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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
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Manchester United attack ekak thibbema nahane 1st half
Thanikarama One way traffic ekak thibbe
Good luck for the 2nd half Manchester United!
2nd Half Manchester United dunnu effort ekanam hodai but too little too late
De Gea ge saves tikath patta
nathnam margin eka meetath wada loku wenna thibba.& next Everton home.Good luck for the next match Manchester United!
Manchester United 0 Juventus 1: Dybala downs Mourinho's men on Ronaldo's return
Paulo Dybala scored the only goal as Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a winning return to Old Trafford with Juventus, beating Manchester United 1-0 in Group H of the Champions League.
Juve, who have won all but one of their games in all competitions this season, were utterly dominant as Jose Mourinho's men delivered another disappointing display on Tuesday.Ronaldo was involved in Dybala's winner, sending in a right-wing cross that ran into the forward's path off a combination of Chris Smalling and Juan Cuadrado.
And although United improved after the interval - Paul Pogba hitting the post with a late curling shot - they were grateful to David de Gea for keeping the score down, the Spain goalkeeper making a world-class stop to keep out Ronaldo.
Dybala flashed an early header wide and former Juve star Pogba also wasted an aerial chance, nodding a free-kick from Ashley Young straight at Wojciech Szczesny.But Juve struck in the 17th minute when Ronaldo's delivery from out wide deflected kindly for Argentina attacker Dybala to tuck away his fourth Champions League goal of the season.
De Gea denied Joao Cancelo before making a double save as Juve continued to press, blocking a viciously swerving Ronaldo free-kick and then saving from Blaise Matuidi on the rebound.The United goalkeeper was busy again after the break, making a wonderful save high to his left to keep out Ronaldo's thunderous effort, while the hosts toiled at the other end.
Pogba almost snatched an undeserved point, his 75th-minute strike clipping the woodwork and bouncing clear off the diving Szczesny, but the Serie A champions held on to darken Mourinho's mood.
Real Madrid 2 Viktoria Plzen 1: Benzema and Marcelo's goals give holders first win in six
Karim Benzema and Marcelo scored as under-pressure Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui saw his team beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 for their first win in six.Lopetegui is rumoured to be on the brink of the sack at the Santiago Bernabeu after a dismal run in all competitions, but there was a timely victory for the reigning Champions League holders on Tuesday, albeit in unconvincing fashion.
While Plzen largely gave as good as they got, the recalled Benzema crucially broke the deadlock, scoring in a 14th consecutive Champions League season with a powerful early header.
A second from Marcelo followed, yet Patrik Hrosovsky pulled a goal back and Barcelona, Madrid's next opponents, would certainly have identified weaknesses ahead of El Clasico, which could have a huge bearing on Lopetegui's future.
Benzema provided a rare clinical moment in a first half packed with wasted chances, storming onto Lucas Vazquez's cross to open the scoring after 11 minutes.Sergio Ramos had already nodded against the post and both Benzema and Isco failed to add to Madrid's advantage, the latter twice passing up opportunities inside the area.
There were clear openings at the other end too, though, with Plzen preying on Vazquez's poor positioning at right-back and going close on three occasions through Milan Petrzela, David Limbersky and Hrosovsky, who failed to hit the target with the goal gaping.
Jeers from the home crowd greeted missed chances at either end, the Madrid fans frustrated by their own side's profligacy and the ease with which their opponents marched forwards, while the early substitution of Isco was unpopular too.
Gareth Bale's flick teed up Marcelo for a dinked second goal to prompt some belated cheer in the stands, but Hrosovsky's long run and finish ensured a tense conclusion for both the supporters and Lopetegui, who would have been relieved to see his men claim three points.
Karim Benzema and Marcelo scored as under-pressure Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui saw his team beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 for their first win in six.Lopetegui is rumoured to be on the brink of the sack at the Santiago Bernabeu after a dismal run in all competitions, but there was a timely victory for the reigning Champions League holders on Tuesday, albeit in unconvincing fashion.
While Plzen largely gave as good as they got, the recalled Benzema crucially broke the deadlock, scoring in a 14th consecutive Champions League season with a powerful early header.
A second from Marcelo followed, yet Patrik Hrosovsky pulled a goal back and Barcelona, Madrid's next opponents, would certainly have identified weaknesses ahead of El Clasico, which could have a huge bearing on Lopetegui's future.
