..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Super Cup loss doesn't change Real Madrid transfer policy, says Lopetegui


Julen Lopetegui says losing to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup does not mean Real Madrid will decide to sign new players.

The former Spain head coach saw his new club downed 4-2 in Tallinn on Wednesday, Diego Costa's double and extra-time goals from Saul Niguez and Koke securing Atletico a famous win over their Madrid rivals.

Champions League winners Madrid have lost talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to Serie A titleholders Juventus and Luka Modric has also been linked with a move to Italy – Inter coach Luciano Spalletti confirming their interest in the World Cup Golden Ball winner.

Although traditionally among Europe's biggest spenders, Madrid have had a quiet transfer market despite being linked to stars including Eden Hazard, Mauro Icardi and Robert Lewandowski.

No Ronaldo replacement appears imminent at the Santiago Bernabeu and Lopetegui indicated there will be no panic buys after Atletico's victory in Estonia's capital."What was outlined by the club's sports policy does not change by this final," Lopetegui said to Movistar. "Now La Liga starts, which is a very important title for me, and we have to start well.

"We were playing well in extra time, we are dominating, combining, playing together, with good feelings, and after 3-2 the game has changed, problems have appeared and we have looked for solutions with risky decisions.

"In a final the difference is marked by mistakes that can be taken advantage of and Atletico are experts in that. They have punished us and we have to congratulate them because they have won deservedly."

Diego Simeone's seventh title ensures the Argentinean is now the most successful coach in Atletico's history, eclipsing Luis Aragones.But Simeone is already focused on the start of the LaLiga season, with Atletico in action at Valencia on Monday.

"Today we have to enjoy, no doubt - when we have to lose, we suffer, we cry, we get angry, we lock ourselves in," Simeone told Movistar."From tomorrow night we will start thinking about the league, which is going to be a very hard season.

"More titles this season? Everyone knows me: Valencia."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hamburg 1 Bayern Munich 4: Wagner and Muller hit braces in comeback victory


Sandro Wagner and Thomas Muller scored a brace each as Bayern Munich continued their preparations for the new Bundesliga season by coming from behind to beat Hamburg 4-1 at Volksparkstadion.

After Khaled Narey gave a lively Hamburg side the lead, the German champions hit back with two first-half goals from Wagner and two more after the break from substitute Muller to make sure of victory ahead of Saturday's DFB-Pokal clash against SV Drochtersen/Assel.

Bayern, on the back of their 5-0 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFL-Supercup, lined up with Renato Sanches and Leon Goretzka in midfield, while Ivan Mihaljevic, Maxime Awoudja and Derrick Kohn started in a youthful defence.



Hamburg began the match at a frenetic pace and deservedly took the lead after 24 minutes when Lewis Holtby expertly controlled a loose ball in the Bayern box and squared to Narey, who slotted it beneath Manuel Neuer and into the net from close range.Bayern drew level after Kingsley Coman was brought down on his way into the box on 30 minutes and Wagner dispatched the subsequent penalty low into the bottom left corner.

Wagner put Bayern ahead 10 minutes later, deftly flicking Goretzka's cross into the far corner with the outside of his right foot from a near-post position on the edge of the six-yard box.

Bayern coach Niko Kovac sent on Franck Ribery, Muller and Joshua Kimmich for the second half, and Coman went close to making it three after Goretzka played him in with a back-heeled cross.

Two of Kovac's substitutes combined to good effect after 72 minutes when Maximilian Franzke's low cross found the toes of Muller, who poked the ball into the net at the near post from point-blank range.

With five minutes left on the clock, Ribery combined with Kimmich down the left flank to tee up Muller for his second, which he drilled low into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box to make the final score more emphatic.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man City star De Bruyne facing months on sidelines with knee injury


Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, Goal understands.

De Bruyne sustained the injury during training on Wednesday and will be fully assessed in the coming days, but he is already on crutches and sources close to the player believe he could be out of action for anywhere between two and three months.It is believed he has injured the lateral ligament in his knee, a more accurate diagnosis is expected later this week.

The Belgian sustained a knee injury in 2016 that kept him on the sidelines for nine weeks.

