..::Football IV::..

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Ibrahimovic: Matic a more important signing for Man Utd than £75m Lukaku


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested that the purchase of Nemanja Matic will be of greater value to Manchester United than Romelu Lukaku.The enigmatic Swede, who has committed to a new one-year contract at Old Trafford, considers both deals to be good business for the Red Devils.

He is, however, of the opinion that the skill set of £40 million man Matic offers more to the cause than that of £75m striker Lukaku.Ibrahimovic told ESPN FC: “I think the signing of Matic [is crucial]. He brings a stability to the team that it didn’t have last year.

“And I think Lukaku was a quality signing, like physical signing of force, but the important one is Matic. He brings stability to the whole team and that is what the team needs, and to have a player who is consistent at the top level.”

Matic has slipped seamlessly into life at Old Trafford, with his early efforts allowing United to make a faultless opening to their 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
Lukaku has also made a bright start, with his goal account already ticking along nicely.

Among those being tipped to benefit the most from the arrival of further big-money additions is Paul Pogba, with the Frenchman expected to shake the shackles which held him back at times last season following a record-breaking £89m move from Juventus.

Ibrahimovic added: “I think Paul’s first season was a lot about the transfer fee and this season now about the football matches and now he can play out free because in the first year he won his trophies.“I think the stamp of the transfer number is gone because now he has proved he is at the top.

“He just needed to play and get his game to focus on the football.“Now there is no numbers and his transfer, now it is about his numbers on the pitch. I think he has one or two goals [already this season] so that is the numbers that will talk for him.”

United are next in action against Leicester City on Saturday, when they will be looking to collect a third successive victory in English top-flight competition.

 

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West Brom sign Oliver Burke from RB Leipzig


West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the signing of winger Oliver Burke from RB Leipzig.The 20-year-old moved to the Premier League side for an undisclosed fee and on a five-year contract.

Ex-Nottingham Forest attacker Burke finished second in the Bundesliga with Leipzig after his £13 million move, but started just five of his 25 games in the German top-flight and scored once.

Earlier this month, Frank de Boer confirmed Crystal Palace were interested in signing Burke, but Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick said the club hoped to hold on to the five-time Scotland international.

But after he was left out of Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad as they started the new season with a 2-0 defeat to Schalke, Burke has opted to return to England after one season."I feel like it is a time for me to move on and play more games," he said upon joining the Baggies.

"I'm here, I want to impress and I want my name to be first on the team sheet."Burke is immediately eligible to start for Tony Pulis' team when they take on Stoke City at home on Sunday and the club's chairman is excited to see him in action.

"We're delighted to see him at the Albion," chairman John Williams said. "He's clearly a talented young footballer and we believe this is the kind of signing that will excite our fans.

"We're all looking forward to seeing him in action."

 

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Mata tips returning Ibrahimovic to aid Man Utd title challenge


Juan Mata says the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a “big boost” to Manchester United as they set their sights on the Premier League title.

The enigmatic Swedish striker has penned a new one-year deal with the Red Devils and will re-join the ranks once fully recovered from the knee injury which brought his 2016-17 campaign to a premature conclusion.

Ibrahimovic had proved to be a talismanic presence prior to picking up an untimely knock in April and Jose Mourinho had made no secret of his desire to get another deal done with the 35-year-old despite seeing him released once a previous agreement had come to an end.

With fresh terms now in place, Mata is looking forward to welcoming a proven talent back into the fold as Jose Mourinho seeks to return the English top-flight crown to Old Trafford.

The Spain international told Football Focus: “Ibrahimovic’s return is good news for United.“Everyone [who] knows Zlatan knows what he can give us, his personality on and off the pitch and his goals.

“He can be a big boost for us after the first part of the season.“Hopefully he can join soon, he can recover quickly and he can give us a lot of goals in the second part of the [season].

“How does he make the team feel? You can imagine that he’s very confident by himself so he can give us this confidence that he has.“Usually on the pitch you know he’s a big presence for our rivals, for everyone.

“Obviously when he’s in the box he scores with his head and both legs.“You know, he is a great addition. Obviously first is that he can recover 100 per cent and quick.

“And second I think he will be very important for us in our objective to try and fight for the title so it’s a happy day today.”Ibrahimovic netted 28 times for United in all competitions last season as he helped them to Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League success.

