Sunday, August 30, 2015
Mueller marks Bayern milestone in style
Thomas Mueller celebrated his 200th Bundesliga match by netting twice as Bayern Munich eased past Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to go top of the Bundesliga on Saturday, their third win in three matches this season.
A dazzling run by Douglas Costa, after a perfect 40-metre pass from Xabi Alonso, saw the Brazilian power past Roberto Hilbert before he cut the ball into the box for Mueller to score in the 26th minute.
The hosts doubled their lead on the hour when the Germany forward grabbed his 76th league goal with a penalty. Dutchman Arjen Robben then made it 3-0 from the spot in the 71st.
"We played a very good game. We worked hard this whole week and they had just two chances in the game which is crazy," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
Despite being without the suspended Jerome Boateng and his fellow central defenders Mehdi Benatia and Holger Badstuber through injury, Bayern were in complete control and could have added more goals with Leverkusen looking tired following their midweek Champions League qualifying victory over Lazio.
Both teams hit the woodwork in an exciting first half but the champions kept Leverkusen at bay in a one-sided affair after the break as the visitors lost in the league for the first time this season.
Bayern are two points ahead of VfL Wolfsburg and Cologne. Borussia Dortmund, on six alongside Leverkusen, Mainz and Ingolstadt 04, host Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
"We can play even better than today," said Mueller. "When Douglas finds space he is a real weapon. Leverkusen go for the ball, they take risks, so you find the space."
Cologne came from a goal behind as they scored twice in five minutes, including a controversial penalty, to beat Hamburg SV 2-1.
Anthony Modeste was adjudged to have been brought down by Bosnian central defender Emir Spahic, who was sent off, but television replays showed the Cologne player may have stumbled rather than been fouled.
Frenchman Modeste kept his nerve and converted his 80th-minute penalty, leaving Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia fuming on the sidelines.
Bottom club VfB Stuttgart lost their third straight game, slumping to a 4-1 defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, piling early pressure on new coach Alexander Zorniger.
To make matters worse Stuttgart were left with 10 men when keeper Przemyslaw Tyton received a straight red card in the 67th minute.
A dazzling run by Douglas Costa, after a perfect 40-metre pass from Xabi Alonso, saw the Brazilian power past Roberto Hilbert before he cut the ball into the box for Mueller to score in the 26th minute.
The hosts doubled their lead on the hour when the Germany forward grabbed his 76th league goal with a penalty. Dutchman Arjen Robben then made it 3-0 from the spot in the 71st.
"We played a very good game. We worked hard this whole week and they had just two chances in the game which is crazy," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola told reporters.
Despite being without the suspended Jerome Boateng and his fellow central defenders Mehdi Benatia and Holger Badstuber through injury, Bayern were in complete control and could have added more goals with Leverkusen looking tired following their midweek Champions League qualifying victory over Lazio.
Both teams hit the woodwork in an exciting first half but the champions kept Leverkusen at bay in a one-sided affair after the break as the visitors lost in the league for the first time this season.
Bayern are two points ahead of VfL Wolfsburg and Cologne. Borussia Dortmund, on six alongside Leverkusen, Mainz and Ingolstadt 04, host Hertha Berlin on Sunday.
"We can play even better than today," said Mueller. "When Douglas finds space he is a real weapon. Leverkusen go for the ball, they take risks, so you find the space."
Cologne came from a goal behind as they scored twice in five minutes, including a controversial penalty, to beat Hamburg SV 2-1.
Anthony Modeste was adjudged to have been brought down by Bosnian central defender Emir Spahic, who was sent off, but television replays showed the Cologne player may have stumbled rather than been fouled.
Frenchman Modeste kept his nerve and converted his 80th-minute penalty, leaving Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia fuming on the sidelines.
Bottom club VfB Stuttgart lost their third straight game, slumping to a 4-1 defeat at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, piling early pressure on new coach Alexander Zorniger.
To make matters worse Stuttgart were left with 10 men when keeper Przemyslaw Tyton received a straight red card in the 67th minute.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Athletics News Katarina Johnson-Thompson makes long jump final at World Championships
The 22-year-old saw her medal Hopes in the seven-event competition dashed at the Bird's Nest Stadium on Sunday When She Produced three fouls in the long jump, arguably her Strongest discipline.
Aim the athlete Liverpool Seized her shot at redemption with Both Hands, soaring out to 6.79m is her second Attempt to book an automatic spot in Friday's final.
Mario Balotelli says goodbye to Liverpool fans ahead of AC Milan move
Mario Balotelli HAS Said farewell to Liverpool fans after-he returned to Italy.
The 25-year-old striker underwent a medical on Tuesday goal AC Milan are yet to confirm the deal's completion loan.
Balotelli struggled for form In His first season at Anfield and Scored just one Premier League goal last season after-His £ 16m move from Milan.
The 25-year-old striker underwent a medical on Tuesday goal AC Milan are yet to confirm the deal's completion loan.
Balotelli struggled for form In His first season at Anfield and Scored just one Premier League goal last season after-His £ 16m move from Milan.
Champions League
A Wayne Rooney hat-trick fired Manchester United back into the training group of the Champions League with a 4-0 win, 7-1 aggregate it, In Their playoff second leg at Club Brugge on Wednesday as Lazio crashed 3-0 at Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 aggregate it.
Rooney's treble Was aussi a Timely return to form for the England striker, Who HAD gone 10 games without a goal for United prior to Wednesday.
United - who missed out one Champions League Soccer last season - Will discover Their Opponents group in Thursday's draw in Monaco.
In Germany, Lazio HAD gone to Bayer Leverkusen Hoping to defend a one-goal advantage and reach the main draw for the first time since the 2007/08 season.
Purpose Were the Italians trailing Following goals from Hakan Calhanoglu (40) and Admir Mehmedi (48) and faced an uphill battle As They Played the last 20 minutes with ten men When Brazilian Maurício Was feels off for a second yellow card.
Karim Bellarabi put the result beyond doubt for the Germans Any When He finished into an empty net two minutes from time after good work from Julian Brandt.
Astana As They made history est devenu the first Kazakh team to Qualify for the main competition with a 1-1 draw at Cypriot side Apoel 2-1 aggregate victory in a.
The Kazakh club HAD taken a 1-0 lead to the Cypriot capital Nicosia for Their second leg contre 2012 quarterfinalists Apoel.
Semir Stilic's superb free-kick put the Cypriots ahead 60 minutes after-goal six minutes from time Nemanja Maksimovic tapped in the winner from close range.
In Serbia, Belarussian champions BATE Borisov Reached the group stages for the fourth time in five years on away goals after-a 2-1 loss at Partizan Belgrade, Having won the first leg 1-0.
Igor Stasevich could BATE ahead 25 minutes after-partner after the ball bounced into His path, only to level for Partizan after-74 minutes via an own goal from BATE's Maksim Zhavnerchik.
An injury-time goal Ivan Saponjic Proved academic in the end as Partizan earned a hollow victory on the night.
2010 quarterfinalists CSKA Moscow aussi advanced after-a come-from-behind 3-1 success contre Sporting Lisbon - is 4-3 aggregate - to add to Their record of seven wins out of seven in Russia this season.
Portuguese giants Sporting HAD taken a 2-1 advantage to Moscow and Teofilo Gutierrez Scored year after-away goal 36 minutes before half a second dual Ivorian striker from CSKA's Seydou Doumbia is 49 and 72 minutes left the tie level.
Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa got the winner for the Russians five minutes from time As They Qualify for the main draw for the third straight season.
It was superb night for Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United in Belgium, Dutch midfielder Memphis Depay Had a role in Rooney's first two goals were 20 and 49 minutes, with a Juan Mata cross eight minutes later allowing the United captain Complete His hat-trick.