City will carry out tests at their training ground and they will also send him to see specialist Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, who treats many of the club’s injured players.

Any significant lay-off would come as a serious blow to City’s hopes of successfully defending the Premier League title.The 27-year-old was one of the Blues’ most influential players during their record-breaking 2017-18 campaign.

City failed to sign another midfielder during the summer transfer window but could call upon David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden as alternative options, should De Bruyne’s injury prove to be as bad as feared.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Fulfilled and happy' Croatia hero Subasic retires from international football


Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic has followed Mario Mandzukic and Vedran Corluka into international retirement after a nine-year Croatia career.The 33-year-old revealed his mind was made up prior to a string of impressive performances at the World Cup in Russia.

Vital saves in shootout wins over Denmark and Russia helped Croatia on the way to a place in the final alongside eventual champions France.

Subasic, who won 44 caps in total, felt it was time to make way despite the strong recent form."After 10 years, it's time for me to retire from my favourite jersey," he said in a statement.

"I made my decision before the World Cup because I wanted to finish my career playing at the World Cup, which was my dream."We all have an expiry date, and need to assess how long we can play. Maybe I could have lasted one more campaign, but that would probably be too much.

"In this manner, I want to allow my team-mates, who are waiting for their chance like I did, to make their dreams come true, and play for Croatia. They are Croatia's future."I have given my all, with honour and pride in every match. Maybe there weren't too many, but that's less important.

"What's important is that I am a fulfilled, happy man who played for his country and wore the most beautiful shirt in the world."

Subasic made his international debut in November 2009 while still a Hajduk Split player. He was a squad member at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup before Stipe Pletikosa's retirement led to him becoming number one in time for Euro 2016.

 

[RiFTeR]

Here's your medal,

Courtois be like ... "But, I just came here"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos: Real Madrid will win again


Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has no doubts the European champions will reign supreme again after they suffered UEFA Super Cup defeat against Atletico Madrid.Bragging rights went in favour of city rivals Atletico, who were 4-2 extra-time winners over Madrid in Tallinn on Wednesday.

It was Madrid's first defeat in an international final since 2000 as doubts emerged regarding the state of the team following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus.

However, Ramos – who put Madrid ahead from the penalty spot before Diego Costa's second goal forced extra time in the Estonian capital, where Saul Niguez and Koke sealed the victory – issued a rallying cry via social media.
"We learn something from every defeat. We will make this badge win again," Ramos wrote on Twitter. "No one will doubt it. "#HalaMadrid yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever."

Julen Lopetegui's Madrid open their La Liga campaign against Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Campos 'proud' of links to Manchester United director of football position


Manchester United have not made a formal approach to Luis Campos regarding a proposed director of football role at Old Trafford, but the Portuguese admits he is "proud" to be linked to the club.

The Red Devils are mooting a restructure of the club’s hierarchy, with the introduction of a sporting director role alongside a traditional manager under serious consideration, particularly following a problematic transfer window that has left coach Jose Mourinho frustrated.Campos previously headed up his countryman’s scouting staff during his tenure at Real Madrid before subsequently overseeing the development and recruitment of players like Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Benjamin Mendy at Monaco.

The 53-year-old however stressed that no official contact had been made between himself and United regarding any potential interest in joining up with Mourinho at the Theatre of Dreams.“Manchester United have not spoken to me about this position,” Campos told Yahoo Sport. “But I’m very proud that my name is mentioned as one possibility because Manchester United have such a fantastic history in the world of football.”

Campos is believed to not be the only name under consideration as the Red Devils mull their options, with Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth and AS Roma director of football Monchi among those linked to the role.

Paul Mitchell, the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur head of recruitment who now occupies a similar role at Leipzig, is also thought to be one of the names in the running.But it is expected that Mourinho would prefer Campos above others, given his existing working relationship from their spell in the Spanish capital, particularly after the exit of his long-term assistant Rui Faria.

Expanding upon his duties as the current advisor to the president at Ligue 1 outfit Lille, the Portuguese added: “My function is to make the link with the players, the coach and the board.

“I have developed a large network worldwide. Normally, I build teams by using five players with experience and combining these with big talents who also have the potential to develop inside the club for its future.

