Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.10.15
Bundesliga Fixtures 2017.10.15
Leverkusen Vs Wolfsburg
Werder Bremen Vs Monchengladbach
Leverkusen Vs Wolfsburg
Werder Bremen Vs Monchengladbach
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..::Football IV::..
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Ronaldo has to win Ballon d'Or, says Isco
Real Madrid playmaker Isco insists Cristiano Ronaldo is the only worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or.The Portugal star is one of the 30 nominees for France Football's prize, which he won last year, along with six of his Madrid team-mates, including Isco.
The forward is one of the clear favourites to win the trophy after inspiring his side to a Liga and Champions League double last term, despite his struggle for form this season, in which he has scored only one league goal.
Isco admits it would be "a dream" to be among the final three nominees for football's top individual prize but says there is only one deserving winner."Cristiano has to win it, there's no question about that," he said, speaking ahead of Madrid's Champions League clash with Tottenham. "It's very difficult to be up there, it would be a dream.
"There are 30 nominees and a lot of them from Real Madrid. If the team is doing well, there are more chances to win individual prizes. I'm very happy about how things are going and I hope to continue like this."
Ronaldo ended his wait for a Liga goal when he struck a late winner in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Getafe, and Isco says there was never any real concern over his form.
"It was a matter of time; Cristiano is a lethal finisher," he said. "It is true that in LaLiga he's not been amongst the goals but in the Champions League he's been on fire. It's good for us because we need him a lot." Isco's own place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist comes as a result of his exceptional form in 2017 for club and country.
The Spain international struggled for a consistent place in the Madrid first team during his first two seasons at the club especially but has now established himself as a crucial part of Zinedine Zidane's plans.
"I try to go unnoticed," he said. "I don't watch the news or read what they say, I try to stay on the sidelines."We know that if you have a good game you are God and if you misplace five passes in a row, they want to kick you out of Madrid. You have to find the middle ground.
"I've improved. I've been at Madrid for five years and I've matured from a footballing point of view. I understand better how to read the game."
Real Madrid playmaker Isco insists Cristiano Ronaldo is the only worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or.The Portugal star is one of the 30 nominees for France Football's prize, which he won last year, along with six of his Madrid team-mates, including Isco.
The forward is one of the clear favourites to win the trophy after inspiring his side to a Liga and Champions League double last term, despite his struggle for form this season, in which he has scored only one league goal.
Isco admits it would be "a dream" to be among the final three nominees for football's top individual prize but says there is only one deserving winner."Cristiano has to win it, there's no question about that," he said, speaking ahead of Madrid's Champions League clash with Tottenham. "It's very difficult to be up there, it would be a dream.
"There are 30 nominees and a lot of them from Real Madrid. If the team is doing well, there are more chances to win individual prizes. I'm very happy about how things are going and I hope to continue like this."
Ronaldo ended his wait for a Liga goal when he struck a late winner in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Getafe, and Isco says there was never any real concern over his form.
"It was a matter of time; Cristiano is a lethal finisher," he said. "It is true that in LaLiga he's not been amongst the goals but in the Champions League he's been on fire. It's good for us because we need him a lot." Isco's own place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist comes as a result of his exceptional form in 2017 for club and country.
The Spain international struggled for a consistent place in the Madrid first team during his first two seasons at the club especially but has now established himself as a crucial part of Zinedine Zidane's plans.
"I try to go unnoticed," he said. "I don't watch the news or read what they say, I try to stay on the sidelines."We know that if you have a good game you are God and if you misplace five passes in a row, they want to kick you out of Madrid. You have to find the middle ground.
"I've improved. I've been at Madrid for five years and I've matured from a footballing point of view. I understand better how to read the game."
Ronaldo is ahead of Messi and Neymar – Totti
Francesco Totti has said that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Best FIFA Men’s Player award ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar.
The Roma and Italy great described all three as “footballing aliens” but says that the Portuguese star, who is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, should scoop the prize as the game’s outstanding player over the course of the last 12 months.
Totti says that the decisive factor was Ronaldo’s ability to lead Real Madrid to domestic and European glory.“We are talking about three footballing aliens,” he told FIFA.com. “I think that, in the end, Ronaldo is ahead of the others. He had an amazing season and also accomplished all of his goals with the most prestigious of teams.”
Indeed, he has backed Zinedine Zidane to make it a Real Madrid double at the ceremony by lifting the prize for the Best FIFA Coach ahead of Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.
“I think Zidane is the favourite for the same reasons as Cristiano Ronaldo: he won everything the last season,” Totti explained, though he said that his compatriots had done “extraordinary jobs” at Chelsea and Juventus respectively. Meanwhile, he sees the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award as being a shootout between Gianluigi Buffon and Keylor Navas, even if he believes his countryman deserves it.
“Goalkeepers have a huge impact on the game, although they aren’t recognised as they should be. Their impact in the final result for the team is always decisive,” he noted.
“I think Gianluigi Buffon has a very good chance of winning it. He’s been the best individually, but also his team reached the Champions League final – the same as Keylor Navas. In the end, I think the two of them will be competing for it.”Manuel Neuer, who is currently nursing a foot injury, is the other shot-stopper in the running for the gong.The awards will be presented on October 23 at the London Palladium.
Francesco Totti has said that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win the Best FIFA Men’s Player award ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain ace Neymar.
The Roma and Italy great described all three as “footballing aliens” but says that the Portuguese star, who is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, should scoop the prize as the game’s outstanding player over the course of the last 12 months.
Totti says that the decisive factor was Ronaldo’s ability to lead Real Madrid to domestic and European glory.“We are talking about three footballing aliens,” he told FIFA.com. “I think that, in the end, Ronaldo is ahead of the others. He had an amazing season and also accomplished all of his goals with the most prestigious of teams.”
Indeed, he has backed Zinedine Zidane to make it a Real Madrid double at the ceremony by lifting the prize for the Best FIFA Coach ahead of Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.
“I think Zidane is the favourite for the same reasons as Cristiano Ronaldo: he won everything the last season,” Totti explained, though he said that his compatriots had done “extraordinary jobs” at Chelsea and Juventus respectively. Meanwhile, he sees the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award as being a shootout between Gianluigi Buffon and Keylor Navas, even if he believes his countryman deserves it.
“Goalkeepers have a huge impact on the game, although they aren’t recognised as they should be. Their impact in the final result for the team is always decisive,” he noted.
“I think Gianluigi Buffon has a very good chance of winning it. He’s been the best individually, but also his team reached the Champions League final – the same as Keylor Navas. In the end, I think the two of them will be competing for it.”Manuel Neuer, who is currently nursing a foot injury, is the other shot-stopper in the running for the gong.The awards will be presented on October 23 at the London Palladium.
'Impossible to be like Messi' - Guardiola says De Bruyne lags Barcelona great
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sought to distance Kevin De Bruyne from comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.De Bruyne has been scintillating in 2017-18, registering two goals and half a dozen assists in all competitions with City seemingly destined for a sustained tilt for glory on both the domestic and European fronts.
The next challenge in that quest comes in the form of red-hot Napoli, who arrive for Tuesday's Champions League meeting at the Etihad Stadium as the Serie A leaders with eight wins from eight.
City themselves are almost perfect in the Premier League, having dropped just two points from their opening eight matches, with De Bruyne at the forefront of a creative hub that has already rattled in 29 goals over that period.But Guardiola, who enjoyed four trophy-laden years with Messi at Barca, says De Bruyne is not yet at the level of the Argentina forward, and that such comparisons are "impossible".
"The best is just one. If you want Kevin to be considered one of the best he has to win titles. We are here to help him achieve that," Guardiola said in a media conference."The best is just one, but he is one of the best."It would be a dream for me, I would love all the players – not just Kevin – to achieve the level of Messi.
"I don't want to put the pressure on Kevin's shoulders. He is an amazing player. A humble guy, all his team-mates love him. He wants to play every game and fight until the end."But I wouldn't help him comparing to Messi. Messi is apart. He is a guy who scored 60 goals a season."I want to help Kevin all I can to get to the highest level possible.
"Many times in the past I've heard: 'That guy's like Messi, that guy's like Messi, that guy's like Messi.' It's impossible."Raheem Sterling has been one of the beneficiaries of De Bruyne's supply line this season – the England winger is already on to seven for the campaign.
"Kevin is a really great player," he said. "He reads the game really well. He's a massive player to have in your team and for any team in the world he would be a great player."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sought to distance Kevin De Bruyne from comparisons with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.De Bruyne has been scintillating in 2017-18, registering two goals and half a dozen assists in all competitions with City seemingly destined for a sustained tilt for glory on both the domestic and European fronts.
The next challenge in that quest comes in the form of red-hot Napoli, who arrive for Tuesday's Champions League meeting at the Etihad Stadium as the Serie A leaders with eight wins from eight.
City themselves are almost perfect in the Premier League, having dropped just two points from their opening eight matches, with De Bruyne at the forefront of a creative hub that has already rattled in 29 goals over that period.But Guardiola, who enjoyed four trophy-laden years with Messi at Barca, says De Bruyne is not yet at the level of the Argentina forward, and that such comparisons are "impossible".
"The best is just one. If you want Kevin to be considered one of the best he has to win titles. We are here to help him achieve that," Guardiola said in a media conference."The best is just one, but he is one of the best."It would be a dream for me, I would love all the players – not just Kevin – to achieve the level of Messi.