Spaniard Ander Herrera night of misery was compounded for the Belgian club after-63 minutes Following a Bastian Schweinsteiger cross to put the three-time winners of the Champions League through in style.
Manchester United - winners in 1968, 1999 and 2008 - About did not feature in the competition last season HAD goal Previously Reached the group stages for 18 years in succession.
Brugge, Meanwhile, have-nots made the group stages since the 2005/06 season When They finished third in Group A behind Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Rooney's treble Was aussi a Timely return to form for the England striker, Who HAD gone 10 games without a goal for United prior to Wednesday.
United - who missed out one Champions League Soccer last season - Will discover Their Opponents group in Thursday's draw in Monaco.
In Germany, Lazio HAD gone to Bayer Leverkusen Hoping to defend a one-goal advantage and reach the main draw for the first time since the 2007/08 season.
Purpose Were the Italians trailing Following goals from Hakan Calhanoglu (40) and Admir Mehmedi (48) and faced an uphill battle As They Played the last 20 minutes with ten men When Brazilian Maurício Was feels off for a second yellow card.
Karim Bellarabi put the result beyond doubt for the Germans Any When He finished into an empty net two minutes from time after good work from Julian Brandt.
Astana As They made history est devenu the first Kazakh team to Qualify for the main competition with a 1-1 draw at Cypriot side Apoel 2-1 aggregate victory in a.
The Kazakh club HAD taken a 1-0 lead to the Cypriot capital Nicosia for Their second leg contre 2012 quarterfinalists Apoel.
Semir Stilic's superb free-kick put the Cypriots ahead 60 minutes after-goal six minutes from time Nemanja Maksimovic tapped in the winner from close range.
In Serbia, Belarussian champions BATE Borisov Reached the group stages for the fourth time in five years on away goals after-a 2-1 loss at Partizan Belgrade, Having won the first leg 1-0.
Igor Stasevich could BATE ahead 25 minutes after-partner after the ball bounced into His path, only to level for Partizan after-74 minutes via an own goal from BATE's Maksim Zhavnerchik.
An injury-time goal Ivan Saponjic Proved academic in the end as Partizan earned a hollow victory on the night.
2010 quarterfinalists CSKA Moscow aussi advanced after-a come-from-behind 3-1 success contre Sporting Lisbon - is 4-3 aggregate - to add to Their record of seven wins out of seven in Russia this season.
Portuguese giants Sporting HAD taken a 2-1 advantage to Moscow and Teofilo Gutierrez Scored year after-away goal 36 minutes before half a second dual Ivorian striker from CSKA's Seydou Doumbia is 49 and 72 minutes left the tie level.
Nigerian striker Ahmed Musa got the winner for the Russians five minutes from time As They Qualify for the main draw for the third straight season.
It was superb night for Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United in Belgium, Dutch midfielder Memphis Depay Had a role in Rooney's first two goals were 20 and 49 minutes, with a Juan Mata cross eight minutes later allowing the United captain Complete His hat-trick.
Spaniard Ander Herrera night of misery was compounded for the Belgian club after-63 minutes Following a Bastian Schweinsteiger cross to put the three-time winners of the Champions League through in style.
Manchester United - winners in 1968, 1999 and 2008 - About did not feature in the competition last season HAD goal Previously Reached the group stages for 18 years in succession.
Brugge, Meanwhile, have-nots made the group stages since the 2005/06 season When They finished third in Group A behind Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Liverpool wont offload Lucas - Besiktas
The president of Turkish side Besiktas has confirmed that Liverpool will not let Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva leave the club in the current transfer window, according to a report in the Liverpool Echo.
The 28-year-old was widely reported to be on his way out of Anfield after being left out of manager Brendan Rodgers' squad for their first two league games of the season against Stoke City and Bournemouth.
However, Lucas, who has two years to run on his contract, returned to the starting line-up for Monday's goalless draw with Arsenal following an injury to skipper Jordan Henderson and Rodgers praised his performance against the Gunners.
"Lucas is our best defensive midfield player," Rodgers said after the Arsenal game.
"There are games where I play three midfield players but not always with a defensive specific one, but when we do need that, he is the best one we have," the manager added.
"He's certainly very important to what we want to do."
Besiktas, who have been hunting for midfield reinforcements after losing Tolgay Arslan and Veli Kavlak to injury, have confirmed that Liverpool are now unwilling to sell the Brazilian.
"Liverpool do not want him to go. The transfer can only go ahead with their say so there is nothing we can do right now," the Echo quoted Besiktas president Fikret Orman as saying.
The midfielder is reportedly training with the Liverpool squad ahead of West Ham United's visit to Anfield on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was widely reported to be on his way out of Anfield after being left out of manager Brendan Rodgers' squad for their first two league games of the season against Stoke City and Bournemouth.
However, Lucas, who has two years to run on his contract, returned to the starting line-up for Monday's goalless draw with Arsenal following an injury to skipper Jordan Henderson and Rodgers praised his performance against the Gunners.
"Lucas is our best defensive midfield player," Rodgers said after the Arsenal game.
"There are games where I play three midfield players but not always with a defensive specific one, but when we do need that, he is the best one we have," the manager added.
"He's certainly very important to what we want to do."
Besiktas, who have been hunting for midfield reinforcements after losing Tolgay Arslan and Veli Kavlak to injury, have confirmed that Liverpool are now unwilling to sell the Brazilian.
"Liverpool do not want him to go. The transfer can only go ahead with their say so there is nothing we can do right now," the Echo quoted Besiktas president Fikret Orman as saying.
The midfielder is reportedly training with the Liverpool squad ahead of West Ham United's visit to Anfield on Saturday.
Neymar Manchester United link dismissed by Barcelona
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu quashed talk of a move for the Brazil forward and said the club's desire is to secure him to a new long-term contract.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Real Madrid
Real Madrid's new coach Rafa Benitez complained of a lack of shooting accuracy among his players after his return to La Liga was spoiled by a 0-0 draw at promoted Sporting Gijon in their opening match of the campaign on Sunday.
Real had scores of chances at the Molinon against a team with a fraction of their resources but could not find a way past Gijon goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Jese all drawing a blank.
James Rodriguez made little impact when he replaced Jese in the second half, while fullbacks Danilo and Marcelo were largely ineffective when they attacked down the wings.
CAF Confederations Cup
Pirates, Zamalek advance in Confed
A 2-0 victory for Orlando Pirates over AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville took the South African club and Zamalek of Egypt into the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals this weekend.
Title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt took a significant step toward joining them in the penultimate phase of the second-tier African Football Confederation (CAF) club competition by winning 1-0 at Esperance of Tunisia.
Former African champions Pirates and Zamalek were guaranteed last-four slots unless shock 2012 Confederation Cup winners Leopards triumphed at a rain-soaked Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
A 2-0 victory for Orlando Pirates over AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville took the South African club and Zamalek of Egypt into the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals this weekend.
Title-holders Al Ahly of Egypt took a significant step toward joining them in the penultimate phase of the second-tier African Football Confederation (CAF) club competition by winning 1-0 at Esperance of Tunisia.
Former African champions Pirates and Zamalek were guaranteed last-four slots unless shock 2012 Confederation Cup winners Leopards triumphed at a rain-soaked Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Tennis News ATP - SINGLES: Cincinnati (USA), hard
A Roger Federer masterclass beats Novak Djokovic to Cincinnati title
Roger Federer has won his seventh Cincinnati Masters title after beating world No 1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
MAN.United 'trying to sign' Neymar
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Roger Federer beats Andy Murray to reach Cincinnati final
The odds were stacked against Murray from the start, with the British No 1 having played over double the amount of hours of tennis of Federer this week.
It was also Federer's first appearance on the tour since Wimbledon and second with Murray this year after beating him in straight sets at the Grand Slam earlier in the summer.
