..::Football IV::..

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Real Madrid star Gareth Bale offers injury update

Gareth Bale has offered an update on his fitness from the Real Madrid treatment table.The Wales international picked up an ankle injury while on Champions League duty in midweek.

He was forced out of a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sporting just before the hour mark, with it clear that he was in some discomfort.Medical tests have since revealed that he has suffered tendon damage and is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It has been suggested that he could miss up to three months of the season, but Bale has posted on social media that he intends to be back in action as soon as possible.

Bale appears to be laid up in Real’s medical facility, with the club having announced on Thursday that the 27-year-old will be forced to go under the knife next week.

"The Real Madrid Sanitas Medical Services have decided that Gareth Bale will undergo an operation following the traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons of his right ankle," a statement read.

"The operation will take place at King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday 29th November by doctor James Calder, under the supervision of the club doctors Jesus Olmo and Mikel Aramberri."

Bale’s injury offers an untimely blow to Real’s 2016-17 campaign, with positive progress having been made at home and abroad up until this point.Zinedine Zidane’s side sit top of the La Liga standings and are already safely through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

They are, however, set to be without the services of a key figure during an important stage of the season, with Bale expected to sit out an El Clasico clash with Barcelona on December 3, a European meeting with Borussia Dortmund, the Club World Cup and an important domestic date with Sevilla in the new year.
The winter break in Spain will offer some respite, but it could be approaching spring 2017 before Bale is back to full fitness and firing on all cylinders again.

 

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Man Utd and Arsenal target Dembele not listening to transfer talk

Celtic forward Moussa Dembele has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from Parkhead.

Dembele joined from Fulham in July and has impressed for Brendan Rodgers' men, scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances.That form has reportedly attracted the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

But Dembele, who missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise as Celtic were knocked out of the Champions League with a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in midweek, is not interested in a transfer."For me, I am here until the end of my contract and for many years," Dembele said.

"It is not something I think about. I don't listen to those stories."I want to keep playing in the Champions League and keep playing in the Champions League for Celtic first. Because I think I will stay here 100 per cent. I want to keep improving and keep developing as a player."Coming to Celtic and playing in the Champions League hasn't just been good for me, it's been good for the whole squad.

"We have a lot of young players and we have picked up a lot of experience against the best teams in the world."Hopefully we can come back even stronger next season."

 

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Mourinho explains Martial absence: You wanted to see Mkhitaryan!

Jose Mourinho has revealed why he left Anthony Martial out of his squad for the Europa League win over Feyenoord, insisting there wasn't room for the Frenchman.

Martial had started Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, only to left out against the Dutch side, with Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan being brought in to support Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Antonio Valencia, who all played in the fixture against the Gunners, were selected to start while Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford were named as subs.

Martial was, however, nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad and Mourinho insists that he was answering the call of the fans and the media to start with Armenian Mkhitaryan.

He told reporters: "He [Martial] was OK for this game, it was just an option. He played last Saturday, I cannot play with 12 players, I cannot use on the bench 19 or 20."You wanted to see Mkhitaryan, I wanted too. I cannot play all of them at the same time so it was just an option. Players have to win their positions.

"They are friends, they are colleagues, they work together every day but at the end they compete between themselves to have more chances to play and Anthony played against Arsenal, today was the moment to give a chance to Mkhitaryan to start."

The 4-0 win on Thursday night represented Mourinho's biggest win since taking charge at Old Trafford, with Rooney, Mata, a Brad Jones own goal and Jesse Lingard separating the two sides.Martial has featured in 13 games in all competitions for United thus far this season, scoring two goals.

 

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Conte stresses Willian's importance amid Man Utd links

Antonio Conte has detailed why Willian hasn't featured in recent weeks after his absences at Chelsea had led to transfer speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

Willian hasn't started a match for the Blues since their 2-0 win over Hull City on October 1, with Pedro having replaced the Brazilian in the first XI.The death of his mother meant Willian was given time out to grieve, while minor injuries have prolonged his time on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old could return to the bench for Tottenham's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, however, and manager Conte provided details on his player's situation."He's come back and now it's important to find good form because, in this period, he was unlucky," the Italian told a press conference.

"You know why [he was initially missing]. But it is important now to be focused on work and find continuity in training. Willy is an important player for us and I count upon him a lot.”

Chelsea have been in scintillating form in Willian's absence which could delay his return to the first team, as Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro's contributions have helped their side to an impressive six-game winning streak.