"I don't want to put the pressure on Kevin's shoulders. He is an amazing player. A humble guy, all his team-mates love him. He wants to play every game and fight until the end."But I wouldn't help him comparing to Messi. Messi is apart. He is a guy who scored 60 goals a season."I want to help Kevin all I can to get to the highest level possible.
"Many times in the past I've heard: 'That guy's like Messi, that guy's like Messi, that guy's like Messi.' It's impossible."Raheem Sterling has been one of the beneficiaries of De Bruyne's supply line this season – the England winger is already on to seven for the campaign.
"Kevin is a really great player," he said. "He reads the game really well. He's a massive player to have in your team and for any team in the world he would be a great player."
Harry Kane is the complete forward – Zidane an admirer of Kane
Zinedine Zidane branded Harry Kane the "complete forward" ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Tottenham on Tuesday, but was quick to insist that he is not their only weapon.
Kane has been in lethal form so far this season, scoring 15 goals for club and country, including five in the Champions League, and he will undoubtedly be eager to inspire the downfall of Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The England international's development into a world-class striker was seemingly evidenced by his nomination for the Ballon d'Or, with Kane impressing throughout 2017.
He has been so good that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even referred to Spurs as "the Harry Kane team" recently, a trap Zidane opted to sidestep.
But the Frenchman's praise of the 24-year-old is not likely to see reports of Madrid's interest in him quieten down.
"I don't know about the future, but at the moment he is very important for Spurs," Zidane told reporters at his pre-match media conference."He's very good at everything and what he does, he does playing towards goal. He's always looking for spaces and that's good.
"He is a complete forward. He perhaps doesn't look like it sometimes, but he is.
"Kane is playing well, but Tottenham isn't just Kane and I'm sure they'll prepare their game well."Zidane's compatriot Hugo Lloris will be the man charged with keeping Madrid at bay on Tuesday and the former midfielder believes he could play a key role.
"He [Lloris] will do everything he can to stop us winning," Zidane said. "He has improved a lot as a keeper and I think he'll have an important role in this game."But I will look more at us, and we want to cause difficulty to him. But it's not about one forward or one keeper.
"It's [Tottenham] a very complete side, continually improving year after year. We know the coach has done a lot for them, they have a lot of resources to them at the moment and I'm sure it'll be a good game."
Zidane was also asked about the comparison between the Premier League and LaLiga, claiming that football is rather more physical in England, but better in Spain.
"Everyone has their own opinion," he said. "I always dreamt about playing in the Spanish league. I love LaLiga; you play with the ball a lot."It's a different type of football; the Premier League is more physical and when a team is physically very strong it has more chance of winning in that league."I think Spanish football is best. We want to go out and prove LaLiga is the best."
Zinedine Zidane branded Harry Kane the "complete forward" ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Tottenham on Tuesday, but was quick to insist that he is not their only weapon.
Kane has been in lethal form so far this season, scoring 15 goals for club and country, including five in the Champions League, and he will undoubtedly be eager to inspire the downfall of Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The England international's development into a world-class striker was seemingly evidenced by his nomination for the Ballon d'Or, with Kane impressing throughout 2017.
He has been so good that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even referred to Spurs as "the Harry Kane team" recently, a trap Zidane opted to sidestep.
But the Frenchman's praise of the 24-year-old is not likely to see reports of Madrid's interest in him quieten down.
"I don't know about the future, but at the moment he is very important for Spurs," Zidane told reporters at his pre-match media conference."He's very good at everything and what he does, he does playing towards goal. He's always looking for spaces and that's good.
"He is a complete forward. He perhaps doesn't look like it sometimes, but he is.
"Kane is playing well, but Tottenham isn't just Kane and I'm sure they'll prepare their game well."Zidane's compatriot Hugo Lloris will be the man charged with keeping Madrid at bay on Tuesday and the former midfielder believes he could play a key role.
"He [Lloris] will do everything he can to stop us winning," Zidane said. "He has improved a lot as a keeper and I think he'll have an important role in this game."But I will look more at us, and we want to cause difficulty to him. But it's not about one forward or one keeper.
"It's [Tottenham] a very complete side, continually improving year after year. We know the coach has done a lot for them, they have a lot of resources to them at the moment and I'm sure it'll be a good game."
Zidane was also asked about the comparison between the Premier League and LaLiga, claiming that football is rather more physical in England, but better in Spain.
"Everyone has their own opinion," he said. "I always dreamt about playing in the Spanish league. I love LaLiga; you play with the ball a lot."It's a different type of football; the Premier League is more physical and when a team is physically very strong it has more chance of winning in that league."I think Spanish football is best. We want to go out and prove LaLiga is the best."
Inter 3 AC Milan 2: Brilliant Icardi treble breaks Rossoneri hearts
Mauro Icardi completed a superb hat-trick from the penalty spot in the final minute as Inter snatched a pulsating 3-2 win over AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
Luciano Spalletti's team remain unbeaten this season and move above champions Juventus up to second in the Serie A table but they were made to fight hard by their neighbours after half-time at San Siro.
Icardi's instinctive finish from Antonio Candreva's pinpoint 28th-minute cross preceded a passage of play before the interval when a Milan side still bedding in after their frantic close season in the transfer market appeared increasingly overmatched.
But Vincenzo Montella's decision to bring teenage forward Patrick Cutrone on for Franck Kessie at the break proved inspired and the Rossoneri were level when Suso stylishly picked out the bottom corner from long range.
Inter unexpectedly found themselves on the ropes and were indebted to Samir Handanovic's stunning reaction save from Giacomo Bonaventura before Icardi started and ended a 63rd-minute counter-attack, crowning it with a brilliant volley.
Milan's head coach is likely to face more speculation over his future after a fourth defeat in eight Serie A matches but his team's spirit could not be called into question in the 81st minute when Bonaventura turned the tables on Handanovic – the goalkeeper fumbling over the line to be credited with the own goal.
There would be a further twist when Ricardo Rodriguez was adjudged to have impeded Danilo D'Ambrosio at a corner and the Argentina striker proved to be the coolest man in a stadium ramped up to fever pitch.
Inter could not have anticipated such a breathless finale as they took control early on. Borja Valero came infield with some clever footwork after 13 minutes and found Candreva, who unleashed a right-footed shot against the top of the crossbar.
Milan competed well enough but the clearer chances continued to fall Inter's way – Miranda getting the jump on Rodriguez from Ivan Perisic's cross to head just wide.
Spalletti's men were rewarded for their more incisive play when Leonardo Bonucci was unable to cut out Candreva's magnificent low cross from the right and Icardi stole in front of Mateo Musacchio to finish with aplomb.
Musacchio was a more active participant when he blocked a rasping Perisic drive as Inter sought to press home their advantage, although an equaliser almost arrived against the run of play a minute before half-time. Kessie unpicked the Inter backline with a fine throughball to Fabio Borini, whose initial low shot was well repelled by Handanovic before a headed follow-up rippled the side netting.
Milan thought they were level in the 49th minute when Musacchio converted the rebound after Andre Silva thumped a shot against the base of the post but the defender was correctly ruled offside.Cutrone's lively movement was giving Inter much more to think about and he darted to the near post to clip fractionally wide from Rodriguez's cross.
The pressure told in the 56th minute as Suso, who tested Handanovic a few moments earlier with a rasping drive, chose precision over power to curl in from 25 yards.Matias Vecino thudded wide as Inter looked to hit back but Handanovic's incredible reactions to thwart Bonaventura at close quarters confirmed Milan's position in the ascendancy.
Icardi had other ideas, stealing possession on halfway and powering forward to feed Perisic, who skipped past Musacchio and saw his cross converted with a masterful scissor-kick.Milan refused to fold and appeared to have their slightly fortuitous reward after Bonaventura flung himself towards Borini's cross and Handanovic erred.
Rodriguez made a brave block to deny Inter substitute Eder in the closing minutes but his final act would be considerably more damaging, leaving Icardi to slot home as Gianluigi Donnarumma guessed incorrectly.
Mauro Icardi completed a superb hat-trick from the penalty spot in the final minute as Inter snatched a pulsating 3-2 win over AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
Luciano Spalletti's team remain unbeaten this season and move above champions Juventus up to second in the Serie A table but they were made to fight hard by their neighbours after half-time at San Siro.
Icardi's instinctive finish from Antonio Candreva's pinpoint 28th-minute cross preceded a passage of play before the interval when a Milan side still bedding in after their frantic close season in the transfer market appeared increasingly overmatched.
But Vincenzo Montella's decision to bring teenage forward Patrick Cutrone on for Franck Kessie at the break proved inspired and the Rossoneri were level when Suso stylishly picked out the bottom corner from long range.
Inter unexpectedly found themselves on the ropes and were indebted to Samir Handanovic's stunning reaction save from Giacomo Bonaventura before Icardi started and ended a 63rd-minute counter-attack, crowning it with a brilliant volley.
Milan's head coach is likely to face more speculation over his future after a fourth defeat in eight Serie A matches but his team's spirit could not be called into question in the 81st minute when Bonaventura turned the tables on Handanovic – the goalkeeper fumbling over the line to be credited with the own goal.
