..::Football IV::..

Wolverine GTR

Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Porto 5-0 Leicester City: Andre Silva double downs Foxes

    andre-silva-porto-07122016_q4b2j7fe8401jx9s8vuhdn0r.jpg


    Leicester City suffered the biggest margin of defeat by an English side in Champions League history after Andre Silva's double helped Porto secure second place in Group G with a resounding 5-0 victory at Estadio do Dragao.

    Claudio Ranieri admitted Leicester face a scrap for top-flight survival following the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland last time out, but their sparkling, unbeaten form in Europe had represented a reprieve from what has been a dismal season so far.

    However, the Premier League champions never looked likely to extend their unbeaten record on Wednesday, thanks to a comprehensive first-half display from Nuno Santo's side.

    Silva capitalised on weak defending to put the hosts ahead early on, with Jesus Corona's exquisite volley and a deft finish from Yacine Brahimi doing further damage before half-time.

    Leicester improved slightly after the interval, but Porto did not relent - and duly added more when Silva converted from the spot before Diogo Jota added further gloss to the scoreline.

    The result marks the heaviest defeat by an English side in Europe since Everton's 5-0 loss at Benfica in the 2009-10 Europa League, and represents another blow for struggling Leicester, who face Manchester City this weekend before they find out their Champions League fate in the last-16 draw on Monday.

    With Leicester having already secured top spot in Group G, it was no surprise that Ranieri named a much-changed line-up given his side's terrible Premier League form.

    But despite handing several of Leicester's fringe players chances to impress ahead of the clash with City, Ranieri saw his team go behind inside six minutes, when Champions League debutant Ben Hamer could only parry Brahimi's stinging effort wide.Corona whipped in the resulting corner, shambolic Leicester marking allowing Silva to head home unchallenged.

    Silva could have doubled his tally shortly after, but the 21-year-old failed to apply the finish after connecting with Alex Telles' cross.

    Porto did have their second after 26 minutes, though - Telles' precise cross picking out Corona, who despatched a venomous, perfectly-executed volley into the top-right corner.

    Santo's side continued to dominate, and deservedly extended their lead further on the stroke of half-time as Brahimi - making just his third start across all competitions this term - flicked home from close range at the culmination of a sublime move.

    Ranieri introduced Leonardo Ulloa and Marc Albrighton at half-time, and the latter almost turned provider immediately following the restart, but Shinji Okazaki was unable to turn in the winger's cross.

    Despite their renewed attacking vigour, Leicester remained hapless at the other end, Jota the next to try his luck with a low effort that flashed just wide.Leicester were further behind just after the hour mark, Silva drilling home from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by Danny Drinkwater.

    It got worse for Leicester - Drinkwater going off injured before, with 13 minutes remaining, Jota slotted home through Hamer's legs as Porto secured progression in style.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 CSKA Moscow: Europa League spot sealed with Spurs' first win at Wembley

    dele-alli-tottenham-cska-moscow-champions-league_1nxfaox28gpty1e1vu56otu4f2.jpg


    Tottenham put aside their previous Wembley woes by coming from behind to record a 3-1 Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow and secure a place in the Europa League.

    Both teams came into Wednesday's match knowing their hopes of continued participation in Europe's premier club competition were over, but Mauricio Pochettino had insisted Spurs would treat their final Group E fixture with the utmost importance.

    That was borne out by the Argentine manager's starting line-up, which showed just one change from Saturday's 5-0 victory over Swansea in the Premier League, with Harry Winks replacing Mousa Dembele, yet it was CSKA - needing victory to overhaul their opponents - who claimed a 33rd-minute lead against the run of play through Alan Dzagoev.

    Dele Alli and Harry Kane ensured Spurs - without a win in their last six outings at Wembley - were deservedly ahead by the break, however, and a home win was sealed by Igor Akinfeev's somewhat bizarre own goal with 13 minutes remaining.

    Spurs go into next Monday's draw for the last 32 of the Europa League, while CSKA will turn their attention to finding a new manager during a three-month mid-season break, having announced on Tuesday this would be Leonid Slutsky's final game in charge.Amid a low-key atmosphere, Tottenham predictably dominated possession and territory from the outset.

    Christian Eriksen and Alli were guilty of spurning the most presentable opportunities in the first half-hour, both shooting tamely at visiting goalkeeper Akinfeev from close range.And Tottenham were punished for their profligacy when Zoran Tosic nodded Bibras Natcho's lofted pass into the path of Dzagoev, who escaped Eric Dier and took a touch before firing a low finish beyond Hugo Lloris.

