..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!

but 2 points lost!

Hithuwata wada godak hodata Stoke City play kalakalin seasons walatath wada meh sare Stoke la hodai wage

& Manchester United defence nam ada godakma sloppy.Concede karapu goals 2kedima defending poor.Especially 2nd Stoke goal 1kedianyway last minute 1ka wenakamma lead karanna try kalaWelldone guys

Good luck for the next match Manchester United!
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[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City 2 Manchester United 2: Choupo-Moting double holds wasteful visitors

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's double secured Stoke City a battling 2-2 draw at home to a wasteful Manchester United side that dropped points for the first time this season.

Jose Mourinho's men attracted plenty of admirers for their impressive start to the campaign, but they were not at their best in front of goal and Choupo-Moting inspired Stoke to a commendable point at the bet365 Stadium.An entertaining first half saw both sides look a danger going forward, with United in particular guilty of wasting numerous chances to take the lead.

Eventually Stoke found the breakthrough in the 43rd minute through Choupo-Moting, but that only seemed to jolt United into life, as they restored parity shortly after in fortuitous circumstances when a Paul Pogba header deflected in off Marcus Rashford.

Romelu Lukaku put United ahead for the first time just before the hour, but like with Stoke's opener, an equaliser followed soon after as Choupo-Moting doubled his tally.


United looked the more likely to steal a late winner, but Stoke defended valiantly and kept United's frontline at bay. Stoke started the brighter of the teams and threatened twice in the opening 10 minutes, with Choupo-Moting and Jese Rodriguez both getting in behind the defence and going close.

United soon woke up and troubled their opposition in a similar fashion, as Lukaku latched on to Rashford's pass and crossed towards Pogba, whose back-heeled effort was deflected behind.The home side struggled to deal with the lively Rashford and he went close twice in quick succession just before the half-hour mark.

His first opportunity saw the forward race on to a through ball and test Jack Butland from 16 yards, before forcing an even better stop from the goalkeeper with a controlled effort which looked destined for the bottom-right corner.

Stoke took full advantage of those let-offs late in the half – Choupo-Moting slamming in from close range after a fine Mame Biram Diouf cross. Their joy was short-lived, though, as United levelled a few moments later as Pogba's header hit an oblivious Rashford following a Henrikh Mkhitaryan corner and found the net.

United completed the turnaround in the 57th minute and Mkhitaryan was at the centre of things again, slicing open the Stoke defence with an intricate pass for Lukaku, who found the net at the second time of asking after Butland saved his first effort.

But Stoke were level again shortly after.David De Gea made a remarkable save to deny Jese initially, but from the resulting corner he was rendered helpless, as Choupo-Moting headed in at the back post after shaking off Phil Jones' weak challenge.



There was still time for United to almost snatch it with two late chances.
The first fell to Lukaku, who inexplicably turned Antonio Valencia's cross over from eight yards with nine minutes left, before Butland heroically got down to prevent Kurt Zouma from scoring an own goal deep into stoppage time.

 

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Hoffenheim 2 Bayern Munich 0: Ancelotti's men succumb to in-form Uth double

Bayern Munich slumped to their first defeat of the season as Mark Uth's clinical double claimed a surprise 2-0 Bundesliga victory for Hoffenheim.

Carlo Ancelotti's side looked leggy throughout Saturday's encounter at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, and Uth made sure that Hoffenheim - the last side to beat Bayern in the Bundesliga back in April - took full advantage.

Starting up front in the absence of the injured Sandro Wagner, Uth capitalised on sloppy defending from Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez to put Hoffenheim ahead 27 minutes in, with Bayern having failed to test Oliver Baumann at the other end bar an early opportunity for Robert Lewandowski.

And despite a positive start to the second half from Bayern, Uth doubled his tally and made it five goals in his last five games in all competitions with a precise finish at the culmination of a swift Hoffenheim counter-attack six minutes after the restart.

The visitors pressed late on, but a late chance for Martinez - set-up by James Rodriguez on his Bayern debut - was all they could muster, with Hoffenheim holding firm to move level on points with current league leaders Borussia Dortmund.Bayern, meanwhile, must now switch their focus to the Champions League, with Anderlecht visiting the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

On his 400th Bayern appearance, Thomas Muller nearly turned provider with a pinpoint cross into Lewandowski, whose first-time effort clipped off the crossbar on its way over.

Despite Bayern's dominance, Hoffenheim kept the champions at arm's length, and Julian Nagelsmann's tactics paid off when quick thinking from Andrej Kramaric from a throw-in caught out Hummels.Uth reacted swiftly, stealing in unchallenged to drive into the area and plant a neat finish past Manuel Neuer at the near post.