“It’s very important for a sports director to make the link with everybody within the club. To create the best infrastructure and provide the best support resources – for recovery, for nutrition, for data on player performance. Everything to help the coach and the players to deliver their best. This is how I work.”

Manchester United opened their new Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City and next face Brighton on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba needs Man Utd captaincy to become next Robson or Keane - Giggs


Paul Pogba boasts the potential to become a midfield general in the Bryan Robson and Roy Keane mould if he retains the Manchester United captaincy, says Ryan Giggs.

Jose Mourinho has passed the armband to the Frenchman in the injury-enforced absence of Antonio Valencia.Pogba will lead the Red Devils out again at Brighton on Sunday , having been branded a “monster” by his boss in the wake of a goal-scoring showing in a season opener against Leicester .

Giggs believes the 25-year-old needs to be given greater responsibility in order to produce his best on a more consistent basis, with the stage now set for a man who has been heavily linked with Barcelona to prove that there really is no rift between him and Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The United legend told Sky Sports : “I think everyone recognises the quality Paul Pogba has and he had an excellent World Cup, so after winning that it was recognition of what he can bring to the team.“From the outside he looks like a leader but what we haven't seen is the consistency of the likes of Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, so that extra responsibility will hopefully help him maintain his levels.

“The captains I played under really had that consistency and would still contribute on their bad days and I've got no doubts that he will reach those levels of consistency for United and be a top, top player.”While Pogba still has plenty to prove in 2018-19, so does club colleague Luke Shaw.

The 23-year-old defender is another to have seen his form called into question on a regular basis in recent years, but he was also on target against Leicester and is being backed to prove his worth now clear of injury and rebuilding his confidence.

Giggs added on the England international: “I've said a lot of times that Luke Shaw has got the quality and he's also got great strength, but he's not really had a real run since the horrific leg break.

“He's had a great pre-season, came back looking fit and a Luke Shaw at the top of his game is the best left-back Manchester United and England have got.“He was unfortunate Ashley Young was so consistent last season, but that's got to serve as a reminder that he's got to keep hold of that place now.

“I'm just happy to see him back fit and scoring goals because I'm a big fan of Luke and he's a great lad as well, so I just hope he has a great season.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola rules out move for Marchisio as De Bruyne cover at Man City


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will not be making a move for Claudio Marchisio following his release by Juventus, despite losing Kevin De Bruyne for up to three months.

The reigning Premier League champions have seen their Belgium international playmaker laid low by knee ligament damage.Covering his absence will not be easy, but City have seen Bernardo Silva start the season in impressive style while namesake David is back in training.

As a result, Guardiola is prepared to keep faith with those already at his disposal, rather than look for reinforcements – with a Juve legend among those to have dropped into the free agent pool.

Quizzed about Marchisio, who has bid farewell to Turin after 25 years, the Catalan coach said: "No. First a big comment for his career - he made an amazing career at Juventus and with the national team."In December, we are going to see what happens in the [next] transfer window but now the squad is the squad."

Guardiola has also suggested that a heavy workload is to blame for De Bruyne suffering an untimely knock.The 27-year-old, who made 52 appearances for City last season, formed part of Belgium’s squad which secured a third-place finish at World Cup 2018 over the summer.

Guardiola said: "Last season Kevin was outstanding in all terms. For him and his family, these long injuries, you never want it. But you accept it as part of the game.

"They don't rest. It was a tough, tough season last season. They come back after a short recovery and we demand in the first moment, 'come on, let's go' because we are in the competition."Of course, the human beings have a limit and sometimes these kind of things happen."

Pressed on whether a lack of rest was a cause of De Bruyne's setback, Guardiola - who lost Ilkay Gundogan and Benjamin Mendy to cruciate ligament damage in each of the past two seasons - responded: "We'll never know, I don't know exactly."But my opinion is that we demand a lot of the players for more than 11 months. Immediately they come back and something like this happens.

"I don't know the reason why, nobody knows, but I'm pretty sure this can influence. When you are fresh here [your head] and fresh in your legs [after] normal vacations and holidays… that doesn't happen right now. Sometimes these things can happen."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Pochettino wouldn't turn down Man Utd' - Tottenham boss could succeed Mourinho, says Jenas


Mauricio Pochettino would likely swap Tottenham for Manchester United if given the chance, claims Jermaine Jenas.