Benzema provided a rare clinical moment in a first half packed with wasted chances, storming onto Lucas Vazquez's cross to open the scoring after 11 minutes.Sergio Ramos had already nodded against the post and both Benzema and Isco failed to add to Madrid's advantage, the latter twice passing up opportunities inside the area.
There were clear openings at the other end too, though, with Plzen preying on Vazquez's poor positioning at right-back and going close on three occasions through Milan Petrzela, David Limbersky and Hrosovsky, who failed to hit the target with the goal gaping.
Jeers from the home crowd greeted missed chances at either end, the Madrid fans frustrated by their own side's profligacy and the ease with which their opponents marched forwards, while the early substitution of Isco was unpopular too.
Gareth Bale's flick teed up Marcelo for a dinked second goal to prompt some belated cheer in the stands, but Hrosovsky's long run and finish ensured a tense conclusion for both the supporters and Lopetegui, who would have been relieved to see his men claim three points.
Shakhtar Donetsk 0 Manchester City 3: Silva sparkle to dominant display
Manchester City cruised closer to Champions League knockout qualification as their fine form continued with a convincing 3-0 victory away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
Comprehensive 5-0 winners over Burnley on the weekend, the Premier League champions were just as dominant in Ukraine with two first-half goals key to inflicting Shakhtar's first home defeat to an English side in Europe.
David Silva, who hit the winner against Hoffenheim three weeks ago, broke the deadlock on 30 minutes and was quickly joined on the scoresheet by Aymeric Laporte.
Bernardo Silva added gloss just over a minute after stepping off the bench in the second half as Pep Guardiola's side, who welcomed Kevin De Bruyne into the starting XI for the first time this term, moved top of Group F after Lyon's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim.City's finishing initially lacked the conviction to match their dominance as Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez passed up fine opportunities to open the scoring.
David Silva next saw a cute close-range attempt come back off the post but the midfielder did not have to wait long for his goal, volleying in after Jesus' deflected shot looped up kindly.
Shakhtar's defensive disorganisation was punished a second time five minutes later with an unmarked Laporte gleefully heading home De Bruyne's corner.Ismaily's desperate sliding intervention denied David Silva a second soon after the restart before the Brazilian left-back drew a rare save from Ederson at the other end.
But any remote threat of a comeback was extinguished when Mahrez teed up Bernardo Silva for a measured bottom-corner finish 20 minutes from time, while the crossbar kept Raheem Sterling from adding further damage in the dying moments.
Manchester City cruised closer to Champions League knockout qualification as their fine form continued with a convincing 3-0 victory away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
Comprehensive 5-0 winners over Burnley on the weekend, the Premier League champions were just as dominant in Ukraine with two first-half goals key to inflicting Shakhtar's first home defeat to an English side in Europe.
David Silva, who hit the winner against Hoffenheim three weeks ago, broke the deadlock on 30 minutes and was quickly joined on the scoresheet by Aymeric Laporte.
Bernardo Silva added gloss just over a minute after stepping off the bench in the second half as Pep Guardiola's side, who welcomed Kevin De Bruyne into the starting XI for the first time this term, moved top of Group F after Lyon's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim.City's finishing initially lacked the conviction to match their dominance as Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez passed up fine opportunities to open the scoring.
David Silva next saw a cute close-range attempt come back off the post but the midfielder did not have to wait long for his goal, volleying in after Jesus' deflected shot looped up kindly.
Shakhtar's defensive disorganisation was punished a second time five minutes later with an unmarked Laporte gleefully heading home De Bruyne's corner.Ismaily's desperate sliding intervention denied David Silva a second soon after the restart before the Brazilian left-back drew a rare save from Ederson at the other end.
But any remote threat of a comeback was extinguished when Mahrez teed up Bernardo Silva for a measured bottom-corner finish 20 minutes from time, while the crossbar kept Raheem Sterling from adding further damage in the dying moments.
Roma 3 CSKA Moscow 0: Dzeko turns on the style
Edin Dzeko continued his fine run of form in the Champions League by scoring twice and setting up another to lead Roma to a 3-0 victory over CSKA Moscow in Group G.
Following a hat-trick in Roma's last Champions League outing against Viktoria Plzen, Dzeko was at his best again on Tuesday, taking the game away from CSKA – who beat defending champions Real Madrid in their previous outing – in the space of 13 first-half minutes.
Having rounded off a superb passing move for Roma's opener, the Bosnia-Herzegovina striker doubled the hosts' tally with a typically composed finish in the 43rd minute.