In search of an immediate response, Lewandowski tried his luck with a free-kick from range, but the Poland striker's dipping shot inched wide of the left-hand upright.


Bayern's determination to restore parity stretched their defence, though, with Neuer doing well to keep out Steven Zuber's low drive prior to the interval, while Corentin Tolisso headed straight at Baumann. Kingsley Coman was the next to test Hoffenheim's defence, drilling over from the edge of the hosts' area after cutting inside from the left flank.

But it was not to be for Bayern, who found themselves further behind when Uth side-footed home from 10 yards out having latched onto Zuber's cut-back.Ancelotti was swift to make a change, bringing on Arjen Robben, though it was the introduction of Bayern's next substitute - James - which almost paid dividends late on.

Colombia star James whipped in a delightful free-kick that Martinez met, but, with the aid of the crossbar, Baumann managed to keep it out as Hoffenheim held firm for a well-deserved victory.

 

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Juventus 3 Chievo 0: Allegri's men enjoy winning Barca warm-up



Juventus warmed up for Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Barcelona by beating Chievo 3-0 in Serie A.

The reigning champions boast a remarkable head-to-head record against Saturday's opponents, which now shows 21 wins and only one defeat in 29 meetings following Saturday's Turin triumph.

Quality, rather than luck, may well be the decisive factor in that one-sided history, but still fortune played a part in this meeting, with Perparim Hetemaj's 17th-minute own goal breaking the deadlock.

Massimiliano Allegri's side – without the assured presence of Giorgio Chiellini (calf) – doubled their lead just before the hour mark, Gonzalo Higuain providing the emphatic finish from Miralem Pjanic's assist.When Paulo Dybala came off the bench to score his fifth goal in three top-flight games, there was no way back for Chievo.

The sight of Mario Mandzukic going off injured late on was the only downside for Allegri, as Juve made it three out of three in the league this season ahead of the start of their bid to assuage the pain of last season's Champions League final loss.


The hosts made the early running and some neat set-up play from Pjanic afforded Mandzukic the chance to shoot, but the Croatian fired his half-volley over the crossbar from the edge of the box. But they required a helping hand to move ahead, with Hetemaj heading Pjanic's teasing free-kick past the helpless Stefano Sorrentino.

Chievo tried to mount a swift response, but Manuel Pucciarelli dragged his effort well wide, before Sorrentino made a smart stop from Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross-cum-shot at the other end.

With the contest being played at a frenetic pace, Wojciech Szczesny was soon called into action to keep out Ivan Radovanovic's low drive from a set-piece and Pjanic was denied from long range a minute later.An off-balance Pucciarelli got away a shot from inside the box to force Szczesny down to his right as Chievo underlined their attacking threat once more just prior to the break.

Allegri introduced Dybala early in the second half, with the forward looking to build on his four goals in the opening two league games, but it was Argentina team-mate Higuain who was next on the scoresheet.

Pjanic's knockdown found the former Real Madrid striker, who blasted a powerful finish beyond Sorrentino. Dybala was certainly making his presence felt, though, and he sent a 70th-minute attempt skidding just wide of the target following some fine footwork.

His goal deservedly arrived after Mandzukic had hobbled off injured, Dybala sliding a neat finish into the bottom-right corner to put the seal on it ahead of the midweek trip to Camp Nou.

 

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Valencia 0 Atletico Madrid 0: Simeone's men frustrated in stalemate

Atletico Madrid were unable to celebrate Diego Simeone's contract extension with three points as Valencia held them to a 0-0 draw at Mestalla.

Long-serving head coach Simeone penned terms until 2020 with Atleti this week – a year on from negotiating a reduction in a deal that was also due to run into the next decade.

His side had the upper hand for sustained spells against a committed and energetic Valencia but lacked the sharpness they showed in the 5-1 thrashing of Las Palmas before the international break.

Valencia faded as an attacking force after half-time, when their threat was generally restricted to set plays, but boss Marcelino can reflect with satisfaction upon a return of five points from a tricky opening to the campaign, having watching his team battle to a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid last time out.

Like both their city rivals and weekend opponents, Atleti have won one and drawn two of their initial fixtures, granting Barcelona an opportunity to claim a healthy early season advantage with victory in the Catalan derby against Espanyol later on Saturday.

Angel Correa, retained in attack for Atletico as Antoine Griezmann concluded his two-game suspension, rampaged towards the Valencia penalty area in the fifth minute and his eventual shot took a deflection off the scampering Ezequiel Garay – making Neto's save low down to his left all the more impressive.

Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia played in debutant Andreas Pereira to send Juanfran twisting and turning but the on-loan Manchester United youngster blasted over from the edge of the box having fashioned space.

Kondogbia was impressive as Valencia took control in the middle period of the half but Correa and Thomas Partey seized upon some sloppy work in possession from the former Sevilla man to feed Luciano Vietto, who turned and shot sharply over the crossbar.


Rodrigo Moreno could not keep his header from Jose Gaya's cross down and the deadlock remained intact at half-time as Vietto nodded past the post.

Neto got behind Yannick Carrasco's well-struck effort two minutes after the restart before another of Atletico's Argentinians, Correa, botched an opening on the counter-attack with an over-hit pass.Valencia's Arsenal loanee Gabriel found space off the back of Filipe Luis in the 58th minute but failed to direct his header goalwards.

Simeone introduced Nico Gaitan after an hour to end a frustrating outing for Correa and Neto unconvincingly shovelled a low attempt by the former Benfica man behind after the hour.

In the final 20 minutes, Kevin Gameiro joined fellow substitute Fernando Torres in attack for Atleti but a more conventional front two endured similar frustration as once absorbing contest petered out.

 

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Arsenal 3 Bournemouth 0: Sanchez given frosty Emirates return after Welbeck inspires victory

Alexis Sanchez returned to a mixed reception as Arsenal eased a tense Emirates Stadium with two first-half goals in a 3-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth.

Sanchez was back on club duty, having seen his push for a move to Manchester City fall flat before the transfer deadline amid a miserable international break with Chile, and made way for Alexandre Lacazette in the starting XI, before emerging to a mixture of cheers and jeers in the second period.

A 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool a fortnight previously and uncertainty over Sanchez's situation had seen Arsene Wenger come under pressure just months into a new two-year contract, but his players rediscovered their groove to comfortably dispatch Eddie Howe's strugglers.

Danny Welbeck nodded in with Arsenal's first attack and laid on a second for Lacazette, before finishing again himself after the break.


Wenger had talked up his side as title contenders before kick-off and the reaction on the pitch was promising - even if it would be unfair to evaluate the accuracy of the manager's claim against a Bournemouth outfit that scarcely looked like landing a blow.

Howe's men remain in the bottom three after four defeats this season, while Arsenal move onto six points ahead of a tough week which sees Cologne visit London in the Europa League before Wenger takes his side to champions Chelsea.

Arsenal's nerves were settled by a goal within six minutes, the recalled Sead Kolasinac making the difference with an incisive run and cross on the left to tee up Welbeck for a close-range header.Asmir Begovic parried Granit Xhaka's low strike clear as Kolasinac made progress again, before the goalkeeper saved brilliantly from a Mesut Ozil free-kick.

Xhaka then failed to keep his 20-yard effort down after Lacazette's fine hold-up play as Arsenal continued to pile the pressure on the floundering visitors.
And Lacazette deservedly doubled the hosts' lead shortly before the half-hour mark with a cool finish high past Begovic from Welbeck's pass.

Lacazette could have scored again 10 minutes later when Begovic hurriedly hacked a clearance against Welbeck, but the former Chelsea man smothered the subsequent shot before accosting Tyrone Mings for a shoddy back pass.

While Bournemouth were slightly fortunate to escape a penalty award as Adam Smith handled Ozil's volley, the visitors regrouped at the break and initially threatened as Jermain Defoe crashed a header against the post.But Welbeck's 50th-minute goal - fired hard and low across Begovic from the left-hand side of the area - ensured Arsenal would cruise through the remainder of the second-half.

Ozil thrashed wide and Welbeck lifted a delicate right-footed just beyond the left-hand upright, with Wenger then introducing Sanchez from the bench 15 minutes from time.

The Chilean could not get on the scoresheet despite one stoppage-time effort - well saved by Begovic - but sections of the home fans chanted his name throughout the closing stages.

 

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Everton 0 Tottenham 3: Kane scores 100th Spurs goal as Pochettino's side run riot

Harry Kane's 100th Tottenham goal set the tone for a convincing display from Mauricio Pochettino's side as they cruised to a 3-0 Premier League victory against a lacklustre Everton at Goodison Park.

The England striker had been stuck on 99 for Spurs since his hat-trick against Hull City on the final day of last season, but he finally brought up his century 28 minutes in with a miss-hit cross that caught out Jordan Pickford.