Conte confirmed that John Terry and John Obi Mikel will be absent for his side's upcoming London derby, but added that Cesc Fabregas and Kurt Zouma could be inching towards a first-team return after they featured in Chelsea's Under-23 match.

“I saw great attitude and great commitment in this game [Chelsea Under-23s versus Southampton]," he added. "I like this a lot. In this game, there was great intensity like in the first team. If the players ask me to play this kind of game, I'm happy.

“Kurt, now, is working with us. This is the most important thing. Before he started to train with us, then he stopped. Now he's working with great continuity and playing with the youth teams [U23s].

"Now it's the fundamental importance to find good form, to get the idea of our football, and then to come back and have the possibility to play with the first team. But I'm pleased with him. I'm seeing, day by day, great improvement in Kurt.”

 

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'Mourinho one of the greatest ever, a miracle'

Jose Mourinho is a "miracle" for his achievements in management, according to West Ham counterpart Slaven Bilic.

The Portuguese's Manchester United side welcome Bilic's struggling Hammers to Old Trafford on Sunday trailing Premier League leaders Chelsea by nine points with just 12 games played.

But Bilic insists Mourinho remains "one of the greatest", noting the former Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid manager's record of losing just 10 of 263 home games throughout his managerial career."Jose Mourinho is one of the greatest," Bilic told reporters.

"Statistically at home, there is probably no one better. But it's hard to stay at that standard and maybe that has dropped now. But only if you are comparing with his percentage from before."But it's impossible to maintain that for such a long period. It was a miracle that he maintained that for ten years."

West Ham sit one point above the relegation zone following last Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Tottenham, while United come into the game off the back of a comfortable 4-0 win over Feyenoord in the Europa League

 

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Bayern announce record turnover of €626.8m

Bayern Munich have announced a record turnover of €628.8 million over the 2015-16 fiscal year.

The figure surpasses the previous year's €523.7m by more than €100m and represents the biggest turnover in the club's history.The operating profit increased by an even greater margin, rising 28 per cent from €111.3 million to €142.5 million.

"The 2015-16 fiscal year has been fantastic for Bayern, in terms of both sports and finances. Our members, staff and friends of the club can be very proud," deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen said.

"Bayern are in outstanding shape, operating at the highest Champions League level in financial terms. We are in a superb position. That has been the case for the last few years, and that is more than ever true for 2016.

"Our entrepreneurial objective is the maximisation of sporting success alongside financial prudence. Our increasing financial power will be used primarily to make the regular investments required in our first-team squad in order to ensure we remain competitive among the elite teams in Europe."

Bayern's figures were driven by income from sponsorship and marketing (€169.8m), merchandising (€108.2m), a transfer surplus (€34.8m) and income from TV rights marketing (€83.4m).

The impressive financial returns are a welcome contrast from the team's form on the pitch, Bayern's struggles under Carlo Ancelotti continuing with a 3-2 Champions League defeat at Rostov on Wednesday.

 

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Griezmann: I stayed for Simeone but don't need to follow him out

Antoine Griezmann has admitted he considered leaving Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, but feels he does not need to find a new club in order to improve.

The France international has been highly coveted thanks to his exemplary performances for the capital club, having scored 22 goals in 38 league games last season, with another seven coming in 13 Champions League appearances as Atleti made it to the final before losing to Real Madrid.

Griezmann has linked with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United over the past few months and he admits he briefly thought about seeking a transfer amid reports Diego Simeone could leave the Vicente Calderon.

However, the head coach quickly assured Griezmann he would stay put, convincing the 25-year-old to remain at Atletico as well."I had some doubts [about my future at Atletico Madrid] last summer when there were reports Simeone could leave," Griezmann told GQ.

"I called him and he told me that he would stay. So I stayed as well. I have a lot of respect for him and feel that he believes in me. I need to stay with him and work for him a bit more.

"But that does not necessarily mean I would follow him if he leaves Atletico."My team-mates here really appreciate me. I have reached this level thanks to them. I get better every week. I need them and I love playing for Atletico. I do not think I need to move to reach the next level."

Reports from France have suggested PSG could make a move for Griezmann at the end of the season, but the prolific forward has made it clear he is not interested in a move to Ligue 1."A move to Ligue 1 is not my goal at this stage," he stressed."Maybe later. But I love Spain."

 

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'Rooney wants to retire at Manchester United'

Former England international Kevin Davies believes Wayne Rooney would "love to finish his career" at Manchester United, but fears circumstances may conspire against him.