Golfer proposes after putting!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
EUROPE: Europa League - Qualification
Ex- Saints player Tim Sparv gave Danish visitors FC Midtjylland the lead with a low strike just before the break.
Southampton improved after the restart and Rodriguez netted from the penalty spot after Kian Hansen tripped James Ward-Prowse.
Maya Yoshida had a header tipped on to the post by Johan Dahlin late on.
And the Midtjylland keeper saved a header from Steven Caulker, who also had a goal ruled out for a push, as the Danes ensured they go into the return leg in a strong position.
That takes place in Denmark next Thursday - with the winners progressing to the group stage.
UEFA Europa League Qualifying match
Dortmund continued their perfect start to life under new coach Thomas Tuchel with a 4-3 win away to Norwegian side Odd, but they needed a remarkable recovery from three goals down to do it. In Skien, two hours south of Oslo, the hosts looked on course to claim a famous win as goals from Jone Samuelsen, Fredrik Nordkvelle and Espen Ruud put them 3-0 up by the midway point in the first half.
Dortmund, whose starting line-up featured five members of the team beaten by Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final, got back on level terms thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace either side of a Shinji Kagawa strike. And Armenian star Henrikh Mkhitaryan emerged as the hero, scoring his seventh goal in four games to win it for the Bundesliga club and leave them with one foot in the group stage.
Chelsea Football Club sign Pedro from FC Barcelona in deal worth €30m
Chelsea will pay 30 million euros ($33.54 million) for the player, three of which will be based on performance, the Spanish champions said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es).
The length of the contract was not revealed.
"I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles," Pedro told the club website (www.chelseafc.com).
"Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on."
Leicester sign Swiss captain
The player has signed a three-year deal to become the Foxes' sixth signing of the summer.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has been on the lookout for a top midfielder since Argentine international Esteban Cambiasso decided to leave the club.
The Italian, who took over as coach in the summer, has already signed N'Golo Kante from French club Caen to beef up his midfield options.
Inler joins for an undisclosed fee ahead of Saturday's Premier League visit of Tottenham.
Leicester have won both of their opening games under Ranieri, beating Sunderland and West Ham, to sit joint top of the table.
Asked about transfers last week, Ranieri said: "One more. A midfielder. I think one is enough. Of course, if two arrive then I'm happy."
Inler joined Napoli from Udinese in 2011 and played for Switzerland and Turkey at under-21 level before he opted to represent the Swiss and has won 84 caps.
Namibia to host Cosafa in 2016
Namibia will stage the event for the first time in their history between May 15-29, 2016 at two venues in the capital Windhoek – the Sam Nujoma Stadium and Independence Stadium.
It follows the country’s successful hosting of the 2014 African Women’s Championship and has the full support of the Namibian Government and all stakeholders in the country.
The Ministry of Sport, Youth & National Service confirmed to the Namibian Football Association (NFA) that they would give the necessary financial guarantees to stage the event.
“The NFA is extremely pleased with the confidence COSAFA has shown by entrusting its flagship competition to our association,” NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro said.
“Of course, the success of the recent African Women’s Championship will have played a role in the decision, which goes to show the importance of hosting these major events for the emerging countries and National Associations.
“Hosting this competition will give the growth and development of the game in our country a whole new impetus. We know, as we have seen from the African Women’s Championship recently, that after this tournament next year more than ever before children in Namibia will choose to play football over any other sport. “As a National Association, that is what we want as a “take-away” from the event.”
Rukoro’s words were echoed by NFA President Frans Mbidi, who also thanked the Namibian government for their support.
“We are highly indebted to our National Government, the Government of our young Republic, for the backing they have given the NFA during the bidding, and will give during the hosting, of the COSAFA Cup 2016,” Mbidi said.
“The Minister, together with his Deputy has been extremely supportive towards NFA. The football family in Namibia and the COSAFA region will be indebted to Government and to the country as we proudly bask in the sunlight of hosting the sub-continent during May 2016.
“Furthermore, the COSAFA Cup gives us Namibians an opportunity to share all that is good about us – our democracy, stability, natural beauty, hospitality and a highly tolerant society. So come COSAFA, come all!”
Namibia this year became the fifth nation to win the COSAFA Cup since its inception in 1997. Zimbabwe and Zambia have four wins each, while South Africa and Angola have each won on three occasions.
Otamendi signs Man City deal
Celtic may come to regret not making Jo Inge Berget's loan a permanent move as his double for Swedish side Malmo saw them only lose 3-2 away in their Champions League playoff first leg match on Wednesday and leave the Scottish champions hopes of a place in the group stage in the balance.
Elsewhere Valencia's hopes of a return to the lucrative group stages after a three year hiatus look more assured after beating last season's quarterfinalists Monaco 3-1 in Spain, the impressive Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli creating one and scoring the crucial third goal.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk also look nicely-placed for the group stages – they have reached it on every occasion since the 2009/10 campaign – after coming away with a 1-0 win against Rapid Vienna, who were last in the group stages in 2005/06.
Skenderbeu's chances of becoming the first Albanian side to make the group stages of a European club competition look slender after losing 2-1 at home to Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian side coming from behind with Algerian El Arabi Hilal Soudani getting the equaliser and then in the dying second Josip Pivaric scored the winner.
Berget made Celtic pay badly for failing to keep their concentration both times after they had a seemingly comfortable two goal advantage – a bad habit that has been a feature of their recent play and the players had been warned about correcting by Celtic manager Ronny Deila.
The Norwegian – who has lost just once in seven meetings with Malmo counterpart and compatriot Age Hareide – could not have hoped for a better response as his side stormed into a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Leigh Griffiths – another who had warned his teammates about keeping their focus – slotted in the first after just three minutes rewarding Deila's call to start with him and not summer signing Nadir Ciftci, having been set up by a brilliant slide rule pass from Stefan Johansen, and seven minutes later Israeli international Nir Bitton heading home from Johansen's corner.
This video is not available in your region
However, as in previous matches this season Celtic took their foot off the pedal and spurned several chances which came back to hurt them seven minutes into the second-half as Berget, who was on loan at Celtic last season, reduced the deficit with a superb goal, curling the ball past Craig Gordon.
That, though, appeared to be the kick in the pants Celtic needed for shortly afterwards they restored their two goal cushion as the alert Griffiths nipped in to lob the ball into the net after the visitors failed to clear their lines.
However, Berget struck again as Celtic failed to clear a corner and left the tie intriguingly balanced.
FEGHOULI LIFTS VALENCIA
Valencia also took an early lead at home to Monaco as Rodrigo was on hand to tap home after Feghouli had stolen in ahead of a Monaco defender to set up the goal.
Monaco – who had a goal in the first-half ruled out – levelled early in the second half as Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic, on loan from Chelsea, scored but 10 minutes later Daniel Parejo gave the hosts the lead once again converting substitute Pablo Piatti's cross.
Pasalic looked to have restored parity only for Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan – signed earlier in the close season purposefully because the club wanted a 'keeper equal to Champions League level football – to produce a stunning save to keep the hosts noses in front.
Indeed they should have gone two clear but Feghouli's brilliant set up was not rewarded as Parejo missed the target – the impressive Algerian decided it was better to try it on his own when he next had a chance and he made no mistake to give Valencia a 3-1 lead.
Shakhtar were often second best in their match in Vienna but they used a let-off when their goalkeeper Andrey Pyatov pulled off a remarkable save late in the first-half to their advantage going down the other end to break the deadlock Brazilian Marlos slotting home.
Elsewhere Valencia's hopes of a return to the lucrative group stages after a three year hiatus look more assured after beating last season's quarterfinalists Monaco 3-1 in Spain, the impressive Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli creating one and scoring the crucial third goal.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk also look nicely-placed for the group stages – they have reached it on every occasion since the 2009/10 campaign – after coming away with a 1-0 win against Rapid Vienna, who were last in the group stages in 2005/06.
