..::Football IV::..

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Guardiola can repeat Barcelona success with Man City, says Ronaldinho


Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has backed Pep Guardiola to repeat his success at Camp Nou with his Manchester City table-toppers.After enduring mixed fortunes in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, Pep has seen the Citizens beat all-comers so far in 2017-18.

Man City currently enjoy an eight-point lead at the Premier League summit and have also won four Champions League games out of four to breeze into the last 16.

When asked if the manager can repeat the success he enjoyed at Barca, Ronaldinho replied to the Mirror, "I believe so."As a player, he was already playing with a very technical mind, so he was playing as a coach, thinking about everything like a coach. So he has a deep ­knowledge of football.

"Wherever he goes, he understands much more than a normal coach. He ­understands the feeling on the field."Ronaldinho's compatriot Gabriel Jesus has perhaps been the revelation of Pep's short time at the Etihad.

The Brazilian youngster, signed from Palmeiras in January, has already smashed 15 goals in 21 Premier League games and looks certain to lead the Selecao as their first-choice centre-forward in the World Cup.

And the inspiration behind the nation's last World Cup win in 2002 is a confirmed admirer. "I totally believe he will have a big part to play for City going forward," Ronaldinho added."I love his style of playing. I truly believe that at City he will make a difference."

 

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Benzema knows he can give more – Zidane


Zinedine Zidane is adamant Karim Benzema knows he is under-performing for Real Madrid and he hopes the striker can rediscover his cool in front of goal as soon as possible.

Benzema has endured a woeful start to the season in terms of his goal-scoring form, netting just twice in 13 matches across all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also struggled and Madrid find themselves trailing Barcelona by 10 points after 12 LaLiga games as a result of their forwards' malaise.

Madrid travel to Cyprus for Tuesday's Champions League clash with APOEL and Zidane called on Benzema to end his difficult run by giving "more", as the reigning champions look to secure their passage to the knockout phase.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Zidane said: "He [Benzema] is the first one who knows he can give more, because of the confidence issue, especially his confidence in front of goal. "Strikers maybe need goals for confidence, but he's playing well, the team is playing well.

"When one goes in more can follow. Let's hope tomorrow [Tuesday] is the day to end the streak."Zidane has occasionally been criticised this season for perhaps not playing some of his younger players more regularly.

Theo Hernandez, Marcos Llorente, Dani Ceballos and Borja Mayoral have been kept largely on the fringes of the first team, but Zidane is not aware of any of them having a problem with him, insisting that they are simply experiencing a learning curve.

"That [those players' happiness] is a question for the players," Zidane said. "As far as I'm concerned, I sit down and chat with players. They're here, they're young.

"They have to work hard, but look at the rise of Marco Asensio, for example. He played less last season, but more this season."Ceballos is in a similar position. There are maybe a few players who play less, but it's a learning curve.

"It's normal that they play less than other squad players. But Dani and the other young players all have big futures here."

 

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Ronaldo set to break another Champions League scoring record


Cristiano Ronaldo is set to break another Champions League record, with the Real Madrid forward needing just one more goal to better his own previous best tally of 16 goals in a single calendar year.

The 32-year-old netted 16 times in the Champions League in 2015, and has equalled that number already in the past 11 months, but can become the first player to net 17 goals if he can score in either of Madrid's final two group games.

Zinedine Zidane's side face APOEL on Tuesday, November 21 and finish their Group H campaign at home to Dortmund on December 6.Ronaldo has had the best three years in the Champions League from a goalscoring perspective, with 16 in 2015 and 2017, and 15 goals in 2013. The next best is Lionel Messi, who scored 13 times for Barcelona in both 2012 and 2016 - something Ronaldo also did in 2012 and 2014.

The Portugal international also has the best goalscoring record in a single Champions League season, with 17 goals in 2013-14. This season, he is also the leader in the top scorer race with six goals, ahead of Tottenham's Harry Kane, who has scored five times so far.

 

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Wing role will make Rashford the 'full package' for Man Utd - Cole


Marcus Rashford will become “the full package” for Manchester United after being forced to learn on the wing, says Andy Cole.The 20-year-old forward sees himself as a central striker in the future, having worked his way through the Old Trafford academy system in that position.

He also burst onto the scene under Louis van Gaal operating down the middle, but has since faced fierce competition from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku.

Jose Mourinho has continued to use him in a wider support role this season, but former United striker Cole believes the England international will be better for the experience.The 1999 Treble winner told ESPN FC: "I look at him at the moment, he's scoring goals and he's bringing a lot more things to his game.