Ronald Koeman's side offered little going forward, and were duly punished at the other end when Christian Eriksen added a second three minutes prior to half-time.
Everton's day was made worse almost immediately after the restart, Kane doubling his tally to guarantee the points.


t represents a first victory for Tottenham since the opening-weekend triumph at Newcastle United, teeing them up perfectly for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Everton, meanwhile, have just one win from their opening four fixtures, with Manchester United next up in the Premier League for the Toffees after a midweek meeting with Atalanta in the Europa League.

In a fast-paced opening, it was Everton who went close first as Cuco Martina picked out Sandro Ramirez, who failed to find the target under pressure from Toby Alderweireld.

Tottenham were soon on the front foot, though, Eriksen drilling wide before Moussa Sissoko's goal-bound strike was blocked on the line by Ashley Williams.But Everton's resolve was soon broken, as Kane brought up his century with a large slice of fortune.

Having drifted out to the right flank, the forward floated in a cross that drifted over Pickford and in, and it did not take long for Tottenham to extend their lead. Reckless defending from Martina enabled Ben Davies to get in down the left, and though his strike was well saved by Pickford, Eriksen was on hand to thump home.

Pochettino's side should have been further ahead in first-half stoppage time - Dele Alli failing to connect with Kane's cross before the striker dragged an effort wide from the edge of the area.Koeman made changes at the interval, only for the game to be all-but over a minute into the second half.

Kane was afforded ample freedom as he picked out Davies, proceeding to stroll into Everton's area to tuck home unchallenged from the Welshman's resulting cross.

Struggling badly at the back, Everton were penetrated once more soon after - Pickford pulling off two fine saves to deny Kane and then Eriksen, before Sissoko headed over from close range.Everton were almost gifted a goal shortly after the hour as Hugo Lloris' clearance was intercepted by Idrissa Gueye, whose first-time shot trickled wide of an open net.

The Toffees had another sighting of goal late on, though after a difficult few weeks in his personal life, Wayne Rooney failed to conclude a subdued performance with a consolation when he headed Leighton Baines’ cross off target from five yards out as Tottenham eased to a comfortable win.

 

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Leicester City 1 Chelsea 2: Morata, Kante keep up winning run

Chelsea made it three wins in a row in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory away to Leicester City on Saturday.

Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with his third of the season before N'Golo Kante fired home against his old club to make the points safe, in a match that saw Eden Hazard make his first appearance of the season for the Blues.

Antonio Conte's side had won five of their previous six away games against Leicester and started in confident fashion, buoyed by back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Everton.Islam Slimani missed a great chance to break the deadlock and Chelsea capitalised soon afterwards, with Morata heading home from close range.

Kante slotted in his first goal in the top flight since the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United last October to put the visitors in control, although Jamie Vardy's penalty made for a more anxious final 30 minutes than Conte would have liked.

Craig Shakespeare's side pushed hard for the equaliser but Chelsea held firm to claim a third win since their shock opening-day loss to Burnley, leaving Leicester to nurse a third defeat in four games.


Chelsea controlled the early exchanges, Morata bringing a save out of Kasper Schmeichel after just two minutes and Wes Morgan nearly turning a Victor Moses cross into his own net.

Vardy sliced wide in a rare opening for Leicester but their best chance of the half fell to Slimani, who was denied by a fine one-handed stop from Thibaut Courtois after Riyad Mahrez had led a fast break.

Leicester finished the half in encouraging fashion with a succession of corners but Conte's side seized control of the match five minutes after the restart, as Antonio Rudiger teed up Kante to drill right-footed into the bottom-left corner of the net with unerring accuracy from 25 yards out.

Courtois gave Leicester a lifeline just after the hour mark, bringing down Vardy as he slid to intercept the ball at his near post, allowing the England striker to fire home from the penalty spot despite the Belgium goalkeeper getting a touch.



Chelsea had penalty appeals of their own waved away by referee Lee Mason when Demarai Gray made contact with the ball with his arm while challenging Moses, with the visitors looking eager to restore their two-goal cushion and make the points safe.

Conte threw on fit-again Hazard and gave a debut cameo to Davide Zappacosta, who almost fired home a third from a tight angle before Willian wasted a wonderful opportunity to get on the scoresheet late on.

 

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Real Madrid 1 Levante 1: Zidane rotations fail, Marcelo sent off as champions draw again

A much-changed Real Madrid dropped points for the second LaLiga home game in a row as Levante held them to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Lucas Vazquez cancelled out Ivi's surprise opener but it was another frustrating 90 minutes for the champions at the Santiago Bernabeu, as they handed Barcelona another early boost in the title race.

Zinedine Zidane's side drew 2-2 with Valencia prior to the international break and they were once more unconvincing as they failed to take all three points against last season's LaLiga123 winners, with Marcelo sent off for a petulant kick in the dying minutes.