    CSKA's lead proved short-lived as Alli, who had also headed wide early on, provided the opening period's standout moment of quality five minutes later.

    The England midfielder brought down a right-wing cross from Eriksen superbly and curled a shot back across goal into the far corner, although Kyle Walker had appeared offside in a scrappy build-up.

    Spurs' second goal, which came in first-half injury-time after CSKA had threatened for a second time on the counter, could also have been ruled out, but the linesman's flag stayed down as Eriksen's chip found Danny Rose in space and the left-back's first-time ball across the face of goal left Kane with a simple finish.
    The pattern of play remained largely the same after the interval, with the influential Eriksen involved in much of Tottenham's best work.

    A third Spurs goal initially remained elusive, Kane heading over from 10 yards shortly before the crowd was lifted by Toby Alderweireld's return from injury as a 68th-minute replacement for Victor Wanyama, which saw Dier slot into midfield.

    However, after Eriksen and Kane had forced further saves from Akinfeev, Tottenham pulled further clear when the CSKA goalkeeper made a fine save from Alli's header, only to then divert the loose ball into his own net with his right foot.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Real Madrid 2-2 Borussia Dortmund: Blancos lose top spot as Reus fights back

    carvajal-aubameyang-real-madrid-borussia-dortmund-champions-league_1cnak1gtqx1bqz5gcjxt8hdvy.jpg


    Substitute Marco Reus scored a dramatic equaliser with two minutes remaining as Borussia Dortmund drew 2-2 at Real Madrid to claim top spot in Champions League Group F.

    Karim Benzema reached 50 Champions League goals with a close-range finish and a header either side of half time – a double that appeared to set Madrid on the path to victory.

    But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck with his 19th goal of the season to give the visitors hope before Benzema was denied a hat-trick when hero of the night Reus cleared his header off the line.

    Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post in the closing stages but Madrid paid the price for their profligacy when Reus converted Aubameyang's pass in the final moments.
    Therefore it is Madrid who will have to face a group winner in the last 16, with Arsenal and Juventus among their potential opponents.

    Andre Schurrle – starting as one of three Dortmund changes – shot over early on, but it was Madrid who made the stronger start and created a string of chances.
    First, Ronaldo's flick fed Benzema and his left-footed strike was well kept out by Roman Weidenfeller.

    The Portugal international then set up James Rodriguez, who was denied by Weidenfeller from close-range before the Colombia international – in as one of two Madrid switches – tested the goalkeeper with another effort.

    The breakthrough looked likely and it arrived after 28 minutes. Dani Carvajal was wide open as Dortmund's defence allowed him to make ground down the right, and the defender's low cross was perfect for Benzema to take in his stride and convert from six yards.

    Keylor Navas saved from Christian Pulisic as the visitors improved later in the half, before he made an even better stop to push Schurrle's free-kick past the post after it had found a way through the wall.

    Dortmund threatened early after the break when Ousmane Dembele stabbed an effort narrowly wide after an impressive run, while Gonzalo Castro miscued a wonderful opportunity following a cutback from Pulisic.

    But those misses proved costly when Benzema struck again on 53 minutes, heading in from eight yards from another excellent delivery, this time from James.
    That was not the end of the match as a contest, though, with Aubameyang finishing coolly from six yards after captain Marcel Schmelzer had squared Julian Weigl's throughball into his path.

    Thomas Tuchel brought on Reus and Emre Mor in an attempt to complete the comeback, while Madrid welcomed Toni Kroos back from injury for his first appearance in a month.

    An entertaining contest continued when Ronaldo's effort was brilliantly saved by Weidenfeller, with Benzema denied a hat-trick from the resulting corner when his header was cleared off the line by Reus.

    Marcelo blazed over a presentable chance after a swift Madrid counterattack, while Ronaldo somehow failed to net his 500th club goal when he struck the foot of the post after Lucas Vazquez's pass had found him wide open in the area.And Madrid, who are still yet to suffer defeat this season, paid the price for failing to put the result beyond doubt in dramatic fashion.

    Aubameyang latched on to Mor's pass and raced clear on the right to square for the onrushing Reus, the Germany international making no mistake with his high finish to stun the Santiago Bernabeu.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Real Madrid equal record 34-match unbeaten run

    real-madrid-cropped_12k6eoo667wck1ucmeutxj3v2k.jpg


    Real Madrid have equalled their club record by reaching 34 matches without suffering defeat.