"I think he will end up as a centre-forward. I just think at the moment having Lukaku in the team and obviously Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] coming back as well, I think it's good."He will learn off the left because when he becomes a centre-forward he will have the full package."

Pressed on how far Rashford could go in the game, Cole added: "That's up to him. I get asked this all the time and I think that's down to the individual and how far they want to go.

"You look at Rashford at the moment and he wants to extend himself to be as good as he can be, which is very, very good."In football, when you are young and you keep learning and you want to aspire to be the best, you never know where he can end up."

Rashford’s form and standing in the eyes of Mourinho is currently forcing Anthony Martial to be patient in his pursuit of regular minutes, with the Frenchman having made more of an impact off the bench this season than from the start.He has expressed a desire to see more game time and Cole feels that he, like Rashford, will prove to be an important figure for United in the long run.

"I'm hoping he [Martial] is going to be there a long time,” said a man who netted 121 times for the Red Devils.“If you look at the talent that kid's got, it's absolutely frightening. He's got great feet, scores goals and creates goals.

"He's had his ups and downs with the manager already but I think he just wants the arm around the shoulder - a bit of loving and you'll definitely get the best out of him."

 

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Aubameyang back for Dortmund for Champions League tie with Tottenham


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to Borussia Dortmund’s squad ahead of the Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur.Dortmund had suspended the striker for the Bundesliga game on Friday against VfB Stuttgart after he arrived too late for the final training session before the match.

Reports also claimed he had arranged an unauthorised filming shoot in the cabin tract of the training centre, but Aubameyang was baffled by the decision to suspend him.In his absence, Dortmund lost 2-1 to Stuttgart, with Andre Schurrle disappointing as a sole striker, but Aubameyang will be back to face Spurs on Tuesday.

According to Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc, Aubameyang showed an appropriate reaction to his suspension, telling Kicker: “He trained well on Friday and Saturday.”

After a great start to the season with eight goals in the first eight Bundesliga games, Aubameyang has lost his form recently and has not scored since October 14.

Meanwhile, BVB have slipped in the table from first to fifth place and, apart from a cup win against third league team 1. FC Magdeburg, they have failed to win a game since the end of September.

BVB must win their Champions League game on Tuesday against Tottenham to maintain their minimal hopes of reaching the round of last 16.With Spurs already through, Dortmund must catch Real Madrid, who sit five points ahead and play in Cyprus against APOEL Nicosia.

 

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Wenger: Manchester City are on another planet


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been blown away by Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League, claiming Pep Guardiola's side are "on another planet".

Wenger himself has been enjoying the fruits of his own team's labour of late after winning the North London Derby, with contract rebels Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil answering their critics with superb performances in a 2-0 win over their fierce rivals.

Bragging rights in England's capital have gone a long way to easing the frustration of a 3-1 result at the Etihad in the previous match day, where Wenger feels City were awarded an unjust penalty following simulation from Raheem Sterling.

The Frenchman has since lauded the England international's efforts, but still feels Guardiola's side do not need the added boost of questionable refereeing on their side as they continue to sweep opponents aside in the Premier League title race.

“Manchester City are on another planet with results,” Wenger told the press.
“That's why, two weeks ago, I was so angry – because they didn't need that help.”

Saturday's win over Spurs means the Gunners extended their home winning streak to 11 straight victories and now Wenger is keen to see how far his side can go in the race for the English top-flight title.“The longer you are somewhere, the more guilty you feel if it doesn’t go well,” the 68-year-old went on.

“That’s the negative side of being a long time somewhere, you know what it means to people. But overall, we are still in November.“I am more focused on the future of this team — how far can we go? How much can we push on? What can we take from the game today and transfer into our next games for the rest of the season?

“But of course you know what it means for your fans, so at least you think it was a positive day for them.”

 

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'Football was waiting for you' - Maradona welcomes Ibrahimovic return at Man Utd


Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s return to action at Manchester United has been hailed by Diego Maradona, with the Swede told: “Football was waiting for you”.The enigmatic frontman has been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury in April.

Having been forced to undergo surgery, it has been a long road to recovery for the 36-year-old frontman.He has, however, shown enough to earn a new deal at Old Trafford and was welcomed back into the fold by Jose Mourinho during United’s 4-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

Argentine legend Maradona is among those delighted to see Ibrahimovic back out on the field after he featured as a substitute against Newcastle. The veteran striker maintained throughout his rehabilitation that he would return, and that he would be stronger than ever.