He has seen Mourinho move to bolster his striking ranks with the £75 million addition of Romelu Lukaku, but his return will add greater depth to the Red Devils squad and allow for rotation and rest periods when required.

 

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Neymar sale inflating Coutinho, Dembele prices - Pique


Gerard Pique believes Barcelona's pursuit of big-money targets Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele have been held up due to the high prices being demanded following Neymar's sale to Paris Saint-Germain.

Barca were caught off guard by PSG's audacious move for the Brazil superstar and turned their attentions to Borussia Dortmund winger Dembele and Liverpool midfielder Coutinho to replace the superstar forward.

Dembele is widely expected to complete his move to Camp Nou, but a deal for Coutinho is proving troublesome with Liverpool playing hardball over their star playmaker.

Barca centre-back Pique has little doubt both players want to join the LaLiga giants and feels that Barca are struggling to complete deals due to the vast outlay they received for Neymar."I think players still want to join Barcelona, and they are showing that as is the case with Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele," Pique told reporters at a PokerStars event in Barcelona.

"One by putting in a transfer request and the other with his actions at Dortmund. It suggests that they are both delighted about the idea of coming; they want to come.
"The problem is, we sold Ney and the clubs know we have the money from that, and the market is the way it is."I don't think it's because the players don't want to come, they are keen to come to Barca, but right now to sign whatever player the club wants, it seems to cost more."

Barca's off-field attentions are also occupied by the need to retain star players, with their prized asset Lionel Messi having been linked a lucrative move to Manchester City. However, Pique is confident his long-time team-mate will not be swayed by a move away.

"I do not worry about anything because I know him. I know how he is and I know he loves Barca more than anyone, so I do not worry that he has not renewed his contract," the Spain international said.

"Let's hope it happens as soon as possible."

 

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David Villa recalled to Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers

New York City FC striker David Villa has been named in the latest Spain squad by manager Julen Lopetegui, three years after announcing his international retirement.

The 35-year-old quit international football after the 2014 World Cup, having scored 59 goals in 97 appearances for La Roja. However, Lopetegui has named him in his 26-man panel for Spain's upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Italy and Liechtenstein.

Since moving to Major League Soccer in 2015, the striker has scored 60 goals in 87 league appearances for NYCFC, being named the MLS MVP in 2016. Villa replaces Diego Costa in the squad, with the Chelsea frontman yet to play this season due to an ongoing transfer dispute with Blues boss Antonio Conte regarding a move to Atletico Madrid.

Lopetegui is happy to have Villa back in the squad, telling reporters that he can be a good addition up front for the upcoming qualifiers. "We believe he can help us," the former Porto boss said. "He gives us mobility and is especially eager. We hope and trust he will help us."

Chelsea's Marcos Alonso is a notable absentee from the squad, despite an impressive start to the Premier League season. Lopetegui revealed that he is watching him, but does not consider him an option in the current squad, and may reappraise him in the future.

"We saw Marcos Alonso live and he was fine," he continued. "We have followed him and do not rule out his presence in the future."

Spain squad:
GK: De Gea, Reina, Kepa
DF: Jordi Alba, Azpilicueta, Bartra, Carvajal, Nacho, Monreal, Pique, Ramos
MD: Isco, Thiago, Busquets, Suso, Silva, Iniesta, Saul Niguez, Koke, Asensio
FW: Aspas, Deulofeu, Vitolo, Morata, Pedro, Villa

 

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David Villa is back!

Patta

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Pogba named Europa League Player of the Season

Paul Pogba has won the Europa League Player of the Season award after his starring role in Manchester United's success.The 24-year-old started every game in Europe's secondary club tournament last season as Jose Mourinho's side lifted the crown.Pogba capped off his first year back at United since his €105 million move from Juventus with the opening goal in the final as the Red Devils beat Ajax 2-0.

It was the midfielder's third of the campaign, having previously scored twice against Fenerbahce, while he registered one assist and created 22 chances, according to Opta.

And the former Juventus star was rewarded for his impressive displays when he was given the inaugural award for the player of the year in the competition."To be the first one to win the best player, hopefully this season will be as good as last season," he said.

"Thank you so much."