The 31-year-old was among the goals again on Thursday evening, with the opening effort in a 4-0 Europa League demolition job of Feyenoord moving him a step closer to another notable record.

Rooney is already his country’s all-time leading goalscorer and the most potent marksman in United’s European history, and now needs just one more to draw level with the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton at the top of the Red Devils’ all-time list.

He has, however, become less of a talismanic figure with age and has seen his value to both domestic and international causes called into question on a regular basis in recent months.

Rooney has always maintained that it is his intention to remain at Old Trafford as speculation regarding his future rages around him.

Davies thinks he would like to hang up his boots with United – he is currently tied to a contract due to run until 2019 – but the ex-Bolton Wanderers striker knows from experience that you do not always get what you want in professional football.

He told BT Sport: “He loves the club clearly, and it means a lot to him. I think he’d love to finish his career there but circumstances do change.“I’ve had that myself and we see the likes of Steven Gerrard who had to leave Liverpool, so we have to wait and see. But all he can do is keep playing.”

Rooney was returned to United’s starting XI against Feyenoord, having been benched again for their first Premier League outing after the international break against Arsenal.

His first-half effort against Dutch opposition was just his third goal of the season and a barren run in the Premier League stretches back to the opening day of the campaign.

He will, however, be hoping for further opportunities in the coming weeks as he looks to take a second record off Charlton and etch his name into Old Trafford folklore.

 

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Griezmann: I don't really hate Ronaldo!

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann claims he has nothing but respect for Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo recently revealed Griezmann had told the 31-year-old he "hated him" when they met in Miami while on holiday this summer, but the France forward has made it clear the comment was made in jest.

The duo have become rivals on the pitch in Madrid and internationally, with Ronaldo and Real beating Griezmann and Atletico in last season's Champions League final before Portugal defeated France to win Euro 2016.

Griezmann says they continue to get on well, however, having previously lived close to each other in the Spanish capital."Ronaldo used to be my neighbour and he passed my house every day,"Griezmann told L'Equipe. "We always greeted each other. But I moved house last year. I do not live far away now, but you do not meet as regularly.

"But we did meet this summer in Miami. I was on holiday with my partner and we met Cristiano in a restaurant. It was a huge coincidence. I went up to him to congratulate him for Portugal's Euro 2016 win and Madrid's Champions League victory.

"I joked that I hated him, because I was still suffering after the Euro 2016 final. But I obviously do not feel differently about him because he beat me in two major finals and scored a hat-trick at the weekend. I have a lot of respect for him.

"If I was still a young kid, I would probably be a fan of him, just like I would be a fan of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Paul Pogba."

 

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Hoeness returns as Bayern president

Uli Hoeness has been re-elected as Bayern Munich president at Friday's annual general meeting.

The 64-year-old was forced to step down from the role in 2014 when he served jail time for tax evasion but he remains a popular figure at the club and an overwhelming majority of the members who voted were in favour of Hoeness' return."I would like to thank you and I promise that I will not disappoint you," Hoeness after getting the backing from Bayern's fans.

"I want to be a link between the members and the club, between the supervisory board and the general board. And I want to be there for all our employees, for the players and for the coach."I am looking forward to working with [outgoing president] Karl-Heinz Hopfner. If we stick together, it is up to our rivals to attack us.

"RB Leipzig are now another rival that can challenge us after Borussia Dortmund. To be honest, over the past few years there has not really been a team that angered and challenged us. We had to stay motivated ourselves. So it was about time."That is all I want to say."

Hoeness replaces Hopfner as the man in charge at Allianz Arena, with the departing president bowing out on a high as Bayern's membership roll grew to 284,041."Many thanks. That is it," Hopfner said on his farewell."We still are and we will continue to be the world's biggest club.

"Thank you for your trust in me as president. Now it is time. My active time at Bayern in several positions has come to an end after more than 33 years."It goes without saying that I will continue to watch our teams in all competitions and keep my fingers crossed at the Allianz Arena."

 

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Ibrahimovic: Mkhitaryan is quality, but he must take his chances

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident Henrikh Mkhitaryan will come good at Old Trafford irrespective of his difficult start.

The Armenia international joined United from Borussia Dortmund during the close-season for a reported £26 million, but has struggled to live up to the high expectations.

The 27-year-old has made just seven appearances for Jose Mourinho's men in all competitions, having started just one game in the Premier League and failing to score or set up a goal.