He now has the chance to deliver on those promises, with United welcoming added competition within their ranks.Ibrahimovic scored 28 times for the club last season as the Red Devils secured three pieces of silverware under Mourinho.

Replicating those efforts will be tough, but 1986 World Cup winner Maradona is clearly looking forward to seeing a modern-day icon face that challenge head on.

 

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Manchester City 1 Feyenoord 0: Sterling strikes late as top spot is clinched

Raheem Sterling struck a late winner as Manchester City clinched top spot in Champions League Group F after a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium.

England international Sterling finished expertly in the 88th minute as City retained their 100 per cent record in the competition, though just a draw would have been enough to guarantee first place in their section, with Shakhtar Donetsk going down 3-0 to Napoli.

Pep Guardiola made seven alterations from the side that defeated Leicester City 2-0 at the weekend, but a front three formed of Bernardo Silva, Sterling and Sergio Aguero, back in the line-up and wearing the captain's armband after being taken to hospital having felt faint at half-time in Argentina's defeat to Nigeria last week, struggled in front of goal for much of the match.



Aguero and Silva failed to convert excellent first-half chances, while some nervy moments involving centre-backs Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala could provide the manager with cause for concern.

City upped their efforts in the second period and sent on Gabriel Jesus for Kevin De Bruyne, who picked up a booking that rules him out of their next match against Shakhtar, as well as handing senior debuts to 17-year-old Phil Foden and his fellow teenager Brahim Diaz.


They finally got their reward when Sterling, who now has four goals in four Champions League starts this term, finished a give-and-go with Ilkay Gundogan by clipping over the onrushing Brad Jones, as City extended a club record streak to 25 unbeaten matches in succession, while lowly Feynoord were consigned to finishing bottom in the group.

After a tepid opening 20 minutes referee Ivan Kruzliak turned down a weak penalty claim from Aguero, before a well-executed sliding tackle on Jean-Paul Boetius saw Ederson escape from a heavy first touch outside his box unscathed.
A lovely run down the left wing from De Bruyne ended with an exquisitely shaped delivery for Aguero, who was unable to turn his near-post header on target in the 32nd minute.

Sam Larsson gave City a scare when he turned Kyle Walker inside out and curled a lovely effort narrowly wide of the bottom-right corner, but Silva passed up the best chance of the half when he side-footed a tame shot from the right side of the box straight at Jones.

The hosts looked sharper after the restart but De Bruyne was booked for clumsy challenge on Steven Berghuis and, after Larsson drilled the resultant free-kick narrowly over, he made way for Jesus.Yaya Toure, starting a match for the first time in almost a month, curled a set-piece just wide in the 67th minute, though a touch from Jones helped it on its way behind and went unnoticed by the officials.

Feyenoord grew in confidence as the scoresheet remained blank and Berghuis would have been the first name on it had Ederson not tipped over from the former Watford man.After Foden entered the fray, Aguero had a chance to steal all three points for City when he brought down Silva's pass in the box. However, he could not wrap his foot around the ball enough to steer his shot on target.

It was Sterling who finally broke the deadlock, spinning in behind and adding a delightful chipped finish to Gundogan's throughball as City continued their flawless Champions League campaign.

 

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Sevilla 3 Liverpool 3: Klopp's side fail to survive Spanish inquisition

Liverpool missed the chance to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League as they let slip a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Sevilla.

Roberto Firmino scored twice - the Brazilian breaking the deadlock inside two minutes - and Sadio Mane also found the net as Jurgen Klopp's side coasted into 3-0 half-time lead in the battle between the top two in Group E.

However, a second-half meltdown, triggered by two mistakes from former Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno, saw Liverpool let a seemingly certain victory slip from their grasp.



Wissam Ben Yedder struck twice after the break, heading home a free-kick before converting a penalty, as Sevilla fought back valiantly against the same opponents they defeated in the 2016 Europa League final.

The visitors looked set to hold firm through to the final whistle until Guido Pizarro popped up with an injury-time equaliser, leaving the group still in the balance with one more round of games to play.


With Maribor grabbing a late equaliser against Spartak Moscow in the early kick-off, Liverpool's task was clear - win and they would not only be in the knockout stages for the first time since the 2008-09 season but also assured of topping the table.Their task was meant to be a tough one, considering their opponents had not lost in front of their own fans since a 3-1 reverse against Juventus at the same stage of the competition last year, yet they stunned Sevilla by racing into a 3-0 first-half lead.