After shining in the Europa League, Pogba and his team-mates will compete in the Champions League this term, having been drawn alongside Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow.

Pogba has started the new domestic season in good form, having found the net in each of United's first two Premier League games of the season.

 

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Congratulations Pogba!

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Ancelotti: Sanches can leave Bayern, no problem


Renato Sanches is free to leave Bayern Munich if he wants to, coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.

Sanches has been courted by AC Milan throughout the summer and has recently been linked Liverpool as an option to boost their options, with Philippe Coutinho's future uncertain and Adam Lallana sidelined for up to two months.

The Portugal international has failed to make an impact at the Allianz Arena since completing a move from Benfica in a €35 million deal last July, and Ancelotti would not prevent the 20-year-old from departing.
"He knows his position in the team. He knows there is much competition," explained Ancelotti."If he stays I am satisfied. If he wants to leave it's okay as well. No problem."

Sanches was an unused substitute as Bayern kicked off their Bundesliga title defence with a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen last Friday.Ancelotti's side travel to Werder Bremen on Saturday and the Italian expects a difficult encounter, having edged to a 2-1 win at the Weserstadion in January.

"Last season it was a very difficult game in Bremen," he said. "Our legs will be a lot fitter than they were against Leverkusen."My team this year is better than last year. If everyone is fit, we will be competitive."

The Bayern boss also confirmed James Rodriguez continues to undertake individual training and "is on track" in his recovery from a thigh problem.

 

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Sanches aparade.Hoda talent 1kak​

 

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Klopp content with Liverpool squad and happy for window to close


Jurgen Klopp is enthused with Liverpool's transfer business, but concedes that his mood could be affected by the final few days of the window.

The Reds have signed Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Andrew Robertson, while star man Philippe Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona and is yet to make an appearance for the Reds this season after reportedly submitting a transfer request.

Liverpool's owners FSG have remained steadfast in their determination to keep the Brazilian and have rejected three bids from Camp Nou.

Klopp says he would be pleased to see the window close as soon as possible and he has been encouraged further by the improvement of some current Liverpool stars."If - and I have said it a few times - the transfer window closes tomorrow, I am happy with it," he told a pre-match news conference ahead of facing Arsenal.

"Until August 31, a lot of things are really possible, in and out. [Divock] Origi wasn't in the squad [against Hoffenheim on Wednesday] - that shows how big the quality here is.

"Dominic Solanke showed everything you want to see from a new player. Mo Salah, we don't need to talk about.

"Everyone thought, 'Robertson? From Hull?' But he showed up against Palace. [Having James] Milner in midfield is like a new transfer, [Alberto] Moreno is like a new left-back."I am happy at the moment. Will I be happy on August 31? I don't know. Will I be even happier on August 31?"

Despite a positive start to the season, collecting four points from two games and qualifying for the Champions League group stage, Liverpool's defensive frailties have already resurfaced.

However, Klopp insists his side simply need to cut out mistakes higher up the pitch and says they have been working on that."I am fine with the defence, I am fine with the attack," he said. "We won three of four and we should have won the first one [a 3-3 draw at Watford].

"Now, we play Arsenal. That's our situation. We work with the things we have, we work on the mistakes we make, we work to make our strengths even stronger.

 

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Van Persie returns to Netherlands squad for World Cup qualifiers

Robin van Persie has returned to Netherlands' full squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria.

The Fenerbahce forward last played for his country in October 2015, but - with Dick Advocaat's side at risk of missing out on the finals - he has been recalled for a key double-header, making the final cut after being included in a preliminary selection.

Netherlands are currently third in Group A, three points behind both Sweden and France, and Advocaat has also brought Karim Rekik back into the squad and handed a first call-up to Donny van de Beek.A group of eight players - including Everton new boy Davy Klaassen - were cut from the provisional group.

The squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona), Maarten Stekelenburg (Everton), Jeroen Zoet (PSV).

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Wesley Hoedt (Southampton), Mattijs de Ligt (Ajax), Karim Rekik (Hertha BSC), Kenny Tete (Lyon), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio).

Midfielders: Donny van de Beek (Ajax), Marco van Ginkel (PSV), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Davy Propper (Brighton and Hove Albion), Wesley Sneijder (Nice), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool).