There would be a further twist when Ricardo Rodriguez was adjudged to have impeded Danilo D'Ambrosio at a corner and the Argentina striker proved to be the coolest man in a stadium ramped up to fever pitch.
Inter could not have anticipated such a breathless finale as they took control early on. Borja Valero came infield with some clever footwork after 13 minutes and found Candreva, who unleashed a right-footed shot against the top of the crossbar.
Milan competed well enough but the clearer chances continued to fall Inter's way – Miranda getting the jump on Rodriguez from Ivan Perisic's cross to head just wide.
Spalletti's men were rewarded for their more incisive play when Leonardo Bonucci was unable to cut out Candreva's magnificent low cross from the right and Icardi stole in front of Mateo Musacchio to finish with aplomb.
Musacchio was a more active participant when he blocked a rasping Perisic drive as Inter sought to press home their advantage, although an equaliser almost arrived against the run of play a minute before half-time. Kessie unpicked the Inter backline with a fine throughball to Fabio Borini, whose initial low shot was well repelled by Handanovic before a headed follow-up rippled the side netting.
Milan thought they were level in the 49th minute when Musacchio converted the rebound after Andre Silva thumped a shot against the base of the post but the defender was correctly ruled offside.Cutrone's lively movement was giving Inter much more to think about and he darted to the near post to clip fractionally wide from Rodriguez's cross.
The pressure told in the 56th minute as Suso, who tested Handanovic a few moments earlier with a rasping drive, chose precision over power to curl in from 25 yards.Matias Vecino thudded wide as Inter looked to hit back but Handanovic's incredible reactions to thwart Bonaventura at close quarters confirmed Milan's position in the ascendancy.
Icardi had other ideas, stealing possession on halfway and powering forward to feed Perisic, who skipped past Musacchio and saw his cross converted with a masterful scissor-kick.Milan refused to fold and appeared to have their slightly fortuitous reward after Bonaventura flung himself towards Borini's cross and Handanovic erred.
Rodriguez made a brave block to deny Inter substitute Eder in the closing minutes but his final act would be considerably more damaging, leaving Icardi to slot home as Gianluigi Donnarumma guessed incorrectly.
Pochettino open to England job having helped to build squad
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino admits he would “relish” the opportunity to manage England having helped to shape their squad down the years.The Argentine arrived in the Premier League as an unknown quantity, having spent much of his playing days and early managerial career in Spain with Espanyol.
He was, however, able to impress at Southampton, earning him a switch to Spurs in 2014.Pochettino is now widely regarded as one of the finest tactical brains in the business and has revealed that he could put those attributes to good use with England at some stage in the future.
He said in a book focusing on Tottenham’s title challenge in 2016-17, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail: "If I were to be an international manager one day, I'd relish the opportunity to coach the England national team."I've heard that I've been considered for the job before, but I don't know if there was any truth in it.
"I'd be reunited with loads of familiar faces - Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Adam Lallana.''
Those are just some of the names that Pochettino has helped to introduce to the England fold.While at Southampton, Rickie Lambert, Fraser Forster, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw were all handed their Three Lions bows.At Spurs, Kieran Tripper, Ryan Mason and Harry Winks have joined Kane, Alli and Dier on the international stage."Of the last 21, 17 have played under me,” added Pochettino."Eleven regulars in the England squad made their debuts under my stewardship.
"The English are brave, honest and aggressive and the good ones want to add to their game.''With Gareth Southgate currently at the England helm, Tottenham will be hoping that any potential opening for Pochettino remains some way off.
Club chairman Daniel Levy has already announced that he is hoping to see the South American become Spurs’ answer to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson – who spent 27 years at Old Trafford.
Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino admits he would “relish” the opportunity to manage England having helped to shape their squad down the years.The Argentine arrived in the Premier League as an unknown quantity, having spent much of his playing days and early managerial career in Spain with Espanyol.
He was, however, able to impress at Southampton, earning him a switch to Spurs in 2014.Pochettino is now widely regarded as one of the finest tactical brains in the business and has revealed that he could put those attributes to good use with England at some stage in the future.
He said in a book focusing on Tottenham’s title challenge in 2016-17, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail: "If I were to be an international manager one day, I'd relish the opportunity to coach the England national team."I've heard that I've been considered for the job before, but I don't know if there was any truth in it.
"I'd be reunited with loads of familiar faces - Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Adam Lallana.''
Those are just some of the names that Pochettino has helped to introduce to the England fold.While at Southampton, Rickie Lambert, Fraser Forster, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw were all handed their Three Lions bows.At Spurs, Kieran Tripper, Ryan Mason and Harry Winks have joined Kane, Alli and Dier on the international stage."Of the last 21, 17 have played under me,” added Pochettino."Eleven regulars in the England squad made their debuts under my stewardship.
"The English are brave, honest and aggressive and the good ones want to add to their game.''With Gareth Southgate currently at the England helm, Tottenham will be hoping that any potential opening for Pochettino remains some way off.
Club chairman Daniel Levy has already announced that he is hoping to see the South American become Spurs’ answer to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson – who spent 27 years at Old Trafford.
Jardim: Monaco down on confidence ahead of Besiktas clash
Leonardo Jardim said Monaco are down on confidence amid their three-match winless streak as his side face a must-win clash against Besiktas in the Champions League.Monaco welcome Turkish visitors and Group G leaders Besiktas to Stade Louis II on Tuesday, having lost two of their past three games in all competitions.
The Ligue 1 champions conceded a stoppage-time goal as they lost 3-2 at Lyon last week to slip six points adrift of Paris Saint-Germain in France, while Jardim's men have only collected one point from their two Champions League fixtures.
Monaco are trying to rebuild following the departures of stars Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Valere Germain, and head coach Jardim said: "Personally, I have gone through many difficult times.
"You cannot be champions of France every year. But for the players who arrive it is harder. When you arrive at the French champions, everyone has dreams."The problem is that they lack the confidence to do things well. We must remain at the level of champions of France. Sometimes you're down, but you have to work to get back, that's life.
"It will be a key game. We need to win to qualify. If we do not win, first place will be difficult to reach and we will probably have to aim for the second."The most difficult thing is juggling the league and the Champions League. There are only five or six clubs in Europe capable of performing in both competitions every season," Jardim told UEFA.
"This is my fourth Champions League campaign. The team and I know very well that every match is tough. It's a competition where you are punished straight away for the slightest mistake. So in the Champions League, you always need a team with a very good balance in the pitch.
"I'm a coach who likes to adapt to the players I have. Obviously, I always prefer attacking football. But depending on the players at your disposal, you decide whether you can be more aggressive going forward, more balanced, or more defensive. A good coach is able to get the best out of what he has available.
"Again, certain key players from last season have gone. But we have brought in some young talents. They still need to get their bearings at this level. That's normal. Some seasons are better than others. But in the end, we have always achieved our objectives."
Leonardo Jardim said Monaco are down on confidence amid their three-match winless streak as his side face a must-win clash against Besiktas in the Champions League.Monaco welcome Turkish visitors and Group G leaders Besiktas to Stade Louis II on Tuesday, having lost two of their past three games in all competitions.
The Ligue 1 champions conceded a stoppage-time goal as they lost 3-2 at Lyon last week to slip six points adrift of Paris Saint-Germain in France, while Jardim's men have only collected one point from their two Champions League fixtures.
Monaco are trying to rebuild following the departures of stars Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Valere Germain, and head coach Jardim said: "Personally, I have gone through many difficult times.
"You cannot be champions of France every year. But for the players who arrive it is harder. When you arrive at the French champions, everyone has dreams."The problem is that they lack the confidence to do things well. We must remain at the level of champions of France. Sometimes you're down, but you have to work to get back, that's life.
"It will be a key game. We need to win to qualify. If we do not win, first place will be difficult to reach and we will probably have to aim for the second."The most difficult thing is juggling the league and the Champions League. There are only five or six clubs in Europe capable of performing in both competitions every season," Jardim told UEFA.
"This is my fourth Champions League campaign. The team and I know very well that every match is tough. It's a competition where you are punished straight away for the slightest mistake. So in the Champions League, you always need a team with a very good balance in the pitch.
"I'm a coach who likes to adapt to the players I have. Obviously, I always prefer attacking football. But depending on the players at your disposal, you decide whether you can be more aggressive going forward, more balanced, or more defensive. A good coach is able to get the best out of what he has available.
"Again, certain key players from last season have gone. But we have brought in some young talents. They still need to get their bearings at this level. That's normal. Some seasons are better than others. But in the end, we have always achieved our objectives."
Real Madrid are a level above Tottenham - Juande Ramos
Juande Ramos is looking forward to Real Madrid against Tottenham on Tuesday night but believes Los Blancos are still "a level above" Spurs.The Spaniard managed Tottenham for a year from 2007 to 2008, going on to coach Real for a short spell in 2008-09 as well after he was sacked by the north London club.
"It’s a very special match," the 63-year-old told Goal ahead of Tuesday's meeting between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabeu. "I think Tottenham have grown a lot since I was there. Both matches, the Wembley one and the game in Madrid, will be very special and even.
"I think that at the moment, Madrid are possibly a level above Spurs. They are European champions, they are at a very high level. I think second place [in the group] will be between Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund. They will have to fight it out, but within the group I would say that Real Madrid are the favourites."
Real Madrid are in much better shape than when he was at the club, while Spurs have come third and second in the Premier League over the past two seasons — their best finishes in decades. So is he happy to see his former sides doing so well?
