TIG Post

Tag: Champions League

  • Gakpo lauds Liverpool’s unity after a challenging run

    Gakpo lauds Liverpool’s unity after a challenging run

    Cody Gakpo credited Jurgen Klopp’s team’s spirit and camaraderie for Liverpool’s recent improvement in performance, saying: “When it’s difficult, a real team shows up.”

    The first four league games of 2023 saw Liverpool go winless, earning Klopp the harshest criticism of his time as manager at Anfield thus far. However, back-to-back victories have lifted the spirits in Merseyside.

    Last week, Gakpo scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 2-0 victory over Everton, and on Saturday, he added another goal in a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle, another team competing for a spot in the top four.

    Before Real Madrid and Liverpool’s first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, Gakpo made the case that Liverpool’s mini-revival may have occurred at the ideal time.

    “I think it’s difficult to put your finger on something that has really changed, but everyone knows when you’re not winning the games, it’s difficult,” Gakpo said.

    “I think the games we won, we played better than in the games before, and the result is maybe the outcome of the greater intensity we had in those games.”

    “As a newcomer, I sense that the group is really good, we come together and stay together in difficult moments. It was difficult to try to stay positive and keep helping each other, it has helped us go on to better things.

    “When it’s difficult, a real team shows up. This is one of those times. We really stuck together and stayed positive and tried to help each other in the difficult moments.

    “Just in time, we started winning games again, and now we have a big opportunity to show we are back on track.”

    Despite spending the majority of his time with former club PSV stationed on the left flank, Gakpo has largely been used as a central striker since his arrival at Liverpool.

    However, the Netherlands international feels comfortable playing either role, adding: “I played the last three years on the left side, but at the World Cup under Louis van Gaal I already played in the centre.

    “I already tried to adapt to that, and when I came here the coach said it was possible for me to play on the left or in the centre, so I’ll try to adapt quickly to that position and improve.”

  • Man United bid from Qatar raises concerns about PSG’s future

    Man United bid from Qatar raises concerns about PSG’s future

    Concerns have been raised about the potential effects on Paris Saint-Germain, which was taken over by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) more than ten years ago, after it was revealed that a consortium led by a Qatari banker is in the running to buy Manchester United.

    For just 70 million euros ($74.7m at the current exchange rate), QSI, a division of the sovereign wealth fund of the Gulf state of Qatar, acquired control of the French club in 2011.

    PSG is now used by Qatar to project soft power because, while still the dominant club in France, they are also a major player on the European stage and a household name thanks to QSI’s ownership.

    More than 1.5 billion euros have been splashed on transfers over the last dozen years, including the two biggest fees in the history of the game for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in 2017, although all that money has not yet delivered Champions League glory in which Qatar could bask.

    But now the tiny, gas-rich state is aiming even higher with its sights set on United, the most successful club in the history of the most powerful league in the world, with commercial and broadcasting income far greater than what can be generated in the French top flight.

    The bid, led by the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, is believed to be worth between four and six billion euros, according to several sources.

    “This means nothing has been done without the approval of the emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.”

    However, there is no suggestion of the Qataris abandoning PSG in the short or medium term. New strategy? If the Qatari bid for Manchester United succeeds, “the plans for PSG would not change at all. The two clubs would be totally separate on the field and off it. The QIB is totally separate from QSI,” a source close to PSG’s owners insisted to AFP.

    Last December, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi also shut down any suggestion of a possible withdrawal when he said in an interview with the Financial Times “we have a long-term project here”.

    At the same time, Khelaifi admitted the French champions had been in discussions with several investors about potentially selling a 15 percent stake. “Qatar is capable of persisting with the two clubs. That doesn’t mean that it is finished with PSG. It is above all a demonstration of Qatar’s power that it is able to show an interest in a club like Manchester United,” Raphael Le Magoariec, who specialises in the Gulf and sport at Tours University in France, told AFP.

    “It is unlikely that they would withdraw from Paris because that would be seen as a failure.” Nevertheless the dispute with Paris city council over PSG’s attempts to buy their Parc des Princes stadium from the local authority has left a bitter taste with the club’s owners. Qatar, according to Le Magoariec, “has invested a lot and thinks that its generosity is not being respected”.

    Despite that, the ties between France and Qatar, which possesses stakes in numerous French multinational corporations, make it unlikely the country will divert its capital away from a club like PSG.

    “Paris is the type of platform which gives Qatar standing in the world,” says Le Magoariec. Yet it is possible a slight change in strategy at PSG is taking place, given the club is being closely watched by UEFA to ensure they fall in line with the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules of European football’s governing body.

    The club made huge losses last season of 370 million euros and has an enormous wage bill, weighed down by the salaries of superstars Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar. “There is maybe less investment.

    They have already tightened their belts because of FFP constraints,” said Guegan. “But they are going to open up to foreign investors, and depending on the identity of these investors we will see if the club continues to be an asset in Qatar’s strategy of visibility or if they move on to a different stage.”

  • Antoine Griezmann appeals to team supporters to stop demonstrating against club owners

    Antoine Griezmann appeals to team supporters to stop demonstrating against club owners

    Antoine Griezmann says Atletico Madrid fans’ ongoing demonstrations against the club’s owners have made it more challenging for the team to play at home. Some Rojiblancos fans frequently chant and whistle in opposition to the club’s ownership, particularly Miguel Angel Gil Marin and his family, and they have demanded that the CEO leave the organisation.

    According to Football Espana, Griezmann has now requested that the fans end their protest because it is harming the team.

    “Ultimately, it’s about streaks, and I hope I can score more goals, but it’s true that it’s more difficult here because of the fans.

    “I hope they can fix it as soon as possible because we need them. With them, no doubt we can go much further.” Atletico Madrid moved within two points of Real Sociedad in third and maintained a four-point gap over Real Betis in fifth in their bid for Champions League qualification.

    Griezmann strike earns Atletico win Meanwhile, Griezmann scored a brilliant late goal to claim a battling 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao at the Wanda Metropolitano on February 19, Sportstar reports.

    It was only their fifth home victory in a difficult season that saw them eliminated from the UCL in the group stage and the Copa del Rey in the quarter-finals.

    Coach Galtier sends strong message to players ahead of second leg clash against Bayern Griezmann’s goal was his 14th in 30 games against Bilbao, the most the French forward has scored against any team in his professional career. Griezmann praised by France coach Sports Brief also reported on Griezmann being one of France’s most important players, since making his debut for Les Bleus in February 2014.

    The Atletico Madrid forward has come in handy in several positions for France, including leading striker, attacking midfielder, winger, and central midfielder. Griezmann currently occupies the midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot, in absence of the injured Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kanté

  • Alessandro Costacurta labels Napoli as the best team in Europe

    Alessandro Costacurta labels Napoli as the best team in Europe

    Alessandro Costacurta, a legend of the Champions League, said Napoli can “dream big” about being the best team in Europe.

    The Partenopei are getting ready for Tuesday’s first-leg match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

    Napoli has never advanced past that point, but this year they have never appeared more capable.

    In addition to dominating their Champions League group, Luciano Spalletti’s team is currently 15 points clear at the top of Serie A.

    Napoli won five of their six European matches before the World Cup break, thrashing Liverpool 4-1 and Ajax 6-1 along the way.

    The competition will ramp up now, but Costacurta, who was a five-time European champion with Milan, does not see any team better than Napoli.

    “I don’t want this to pass as nonsense, but in terms of approach and attitude, Napoli are the strongest in Europe,” he told Il Mattino.

    “Obviously there are the others, and we know perfectly well that a competition like the Champions League is capable of drawing out of the players those motivations that maybe don’t exist in the league. But I’m sure about one thing.

    “At the moment, Napoli are stronger than Manchester City and all the others.”

    Costacurta added: “The strongest teams in Europe have not yet given great shows of strength in their leagues.

    “That’s why I’m convinced that right now Napoli have an attitude that legitimately allows them to be able to dream big.”

    Napoli have been inspired by their exciting attacking duo of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen.

    “He’s an incredible player and I don’t know where he came from,” the former defender said. “Where the hell was he up until six months ago?”

    Napoli’s dominance in Italy has been aided by difficult seasons for many of their rivals, but Costacurta suggested Inter’s Serie A form showed they are “distracted” by the Champions League.

    “For Napoli, I dream of a spectacular final with PSG, because in this way you enter a different dimension of history,” he said.

    “But I admit that I would also like a good all-Italian final also, because if we want to be honest, I’m the only one who played a semi-final and a final against another Italian team in the Champions League.”

  • UEFA send tributes to Turkey and Syria earthquake victims

    UEFA send tributes to Turkey and Syria earthquake victims

    UEFA has confirmed a minute’s silence will be held at each of this week’s European ties as a mark of respect for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

    Over 33,000 people are confirmed to have died after high-magnitude earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria last Monday, and the United Nations’ aid agency on the ground says that toll is likely to double.

    Turkey has said over a million people in the country are using temporary shelters after the tremors, while over five million people are estimated to have been made homeless in Syria.

    Ahead of this week’s knockout-stage matches in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League, UEFA has confirmed the details of tributes to show support for those affected.

    A minute’s silence will be observed before every fixture across UEFA’s club competitions this week, while a commemorative banner featuring the message, ‘We are together with you’, will be displayed in Turkish and Arabic.

    A statement released by European football’s governing body on Monday also confirmed black armbands could be worn at the discretion of teams and referees.

    Last week, UEFA confirmed it would donate €150,000 to the Turkish Football Federation and an additional €50,000 to the Bonyan Organization and Tiafi, both assisting in disaster relief.

    Trabzonspor are the only Turkish club in action in UEFA’s competitions this week, hosting Basel in the first leg of their Europa Conference League knockout round play-off tie.

    Istanbul Basaksehir and Sivasspor advanced to the last 16 of that competition as group winners, while Fenerbahce are into the same round in the Europa League.

    Hatayspor and Gaziantep, two clubs based in the region effected by the earthquake, have withdrawn from the Turkish Super Lig.

    Former Chelsea, Newcastle United and Everton winger Christian Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor, is still missing.

  • Mbappe returns to PSG training ahead of match with Bayern

    Mbappe returns to PSG training ahead of match with Bayern

    Kylian Mbappe has returned to training ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, raising the prospect of the forward featuring after he was thought likely to miss the game.  

    Mbappe sustained a hamstring injury in PSG’s 3-1 win at Montpellier on February 1, leading the French giants to announce he was likely to be sidelined for three weeks.

    PSG boss Christophe Galtier has stressed the need to carefully manage Mbappe’s injury, while Bayern counterpart Julian Nagelsmann accused the Ligue 1 champions of “playing poker” regarding his availability.

    On the eve of Tuesday’s round-of-16 first leg between the two European giants, PSG were handed a boost as Mbappe was pictured in training with his team-mates.

    Mbappe’s potential return could be pivotal for a PSG side that has struggled in his absence, exiting the Coupe de France against Marseille last week before being beaten 3-1 by Monaco in Ligue 1.

    Since making his PSG debut in 2017, Mbappe has recorded 57 goal contributions (34 goals, 23 assists) in 50 Champions League appearances – no other player has managed 20 goals and 20 assists in the competition during that span.

    Lionel Messi was also absent for PSG’s dire defeat at Monaco, though Galtier maintained he would return to training on Monday, and the World Cup winner was seen alongside Mbappe as the side stepped up their preparations for Tuesday’s game.

  • Mane could be fit for Champions League clash with PSG, Nagelsmann says

    Mane could be fit for Champions League clash with PSG, Nagelsmann says

    The first leg of Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain is expected to be played in Sadio Mane’s absence, but Julian Nagelsmann believes there is a chance he might play in the second.

    Mane missed the World Cup in Qatar due to a fibula injury he sustained in November.

    The Senegal forward underwent surgery and is now on the path to recovery after moving from Liverpool to Bundesliga champions Bayern last June.