Forwards: Memphis Depay (Lyon), Bas Dost (Sporting CP), Vincent Janssen (Tottenham), Robin van Persie (Fenerbahce), Quincy Promes (Quincy Promes), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

 

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Ibrahimovic set to return for Manchester United in 2018 as 'extra man' for Mourinho


Jose Mourinho is relishing the prospect of having Zlatan Ibrahimovic as an "extra man" in his Manchester United squad but does not expect the former Sweden captain to return from injury until after Christmas.

Ibrahimovic on Thursday signed a new one-year deal at United after continuing to train at Old Trafford in the wake of the cruciate knee injury that curtailed his maiden season at the club.

The 35-year-old scored 28 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions last term and Mourinho is pleased he will reinforce his squad in the second half of the season.

Asked when Ibrahimovic would return, the former Real Madrid boss told reporters: "I don’t want to think about it, I don’t even ask, speak about it or with the medical team."He will be an extra man for us in the second part of the season.

"When I say second part I say January, after Christmas, when the transfer window reopens but I have no idea at all and I think the right way is not even to think or speak about it and just let him do his work step by step and come back when he’s ready.

"I'm really happy that he's with us because [it] shows two things for me – it shows me the dimension of the player and the dimension of the club. "The dimension of the player because it would be very easy for him to say goodbye, to say it's enough, one European competition, had [Europa League] success at Manchester United, big injury, goodbye.

"He doesn't do that. He wants to follow his other dreams and he wants to play football at the highest level.”

 

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'Messi staying at Barca my dream' - Guardiola quells Man City speculation


Pep Guardiola has distanced Manchester City from a move for Lionel Messi, reiterating it is his "dream" for the superstar forward to complete his career at Barcelona.

City have been regularly touted as a future destination for Messi since Guardiola's former Barca colleague Txiki Begiristain was appointed as director of football at the Etihad Stadium in 2012.

Amid reports over the past week linking City with both an immediate move for Messi by activating his release clause at Camp Nou and signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's new contract still unsigned, Begiristain told reporters at Thursday's Champions League draw in Monaco that such a move was "impossible".

City's transfer mastermind also ruled the club out of the running for teenage Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe, with Paris Saint-Germain heavily touted as the frontrunners for his signature.

Speaking ahead of his side's Premier League trip to Bournemouth, Guardiola insisted Begiristain's stance was not a case of smoke and mirrors late on in the transfer window."They are players from Monaco and Barcelona," he said.

"My dream is for one of them to stay for his career in Barcelona. The other is a young talent. He will decide."Txiki was clear. I don't have anything more to say."

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and West Brom defender Jonny Evans perhaps represent more attainable targets before next week's deadline.

Sanchez is reportedly keen on a reunion with Guardiola, who brought him to Barcelona in 2011, while City had a bid in the region of £18million for former Manchester United centre-back Evans rejected by Albion last week.

"[Alexis] is an Arsenal player, like Mbappe is a Monaco player, like Jonny Evans is a West Bromwich Albion player."You have to ask Alexis. Normally I don't talk about players from other clubs.

"I'm happy with the squad I have. We have five or six days left, and I think the market is going to move because all the managers at the other clubs are [trying] to make the transfers cheaper in the last seconds."

Guardiola confirmed Danilo is in line to start at right-back or right wing-back at Bournemouth after fellow new recruit Kyle Walker was sent off during the first half of Monday's 1-1 draw against Everton.

 

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Diego Costa welcome at Everton - Koeman


Ronald Koeman has suggested Everton could make a move for Chelsea striker Diego Costa.The striker is expected to leave the Premier League champions after being told by Antonio Conte that he is no longer needed. A return to Atletico Madrid is Costa's preferred move, but he has complained that Chelsea are demanding too much for him.

Everton have recently emerged as a potential destination for the 28-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 35 Premier League games last season, as they look to add experience to their attack.

The £75 million sale of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United has left them thin in the centre-forward position, with Wayne Rooney and 20-year-old Dominic Calvert-Lewin their only options.

And Koeman says Costa would be a good option to add competition for places in the starting XI."I have always said there will be a warm welcome for every good player here and he is a good player," he told reporters.