    Zinedine Zidane's men have levelled the mark set by Leo Beenhakker's Madrid side, who reached 34 games unbeaten between October 1988 and April 1989.

    Madrid's current run started in April 2016 with a 4-0 home win over Eibar, with Wednesday's 2-2 Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund taking them to 34.

    The Santiago Bernabeu side have won 25 and drawn nine of the games in that span, with Cristiano Ronaldo the most prolific contributor to the run with 21 goals.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Zidane 'angry' as Real Madrid let top spot slip

    zidane-cropped_11c9tjygynir11c3ihtk9xbscl.jpg


    Zinedine Zidane was angry after Real Madrid failed to secure first place in Champions League Group F, but did not feel his team could have done much more against Borussia Dortmund.

    Substitute Marco Reus scored a dramatic equaliser with two minutes remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu as the visitors claimed a 2-2 draw and the point they needed to be sure of first place.Karim Bemzema had scored a double that appeared to set his side on the path to victory, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Dortmund hope prior to Reus' strike.

    The equaliser came after Madrid spurned a string of opportunities to put the match beyond doubt - Benzema was denied a hat-trick when Reus cleared his header off the line and Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post from a brilliant chance.The holders will now have to face a group winner in the last 16, with Arsenal and Juventus among their potential opponents.

    "When you see how the second half went you get a bit angry," Zidane told reporters after the match."We had the game in our hands but this is football. You need to carry on right to the end.

    "We had chances to score a third, but that's in the past now. We couldn't do any more. I'll analyse the game and we will see when things have calmed down a bit what we can take away.

    "I have mixed emotions. Things happen. We missed a few chances to seal the game but we drew and came second in the group. "We gave our all to come first, but didn't do it. I'm very proud of the players, their hard work, the things they did.

    "Now we need to rest. The second half saw us lose a bit of intensity but we had chances to score a third."Zidane congratulated Dortmund on finishing first and felt they deserved it across the six matches.

    He said: "They are a strong side who make life difficult and at the end of the day we needed to be a bit more on it, but it is in the past now. "The group is probably fair with us second and them first."There were a lot of chances to score the third goal. Instead, we got Dortmund back into the game. Dortmund deserved first place and they demonstrated how strong they are.

    "We gave our all to come first. We didn't achieve it. We wanted to do it but couldn't. "We won't go over it again. We came second and we'll now see who we get in the draw."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2016.12.08

    UEFA Europa League Group Stage Fixtures 2016.12.08

    Osmanlıspor VsZurich
    Villarreal Vs Steaua Bucuresti
    Konyaspor Vs Gent
    Sporting Braga Vs Shakhtar Donetsk
    Qarabag Vs Fiorentina
    PAOK Vs Slovan Liberec
    Rapid Wien Vs Athletic Club
    Sassuolo Vs Genk
    Viktoria Plzeň Vs Austria Wien
    Astra Vs Roma
    AZ Vs Zenit
    Maccabi Tel Aviv Vs Dundalk
    Young Boys Vs Astana
    APOEL Vs Olympiakos Piraeus
    Feyenoord Vs Fenerbahce
    Zorya Vs Manchester United
    Mainz 05 Vs Qabala
    Anderlecht Vs Saint-Etienne
    Standard Liege Vs Ajax
    Panathinaikos Vs Celta de Vigo
    Internazionale Vs Sparta Praha
    Southampton Vs Hapoel
    Salzburg Vs Schalke 04
    Nice Vs Krasnodar
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    ickriGW.png
    Zorya
    Vs Manchester United
    Zy949n1.png


    Zorya Starting Line-up

    Igor Levchenko
    Rafael Forster
    Mikhail Sivakov
    Artem Sukhotsky
    Evgeniy Opanasenko
    Igor Chaykovsky
    Ihor Kharatin
    Ivan Petryak
    Oleksandr Karavayev
    Denys Bezborodko
    Zeljko Ljubenovic

    &

    Manchester United Starting Line-up

    Sergio Romero
    Marcos Rojo
    Eric Bailly
    Daley Blind
    Ashley Young
    Wayne Rooney
    Paul Pogba
    Ander Herrera
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan
    Juan Mata

     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :love:Zorya 0-2 Manchester United: Mkhitaryan and Zlatan send Red Devils through

    henrikh-mkhitaryan-manchester-united_yowdhjdj6eyu1ja4zp605lns4.jpg


    Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first Manchester United goal as Jose Mourinho's men won 2-0 at Zorya to seal their place in the Europa League knockout stages.