    Nagelsmann, the head coach of Bayern, does not anticipate Mane participating in the match against PSG on February 14 at Parc des Princes.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/world-cup-2022-aliou-cisse-admits-senegal-miss-sadio-mane-after-defeat-to-england/

    However, if Mane does not suffer any setbacks, Nagelsmann hopes he may be able to call upon the 30-year-old for the showdown with the Ligue 1 champions at the Allianz Arena on March 8.

    Nagelsmann said during a press conference in Doha on Thursday: “He’s [Mane] an important player. If everything goes well, then it could be the case that he returns in time for PSG.

    “We will see how he reacts to the workload. Personally, I’m not yet considering him for the first leg.”

    Before beginning the Bundesliga season with a trip to RB Leipzig the next Friday, Bayern will play Salzburg on Friday in a friendly.

    Due to an ankle injury, Matthijs de Ligt will not play against the Austrian team, but Daley Blind, a new addition after being released by Ajax and joining the Bavarian giants, will.

    Nagelsmann said of the Netherlands full-back: “He will play tomorrow. He still needs some time, because the intensity in training is a bit higher.

    “You can tell that he has a lot of experience and he looks confident on the ball. He will be the player that we imagined he’d be.”

  • Pep says City job incomplete without Champions League triumph

    Pep Guardiola emphasized that the Champions League was not the primary reason he renewed his contract with Manchester City, although he acknowledges that the position would feel lacking without a successful European campaign.

    Last month, Guardiola signed a contract extension with City, extending his stay with the team until the 2024–25 season.

    The Premier League has been won by City four times in the last five seasons, thanks in large part to the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach.

    But they’ve failed to win the Champions League. Both the final in 2021 and the semifinals of the previous season were lost to Real Madrid.

    Guardiola knows it will be a blemish on his record if City cannot end their bad luck in the competition before he leaves.

    “I admit it’s the trophy that we want and of course it would not be complete – my period here – if we don’t win it,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of City’s EFL Cup clash with Liverpool.

    “But it’s not the only reason I extended the contract, absolutely not. What does it mean if for the last 11 months we didn’t play in the Champions League?

    “Of course, I will do everything in this time we are together, we are going to try, as we tried before. Of course it’s the trophy we don’t have and we will try to do it.”

    City’s trophy count under Guardiola stands at 11, but the 51-year-old is immensely grateful for the faith shown in him by the club’s leadership.

    “I said many times what I had here. Thank you so much for the confidence they have in me,” he said. “It would be difficult to repay what in these many years, the board, all the people have shown me.

    “It’s difficult for me to reject them because of how they still want me and my staff, to try and do our best.

    “I don’t have enough words to express the incredible gratitude for this club.”

    After taking on Liverpool on Thursday, City restart their Premier League campaign against Leeds United on December 28.

  • Laporta claims Super League would resemble ‘much-improved Champions League’

    Barcelona would receive a €1billion bonus for being one of the Super League’s founders, club president Joan Laporta has revealed.

    Laporta also believes the competition would resemble a “much-improved Champions League”.

    Nine of the Super League’s 12 founding clubs withdrew their support in the face of public and media pressure following a botched launch last year, though three clubs have advocated a revival of the competition.

    Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been vocal in their support for the project, with a new format reportedly being drawn up by A22 Sports’ chief executive Bernd Reichart.

    Having organised a meeting with Reichart earlier this week, UEFA hit out at the “greedy plan” of the Super League’s backers, accusing them of jeopardising the future of football.

    However, Laporta – who has spent his second spell as Barca president battling a financial crisis at Camp Nou – feels the competition would offer his club several benefits.

    “From the outset, for the founding clubs, there is an initial bonus of €1bn, and per season, we could get about €300m annually in this competition,” Laporta told Sport.

    “In addition, the key to the Super League is that the clubs will have governance. UEFA will obviously be at the governance table, but the clubs will have the majority.

    “The Super League is a great opportunity. But you can only win through dialogue. What the Super League aims to do is improve football.

    “It fights for the sustainability of football, so that the clubs come out of ruin, so that the clubs can be more and more competitive and have more resources.

    “The Super League will end up as a much-improved Champions League, which will be based on meritocracy, that is, it will be open, without club discrimination, but with guarantees and rules that will allow clubs to have more resources.

    “Super League chief executive Bernd Reichart met last Tuesday with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in a very important step forward.”

    Despite their economic troubles, Barca embarked on a significant spending spree in the last transfer window, acquiring the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha.

    While the Blaugrana were criticised for gambling the club’s future after selling shares in their future television rights and in-house production company to fund those deals, Laporta says they will look for opportunities to strengthen again in January.

    “The economic levers have helped to save the club from bankruptcy and to build a competitive team,” Laporta said.

    “But the hole was so big that we still have an operating deficit of €200m annually, as a result mainly of the enormous expenses that we have, especially with the wage bill.

    “To sign in winter, we would have to incorporate players that improve what we already have. It’s not easy, especially considering that we continue to have fair play problems due to our elimination from the Champions League, which has reduced our budgeted income.

    “LaLiga has already warned us that we will have less capacity to sign. We will try to reverse it by negotiating with LaLiga to reconsider its interpretation [of the rules] and achieve new income with victories in the Europa League or the Supercopa de Espana. Even with some friendly matches during the World Cup.”

  • Owners FSG ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool amid reports the club is up for sale

    Owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have stated they are “fully committed to the success of Liverpool” following reports they want to sell the Premier League club.

    The Athletic on Monday reported that the Boston-based FSG are “inviting offers” for a takeover of the Reds.

    FSG, who bought Liverpool in 2010, responded by clarifying that they would consider new shareholders, but are not looking to sell up.

    An FSG statement said: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.

    “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

    “FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

    Liverpool have made strides under the ownership of FSG, led by John W. Henry, with the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as manager 2015 proving to be a masterstroke.

    They Merseyside club won the Champions League in 2019 and celebrated crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years in 2020 before pulling off an FA Cup and League Cup double last season.

    Liverpool have made a poor start to the Premier League season, but beat Tottenham to go move into eighth place on Sunday and will face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.

    Source: Livescore

  • Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group hint they are open to offers, raising prospect of club being sold

    Liverpool FC‘s owners have stated that they are open to offers, raising the possibility of the club being sold.

    The club was purchased in 2010 by the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which also owns the Boston Red Sox, and went on to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

    “FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club.

    “FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch.”

  • City condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse towards Lewis by Sevilla supporters

    Manchester City have condemned “vile” racist abuse from Sevilla fans towards Rico Lewis during Wednesday’s Champions League clash, stating “we will not tolerate any discrimination”.

    The 17-year-old Lewis’s memorable Champions League debut at Etihad Stadium was marred by racist abuse after City confirmed two arrests had been made amid a continued club and police investigation.

    “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse that Rico Lewis was subject to from Sevilla supporters at yesterday’s match,” a club statement read on Thursday.

    “We understand that two arrests have been made and are continuing to work with Sevilla and GMP [Greater Manchester Police] to investigate this matter.

    “We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind at our stadium and will be offering our full support to Rico following these vile incidents.”

    Sevilla said disciplinary action will be taken should the two culprits be proven guilty.

    “Sevilla strongly condemn the behaviour of two fans in the away section of Manchester City’s stadium, who were identified and accused of allegedly behaving in a racist manner towards Manchester City player Rico Lewis,” a statement from the LaLiga said.

    “Sevilla are awaiting official confirmation of these facts, of which they have been made aware by Manchester City, and if these are proven, the two fans will be removed from the list of members.

    “Sevilla would like to point out that there have never been any racist or xenophobic episodes at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium and that its fans have always been committed to the fight against racism.”

    Lewis scored the equaliser in the comeback 3-1 victory over Sevilla and became the youngest player in history to score on his Champions League debut.

    Source: Livescore

  • Ajax star Kudus Mohammed names his best position

    Ajax midfielder, Kudus Mohammed has said that his best position on the pitch is to play as the playmaker for the team.

    Despite loving to play as the skimmer behind the striker, Kudus has played the false 9 roles for Ajax since Schreuder took over as manager.

    Speaking after his splendid performance against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League, the Ghanaian stated that the number 10 role is his best position.

    “I still feel am best at number 10 but as I said, is for the team so in any position I find myself I try to do my best for the team but I know I am best at number 10 position.”

    In the game against Rangers, Kudus scored and provided an assist to help Ajax win by 3-1 while playing as a false 9.

    The 22-year-old has excelled in the role, scoring 10 goals, including 4 in the Champions League.

    However, there has been an argument that Kudus‘ new role limits his potential because many believe he can offer more to the team in midfield than leading the attack.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Allegri wants Juventus to use Champions League anger as motivation

    Massimiliano Allegri has urged Juventus to use anger at their Champions League failure as motivation to succeed in the Europa League.

    A 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Turin saw Juve become only the second Italian side to lose five of six group stage matches in the competition, after Roma in 2004-05 – though their elimination had already been confirmed.

    Juve required a victory to cement their spot in the knockout stages of the Europa League but ultimately must be thankful to Benfica for firing five second-half goals against Maccabi Haifa to prevent the Allegri’s side from exiting continental football entirely.

    In the Europa League, Juve will be considered to be among the favourites to go all the way and Allegri has urged his side to use their anger to propel them to better results in UEFA’s second-tier club competition.

    “We played a good game, it’s a shame about the result,” he told reporters after the defeat.

    “We are in the Europa League, from tomorrow we must turn the page for the championship. We must be angry and immediately resume work and walk.

    “On one hand there is reason to be satisfied to have reached the Europa League, on the other hand there is anger for the elimination from the Champions League.

    “I’m still very angry and we have to carry this anger inside us in the next games in Europe.”

    One positive from the defeat to PSG was the return of Federico Chiesa from injury, who had not featured since January, though his recovery will not be rushed.

    “He has a lot of desire, he must be managed until the World Cup. We have to take time to have him in the best condition in January,” Allegri added.

    Source:live.com

  • The Champions League will never forget Kudus – Ghanaians react to Kudus’ performance against Rangers

    Some Ghanaians on social media, especially on Twitter have hailed Mohammed Kudus after his exciting performance against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League.

    Kudus was on the scoresheet for the Dutch champions and also provided and as assist as they beat Rangers 3-1 in Ibex.

    The 22-year-old was exceptional and his goals involvement put him head and shoulders above all the players on the field as he won the man-if-the-match-award.

    Some Ghanaians on Twitter eulogised the youngster, talking about an exceptional champions league campaign he has had which saw him finish as Ajax’s top scorer of this campaign.

    The goal against Rangers took his tally to four goals in six matches while providing two assists in the process.

    Also, the man-of-match award was his second in the competition. Ajax finished third in their group and therefore has been relegated to the Europa League.

    Check out some reactions below

    Mohammed Kudus’ stats in one champions league campaign looks quite stellar

    — Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) November 1, 2022

    — ???????????? ???????????????? ???? (@TheEuropeanLad) November 1, 2022

    — Delali Phrank Awutey (@delaliphrank) November 1, 2022

    — Max TV (@maxtvgh) November 1, 2022

    ????????Mohammed Kudus is a goal away from matching Andre Ayew’s goal scoring record in the Champions League (5)

    Dede Ayew has played 24 games (started 19 times), Kudus on the other hand has played just 8 games (started 6) pic.twitter.com/4OBgWYefI2

    — Bortey ???????? (@joelbortey) November 1, 2022

    A fully fit Partey, inform Kudus and goal scoring Inaki Williams will win Ghana the WorldCup in Qatar

    — NUNGUA (Dr Burna) (@burnaculer) November 1, 2022

    ⚽️????️ vs Rangers
    ⚽️ vs Napoli
    ⚽️ vs Liverpool
    ⚽️????️ vs Rangers

    Mohammed Kudus has now contributed to six goals in the Champions League for Ajax this season, all as a false 9.???????????? pic.twitter.com/uoIx9aEmCa

    — Yaw Ampofo Jr (@Yaw_Ampofo_) November 1, 2022

    Anytime Kudus plays for Ajax, he gives out his very best and scores too.

