after 20 minutes, Messi racing on to an exquisite through-ball from Ivan Rakitic before rounding Leno to score.

They were only ahead for three minutes though, as Hernandez punished some slack defending with a crisp first-time finish, the Mexico international firing home from Mehmedi's low cross.

Messi should have put the visitors back in front just before the half-hour mark, but he surprisingly fired wide from Jordi Alba's cut back.

Four minutes after the restart Calhanoglu had his head in his hands after wasting a glorious chance to put Leverkusen ahead, Adriano's poor defensive clearance dropped at the Turkey international's feet but his placed effort flew agonisingly wide.

With much more to play for the hosts were making all the running and as the clock ticked past the hour mark, Ter Stegen was twice called upon to deny the threatening Calhanoglu.

The German goalkeeper was proving a thorn in Leverkusen's side as he was on hand again as Bellarabi raced clear, his effort easily pushed away by the Barca keeper.

Stefan Kiessling's introduction failed to bring the goal Schmidt was desperate for as Leverkusen dropped into the Europa League, while holders Barca prepare for another tilt at the title in the knockout stages.

 

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Chicharito Leverkusen wala elatama play karanawaLVG ta dan thereenawa athi karagattha gongkama​

 

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Giroud overtakes Dennis Bergkamp in the Champions League for Arsenal

It's job done for Arsenal as Olivier Giroud's hat-trick has sealed a 3-0 victory over Olympiacos to send the Gunners into the Champions League knockout phase against the odds.

It's was the Frenchman's first treble since he joined Arsenal in 2012 and his three goals in Greece have now pushed him ahead of Dennis Bergkamp in Europe.

From the Champions League group stage onwards, Giroud's also moved ahead of the likes of Alexis Sanchez (6), Nwankwo Kanu (4), and Marc Overmars (4).

 

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Wenger's saviour: Giroud enjoys his finest hour for Arsenal

Olivier Giroud has been scrutinised and criticised for so much of his Arsenal career, but he delivered when his side needed him more than ever in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The striker’s hat-trick secured a 3-0 win here at Olympiacos that completed the Gunners’ great escape as they booked a place in the last 16 of the competition for a 16th season in a row.

Giroud’s performances in the Champions League have echoed Arsenal’s this season. He was sent-off in the dreadful loss to Dinamo Zagreb in their opening match as Arsene Wenger’s side left themselves staring up a cliff with defeats in their first two group fixtures.


But the Frenchman scored the opener in the 2-0 home win over Bayern Munich that gave Arsenal some hope. And now this - his glory night.

Redemption for his awful performance against Monaco last season when Arsenal fans cheered his substitution, two fingers pointed towards those who claim he is too mentally fragile when the pressure is really on.

It was also another repayment to Wenger, who declined to sign another striker last summer despite the pleas of the supporters.
Who would have thought that Giroud would be his get out of jail free card?

Wenger would have been facing serious questions had he failed to get Arsenal out of a group in which they should have strolled through along with Bayern Munich.

Giroud scored his first of the night in the 29th minute with a brilliant header at the near post as he used every fibre in his neck muscles to power Aaron Ramsey's cross in via the post and goalkeeper Roberto.

He also showed he could take a physical battering. Shortly after the start of the second-half, Giroud twisted his ankle and looked for all the world that he would have to come off.

Instead, he dusted himself down and scored the second four minutes later, latching on to a wonderful Joel Campbell pass and sliding into the bottom corner first time. Arsenal’s very own Lazarus.

His hat-trick arrived from the penalty spot in the 67th minute to ease the nerves of Arsenal’s fans and put the result beyond doubt.

At a ground where Arsenal have lost on their last three visits, against a side that beat them in north London in September and without several key players, Arsenal needed someone to step up.

Giroud did just that to complete Arsenal’s rise from the ashes and book their place in Monday’s draw for the knockout stages.