The Argentine tactician has seen his profile rise considerably during a four-year stint in north London, with Spurs transformed into top-four regulars and Premier League title contenders.Those efforts saw Pochettino touted as a possible successor to Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid this summer, but he had already committed to a new deal in England.

Jenas believes the Blancos would appeal to the South American if they came calling again, while it would be difficult to knock back an approach from Old Trafford if Jose Mourinho was to move on.

The former Spurs midfielder told the Daily Star: “I think they’ve been after him for a long time to be honest with you. It’d be a huge test. I think deep down that’s the one Pochettino wants. “There’s only United and Real Madrid that I think really take his fancy.

“When you think about it, Jurgen Klopp’s not going anywhere at Liverpool. Chelsea change their manager every two minutes but the Tottenham and Chelsea thing would ruin everything he’s done at Spurs.

“He already said he won’t go to Barcelona because of the links with Espanyol.
“There’s just two clubs really. I know you’ve got Bayern, PSG and so on but I think he’d prefer to stay in the Premier League or go back to La Liga.

“If that did happen [Mourinho leaves Man Utd], it would not surprise me if United go really hard for Pochettino. And, given what’s happened at Spurs, I’d be surprised if he stayed.”

While tipping Pochettino to leave Spurs at some stage in the near future, Jenas admits walking away with no silverware would be difficult for a man who has worked so hard to transform the fortunes of a success-starved club.He added: “The only sticking point for United is he’s invested so many years at Tottenham.

“I always say to people the way he’s loved by players, handles the football club and handles himself - you don’t see him moan too much - I reckon all the biggest clubs in the world want Pochettino to manage them.

“It’s on his terms when he wants to push that button. “It’s whether he feels there’s a rush and a need in his career to go down that road. “I’m almost certain if he left Tottenham without winning anything, it would leave a horrible taste in his mouth.

“He’d be thinking: ‘Yes, I had a good time, but what did I actually do there?’
“The answer would be he didn’t win a thing. “It would surprise me to see him leave without winning anything because Manchester United and Real are always going to be there whenever he wants the job.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter to sue La Liga president over Modric transfer comments


Inter have confirmed they will take legal action against Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga.

In an interview with ABC, Tebas criticised Inter over the club's pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.Madrid have made a complaint to FIFA accusing Inter of making an illegal approach for the Croatia star and Tebas subsequently weighed into the row.

The La Liga chief suggested Inter had offered Modric "an awful lot of money" despite having "no money", allegations that have angered the Nerazzuri.

"Inter announces that it will take legal action against Mr Javier Tebas in the face of statements made today in the press," read the club's statement.Lega Serie A also hit out at Tebas over the comments he made to ABC."The Lega Serie A is surprised and upset by the declarations of LaLiga president Javier Tebas," said the league's statement.

"These comments were made without having any knowledge, yet damage the reputation and put into doubt the integrity of two Italian clubs and the league."Lega Serie A cannot passively accept comments that use the media to destabilise us on the international stage.

"Serie A clubs operate within the parameters set by all international rules, which is why Lega Serie A is going through a period of great optimism and enthusiasm, shared by media and fans all over the world, who grew exponentially in recent seasons.

"At the start of a season that will bring four Serie A clubs back into the Champions League group phase, we are certain that the rediscovered spirit and prestige of Serie A should not frighten opponents, but rather motivate the European panorama towards new heights of competitiveness and entertainment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.08.18

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.08.18

Cardiff City Vs Newcastle

Everton Vs Southampton

Leicester City Vs Wolves

Tottenham Vs Fulham

West Ham Vs Bournemouth

Chelsea Vs Arsenal

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.08.18

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.08.18

Celta Vigo Vs Espanyol

Villareal Vs Real Sociedad

Barcelona Vs Alaves
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A Fixtures 2018.08.18

Serie A Fixtures 2018.08.18

Chievo Vs Juventus

Lazio Vs Napoli
​

 

[RottenCOLT]

la liga tv eke yanne nahene. data kapan fb ekenlu balanna ona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guingamp 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3: Mbappe returns to inspire comeback

Kylian Mbappe saved the day for Paris Saint-Germain with two late goals as the Ligue 1 champions came from behind to clinch a 3-1 victory over Guingamp.