"Yes, of course," he said. "You enjoy the situation they are experiencing because you are fond of them due to the time you have spent with them and you always leave friends within the club."
Despite Tottenham's growth and improvement under Mauricio Pochettino, the north London club are yet to add any silverware with the Argentine coach and, remarkably, Ramos remains the last Spurs boss to win a trophy — the League Cup in 2007-08.
"It was something that was talked about a lot over there," he said. "When I arrived, they had gone many years (since 1999) without winning a trophy and they always said that is what they most wanted, what excited them most was winning a trophy.And thanks to God, we achieved that. Now, almost 10 years have gone by and they haven't won another title. I hope they don't have to wait too much longer."
After that triumph, however, things took a turn for the worse for Ramos at White Hart Lane as the team picked up just two points from their first eight Premier League games in 2008-09 and he was replaced by Harry Redknapp.Nevertheless, the Spaniard believes the sales of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane over the previous summer left him in a precarious position, one from which he was unable to recover.
"I always say that the problem I had at Tottenham that season was that, on the last day of the transfer window, they sold Berbatov, and a few days before they sold Robbie Keane," he said. "And the window closed without the possibility of signing replacements.
"We ended up without any strikers, the only striker there was Darren Bent. And we weren't strong enough to save the season. In fact, in the next window, they spent £50 million to solve the problem…"
And on Real's rise over the past few seasons, he said: "This is cyclic. Those footballers that were spectacular for Barcelona, like Xavi, he's not there, [Andres] Iniesta is getting older. Those footballers, either they have lost some of their physical condition, or more of them have left. And now, Real Madrid are on the crest of a wave."
Before the arrival of Jose Mourinho as Madrid coach in 2010, Los Blancos were knocked out in the last 16 of the Champions League for six seasons in a row.However, Real have reached the semi-finals every year since and won the trophy three times — twice under Zinedine Zidane."His numbers are spectacular," Ramos said. "He came out of Castilla to coach Real Madrid. He had a year as assistant to [Carlo] Ancelotti as well and I think that helped him.
"As a player he experienced all kinds of situations and now he is at a team that is among the best in the world. He has had spectacular results and he is managing the squad with a lot of intelligence."
Juande Ramos is looking forward to Real Madrid against Tottenham on Tuesday night but believes Los Blancos are still "a level above" Spurs.The Spaniard managed Tottenham for a year from 2007 to 2008, going on to coach Real for a short spell in 2008-09 as well after he was sacked by the north London club.
"It’s a very special match," the 63-year-old told Goal ahead of Tuesday's meeting between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabeu. "I think Tottenham have grown a lot since I was there. Both matches, the Wembley one and the game in Madrid, will be very special and even.
"I think that at the moment, Madrid are possibly a level above Spurs. They are European champions, they are at a very high level. I think second place [in the group] will be between Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund. They will have to fight it out, but within the group I would say that Real Madrid are the favourites."
Real Madrid are in much better shape than when he was at the club, while Spurs have come third and second in the Premier League over the past two seasons — their best finishes in decades. So is he happy to see his former sides doing so well?
"Yes, of course," he said. "You enjoy the situation they are experiencing because you are fond of them due to the time you have spent with them and you always leave friends within the club."
Despite Tottenham's growth and improvement under Mauricio Pochettino, the north London club are yet to add any silverware with the Argentine coach and, remarkably, Ramos remains the last Spurs boss to win a trophy — the League Cup in 2007-08.
"It was something that was talked about a lot over there," he said. "When I arrived, they had gone many years (since 1999) without winning a trophy and they always said that is what they most wanted, what excited them most was winning a trophy.And thanks to God, we achieved that. Now, almost 10 years have gone by and they haven't won another title. I hope they don't have to wait too much longer."
After that triumph, however, things took a turn for the worse for Ramos at White Hart Lane as the team picked up just two points from their first eight Premier League games in 2008-09 and he was replaced by Harry Redknapp.Nevertheless, the Spaniard believes the sales of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane over the previous summer left him in a precarious position, one from which he was unable to recover.
"I always say that the problem I had at Tottenham that season was that, on the last day of the transfer window, they sold Berbatov, and a few days before they sold Robbie Keane," he said. "And the window closed without the possibility of signing replacements.
"We ended up without any strikers, the only striker there was Darren Bent. And we weren't strong enough to save the season. In fact, in the next window, they spent £50 million to solve the problem…"
And on Real's rise over the past few seasons, he said: "This is cyclic. Those footballers that were spectacular for Barcelona, like Xavi, he's not there, [Andres] Iniesta is getting older. Those footballers, either they have lost some of their physical condition, or more of them have left. And now, Real Madrid are on the crest of a wave."
Before the arrival of Jose Mourinho as Madrid coach in 2010, Los Blancos were knocked out in the last 16 of the Champions League for six seasons in a row.However, Real have reached the semi-finals every year since and won the trophy three times — twice under Zinedine Zidane."His numbers are spectacular," Ramos said. "He came out of Castilla to coach Real Madrid. He had a year as assistant to [Carlo] Ancelotti as well and I think that helped him.
"As a player he experienced all kinds of situations and now he is at a team that is among the best in the world. He has had spectacular results and he is managing the squad with a lot of intelligence."
Szczesny: I never improved at Arsenal due to tactical gulf
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said he failed to develop during his time at Arsenal due to the gulf in coaching between the Premier League and Serie A.Szczesny left Arsenal on a permanent basis in the off-season, joining Italian champions Juve, having spent two years on loan at Roma.The 27-year-old Poland international moved to Arsenal in 2006, and while he made his debut three years later, he was never able to cement himself as the club's long-term No.1 keeper.
Szczesny — who has made two appearances this season as backup for Juve captain Gianluigi Buffon — believes the setup at Arsenal is inferior to what he has experienced in Italy.
"I think in general, the coaches in Italy are much more tactical, that’s just how the league works," Szczesny told the Independent. "Whether it was [Luciano] Spalletti at Roma or Max Allegri here, the preparation for the game is different to what I was used to in England.
"You work on the shape of the team for a particular match all week. At Arsenal you'd just prepare physically for it, but here you watch film analysing a specific opponent before the game and afterwards we'll watch again to see what worked and what didn't.
"I enjoyed working with some great coaches at Arsenal, Roma and here, but the goalkeeping school in Italy is very different, it's very technical and pays more attention to the details. It's really made a difference for me because I started playing at a very young age with Arsenal and as you play you gain experience and that's how you grow."But, honestly, I couldn't say from a technical standpoint that I improved in any way from when I became first-choice at Arsenal until the day I left for Roma.
"However, in the two-and-a-half years since I came to Italy, I've improved massively, which is thanks to the coaches and the way they work. It's not about improving when you play, it's every day in training you have to work on every aspect of your game and that's something I've really enjoyed."
Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said he failed to develop during his time at Arsenal due to the gulf in coaching between the Premier League and Serie A.Szczesny left Arsenal on a permanent basis in the off-season, joining Italian champions Juve, having spent two years on loan at Roma.The 27-year-old Poland international moved to Arsenal in 2006, and while he made his debut three years later, he was never able to cement himself as the club's long-term No.1 keeper.
Szczesny — who has made two appearances this season as backup for Juve captain Gianluigi Buffon — believes the setup at Arsenal is inferior to what he has experienced in Italy.
"I think in general, the coaches in Italy are much more tactical, that’s just how the league works," Szczesny told the Independent. "Whether it was [Luciano] Spalletti at Roma or Max Allegri here, the preparation for the game is different to what I was used to in England.
"You work on the shape of the team for a particular match all week. At Arsenal you'd just prepare physically for it, but here you watch film analysing a specific opponent before the game and afterwards we'll watch again to see what worked and what didn't.
"I enjoyed working with some great coaches at Arsenal, Roma and here, but the goalkeeping school in Italy is very different, it's very technical and pays more attention to the details. It's really made a difference for me because I started playing at a very young age with Arsenal and as you play you gain experience and that's how you grow."But, honestly, I couldn't say from a technical standpoint that I improved in any way from when I became first-choice at Arsenal until the day I left for Roma.
"However, in the two-and-a-half years since I came to Italy, I've improved massively, which is thanks to the coaches and the way they work. It's not about improving when you play, it's every day in training you have to work on every aspect of your game and that's something I've really enjoyed."
Redknapp: Kane an obvious target for Real Madrid
Jamie Redknapp believes Harry Kane is an obvious transfer target for Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, but feels the Tottenham star will stay put if he is paid similarly to Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero.
Kane has been linked with Madrid, and the England forward will have the chance to impress his potential suitors during Tuesday's Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The two-time reigning Premier League Golden Boot winner has enjoyed another lethal start to the season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for club and country, earning praise from Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane — who branded Kane the "complete forward".
However, former Tottenham midfielder Redknapp does not see the need for Kane — under contract until 2022 after signing a new deal in December — to leave Spurs if he is rewarded financially.
"He is a long way past that [interest from Real Madrid], of course he is a target," Redknapp told Omnisport."But I think if Tottenham give him the money he wants and pay him like they should do, why would you want to go anywhere?
"He is playing with some good young players, but the only problem is now the way the game has gone you need to be earning the big money."He should be on what Lukaku is on and [Manchester City forward] Aguero is on and all the best players in the world because he is up there with them."