Mkhitaryan impressed in Thursday's 4-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord, though, and Ibrahimovic expects more of the same in the weeks to come.

"I know who Miki is, I see it every day in training, so hopefully he showed everybody who he is and has the confidence to keep on doing that," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"He was injured and he has been training very hard since, being very professional, so you just have to wait for your chance and, when you get your chance, you need to take it."It is up to the coach who plays, because there are 25 players if I am correct, so the coach is the boss, he decides who plays.

"He is a quality player, like every player in the team, but it is up to the coach who plays in the team. Like I said, he was injured for a while, but he has come back and he has been good in training, like everybody else."

Mkhitaryan was a key player for Borussia Dortmund throughout his three seasons in Germany. Before his time at the Bundesliga side, he won three Ukrainian Premier League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk.

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.11.26

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2016.11.26

Burnley Vs Manchester City

Hull City Vs WBA

Leicester City Vs Middlesbrough

Liverpool Vs Sunderland

Swansea City Vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea Vs Tottenham

​

 

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LA Liga Fixtures 2016.11.26

LA Liga Fixtures 2016.11.26

Malaga Vs Deportivo

Real Madrid Vs Sporting Gijon

Espanyol Vs Leganes

Sevilla Vs Valencia​

 

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Serie A Fixtures 2016.11.26

Serie A Fixtures 2016.11.26

Torino Vs Chievo

Empoli Vs AC Milan​

 

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Bundesliga Fixtures 2016.11.26

Bundesliga Fixtures 2016.11.26

Cologne Vs Augsburg

Frankfurt Vs Dortmund

Ingolstadt Vs Wolfsburg

Hamburg Vs Werder Bremen

Monchengladbach Vs Hoffenheim

Bayern Vs Leverskusen​

 

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Burnley 1-2 Manchester City: Aguero at the double in comeback

Sergio Aguero was the hero of Manchester City's 2-1 Premier League victory at Burnley on Saturday, netting a brace either side of half-time to secure a comeback win for Pep Guardiola's men.

Dean Marney had put Sean Dyche's hosts ahead in the 14th minute after beating Claudio Bravo with an unstoppable volley after City failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.

But following Yaya Toure's match-winning brace against Crystal Palace last weekend, it was Aguero's turn to be decisive as he equalised with a close-range strike before the break.

And the Argentine struck again in the second half as Fernandinho laid the ball on for his team-mate to bury Burnley with another strike from inside the area.

Burnley, hindered by the loss of Marney and Johann Gudmundsson to injury, were unable to avoid a third loss at a typically vociferous Turf Moor this season despite a vast improvement from Monday's 4-0 thrashing at West Brom.

Indeed, City were left hanging on in order to edge ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool before their nearest rivals host Tottenham and Sunderland respectively, and they were grateful for their masterful marksman's 15th and 16th goals of the campaign.

Aguero's fierce low drive brought a sharp save from veteran Burnley goalkeeper Paul Robinson – making his Clarets debut and a first Premier League appearance for 1664 days after England international Tom Heaton was ruled out with a calf injury.

But it was a rare moment of City encouragement after a lethargic start to the match and they deservedly fell behind.

Gudmundsson thudded a drive into Bravo's chest moments before the Chile international was powerless to keep Marney's sweetly struck volley out of the bottom left corner.

Nolito was denied by a plunging Robinson save and a lunging Matthew Lowton block in quick succession but Aguero scrambled City level from the latter chance's resulting corner.

Robinson rolled back the years to deny Aguero at full stretch but Marney and Gudmundsson limping off further checked Burnley's excellent opening to the contest.Marney's replacement Scott Arfield teed up Lowton to cross and Sam Vokes' header forced a stop from Bravo in first-half stoppage time.

City's opening to the second period was a sharp improvement on their initial efforts as Aguero had a shot blocked and Toure drove over left-footed at the end of an intricate passing move.

Burnley sat in front of extended periods of City possession that did not threaten enough for Guardiola's liking and the ineffective Raheem Sterling made way for Leroy Sane after sustaining a heavy but fair challenge from former City youngster Ben Mee.

Stand-in captain Mee was involved in vain as City hit the front, making a block inside the area before botching a clearance and ending up splayed on the floor with Stephen Ward and James Tarkowski.

Sane and Fernandinho almost made a similar hash of the opportunity presented to them but the latter managed to pick out Aguero from the byline for a simple finish.
Burnley refused to accept their lot and Aleksandar Kolarov cleared a Michael Keane header out of his goalmouth.