    The Armenia international made the difference with a wonderful solo effort early in the second half as he continues to impress in his first consistent run in the team since joining from Borussia Dortmund in July.And Zlatan Ibrahimovic sealed victory with two minutes to go, the in-form striker making it seven goals in his last six appearances.

    Mourinho's men only needed a point on Thursday to be sure of securing a place in the last 32, but ended up sealing a victory that sees them finish second in Group A, behind Fenerbahce after the Turkish side won away to Feyenoord in the other game.

    United had lost five straight away games in Europe going into the game – their worst ever run – but had a relatively comfortable evening in Ukraine in a match that failed to excite outside of Mkhitaryan's moment of magic.

    Zorya made a steady start and Igor Kharatin had a long-range drive impressively kept out by Sergio Romero, the goalkeeper in as one of six United changes.

    Paul Pogba sent a swerving strike just wide for United but, despite the visitors' dominance of possession, home keeper Igor Levchenko was not tested until the end of the first half.

    Eric Bailly – playing his first match in over six weeks – sent an overhead kick straight at Levchenko, who then tipped over an impressive long-range drive from Wayne Rooney as the United captain's wait to equal Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record continued.

    Romero - who was startled by a flare thrown by the home support prior to Oleksandr Karavayev volleying wide of his near post – was similarly unoccupied in the United goal.But the game burst into life when Mkhitaryan opened the scoring with a piece of brilliance after 48 minutes.

    After Marcos Rojo had dispossessed Karavayev, Mkhitaryan collected the ball in the centre circle and ran unchallenged towards the penalty area before nutmegging Rafael Forster and producing a cool finish.

    Ibrahimovic had a powerful strike saved by Levchenko before Mourinho brought on Jesse Lingard and Marouane Fellaini for the closing stages.United had to cope with one major scare when Romero made a reflex save after Mikhail Sivakov headed Dmytro Grechyshkin's free-kick towards goal.

    Ibrahimovic then wrapped up the win on the counter-attack, breaking the offside trap to race onto Pogba's throughball and making no mistake with the finish as United extended their improved run of form to seven matches without defeat, with Bailly avoiding a second yellow card for a kick in stoppage time.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Astra 0-0 Roma: Italians see out group stage with stalemate

    roma-astra_1m78hyq1mgfqr1h4im9cy159bi.jpg


    Roma waltzed through their final Europa League group stage game with a 0-0 draw in Bucharest, while Astra also grabbed a place in the last 32 thanks to results elsewhere.

    The Italians were already guaranteed top spot in Group E, while their opponents on Thursday needed either a win or for Austria Vienna to drop points against Viktoria Plzen.

    Francesco Totti played the entire 90 minutes for the visitors, but chances were scarce and Astra looked to be facing elimination when their rivals took a 2-1 lead.
    Fortunately for the Romanians, however, Plzen fought back to prevail 3-2, meaning events in Bucharest were largely irrelevant with both teams sailing into the knockout phase.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Braga 2-4 Shakhtar: Krivtsov and Taison both strike twice to retain 100% record

    braga-vs-shakhtar_w1ri66ht6m231t9nwpml8fhwu.jpg


    Shakthar progress into the next round of the Europa League having beating Braga 4-2 in their sixth win from sixth.

    Braga, however, missed out due to a late Gent goal at Konyaspor, putting the Belgians through with a 1-0 win.

    Sergey Krivtstov opened the scoring for the hosts, his header too strong for Marafona in the Braga goal.Taison then doubled Shakhtar's lead after a stunning solo run from Marlos led to the winger tapping into an open goal.

    Nikola Stojiljkovic then pulled one back for the home sides before half time, but Krivstov scored his second of the game with another header.Taison then made it 4-1 with an impressive run and a poked effort under the goalkeeper before Nikola Vukcevic struck a late consolation.

    At the full time whistle Braga stood to qualify, bettering Gent's goal difference, but crashed out when the Belgian side struck a late winner in Turkey.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Villarreal 2-1 Steaua Bucharest: Sansone on target as Yellow Submarine edge through

    hd-nicola-sansone-villarreal-steaua-bucharest-europa-league_1w4s0qmtidbk01hjspjxta48au.jpg


    Villarreal flirted with Europa League elimination but progressed narrowly after a 2-1 win with Steaua Bucharest.