    I pray Schreuder considers starting him always!

    — Elvis ???????? (@Kayjnr10) November 1, 2022

    Mohammed Kudus scoring in the World Cup Month, herr Ghana is winning this

    — Twilight????????????‍☠️ (@the_marcoli_boy) November 1, 2022

    Mohammed Kudus with another champions league goal ????????????????

    — Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) November 1, 2022

    — Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) November 1, 2022

    Kudus goal plus assist watch reactions from Ghanaians, our star boy is cooking????????????????

    — Lατιf???? (@iLatif_) November 1, 2022

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Tudor reveals confusion as Marseille crash out of Europe with final kick

    Marseille head coach Igor Tudor revealed his players could not hear his instructions amid the last-gasp chaos that cost them a Europa League spot in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Tottenham.

    The nine-time French champions were set to qualify for Europe’s second tier via third spot in Group D with scores locked at 1-1 entering stoppage time, with Sporting CP trailing 2-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the other game.

    But Marseille ambitiously pushed forward chasing a winner, which would have seen them move above Spurs and advance to the Champions League last-16, rather than conserve third spot.

    That move backfired as their backline was badly exposed when Tottenham broke clear in the 95th minute with Harry Kane laying off for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s winner, knocking Marseille out of Europe with the final kick of the game.

    Tudor was seen running on to the field and attempting to bark orders at his players in the moments prior to the goal.

    “They didn’t hear, because there was so much noise,” Tudor told RMC Sport.

    “I told them to stay back, not to push on, but they didn’t hear. There was confusion in the last minute. It wasn’t about results, it was about telling them to stay put, not to go all up.”

    OM defender Chancel Mbemba, who had put the hosts ahead before half-time, labelled the situation as a “lack of communication”.

    “On the field, we didn’t know, but on the bench, people knew,” he said.

    “It’s a lack of communication. We have the desire to push until the end, but we didn’t know. It’s a mistake.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Carragher praises ‘scary’ Nunez’s major impact for Liverpool

    Darwin Nunez can be a “scary” presence for Liverpool but still needs to grow his overall game, says Reds great Jamie Carragher.

    The Uruguay international got on the scoresheet in the Premier League side’s 2-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday, for his sixth goal of the season across all competitions.

    Nunez had a tough start to life at Anfield with a red card against Crystal Palace seeing him serve an early season ban, but is starting to show his potential on Merseyside.

    With more attempts on a per-90-minute basis (6.7) in the English top-flight this term than anyone else, Carragher suggests the stats back the influence the 23-year-old can have on matches.

    “It’s really interesting watching Nunez,” he told CBS. “He comes on and he makes a huge impact. He hasn’t set the world alight, he hasn’t done what [Erling] Haaland’s done and people would’ve expected more for the price-tag.

    “But when you look at his minutes on the pitch and how many goals he’s scored per minute, his numbers are scary. He’s actually made a huge impact.”

    Carragher feels that Nunez is yet to fully master his all-around game though, adding: “But there’s still something not quite there, where Jurgen Klopp is going to play him every single game.

    “I think he’s got [similarities to] Fernando Torres. He’s got that power, physically, to knock defenders off, that blistering pace. But at times, maybe technically, [he is] not the best in terms of general play.”

    Nunez has posted a 0.6 goal yield every 90 minutes in the Premier League this term, a ratio bettered by just seven players, while only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has a superior non-penalty xG than his 0.76.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Marseille 1-2 Tottenham: Lenglet and Hojbjerg send Spurs through

    Goals from Clement Lenglet and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw Tottenham come from behind to advance to the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-1 victory at Marseille on Tuesday.

    Spurs knew a point in France would be enough to send them through, but Chancel Mbemba’s powerful strike put them a goal down at half-time.

    However, Lenglet nodded home from Ivan Perisic’s set-piece shortly after the break before Hojbjerg smashed home in injury time to seal Spurs’ place in the next round.

    The victory means Spurs finish as Group D winners as they reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 2019-20.

    The hosts started well in front of their vociferous fans, Alexis Sanchez nearly giving them an early lead with a header that flew just past the post before Hugo Lloris punched away a fierce drive from the former Arsenal forward.

    Largely pinned back by the hosts, Spurs were dealt another blow when Son Heung-min was forced off with a head injury, before Lloris was needed again to beat away a Jordan Veretout half-volley.

    Mbemba gave Marseille the advantage in first-half injury time with a towering header into the bottom left corner, giving Lloris no chance as Spurs’ marking left a lot to be desired.

    Spurs came out of the interval firing, and they were level in the 54th minute when Lenglet nodded Perisic’s excellent free-kick delivery into the back of the net.

    Amine Harit’s long-range effort fizzed just over the crossbar as the French side pushed for a winner that would have sent them through, though Hojbjerg rattled the woodwork at the other end.

    Sead Kolasinac missed a great opportunity when he headed wide late on, and Hojbjerg’s powerful injury-time finish off the post as Spurs countered put his side through as group winners.

    What does it mean? Spurs battle back from difficult first half

    Marseille were full value for their lead at the break. Buoyed by their loud home support, they had seven shots to Spurs’ two in the first half as the English side held just 30.5 per cent of the possession in the opening 45 minutes.

    Antonio Conte’s side desperately needed to improve after the break, and they certainly did that with an impressive second-half spell that saw Lenglet equalise. They defended resolutely, before Hojbjerg won the game with his right-footed finish in the dying seconds.

    Lenglet proves his worth at both ends

    Lenglet’s crucial header to level the game will get the headlines, but his defensive performance might have been just as impressive.

    The former Barcelona centre-back finished with the joint-most tackles (four) and clearances (four) for his team, while also winning six of his eight duels.

    Son’s injury a big worry 

    While Tottenham will be delighted with their hard-fought victory, it was not all positive news as star player Son was forced off with a head injury.

    In obvious discomfort as he was helped off the field, the incident will spark fears over his World Cup availability for South Korea, with their opening match against Uruguay in just 23 days.

    What’s next?

    Both teams are back in domestic action on Sunday, with Spurs hosting Liverpool while Marseille will play Lyon.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Cuadrado enduring sleepless nights over Juventus’ Champions League form

    Juan Cuadrado is struggling to sleep because of Juventus’ poor Champions League form, but the versatile winger is determined to at least qualify for the Europa League.

    Juve were eliminated from UEFA’s primary club competition with a game to go – at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday – following a 4-3 loss to Benfica last week.

    The Italian giants have lost four group matches for the first time in their history and are only above Group H’s bottom side Maccabi Haifa on goal difference.

    Massimiliano Allegri’s men must therefore match or better the Israeli side’s result against Benfica if they are to drop into the Europa League via the backdoor.

    Either way, it has been a humbling experience for the two-time European champions after missing out on the knockout stages for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign.

    “We have played some good matches,” Cuadrado said ahead of facing PSG. “When you play well and don’t win, there are no questions.

    “But there is time to improve further. It’s difficult to sleep when certain things happen, but they did happen. We have the strength of a good team here.

    “We know this is an important match for us because we are playing for qualification for the Europa League.”

    Juve are looking to avoid becoming only the second Italian side to lose five Champions League matches in a single group-stage campaign after Roma in the 2004-05 season.

    Cuadrado has started 15 games for Juve in all competitions this season, including all five European games – only Danilo (16) has started more regularly.

    The Colombia international, who is expected to feature at the World Cup, has spent seven years in Turin but is set to be out of contract at the end of the campaign.

    “I’m happy to be here. I feel like this team is my family,” he said. “I’ve almost spent my entire career as a professional here and am grateful to Juventus.

  • Potter promises Mendy he will have a chance to shine

    Graham Potter has praised Edouard Mendy’s professionalism, with the Chelsea goalkeeper set to reclaim his starting spot against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

    Mendy has been kept out of the starting line-up under Potter by Kepa Arrizabalaga, having struggled with an injury following the new coach’s arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion.

    With an impressive run of form since, Kepa has kept his place, restricting Mendy to no game-time until last weekend, when he replaced his injured team-mate in a 4-1 loss to Potter’s former side.

    Potter, however, has been impressed by the patience Mendy has shown, and says the Senegal shot-stopper will get his chance to recover his first-choice status while Kepa is out, starting on Wednesday.

    “I’ve had some good chats with him, and he’s been great,” Potter said in a press conference. “He was injured when I first arrived, so Kepa played and did well.

    “He’s honest enough to know he had to be patient and support Kepa. He’s kept his standards, and now he will have his opportunity.”

    Asked if an impressive Mendy performance against Zagreb would present difficult decisions going forward, Potter replied: “You’d hope so. You want as many difficult decisions as possible. That can only be beneficial.”

    Potter suggested Denis Zakaria could be in line for his Chelsea debut, with the Switzerland international yet to appear for the Blues since he joined on loan from Juventus.

    “I’ve mentioned him before,” Potter stated. “He’s been good, he’s trained well and supported his team-mates. He’s in the frame, so we’ll wait and see.”

    Raheem Sterling is expected to feature, as the winger looks to reverse his mixed form, but Potter would not be drawn on whether it impacts the England international’s selection chances for the upcoming World Cup, with Gareth Southgate set to name his squad by November 10.

    “I’ve not thought about that in terms of the World Cup,” he added. “It’s too easy to zoom in on the individual.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Klopp believes Napoli can reach Champions League final

    Jurgen Klopp thinks Napoli can go all the way to the Champions League final if they can maintain their current level of performance.

    The Liverpool manager has already felt the force of Luciano Spalletti’s in-form side this season, losing 4-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on matchday one of the Champions League group stage.

    Napoli sit top of Group A with five wins from five games, and also lead Serie A by five points after beating Sassuolo 4-0 on Saturday.

    When questioned at a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture at Anfield whether Napoli can reach the Champions League final, Klopp said: “I think if they can play like they play at the moment, they have a good chance to go to the final… I think Napoli is the team in form in Europe, they play really well.

    “Spalletti is a very experienced coach, has worked everywhere pretty much, and it looks like all his experience and a few really good signings and good decisions, he brought a group together which works on an exceptionally high level together.”

    Napoli have not lost since April, and have won a staggering 13 consecutive matches.

    Liverpool have had a comparatively poor start to their season, sitting ninth in the Premier League with just four wins from 12 games.

    They have fared well in the Champions League, though, winning four of their five group games to qualify along with Napoli for the last 16 with one game to go.

    In order to leapfrog the Italians and top the group, Liverpool will need to win by at least four clear goals on Merseyside.

    Klopp is not “scared” of facing Napoli again three days after his team were beaten 2-1 at home by Leeds United.

    “When I speak about the positive aspects of Napoli at the moment it is because I am a football lover,” he said.

    “I’m not afraid or scared [of playing them] it’s just a tough challenge, that’s all. I really respect what they are doing and I know Luciano respects what we have done the last few years.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Iniesta says Xavi will enjoy a ‘remarkable’ career despite mounting pressure

    Xavi has been backed to enjoy a “remarkable” coaching career by former team-mate Andres Iniesta, despite Barcelona’s Champions League exit on Wednesday.

    Barca trail Real Madrid by just three points at the top of LaLiga after winning nine of their first 11 games this season, but have received heavy criticism following another European failure.

    Inter’s 4-0 win over Viktoria Plzen put Barca out of contention for a top-two finish in Group C on Wednesday, and the Blaugrana failed to salvage any pride in a subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich – their sixth consecutive Champions League loss to the Bavarians.

    Iniesta, however, believes Xavi will recover from that setback, telling Corriere dello Sport it brings him “so much joy” to see his former midfield partner in the Camp Nou dugout.

    “He is a friend and he will have a remarkable career,” Iniesta said. “He is prepared, he has studied and had Barcelona as his guide.”