Madrid handed first starts of 2017-18 to Theo Hernandez and Marcos Llorente, with Isco, Casemiro and Gareth Bale all on the benchand Luka Modric and Keylor Navas rested entirely following their exploits for their national teams, while Cristiano Ronaldo remained sidelined through suspension.

Zidane had stressed the importance of utilising his squad prior to the match but they looked well short of their best against a disciplined visiting side, who kept Madrid restricted to half-chances after Vazquez levelled following Ivi's early goal.

Karim Benzema picked up a suspected hamstring injury and Marcelo saw red late on to compound a poor outing for the home side, who will be four points behind Barca after only three games if Ernesto Valverde's side win the derby with Espanyol later on Saturday.


The half-full-looking Bernabeu crowd were stunned when Levante took the lead after only 12 minutes, Ivi pouncing on a loose ball and lifting it over Kiko Casilla after the Madrid defence failed to deal with an Ivan Lopez long throw. Matters got worse for Madrid when Benzema hobbled off after slipping when controlling the ball, forcing Zidane to throw on Bale after only 27 minutes.

Frustrations were starting to build but the hosts drew level 10 minutes before the break, Vazquez tapping home after Raul Fernandez had just kept out a header from Sergio Ramos, who was back from suspension.

Bale glanced a header narrowly wide but should have done better two minutes later, the Wales international breaching the offside trap but failing to beat Raul from inside the penalty area. The Wales forward nodded over another presentable chance before Zidane decided to try to force the initiative and introduced Isco from the bench just past the hour mark.

Madrid's control of possession did not let up but the end product in attack was becoming increasingly erratic, with Marco Asensio slicing wide after a good run and Dani Carvajal sending a cross from a promising position straight into Raul's gloves.

The Levante keeper endured a nervy moment when he spilled a Carvajal volley before gathering but he produced the save of the match to deny Asensio from inside the penalty area with only eight minutes left.

Bale missed another headed opportunity as Madrid poured forward in the dying stages, but it was far too little too late from the European champions ahead of the start of their Champions League defence next week.

Marcelo forced another fine save from Raul but was promptly sent off for kicking out at Jefferson Lerma as he attempted a block before Toni Kroos struck the post in stoppage time, leaving Zidane with plenty to ponder ahead of a busy month to come.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City 5 Liverpool 0: Aguero, Jesus & Sane punish Mane red

Manchester City underlined their Premier League title credentials with a 5-0 thrashing of Liverpool as Sergio Aguero set a goalscoring landmark and Sadio Mane saw red.

Saturday's contest at the Etihad Stadium burst into life when Aguero broke the deadlock to become the Premier League's all-time leading non-European goalscorer on 124.

Liverpool were left facing a huge uphill battle when Mane was dismissed for raising his boot in a challenge for a bouncing ball with goalkeeper Ederson, who was taken off on a stretcher after prolonged treatment, but later confirmed to have escaped serious injury.

Gabriel Jesus' header doubled City's lead in the stoppage time that resulted from that delay and he scored again early in the second half to end any hopes Jurgen Klopp's side had of mounting a comeback.

Substitute Leroy Sane capped a brilliant team move and superb display from the hosts by netting an excellent brace, bringing to an end Klopp's impressive record against City, having enjoyed a return of 10 points from his previous four matches with them. Klopp also endured the joint-heaviest defeat of his managerial career.

The victory takes Pep Guardiola's men to the summit for at least a few hours, with their opponents now three points back following a first loss of the campaign.


Without the injured Vincent Kompany or suspended Raheem Sterling, City were initially put on the back foot by a visiting line-up still devoid of wantaway forward Philippe Coutinho's services.

Nicolas Otamendi's clumsy challenge on Mohamed Salah gave the visitors an early sight of goal from a free-kick just to the right of the penalty area, but Alberto Moreno's shot struck the two-man wall.

City responded well and Kevin De Bruyne called compatriot Simon Mignolet into action at the other end, the Belgian goalkeeper making a solid save from the midfielder's powerful low shot.Mignolet was also equal to Fernandinho's skidding effort in the 13th minute as City began to emerge as the greater attacking force.

And the breakthrough came when Liverpool's defence was cut open by Kevin De Bruyne's throughball and Aguero coolly rounded Mignolet before slotting home his sixth goal in as many home Premier League games against the Reds.

Mane threatened an instant riposte with a surging run, which Fernandinho brought to a halt by foul means just on the edge of the box, earning a booking for his troubles.Emre Can was wasteful with the set-piece and City breathed another sigh of relief when Ederson saved smartly at Salah's feet soon after.