Dzeko was not done there, though, claiming an assist five minutes into the second half when Cengiz Under hammered home to wrap up the points and move Roma
up to second.Eusebio Di Francesco's side were second best early on but went ahead on the half-hour mark, Dzeko nudging home from Lorenzo Pellegrini's cutback at the culmination of an exquisite team move.
An under-hit pass towards Under stopped the former Manchester City striker from turning provider, while the impressive Nikola Vlasic tested Robin Olsen at the other end.
But Roma got their second when Stephan El Shaarawy teed up Dzeko, who made no mistake with a first-time effort into the bottom-left corner.Roma showed no signs of slowing down after the restart and made it three when Under thumped in a half-volley from Dzeko's knock-down.
Dzeko sent a header from inside the six-yard box wide to miss out on his hat-trick and a tremendous stop from Ilya Pomazun stopped Alessandro Florenzi from making the victory even more comprehensive in the 92nd minute.
Edin Dzeko continued his fine run of form in the Champions League by scoring twice and setting up another to lead Roma to a 3-0 victory over CSKA Moscow in Group G.
Following a hat-trick in Roma's last Champions League outing against Viktoria Plzen, Dzeko was at his best again on Tuesday, taking the game away from CSKA – who beat defending champions Real Madrid in their previous outing – in the space of 13 first-half minutes.
Having rounded off a superb passing move for Roma's opener, the Bosnia-Herzegovina striker doubled the hosts' tally with a typically composed finish in the 43rd minute.
Dzeko was not done there, though, claiming an assist five minutes into the second half when Cengiz Under hammered home to wrap up the points and move Roma
up to second.Eusebio Di Francesco's side were second best early on but went ahead on the half-hour mark, Dzeko nudging home from Lorenzo Pellegrini's cutback at the culmination of an exquisite team move.
An under-hit pass towards Under stopped the former Manchester City striker from turning provider, while the impressive Nikola Vlasic tested Robin Olsen at the other end.
But Roma got their second when Stephan El Shaarawy teed up Dzeko, who made no mistake with a first-time effort into the bottom-left corner.Roma showed no signs of slowing down after the restart and made it three when Under thumped in a half-volley from Dzeko's knock-down.
Dzeko sent a header from inside the six-yard box wide to miss out on his hat-trick and a tremendous stop from Ilya Pomazun stopped Alessandro Florenzi from making the victory even more comprehensive in the 92nd minute.
Hoffenheim 3 Lyon 3: Joelinton rescues a point after Kramaric's double
Joelinton scored in stoppage time as Hoffenheim left it late to grab a dramatic 3-3 draw against Champions League rivals Lyon on Tuesday.Julian Nagelsmann's side had looked to be on their way to a second Group F defeat after Memphis Depay had coolly slotted home after 67 minutes, but substitute Joelinton had other ideas, tapping into an empty net right at the death of a pulsating game.
Bertrand Traore had put the French side ahead after 26 minutes before two goals from Andrej Kramaric had Hoffenheim on course for their first ever Champions League win.
Tanguy Ndombele and Depay then struck for the visitors against the run of play, but Joelinton's dramatic late intervention secured a deserved point for his side.
Kevin Vogt's moment of madness gifted the visitors a 26th-minute lead as he made a mess of returning Oliver Baumann's short goal-kick, allowing Traore to nip in, nudge the ball away from the advancing Hoffenheim keeper and slot into an empty net.The home side responded well to that setback, though, and were level just six minutes later when Kramaric controlled Pavel Kaderabek's header on his chest at the back post and fired past Anthony Lopes from close range.
Hoffenheim picked up where they left off after the restart, Kramaric again taking down a cross on his chest and clipping a half volley past Lopes from 10 yards for his second of the contest in the 47th minute.
Despite the Bundesliga team’s dominance, Lyon pulled level after 59 minutes when Ndombele latched onto Traore's incisive through ball and unleashed a fizzing effort from an acute angle that Baumann could only deflect into the roof of his own net.Depay then thought he had secured all three points for his side eight minutes later, steering past Baumann with his left foot after latching onto a long ball.
Hoffenheim's hopes looked to have ended when Vogt inexplicably headed wide from six yards out late on, only for Joelinton to convert Nico Schulz's low cross in the second additional minute.