    Iniesta now captains Japanese side Vissel Kobe, and while the 38-year-old acknowledges his own career is drawing to a close, he is unsure whether he will follow Xavi into coaching.

    “I know that when I have to quit, it won’t be a great day,” he added. “I will think back to when my dad used to take me to play, I will regret many things.

    “Then I will also think about the future, I don’t know yet if I will be a coach or a sporting director. I still don’t have clear ideas.”

    Iniesta and Xavi formed one of the most iconic midfield partnerships in football history, contributing to four Champions League triumphs between 2005-06 and 2014-15 during a golden age for Barca.

    Young midfielders Pedri and Gavi have earned comparisons to that duo after emerging as key players in Xavi’s side, and Iniesta hopes they can replicate their achievements.

    “They said to me that I resembled [Pep] Guardiola, then there was Xavi,” Iniesta said. “Now it is up to Pedri and Gavi. Football works in cycles.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Laporta philosophical after Barcelona’s premature Champions League exit

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta concedes his side’s premature Champions League exit is a shame but was philosophical about their “young project” under Xavi.

    The Blaugrana were officially eliminated and consigned to the Europa League following Inter’s 4-0 win over Viktoria Plzen earlier on Wednesday, before producing a limp home display in a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich.

    Barcelona have been condemned to a group-stage exit for the second straight season, while that comes almost 12 months since Xavi’s appointment to replace Ronald Koeman.

    The five-time Champions League winners spent significantly in Xavi’s first off-season at the helm, bringing in Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Hector Bellerin, Franck Kessie, Marcos Alonso and Raphinha.

    Barca’s failure to reach the Champions League knockout stages will have a financial impact on the club, but Laporta was philosophical.

    “It’s a shame, but you can’t blame the players or the coach for anything,” Laporta told Barca TV. “We have to look forward, because we have LaLiga and other competitions left.

    “This is a young project in which from the beginning we knew we were going to have ups and downs. The league remains and we have to show that we continue.”

    The Blaugrana are second in LaLiga after a strong start to the campaign with 28 points from 11 games, three points behind Real Madrid, whose El Clasico victory earlier this month put them top.

    “LaLiga is very important and we have it close,” Laporta said. “The message is to look forward. This has already happened.”

    Barca’s 3-0 home loss to the German champions marked the sixth straight defeat against Bayern, including the 8-2 Champions League quarter-final rout in 2020.

    “Bayern is a consolidated and powerful team, one of the best in Europe and they did not play anything, they left relaxed,” Laporta added.

    “For us it was very complicated and the [Inter] game against Plzen was torture, but we still have faith.”

    Barca midfielder Pedri was more forthright in his assessment of the side’s elimination.

    “For me it’s a failure,” he told Movistar. “We don’t deserve to be in the Champions League, we’ve shown it in games. But we have many competitions to face and give joy to the fans who have been with us at all times.”

    This was the first time Barca have been eliminated from the Champions League group stage in back-to-back seasons since the 1997-98 and 1998-99 campaigns under Louis van Gaal.

    Madrid will be Spain’s only team in the last 16 with Sevilla, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all out with a game to spare. The last season Spain only had one team in the knockout rounds was 1998-99, also Los Blancos.

    Source: Livescore

  • Wanted man Kvara leading Napoli at home and abroad

    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was an unknown quantity when the Champions League began in September — not any more.

    The Napoli star has taken Serie A and Europe by storm after moving from Dinamo Batumi for a paltry £9million in the summer.

    A combined seven goals and eight assists in all competitions mean the Georgia international is fast becoming a household name.

    Ahead of Rangers’ visit to Naples tonight, we assess what the future holds for the man known as Kvara.

    Bargain buy

    Kvara was a Rubin Kazan player at the start of 2022 but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw his contract suspended.

    He moved to Batumi in his native and netted eight times in 11 games before Napoli made their move for the 21-year-old.

    Director Cristiano Giuntoli said: “The first time I watched Khvicha in action was during the lockdown.

    “He was playing for Rubin Kazan, but they wanted €30m, so we immediately ended negotiations.

    “When the war in Ukraine began, he returned to Georgia to Dinamo Batumi, so we rushed there with a contract and signed him for €10m.

    “We were quicker than Roma, Juventus and Real Sociedad. He’s always been on our radar.”

    Now the richest clubs in Europe are being linked with him, including Real Madrid and Manchester City.

    Quick start

    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has impressed in his four Champions League games so far
    Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has impressed in his four Champions League games so far

    Even though they had been monitoring the Georgian for a couple of years, Napoli would not have imagined him hitting the ground running quite like he has.

    A goal and assist on debut against Verona were followed by four strikes in his next seven Serie A games.

    And he netted in both Napoi’s victories over Ajax in Group A — leading to comparisons with club legend Diego Maradona and the nickname “Kvaradona”, not that he thinks the association is warranted.

    Kvara said: “Great responsibility comes with being mentioned in the same sentence as him.

    “I can’t come close to Maradona, but I will give my all to be a big player for this club. Obviously, I like the nickname.”

    Joy to watch

    Veteran Russian boss Yuri Semin recently said: “Let’s not forget that the Georgians are well accustomed to skill. In the days of the USSR, they were called the Brazilians of the Soviet Union.”

    And that is certainly true of Kvara, whose unique dribbling skill where he almost does not lift his head, has made him a joy to watch.

    His 57 take-ons attempted this term rank first in Serie A with the 19 he has completed also top, while he has created 20 chances and eight big chances.

    Only Ciro Immobile, Tammy Abraham and Lautaro Martinez have had more than his 12 shots on target and only strikers have scored more than his five goals.

    He has a huge part of the reason Napoli are sitting at the top of Serie A at the moment.

    Source: Livescore

  • Klopp reaches Rafa’s Reds record and Barca are up against it

    Liverpool can seal progression to the Champions League last 16 when they play on Wednesday, but Barcelona could see their exit confirmed from Europe’s top competition.

    Jurgen Klopp’s Reds make the trip to face Ajax in Group A knowing they are guaranteed a spot in the Europa League at the very least – and simply avoiding defeat would guarantee their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

    It is a more dicey affair for Xavi’s Barca, however, as they welcome Bayern Munich to Camp Nou in Group C knowing a loss would spell the end of their journey. Even a win will not be enough if Inter defeat Viktoria Plzen.

    Tottenham will hope to keep their noses in front in Group D, with Marseille and Sporting CP just a point behind, while Atletico Madrid have work to do in Group B.

    We preview Wednesday’s eight matches by picking through the Opta data.

    Ajax v Liverpool

    Ajax have made for generous opponents for Liverpool of late, losing their last three against the Reds in the Champions League. Only Juventus (four, 1997-2004) and Real Madrid (seven, 2010-2019) have previously won four in a row against Ajax in the European Cup or Champions League.

    Yet Ajax remain the last Dutch side to achieve a home win against Liverpool, albeit that was back in 1966, with the Premier League side unbeaten in seven subsequent trips to the Netherlands.

    Liverpool’s countrymen have also made hay, as Ajax have won just one of their last eight home European matches against English teams, beating Manchester City in October 2012.

    With or without another strong result, this will be an historic occasion for Liverpool and Klopp, who will match Rafael Benitez’s 62 Champions League matches in charge of the Reds, who bring up 150 games in the competition.

    Barcelona v Bayern Munich

    Needing a win, Barca might have hoped to face any team but Bayern, who have a record three Champions League away wins at the Blaugrana. Along with Juventus and Real Madrid, they are one of three teams to have won more matches at Barca than they have lost.

    Home and away, Barca have lost nine of their 12 Champions League matches against Bayern, including the past five in a row.

    In fact, if Bayern win again, they will match Madrid’s record of 10 wins against a single opponent in the competition – Madrid’s dominance coming against Bayern.

    Although Bayern are already through, they are seeking a fourth home-and-away double against Barca in a Champions League season (also 1998-99, 2012-13 and 2021-22). Dynamo Kyiv (in 1997-98) are the only other team to beat Barca twice in the same campaign even once.

    Tottenham Hotspur v Sporting CP

    Sporting won 2-0 against Tottenham in Portugal in what was the sides’ first meeting, but they have a dismal record in England, with two victories in 15 attempts away to English sides.

    Spurs have won six of their seven home European matches against Portuguese opposition, only losing to Benfica in the 2013-14 Europa League.

    Both of Tottenham’s wins in this campaign have come at home, where Antonio Conte is bidding to become just the second Spurs coach to win each of his first three at home in the Champions League – after Harry Redknapp.

    He and Tottenham will know they must keep their focus early and late; Sporting’s last three Champions League goals have come in either the first or last minutes of the match, netting twice in second-half stoppage time in the reverse fixture.

    Atletico Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen

    Atletico have not lost at home to Leverkusen in their prior four such matches, winning two and drawing two, but the Bundesliga team have started to turn the tide, winning two in a row against them in the Champions League.

    That strong home record applies whenever Atletico face German opposition, though, as Borussia Dortmund were the last Bundesliga visitors to win there in 1996. Atleti are unbeaten in 11 since.

    Diego Simeone needs his team to rediscover their scoring touch, having gone three without a goal in the Champions League.

    That is their worst run under Simeone. Only once in the competition have Atletico gone four without netting, back in 2009 under Abel Resino.

    Other fixtures:

    Club Brugge v Porto

    21 – Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has saved all 21 of the shots on target he has faced in the Champions League this season. He has prevented a competition-leading 4.9 goals, according to expected goals on target data.

    4 – Four of Porto’s last seven Champions League goals have come from the penalty spot.

    Inter v Viktoria Plzen

    12 – Inter have scored 12 of their last 14 Champions League goals in the second halves of matches. All three against Barca last time out came after the interval – only the third time an away team has netted three second-half goals at Camp Nou in this competition.

    28 – Plzen have averaged just 28 per cent of the possession in the Champions League this season, the lowest average by a team in a single season since Opta data collection began in 2003-04.

    Napoli v Rangers

    4 – Napoli have won all four of their matches in the Champions League this season and could become the first Italian side to win their opening five games in a single campaign since Juventus in 2004-05.

    12 – No goalkeeper has faced more shots on target (29) or conceded more goals (12) than Rangers’ Allan McGregor in the Champions League this season. Indeed, he has only kept four clean sheets in 21 appearances in the competition overall.

    Eintracht Frankfurt v Marseille

    50 – Eintracht Frankfurt’s Mario Gotze could make his 50th start in the Champions League in this match. He has been involved in 25 goals in his previous 65 appearances, including 21 in his 49 starts.

    3 – Marseille have won their last two games in the Champions League – both against Sporting CP – and will be looking to win three in a row for the first time since October-December 2010, when they won four on the spin under Didier Deschamps.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Potter hails Chelsea for qualifying for last-16 with a game to spare

    Chelsea manager Graham Potter praised his side for qualifying for the Champions League last-16 with a game to spare having lost their opener to Dinamo Zagreb.

    The Blues booked their ticket for the knockout stages with a 2-1 away win over Salzburg, after impressive strikes from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz in each half, either side of Junior Adamu’s goal.

    Chelsea had lost their opening game of the group stage, 1-0 at Dinamo Zagreb, leading to Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal, but under Potter have bounced back with 10 points from four games, including strong away wins at Milan and Salzburg, securing top spot in Group E.

    “Very [satisfied]. It’s not easy to win here as you can see from the record they have and the quality of the team,” Potter told reporters.

    “We had to play well and I thought we did. We created some good chances in the first half and were unlucky not to go more than 1-0 up.

    “Then one action, with the quality at this level, and it’s 1-1. I thought our response was really good then, so I am delighted to go through, delighted with the performance of the players. I thought they were fantastic tonight.

    “To go through with a game to spare is brilliant considering where we started the competition.”

    Havertz’s 64th-minute winner was a spectacular left-foot strike that cannoned in off the crossbar.

    The goal was the German’s first this season in the Champions League, and third in all competitions. It was also Havertz’s first goal away from Stamford Bridge for the Blues since April.