Skenderbeu's chances of becoming the first Albanian side to make the group stages of a European club competition look slender after losing 2-1 at home to Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian side coming from behind with Algerian El Arabi Hilal Soudani getting the equaliser and then in the dying second Josip Pivaric scored the winner.
Berget made Celtic pay badly for failing to keep their concentration both times after they had a seemingly comfortable two goal advantage – a bad habit that has been a feature of their recent play and the players had been warned about correcting by Celtic manager Ronny Deila.
The Norwegian – who has lost just once in seven meetings with Malmo counterpart and compatriot Age Hareide – could not have hoped for a better response as his side stormed into a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Leigh Griffiths – another who had warned his teammates about keeping their focus – slotted in the first after just three minutes rewarding Deila's call to start with him and not summer signing Nadir Ciftci, having been set up by a brilliant slide rule pass from Stefan Johansen, and seven minutes later Israeli international Nir Bitton heading home from Johansen's corner.
This video is not available in your region
However, as in previous matches this season Celtic took their foot off the pedal and spurned several chances which came back to hurt them seven minutes into the second-half as Berget, who was on loan at Celtic last season, reduced the deficit with a superb goal, curling the ball past Craig Gordon.
That, though, appeared to be the kick in the pants Celtic needed for shortly afterwards they restored their two goal cushion as the alert Griffiths nipped in to lob the ball into the net after the visitors failed to clear their lines.
However, Berget struck again as Celtic failed to clear a corner and left the tie intriguingly balanced.
FEGHOULI LIFTS VALENCIA
Valencia also took an early lead at home to Monaco as Rodrigo was on hand to tap home after Feghouli had stolen in ahead of a Monaco defender to set up the goal.
Monaco – who had a goal in the first-half ruled out – levelled early in the second half as Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic, on loan from Chelsea, scored but 10 minutes later Daniel Parejo gave the hosts the lead once again converting substitute Pablo Piatti's cross.
Pasalic looked to have restored parity only for Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan – signed earlier in the close season purposefully because the club wanted a 'keeper equal to Champions League level football – to produce a stunning save to keep the hosts noses in front.
Indeed they should have gone two clear but Feghouli's brilliant set up was not rewarded as Parejo missed the target – the impressive Algerian decided it was better to try it on his own when he next had a chance and he made no mistake to give Valencia a 3-1 lead.
Shakhtar were often second best in their match in Vienna but they used a let-off when their goalkeeper Andrey Pyatov pulled off a remarkable save late in the first-half to their advantage going down the other end to break the deadlock Brazilian Marlos slotting home.
Football | Champions League
Celtic may come to regret not making Jo Inge Berget's loan a permanent move as his double for Swedish side Malmo saw them only lose 3-2 away in their Champions League playoff first leg match on Wednesday and leave the Scottish champions hopes of a place in the group stage in the balance.
Elsewhere Valencia's hopes of a return to the lucrative group stages after a three year hiatus look more assured after beating last season's quarterfinalists Monaco 3-1 in Spain, the impressive Algerian international Sofiane Feghouli creating one and scoring the crucial third goal.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk also look nicely-placed for the group stages – they have reached it on every occasion since the 2009/10 campaign – after coming away with a 1-0 win against Rapid Vienna, who were last in the group stages in 2005/06.
Skenderbeu's chances of becoming the first Albanian side to make the group stages of a European club competition look slender after losing 2-1 at home to Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatian side coming from behind with Algerian El Arabi Hilal Soudani getting the equaliser and then in the dying second Josip Pivaric scored the winner.
Berget made Celtic pay badly for failing to keep their concentration both times after they had a seemingly comfortable two goal advantage – a bad habit that has been a feature of their recent play and the players had been warned about correcting by Celtic manager Ronny Deila.
The Norwegian – who has lost just once in seven meetings with Malmo counterpart and compatriot Age Hareide – could not have hoped for a better response as his side stormed into a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Leigh Griffiths – another who had warned his teammates about keeping their focus – slotted in the first after just three minutes rewarding Deila's call to start with him and not summer signing Nadir Ciftci, having been set up by a brilliant slide rule pass from Stefan Johansen, and seven minutes later Israeli international Nir Bitton heading home from Johansen's corner.
This video is not available in your region
However, as in previous matches this season Celtic took their foot off the pedal and spurned several chances which came back to hurt them seven minutes into the second-half as Berget, who was on loan at Celtic last season, reduced the deficit with a superb goal, curling the ball past Craig Gordon.
That, though, appeared to be the kick in the pants Celtic needed for shortly afterwards they restored their two goal cushion as the alert Griffiths nipped in to lob the ball into the net after the visitors failed to clear their lines.
However, Berget struck again as Celtic failed to clear a corner and left the tie intriguingly balanced.
FEGHOULI LIFTS VALENCIA
Valencia also took an early lead at home to Monaco as Rodrigo was on hand to tap home after Feghouli had stolen in ahead of a Monaco defender to set up the goal.
Monaco – who had a goal in the first-half ruled out – levelled early in the second half as Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic, on loan from Chelsea, scored but 10 minutes later Daniel Parejo gave the hosts the lead once again converting substitute Pablo Piatti's cross.
Pasalic looked to have restored parity only for Australian goalkeeper Matthew Ryan – signed earlier in the close season purposefully because the club wanted a 'keeper equal to Champions League level football – to produce a stunning save to keep the hosts noses in front.
This video is not available in your region
Indeed they should have gone two clear but Feghouli's brilliant set up was not rewarded as Parejo missed the target – the impressive Algerian decided it was better to try it on his own when he next had a chance and he made no mistake to give Valencia a 3-1 lead.
Shakhtar were often second best in their match in Vienna but they used a let-off when their goalkeeper Andrey Pyatov pulled off a remarkable save late in the first-half to their advantage going down the other end to break the deadlock Brazilian Marlos slotting home.
Tennis News
The two-time Grand Slam champion has been romantically linked with 19-year-old Croatian player Donna Vekic, who played mixed doubles with Kokkinakis at the Australian Open last year, since he separated from his wife in April.
Wawrinka spoke to Sky Sports after fighting off Borna Coric to reach the third round of the Cincinnati Masters with a 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win on Wednesday, saying Kyrgios hasn't apologised for his on-court jibe.
And Petchey said of the situation: "If what he just said is true and I think I heard him right - I'm sorry but what he did didn't just cross the line, it vaporised it for everybody that loves this sport.
"The argument that it happens in every other sport doesn't make it right, it's wrong in the other sports as far as I'm concerned.
"If that's how socially we're supposed to act with our fellow human beings in a sporting occasion then it's just wrong.
Wawrinka spoke to Sky Sports after fighting off Borna Coric to reach the third round of the Cincinnati Masters with a 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win on Wednesday, saying Kyrgios hasn't apologised for his on-court jibe.
And Petchey said of the situation: "If what he just said is true and I think I heard him right - I'm sorry but what he did didn't just cross the line, it vaporised it for everybody that loves this sport.
"The argument that it happens in every other sport doesn't make it right, it's wrong in the other sports as far as I'm concerned.
"If that's how socially we're supposed to act with our fellow human beings in a sporting occasion then it's just wrong.
Nick Kyrgios' failure to apologise to Stan Wawrinka angers Mark Petchey
Nick Kyrgios' derogatory comments to Stan Wawrinka speaks volumes for his character and has "vaporised" everybody's love of the sport, says Mark Petchey.
The tennis expert admitted that it now "leaves an even worse taste in the mouth" after Wawrinka revealed to Sky Sports that the Australian hadn't yet apologised to him for his on-court sledging at the Montreal Masters.
Kyrgios was fined and sparked a global uproar after an on-court microphone recorded him utter an insult involving Wawrinka's "girlfriend" and Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis during their encounter at the Montreal Masters last week.