Joelinton scored in stoppage time as Hoffenheim left it late to grab a dramatic 3-3 draw against Champions League rivals Lyon on Tuesday.Julian Nagelsmann's side had looked to be on their way to a second Group F defeat after Memphis Depay had coolly slotted home after 67 minutes, but substitute Joelinton had other ideas, tapping into an empty net right at the death of a pulsating game.
Bertrand Traore had put the French side ahead after 26 minutes before two goals from Andrej Kramaric had Hoffenheim on course for their first ever Champions League win.
Tanguy Ndombele and Depay then struck for the visitors against the run of play, but Joelinton's dramatic late intervention secured a deserved point for his side.
Kevin Vogt's moment of madness gifted the visitors a 26th-minute lead as he made a mess of returning Oliver Baumann's short goal-kick, allowing Traore to nip in, nudge the ball away from the advancing Hoffenheim keeper and slot into an empty net.The home side responded well to that setback, though, and were level just six minutes later when Kramaric controlled Pavel Kaderabek's header on his chest at the back post and fired past Anthony Lopes from close range.
Hoffenheim picked up where they left off after the restart, Kramaric again taking down a cross on his chest and clipping a half volley past Lopes from 10 yards for his second of the contest in the 47th minute.
Despite the Bundesliga team’s dominance, Lyon pulled level after 59 minutes when Ndombele latched onto Traore's incisive through ball and unleashed a fizzing effort from an acute angle that Baumann could only deflect into the roof of his own net.Depay then thought he had secured all three points for his side eight minutes later, steering past Baumann with his left foot after latching onto a long ball.
Hoffenheim's hopes looked to have ended when Vogt inexplicably headed wide from six yards out late on, only for Joelinton to convert Nico Schulz's low cross in the second additional minute.
Ajax 1 Benfica 0: Last-gasp Mazraoui seals dramatic win
Noussair Mazraoui again proved to be Ajax's man for the big Champions League occasion as his injury-time strike sunk Benfica 1-0 in Amsterdam.
An absorbing encounter looked set to end goalless after Benfica centre-back German Conti and goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos made incredible last-ditch interventions to keep Kasper Dolberg and Donny van de Beek at bay respectively.
But right-back Mazraoui, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich last time out, lashed a deflected effort past Vlachodimos at the death to send the Johan Cruyff ArenA into raptures.
The result leaves Erik ten Hag's side dead level with Bayern at the Group E summit after three games, with both teams on seven points and holding an identical goal difference.
Ajax keeper Andre Onana was busy in the opening five minutes, getting down sharply to his right to deny Rafa Silva and Haris Seferovic.The hosts established control after a frenetic opening and Vlachodimos was out quickly as he thwarted Dolberg on the end of Hakim Ziyech's slide-rule pass.
Benfica continued to threaten but needed an astonishing goal-line clearance from Conti – spinning and produce an acrobatic overhead kick as Dolberg's effort appeared certain to loop into the net – to maintain parity at the break.A pleasing ebb and flow continued during the second period as the twinkle-toed Ziyech sent a 25-yard shot narrowly wide in the 58th minute, immediately preceding an encouraging spell of Benfica pressure.
There were Benfica heroics to match Conti's with 17 minutes to play, as Ziyech dragged the ball back and teed up Van de Beek to crown a sweeping Ajax move.A goal looked inevitable but Vlachodimos had other ideas as he thrust out a strong right arm to produce a stunning reaction save.
When Mazraoui struck at the last, however, he was powerless to intervene.
Noussair Mazraoui again proved to be Ajax's man for the big Champions League occasion as his injury-time strike sunk Benfica 1-0 in Amsterdam.
An absorbing encounter looked set to end goalless after Benfica centre-back German Conti and goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos made incredible last-ditch interventions to keep Kasper Dolberg and Donny van de Beek at bay respectively.
But right-back Mazraoui, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich last time out, lashed a deflected effort past Vlachodimos at the death to send the Johan Cruyff ArenA into raptures.
The result leaves Erik ten Hag's side dead level with Bayern at the Group E summit after three games, with both teams on seven points and holding an identical goal difference.
Ajax keeper Andre Onana was busy in the opening five minutes, getting down sharply to his right to deny Rafa Silva and Haris Seferovic.The hosts established control after a frenetic opening and Vlachodimos was out quickly as he thwarted Dolberg on the end of Hakim Ziyech's slide-rule pass.