"We are still looking to bring in a striker. It is not about being unhappy with Dominic – I am very happy with him – but he is still young and we need more competition up front."We have tough fixtures and a lot of international players and a lot of players selected for the under-21s – six Everton players with England."

While Costa remains contracted to Chelsea until June 2019, his lawyers have begun legal action to force a move away from the club.

The Spain international has scored 58 goals in 120 games for the Blues since arriving from Atletico in 2014.

 

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Barcelona complete €105m Dembele signing from Borussia Dortmund

Barcelona have completed the signing of Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in a deal potentially worth €147 million.Goal revealed on Thursday that the 20-year-old attacker was on his way to Camp Nou on a five-year contract after the sides reached an agreement.

Barca have confirmed a €105m initial fee for Dembele, with Dortmund to receive a further €42m in bonuses. The forward's release clause has been set at €400m.

The €222m received from Paris Saint-Germain for Neymar sparked the Liga side's pursuit of Dembele and Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho in the close season, but they saw bids for each rejected.

While Liverpool have stood firm on their insistence that Coutinho is not for sale, Dortmund have surrendered to Dembele's wishes and allowed him to leave.The France international had made clear his desire to join Ernesto Valverde's side by skipping training, resulting in him being indefinitely suspended by Dortmund.Dembele spent just one season in Germany after joining from Rennes for €15m in July 2016, scoring 10 goals in 50 games in all competitions for BVB.

He will arrive in Spain over the weekend to undergo a medical and sign his contract ahead of his official unveiling at Camp Nou on Monday.

 

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Conte: Chelsea working hard to sign new players


Antonio Conte says Chelsea are trying to add new players to their squad before the close of the transfer window.

The Premier League champions have signed Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Alvaro Morata and Willy Caballero so far this summer, but there have been suggestions Conte is unhappy at a lack of further transfer activity.

The Blues started the new season with a 3-2 defeat to Burnley, sparking speculation they will look to enhance the squad before they recovered to beat Tottenham last week.And, while Conte says he is not thinking about new signings, he suggested a lot is going on to bring new players in.

"The club is working hard to strengthen our team and squad," he told reporters."My focus is only on the pitch. Then we will see what happens at the end of the market.

"It's not important to feel strong [in the squad]. It's important to show to be strong on the pitch."The club knows very well what is my idea, but my focus is to improve my players on the training pitch."

Questioned about links with Swansea's experienced Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, who played under Conte at Juventus, the Italian replied: "I don't like to speak about players on other teams. I think it's a lack of respect."

Regardless of whether or not Chelsea do bring in more players in the week ahead, Conte knows he will have to rotate his team more often in 2017-18, the club having returned to the Champions League after a rare absence last term.

The Blues were pitted against Atletico Madrid, Roma and Qarabag in Thursday's draw in Monaco. "It is a tough group but when you play this competition, you must be prepared for the best teams in Europe," he said."If someone is thinking I can use only 11 players or 13 players, it's impossible.

"It's a challenge for me but [also] for the club, for the fans. We think with 'us', not with 'I'. We are trying to strengthen our squad."

 

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Dembele takes Neymar’s Barcelona No.11 shirt

Ousmane Dembele has big boots to fill at Barcelona – or more accurately a big shirt.The €105 million signing from Borussia Dortmund has replaced Neymar at the Camp Nou club and has also claimed the Brazilian’s squad No.11.

Neymar left Barca in acrimonious circumstances when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in a world record €222 million deal, leaving vacant his position in the side and the shirt. Dembele will be charged with filling both.He arrives in Catalunya having initially taken the No.23 when he started his professional career with Rennes, while last term in Dortmund he sported the 7 top.

By taking the 11 shirt in Barcelona, he joins an illustrious list of players to have claimed the top, including Rivaldo, Marc Overmars and Txiki Begiristain.

He will hope, however, for more sustained success with Barca than some previous incumbents have enjoyed, including Bojan, Jeffren Suarez and Thiago Alcantara.

All three youngsters eventually left the club, having failed to break through as regulars.

 

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Europa League Draw: Arsenal get Cologne, Red Star Belgrade & BATE as Everton draw Lyon, Atalanta & Apollon Limassol

Arsenal have been drawn with BATE Borisov, Cologne and Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, while Everton face Lyon, Atalanta and Apollon Limassol.