Kane has scored six goals in eight Premier League matches this season, one behind Manchester United's Lukaku.
The 24-year-old netted 29 goals last term, four more than Lukaku, and former England international Redknapp expects the pair to fight it out again for goalscoring honours in 2017-18.Redknapp said: "I do [expect Kane's form to continue] because he works so hard and is a master of his craft.
"You know he plays every single game and gives 100 percent and keeps fit and I think between him and [Romelu] Lukaku we will have a good race for the golden boot."
Jamie Redknapp believes Harry Kane is an obvious transfer target for Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, but feels the Tottenham star will stay put if he is paid similarly to Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero.
Kane has been linked with Madrid, and the England forward will have the chance to impress his potential suitors during Tuesday's Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The two-time reigning Premier League Golden Boot winner has enjoyed another lethal start to the season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for club and country, earning praise from Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane — who branded Kane the "complete forward".
However, former Tottenham midfielder Redknapp does not see the need for Kane — under contract until 2022 after signing a new deal in December — to leave Spurs if he is rewarded financially.
"He is a long way past that [interest from Real Madrid], of course he is a target," Redknapp told Omnisport."But I think if Tottenham give him the money he wants and pay him like they should do, why would you want to go anywhere?
"He is playing with some good young players, but the only problem is now the way the game has gone you need to be earning the big money."He should be on what Lukaku is on and [Manchester City forward] Aguero is on and all the best players in the world because he is up there with them."
Kane has scored six goals in eight Premier League matches this season, one behind Manchester United's Lukaku.
The 24-year-old netted 29 goals last term, four more than Lukaku, and former England international Redknapp expects the pair to fight it out again for goalscoring honours in 2017-18.Redknapp said: "I do [expect Kane's form to continue] because he works so hard and is a master of his craft.
"You know he plays every single game and gives 100 percent and keeps fit and I think between him and [Romelu] Lukaku we will have a good race for the golden boot."
Pochettino warns Tottenham of 'magic' Isco threat
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Tottenham Hotspur must pay special attention to dealing with the “magic” of Real Madrid star Isco in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter.
The Spaniard has been in fine form in recent months, scoring three goals for Madrid in all competitions this season and scoring four in as many World Cup qualifying games for Spain last since early September.
The midfielder will line up against Pochettino’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, and the coach is aware his side must deal with a world-class player.
"I think that he is one of the best and he is proving it,” the Argentine told reporters.
“I have been lucky to have seen him playing for different clubs and he has always been a player with a capacity and creativity above average."He has reached his full potential at Real, and we will take that into account."We know all about his magic."While Madrid boast the talents of Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in their starting XI, Tottenham have a star of their own in Harry Kane.
The 24-year-old has 11 goals in 10 appearances for the north London club and has reportedly become a subject of interest for Madrid. Pochettino, however, insists he will be staying put for the near future."He is happy here, but in the future no one knows," he added."He feels very identified with the club and was thrilled when he saw Francesco Totti's farewell in Rome.
"That generated a special emotion. I hope he is with us for many years because he is an example to follow for many of his team-mates."[Zinedine] Zidane said that he is one of the best, but Harry still has room for improvement."
Spurs and Madrid sit top of Group H on six points heading into the game – each with six goals scored and one conceded – and the 45-year-old is sure his side can return from the Spanish capital with a good result.
“We will be very positive," Pochettino added."We have experienced players and will compete at the level of the best team in the world."It's a great opportunity for us to show our abilities."
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Tottenham Hotspur must pay special attention to dealing with the “magic” of Real Madrid star Isco in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter.
The Spaniard has been in fine form in recent months, scoring three goals for Madrid in all competitions this season and scoring four in as many World Cup qualifying games for Spain last since early September.
The midfielder will line up against Pochettino’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, and the coach is aware his side must deal with a world-class player.
"I think that he is one of the best and he is proving it,” the Argentine told reporters.
“I have been lucky to have seen him playing for different clubs and he has always been a player with a capacity and creativity above average."He has reached his full potential at Real, and we will take that into account."We know all about his magic."While Madrid boast the talents of Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in their starting XI, Tottenham have a star of their own in Harry Kane.
The 24-year-old has 11 goals in 10 appearances for the north London club and has reportedly become a subject of interest for Madrid. Pochettino, however, insists he will be staying put for the near future."He is happy here, but in the future no one knows," he added."He feels very identified with the club and was thrilled when he saw Francesco Totti's farewell in Rome.
"That generated a special emotion. I hope he is with us for many years because he is an example to follow for many of his team-mates."[Zinedine] Zidane said that he is one of the best, but Harry still has room for improvement."
Spurs and Madrid sit top of Group H on six points heading into the game – each with six goals scored and one conceded – and the 45-year-old is sure his side can return from the Spanish capital with a good result.
“We will be very positive," Pochettino added."We have experienced players and will compete at the level of the best team in the world."It's a great opportunity for us to show our abilities."
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2017.10.17
UEFA Champions League Group Stage Fixtures 2017.10.17
Maribor Vs Liverpool
Spartak Moskva Vs Sevilla
Feyenoord Vs Shakhtar
Manchester City Vs Napoli
Leipzig Vs Porto
Monaco Vs Besiktas
Real Madrid Vs Tottenham
APOEL Vs Dortmund
APOEL 1 Borussia Dortmund 1: Sokratis header spares Burki's blushes
Borussia Dortmund failed to kickstart their Champions League campaign as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at APOEL on Tuesday.Having lost to Tottenham and Real Madrid to sit bottom of Group H, Peter Bosz's side needed to make up ground in the battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, a club famed for their Yellow Wall struggled to break down opponents wearing the same-coloured shirts in Cyprus and they remain six points behind Real and Tottenham.
They needed a towering header from Sokratis Papastathopoulos just to pick up a point on their travels, the defender sparing the blushes of his goalkeeper Roman Burki, who gifted APOEL the lead.
The Switzerland international's careless pass presented Lorenzo Ebecilio with possession and although Burki blocked the tame shot that followed, Mickael Pote seized on the rebound to coolly break the deadlock in the 62nd minute and score APOEL's first Champions League goal since September 2014.
Although Papastathopoulos levelled five minutes later, a draw for Dortmund served another blow after they saw their unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season ended by RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Despite losing goalkeeper Boy Waterman and forward Igor de Camargo to shoulder injuries in the first half, APOEL frustrated a Dortmund side that struggled for fluency in attack despite dominating possession.
Andriy Yarmolenko and Shinji Kagawa were both guilty of blazing over in promising positions, albeit they could be excused for questioning the state of a pitch best described as uneven.An ailing De Camargo departed proceedings in the 30th minute and was soon joined in the home changing room by team-mate Waterman, who landed awkwardly after coming off his line to punch clear a cross from Marcel Schmelzer.
Substitute goalkeeper Raul Gudino - on loan from Porto - was thrust into action for his APOEL debut, yet the rookie was rarely tested before his opposite number at the other end of the field had a moment to forget.
When Burki compounded his initial error of gifting possession to Ebecilio by fumbling the resulting shot, Pote could not believe his luck. The Benin international waltzed around the stranded keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net, giving the hosts an unlikely lead.
APOEL's hopes of a first win in the competition since March 2012 suffered a setback when Dortmund engineered an equaliser from a short corner.Mario Gotze worked a two-on-one with Schmelzer before sending over a looping cross to the back post that Sokratis nodded home, much to Burki's relief.
Gudino denied Dortmund a second goal in as many minutes when his deft touch on a fierce Kagawa drive was enough to deflect the ball against crossbar and the visitors were denied by the woodwork again deep into injury time.
Christian Pulisic's mazy run and cross appeared to have set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to grab an undeserved winner, only for the combination of APOEL's replacement goalkeeper and the right post to deny Dortmund at the death.
Borussia Dortmund failed to kickstart their Champions League campaign as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at APOEL on Tuesday.Having lost to Tottenham and Real Madrid to sit bottom of Group H, Peter Bosz's side needed to make up ground in the battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, a club famed for their Yellow Wall struggled to break down opponents wearing the same-coloured shirts in Cyprus and they remain six points behind Real and Tottenham.
They needed a towering header from Sokratis Papastathopoulos just to pick up a point on their travels, the defender sparing the blushes of his goalkeeper Roman Burki, who gifted APOEL the lead.
The Switzerland international's careless pass presented Lorenzo Ebecilio with possession and although Burki blocked the tame shot that followed, Mickael Pote seized on the rebound to coolly break the deadlock in the 62nd minute and score APOEL's first Champions League goal since September 2014.
Although Papastathopoulos levelled five minutes later, a draw for Dortmund served another blow after they saw their unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season ended by RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Despite losing goalkeeper Boy Waterman and forward Igor de Camargo to shoulder injuries in the first half, APOEL frustrated a Dortmund side that struggled for fluency in attack despite dominating possession.
Andriy Yarmolenko and Shinji Kagawa were both guilty of blazing over in promising positions, albeit they could be excused for questioning the state of a pitch best described as uneven.An ailing De Camargo departed proceedings in the 30th minute and was soon joined in the home changing room by team-mate Waterman, who landed awkwardly after coming off his line to punch clear a cross from Marcel Schmelzer.
Substitute goalkeeper Raul Gudino - on loan from Porto - was thrust into action for his APOEL debut, yet the rookie was rarely tested before his opposite number at the other end of the field had a moment to forget.