They scored two almost-identical goals from left-wing corners delivered by Philippe Coutinho, Firmino on hand at the back post to turn home Georginio Wijnaldum's flick-on and break the deadlock after just 88 seconds.

The Brazilian was also heavily involved in Liverpool's second, this time getting his head to Coutinho's out-swinging delivery to tee up the late-arriving Mane.Sevilla, who had seen Nolito hit a post and Ben Yedder shoot narrowly wide when the score was still 1-0, were undone by a long ball for Firmino's second of the game.

Dejan Lovren's punt out of defence saw Mane burst clear down the left and although Sergio Rico saved his attempt, the grateful Firmino was on hand to tap the rebound into an unguarded net.

At that stage, Liverpool seemed to be coasting. However, the team who played with pace and purpose before the break failed to make a re-appearance for the second half, leading to an uncomfortable conclusion.

The hosts grabbed the early goal they needed to raise hopes of an unlikely recovery, Moreno's needless foul out wide enabling Ben Yedder to nod in the influential Ever Banega's right-wing free-kick.

Liverpool's left-back was also guilty of giving away the spot-kick for Sevilla's second, compounding his initial error of letting the ball slip through his legs by tripping Ben Yedder, who sent Loris Karius the wrong way twice after his initial attempt was ruled out for encroachment.Klopp reacted to the onslaught by taking the shell-shocked Moreno out of the firing line, sending on James Milner to play in a position he occupied so regularly last season.

The change appeared to help solidify a shaky defence until Pizarro pounced from a corner in added time, turning home an equaliser that means Liverpool have to wait until they host Spartak to secure a place in the next round.

 

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Borussia Dortmund 1 Tottenham 2: Son grabs winner as Spurs seal top spot

Tottenham came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 and make certain of their status as Champions League Group H winners.

Second-placed Real Madrid can match Tottenham's points tally on the final matchday of the group stages but Mauricio Pochettino's men will remain in first place regardless thanks to their superior head-to-head record over the holders, giving them hope of a favourable draw in the last 16.Meanwhile, the results ended Dortmund's chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.



Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked his return to the Dortmund side following a club-enforced one-match suspension for disciplinary reasons by scoring the opening goal, as Peter Bosz's side sought to relieve the pressure building on the coach.But Spurs have relished Champions League fixtures this season and they played with their usual composure and patience at Signal Iduna Park, where Dele Alli set up Harry Kane to score the equaliser after 49 minutes and Son Heung-Min completed the comeback by netting the winner with just 14 minutes left to play.

Dortmund started the game brightly and Andriy Yarmolenko combined with Mario Gotze to create a shooting chance after 12 minutes but his effort from the edge of the penalty area flew tamely into the arms of Hugo Lloris.

Yarmolenko chipped a weighted pass over the Tottenham defence for Aubameyang six minutes later, but the Gabonese striker side-footed his shot wide to the right of the net with only Lloris to beat.Son Heung-min almost connected with a Jan Vertonghen free-kick just before the half-hour mark, but he was denied by Roman Burki and one minute later Dortmund were ahead.

Raphael Guerreiro's pass was brilliantly flicked into the box by Yarmolenko and Aubameyang raced after it before driving the ball low into the left corner of the net.


Spurs launched an onslaught on the Dortmund goal in the last five minutes of the first half but both Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier were denied at close range by superb saves from Burki, whose fingertip stop from Dier's header was particularly outstanding.

Four minutes after the restart, Danny Rose closed down a Jeremy Toljan clearance and Alli squared the loose ball to Kane on the edge of the box, giving the England striker just enough time and space to fire the ball into the net, beating Burki at his near post.

Alli tried his luck from 25 yards on 57 minutes after good work by Kane and Eriksen but the playmaker's shot drifted wide of the target.Spurs continued to probe for a winner and Son was flagged offside as he attempted to round Burki after Alli's throughball put him in on goal Just as the pace of the game seemed to be slowing, Alli's persistence down the left flank paid off and he forced his way into the box before knocking the ball to Son, who unleashed a right-footed shot into the top corner of the net.

Eriksen almost made it 3-1 with a header from an 80th-minute Rose cross but the ball flew wide to the right of the goal, and substitute Fernando Llorente was denied a late strike when Burki saved at his feet.

 

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APOEL 0 Real Madrid 6: Record-breaking Ronaldo and Benzema send holders through in style

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for Champions League goals in a calendar year as Real Madrid trounced APOEL 6-0 in Nicosia.