    “His quality is there; he’s an incredibly talented player,” Potter said. “He’s been nearly there and obviously, scoring a goal like that is bound to help.

    “I wouldn’t be able to score a goal like that to be fair, I can only imagine. It’s a fantastic strike and an indication of the quality he has, so I’m really pleased for him.”

    Potter brushed off concerns about his side’s wastefulness in front of goal, having had 15 shots, including 11 on target, while he hinted they may rotate their squad for their final group game against Dinamo having already qualified.

    The Blues take on Potter’s former club Brighton on Saturday, followed by Dinamo (November 2), Arsenal in the Premier League (November 6) and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup (November 9) in quick succession.

    “We’re at home at Stamford Bridge [against Dinamo] and we’ll try our very best,” he said. “We want to win every game we play, that is the mentality we have to have.

    “But clearly, we have a game at the weekend and another game the weekend after, so maybe we can rotate a little bit. But we will try our best.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Facilities alone can’t make Hearts Of Oak competitive in Africa – NCC Chairman responds to Togbe

    Chairman of the National chapter’s Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak Elvis Herman Hesse says Hearts of Oak board should not be only fixated on building facilities but also be concerned about the club’s inability to compete and win trophies in Africa.

    Accra Hearts of Oak dominated and conquered Africa when they won both the CAF Champions League and super cup titles in 2000.

    The Phobians again made history in 2005 when they won the maiden CAF confederations cup title at the expense of their bitterest rivals Asante Kotoko.

    But for almost two decades, the Rainbow club have struggled to rub shoulders with the elites on the continent and this is why Elvis Herman Hesse is admonishing the current board and management of the club to work towards.

    “If we don’t compete at the highest level in Africa, the name Accra Hearts of Oak will not be recognised by FIFA or CAF no matter the facilities or infrastructures we put up,” he told Untoldstories TV GH.

    “What is the position of Accra Hearts of Oak and Kotoko on the list of top clubs in Africa? Infrastructure alone can not measure a club’s successes.”

    “We appreciate the facilities but the target and standard of Accra Hearts of Oak is very high. We know that he is doing his best but our supporters are such that they’ve seen trophies a lot.”

    Source: Footballghana

  • Benzema muscle fatigue blow for Real Madrid as Ballon d’Or star suffers setback

    Karim Benzema faces time on the Real Madrid sidelines after the Ballon d’Or winner was revealed to be suffering with muscular fatigue in his left leg.

    With one month to go until France begin their World Cup campaign against Australia, the news of Benzema’s exertions taking their toll may be of some concern to Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.

    For now, there is no suggestion Benzema will not be fit to play a full role in the Qatar 2022 tournament, but the injury announcement is a reminder all players are susceptible amid a packed fixture schedule for Europe’s top clubs.

    A Madrid club statement read: “Following tests carried out today on Karim Benzema by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with muscular fatigue in the quadricep muscle of his left leg. His recovery will be monitored.”

    Reports in Spain said that, as well as missing Saturday’s game against Sevilla, Benzema was also expected to be absent for the Champions League fixture at RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

    However, Benzema could be back for the LaLiga clash with Girona on Sunday, October 30, sports daily Marca reported.

    Benzema won the Ballon d’Or for his feats last season, when his 44 goals in 46 games helped Madrid triumph in LaLiga and the Champions League.

    He scored in last Sunday’s 3-1 win over Barcelona as Madrid went clear at the top of the Spanish top flight, before netting again on Wednesday in the 3-0 victory at Elche, where he played the full 90 minutes.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Richarlison to miss Man Utd game with calf injury

    Richarlison’s only goals for Spurs so far came in the 2-0 Champions League win over Marseille

    Tottenham striker Richarlison will miss next Wednesday’s visit to Manchester United because of a calf injury.

    The Brazilian was substituted early on in the second half of Spurs’ 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, and will sit out the midweek trip to Old Trafford.

    The 29-year-old has yet to score in the Premier League since his move from Everton in the summer.

    “For sure he’s out. He felt something in his calf and he won’t be available,” said Spurs manager Antonio Conte.

    “I think he needs a bit of time to recover. It’s a pity because we are talking about a player who gives us a lot of quality but is also strong and improves our intensity.

    “He will have an MRI to understand it tomorrow, we hope it is not serious.”

    Dejan Kulusevski missed the win over Everton with a hamstring injury but Lucas Moura made his first Premier League appearance since August as a substitute, having suffered a tendon injury.

      Our coverage of your Premier League club is bigger and better than ever before – follow your team and sign up for notifications in the BBC Sport app to make sure you never miss a moment

    Source: bbc.com

  • Barca president Laporta tells fans to ‘keep believing’ ahead of El Clasico

    Joan Laporta has told Barcelona fans to “keep believing” as they head into El Clasico on Sunday looking to hit back from a midweek Champions League disappointment.

    A 3-3 draw with Inter on Wednesday was a blow to Barca’s hopes of reaching the round of 16, but a win against Real Madrid in one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football would be a perfect response.

    The fierce rivals head into the match level on points, with the Catalan giants top of LaLiga by virtue of their superior goal difference.

    Barca president Laporta urged supporters to maintain their faith in Xavi and his players, telling BarcaTV: “Keep believing. We have a very competitive team, with very good players who are going to bring you a lot of joy.

    “Stick behind Xavi, he needs your warmth and confidence. That’s what we will give him and we hope the fans do too.

    “I have my full faith in Xavi and his staff, and also with the players. We have a great squad and I’m sure they’ll bring us a lot of joy. We have a team to compete against anyone in Europe.

    “We’ll get through this. We won’t ever stop working for what we want. This club has had all kinds of ups and downs over the years, but we have always bounced back. And we can still do that, from every part of the club.”

    Laporta acknowledged just how important Sunday’s fixture could be in the title race, adding: “We’re top of the league and there’s a big game on the way at the Bernabeu.

    “El Clasico is very important, whoever wins get a huge injection of morale and the loser takes a mighty blow. It’s the kind of game you want to see. We’ll go there with our heads held high. We have a team to do things there.

    “I hope the players will defend the Barca shirt with the right spirit, because whenever you get knocked down, you have to pick yourself up again. We want to show how good we are and that we can win the league.”

    Laporta spoke of his frustration at not securing a win over Inter that would have put their chances of progressing in their own hands.

    “It was a big game for us and I am sad and angry that we didn’t win despite scoring three goals,” Laporta said.

    “It was always going to be a difficult group. We should have got a better result in Munich because we were the better team.

    “And the refereeing in Milan was scandalous. We shouldn’t play the victims card, but we were very unhappy with the match officials, and I spoke to UEFA about it afterwards.

    “Financially, missing out on the latter stages of the Champions League is a big blow.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Celtic belong in Champions League – Postecoglou

    Celtic have two Champions League games left to secure a Europa League berth

    Ange Postecoglou says Celtic have earned the right to play in the Champions League and proved they belong at that level.

    After another chastening week of three defeats in Europe for Scottish teams, the Celtic manager has defended his side, who have one point from four games in Group F.

    “If anyone can tell me in the four games we’ve played that we don’t deserve to be there, or that we’ve been outplayed, I reckon they’re talking from an agenda,” he said.

    “The only questions I’ve had from each of our games is about opportunities missed. Now opportunities missed suggests to me that we’ve got to improve some areas for sure, but it doesn’t say that we somehow should think that we don’t belong in a competition we’ve earned the right to be in.”

      VAR to start in Scottish Premiership next week Celtic’s Euro improvement ‘can’t be fast-tracked’

    Asked whether Maccabi Haifa beating Juventus, or Club Brugge topping their group shows smaller clubs can punch above their weight, he said: “Look at those clubs historically. Have they always had those results? They haven’t, I’ll tell you.

    “What it means is, the longer you’re in this competition, the more opportunities you have to grow and make an impact, but you’re not going to go in there for the first time and expect you’re going to dominate the most prestigious club competition in the world.

    “From our perspective, we felt we’ve earned the right to be in this competition, we know the areas we’ve come up short in, but at no stage do I, or any objective observer, believe we’ve looked out of place.”

    Celtic nee to be ‘consistent qualifiers’

    RB Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Celtic Park on Tuesday left Postecoglou’s team bottom of their group, four points below Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian side are well placed to take third place and enter the Europa League in the new year.

    Postecoglou said he could not put a timeframe on his side being successful at the elite level, adding: “It’s about being at that level and having the chance to play at that level on a consistent basis. That means having to qualify for it and every year you want to grow.

    “That’s what our objective needs to be, like most clubs our size. If you take away the big five leagues, the clubs that have made an impact at Champions League level are the ones that are consistent qualifiers for it.

    “If this was our fifth or sixth year of being in the competition, I’d be having a different discussion.

    “It’s all about perspective, what you’re trying to achieve. This is our first year back in for five years. I’m not going to accept people suggesting that somehow we haven’t earned our place or let the game in this country down.”

    • Source: bbc.com

  • Mourinho goads Barca and Juve as ‘failed sharks of Champions League’

    Roma head coach Jose Mourinho mocked clubs qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages via the backdoor as ‘the failed sharks of the Champions League’.

    Mourinho’s side are in a battle to reach the knockout stages via Group C after a 1-1 draw at Real Betis left them third on four points, behind the Spaniards (10) and Ludogorets (seven). Roma will still hope to overhaul Ludogorets and advance with two games to play in the group.

    The draw, however, meant Betis were assured of reaching the next stage and Mourinho was asked if they were the Europa League favourites, leading him to implicitly goad teams like Barcelona and Juventus.

    “I see them [Betis] as candidates, but the failed sharks of the Champions League will arrive, and they will come in hard,” Mourinho said, referring to sides who drop into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League groups.

    “They shouldn’t come but it’s the reality. It’s going to be fun. The failures of the Champions League.”

    Among the clubs currently third in Champions League groups are Barcelona, Juventus, Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Milan.

    Should Roma fail to finish in the top two in Group C, they will qualify for the Conference League where they will defend the title they won under Mourinho last season.

    The Portuguese added: “We want to go through and finish second, but if we finish third, we’ll become candidates to retain the Conference League.”


    Source: Livescore

  • Salah betters Lewandowski feats with six-minute Champions League hat-trick

    Mohamed Salah made a piece of Champions League history with his quickfire hat-trick in Liverpool’s 7-1 thrashing of Rangers on Wednesday, scoring the fastest ever treble in the competition.

    Just six minutes and 12 seconds separated Salah’s first and third goals in Liverpool’s comeback win, the shortest timeframe ever recorded in the Champions League.

    Salah’s hat-trick saw him eclipse the efforts of former Bayern Munich hero Robert Lewandowski, who has scored two of the five fastest trebles in Champions League history.

    Lewandowski required 11 minutes and seven seconds to hit a treble against Red Star Belgrade in November 2019, an achievement he bettered against Salzburg in March this year, when he scored three times in 10 minutes and 22 seconds.

    Other than Salah, only Bafetimbi Gomis and Mike Newell have scored a hat-trick in quicker time than Lewandowski, while Cristiano Ronaldo sits just outside the top five after managing an 11-minute treble against Malmo for Real Madrid in 2015.

    Salah scored his hat-trick over two minutes faster than previous record holder Gomis, who took eight minutes and 45 seconds to do so against Dinamo Zagreb in 2011.

    Salah brought up his treble with a trademark strike, latching onto Diogo Jota’s pass before cutting in from the right wing and bending a fine finish into the top-left corner.

    Jota assisted all three of Salah’s goals as Liverpool returned to form in emphatic fashion, which represents the first time a player has assisted a team-mate’s Champions League treble since March 2012, when Franck Ribery teed up Mario Gomez’s strikes for Bayern against Basel

    Meanwhile, Salah has now scored 38 Champions League goals for Liverpool, the most managed by any player for an English club in the competition.

    The Egypt talisman had previously trailed former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who each hit 36 goals for their respective clubs in the competition.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Son celebrates Kane link-up as Tottenham duo hit another milestone

    Heung-Min Son’s link-up with fellow Tottenham star Harry Kane is purely a “pay-off for hard work”.