When Burki compounded his initial error of gifting possession to Ebecilio by fumbling the resulting shot, Pote could not believe his luck. The Benin international waltzed around the stranded keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net, giving the hosts an unlikely lead.
APOEL's hopes of a first win in the competition since March 2012 suffered a setback when Dortmund engineered an equaliser from a short corner.Mario Gotze worked a two-on-one with Schmelzer before sending over a looping cross to the back post that Sokratis nodded home, much to Burki's relief.
Gudino denied Dortmund a second goal in as many minutes when his deft touch on a fierce Kagawa drive was enough to deflect the ball against crossbar and the visitors were denied by the woodwork again deep into injury time.
Christian Pulisic's mazy run and cross appeared to have set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to grab an undeserved winner, only for the combination of APOEL's replacement goalkeeper and the right post to deny Dortmund at the death.
Monaco 1 Besiktas 2: Tosun double pours more misery on Jardim's men
Cenk Tosun scored twice as Besiktas made it three wins from three in Group G of the Champions League and piled pressure on Monaco with a 2-1 win at the Stade Louis II.
The visitors were a little unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside early on and then saw Pepe escape a red card for a foul on Keita Balde when he was the last man.Monaco duly moved ahead through Radamel Falcao on the half-hour, but the lead lasted just four minutes before Tosun's header made it 1-1.
Tosun added a second nine minutes after the break to maintain his side's perfect start to the competition. Monaco, semi-finalists last season, now have just one point from three games and face an uphill battle to qualify from a group that also features Porto and RB Leipzig.
Besiktas started the game confidently, looking very much like a side that won their opening two matches, and had the ball in the back of the net early on.Balde was dispossessed on the edge of the Besiktas box, allowing the visitors to break. Tosun's shot then deflected into the path of Ryan Babel, who slotted home only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
A curling free-kick from Thomas Lemar forced Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri into a fine one-handed save at the other end, after Pepe had perhaps been fortunate only to receive a yellow card for bringing down a surging Balde.
The chances continued to flow, Danijel Subasic diving low to save from Besiktas’ Atiba Hutchinson before Falcao fired a scuffed shot into the side-netting for Monaco.
The deadlock was eventually broken just after the half-hour mark. Another Balde charge ended with him slipping in Falcao, who cut inside, beating Pepe, before poking past Fabri.
Yet Monaco’s lead lasted just four minutes, as Besiktas levelled through Tosun. Talisca started the move before spreading the play out wide to the right, and Ricardo Quaresma's precision cross was thumped home by the striker.
Besiktas then went ahead early in the second half after some great attacking play. Tolgay Arslan's shot smashed off the base of Subasic's left-hand post and fell invitingly for Babel. He squared the ball and Tosun fired home his second of the game.
Leonardo Jardim responded immediately, sending on Rony Lopes for the ineffective Youri Tielemans. The substitute almost made an immediate impression, setting up an unmarked Balde in the box, only for the forward to miss his shot, the ball hitting his standing leg as the chance went begging.
Having gone behind, the hosts' confidence seemed to disappear and although they pushed forward in an attempt to find an equaliser, they struggled to create chances against a disciplined and determined Besiktas.The better opportunities continued to fall to the visitors, with Tosun getting the better of Kamil Glik but failing to beat Subasic, who saved well to deny the Besiktas man his hat-trick.
Monaco pressed in the final stages but could not find a way past Fabri, as Besiktas held for for another impressive victory to leave them top of the group with maximum points after three games.
Cenk Tosun scored twice as Besiktas made it three wins from three in Group G of the Champions League and piled pressure on Monaco with a 2-1 win at the Stade Louis II.
The visitors were a little unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside early on and then saw Pepe escape a red card for a foul on Keita Balde when he was the last man.Monaco duly moved ahead through Radamel Falcao on the half-hour, but the lead lasted just four minutes before Tosun's header made it 1-1.
Tosun added a second nine minutes after the break to maintain his side's perfect start to the competition. Monaco, semi-finalists last season, now have just one point from three games and face an uphill battle to qualify from a group that also features Porto and RB Leipzig.
Besiktas started the game confidently, looking very much like a side that won their opening two matches, and had the ball in the back of the net early on.Balde was dispossessed on the edge of the Besiktas box, allowing the visitors to break. Tosun's shot then deflected into the path of Ryan Babel, who slotted home only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
A curling free-kick from Thomas Lemar forced Besiktas goalkeeper Fabri into a fine one-handed save at the other end, after Pepe had perhaps been fortunate only to receive a yellow card for bringing down a surging Balde.
The chances continued to flow, Danijel Subasic diving low to save from Besiktas’ Atiba Hutchinson before Falcao fired a scuffed shot into the side-netting for Monaco.
The deadlock was eventually broken just after the half-hour mark. Another Balde charge ended with him slipping in Falcao, who cut inside, beating Pepe, before poking past Fabri.
Yet Monaco’s lead lasted just four minutes, as Besiktas levelled through Tosun. Talisca started the move before spreading the play out wide to the right, and Ricardo Quaresma's precision cross was thumped home by the striker.
Besiktas then went ahead early in the second half after some great attacking play. Tolgay Arslan's shot smashed off the base of Subasic's left-hand post and fell invitingly for Babel. He squared the ball and Tosun fired home his second of the game.
Leonardo Jardim responded immediately, sending on Rony Lopes for the ineffective Youri Tielemans. The substitute almost made an immediate impression, setting up an unmarked Balde in the box, only for the forward to miss his shot, the ball hitting his standing leg as the chance went begging.
Having gone behind, the hosts' confidence seemed to disappear and although they pushed forward in an attempt to find an equaliser, they struggled to create chances against a disciplined and determined Besiktas.The better opportunities continued to fall to the visitors, with Tosun getting the better of Kamil Glik but failing to beat Subasic, who saved well to deny the Besiktas man his hat-trick.
Monaco pressed in the final stages but could not find a way past Fabri, as Besiktas held for for another impressive victory to leave them top of the group with maximum points after three games.
Spartak Moscow 5 Sevilla 1: Clinical second-half show stuns woeful Spaniards
A brilliantly clinical second-half display from hosts Spartak Moscow saw the Russian champions take full advantage of Sevilla's profligacy and secure an emphatic 5-1 win in Champions League Group E on Tuesday.
Sevilla appeared to have fully clicked into gear early in the second period, but goals from Lorenzo Melgarejo, Denis Glushakov, Luiz Adriano and Quincy Promes saw the Spaniards blown away by a Spartak side who looked irresistible on the break and moved level on five points with Liverpool.Proceedings were thrilling and breathless for much of the first half, with Promes breaking the deadlock when finishing off a flowing Spartak move.
But their lead did not last long, as Sevilla – who gradually improved after a poor start – deservedly levelled through centre-back Simon Kjaer after half an hour and finished the first period well on top.
Wissam Ben Yedder was guilty of missing a glorious opportunity early in the second half as Sevilla's dominance continued, and Spartak capitalised through first-half substitute Melgarejo just before the hour mark.
That forced Sevilla's hand and their willingness to chuck men forward left gaping holes at the back and Spartak picked them apart, with Glushakov and then Luiz Adriano effectively wrapping things up.And Promes' second right at the end rounded off a memorable day for the home side.
Sevilla's plan during the early exchanges appeared to revolve around keeping the ball and frustrating their hosts, but Spartak had other things in mind and deservedly went ahead after 18 minutes.
Ivelin Popov played the ball out to the right flank and Andrey Eshchenko supplied a sublime cross between the Sevilla defence and Sergio Rico, with Promes pouncing to nod in.Their lead should have been wiped out shortly after, though.
Nolito cleverly flicked the ball through Eshchenko's legs and ran along the byline towards goal, eventually playing a low pass into the danger zone that Wissam Ben Yedder failed to connect with.But the equaliser did arrive in the 30th minute.Spartak failed to clear an Ever Banega corner and Kjaer slammed a left-footed volley into the bottom-right corner from close range.
And Sevilla would have taken the lead just before the break were it not for a wonderful Alexander Selikhov save, as he pushed Michael Krohn-Dehli's top-right corner bound effort on to the roof of the goal.
The frenetic nature of the match remained upon the restart, with three chances coming in the first five minutes.Melgarejo first tested Rico with a header, before Selikhov denied Ben Yedder with a theatrical stop and pushed away Krohn-Dehli's 20-yard effort.
Spartak had an even luckier escape in the 55th minute, as Ben Yedder pounced on a loose ball after Krohn-Dehli and Selikhov collided with each other, but the Frenchman blasted the ball at Dmitri Kombarov on the goal line.And Spartak took full advantage with two goals in nine minutes.
Melgarejo found the bottom-left corner with a fine curling finish from the edge of the box, before Glushakov followed suit with a controlled volley that Rico probably should have kept out.Luiz Adriano effectively put things beyond Sevilla 16 minutes from the end, racing through on goal and confidently finishing after striding past Rico.
And Promes left Sevilla battered and bruised at the end, as he skipped past two challenges and found the bottom-right corner to round off a humiliating defeat for the visitors.
A brilliantly clinical second-half display from hosts Spartak Moscow saw the Russian champions take full advantage of Sevilla's profligacy and secure an emphatic 5-1 win in Champions League Group E on Tuesday.