Benfica continued to threaten but needed an astonishing goal-line clearance from Conti – spinning and produce an acrobatic overhead kick as Dolberg's effort appeared certain to loop into the net – to maintain parity at the break.A pleasing ebb and flow continued during the second period as the twinkle-toed Ziyech sent a 25-yard shot narrowly wide in the 58th minute, immediately preceding an encouraging spell of Benfica pressure.
There were Benfica heroics to match Conti's with 17 minutes to play, as Ziyech dragged the ball back and teed up Van de Beek to crown a sweeping Ajax move.A goal looked inevitable but Vlachodimos had other ideas as he thrust out a strong right arm to produce a stunning reaction save.
When Mazraoui struck at the last, however, he was powerless to intervene.
AEK Athens 0 Bayern Munich 2: Lewandowski helps to further ease Kovac woes
Quickfire second-half goals from Javi Martinez and Robert Lewandowski secured a routine 2-0 win for Bayern Munich over AEK Athens in Champions League Group E.
The Bundesliga champions hogged possession but generally laboured against a deep-lying home defence during the opening 45 minutes.Their patience was belatedly rewarded in the 61st minute as Martinez netted in opportunistic fashion.
Lewandowski proved a more familiar goalscoring source two minutes later, moving Niko Kovac's side on to seven points at the halfway point of the round-robin stage.
Former Barcelona defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy cleared a dangerous Serge Gnabry cross behind, with Robert Lewandowski poised to tap in, although Bayern's dominance of possession early on did not mean plentiful opportunities.Ezequiel Ponce kept the Bundesliga champions on their toes by stealing in between Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule to slash just wide in the 20th minute.
James Rodriguez failed to pick out Lewandowski for a seemingly certain goal following some terrible AEK defending and it remained goalless at the break after the lively Gnabry thumped into the side netting.The hosts tentatively showed a little more attacking ambition in the second period – Viktor Klonaridis sending an overhead kick wide before the hour.
Neverthless, they fell behind when Martinez volleyed home. The Spain midfielder reacted quickest after Arjen Robben's shot from Hummels' cutback was blocked.
Lewandowski tapped into an unguarded net from point-blank range following a lovely link-up between Rafinha and Gnabry.
The Poland star almost had his second when AEK goalkeeper Vasillios Barkas allowed a flicked effort to squirm underneath him before recovering to grasp the ball on the goal-line.
Quickfire second-half goals from Javi Martinez and Robert Lewandowski secured a routine 2-0 win for Bayern Munich over AEK Athens in Champions League Group E.
The Bundesliga champions hogged possession but generally laboured against a deep-lying home defence during the opening 45 minutes.Their patience was belatedly rewarded in the 61st minute as Martinez netted in opportunistic fashion.
Lewandowski proved a more familiar goalscoring source two minutes later, moving Niko Kovac's side on to seven points at the halfway point of the round-robin stage.
Former Barcelona defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy cleared a dangerous Serge Gnabry cross behind, with Robert Lewandowski poised to tap in, although Bayern's dominance of possession early on did not mean plentiful opportunities.Ezequiel Ponce kept the Bundesliga champions on their toes by stealing in between Mats Hummels and Niklas Sule to slash just wide in the 20th minute.
James Rodriguez failed to pick out Lewandowski for a seemingly certain goal following some terrible AEK defending and it remained goalless at the break after the lively Gnabry thumped into the side netting.The hosts tentatively showed a little more attacking ambition in the second period – Viktor Klonaridis sending an overhead kick wide before the hour.
Neverthless, they fell behind when Martinez volleyed home. The Spain midfielder reacted quickest after Arjen Robben's shot from Hummels' cutback was blocked.
Lewandowski tapped into an unguarded net from point-blank range following a lovely link-up between Rafinha and Gnabry.
The Poland star almost had his second when AEK goalkeeper Vasillios Barkas allowed a flicked effort to squirm underneath him before recovering to grasp the ball on the goal-line.
Young Boys 1 Valencia 1: Hoarau penalty denies Marcelino's men
Guillaume Hoarau scored Young Boys' first Champions League goal as the Swiss side came from behind to deny Valencia in a 1-1 draw at Stade de Suisse.Both teams came into the game without a goal to their name in Group H, but Michy Batshuayi's second of the season gave Valencia a first-half lead.
Veteran striker Hoarau struck from the spot 10 minutes into the second half, and Champions League debutants Young Boys looked like the more likely side to grab a winner.