    Son scored twice on Wednesday, either side of a Kane penalty, as Spurs ran out 3-2 winners over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

    Antonio Conte’s side moved to the Group D summit after coming from behind to defeat the Europa League holders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

    Kane set up Son for the equaliser after the hosts fell behind to Daichi Kamada’s early strike, meaning the pair have now combined to score on 50 occasions for Spurs across all competitions.

    Kane has teed up 24 goals for Son, who has supplied 26 assists for the England captain. Since the start of last season, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, the scorer of a record-setting hat-trick in Liverpool’s win over Rangers elsewhere on Wednesday, is the only Premier League player with more strikes in all competitions (39) than the Spurs pair (Kane has netted 36, with Son scoring 29).

    The South Korea captain paid tribute to his fearsome partnership with Kane, telling BT Sport: “We just understand each other really well. I know what he likes to do, and he’s the same.

    “The relationship, it’s always hard work and good effort. It’s always been a pay-off for hard work. [There will be] many more [combinations] to come, I hope.”

    Son’s second goal was the pick of the bunch as he put Tottenham 3-1 up before the break.

    Connecting with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s pinpoint cross, the forward unleashed a thumping volley that would eventually prove decisive after Faride Alidou’s late header ensured a nervy finish for Spurs.

    “The ball was just really clear to me and there was only one option; to take the volley,” Son added. “I hit it really clean, I was very happy.

    “The last five minutes were really tough. In the Champions League, you never know what will happen. It was uncomfortable sitting on the bench and watching. The most important thing was the three points.”

    Meanwhile, head coach Conte said “it would have been a disaster” had Spurs surrendered their lead in the closing stages, with Kane missing a stoppage-time penalty to put them home and dry. The 29-year-old has missed two of his last four penalties in all competitions for Tottenham, having previously scored 21 successive spot-kicks for the club.

    “We started in a very difficult way, conceding the first goal,” Conte said. “We scored three goals and had big chances. In the end, we are leading our group.

    “Until the end, we had to stay focused. It would have been a disaster if we drew a game like this.”

    Source:

    Source: Livescore

  • Alonso refuses to be downbeat after Champions League defeat

    Xabi Alonso refused to be downbeat after losing his first Champions League game as Bayer Leverkusen head coach, describing Wednesday’s 3-0 reverse to Porto as a “lesson”.

    Alonso led Leverkusen to a 4-0 Bundesliga win over Schalke in his first match in charge on Saturday, but endured a more chastening experience against the Portuguese outfit.

    It was a tale of three penalties at the BayArena, as Porto’s Mehdi Taremi added to Galeno’s opener with two second-half spot-kicks after visiting goalkeeper Diego Costa denied Karem Demirbay from 12 yards.

    Leverkusen have now failed to score any of their last three Champions League penalties, two of which have come against Porto this season (also Patrik Schick on October 4).

    Despite the result, the Bundesliga outfit managed 64 per cent possession and 17 attempts in a front-foot display, leaving Alonso to describe the defeat as unjust.

    “We have to analyse the game, come back tomorrow and move on. Today there is pain, but that’s football. Today is a lesson for us,” he told UEFA.com.

    “We could see today that the small mistakes can be fatal in the Champions League. It’s hard for me to talk about the result because I think we didn’t deserve it.”

    The former Spain midfielder became the seventh different Leverkusen coach to lose his first Champions League match in charge, but the first to do so by a three-goal margin.

    Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky also thought Leverkusen were hard done by, adding: “It was an unlucky game. It started in a bad way for us and ended in a bad way.

    “Shortly after the break we lost the second goal. Small details were decisive. At this point we have to work hard for success. It’s a hard time for our club, but we will work on it.”

    Leverkusen remain bottom of Group B following their third defeat in four Champions League games this campaign, three points adrift of second-placed Porto.

    Source: Livescore

  • Tomori’s red card a surprise to Mount after Chelsea dispatch Milan

    Fikayo Tomori was unlucky to be sent off and concede a penalty during Milan’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea, so says Mason Mount.

    The Milan centre-back, a former Chelsea player, was given an 18th-minute red card after he was adjudged to have pulled Mount’s shirt in the penalty box as the midfielder went through on goal.

    Jorginho converted the penalty before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 34th-minute strike wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 win for the Blues in Group E.

    Mount, however, believes Chelsea were fortunate.

    In an interview with Chelsea’s official website, Mount said: “I was probably a bit surprised [with the decision] at the time because I’ve still gone through and had a shot.

    “I felt him [Tomori] trying to pull me back but I was running to goal so I wasn’t going to go down. I carried on going, didn’t score and then obviously the ref blew up and gave a pen straight away.”

    Tomori and Mount are both products of Chelsea’s academy. The duo both spent time on loan at Derby County, under Frank Lampard, in the 2018-19 campaign and went on to play together for the Blues first team before the defender departed for Milan in 2021, helping the Rossoneri win the Serie A title last season.

    “He’s obviously my mate, I’ve known Fik for a very long time, and I felt for him in that situation, I was gutted for him. I don’t think it was a sending-off,” Mount added.

    “You still want to be playing 11 v 11 and going at it with two good teams, so it maybe ruined the game a bit. It was massive for us and we obviously wanted to win the game, which we did,” he added.

    Tuesday’s game was poignant for striker Aubameyang, who played at San Siro for the first time. His half-brothers Willy and Catilina both played for Milan.

    On Instagram, Aubameyang said: “Big dream achieved!! I used to come to this stadium to see my brothers playing and never had the chance to play at San Siro myself, now it’s done.”

    Chelsea are top of Group E after four games with an away trip to Austrian side Salzburg next, as Graham Potter’s team look to secure qualification to the knockout stage.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • ‘Missed chances’ to blame for Celtic’s Champions League exit – Postecoglou

    Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou believes “a lot of missed chances” were to blame for his side’s ill-fated Champions League season.

    After losing 2-0 to RB Leipzig at home on Tuesday, the reigning Scottish Champions will not be able to progress beyond the group stage.

    Even their hopes of dropping into the Europa League look slim, needing four points from their games against Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid, as well as favours from elsewhere.

    Reflecting on a disappointing display from his side, Postecoglou said: “I thought we showed all the effort and endeavour to try to win a game of football.

    “But as we have found at this level, if you don’t take your chances it’s very hard to convert all of that into a result.

    “I’m trying to tell us to play in a certain way to be successful, but we know at this level that if you don’t take your opportunities then it’s going to hurt you at some stage.

    “It’s been the story of our campaign so far – a lot of missed chances.”

    Celtic’s loss equalled the longest run of home defeats by a team in the competition, previously set by Monaco between May 2017 and December 2018 with seven.

    But Postecoglou hopes the experience, while disappointing, will benefit his side in the long term.

    “We have just got to keep going. Irrespective of whether we continue or not, we have two more Champions League games that we want to keep using as a platform to improve as a football team and improve our players,” he said.

    “The more they have exposure at this level, I think the better equipped we will be at this level.”

    Postecoglou and his side will look to get something from their game against Shakhtar on October 25, which follows domestic fixtures with Hibernian, Motherwell and Hearts.

     

  • James hopeful injury is ‘not a bad one’ with World Cup on horizon

    Reece James is hopeful that an injury sustained during Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions League victory against AC Milan is “not a bad one”, with the World Cup on the horizon.

    After an awkward landing, the 22-year-old England international had to be brought off the pitch on the hour mark – raising further concerns for the Three Lions ahead of the tournament in Qatar, after Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a knock in Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

    James took to social media to address the worries about his injury and, while unable to offer any decisive updates, shared hope that he will not be sidelined for an extensive period.

    He said: “Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.”

    Graham Potter was unsure as to the extent of James’ injury, stating he was unable to provide an outlook until further tests are done this week.

    “We’re hoping Reece will be OK. It will be 24, 48 hours to find out, so it’s too early to give you anything more than that,” he said in his post-match press conference.

    The Blues’ win marked an end to a run of seven winless away trips to Italian teams in the Champions League, a record that stretched back to 2003, and leaves Chelsea sat top of Group E with fixtures against RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb to come.

    Potter added: “To come here and win is certainly not easy, that is for sure. Credit to the players. They were really good, I thought.”

    Chelsea travel to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, beginning a sequence of three league games in six days with fixtures against Brentford and Manchester United on the horizon.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Atletico Madrid’s Simeone determined to figure it out amid poor start

    Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone was emphatic that he has no interest in leaving his post after a decade in charge during his media availability for Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against the red-hot Club Brugge.

    Simeone’s side are currently fourth on the LaLiga table, and also fourth in the Champions League’s Group B, trailing Brugge, Porto and Bayer Leverkusen after only scoring two goals total from three games.

    A poor result against Brugge could spell the end of Atletico’s Champions League campaign, but with two LaLiga titles and two Champions League final appearances under his belt, Simeone said he understands the ups and downs that come with the job.

    “I’m not going anywhere, I’m here,” he said. “I feel I have the same security as always. I was asked the other day if I saw myself somewhere else and my answer was no, absolutely.

    “If I imagine that, it is because I am leaving, and I am not leaving, I am here. I hope to convey what I feel and that’s why I’ve been at this club for so many years.

    “We know the importance of this game. We need to do well, for that we need to give our best and we need our fans to show up.

    “We expected more from the first part of the season, but you always expect that. I see the players with great enthusiasm to improve. This is the way.”

    Simeone also shouldered the blame for the form of Joao Felix, with the 22-year-old forward yet to score this season.

    “Everything bad that Joao Felix does, I do it worse because it’s me who is not giving him what he needs to reach his potential,” he said.

    “He hasn’t changed at all, his teammates who compete with him are better and the coach understands that.

    “Joao is important for the club and for the team. In this campaign he has not found the most important thing for him, the goal, and that causes him frustration.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Klopp blows his top at Hamann’s comments over Reds future

    Jurgen Klopp has hit back at criticism by Dietmar Hamann suggesting his Liverpool job could be in doubt.

    The Anfield club have made their worst start to a Premier League season under the German boss after picking up just 10 points from their first eight games following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.

    Hamman, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, said questions may be asked of the manager if results do not improve and added that the Merseysiders need to find a “spark”.

    Those comments were put to Klopp ahead of their trip to face Rangers at Ibrox in the Champions League tonight.

    He said: “Oh great, he is a fantastic source. Well respected everywhere.

    “[Being a former Liverpool player] doesn’t give you the right to say what you want, especially when you have no idea.

    “I actually think Didi Hamann doesn’t deserve that you use his phrase when asking a question. Do me a favour and ask your own question. Try to ask the question without the word ‘spark’.”

    Reds fighting on

    Klopp’s misery was compounded after it was confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip are both out for up to three weeks with injury, while Luis Diaz will be sidelined until after the World Cup.

    They add to the list of casualties the Reds are contending with, with Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and summer loan signing Arthur Melo unavailable for the trip north of the border.

    While currently up against it, Klopp preferred to see the positive side of the situation and vowed that his team will come out fighting in Glasgow this evening.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury dealt a further blow to Liverpool following their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal
    Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury dealt a further blow to Liverpool following their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal

    He added: “If you sleep on a problem, sometimes you realise life goes on. I just stood there at Arsenal and we had lost the game. I knew already that we had three big injuries.

    “So how can I, in this moment, not feel downbeat? It’s not possible.

    “But then you get information on the injuries step-by-step and it’s two or three weeks rather than my fear of eight weeks for Alexander-Arnold. The other injury, for Matip, is not too long as well and the other is out for as long as we expected.

    “This is a tough situation but it is also a challenge. We always face challenges but we go for it and I am sorry to all our people that after last season we go again and it’s not the case that we are competing for everything.

    “I cannot promise that we will fly tomorrow but we will fight, definitely, until someone tells us the fight is over.