The 32-year-old scored his 17th and 18th goals in the competition in 2017, surpassing his previous best tally of 15 two years ago, as the holders made light work of the trip to Cyprus to book their place in the last 16.Luka Modric broke the deadlock with a thumping volley before Karim Benzema ended his month-long wait for a goal with his first in this season's group stage.



Nacho Fernandez and Benzema netted again in a devastating six-minute spell at the end of the first half before Ronaldo's emphatic header put Zinedine Zidane's side in cruise control.


The forward added extra gloss to proceedings when he capitalised on more good work from Benzema, taking his tally in the competition for Madrid to 98 in the process.

The result sends Madrid through but they must content themselves with second place, with Tottenham's 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund securing top spot in Group H with one match to play. APOEL go bottom of the group.

Ronaldo tested Nauzet Perez in only the second minute with a half-volley from 12 yards out, and the goalkeeper needed medical treatment after colliding with a team-mate following his initial save.Two more sighters from Ronaldo had Nauzet scrambling without needing to make a save but Madrid's pressure told on 23 minutes - although APOEL rather gifted them the goal.

Vinicius tried to clear a Dani Carvajal cross with a backheel and managed only to send the ball looping up towards Modric 20 yards out. The Croatian smashed a volley off the turf and into the bottom-right corner, with Nauzet unable to keep it out despite getting two hands to the ball.

Madrid were cruising and they made it 2-0 before half-time, with Benzema taking a touch before curling past Nauzet from just inside the area after Toni Kroos teed him up at the end of a fine move.

Scarcely a minute later, the holders had their third. Marco Asensio's corner was headed on by Raphael Varane and Nacho was on hand to flick it into the net, after drifting clear of his marker six yards out.

Ronaldo had been thwarted in his efforts to score but he was happy to turn provider for Madrid's fourth in first-half injury time, cutting into the penalty area and prodding the ball to Benzema, who was left with a simple finish.The Portugal star at last got his own name on the scoresheet – and set another record – four minutes after the restart, though, producing a towering leap to meet Marcelo's cross and head high past Nauzet into the left-hand corner.

Another three minutes, and Madrid had their sixth. Benzema closed down Nauzet and managed to block the ball towards Ronaldo, who fired a brilliant left-foot shot on the turn into the unguarded net.

Asensio was denied a seventh by the legs of Nauzet but the damage was well and truly done, with Madrid now safely into the knockout phase and APOEL needing a result against Tottenham to give themselves a chance of snatching a Europa League spot in their last group game.

 

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Napoli 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 0: Insigne stunner helps keep knockout hopes alive

Napoli breathed life into their Champions League campaign as a trio of second-half goals sealed a 3-0 home win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Needing three points to have any chance of advancing from Group F, the Serie A leaders turned on the style after half-time to move within three points of the second-placed Ukrainian outfit - and crucially secure a superior head-to-head record.

The hosts had Lorenzo Insigne to thank for leading them out of a first-half slumber as the Italy forward broke the deadlock with a superb curling effort shortly before the hour.


Insigne's strike proved to be the inspiration Napoli needed to take control at Stadio San Paolo, as they put a crucial result beyond doubt with two goals in quick succession.Piotr Zielinski first capped a tidy one-two with Dries Mertens in the 81st minute before the Belgium star got on the scoresheet himself, nodding in from close-range.

Maurizio Sarri's men must still beat Feyenoord in two weeks' time and hope Shakhtar lose at home to Manchester City, although the Premier League side have little to play for after making top spot safe.


An end-to-end first half began with Andriy Pyatov bailing out Shakhtar inside the first minute, the goalkeeper quick off his line to smother after Jose Callejon was found in behind by Insigne.

But the visitors soon showed their intent and twice went close through Taison. The Brazil international first fired over from the edge of the area and should have made the next chance count, poking the wrong side of the near post at close-range following a fine pass from Fred.

Pyatov again came to his side's rescue shortly before the half-hour when he flew to his left to turn Insigne's curling effort around the upright.Opportunities continued to flow as Marlos, having lost Elseid Hysaj with a classy drag-back, stung the palms of Pepe Reina from inside the area.And the home side needed Reina to push away one final shot from Fred to somehow keep scores level at the interval.

Needing inspiration, Napoli got exactly that from Insigne in the 56th minute. The Italy man drifted inside from the left and bent a wonderful curling strike into the top right corner to break the deadlock.Sarri's side began to take control of the contest and their improvement should have been reflected with a second goal 21 minutes from time.