    Nicola Sansone opened the scoring in the first half, but Vlad Achim's leveller meant the Romanians were only one goal from qualifying at the Spaniards' expense. Gabriel Tamas' red card 10 minutes from 10 meant their task was too great, though, and the hosts got a winner two minutes from the end via Manu Trigueros.The sides came into the game knowing a victory for either would mean qualification, while defeat certain elimination.

    It was the home team who were more purposeful early on and took the lead when Sansone scored at the second attempt.However, they failed to build on this advantage and found themselves in trouble as Achim levelled with a header.

    After Tamas was dismissed, it took a glorious chip from Trigueros to finish the visiting side off, with the midfielder completing a slick break in the most graceful manner to secure his side's progress.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :)'It's a weight off my shoulders' - Mkhitaryan relieved to end goal drought

    mkhitaryan-cropped_ygiiqisyb0z1k2vet66j8fzm.jpg


    Henrikh Mkhitaryan was relieved to end a long wait for his first Manchester United goal in Thursday's Europa League victory at Zorya.

    Having signed from Borussia Dortmund in July, the playmaker has had to overcome injury problems and criticism from manager Jose Mourinho prior to winning his place in the team.

    He netted his first goal for the club in his 11th appearance with a brilliant solo effort as United's 2-0 win sealed their place in the Europa League knockout stages.Now Mkhitaryan, whose strike was followed up by Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late effort, hopes opening his account will prove a catalyst.

    "It can be [a weight off the shoulders] because I was waiting a long time for this goal and hoping that I score," he told BT Sport."But my next goal has to be at Old Trafford because I want to score at home. It is another pleasure to score at Old Trafford and I'll try do my best to do that."

    Mkhitaryan concedes United were under-par in the first half in Ukraine, but was impressed by how they rectified things after the break and hailed team-mate Wayne Rooney's impact.

    The Armenia international added: "The second half was better than the first where we played not so good. We couldn't find the right space or the last pass and
    [lacked] understanding with each other.

    "But in the second half it was the opposite, we played very well, tried to improve ourselves and made the result. We created space for the wingers and the strikers.

    "Wayne Rooney created space for me and I've scored the goal, then also the goal of Ibra – we had a lot of space up front. The most important thing is we won and we are going through."

    United are back in action with a crucial home Premier League game against Tottenham on Sunday.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Inter 2-1 Sparta Prague: Eder double gives Nerazzurri win

    eder-inter-sparta-prague_18pn3jxmh8k3m1uuf2pkyccf29.jpg


    Inter's miserable Europa League campaign ended on a positive note as they secured a last-gasp 2-1 win against Sparta Prague through Eder's brace.

    With the Serie A giants enduring a difficult season, their poor league form has been combined with a string of losses in Europe that saw them eliminated before
    Having previously managed just a sole Group K success against Southampton, Inter were guaranteed to finish bottom of Group K but went out on a high as Eder scored in either half.

    Despite their struggles, this was a fifth consecutive home victory – albeit an unconvincing one, as stand-in goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carizzo was required to save Borek Dockal's penalty with the scores tied.Eder nudged Inter in front as he starred in a strong first half, before Lukas Marecek hit back and Dockal was denied.

    Although Eder then won the game in the 90th minute, it will matter little to Sparta, who had already secured top spot on matchday five.Eder drove a free-kick just inches over the crossbar from 25 yards with the first serious effort on goal.

    The Portugal international's next attempt was struck straight at Tomas Koubek, but, after 23 minutes, he forced a breakthrough.Andrea Pinamonti's gorgeous touch teed up Eder and, although the goalkeeper parried his first shot, the 30-year-old prodded into the net.

    Sparta's attacking threat had been minimal, but Andrea Ranocchia was fortunate to bundle the ball wide of his own post as he tangled with David Lafata in the area.
    And the visitors drew level nine minutes after the break.

    Dockal's deep cross was brilliantly flicked towards the far top corner by Marecek, with Carrizo only able to claw the ball into the net via the crossbar.While substitute Ivan Perisic responded with a swerving blast from distance well held by Koubek, Marco Andreolli's rash challenge on Lafata then gave Sparta a penalty with 25 minutes remaining.

    However, Dockal's low spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Carrizo down to his left.
    Eder nodded over as Inter finally broke a spell of dominance from the visitors, before Cristian Ansaldi cut inside to test Koubek at his near post.And it was the Argentine defender who picked out Eder to spin and drag a finish into the corner in the final minute, clinching victory.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Southampton 1-1 Hapoel Be'er Sheva: Saints out of Europa League despite late draw

    southampton_qoz4gitpwosk16cr6wtyd3ux8.jpg


    Virgil van Dijk's late equaliser was not enough to secure Southampton's passage to the Europa League last 32 as Hapoel Be'er Sheva held on to a 1-1 draw at St Mary's to progress from Group K.