    “It hasn’t got easier since Sunday because of the injuries but the team I saw in training I liked a lot. So let’s give it a go.”

    Ibrox cauldron

    Rangers midfielder John Lundstram wants to use the “aura” of Ibrox to get the better of Liverpool tonight.

    The Gers are participating in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 12 years but have begun their Group A campaign with three defeats from three and no goals scored.

    They head into tonight’s clash with the second-placed Reds as underdogs despite their opponents’ patchy start.

    But Liverpudlian Lundstram, 28, insisted the atmosphere may give the home side an extra edge, just as it did during their run to the Europa League final last term.

    John Lundstram is eager to harness the Ibrox atmosphere tonight
    John Lundstram is eager to harness the Ibrox atmosphere tonight

    The boyhood Reds fan said: “There’s something special about Ibrox on European nights. Anyone who has been here will have felt the atmosphere, felt the aura around the place.

    “There’s just something that happens underneath the lights here, I don’t know what it is, I can’t put my finger on it.

    “It gets everyone and gives you a lift. There’s something in the air and hopefully that can be the same again tomorrow.”

    Liverpool were 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture at Anfield last week, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s outfit struggling to put up much of a fight against last season’s Champions League finalists.

    Determined to present more of a challenge this time, the former Sheffield United ace added: “It’s great to come up against these players but they’re on the other team.

    “You’ve got to block that out and play your own game and show them respect to a certain extent, but at the same time show them no respect as well.

    “We have to try and get in amongst it.

    “A lot of players can be great players when you have time on the ball, I think we’re great players when we have time on the ball but when you get up in someone’s face, things change.

    “Hopefully if we can do that and our midfield match their midfield, that will be key.

    “As long as we’re up against them and laying a glove on them, hopefully we can get something.”

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Chelsea climb to Group E summit after Tomori red

    Chelsea claimed their first Champions League win in Italy for 19 years by defeating 10-man Milan 2-0 at San Siro to move to the top of Group E.

    A 4-0 victory over Lazio in November 2003 had represented the Blues’ last win on Italian soil in Europe’s elite club competition, but this was similarly routine following a contentious Fikayo Tomori red card.

    Jorginho’s penalty gave the visitors a 21st-minute lead after former Chelsea defender Tomori was dismissed for fouling Mason Mount in the box.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then doubled the lead before half-time, with that enough to send Graham Potter’s side to the pool summit following Salzburg’s 1-1 draw with Dinamo Zagreb.

    Milan were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute when Tomori was controversially shown a straight red after tangling with Mount in the box when the Chelsea man was through on goal. Jorginho then calmly sent Ciprian Tatarusanu the wrong way from the penalty spot.

    Olivier Giroud, another former Chelsea player, squandered a glorious opportunity to equalise for Milan in the 27th minute, heading Brahim Diaz’s inviting cross wide from eight yards out.

    And the Rossoneri were to rue their wastefulness as Chelsea doubled their lead seven minutes later. As he had in a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge six days earlier, Aubameyang netted the second with a clinical finish from Mount’s neat lay-off.

    Substitute Conor Gallagher went close to adding a third within four minutes of the restart but could only find the side-netting, while Aubameyang drew smart reflexes from Tatarusanu.

    As Sergino Dest fired over at the other end and the Rossoneri fell to a fifth home defeat in six Champions League games against English opposition, the only dampener for Chelsea was an injury to England right-back Reece James.

    What does it mean? Chelsea continue resurgence under Potter

    Chelsea remain unbeaten in five matches under Potter, with four successive wins including clean sheets in each of the last three.

    Milan, who themselves could have moved to the top of the standings, will be glad to see the back of the Blues, against whom they are without a win in six meetings after suffering consecutive defeats in this fixture for the first time.

    Silva the centurion

    Thiago Silva produced a typically assured performance at the heart of the Chelsea defence, with a game-high six clearances helping earn a clean sheet against his former club, where he spent three seasons.

    The veteran centre-half also on Tuesday became the fifth Brazilian to make 100 Champions League appearances after Roberto Carlos (120), Dani Alves (111), Fernandinho (103) and Marcelo (102).

    Nightmare reunion for Tomori

    Tomori endured another day to forget against Chelsea, having been criticised for his role in a one-sided result at Stamford Bridge last week.

    Worse was to come as Tomori got caught the wrong side of Mount, even if the Chelsea man stayed on his feet and got a shot away. The decision provoked debate and left Tomori’s team-mates playing catch-up.

    What’s next?

    Both sides are on their travels when they return to league action this weekend. Chelsea aim to build on their momentum in the Premier League when they travel to Aston Villa, while Milan head to Verona in Serie A.

    Source: Livescore

  • Hearts of Oak’s recent performance in Africa breaks my heart – Club legend Ishmael Addo

    Hearts of Oak legend, Ishmael Addo says it’s painful to watch the club endure failure during their campaign in Africa.

    The Ghana Premier League powerhouse having dominated the African continent in the late 2000s winning the Champions League and the Confederations Cup have failed to perform in recent times.

    Hearts of Oak last season were booted out of the Champions League following a 6-2 aggregate loss to Wydad Casablanca.

    In the Confederations Cup, the Phobians suffered a disappointing 4-2 aggregate defeat to JS Saoura.

    In the second round of the first leg of the preliminary games of the 2022/23 CAF Confederations Cup, Hearts of Oak suffered a 3-0 defeat to Real Bamako over the weekend.

    Addo, who was the top scorer in the Ghana Premier League three times with Hearts, isn’t happy with how his former club has regressed.

    “It’s painful to watch Hearts of Oak play in Africa these days,” the retired striker said in an interview with Joy Sports.

    “It’s really painful because you sit back after putting the team up there. You left with the idea that they would be better than where you actually put the team but you realize that the team keeps coming down and dropping.

    “Even though we had our time and left, we still have something towards the team, we still have this passion, we still want the team to achieve better than what we achieved but now they are taking a step backwards.”

    Addo was part of the last Hearts side to dominate the continent, having won the treble of Ghana Premier League, FA Cup, and CAF Champions League in 2000.

    The Accra-based side also won the maiden edition of the CAF Confederations Cup in 2004 after beating domestic rivals Asante Kotoko in the final on penalties.

    Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak will hope to overturn a three-goal deficit when they host Real Bamako at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

    Source: Footballghana

  • Celtic’s hopes of Champions League progression end with RB Leipzig defeat

    Celtic’s hopes of Champions League progression ended on Tuesday night after RB Leipzig hit two late goals at Parkhead.

    Former Chelsea forward Timo Werner headed the opener in the 75th minute and Emil Forsberg sealed a 2-0 away win nine minutes later.

    The defeat leaves Celtic bottom of Group F with one point from four matches and with no chance of making second place following Shakhtar Donetsk’s draw against Real Madrid in Warsaw.

    The Scottish champions can still finish third but would need to beat Shakhtar and then get a result in the Bernabeu – and they would need to develop a far more clinical edge to do so.

    They again had the better of the first-half chances but hit the frame of the goal twice and missed several good headed opportunities before the visitors stepped up their attacking threat.

    Celtic were missing the injured Jota and lost another winger, Liel Abada, to injury three minutes before half-time.

    The theme of their European campaign continued inside 60 seconds when Daizen Maeda spurned a glorious opportunity as he stooped to head Abada’s cross wide from four yards.

    Leipzig soon took the sting out of the game though with long spells of possession and Dominik Szoboszlai returned David Raum’s deep cross beyond the opposite post from a good opening.

    Celtic needed good blocks from Matt O’Riley – who was again playing in a deep midfield role – and Moritz Jenz after being troubled on the break.

    The hosts came to life after the midway point of the half. Greg Taylor and Sead Haksabanovic caused some panic with balls in from the left and Jenz then headed over the latter’s corner.

    Leipzig had a major let-off when O’Riley hit the post from 25 yards following a short corner and Taylor scuffed the rebound off the crossbar before Maeda headed wide.

    Kyogo Furuhashi then missed an excellent chance when he sent a free header over the crossbar from 12 yards following a pinpoint cross from Haksabanovic.

    Abada went off for James Forrest after sustaining what looked like a knee injury following a fair tackle from Raum.

    Leipzig finished the half well. Raum hit the bar with a cross, Joe Hart denied Christopher Nkunku with his foot and Willi Orban sent a free header over from the resulting corner.

    Hart pulled off a better stop from Orban early in the second half and Furuhashi failed to make the most of good set-up play from Forrest at the other end.

    Celtic were living dangerously. Jenz and Cameron Carter-Vickers put in some important interventions and O’Riley tracked back to make an excellent sliding tackle – and they also got some fortune when Szoboszlai slipped in the penalty box after Reo Hatate lost the ball to leave his defence outnumbered.

    Leipzig were enjoying the better of the second-half chances. Right-back Mohamed Simakan and Nkunku missed the target from decent chances before Hart saved from the latter.

    Celtic made a triple change midway through the half with David Turnbull, Aaron Mooy and Giorgos Giakoumakis coming on and they soon had a chance when the Australian cut the ball back for Maeda. The Japan attacker was having a frustrating night with the ball though and steered a first-time effort wide.

    The breakthrough came at the other end after Leipzig worked the ball down their left. Andre Silva got to the bye-line and cut it back for Werner to head home.

    Celtic threatened an equaliser but O’Riley saw a strike palmed away and Giakoumakis headed Forrest’s cross wide from close range.

    They were made to pay for the latest miss when Werner this time got down the left channel to cut back for Forsberg to find the top corner.

    Source: Livescore

  • Reece James injury blow mars Chelsea’s Champions League win over AC Milan

    Reece James handed England a World Cup injury scare as Chelsea went top of Champions League Group E with a 2-0 win over 10-man AC Milan.

    James cut a dejected figure when trudging off midway through the second half with an apparent leg problem, adding to both Chelsea and England’s injury concerns.

    Jorginho’s penalty and a fine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finish sealed Chelsea’s fourth win in a row in all competitions under Graham Potter.

    Former Blues defender Fikayo Tomori endured a night to forget at the San Siro with an 18th-minute red card that put his old club in the driving seat.

    England arguably boast the most strength at right-back in world football, but manager Gareth Southgate’s options for Qatar are appearing more limited by the day.

    Manchester City’s Kyle Walker is rated only 50-50 to make the World Cup that starts on November 20 after groin surgery.

    Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has an ankle problem, and now James has added to those worries.

    Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier would seem the national side’s only fit established right-back at this moment, though club and country will hope for good news on James.

    Tomori revealed his latent fury from Milan’s 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in the build-up to this rematch.

    If the 24-year-old came into the contest grinding his teeth, he left the San Siro pitch prematurely with steam coming out of his ears.

    Tomori raged at referee Daniel Siebert, fourth official Daniel Schlager and a host of innocent bystanders too, refusing to leave the pitch after being sent off.

    The Canada-born centre-back impeded Mason Mount in the area and suffered the full consequences.

    As the last man Tomori could ultimately have few complaints, even if elements of the foul seemed soft.

    Jorginho shut out the deafening cat-calls and ignored lasers shined into his eyes to convert the spot-kick after Tomori had eventually, and reluctantly, exited stage vexed.

    The sending-off naturally changed the game, handing the Blues extra time and space, especially in attack.

    Ex-Chelsea man Olivier Giroud nodded over when unmarked in the area, but beyond that Milan struggled for a first-half foothold.

    And then Aubameyang stroked home first-time from Mount’s pass to double the visitors’ lead for a stylish goal.

    Conor Gallagher replaced Mount at half-time and quickly dragged a shot just wide as the Blues looked to maintain control.

    Chelsea eased off the gas given their situational and territorial dominance, with Milan struggling to make any impact on proceedings.

    Just when the Blues looked to wrap up the perfect night however, James handed boss Potter another injury problem.

    England will also sweat on James’ issue, given the stellar wide man’s potential impact in Qatar.

    Chelsea will roll onwards in Group E though, the Blues now in control of their destiny after two fine wins over Milan.