The tennis expert admitted that it now "leaves an even worse taste in the mouth" after Wawrinka revealed to Sky Sports that the Australian hadn't yet apologised to him for his on-court sledging at the Montreal Masters.
Kyrgios was fined and sparked a global uproar after an on-court microphone recorded him utter an insult involving Wawrinka's "girlfriend" and Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis during their encounter at the Montreal Masters last week.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Hand of God ref meets Maradona
Maradona's quarterfinal goal against England in Mexico City gained added notoriety when the tiny Argentine, who tapped the ball over the head of onrushing goalkeeper Peter Shilton with his fist, claimed it had been scored by the 'Hand of God'.
Tunisian referee Ali Bennaceur failed to spot the handball and allowed the goal to stand amid furious protests from the England players, prompting a debate, that still rages on today, over the use of referees from smaller nations in major matches.
The pair exchange gifts for the cameras when they met in Tunis on Monday with Bennaceur handing the former Argentina skipper a framed photo of himself, Maradona and Shilton, who captained England, before the match at the Azteca Stadium.
In return, the 71-year-old former referee received a Maradona shirt inscribed with the words "For Ali, my eternal friend".
In interviews in later years, Bennaceur blamed his Bulgarian assistant Bogdan Dotchev for failing to alert him to the moment when Maradona punched the ball past Shilton to give Argentina the lead in the match they went on to win 2-1.
"Before the game, Fifa gave us clear guidelines: 'If your colleague is better placed than you are, his decision should take precedence.' That's what I did: my assistant did not raise his flag," he told a French football magazine So Foot recently.
He also claimed a role in Maradona's second strike, a brilliant weaving run that started in his own half and continued through the entire English defence which is often described as the 'goal of the century'.
"Maradona did not score that all by himself, that goal. I was his assistant: I played three advantages. I did not have to. For the first foul, he stumbled. The second came just on the edge of the area. I shouted 'advantage, advantage'.
"And when he entered the area, I was expecting (Terry) Butcher to slice him down. I put my whistle to my lips, I was ready to intervene but I didn't blow."
Argentina went on to beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.
1986 Diego Maradona vs England - World Cup
Bayern Munich
German champions Bayern Munich have urged for an end to the ongoing transfer speculation regarding attacking midfielder Mario Goetze, with the Germany international still without a starting spot in his third season at the club.
The 23-year-old, who scored the winner for Germany in last year's World Cup final, has again started the season as a little used substitute while also refusing to commit to a future at Bayern despite a contract till 2017.
"Can we agree on one thing, to allow Mario to play football?" Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer told reporters after Monday's 3-1 friendly win over Dynamo Dresden.
"He enjoys our trust but we need to leave the boy in peace."
Goetze has struggled under coach Pep Guardiola and last season the Spaniard used him over the full 90 minutes in just 16 of their 34 league games, raising questions about whether he would see out his contract or leave.
He was also a little-used substitute in the German Super Cup defeat to VfL Wolfsburg earlier this month and again came on as a second half substitute in their Bundesliga opening 5-0 win over Hamburg SV on Friday.
Instead of spearheading Bayern's attacking midfield Goetze has languished on the Bayern bench, unable to find consistency and the player vented his frustration earlier this month saying it had been a difficult two-year period so far.
"We will see what happens," Goetze, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2013, had said on August 5. "Now I will just let things come to me. For anything else we will have to see."
Sammer said the club and player were working hard on his form and it would work out for both sides.
"That lightness, the trust, the last two or three percent, we are all working on that together. It is all good. It does not get better if we constantly talk about it."
The 23-year-old, who scored the winner for Germany in last year's World Cup final, has again started the season as a little used substitute while also refusing to commit to a future at Bayern despite a contract till 2017.
"Can we agree on one thing, to allow Mario to play football?" Bayern sports director Matthias Sammer told reporters after Monday's 3-1 friendly win over Dynamo Dresden.
"He enjoys our trust but we need to leave the boy in peace."
Goetze has struggled under coach Pep Guardiola and last season the Spaniard used him over the full 90 minutes in just 16 of their 34 league games, raising questions about whether he would see out his contract or leave.
He was also a little-used substitute in the German Super Cup defeat to VfL Wolfsburg earlier this month and again came on as a second half substitute in their Bundesliga opening 5-0 win over Hamburg SV on Friday.
Instead of spearheading Bayern's attacking midfield Goetze has languished on the Bayern bench, unable to find consistency and the player vented his frustration earlier this month saying it had been a difficult two-year period so far.
"We will see what happens," Goetze, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2013, had said on August 5. "Now I will just let things come to me. For anything else we will have to see."
Sammer said the club and player were working hard on his form and it would work out for both sides.
"That lightness, the trust, the last two or three percent, we are all working on that together. It is all good. It does not get better if we constantly talk about it."
Monday, August 17, 2015
Bilbao claim Spanish Super Cup
Athletic Bilbao claimed their first trophy in 31 years as they drew 1-1 with 10-man Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup 5-1 on aggregate on Monday.
Lionel Messi had given the European champions -- who trailed 4-0 from the first leg -- a glimmer of hope with the opener two minutes before half time.
However, any realistic hope Barca had of pulling off a monumental comeback disappeared when Gerard Pique was shown a straight red card for dissent 10 minutes into the second half.
And Aritz Aduriz exploited the space left by the Spanish international defender's dismissal to follow up his hat-trick in the first leg with the crucial away goal midway through the second half.
"For us to win a title is the best thing that can happen to us," Aduriz told Spanish TV station Telecinco.
"Apart from the birth of my daughter this is the happiest day of my life."
Defeat ends Barcelona's hopes of matching the club record set by Pep Guardiola's side in 2009 of winning six trophies in a calendar year.
They won't have long to wait for a chance at revenge, though, as the two sides square off once more in their opening game of the La Liga season on Sunday in Bilbao.
"It is a tie of two games and in the first they were clear victors," said Barca captain Andres Iniesta.
"Today we tried everything. Possibly we needed another goal in the first half so that they would have more doubts.
"I think very few teams have won six titles. Very few have won three or four, we will go for the fifth and until December we have an interesting first part of the season ahead of us."
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique had made six changes to the side that was thrashed at the new San Mames on Friday with a host of first-team regulars coming back into the side.
The hosts started on the front foot as Luis Suarez saw a shot deflected just over before Pique's effort came back off the crossbar.
Yet, Athletic's mass ranks of defence were comfortably keeping Enrique's men at bay and the visitors even had a great chance to put the tie to bed when Javier Eraso skipped past Javier Mascherano before firing into the side-netting rather than squaring for Aduriz to apply a simple finish.
Barca finally found a way through thanks to a brilliant move as Suarez headed down for Messi who controlled the ball on his chest before sweeping home.
Claudio Bravo kept Barcelona's hopes alive early in the second period with saves from Markel Susaeta and Aduriz, but the Chilean's good work was undone when Pique was sent-off for something he said to the referee's assistant after he failed to flag Aduriz offside.
To their credit Barca didn't give up as Pedro Rodriguez, Ivan Rakitic and Suarez all fired off target with fine chances to reduce the deficit to two goals.
However, Athletic struck the final blow when Aduriz was given acres of space to latch onto Eraso's flick-on and he slotted into an empty net at the second attempt after Bravo had saved his first effort.
Both sides ended the game with 10 men as Athletic substitute Kike Sola also saw a straight red for a late challenge on Javier Mascherano.
WORLD: World Championship U18 Women - Play Offs - Final
| USA U18 W | 0 | 20 | 18 | 16 | ||
| Italy U18 W | 3 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Relive the "golden" moment of Italy's upcoming stars at the FIVB Girls U18 World Championship!
Boxing News
Floyd Mayweather will retire after fighting Andre Berto, says Leonard Ellerbe
Floyd Mayweather's fight against Andre Berto in Las Vegas on September 12 will be the last of his career, according to Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.