Sevilla appeared to have fully clicked into gear early in the second period, but goals from Lorenzo Melgarejo, Denis Glushakov, Luiz Adriano and Quincy Promes saw the Spaniards blown away by a Spartak side who looked irresistible on the break and moved level on five points with Liverpool.Proceedings were thrilling and breathless for much of the first half, with Promes breaking the deadlock when finishing off a flowing Spartak move.
But their lead did not last long, as Sevilla – who gradually improved after a poor start – deservedly levelled through centre-back Simon Kjaer after half an hour and finished the first period well on top.
Wissam Ben Yedder was guilty of missing a glorious opportunity early in the second half as Sevilla's dominance continued, and Spartak capitalised through first-half substitute Melgarejo just before the hour mark.
That forced Sevilla's hand and their willingness to chuck men forward left gaping holes at the back and Spartak picked them apart, with Glushakov and then Luiz Adriano effectively wrapping things up.And Promes' second right at the end rounded off a memorable day for the home side.
Sevilla's plan during the early exchanges appeared to revolve around keeping the ball and frustrating their hosts, but Spartak had other things in mind and deservedly went ahead after 18 minutes.
Ivelin Popov played the ball out to the right flank and Andrey Eshchenko supplied a sublime cross between the Sevilla defence and Sergio Rico, with Promes pouncing to nod in.Their lead should have been wiped out shortly after, though.
Nolito cleverly flicked the ball through Eshchenko's legs and ran along the byline towards goal, eventually playing a low pass into the danger zone that Wissam Ben Yedder failed to connect with.But the equaliser did arrive in the 30th minute.Spartak failed to clear an Ever Banega corner and Kjaer slammed a left-footed volley into the bottom-right corner from close range.
And Sevilla would have taken the lead just before the break were it not for a wonderful Alexander Selikhov save, as he pushed Michael Krohn-Dehli's top-right corner bound effort on to the roof of the goal.
The frenetic nature of the match remained upon the restart, with three chances coming in the first five minutes.Melgarejo first tested Rico with a header, before Selikhov denied Ben Yedder with a theatrical stop and pushed away Krohn-Dehli's 20-yard effort.
Spartak had an even luckier escape in the 55th minute, as Ben Yedder pounced on a loose ball after Krohn-Dehli and Selikhov collided with each other, but the Frenchman blasted the ball at Dmitri Kombarov on the goal line.And Spartak took full advantage with two goals in nine minutes.
Melgarejo found the bottom-left corner with a fine curling finish from the edge of the box, before Glushakov followed suit with a controlled volley that Rico probably should have kept out.Luiz Adriano effectively put things beyond Sevilla 16 minutes from the end, racing through on goal and confidently finishing after striding past Rico.
And Promes left Sevilla battered and bruised at the end, as he skipped past two challenges and found the bottom-right corner to round off a humiliating defeat for the visitors.
RB Leipzig 3 Porto 2: Hosts claim maiden Champions League victory
RB Leipzig secured their first ever Champions League victory by holding off a persistent Porto to prevail 3-2 in an entertaining clash on Tuesday.All five goals came in a chaotic first half as Ralph Hasenhuttl's men overcame poor set-piece defending to leapfrog the visitors into second spot in Group G.Porto boss Sergio Conceicao dropped Iker Casillas to the bench in favour of Jose Sa and the deputy goalkeeper endured a torrid first half, gifting Willi Orban the opener and seeing Emil Forsberg and Jean-Kevin Augustin also find the net.
Vincent Aboubakar cancelled out the opener with his seventh goal in his last eight Champions League away games and Ivan Marcano made it 3-2 just before half-time after Forsberg and Augustin struck in quick succession.
Neither team was able to produce the same kind of excitement after the restart, Leipzig keeping their nerve to claim all three points in the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.The Bundesliga side also welcomed back Timo Werner as the striker steps up his recovery from a cervical spine blockage.
Leipzig claimed an impressive 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday and were on their way to another victory when Orban opened the scoring inside eight minutes.The defender swept home from close range after Sa spilled Bruma's initial effort in an inauspicious start for Casillas' stand-in.
Their joy would only last 10 minutes, though, as Porto restored parity with their first real chance of the match when the in-form Aboubakar punished some poor defending with a clinical over-the-shoulder left-foot finish.Leipzig remained the more positive of the two sides and stunned Porto with two goals in the space of three minutes.
Forsberg buried the first into the bottom-right corner after receiving a defence-splitting pass from Marcel Sabitzer, before Augustin made it 3-1 when he pounced on a fortuitous ricochet off Marcano to race clean through on goal and finish five minutes before the interval.The first-half drama was not over there as Marcano rose to meet Hector Herrera's header back across goal and reduce the deficit to a solitary goal at the break.
Hasenhuttl's side were denied claims for a penalty on the hour when Portuguese winger Bruma appeared to be held back by defender Felipe, his impeded attempt at a finish hooked off the line by the retreating Marcano. Augustin fired over with another promising opportunity to seal all three points, before Hasenhuttl turned to Werner with 15 minutes to play.
The Germany international was warmly welcomed back to action after a three-week layoff although his goals were not needed as Leipzig encountered few troubles over the closing moments.
RB Leipzig secured their first ever Champions League victory by holding off a persistent Porto to prevail 3-2 in an entertaining clash on Tuesday.All five goals came in a chaotic first half as Ralph Hasenhuttl's men overcame poor set-piece defending to leapfrog the visitors into second spot in Group G.Porto boss Sergio Conceicao dropped Iker Casillas to the bench in favour of Jose Sa and the deputy goalkeeper endured a torrid first half, gifting Willi Orban the opener and seeing Emil Forsberg and Jean-Kevin Augustin also find the net.
Vincent Aboubakar cancelled out the opener with his seventh goal in his last eight Champions League away games and Ivan Marcano made it 3-2 just before half-time after Forsberg and Augustin struck in quick succession.
Neither team was able to produce the same kind of excitement after the restart, Leipzig keeping their nerve to claim all three points in the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.The Bundesliga side also welcomed back Timo Werner as the striker steps up his recovery from a cervical spine blockage.
Leipzig claimed an impressive 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday and were on their way to another victory when Orban opened the scoring inside eight minutes.The defender swept home from close range after Sa spilled Bruma's initial effort in an inauspicious start for Casillas' stand-in.
Their joy would only last 10 minutes, though, as Porto restored parity with their first real chance of the match when the in-form Aboubakar punished some poor defending with a clinical over-the-shoulder left-foot finish.Leipzig remained the more positive of the two sides and stunned Porto with two goals in the space of three minutes.
Forsberg buried the first into the bottom-right corner after receiving a defence-splitting pass from Marcel Sabitzer, before Augustin made it 3-1 when he pounced on a fortuitous ricochet off Marcano to race clean through on goal and finish five minutes before the interval.The first-half drama was not over there as Marcano rose to meet Hector Herrera's header back across goal and reduce the deficit to a solitary goal at the break.
Hasenhuttl's side were denied claims for a penalty on the hour when Portuguese winger Bruma appeared to be held back by defender Felipe, his impeded attempt at a finish hooked off the line by the retreating Marcano. Augustin fired over with another promising opportunity to seal all three points, before Hasenhuttl turned to Werner with 15 minutes to play.
The Germany international was warmly welcomed back to action after a three-week layoff although his goals were not needed as Leipzig encountered few troubles over the closing moments.
Manchester City 2 Napoli 1: Guardiola's men see off Serie A leaders despite second-half scare
Pep Guardiola's free-scoring Manchester City took a huge step towards the Champions League knockout stages as they edged to a thrilling 2-1 win over Group F rivals Napoli.
City have cruised to the top of the Premier League - netting 29 goals in eight league games this term - and any claims that Serie A's own in-form leaders could halt the hosts' fine run looked to have been put to bed inside the opening quarter of an hour at the Etihad Stadium.Guardiola had predicted a "fascinating" contest and that it was, but poor Napoli initially had no answer to City's rampant attacking play as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus scored early on.
Maurizio Sarri ignored his president's calls to rest key men for this match - with second-placed Inter visiting the San Paolo this weekend - but Dries Mertens' first notable contribution was to see a penalty saved.However, as City stepped off the gas after the break, Napoli hit their stride and a second spot-kick - from Amadou Diawara - was converted to set up a dramatic finish.
The visitors could not then force an equaliser, but their second-half dominance will have given Guardiola food for thought as his side move on to nine points; the Etihad crowd certainly felt their nerves jangling in the closing stages.
City have never played out a goalless draw in a group game in this competition and it quickly became clear that Guardiola's unchanged side would maintain that entertaining record in a stunning display.
Sterling swept a finish beyond the wrongfooted Pepe Reina - for his eighth of the season - after Kyle Walker's close-range shot was blocked, with a second goal following just four minutes later through Jesus, who converted from Kevin De Bruyne's low, sweeping centre.Having won each of their previous three home league games by a margin of five, City's momentum did not slow.
Sterling delayed his pass as the relentless hosts broke in numbers after a rare Napoli foray, but Leroy Sane had the patience and awareness to then pick out De Bruyne on the edge of the area for a thunderous drive that rattled the underside of the crossbar.Goal-line technology confirmed that the Belgian's effort had not crossed the line and referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz was again checking his watch when Reina and Kalidou Koulibaly combined to scramble Jesus' strike away from the goalmouth.