Following a dismal first-half showing from his side, Thomas Tuchel turned to World Cup winner Mbappe at the interval, and the teenager's introduction paid dividends when he combined with Neymar, who drew a clumsy foul in the area from Jordan Ikoko.

Neymar was far from at his best, but duly netted his second Ligue 1 goal in as many games to cancel out Nolan Roux's opener, with Guingamp having been unlucky to have a second disallowed prior to the interval.

But despite a resilient Guingamp rearguard, Mbappe would have the final say when he twice tucked home in the final eight minutes to keep maintain PSG's 100 per cent start under Tuchel.Having been denied once by a brilliant Gianluigi Buffon save onto the bar, Roux made no mistake in the 20th minute, prodding in his first Guingamp goal.

PSG were fortunate not to be further behind before the half hour - Marcus Coco making a fool of Buffon before squaring to Nicolas Benezet to head in - but, after consultation with VAR, referee Clement Turpin disallowed the goal, possibly for a foul on Colin Dagba.

Mbappe's introduction immediately buoyed PSG, though, and the visitors were level eight minutes after the interval when Neymar sent Karl-Johan Johnsson from the spot.


And France's superstar took matters into his own hands late on - slotting in PSG's second from Angel Di Maria's neat pass before putting the result beyond all doubt with an exquisite chip in the 90th minute.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Ham 1 Bournemouth 2: Wilson, Cook condemn Hammers to successive losses


The early season alarm bells are ringing louder for West Ham after Bournemouth came from behind to win 2-1 at London Stadium on Saturday.

Thrashed 4-0 at Liverpool last weekend, Manuel Pellegrini's side meekly crumbled to a second successive defeat by giving up two soft goals in the space of six second-half minutes.

Callum Wilson cancelled out Marko Arnautovic's first-half penalty with a fine solo effort on the hour and the Cherries' stirring fightback was complete when Steve Cook headed home from a set piece.

Eddie Howe's men, 2-0 winners over Cardiff City seven days ago, have now won four straight Premier League matches for the first time in their history, having signed off from last season with back-to-back victories.

After a subdued start, Javier Hernandez finally tested Asmir Begovic at his near post in the 25th minute, before Lukasz Fabianski came to West Ham's rescue with a superb reactionary save from Wilson's shot on the turn.

David Brooks brilliantly freed Wilson on that occasion and Felipe Anderson soon proved his own eye for a pass, finding the feet of Hernandez who was brought down in the box by Nathan Ake's trailing leg.Arnautovic stepped up to the spot and the Austria forward made no mistake, firing into the bottom-left corner to put his side ahead in the 33rd minute.

The visitors should have had a spot-kick for themselves soon after the restart, but those frustrations disappeared when Wilson took it upon himself to net the equaliser by breezing beyond five static defenders and coolly converting at the end of a splendid individual effort.

So easily unpicked for that goal, the Hammers' sleepy defence was exposed again six minutes later as Cook wrestled past Angelo Ogbonna to nod home Ryan Fraser's free-kick and complete the comeback, ensuring Pellegrini has significant problems to solve at the start of his tenure.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Drochtersen/Assel 0 Bayern Munich 1: Lewandowski spares Bayern's blushes

Robert Lewandowski's goal eight minutes from time spared Bayern Munich’s blushes as they toiled against fourth-tier side Drochtersen/Assel in the DFB-Pokal before winning 1-0.

Niko Kovac named arguably his strongest side possible but his team struggled to create chances against diligent and organised opponents until late on.Thomas Muller thought he had opened the scoring with 12 minutes to go, only for Franck Ribery to be adjudged offside, before Lewandowski finally put Bayern ahead by diverting Leon Goretzka's shot home.