The undefeated welterweight will equal heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano's long-standing unbeaten record of 49-0 if he defeats Berto.
The undefeated welterweight will equal heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano's long-standing unbeaten record of 49-0 if he defeats Berto.
Yanga-Mbiwa completes Lyon switch
"There will be a lot of expectation around me and I am going to do everything to live up to that.
"With Lyon our objective is to have a good season in all competitions and notably finish in the top three in the league, and then after that, why not think about the Euro," said the 26-year-old defender, who was born in the Central African Republic.
Yanga-Mbiwa is back in France, where he previously starred in the Montpellier team that won the Ligue 1 title in 2012, after spells at Newcastle United and in the Italian capital.
He has won four caps for Les Bleus, all under current coach Didier Dschamps, the most recent coming in a friendly against Albania in November last year.
France will host next year's European Championship as they look to repeat their feat of 1984, when they were crowned continental champions on home soil.
OL turned to Yanga-Mbiwa to strengthen their defence ahead of their return to the Champions League group stage after previously failing in a bid to sign Cameroon international Nicolas Nkoulou from Marseille.
"He is a player who has the objective of playing at the Euro and, unlike Nicolas Nkoulou, he will not pose any problems when it comes to the Africa Cup of Nations," declared Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas.
The fee for Yanga-Mbiwa could eventually rise to 10 million euros with bonuses.
Lyon recorded their first win of the new French season at the weekend, beating Guingamp 1-0 thanks to a goal from another summer signing, forward Claudio Beauvue.
Football | Barclays Premier League
Rodgers unlikely to tinker with defence
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make any changes to his defence against Bournemouth after his team kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win at Stoke City in their Premier League opener.
Liverpool's back four against Stoke featured new signings Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez in the full back positions and a much improved performance from Dejan Lovren alongside Martin Skrtel in central defence.
"Having players that are going to be able to play consistently for you is key in any team, and especially in a back five. That's vital," Rodgers said in an interview posted on the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).
"I thought the back four and goalkeeper were excellent last week at Stoke with their organisation as a group and a unit."
The manager was especially pleased with Lovren's performance.
"Dejan is aggressive, he's good in the air, his reading of the game was good and his passing was simple but effective," Rodgers said. "I think he's gained confidence over the pre-season and hopefully that will be maintained."
The manager also stressed the importance of a settled defence, something that Liverpool lacked last season.
"We have got excellent players here in (Mamadou) Sakho and Kolo (Toure), the central defenders, but centre-halves will tell you it's about finding that comfort with a partner and that partnership," the 42-year-old Northern Irishman said.
"I thought the two centre-halves were very good last week."
Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that midfielder Harry Arter will miss the trip to Anfield after failing to recover from a hip injury that he picked up at the start of June.
"Harry, unfortunately, isn't fit yet," Howe said. "He hasn't trained with us.
"We're disappointed because we would have hoped to have him back with us by now, but he's had some mini setbacks and has been feeling certain symptoms again."
Howe said his Bournemouth side would need to be at the top of their game to get a positive result at Anfield.
"We're going to Liverpool to be professional and do a job," he said. "Teams like Liverpool are always going to be there or thereabouts at the top of the table.
"That's why I say it's going to be one of our toughest games of the season, so we have to make sure we turn up."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to make any changes to his defence against Bournemouth after his team kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win at Stoke City in their Premier League opener.
Liverpool's back four against Stoke featured new signings Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez in the full back positions and a much improved performance from Dejan Lovren alongside Martin Skrtel in central defence.
"Having players that are going to be able to play consistently for you is key in any team, and especially in a back five. That's vital," Rodgers said in an interview posted on the club's website (www.liverpoolfc.com).
"I thought the back four and goalkeeper were excellent last week at Stoke with their organisation as a group and a unit."
The manager was especially pleased with Lovren's performance.
"Dejan is aggressive, he's good in the air, his reading of the game was good and his passing was simple but effective," Rodgers said. "I think he's gained confidence over the pre-season and hopefully that will be maintained."
The manager also stressed the importance of a settled defence, something that Liverpool lacked last season.
"We have got excellent players here in (Mamadou) Sakho and Kolo (Toure), the central defenders, but centre-halves will tell you it's about finding that comfort with a partner and that partnership," the 42-year-old Northern Irishman said.
"I thought the two centre-halves were very good last week."
Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that midfielder Harry Arter will miss the trip to Anfield after failing to recover from a hip injury that he picked up at the start of June.
"Harry, unfortunately, isn't fit yet," Howe said. "He hasn't trained with us.
"We're disappointed because we would have hoped to have him back with us by now, but he's had some mini setbacks and has been feeling certain symptoms again."
Howe said his Bournemouth side would need to be at the top of their game to get a positive result at Anfield.
"We're going to Liverpool to be professional and do a job," he said. "Teams like Liverpool are always going to be there or thereabouts at the top of the table.
"That's why I say it's going to be one of our toughest games of the season, so we have to make sure we turn up."
Football | Champions League
Manchester United are heavy favourites to get the better of Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs as they look to return to the group stage after missing out last season.
United entertain last season's Belgian league runners-up in the first leg on Tuesday hoping to take control of the tie before the return in Bruges next week, and manager Louis van Gaal believes his side are ready for the challenge after winning their opening two games of the new Premier League campaign.
"Yes, I think when you win two times then you shall have a lot of confidence," said the Dutchman.
"But every match is difficult and Belgian teams can play very compactly, they can defend and a team always has a chance of winning."
Club Brugge, beaten European Cup finalists in 1978, began their Belgian league campaign with a defeat to unfancied Sint-Truiden but have since started to find their feet, winning their last two home matches.
However, Michel Preud'homme's side, Europa League quarterfinalists last season, know they will be rank outsiders at Old Trafford.
"Manchester will try to make the difference in the home leg but I hope we still manage to create danger," said the 38-year-old captain Timmy Simons.
"Of course, playing at Old Trafford constitutes a real experience for us but I think we need to put it into context and do our job."
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
The draw could have been far tougher for United, who avoided being paired with last season's quarterfinalists Monaco.
The principality club will instead face Valencia, who came fourth in the Spanish top flight last season, in a tie that looks too close to call.
While Valencia are yet to play a competitive game, Monaco are already four matches into their season, although their hopes have been hit by the loss of midfielder Joao Moutinho for up to six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in Friday's 0-0 draw with Lille in Ligue 1.
Lazio, another side who could have faced United, will entertain Bayer Leverkusen in Rome with the Germans travelling fresh from starting their Bundesliga campaign by beating Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday.
The Serie A club, yet to play a competitive game this season, have not been in the Champions League group stage since 2007, but their preparations have been hit by injuries to goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and striker Filip Djordjevic.
The other first-leg ties in the League Route will see Sporting Lisbon host CSKA Moscow in a repeat of the 2005 Uefa Cup final won by the Russian club at the same venue and Rapid Vienna entertain Shakhtar Donetsk.
Meanwhile, Celtic's hopes of returning to the group stage after missing out a year ago face a stiff test as they entertain the Swedish champions Malmo in Glasgow in the first leg of their tie.
The Hoops, who have already won qualifiers against Stjarnan of Iceland and Qarabag of Azerbaijan, will be wary of a Malmo side who beat Rangers in the third qualifying round in 2011.
And manager Ronny Deila warned his side they will need to be less sloppy at the back than they were in the last 20 minutes of their 4-2 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the weekend.
"It is a warning, of course, the players know that. But what we have to take with us is the first 70 minutes, which I thought was very good," said the Norwegian.
Elsewhere, Kazakhs Astana and Skenderbeu from Albania are bidding to become the first ever representatives from their countries to reach the Champions League group stage.