Everton's Group E opponents include a 2017 semi-finalist in Lyon, while Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A last season and Apollon of Cyprus came through a play-off against FC Midtjylland.

Arsenal face a 2,800-mile round trip to Borisov to take on BATE, who have been Belarussian champions for 11 years in succession.

Cologne finished fifth in last season's Bundesliga, 13 points off the top four, while Serbian runners-up Red Star complete Group H.Early tournament favourites AC Milan will take on Austria Vienna, AEK Athens and Croatian side Rijeka in Group D.The group stage kicks off on September 14 and runs to December 7, with Lyon hosting the final on May 16, 2018.

The top two teams in each group will advance to a Round of 32, which will include eight third-place teams from Champions League groups.

Group A: Villarreal, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Astana, Slavia Prague
Group B: Dynamo Kiev, Young Boys, Partizan Belgrade, Skenderbeu
Group C: Braga, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Istanbul Basaksehir
Group D: AC Milan, Austria Vienna, Rijeka, AEK Athens
Group E: Lyon, EVERTON, Atalanta, Apollon Limassol
Group F :FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff, Zlin
Group G: Plzen, Steaua Bucharest, Hapoel Beer-Sheva, Lugano
Group H: ARSENAL, BATE Borisov, Cologne, Red Star Belgrade
Group I: Salzburg, Marseille, Vitoria Guimaraes, Konyaspor
Group J: Athletic Bilbao, Hertha Berlin, Zorya, Ostersund
Group K: Lazio, Nice, Zulte Waregem, Vitesse Arnhem
Group L: Zenit, Real Sociedad, Rosenborg, Vardar

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 3 Saint-Etienne 0: Cavani double continues perfect start

Edinson Cavani scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain continued their 100 per cent start to the Ligue 1 season with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Saint-Etienne.

Neymar failed to score in a match for the first time in a PSG shirt, but he was involved in the build-up to all of his side's goals as his attacking team-mate continued his fine form in front of goal.Cavani put the hosts ahead with a 20th-minute penalty he won himself while trying to reach a pass from Neymar.

The Brazil forward's free-kick then led to Thiago Motta adding to PSG's advantage early in the second half, the veteran midfielder scoring his first league goal since January 2016.

And PSG wrapped up the victory late on, Cavani's clever flick from inside the six-yard box concluding a nice move involving Neymar and Thomas Meunier as he moved on to five Ligue 1 goals in four games this season.

Unai Emery's side are now unbeaten in 26 Ligue 1 home matches, the best current run in the division.

NBA star Stephen Curry was in attendance for the match which saw Saint-Etienne, who also came into the game with maximum points from their first three contests, concede their first goals of the Ligue 1 campaign.


In an opening half that did not produce much goalmouth action, Saidy Janko fired over for Saint-Etienne with the first effort of note.

But Janko was in trouble at the other end when PSG moved in front. He was adjudged to have tugged back Cavani in the box when the Uruguay striker attempted to latch on to a clever lofted pass by Neymar.Cavani took the resultant penalty himself, thumping his effort into the left corner despite goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier guessing the correct direction to dive.

Saint-Etienne should have levelled when Jonathan Bamba beat the offside trap after a misjudgement from PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe, but he failed to beat Alphonse Areola, who saved with his legs to ensure the hosts went into the break ahead.

PSG had much more control of the match after the break and doubled their lead within six minutes of the restart. Neymar, who won the free-kick himself, sent in a threatening delivery from the right which was cleverly chested on by Marquinhos, allowing Motta to fire in from eight yards.

It was almost three for Emery's men when Angel Di Maria's 30-yard free-kick took Ruffier by surprise and bounced off the post.Saint-Etienne almost responded against the run of play when Areola had to react quickly to deny Bamba on the counter-attack with a diving save.

Cavani then fired over a golden chance from close range after Ruffier parried when visiting captain Loic Perrin almost scored an own goal from Di Maria's cross.PSG gave late run outs to Yuri Berchiche, Julian Draxler and Giovani Lo Celso, the latter testing Ruffier before Cavani struck to put the icing on the cake.



With one minute left, Cavani reacted impressively to finish off Meunier's accurate cross as the hosts moved into the international break with maximum points.