Sekou Sanogo saw a late header turned on to the post for Young Boys, the result leaving both sides without a victory after three games, with Manchester United hosting Juventus in the group's other game later on Tuesday.Miralem Sulejmani's swerving free-kick for the hosts was comfortably saved by Neto in the only notable chance of the early stages, before Valencia moved ahead after 26 minutes.
To conclude a neat passing move, Carlos Soler's flicked pass released Batshuayi, who took two touches to breeze past goalkeeper Marco Wolfli's rush from the line and side-foot into the empty net from six yards.
Young Boys made a fast start after the break with Christian Fassnacht's header saved by a sprawling Neto and Kevin Mbabu firing wide from a presentable chance.
And they were awarded a penalty when Djibril Sow was felled by a rash challenge from Valencia captain Dani Parejo, Hoarau sending Neto the wrong way with a low spot-kick.
It took a good Neto stop to deny a Fassnacht strike on the break, while substitute Moumi Ngamaleu had a header saved as Young Boys finished strongly.And the hosts thought they had a famous win with two minutes remaining, only for Neto to somehow tip Sanogo's header onto the post.
Guillaume Hoarau scored Young Boys' first Champions League goal as the Swiss side came from behind to deny Valencia in a 1-1 draw at Stade de Suisse.Both teams came into the game without a goal to their name in Group H, but Michy Batshuayi's second of the season gave Valencia a first-half lead.
Veteran striker Hoarau struck from the spot 10 minutes into the second half, and Champions League debutants Young Boys looked like the more likely side to grab a winner.
Sekou Sanogo saw a late header turned on to the post for Young Boys, the result leaving both sides without a victory after three games, with Manchester United hosting Juventus in the group's other game later on Tuesday.Miralem Sulejmani's swerving free-kick for the hosts was comfortably saved by Neto in the only notable chance of the early stages, before Valencia moved ahead after 26 minutes.
To conclude a neat passing move, Carlos Soler's flicked pass released Batshuayi, who took two touches to breeze past goalkeeper Marco Wolfli's rush from the line and side-foot into the empty net from six yards.
Young Boys made a fast start after the break with Christian Fassnacht's header saved by a sprawling Neto and Kevin Mbabu firing wide from a presentable chance.
And they were awarded a penalty when Djibril Sow was felled by a rash challenge from Valencia captain Dani Parejo, Hoarau sending Neto the wrong way with a low spot-kick.
It took a good Neto stop to deny a Fassnacht strike on the break, while substitute Moumi Ngamaleu had a header saved as Young Boys finished strongly.And the hosts thought they had a famous win with two minutes remaining, only for Neto to somehow tip Sanogo's header onto the post.
Guardiola claims Man City produced best showing of his reign against Shakhtar
Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's slick first-half display in the 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as the best of his time in charge.City became the first English team to win away to Shakhtar in Europe as they capitalised on Lyon's draw at Hoffenheim to go top of Group F.
David Silva and Aymeric Laporte scored inside 35 minutes and the margin would have been greater had Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez been sharper in the opening exchanges.
Bernardo Silva's strike after the break rounded off a polished display that delighted Guardiola, who before the match had openly doubted his team's chances of winning the competition."Incredible. Our first half was the best first half we have played in the last three seasons," the City boss said of the performance.
"We were under a lot of pressure after our defeat against Lyon. Our result in the last minutes at Hoffenheim [means] we are in a good position and now we can control our destiny."What pleases me the most is the way we played. The result is excellent, because we saw in the second half what Shakhtar can do. They pushed us a lot and they always have talented players.
"Winning away is so important and we will enjoy this victory tonight and in the next days."City could conceivably qualify for the knockout rounds when these teams meet again at Etihad Stadium in two weeks' time.
Defeat there would leave bottom-placed Shakhtar on the brink of missing out on a top-two spot and head coach Paulo Fonseca is already braced for a tough occasion in the return fixture.
"It will be even harder to play City in Manchester," he said."But we will fight until the end and try to earn some points. We play to win every game and the upcoming one will be no different."
Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's slick first-half display in the 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as the best of his time in charge.City became the first English team to win away to Shakhtar in Europe as they capitalised on Lyon's draw at Hoffenheim to go top of Group F.
David Silva and Aymeric Laporte scored inside 35 minutes and the margin would have been greater had Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez been sharper in the opening exchanges.
Bernardo Silva's strike after the break rounded off a polished display that delighted Guardiola, who before the match had openly doubted his team's chances of winning the competition."Incredible. Our first half was the best first half we have played in the last three seasons," the City boss said of the performance.