    The two sides went into the match level on seven points and their previous 0-0 stalemate in Israel meant Saints either needed another goalless draw or a victory to progress, but Maor Buzaglo's opener 12 minutes from time ultimately gave the hosts too much to do despite Van Dijk's stoppage-time leveller.

    Both teams contributed to an open first half which Southampton just edged, with Nathan Redmond particularly prominent on the left flank.Clear-cut opportunities were scarce at either end, though, with Van Dijk's second-half header the closest either team came to breaking the deadlock until the latter stages.

    Hapoel looked devoid of ideas and craft in what was a rather tepid second period, but an Oriol Romeu error presented the away side with a chance that Buzaglo capitalised upon with a fine effort.

    Van Dijk restored parity in the 91st minute, but it was too little, too late as Hapoel held on to the draw to book a place in the knockout phase at their hosts' expense.The fact the two sides were battling it out for the second qualification spot created an almost-sudden death nature to proceedings, leading to an entertaining, end-to-end first half.

    Saints shaded things early on, but Hapoel created the first real chance 19 minutes in, Anthony Nwakaeme's cross finding Buzaglo at the far post and he smashed over from a tight angle.

    Southampton should have taken the lead when Redmond raced forward and crossed, but Romeu could not get over the ball and his header ended up going behind him.

    The hosts tested Hapoel goalkeeper David Goresh for the first time eight minutes before the break – Redmond again a central figure as he darted in from the left and saw his rasping drive palmed away acrobatically.

    Although Saints needed a last-ditch Maya Yoshida tackle to halt Ben Sahar inside the area early in the second half, Hapoel's approach was rather more withdrawn after the break.

    Claude Puel's men appeared to have significantly more control over proceedings and troubled the visitors in the 55th minute, Ryan Bertrand's teasing left-wing delivery forcing Miguel Vitor to prod the ball just wide of his own goal as Shane Long lurked.

    Hapoel's second-half struggles continued and they almost found themselves behind with 21 minutes to go, as Van Dijk met Steven Davis' corner ahead of Goresh and nodded just wide of the empty goal.And Be'er Sheva made the most of that reprieve when Romeu was caught in possession just outside his own area and the ball was worked right to Buzaglo, who fired across goal and into the bottom-left corner from 20 yards.

    Van Dijk gave Saints a lifeline in the first minute of stoppage time as his controlled 10-yard finish deflected past Goresh, but Yoshida was unable to take a chance to secure the win moments later and Hapoel dug in for the final seconds to advance behind Sparta Prague.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Mourinho marvels at Mkhitaryan mentality after Zorya stunner

    mkhitaryan-ibrahimovic-cropped_kga9rrjlybvj1po0k2qkbaq6z.jpg


    Jose Mourinho applauded Henrikh Mkhitaryan's mentality after a fine solo goal in Thursday's 2-0 over Zorya highlighted the Armenian's up-turn in fortunes at Manchester United.

    Mkhitaryan endured a difficult few months initially following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in July, with a poor showing in the September derby defeat to Manchester City resulting in his falling out of favour.

    His next start in the Premier League did not come until the 1-1 draw with Everton on December 4, while he retained his place for Thursday's Europa League trip to Zorya and broke the deadlock with a marvellous individual effort."He has a strong mentality," said Mourinho. "He was very determined to fight against his difficult adaptation and he's doing that in the best way.

    "He worked really hard physically, tactically, and the talent we know is there – the talent we knew we were buying. "He fought to improve and now he is playing well in the Premier League, Europa League and the EFL Cup, and now evolving a bit more happiness for him, so I'm very pleased."

    A couple of flashpoints in the stands caught the attention of spectators as Zorya fans stole a United banner and then threw a flare on to the pitch near Sergio Romero, but Mourinho urged UEFA not to punish the Ukrainian club.

    "The support was beautiful and they [Zorya fans] don't need to do that [set off flares] to make it more beautiful," he added. "For the goalkeeper [it was dangerous].

    "The stadium was beautiful, the supporters, the Man United fans were good too. But maybe UEFA is not happy and is going to take some money from Zorya, which I think Zorya doesn't deserve that."