It was Liverpool's turn to fret next when Ragnar Klavan was caught in possession deep in his own half by Jesus, who forced a corner from which John Stones drew a reflex stop from Mignolet.The visitors' task was made all the more difficult when Mane saw red following his challenge on Ederson, ending both players' outings, with Claudio Bravo introduced for City.

And Guardiola's side made their numerical advantage count when Jesus, who had already seen a goal ruled out for offside, headed in the second from the impressive De Bruyne's assist. Liverpool were evidently deflated and the game was put beyond them when Aguero selflessly squared for Jesus, taking Mignolet out of the equation and leaving his team-mate with a simple finish.

The best was still to come from City's perspective, with Sane – on for Jesus, substituted with an eye on Wednesday's Champions League match at Feyenoord – putting the finishing touch on a flowing move before adding a fifth by arrowing a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner.Liverpool, meanwhile, will host Sevilla in midweek nursing the heaviest loss of Klopp's tenure.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Freiburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 0: Bosz's men fail to make most of dominance against 10 men

Borussia Dortmund failed to make the most of their numerical advantage as they were held to a 0-0 Bundesliga draw by a Freiburg side that played over an hour with 10 men.

Peter Bosz's men came into the match in good form after winning their first two league outings, but they came unstuck on Saturday as they failed to break down their hosts' resistance despite having more than 80 per cent of the possession after seeing Yoric Ravet sent off.

Freiburg's early defensive solidity looked at threat when debutant Ravet was dismissed for a nasty tackle on Marcel Schmelzer in the 27th minute, a punishment that was upgraded by the use of VAR following the initial showing of a caution.

For all their dominance and numerical advantage, however, Dortmund struggled to craft clear-cut chances for the remainder of what ultimately proved to be a frustrating first half.

Opportunities did begin to come their way after half-time and Dortmund were utterly in control, keeping Freiburg penned into their own area for long periods.But Alexander Schwolow in the Freiburg goal dealt well with Dortmund's efforts and eventually, after a tense final period, the hosts held on to a commendable point.

Dortmund took charge right from the start, but that attack-minded approach left them open at the back on occasion and Freiburg should have capitalised early on.

The hosts caught Dortmund on the break and Tim Kleindienst found himself through on goal, before shooting straight at the relieved Roman Burki.
Dortmund's defensive stability was not helped by Marc Bartra's exit with an innocuous-looking injury after 18 minutes.

But Freiburg's chances suffered a severe blow just before the half-hour mark as Ravet caught Schmelzer with a crude studs-first challenge which forced the full-back off on a stretcher and the referee – with the help of his video assistant – produced a red card, changing his mind after originally showing yellow.

Dortmund's dominance only increased as a result, though Schwolow was only tested once, pushing away Nuri Sahin's 30-yard drive just before the break.
The visitors almost ended the Freiburg resistance two minutes after the interval, as Mario Gotze lofted a precise pass into the area for Christian Pulisic, whose left-footed effort drew a fine save from Schwolow.

The American then turned provider shortly after, dazzling on the right flank with some clever footwork before crossing to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who headed over.

Dortmund thought they had finally broken through Freiburg's defence with 10 minutes to play, but Aubameyang found the net after referee Benjamin Cortus had stopped play for a foul.

And Freiburg hearts were in mouths again shortly after, as Lukasz Piszczek headed agonisingly wide in what proved to be the visitors' final chance on a frustrating day.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona 5 Espanyol 0: Messi hat-trick opens up four-point LaLiga advantage over Madrid

A Lionel Messi hat-trick inspired a comprehensive 5-0 Catalan derby win over Espanyol for Barcelona, who continued their 100 per cent start to life under Ernesto Valverde in LaLiga.Messi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, although replays showed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was in an offside position when he received Ivan Rakitic's pass.

There was little else to question in a majestic display from Barca's talisman, who twice made the most of expert service from Jordi Alba to claim the matchball in the 67th minute - goals 17 and 18 against Espanyol in the top flight.

There were some dicey moments for Valverde's men at the back but the Camp Nou faithful were able to lap up Ousmane Dembele's second half debut with the points safe, even if chants calling for the resignation of club president Josep Maria Bartomeu tempered a goal-laden finale.

Club-record signing Dembele set up Luis Suarez to complete the scoring after Gerard Pique headed a fourth from Ivan Rakitic's 87th-minute corner and Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at home to Levante earlier on Saturday means Barca hold a four-point advantage over the champions after three matches.