"We were under a lot of pressure after our defeat against Lyon. Our result in the last minutes at Hoffenheim [means] we are in a good position and now we can control our destiny."What pleases me the most is the way we played. The result is excellent, because we saw in the second half what Shakhtar can do. They pushed us a lot and they always have talented players.
"Winning away is so important and we will enjoy this victory tonight and in the next days."City could conceivably qualify for the knockout rounds when these teams meet again at Etihad Stadium in two weeks' time.
Defeat there would leave bottom-placed Shakhtar on the brink of missing out on a top-two spot and head coach Paulo Fonseca is already braced for a tough occasion in the return fixture.
"It will be even harder to play City in Manchester," he said."But we will fight until the end and try to earn some points. We play to win every game and the upcoming one will be no different."
Mourinho: Juventus at a different level to Man UtdJose Mourinho was fulsome in his praise for experienced Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci after they helped a side at "a different level" to shut out Manchester United in the Champions League.
Paulo Dybala's 17th-minute goal was enough to extend Juve's perfect Group H record to three wins from three on Tuesday as Cristiano Ronaldo made a winning return to Old Trafford.
United struggled to break the Serie A champions down, although Paul Pogba hit the post with a late effort that rebounded to safety off Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Bonucci revealed in the build-up to the match he turned down the chance to sign for United as he instead opted to rejoin Juve after a single year with AC Milan.
And Mourinho was clear that Italy defenders Chiellini and Bonucci made the difference against United, who have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions."In the other side was huge quality and sometimes when we speak about quality people look for Cristiano, Dybala or [Miralem] Pjanic," Mourinho said to BT Sport .
"But in a top team you have to look to Chiellini and Bonucci, Juventus are this kind of team when they are in front it's very, very difficult for them to concede."Our attacking players were not with, I say it in a funny way, 'honey in their feet', but everyone tried and everyone was strong to try to the end.
"Juventus felt it and instead of their control in the first half they had to defend and added an extra central defender [Andrea Barzagli] to the amazing Chiellini and Bonucci."Really difficult for us. I thought before and during the game we could take something but we couldn't manage to score."
Mourinho appeared to aim another barb at United's board for not investing in defenders as he expanded on his praise for Juve's defensive duo."I have to say they [Juve] are a different level and if people don't want to accept that it's their problem," Mourinho added.
"They are a different level of stability, experience and knowhow and at the base of the team they have Bonucci and Chiellini, it allows them to play with the freedom in attack, creating and losing the ball, 'no problem, we are here'.
"With the effort of the boys we deserved a draw but it was not possible. I have no complaints with my boys, a positive feeling to the effort, and on Sunday we have another match."
United return to action in the Premier League against Everton on Sunday.
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'All journalists try to hurt us' – Marcelo blames jealousy for media criticism
Marcelo blamed jealousy on the part of the media for talks of a crisis at Real Madrid following a slow start to life under Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui's future in Madrid has come under fire following a five-match winless streak, though Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen offered some respite for the La Liga giants.
Madrid sit level on points with Roma at the top of Group G following Tuesday's win, but sit four points back of league leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
And the former Spain head coach's position is still believed to be in doubt, but the Madrid left-back was quick to share his belief that the talks of crisis were down to "envy" from observers who don't play the game.
"It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad," said Marcelo, who scored in the much-needed triumph."All journalists try to hurt us, maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."The Brazilian also came strongly to the backing of his manager, saying: "In my view, he's doing a great job."
Marcelo was forced off in the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Brazil international sustained a knock.
The 30-year-old, however, allayed fears that he would be missing out as his club faced off with rivals Barcelona.
"I feel good now. I took a hard blow and referees have to see those things," Marcelo said.Madrid boss Lopetegui also sounded hopeful that he would have his star defender back on Sunday.
"We must wait, it seems a very hard blow, not a muscle problem," he said. "I hope we can have him on Sunday."
Marcelo blamed jealousy on the part of the media for talks of a crisis at Real Madrid following a slow start to life under Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui's future in Madrid has come under fire following a five-match winless streak, though Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen offered some respite for the La Liga giants.
Madrid sit level on points with Roma at the top of Group G following Tuesday's win, but sit four points back of league leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
And the former Spain head coach's position is still believed to be in doubt, but the Madrid left-back was quick to share his belief that the talks of crisis were down to "envy" from observers who don't play the game.