Bogdan Butko sold Pyatov into trouble with a short backpass that was picked off by Mertens, but Zielinski side-footed the lay-off over a vacant net.The Poland midfielder soon atoned for his error, doubling his side's lead in the 81st minute following a classy one-two with Mertens.

And the result was put to bed two minutes later, Mertens nodding in at point-blank range after Pyatov could only parry Raul Albiol's powerful header from a corner.

 

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Monaco 1 RB Leipzig 4: Werner brace dumps Ligue 1 champions out

Timo Werner struck twice as Monaco self-destructed in the Champions League on Tuesday, going down 4-1 at home to RB Leipzig to be dumped out of Europe early.A woeful start from the hosts - winless in five Group G games - saw two Jemerson mistakes hand Leipzig a massive advantage in the first 10 minutes at Stade Louis II.

The defender first turned a low cross from Marcel Sabitzer into his own goal before gifting Kevin Kampl possession with a loose pass, the midfielder setting up Werner for the second.



Monaco were not finished causing problems for themselves, though, and Radamel Falcao fouled Willi Orban in the box to allow Werner to emphatically convert a 31st-minute penalty.

Although Falcao's header gave his side hope, that was soon extinguished by Naby Keita's fine goal on the stroke of half-time. Monaco are now guaranteed to finish bottom of Group G, meaning they will not play any further European football this term.

For Leipzig, a do-or-die clash at home to Besiktas - already confirmed as the winners of the group - awaits on matchday six, when Monaco visit second-placed Porto.

Leipzig knew a loss would send them out but they were gifted the lead just five minutes in. Sabitzer burst clear down the right wing and tried to pick out Yussuf Poulsen with a low cross, only for Jemerson's interception to wrong foot helpless goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

It was 2-0 to the visitors in the ninth minute, leaving Monaco with a mountain to climb. Jemerson was again at fault, the defender surrendering possession tamely to Kampl, who sent Werner through on goal to beat Subasic with a cute finish.Keita Balde Diao forced a smart save from Peter Gulacsi and the goalkeeper had to be alert again to deny Falcao as the Ligue 1 champions rallied.

But more chaotic Monaco defending led to a third for Leipzig, Falcao clumsily bringing down Orban and Werner stepping up to crash home his 15th goal of the season for club and country.

It might have all been going to plan for Leipzig, but Sabitzer's dislocated shoulder forced his substitution and Monaco looked to have briefly given themselves a lifeline before the interval.

Gulacsi misjudged a Marcos Lopes free-kick, allowing Falcao to head into the gaping goal, yet Leipzig immediately restored their three-goal advantage with a clinical attack.Marcel Halstenberg fed Keita outside the box, the Guinea international wriggling away from Kamil Glik and Fabinho to roll home a composed finish.

Gulacsi denied Andrea Raggi as the defender tried to turn in a free-kick after 58 minutes, but Leipzig were never likely to let a first away win in Europe slip, the Bundesliga side content to run the clock down.

Monaco - second behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 - are well-placed to return to the Champions League next season, but an exodus of star names since their surprise run to the semi-finals last season has proved costly for Leonardo Jardim's side.

 

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Jones to miss Basel, Brighton games while Ibrahimovic not ready for Man Utd start


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Phil Jones will miss both Wednesday's Champions League game with Basel and the weekend match against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The centre-back missed the 4-1 win over Newcastle United last Saturday after aggravating a thigh problem while on England duty, with Mourinho later blasting Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for allegedly allowing Jones to receive six painkilling injections in order to start the friendly against Germany.

Jones missed training before United travelled to Switzerland and Mourinho expects him to sit out both the match at St. Jakob Park and the visit of Chris Hughton's side in the Premier League on Saturday.

The United boss confirmed the news at a media conference on Tuesday, describing Jones' problem as "a proper injury".He also revealed that Bailly, another to miss training before the squad departed Manchester, will miss the Basel match but "has a chance for the weekend".

Mourinho added he hopes Chris Smalling does not earn a recall to the England squad as he wants the defender to stay fit while two of his first-choice players are sidelined.The former Fulham man was left out of the squad this month after Southgate cast doubt on his ability to distribute the ball from the back.

"I hope he doesn't get his spot," said Mourinho. "Our injuries are real injuries. Jones does not play [on Wednesday] and I can say in advance he doesn't play at the weekend, too. "Smalling is playing all the time and well. We don't have Jones, we don't have Eric Bailly again, so Smalling has to play every match and well, that we can say."