Napoli looked to have been handed a route back into the game towards the end of the first half but, when Walker dragged Raul Albiol down, Ederson blocked Mertens' penalty and Fernandinho hacked clear.The visitors momentarily gained a foothold in the tie, despite the miss, but only a vital Reina block kept Jesus from further extending City's lead.
Although Napoli kicked on after the restart, forcing the home side back, chances for Sarri's men were initially few and far between and they were dealt a blow just before the hour mark as Lorenzo Insigne hobbled off.
City were seemingly caught out by their opponents' vast improvement, though, and Marek Hamsik looked destined to equal Diego Maradona's all-time Napoli scoring record when Mertens squared to his captain - with Ederson grounded - only for John Stones to make a brilliant diving block.
But the visitors did not have to wait much longer for their goal. Fernandinho's foul on Faouzi Ghoulam resulted in a second spot-kick and Diawara took on the responsibility, finally ending a run of six consecutive Champions League penalty saves from City goalkeepers.Jesus thought he had restored the two-goal lead but strayed offside from De Bruyne's pass, before the midfielder tested Reina with a free-kick and Mertens dragged wide at the other end.
City saw out the victory, but they know they must head to the San Paolo in a fortnight - that prospect will feel rather more daunting now than it did at half-time, even if they need only a point in Italy to secure their progression.
Pep Guardiola's free-scoring Manchester City took a huge step towards the Champions League knockout stages as they edged to a thrilling 2-1 win over Group F rivals Napoli.
City have cruised to the top of the Premier League - netting 29 goals in eight league games this term - and any claims that Serie A's own in-form leaders could halt the hosts' fine run looked to have been put to bed inside the opening quarter of an hour at the Etihad Stadium.Guardiola had predicted a "fascinating" contest and that it was, but poor Napoli initially had no answer to City's rampant attacking play as Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus scored early on.
Maurizio Sarri ignored his president's calls to rest key men for this match - with second-placed Inter visiting the San Paolo this weekend - but Dries Mertens' first notable contribution was to see a penalty saved.However, as City stepped off the gas after the break, Napoli hit their stride and a second spot-kick - from Amadou Diawara - was converted to set up a dramatic finish.
The visitors could not then force an equaliser, but their second-half dominance will have given Guardiola food for thought as his side move on to nine points; the Etihad crowd certainly felt their nerves jangling in the closing stages.
City have never played out a goalless draw in a group game in this competition and it quickly became clear that Guardiola's unchanged side would maintain that entertaining record in a stunning display.
Sterling swept a finish beyond the wrongfooted Pepe Reina - for his eighth of the season - after Kyle Walker's close-range shot was blocked, with a second goal following just four minutes later through Jesus, who converted from Kevin De Bruyne's low, sweeping centre.Having won each of their previous three home league games by a margin of five, City's momentum did not slow.
Sterling delayed his pass as the relentless hosts broke in numbers after a rare Napoli foray, but Leroy Sane had the patience and awareness to then pick out De Bruyne on the edge of the area for a thunderous drive that rattled the underside of the crossbar.Goal-line technology confirmed that the Belgian's effort had not crossed the line and referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz was again checking his watch when Reina and Kalidou Koulibaly combined to scramble Jesus' strike away from the goalmouth.
Napoli looked to have been handed a route back into the game towards the end of the first half but, when Walker dragged Raul Albiol down, Ederson blocked Mertens' penalty and Fernandinho hacked clear.The visitors momentarily gained a foothold in the tie, despite the miss, but only a vital Reina block kept Jesus from further extending City's lead.
Although Napoli kicked on after the restart, forcing the home side back, chances for Sarri's men were initially few and far between and they were dealt a blow just before the hour mark as Lorenzo Insigne hobbled off.
City were seemingly caught out by their opponents' vast improvement, though, and Marek Hamsik looked destined to equal Diego Maradona's all-time Napoli scoring record when Mertens squared to his captain - with Ederson grounded - only for John Stones to make a brilliant diving block.
But the visitors did not have to wait much longer for their goal. Fernandinho's foul on Faouzi Ghoulam resulted in a second spot-kick and Diawara took on the responsibility, finally ending a run of six consecutive Champions League penalty saves from City goalkeepers.Jesus thought he had restored the two-goal lead but strayed offside from De Bruyne's pass, before the midfielder tested Reina with a free-kick and Mertens dragged wide at the other end.
City saw out the victory, but they know they must head to the San Paolo in a fortnight - that prospect will feel rather more daunting now than it did at half-time, even if they need only a point in Italy to secure their progression.
Real Madrid 1 Tottenham 1: Ronaldo on target as Lloris heroics earn point
Tottenham held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in an enthralling encounter between the top two of Champions League Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Raphael Varane's own goal in the first half in the Spanish capital, but the holders could not find a way past the inspired Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris in their pursuit of a second.
Both these teams had won their opening two group games and suitably delivered a match of high quality on Tuesday, in which both goalkeepers were forced into some stunning saves to keep the scores level.
It was Spurs who struck first, with Varane inadvertently turning Serge Aurier's cross into his own net, before Ronaldo drew Madrid level with his fifth Champions League goal of the season.
Madrid enjoyed more possession and the better of the chances but Lloris was in inspired form, producing athletic stops to deny Karim Benzema and Ronaldo and earn his side a share of the spoils, while it required a brilliant save from Keylor Navas to prevent Harry Kane snatching the win for Tottenham.The result means the teams are level on seven points and identical goal difference ahead of the return fixture at Wembley on November 1.
Spurs lined up with Fernando Llorente alongside Kane in attack and a five-man defence, but the reinforced back line was exposed inside the first five minutes as Ronaldo rattled the post with a header before Karim Benzema side-footed wide on the rebound. Spurs grew in confidence as they settled into proceedings, with fit-again Navas making a fine reaction save to deny Kane, and the Bernabeu was silenced in the 28th minute thanks to a clinical counter-attack.
Aurier raced into space down the right and sent a low cross towards Kane, and although the England striker missed his attempted backheel, the ball clipped Varane and looped beyond Navas.
Isco and Marcelo were each denied by good near-post saves from Lloris as Madrid pushed for a leveller before the break and they managed just that with two minutes of the half to play, Ronaldo blasting home from the penalty spot after Aurier had brought down Toni Kroos at the end of a flowing move.
Benzema should have put Madrid ahead nine minutes after the restart but Lloris somehow kept out his header from point-blank range with an outstretched foot, and he made a flying stop to tip a Ronaldo half-volley over the bar as the home side kept up the pressure.
Navas was called upon to stop Spurs snatching the win with two spectacular saves, though. He dived low to his left to tip Kane's effort around the post after the striker was played clean through, before getting fingertips to a fierce Christian Eriksen strike.
Madrid piled on some late pressure but could not find a way through a diligent Spurs defence – for whom Danny Rose made a late appearance for his first outing since January – as Mauricio Pochettino celebrated an important point upon his return to Spain.
Tottenham held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in an enthralling encounter between the top two of Champions League Group H.
Cristiano Ronaldo cancelled out Raphael Varane's own goal in the first half in the Spanish capital, but the holders could not find a way past the inspired Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris in their pursuit of a second.
Both these teams had won their opening two group games and suitably delivered a match of high quality on Tuesday, in which both goalkeepers were forced into some stunning saves to keep the scores level.
It was Spurs who struck first, with Varane inadvertently turning Serge Aurier's cross into his own net, before Ronaldo drew Madrid level with his fifth Champions League goal of the season.
Madrid enjoyed more possession and the better of the chances but Lloris was in inspired form, producing athletic stops to deny Karim Benzema and Ronaldo and earn his side a share of the spoils, while it required a brilliant save from Keylor Navas to prevent Harry Kane snatching the win for Tottenham.The result means the teams are level on seven points and identical goal difference ahead of the return fixture at Wembley on November 1.
Spurs lined up with Fernando Llorente alongside Kane in attack and a five-man defence, but the reinforced back line was exposed inside the first five minutes as Ronaldo rattled the post with a header before Karim Benzema side-footed wide on the rebound. Spurs grew in confidence as they settled into proceedings, with fit-again Navas making a fine reaction save to deny Kane, and the Bernabeu was silenced in the 28th minute thanks to a clinical counter-attack.
Aurier raced into space down the right and sent a low cross towards Kane, and although the England striker missed his attempted backheel, the ball clipped Varane and looped beyond Navas.
Isco and Marcelo were each denied by good near-post saves from Lloris as Madrid pushed for a leveller before the break and they managed just that with two minutes of the half to play, Ronaldo blasting home from the penalty spot after Aurier had brought down Toni Kroos at the end of a flowing move.
Benzema should have put Madrid ahead nine minutes after the restart but Lloris somehow kept out his header from point-blank range with an outstretched foot, and he made a flying stop to tip a Ronaldo half-volley over the bar as the home side kept up the pressure.
Navas was called upon to stop Spurs snatching the win with two spectacular saves, though. He dived low to his left to tip Kane's effort around the post after the striker was played clean through, before getting fingertips to a fierce Christian Eriksen strike.
Madrid piled on some late pressure but could not find a way through a diligent Spurs defence – for whom Danny Rose made a late appearance for his first outing since January – as Mauricio Pochettino celebrated an important point upon his return to Spain.