Astana are making their debut in the competition and host Cypriots Apoel, surprise quarterfinalists in 2012.
Skenderbeu are already the first Albanian side to reach the play-offs and take another step into the unknown as they host Croatians Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
Swiss champions Basle, who beat Liverpool en route to the last 16 last season, host Maccabi Tel Aviv of Isreal while 1966 European Cup finalists Partizan Belgrade go to Belarus to face BATE
United entertain last season's Belgian league runners-up in the first leg on Tuesday hoping to take control of the tie before the return in Bruges next week, and manager Louis van Gaal believes his side are ready for the challenge after winning their opening two games of the new Premier League campaign.
"Yes, I think when you win two times then you shall have a lot of confidence," said the Dutchman.
"But every match is difficult and Belgian teams can play very compactly, they can defend and a team always has a chance of winning."
Club Brugge, beaten European Cup finalists in 1978, began their Belgian league campaign with a defeat to unfancied Sint-Truiden but have since started to find their feet, winning their last two home matches.
However, Michel Preud'homme's side, Europa League quarterfinalists last season, know they will be rank outsiders at Old Trafford.
"Manchester will try to make the difference in the home leg but I hope we still manage to create danger," said the 38-year-old captain Timmy Simons.
"Of course, playing at Old Trafford constitutes a real experience for us but I think we need to put it into context and do our job."
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
The draw could have been far tougher for United, who avoided being paired with last season's quarterfinalists Monaco.
The principality club will instead face Valencia, who came fourth in the Spanish top flight last season, in a tie that looks too close to call.
While Valencia are yet to play a competitive game, Monaco are already four matches into their season, although their hopes have been hit by the loss of midfielder Joao Moutinho for up to six weeks with an ankle injury suffered in Friday's 0-0 draw with Lille in Ligue 1.
Lazio, another side who could have faced United, will entertain Bayer Leverkusen in Rome with the Germans travelling fresh from starting their Bundesliga campaign by beating Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday.
The Serie A club, yet to play a competitive game this season, have not been in the Champions League group stage since 2007, but their preparations have been hit by injuries to goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and striker Filip Djordjevic.
The other first-leg ties in the League Route will see Sporting Lisbon host CSKA Moscow in a repeat of the 2005 Uefa Cup final won by the Russian club at the same venue and Rapid Vienna entertain Shakhtar Donetsk.
Meanwhile, Celtic's hopes of returning to the group stage after missing out a year ago face a stiff test as they entertain the Swedish champions Malmo in Glasgow in the first leg of their tie.
The Hoops, who have already won qualifiers against Stjarnan of Iceland and Qarabag of Azerbaijan, will be wary of a Malmo side who beat Rangers in the third qualifying round in 2011.
And manager Ronny Deila warned his side they will need to be less sloppy at the back than they were in the last 20 minutes of their 4-2 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the weekend.
"It is a warning, of course, the players know that. But what we have to take with us is the first 70 minutes, which I thought was very good," said the Norwegian.
Elsewhere, Kazakhs Astana and Skenderbeu from Albania are bidding to become the first ever representatives from their countries to reach the Champions League group stage.
Astana are making their debut in the competition and host Cypriots Apoel, surprise quarterfinalists in 2012.
Skenderbeu are already the first Albanian side to reach the play-offs and take another step into the unknown as they host Croatians Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
Swiss champions Basle, who beat Liverpool en route to the last 16 last season, host Maccabi Tel Aviv of Isreal while 1966 European Cup finalists Partizan Belgrade go to Belarus to face BATE
Gomez and Podolski: A fresh start in the Süper Lig
Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski have both joined Turkish clubs this summer, and both will look to sufficiently impress Germany coach Joachim Löw ahead of the upcoming European Championship in France. Gomez joined Besiktas from Fiorentina, while Podolski linked up with Galatasaray from Arsenal in an attempt to book a place in Germany's 23-man-strong squad next summer.
"The next season will be very important for me," said 30-year-old Gomez. "My goal is to play for Germany again and take part in the European Championship." Podolski, also 30 years old, explained: "When I'm fit, I can be an asset to a lot of teams around the world - that includes the Germany national team." But first, Podolski has to "get back into a regular match rhythm, which has been missing in recent months" during his unfortunate loan spell at Inter Milan. Gomez, who is looking to put two disappointing seasons in Italy's Serie A behind him, is also hoping to re-find his form in Turkey.
Podolski and "Gala" will begin their campaign on Saturday evening (21:00 CEST) away at Sivasspor. Gomez' first league game is on Sunday (21:00 CEST) alongside former Hoffenheim player Andreas Beck against Mersin Idman Yurdu. The season’s opening game took place on Friday, where Fenerbahce, led by coach Michael Skibbe, secured a 2-0 win over Eskisehirspor.
Löw believes in Gomez and Podolski
Germany coach Joachim Löw will keep a keen eye on what's going on in Turkey, as good strikers are hard to come by these days. "When Mario is completely fit and is playing regularly, he can be an asset to any team in the world and certainly for us as well, as he has proven so many times before," said Löw in an interview with DFB.de. Gomez, who has had many injury worries in recent years, made his last appearance for Die Mannschaft in September 2014 during a 4-2 defeat against Argentina.
World-Cup-winner Lukas Podolski, who has already won the Super Cup with his new club, was part of the squad in Germany's last two international games in June. "This will be a decisive year for him," said Löw.
"The next season will be very important for me," said 30-year-old Gomez. "My goal is to play for Germany again and take part in the European Championship." Podolski, also 30 years old, explained: "When I'm fit, I can be an asset to a lot of teams around the world - that includes the Germany national team." But first, Podolski has to "get back into a regular match rhythm, which has been missing in recent months" during his unfortunate loan spell at Inter Milan. Gomez, who is looking to put two disappointing seasons in Italy's Serie A behind him, is also hoping to re-find his form in Turkey.
Podolski and "Gala" will begin their campaign on Saturday evening (21:00 CEST) away at Sivasspor. Gomez' first league game is on Sunday (21:00 CEST) alongside former Hoffenheim player Andreas Beck against Mersin Idman Yurdu. The season’s opening game took place on Friday, where Fenerbahce, led by coach Michael Skibbe, secured a 2-0 win over Eskisehirspor.
Löw believes in Gomez and Podolski
Germany coach Joachim Löw will keep a keen eye on what's going on in Turkey, as good strikers are hard to come by these days. "When Mario is completely fit and is playing regularly, he can be an asset to any team in the world and certainly for us as well, as he has proven so many times before," said Löw in an interview with DFB.de. Gomez, who has had many injury worries in recent years, made his last appearance for Die Mannschaft in September 2014 during a 4-2 defeat against Argentina.
World-Cup-winner Lukas Podolski, who has already won the Super Cup with his new club, was part of the squad in Germany's last two international games in June. "This will be a decisive year for him," said Löw.
Manchester City
"What happened last season was maybe a good experience. Now they have that desire to win every game and the only way to do it is to play consistently for 90 minutes," the Chilean told reporters after his side stormed to the top of the table
Rodgers schools arrivals in Anfield magic
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given his new players a sneak preview of Anfield ahead of their first Premier League home game of the season against Bournemouth on Monday.
Rodgers handed competitive debuts to five new signings in last weekend's 1-0 win at Stoke City, which saw Liverpool prevail courtesy of a memorable long-range strike by Philippe Coutinho in the 86th minute.
Liverpool encountered some difficulties at home last season, losing four games and drawing five, and in a bid to help the new recruits acclimatise to the famous stadium, Rodgers held a training session there on Friday.
"I felt it was important for our new players, and the new staff, to acquaint themselves with Anfield," he told his pre-match press conference.
"They know how special it is. They trained well last night (Friday) and obviously we're looking forward to the game on Monday.
"It's a really special place to play football and it's going to be very important again for us, if we're going to have a good season, that our home form is second-to-none.