He added of Smalling's hopes of going to the World Cup: "Of course. I say in a selfish perspective but is not a real perspective, because what I want is my players to be happy and go to the national teams and an event like the World Cup.

"I know that, if England reach the final of the World Cup, a few weeks after we start the Premier League so I know if England goes to the World Cup final I have to start without my players but even so for England, a country I work and live in, and probably will for many years, I would like that to happen."

Mourinho added that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be on the bench for Wednesday's game, the striker having made his comeback following knee surgery in the win over Newcastle.

"Zlatan goes on the bench and normally he plays," he said. "He needs to play and he's useful for us. He keeps the ball. If the team isn't winning, his presence will be important."Instead of 15, he may play 20 or 25 minutes, but he's not in condition to start."

 

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'Manchester United is a possibility' - Griezmann hints at future transfer to Old Trafford


Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has conceded that “Manchester United is a possibility” as he continues to consider his future.The France international forward was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer, only to eventually remain in Spain and commit to a new contract.

He has since declared that he has no regrets at opting against a big-money switch , despite enduring an uncharacteristic dip in form during the 2017-18 campaign.

A deal could still happen, though, with Griezmann admitting that his career path may one day see him put concerns about the British weather to one side and head for the Premier League.

In his biography, ‘Behind a smile, the life of the Little Prince told by himself’, the 26 year-old said: “I have nothing against England, apart from the weather, Manchester United is a possibility.

"In June 2017 I prolonged my contract. I am tied to the club until 2022. “Although I am missing titles, here I have everything to be happy. This does not mean they do not go away one day. “I have not made a decision. It all depends on several factors.

"As much as I repeat that I am delighted at Atletico, I have a great coach and great teammates, they regularly ask me about my future.
“I do not exclude anything.”

Griezmann is ruling nothing out as he knows how quickly football can change.
Had Diego Simeone left Atletico in 2016, then the French forward admits he may also have headed for the exits.He said: “I learn daily from him and I want to continue doing it, if he had left the summer of 2016, maybe I would have imitated him.”

 

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'Manchester United is a possibility' - Griezmann hints at future transfer to Old Trafford

Our future Number 7?​

 

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Conte unhappy with Chelsea's fixture congestion as he concedes Premier League title is slipping


Antonio Conte believes changes must be made to Premier League fixtures to help English clubs progress further in the Champions League.Chelsea face Qarabag in Group C on Wednesday before travelling to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a key Premier League clash on Saturday.

No English clubs have reached the final of the Champions League since Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga giants' Allianz Arena home in May 2012.And Conte has called on sides in continental competitions to be given more help when it comes to scheduling their league matches around European trips.

"For sure I have to make the best decision for these games, because we are playing every three days and it is normal to have rotation," Conte told a news conference on Tuesday. "I trust my players and am very sure about my choice. I trust all my players and it is normal to have rotation.

"For us the game against Qarabag is very important as we don't want to wait to go through to the next round. When you wait or you arrive in this type of moment it could be more difficult for us."I would like to underline that I am talking about all teams that are playing in the Champions League, not only Chelsea. England needs to try to understand this and try to change something."

Chelsea - who are set to play every midweek until the turn of the year - are top of Group C after four matches and will qualify for the next round if they beat Qarabag.But Conte is insistent Chelsea will find it hard to chase down Premier League leaders Manchester City - nine points clear of the champions - due to their intensive schedule.

"For us it must go game by game, tomorrow is the most important thing for us," Conte said. "If we win we go into the next round, it is a really good target for us.To reach this target for us before the game against Atletico [Madrid] will be very important.

"On Saturday we are going to play another tough game against Liverpool. This season it is the second time we have had this situation, firstly against Manchester City and now Liverpool are playing tonight and we play tomorrow, a long trip and it will be very difficult to recover and rest.

"Whoever prepares the fixtures for the league must pay great attention. Because it is difficult to ask if we can catch Manchester City if we are in this situation. I don't want to find an excuse, but this is the reality."

 

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'It's impossible to win titles being defensive' - Herrera hits back at Mourinho's Man Utd critics


Criticism of Jose Mourinho being defensive bemuses Ander Herrera, with Manchester United’s record under the Portuguese beyond question.

The Red Devils took the decision to move in a different direction last summer as they showed Louis van Gaal to the door and passed their managerial baton to a proven performer.