Barcelona made all the early running but suffered a scare in the 21st minute.Sergio Busquets was deservedly booked for cynically pulling back Leo Baptistao after his slack pass threatened to give the Espanyol forward a route to goal.

The opener arrived from the expected source but Messi should have been flagged offside before controlling Rakitic's immaculate pass, cleverly turning David Lopez and rifling into the top corner.


A sublime second almost arrived in the 31st minute – Rakitic adding further to an accomplished showing by gliding towards the box and exchanging passes with Messi to draw a superb save from Pau Lopez.

Valverde's men did not have to wait long to double their advantage as Alba drove an attack from his own half, reacted quickly to a ricocheted return pass from Messi and set up the superstar forward to slot home.

Far from fearing an imminent humiliation, Espanyol gamely responded and Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was grasping at air when Pablo Piatti's strike cannoned back off the post two minutes before half-time.Suarez was back in the Barcelona line-up despite an injury scare while on international duty but was not enjoying himself in front of goal as much as Messi.

The Uruguay star fluffed a shot from Gerard Deulofeu's cross and was denied by Pau at close quarters early in the second period.A mix-up between Ter Stegen and Alba almost gave Espanyol a lifeline in the 51st minute but Piatti's lofted shot bounced just wide.

Suarez's trials continued as he looped an attempt on to the roof of the net having been set up by Messi – both forwards jogged back into position wearing rueful smiles.Espanyol were being outplayed but retained a sporadic threat, with a combination of Pique and Samuel Umtiti diverting Baptistao's 61st-minute shot behind.

The points were safe midway through the half when Messi and Suarez played one-twos into the box and the ball broke to Alba, with the mercurial Argentinian on hand to convert the cutback once more.It was then time for Dembele's triumphant arrival, with fellow new arrival Paulinho on his way shortly afterwards.



Dembele's every touch was cheered and he responded by tearing away from an embattled backline to let Suarez end his personal misery, Pique having revelled in piling further derby misery upon Espanyol shortly beforehand.

The France youngster is at Barcelona to target the summit of the world game and needed to look no further than the match-winner playing inside him to see exactly what that looks like

 

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'Better to be ahead than behind' - Valverde pleased to be in front of Real Madrid


Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is happy to have pushed ahead of rivals Real Madrid early in the La Liga season after a 5-0 thrashing of Espanyol.

A Lionel Messi hat-trick and goals from Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez saw Barca continue their perfect start to the league campaign on Saturday.The result marked a third win from as many league games for Barca, who are top and four points ahead of Madrid after Zinedine Zidane's men drew again.

Valverde said he was pleased to be ahead of Madrid, although he conceded it meant little so early in the season."The distance is not significant, but it is better to be ahead than behind," he told a news conference."You never know what can happen. It doesn't mean anything, but being ahead is always good."

Ousmane Dembele made his Barcelona debut off the bench, setting up Suarez for the sealer at Camp Nou . Valverde was satisfied with what he saw from the France international, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €105 million last month."I really liked his debut, as I did Paulinho's," the coach said. "The idea is that they will gradually adapt to the team."

 

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'I am happy with Lukaku' - Mourinho backs striker after costly miss


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praised Romelu Lukaku's all-round performance against Stoke City despite the striker squandering a golden chance to snatch victory in Saturday's 2-2 draw.With scores level in the 81st minute, Lukaku gave the hosts a reprieve when he turned Antonio Valencia's cross over the bar from point-blank range.

The 24-year-old had earlier fired the visitors into a 2-1 lead, only for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to quickly restore parity from a corner for his second of the match.

Lukaku's second-half strike boosted his tally to four goals from four Premier League matches, with Mourinho insisting the Belgian's overall package consists of more than just hitting the scoresheet.

"I am happy with Lukaku with or without goals because his contribution is good," Mourinho told the BBC ."With one more goal we win 3-2 but without the mistake at the corner we win 2-1 and Lukaku's miss does not matter."

Stoke's equaliser came just moments after David de Gea brilliantly denied fellow Spaniard Jese Rodriguez, with Phil Jones culpable for failing to track Choupo-Moting on the resultant corner.

Mourinho bemoaned the costly lapse for denying United a fourth straight league win."That was a great save by De Gea, probably the only one he did because in the first half there was only a couple of very slow shots by [Xherdan] Shaqiri," he said."After that we could not protect the corner and he was punished. We were punished."

 

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Chelsea call for end to anti-Semitic Morata chant


Chelsea have called upon fans to stop singing a song about striker Alvaro Morata that contains an anti-Semitic reference. The Spain international opened the scoring as the Blues defeated Leicester 2-1 away from home on Saturday, prompting the chant that the club has called to end."The language in that song is not acceptable at all. Alvaro has requested supporters stop singing it," a spokesman said.