Bravo did not always inspire confidence during a late onslaught but he held an Ashley Barnes overhead kick in stoppage time to make sure of a sixth City win in seven away league games this season.

 

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La Liga means 'everything' to me, says Simeone

Diego Simeone says La Liga will always be Atletico Madrid's top priority, pledging not to ignore the competition and stating success in it means "everything" to him.

Simeone's men sealed first place – ahead of Bayern Munich – in their Champions League group with a 2-0 home victory over PSV on Wednesday.

That result gave Atletico a welcome boost after a damaging 3-0 loss to Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon – a second straight league defeat which left them nine points behind their city rivals at the top of the table in sixth place.

But, speaking ahead of Sunday's away match against Osasuna, Simeone stressed domestic duties will always be Atletico's top priority – even if they are faring better in other tournaments.

"Since arriving here we have always approached every competition with the same enthusiasm," Simeone told reporters.

"The Copa del Rey has traditionally been an important competition in the history of our club. The Champions League is stimulating and up until now we had not qualified for the last 16 so regularly.

"I've always said, though, that the league means everything to me. At all the clubs I have been at the league is the most important thing for both the fans and the club.

"The league table is published on Sunday and every other day of the week in newspapers and fans can see if their team are fifth, fourth, tenth or second in the table. It means a lot to the fans. "There is the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and also the league, which has games week in, week out."

Simeone hopes the win over PSV will have his team in the right mind-set for their trip to struggling Osasuna, who sit second from bottom.

"To win again and in the manner in which we did is positive for the team and bodes well ahead of our next match," added the coach.

"We are going to face a team which needs to pick up a good result. They are managed by a coach I have a lot of respect for.

"He always transmits positive energy to his teams. That energy will enhance the atmosphere surrounding the game. We have to be prepared for a high-tempo game.

"They will probably look to play to their target man [Oriol] Riera who is good in the air. We will try to play the game in a way that suits us best."

 

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Emery: Verratti not wasted in Ligue 1

Unai Emery scoffed at Italy coach Giampiero Ventura's claim that Marco Verratti is wasted in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, insisting French clubs demand respect for their Champions League exploits.

Ventura spoke about Verratti on Friday and suggested he would be better off playing in Serie A because PSG "never have any difficulty", with the 68-year-old adamant the talented midfielder is being held back.

But Emery is of no doubt that Ventura is wrong, with PSG going into Sunday's trip to Lyon third in the table, having dropped points four times this season, while both their hosts and Monaco have given a good account of themselves in Europe's elite competition so far.

Speaking in his pre-match media conference, Emery said: "I don't really know the context of the interview, but I know that Ligue 1 is better now [than it used to be].
"The league here is really strong. I prepare all the games and I can tell you that Lyon is one of the very good teams, for example.

"They have a lot of quality players. [Nabil] Fekir play with France, [Alexandre] Lacazette scores a lot of goals and they can still qualify [for the knockout phase] in the Champions League.

"Monaco will be in the last 16, they are having a wonderful season. Ligue 1 is an important league and I think people have to see that. In Europe French clubs are showing that the league is good.

"Marco Verratti had a significant injury and the doctor said that he needs time to recover and to be at 100 per cent. His game at Arsenal was very good with a lot of intensity.

"Verratti is happy in Paris, he is playing in one of the most important club in the world and he is the future of PSG."

 

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Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Vistors blunted after Champions League goal-fest

Substitute Haris Seferovic scored a late winner as Eintracht Frankfurt stunned Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 home Bundesliga victory that takes them up to third in the table.

After a quiet first half, Szabolcs Huszti scored just 20 seconds into the second period to rock the visitors.

Thomas Tuchel made a triple change in a bid to turn the game around - including giving Marco Reus his first league appearance since May – and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed in his 13th league goal of the season to seemingly salvage a point.

But Frankfurt's Seferovic amazingly restored his side's lead just 65 seconds later and that goal proved decisive after Ousmane Dembele struck the crossbar in stoppage-time.

The visitors had won their previous four matches and came into the game on a high after beating Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker and hitting eight goals past Legia Warsaw in the Champions League.

But they now sit nine points behind shock leaders RB Leipzig and slip down to sixth in the table, with their away form proving particularly problematic – they only have two victories from six games on the road.Frankfurt, meanwhile, have only conceded nine league goals in 12 matches and surge above Dortmund after extending their unbeaten home record.