    New boss Potter’s influence grows every day and the west Londoners appear to be warming to the ex-Brighton man’s approach.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Shakhtar 1-1 Real Madrid: Rudiger’s last-gasp equaliser denies famous win

    Antonio Rudiger’s last-minute header shattered Shakhtar Donetsk hearts in Warsaw, with a 1-1 draw securing Real Madrid’s spot in the Champions League knockout stages.

    Oleksandr Zubkov opened the scoring a minute into the second half to put the Ukrainian side in sight of a sensational result on Tuesday, with the hosts close to doubling their lead when Lassina Traore clipped the crossbar.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s side, needing a point to secure safe passage to the round of 16, went for broke in the closing stages by moving Antonio Rudiger into a forward role.

    That provided the breakthrough in the closing seconds, the German defender heading past Anatoliy Trubin to deny what would have been a famous victory.

    A passive first half saw limited opportunities, Karim Benzema having the first sight of goal after 18 minutes with a stinging shot to test Anatoliy Trubin, who then enjoyed a quiet spell before tipping Federico Valverde’s effort from long distance over the bar.

    Shakhtar capitalised on their visitors’ poor showing by taking the lead just minutes into the second period, Bohdan Mykhailichenko providing the cross for Zubkov to head past compatriot Andriy Lunin.

    As below-par Madrid toiled, Shakhtar continued to pose more threat – Traore rounding Lunin but only chipping his effort against the crossbar, with Zubkov then forcing the Madrid goalkeeper into action before Mykhaylo Mudryk dragged an attempt wide.

    Those missed chances ultimately proved costly, with makeshift striker Rudiger – having nodded just wide a few moments prior – heading home in the fifth minute of stoppage time to send Madrid through.

    What does it mean? Shakhtar raising hope

    In a week that saw Russia resume missile strikes across Ukraine, including on the capital in Kyiv, Shakhtar displayed a valiant performance in their adopted home in Poland.

    Fans of the club have not been able to watch their side in Donetsk since 2014, with the Donetsk Oblast region one of three now annexed by Russia, but Shakhtar have flown the flag for Ukraine in the Champions League and were agonisingly close to a memorable win.

    While Rudiger’s last-gasp header will be a bitter pill to swallow, Shakhtar can hold their head high following a display where they were by far the better side and deserved more than the point they finished with. They sit third in Group F, a point behind second-placed RB Leipzig with two games remaining.

    Zubkov makes his mark

    Benzema, one goal shy of 75 in the Champions League for Real Madrid, would have been expected to be among the most impressive attacking performers in Warsaw but that title was clinched by Zubkov.

    The midfielder had five attempts on goal, more than any other player on the field, making an impact in a notable way despite finishing with 67 per cent passing accuracy – lower than anyone else.

    Hapless Hazard

    Eden Hazard’s woes with Madrid are well documented and the Belgium forward was again a passenger, failing to find a foothold in the game before being hauled off shortly before the hour mark.

    Hazard registered just one touch in the box and four final-third entries, with his total of 35 touches being less than any other starting player for Madrid. In comparison, Vinicius Junior, his replacement, had 31 touches.

    Key Opta Facts

    – Madrid have 10 points after four Champions League group stage matches this season (W3 D1), their most at this stage since 2015-16.
    – Shakhtar have won just one of their last 11 games in the Champions League, drawing five and losing five. The Ukrainian side did, however, end a run of three consecutive defeats against Madrid in the competition.
    – Rudiger’s equaliser (94:31) was Madrid’s joint-third latest goal in the Champions League and also the club’s latest goal in the group stage.
    – Zubkov has scored two goals in 10 Champions League appearances, with both of those goals coming against Madrid.
    – Zubkov’s goal came after 34 seconds of the second half, making it Shakhtar’s earliest second-half goal in the competition, overtaking Willian’s effort against Chelsea in November 2012 (scored at 46:43)

    What’s next?

    Madrid host Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, while Shakhtar face Dynamo Kyiv on the same day.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Celtic 0-2 RB Leipzig: Werner and Forsberg condemn Bhoys

    Goals from Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg condemned Celtic to an early Champions League exit as RB Leipzig ran out 2-0 winners in Glasgow on Wednesday.

    Werner adjusted to nod in the first after Leipzig survived an early onslaught, then he turned provider as Forsberg made the points safe with an outstanding side-footed finish.

    While Celtic could still finish third in Group F and qualify for the Europa League’s knockout round play-offs, that will be the limit of the Bhoys’ ambitions in their final two matches following a third defeat in four Champions League outings.

    Roared on by a frenzied home crowd, Celtic went close twice in quick succession after 27 minutes, with Matt O’Riley drilling an effort against the base of the post from 18 yards out before Greg Taylor hit a looping volley onto the crossbar.

    Celtic continued to press in the second half but suffered a huge blow 15 minutes from time as Werner raced onto Andre Silva’s chipped cross to plant a header into the top-right corner.

    Giorgos Giakoumakis went close to a leveller with a stooping close-range header, but the hosts were put out of their misery by Forsberg with six minutes remaining. He controlled Werner’s pass before lifting a classy finish beyond Joe Hart.


    Source: Livescore

  • Sule hails ‘exceptional talent’ Bellingham’s maturity

    Jude Bellingham is “an exceptional talent”, says Borussia Dortmund team-mate Niklas Sule, who suggested the midfielder projects a sense he is wise beyond his years.

    The England international has continued to flourish at the Bundesliga outfit this season, with an increased leadership role under Edin Terzic’s watch.

    Bellingham was handed the captain’s armband for the first time earlier this month for their top-flight clash with Cologne, and retained it for last week’s Champions League rout against Sevilla.

    The 19-year-old’s maturity has not gone unnoticed by the rest of Dortmund’s squad, and speaking ahead of Tuesday’s return clash with the LaLiga team, Sule had fulsome praise for the playmaker.

    “I think that Jude is an exceptional talent,” he stated. “I have rarely seen a player at age 19 that made you feel like he might as well have already three children at home and is a family father.

    “He has that implicitness in his game where he knows, ‘I will lead the team and fight for the team’.

    “That is very, very impressive to see. I am having deep exchanges with him and try to help him a little.”

    Bellingham’s rich form for Dortmund seems almost certain to assure him of a place on the plane to the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

    The teenager may even be a lock to start for England in their tournament opener against Iran on November 21, amid Kalvin Phillips’ injury troubles, with the former favoured during the September international break.

     

  • Lopetegui leaves Sevilla following heavy loss to Bellingham-inspired Dortmund

    Sevilla have fired head coach Julen Lopetegui, with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League proving to be his final game in charge.

    Lopetegui led Sevilla to just one win in their first seven games of the season in LaLiga, and widespread reports had suggested he would be relieved of his duties after Wednesday’s match.

    The former Spain and Real Madrid coach’s final game with Sevilla proved to be an unhappy one, as goals from Raphael Guerreiro, Jude Bellingham, Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt saw Dortmund dominate.

    Speaking to Movistar after the defeat, Lopetegui revealed: “Right now I’m still coach of Sevilla but… I’ve already said goodbye to the team.

    “I don’t get a negative feeling right now. The first thing I feel is gratitude to a club like Sevilla, the fans, the people of the city and my players, who have given me three wonderful seasons.

    “I arrived with doubts and it was possible to turn it around with many successful seasons.”

    A statement released by Sevilla less than 30 minutes after full-time then formally confirmed his departure, saying.

    “Sevilla have dismissed Julen Lopetegui as coach of the first team after the clash [with] Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday,” the statement read.

    “Lopetegui closes a successful stage with three magnificent campaigns in which the objectives were more than achieved, and a fourth season in which the results have not been on track, with Sevilla [taking] five points out of a possible 21 in LaLiga.”

    Jorge Sampaoli – who coached Sevilla in the 2016-17 season – is reportedly being targeted to replace him, while Lopetegui has been linked with the vacant position at Wolves.

    Dortmund’s rampant performance owed much to the display of Bellingham, who became the first English teenager to start a Champions League match as captain.

    Bellingham marked the occasion with a fine solo goal, becoming just the second teenager to score in the first three games of a Champions League campaign.

    The only other player to achieve that feat is Bellingham’s former BVB team-mate Erling Haaland, who did so with Salzburg in the 2019-20 season.

    Bellingham’s tally of three Champions League goals this season is already a joint-high among English teenagers for a single campaign, along with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, back in 2004-05.

    Source: Livescore

  • Potter sure James can become a Chelsea ‘legend’

    Graham Potter believes Reece James has all the attributes to become a Chelsea “legend” after his starring role in a 3-0 Champions League win over AC Milan on Wednesday.

    James teed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Chelsea’s second following Wesley Fofana’s opener, before the England international added a third with a fierce close-range strike.

    At the age of 22 years and 301 days, he became the youngest Chelsea player to both score and assist a goal in the same Champions League game.

    Potter was thrilled with the wing-back’s contribution and is confident he has what it takes to go down as one of the club’s greats.

    “I think Reece is just a fantastic player and he’s a young player,” Potter said in a press conference. “He’s developing all the time; he will get better and better as we go.

    “I’ve really enjoyed working with him; he’s got a lot to offer. He’s fantastic, he can play in any game in the world, he’s just tremendous.

    “He’s so important for us. My job is to try and help him reach his potential and his potential is he could be a Chelsea legend. That’s the level that he has, the potential that he has.

    “But for that to happen he has to be part of a successful team and that’s what we’re working towards.”

    Fofana’s first-half strike was his first for the club following the defender’s big-money move from Leicester City, but his match ended just 14 minutes later when he hobbled off after hurting his knee in a clash with Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been touted as a target for the Blues.

    Potter was unsure of the severity of the injury and confirmed the 21-year-old will undergo a scan on Thursday.

    “We don’t know yet [how serious the injury is], we will do a scan tomorrow,” he added. “Fingers crossed.

    “I wouldn’t want to speculate on it now but we’re concerned and hope for the best.

    “He’s not had much luck but he’s a young guy, a strong guy. We’ll support him but not too much to report.”

    Chelsea host Wolves, who sacked Bruno Lage on Sunday, in the Premier League before travelling to San Siro next week for the reverse fixture with Milan.

    Source: Livescore

     

  • Kroos targets early last-16 qualification for Real Madrid

    Toni Kroos insists Real Madrid want to secure qualification for the Champions League knockout phase “as soon as possible” following victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

    The holders maintained their 100 per cent start in Group F with first-half goals from Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior sealing a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabeu.

    Despite converting just two of their 36 shots on goal, Madrid moved five points clear at the group summit after winning their opening three games in the competition for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.

    Los Blancos could book their place in the last 16 with victory over Shakhtar in the return fixture in Warsaw next week, which would be the ideal scenario for Kroos.

    “The idea is to finish the group as soon as possible,” the midfielder told Movistar+. “We have nine points out of nine, we have played three very good games, and we want another victory in Warsaw.

    “There are days when the ball does not want to enter, it has been a game to win 7-1 or something. But in the end, it is three points, and it has been a deserved victory.

    “In the end, it’s hard to believe we won only 2-1, but there are days like that. The ball will go in over the next few games.”

    Head coach Carlo Ancelotti warned his players against complacency after they were pegged back against the run of play by Oleksandr Zubkov’s spectacular strike.

    But the Italian was thrilled at seeing his side creating so many chances; Madrid only registering more shots on goal in a single Champions League match against Roma in March 2016.

    “[I am] satisfied because I think we played very well; the front three combined very well in front, pressing more,” Ancelotti added. “We have had many opportunities, but we have not succeeded. The important thing was to have opportunities.

    “We have lowered the intensity [at 2-0 up]; we thought we were comfortable. I gave a call for attention at half-time because the game was not over.

    “It’s pretty normal that it can happen. We were playing very well, it seemed easy, but these were the dangerous matches. You get ahead of yourself.

    “I think it’s important to leave this group behind next week, so we can focus on the league.”

    Source: Livescore