Mourinho’s first campaign at the helm delivered Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League success, while 2017-18 sees United back in contention for the Premier League title.They have, however, faced accusations of being too conservative, particularly in big games, with their manager shouldering much of the blame for that approach.

Herrera, though, believes United’s detractors are not looking at the bigger picture, telling beIN SPORTS: "If you look at Manchester United's statistics, until three weeks ago, we had scored the same number of goals as Manchester City had and we were the second-highest goalscoring team in the league."Many times the tags in football are needed from a journalistic standpoint but they don't reflect the truth, like in Mourinho's case.

"Last year, we won three titles having the majority of possession in most of the games and creating more [goalscoring] chances than our opponents."It's impossible to win three titles in a given season being defensive, it's just impossible."United and Mourinho will be expected to deliver more success by any means possible in the current campaign, with silverware demanded at Old Trafford.

Herrera hopes the club can live up to expectations, but has warned that Champions League success could be a step too far for a side which remains a work in progress.The Spanish midfielder added: "As a club, we have the duty not to renounce to anything, to fight for every title.

"But it wouldn't be fair on us or the club to have the obligation to win the Champions League yet."We are coming from the Europa League, it's true that we won that last season, but we didn't finish in the top four of the domestic league despite winning the FA Cup the previous year [2015/16].

"Last season, we finished sixth in the league and we won three titles and although it was a successful campaign, it wouldn't be fair to have the duty to win the Champions League this season."I can assure the fans that we are going to give our all, so that the jersey and emblem that we defend, competes in Europe and in the Champions League for as long as possible.

"So far we've done well. We are among the few teams [Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City] in the Champions League to have taken 12 points in four rounds."

 

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I want Ronaldo to join Besiktas – Pepe


Former Real Madrid centre-back Pepe says he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to join him in Turkey with Besiktas.The Portugal international defender made the switch from the Bernabeu to the Istanbul club last summer and is thriving in the Super Lig.

Now he wants the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to join him.“If I could choose and it were possible, of course I would like Cristiano to come here,” he told CNN. “He’s a person for whom I have maximum respect."Off the pitch, Cristiano is an extremely normal person."When something gets out in the media talking about him... I look and I say: 'This can't be. It's a lie.'

"People talk without knowing the real Cristiano. He's a normal person with normal habits like us."He likes his relatives. He loves his sons. He stresses the importance of being a father which I think is important. He's does this perfectly and naturally."

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old is delighted that he joined up with the Vodafone Park side."When Besiktas came to me with their offer and their project, it grabbed my attention," he said.

"Many, many people sent me messages on social media. I couldn't not go. I couldn't turn my back on all this affection that the people had given me."I said I have to go to Besiktas. It's impossible not to go to Besiktas!"

And it has lived up to the hype for Pepe.“I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like this before. The Turkish people live for football. It’s a passion for them and they show it to their teams with love.”He has played 16 times for his new club, scoring one goal, and is expected to turn out when they tackle Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, having all but qualified for the last 16.

 

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Dybala 'can’t promise' staying at Juventus next season


Juventus star Paulo Dybala has admitted that he does not necessarily see himself staying in Turin for the remainder of his career.

The 24-year-old Argentine was one of Europe’s form players last season and at the beginning of this campaign, which he started by scoring 10 goals in his first six Serie A outings. However, he has cooled off by netting just twice in his last seven.

Nevertheless, he is still held in the highest esteem and is considered to be a player the like of which Barcelona and Manchester United may be interested in.Dybala, for his part, has not committed to spending his career with the defending Serie A champions.

“I don’t know if I’ll be at Juventus for life and I can’t even say that this will not be my last year in Turin,” he admitted to France Football.While it is Dybala’s ultimate aim to win the Ballon d’Or, he accepts that he is still some distance behind his idol Lionel Messi, a player he has been compared with.

“I’ve always admired Ronaldinho, but Leo is like Diego Maradona for our generation,” he said. “It’s an honour to play with him in the national team. He dragged us to the World Cup with his hat-trick against Ecuador and is a born leader.

“Being called the ‘new Messi’ is not bad for a player, but it depends how you take it. Some don’t carry it well, but I’m happy and I go onto the park focused to achieve my targets.

“At the moment, Neymar is closer to winning the Ballon d’Or than me, closer to the level of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I have to work to improve and win trophies. Once in front of a bonfire, among friends, we all expressed our deepest desire: mine was to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Dybala will expect to meet Messi on the field on Wednesday again, when Juve clash with Barcelona in the Champions League.