Dortmund made the better start and Andre Schurrle forced an early save from Lukas Hradecky after being slipped through by Aubameyang, who then tested the home goalkeeper with a long-range free-kick.

Aubameyang threatened again, almost scoring a spectacular opener when he latched on to Adrian Ramos' flick and brilliantly beat defender David Abraham with some individual skill before firing narrowly wide.

Roman Weidenfeller came in as one of only two Dortmund changes from their Klassiker victory, but he was largely untroubled in the opening period as the hosts favoured solidity over adventure, with Szabolcs Huszti having a shot saved and Alexander Meier flicking an effort wide in their only notable moments.But Frankfurt moved into an astonishing lead at the start of the second half after a long ball from kick-off caught the Dortmund defence cold.

Timothy Chandler raced clear down the right and squared for Huszti at the edge of the area, with the midfielder powering a strike into the roof of the net for his second league goal of the campaign.

Mijat Gacinovic curled an effort wide for the hosts, while Ramos headed just off-target for Dortmund prior to Tuchel making a triple change before the hour mark with Dembele, Reus and Sebastian Rode brought on.

Aubameyang showed excellent strength against Abraham before being denied by Hradecky from close-range, but chances were proving hard to come by and Frankfurt could have sealed victory on the break when Chandler set up to Seferovic to fire wide.

An equaliser did arrive with 13 minutes remaining, Aubameyang heading into the bottom corner after great work from Dembele down the right to create the opportunity.

But Frankfurt made an astonishing swift response, with Weidenfeller unable to keep out Seferovic's left-footed strike after Huszti had set him up.

There was almost a final twist in the tale but Demble's brilliant last-gasp effort rebounded to safety off the crossbar before Aubameyang had a strong penalty claim turned down moments later, infuriating Dortmund's players as the hosts celebrated a famous triumph.

 

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Leicester City 2-2 Middlesbrough: Slimani penalty rescues Foxes

Substitute Islam Slimani scored a last-gasp penalty as Leicester City netted twice from the spot to snatch a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough.

The hosts – whose 20-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League was ended by West Brom last time out – looked set for a seventh top-flight loss of the campaign after an Alvaro Negredo double eclipsed Riyad Mahrez's penalty.

But Claudio Ranieri's men refused to lie down and when Marten de Roon clumsily fouled Wes Morgan in the box at the death, Slimani – on for the ineffective Jamie Vardy – kept his cool to level it up.

It was harsh on a Boro side who remain without a win on the road since beating Sunderland in August, while Leicester can reflect on a week in which they won again in the Champions League and halted a run of successive Premier League defeats.

A very different story had looked set to unfold when Negredo ended his 977-minute scoring drought to break the deadlock early on, the Spaniard coolly slotting a second 19 minutes from time after Mahrez's spot-kick leveller.

That lead was justified for Aitor Karanka's men, who signalled their early intent as Adama Traore threatened with a strong run into the box before forcing a near-post save from Ron-Robert Zieler, while Adam Forshaw fired wide immediately after.

Having made much the brighter start, the visitors took the lead in the 13th minute when Negredo expertly found the top-right corner from Gaston Ramirez's pass at the end of a swift counter-attack.Leicester rallied to mount a response and Victor Valdes had to be alert to claim a dangerous Marc Albrighton delivery as Robert Huth was lurking.

The Spanish goalkeeper was a bystander when Shinji Okazaki's overhead kick struck the crossbar following excellent work from Mahrez in the build-up.

Any frustration the hosts felt after that near-miss quickly dissipated when they were awarded a debatable 34th-minute penalty.

Calum Chambers clearly handled the ball in the area, but looked to have been fouled by fellow defender Morgan as he did so.Mahrez stepped up and converted via the inside of the right-hand upright to level the scores.

Ranieri's side should have gone in at half-time ahead, but Ramirez got back to crowd out Vardy as he looked to steer home Okazaki's square pass.The hosts looked to apply second-half pressure and Slimani was introduced for the peripheral Vardy just past the hour mark.

It was Karanka's charges who were next to create an opening, though, with Ramirez surging forward before teeing up Negredo, whose shot was blocked by Huth.A dipping Okazaki shot on the turn required a routine save from Valdes at the other end as the game remained in the balance.

Negredo then swung it in Boro's favour in the 72nd minute, finishing brilliantly from Forshaw's lofted pass down the right-hand channel.

But it was Slimani who had the final say, De Roon needlessly bringing down Morgan and the Algerian ensuring the spoils were shared.