"The club and the players appreciate the fans' passionate support away from home, of course, but the language in that song is not acceptable at all.

"I've spoken to Alvaro about it. Alvaro does not want to be connected with that particular song in any way and both the player and club request the supporters stop singing it with immediate effect."The former Real Madrid forward also called for respect to be shown in a post on his official Twitter account.

He wrote: "Since I arrived, I have been able to feel your support every single day, you are amazing and I'd like to ask you to please respect everyone!"

Anti-racism football campaign group Kick It Out welcomed Chelsea's response, calling for the club to take action against supporters "identified as indulging in such abusive conduct".A statement read: "Kick It Out is aware of alleged antisemitic chanting by supporters of Chelsea FC in their Premier League fixture at Leicester City.

"Kick It Out condemns the alleged chanting by some of Chelsea’s supporters during the match at the King Power Stadium. There is no place for such disgusting chants at football matches and in wider society.

"Kick It Out welcomes the clear statement by Chelsea FC, deploring the chants and asking all supporters to cease repeating the chant.“The organisation expects Chelsea FC to ban any supporters who are identified as indulging in such abusive conduct and expects the police to take action against any identified perpetrators."

Morata has made a strong start to his time in the Premier League, scoring three goals in his first four outings, having missed a penalty in the Community Shield against Arsenal at the beginning of August.

Antonio Conte was delighted to see him hit the back of the net again, but his link-up play was the most pleasing aspect for the head coach."It is a good day for the team and for Alvaro," said Conte in his post-match press conference.

"It is always important for a striker to score. It is important to see he is improving and always more involved in our idea of football."That is most important and if he scores then I am very happy."Chelsea are third following their victory and Morata has his eyes set on displacing Manchester United and Manchester City to take top spot.

"It is important to win here. Always against Leicester at this stadium it is very difficult to win," Morata told Sky Sports."We were in a good position at 2-0 but suffered to the end. This is the Premier League.

"I am good but the most important thing is we are not in the first places and we look forward to moving ahead in the table."

 

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Allegri believes Dybala can match Messi, Ronaldo & Neymar


Paulo Dybala has been backed to prove himself equal to the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri feels the Argentina star has the potential to be considered in the same bracket as that elite trio following a fine start to the campaign.Dybala came off the bench to score in Juve's 3-0 win over Chievo, making it five goals in three Serie A games this season.

Allegri, whose men next face a Barcelona side who have been credited with an interest in Dybala, was effusive in his praise of the 23-year-old.
"Dybala is improving a great deal and has everything it takes to become, along with Neymar after Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, one of the best players in the world," the Juve boss told Mediaset Premium ."His future is with Juventus and I am very happy with that."

 

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Mane apologises for 'accidental collision' with Ederson


Sadio Mane has issued an apology to Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson after he was sent off for catching him with a high boot.

Mane was dismissed with Liverpool trailing 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium, and Jurgen Klopp's side went on to collapse to a 5-0 defeat after he was sent off by referee Jon Moss.

The Senegal winger had both feet off the ground as he challenged for a high ball with Ederson outside the box, with the Liverpool man's studs catching him in the face.

And Mane, who faces a three-match ban as Liverpool do not plan to launch an appeal, later apologised to Ederson via social media, although he stressed there was no malice or intent in his dangerous challenge.

"I hope and wish Ederson a quick recovery," Mane wrote on his Facebook page. "I am so sorry he was hurt during our accidental collision on the pitch and am sorry for him that he could not complete the match because of it. I pray he heals fast and is back playing very soon."

Although there was a lengthy delay as Ederson was treated on the pitch, the Brazilian's injuries are thought to be relatively minor, with Pep Guardiola confirming no bones were broken in the incident.

After the game, Ederson tweeted: "Hi, everyone - I am well. What a fright! It was an important win for us. We are strong. Thanks for all your messages of support."

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.09.10

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2017.09.10

Burnley Vs Crystal Palace

Swansea Vs Newcastle

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LA Liga Fixtures 2017.09.10

LA Liga Fixtures 2017.09.10

Deportivo Vs Real Sociedad

Athletic Bilbao Vs Girona

Celta Vigo Vs Alaves

Villareal Vs Real Betis​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2017.09.10

Serie A Fixtures 2017.09.10

Inter Vs Spal

Atalanta Vs Sassuolo

Cagliari Vs Crotone

Lazio Vs AC Milan

Udinese Vs Genoa

Verona Vs Fiorentina

Benevento Vs Torino

Bologna Vs Napoli​