"A big part of that is the support we receive at home. So we're looking forward to the game."
Liverpool toiled at the Britannia Stadium until Coutinho's late flash of inspiration and Rodgers will hope to see more invention from his forward players against promoted Bournemouth.
New £32.5 million striker Christian Benteke saw his only attempt at goal blocked, while Adam Lallana was hooked in the 63rd minute after an ineffective display.
Brazil forward Roberto Firmino, a £29 million acquisition from Hoffenheim, made a late entrance as a substitute and Rodgers has revealed the 23-year-old will soon be in a position to start after building up his fitness.
Rodgers could name an unchanged side for the visit of Eddie Howe's team, which would mean 18-year-old Joe Gomez continuing at left-back after making an impressive competitive debut at Stoke.
Liverpool twice won at Bournemouth in cup competitions in 2014, prevailing 2-0 in the fourth round of the 2013-14 FA Cup and then winning 3-1 in last season's League Cup quarterfinals.
But Howe will be the first manager to take Bournemouth to Anfield since January 1968, when a team playing under the banner of Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic lost 4-1 in an FA Cup third-round replay.
Howe is also expected to keep faith with the XI that he selected on the opening weekend, when the club from the south coast lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever top-flight fixture.
He wants to give the players who took Bournemouth to the Championship title a chance to prove themselves in the Premier League and aside from Harry Arter, Shaun MacDonald and Christian Atsu, his squad is fully fit.
At 37, Howe is one of the most highly rated young managers in the country and he is excited about pitting his wits against Rodgers and his newly appointed assistant Sean O'Driscoll.
Howe previously worked under O'Driscoll, who was one of his predecessors at Bournemouth, and has been impressed by the philosophies that Rodgers has successively instilled at Swansea City and Liverpool.
"(Rodgers has) been a role model, really, for me, someone you look up to and admire," said Howe. "I admired watching his Swansea teams play.
"When you try and analyse games and analyse systems, and philosophies, he's certainly someone that I've looked at. I respect the way he conducts himself as well."
Howe said that O'Driscoll, who has replaced Colin Pascoe in the Anfield dug-out, was "hugely influential" when the pair worked together.
"I certainly believe Sean had a huge part in my management style," he added.
"Obviously he's moved on and I haven't seen or worked with him for a long time, but I think that stays with you. I was very lucky, as a young professional, to have such a forward-thinking coach as Sean."
Rodgers handed competitive debuts to five new signings in last weekend's 1-0 win at Stoke City, which saw Liverpool prevail courtesy of a memorable long-range strike by Philippe Coutinho in the 86th minute.
Liverpool encountered some difficulties at home last season, losing four games and drawing five, and in a bid to help the new recruits acclimatise to the famous stadium, Rodgers held a training session there on Friday.
"I felt it was important for our new players, and the new staff, to acquaint themselves with Anfield," he told his pre-match press conference.
"They know how special it is. They trained well last night (Friday) and obviously we're looking forward to the game on Monday.
"It's a really special place to play football and it's going to be very important again for us, if we're going to have a good season, that our home form is second-to-none.
"A big part of that is the support we receive at home. So we're looking forward to the game."
Liverpool toiled at the Britannia Stadium until Coutinho's late flash of inspiration and Rodgers will hope to see more invention from his forward players against promoted Bournemouth.
New £32.5 million striker Christian Benteke saw his only attempt at goal blocked, while Adam Lallana was hooked in the 63rd minute after an ineffective display.
Brazil forward Roberto Firmino, a £29 million acquisition from Hoffenheim, made a late entrance as a substitute and Rodgers has revealed the 23-year-old will soon be in a position to start after building up his fitness.
Rodgers could name an unchanged side for the visit of Eddie Howe's team, which would mean 18-year-old Joe Gomez continuing at left-back after making an impressive competitive debut at Stoke.
Liverpool twice won at Bournemouth in cup competitions in 2014, prevailing 2-0 in the fourth round of the 2013-14 FA Cup and then winning 3-1 in last season's League Cup quarterfinals.
But Howe will be the first manager to take Bournemouth to Anfield since January 1968, when a team playing under the banner of Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic lost 4-1 in an FA Cup third-round replay.
Howe is also expected to keep faith with the XI that he selected on the opening weekend, when the club from the south coast lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever top-flight fixture.
He wants to give the players who took Bournemouth to the Championship title a chance to prove themselves in the Premier League and aside from Harry Arter, Shaun MacDonald and Christian Atsu, his squad is fully fit.
At 37, Howe is one of the most highly rated young managers in the country and he is excited about pitting his wits against Rodgers and his newly appointed assistant Sean O'Driscoll.
Howe previously worked under O'Driscoll, who was one of his predecessors at Bournemouth, and has been impressed by the philosophies that Rodgers has successively instilled at Swansea City and Liverpool.
"(Rodgers has) been a role model, really, for me, someone you look up to and admire," said Howe. "I admired watching his Swansea teams play.
"When you try and analyse games and analyse systems, and philosophies, he's certainly someone that I've looked at. I respect the way he conducts himself as well."
Howe said that O'Driscoll, who has replaced Colin Pascoe in the Anfield dug-out, was "hugely influential" when the pair worked together.
"I certainly believe Sean had a huge part in my management style," he added.
"Obviously he's moved on and I haven't seen or worked with him for a long time, but I think that stays with you. I was very lucky, as a young professional, to have such a forward-thinking coach as Sean."
Enrique bullish despite four-goal deficit
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has insisted his side can pull off a monumental fightback on Monday to add the Spanish Super Cup to their 2015 trophy haul despite trailing Athletic Bilbao 4-0 heading into the second leg. Kickoff is at 10pm (2000GMT) - Live on SS5
An under-strength Barca side was blown away by the Basques on Friday as they exacted revenge for defeat in May's Copa del Rey final at the Camp Nou thanks to Aritz Aduriz's hat-trick and a spectacular opener from just inside the Barca half by Mikel San Jose.
However, a defiant Enrique insisted a goal-laden squad spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is capable of turning the tie around.
An under-strength Barca side was blown away by the Basques on Friday as they exacted revenge for defeat in May's Copa del Rey final at the Camp Nou thanks to Aritz Aduriz's hat-trick and a spectacular opener from just inside the Barca half by Mikel San Jose.
However, a defiant Enrique insisted a goal-laden squad spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez is capable of turning the tie around.
Football | International
Launching his bid in Paris, Chung told a news conference "Michel Platini was a great football player, and he is my friend. His problem is he does not seem to appreciate the seriousness of the corruption crisis at Fifa."
Chung, a former Fifa vice president and fierce critic of Blatter, repeated his view that Blatter was at the centre of the organisation's problems.
He said Platini, who currently heads the European governing body Uefa, should have done more to root out corruption, and that the relationship between Blatter and the Frenchman was "that of a mentor and protege, or a father and son."
Fifa's corruption troubles came to a head in May when US prosecutors indicted nine soccer officials, most of whom had Fifa positions, and five marketing and broadcasting company executives, over a range of alleged offences, including fraud, money-laundering and racketeering.
Blatter was re-elected for a fifth term as Fifa president on May 29, but four days later said he would lay down his mandate amid the worst crisis in the body's history. He is due to step down after an election in February for a replacement.
PSG Second win in a row
After they come to talk about the Budget.!!!!
OM budget: 125 million euros
Caen Budget: 26 million euros
Reims Budget: 31 million euros
Which game Trapp, man of the match without hesitation!
It was as Gazelec, we understand !!!
But Reims yesterday was that Marseille in front so no need to bring it back
Caen Budget: 26 million euros
Reims Budget: 31 million euros
Which game Trapp, man of the match without hesitation!
It was as Gazelec, we understand !!!
But Reims yesterday was that Marseille in front so no need to bring it back
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