"It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad," said Marcelo, who scored in the much-needed triumph."All journalists try to hurt us, maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."The Brazilian also came strongly to the backing of his manager, saying: "In my view, he's doing a great job."
Marcelo was forced off in the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Brazil international sustained a knock.
The 30-year-old, however, allayed fears that he would be missing out as his club faced off with rivals Barcelona.
"I feel good now. I took a hard blow and referees have to see those things," Marcelo said.Madrid boss Lopetegui also sounded hopeful that he would have his star defender back on Sunday.
"We must wait, it seems a very hard blow, not a muscle problem," he said. "I hope we can have him on Sunday."
Mourinho concerned by Lukaku's extended goal droughtManchester United manager Jose Mourinho admitted he is concerned by Romelu Lukaku's goal drought after another blank against Juventus in the Champions League.
Lukaku and United were toothless as they were outclassed 1-0 by Juve at Old Trafford on Tuesday . The Belgian striker's scoreless streak for the club reached eight matches.The 25-year-old has scored four goals this season – all in the Premier League – though he has not found the back of the net since September 15 against Watford.
And Manchester United have won just two of the eight matches since his last goal and now sit five points back of Juventus in Champions League Group H and nine points back of cross-town rivals and league leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table.
The loss of form has left Mourinho concerned, though the Old Trafford boss remains committed to the Belgian as his lead striker. "Yeah," Mourinho replied when asked if he was concerned by Lukaku's impotence. "No critics at all, a complete understanding the player is a fantastic professional that wants to give everything for the team, but I have to agree his moment is not sweet.
"Not just with the goals that he is not scoring but also in his confidence, in his movement, in his touch, he is not linking the game well with the team. But he's our striker and a good striker and a striker we believe in."Could I play [Marcus] Rashford there? But then I don't have a winger because in this moment we are in this difficult situation.
"He [Lukaku] is a hard-working guy, is a good professional, but one day the goal will arrive and the confidence will be back."
Mourinho will hope to see the 25-year-old back at his best soon. Bournemouth and Everton are up next in the Premier League before the return clash against Juventus in the Champions and a league derby clash against Pep Guardiola's City.
Mourinho suggests Man Utd must spend to rejoin European eliteJose Mourinho hinted he believes Manchester United must spend big to rejoin Europe's elite after they were beaten at home by Juventus in the Champions League.
A Paulo Dybala goal in the first half was enough to secure a third straight Group H victory for Juve, who are five points clear of nearest rivals United in the section.The scoreline did not reflect Juve's dominance at Old Trafford , however, with David de Gea making a wonderful one-handed save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo on his United return.
And while former Juve midfielder Paul Pogba hit the post with a late effort, United could not find a way to break down the Serie A champions , with Mourinho hailing the performances of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
"Juventus are champions for seven years, I think seven years in a row, two Champions League finals in the last four or five years and not happy with what they have, they want more, they want more," Mourinho said at his post-match news conference.
"They had [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Mario] Mandzukic, Dybala, they want more. They want Ronaldo. They had [Andrea] Barzagli, Chiellini, [Daniele] Rugani, they are not happy, they want more, they want Bonucci. And they go for the best players in the world.
"So big, big club with a big past but with also a big desire to have a big future and everything they put there to try to win, I don't say the Champions League, I think to win the treble, that's what they want.
"Because normally they win at home. But the treble until now, unfortunately for these fellows on the other side, is our [Mourinho's former club Inter's] treble, yet I think they are really close to it."
Responding to another question about United's progress, Mourinho added: "To go to the Juventus level? Barcelona level? Real Madrid level? How can you reach that level? Manchester City level? How can you reach this level?
"Yes [with the best players]. It is not also easy. Because many of the players they belong to these top teams, so we work with what we have and we try to improve with what we have. For example, today the way I say amazing Chiellini and amazing Bonucci, I have to say Chris [Smalling] and Victor [Lindelof] had a very positive game.
"It is the first time Victor plays a game of this dimension, Victor had a positive game, Luke Shaw - Champions League at this level of match - so good experience for some of the boys. [Marcus] Rashford, [Anthony] Martial, [Romelu] Lukaku, I think it's the second season he plays in the Champions League too.
"So we work, we work hard, we try to improve our players but quality is quality. And, again, I repeat quality in football is everywhere, when I say quality I don't say just a creative player or just a beautiful player. Chiellini and Bonucci beautiful, absolutely beautiful. But my boys, so happy with what they did."