Nevertheless, it was hardly a convincing performance from Kovac's men ahead of their Bundesliga opener next week.
Bayern's big guns had been rolled out at the Kehdinger Stadion but they were limited to few opportunities.Javi Martinez had a header cleared off the line and Mats Hummels nodded over, yet Drochtersen/Assel were otherwise comfortable in the first half.They even threatened themselves when Manuel Neuer, on his 300th Bayern appearance, saved from Florian Nagel with his feet.

It was more of the same after the break and within six minutes Kovac called for Kingsley Coman and Goretzka from the bench.Thiago Alcantara then saw a shaped shot from range crash back off the crossbar and fall the right side of the line from a Drochtersen/Assel perspective.

The fourth-tier side would have welcomed a break to regroup and they got one as Bayern fans threw beachballs and tape onto the pitch in an apparent protest.Play eventually restarted, after substitute Sandro Wagner had appealed for calm, and Bayern lost momentum.

Facing extra-time, Bayern finally had the ball in the net when Muller poked in Coman's cross only for a hurdling Ribery to be deemed offside.Yet Kovac's side found a way through again shortly after. After good work from Ribery, Goretzka fired in a shot and Lewandowski stuck out a leg to divert the ball into the net, as Bayern breathed a sigh of relief.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton 2 Southampton 1: Richarlison continues fine start


Richarlison continued to ingratiate himself to the Everton supporters by scoring in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday.A fee that could reportedly reach £50million raised eyebrows upon Richarlison's arrival from Watford, but he added to his debut double to give Marco Silva his first competitive win at the helm.

The Brazilian converted a cross from Theo Walcott, who opened the scoring against his boyhood club in the 15th minute following a delightfully worked set-piece routine.

Danny Ings, roundly booed by the home fans, pulled one back for Saints on his first start since arriving on loan from Liverpool, but the visitors were unable to salvage a point.

Southampton's sloppy defence was punished when Leighton Baines sent a free-kick short to Morgan Schneiderlin, who flicked a no-look pass through for Walcott to poke past Alex McCarthy.

Everton lost Schneiderlin to injury and matters almost got worse when Jordan Pickford deflected a shot from Ings onto the bar, having initially spilled Cedric Soares' swerving 25-yard drive.

The Toffees nevertheless extended their lead when Richarlison – just two minutes after staying down due to an awkward fall in the box – nodded Walcott's delivery home with a touch off Cedric.Ings had been a consistent threat and he was left in acres of space to sweep home Mario Lemina's flick-on from James Ward-Prowse's corner nine minutes after the restart.

But Southampton could not maintain their momentum and McCarthy kept out Idrissa Gueye with nine minutes remaining as Everton comfortably saw out their first win of the campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Leicester City 2 Wolves 0: Lucky Foxes win despite Vardy red card


Wolves were left ruing their luck after an own goal and a deflected strike consigned them to 2-0 defeat at Leicester City, who had Jamie Vardy sent off.The Premier League new boys looked in good shape to claim their first win of the season as they controlled the first half, hitting the post twice through Joao Moutinho and Raul Jimenez.

But Matt Doherty headed into his own net to undo Wolves' early promise, before James Maddison's strike from the edge of the box found a way beyond Rui Patricio with a touch from Conor Coady.

Vardy was shown the red card for a dangerous challenge on Doherty after 66 minutes, but Wolves were unable to make up ground in a second half of fewer clear-cut opportunities.

Wolves made a bright start and had two chances to go in front inside the opening five minutes.Moutinho fired an effort against the crossbar after the ball was played back to him at the edge of the penalty area, before Doherty was denied from six yards by a Ben Chilwell block when he should have made Leicester pay.

Leicester were left thanking the woodwork once more in the 21st minute, when Raul Jimenez pulled the trigger from 20 yards only to see the ball bounce wide off Kasper Schmeichel after rebounding off the left-hand upright.But, having fluffed his finish at one end earlier in the half, Doherty inadvertently sent a firm header beyond his own goalkeeper at the other after 29 minutes, misjudging a deflected Marc Albrighton cross.

Maddison's effort, which found the bottom corner via a deflection off visiting skipper Coady, will have left Wolves wondering how they were 2-0 down at the end of a half they dominated for so long, and Vardy's dismissal did not prove to be the catalyst for a fightback.