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Jurgen Klopp hints at giving out of form Sadio Mane a 'break'

The German forward happily stepped up to the spot on Wednesday after the Blues handed him the responsibility

Timo Werner has welcomed the chance to be Chelsea's first-choice penalty taker after tucking away two spot-kicks in the club's 3-0 win over Rennes in the Champions League

After Jorginho's recent failure from the spot, Werner was the man to step up for the Blues on Wednesday as they were awarded two first-half penalties against their French opponents. 

The 24-year-old made no mistake with either attempt as he showed his spot-kick ability and set up Frank Lampard's side for a comfortable victory.

Lampard confirmed post-match that Werner had been handed penalty taking duties at the expense of Jorginho and the German international has happily embraced the new responsibility. 

“Before the game, the manager told me I was on penalties," Werner told BT Sport post-match. "I had two today, which is a little bit crazy, but I’ll take it. Good goals for a striker, and I hope I can go on like this.

“I think when you want to score 20 or more goals, then you have a to take a few penalties in the season. That’s the thing that gives strikers the goals, when you are at the high levels.

"I’m happy Jorgi is cool with that and I think it’s another point that speaks for our team, we have no selfish players, and we want to go in one direction."

Despite playing against 10 men for more than 45 minutes after Dalbert was controversially sent off for handball, Chelsea could one score once from open play as Tammy Abraham found the back of the net from close range early in the second-half. 

Werner conceded the Blues should have made more of their numerical advantage but stressed the result itself was reward enough. 

“I think we had a very good game today, we played very well. I think both penalties were right, so we go 2-0 in the first-half," Werner said. 

"We have one more man on the pitch and we can control the game. In the end maybe, we can score a bit more, but in the end, we win 3-0 at home and that’s all we wanted.

“We want to win the group and this is a big step in the right way. We want to win the next game in the Champions League after the international games and then we will go to Seville and try to win this game as well. We want to go far in this competition."

Original author: Josh Thomas
  139 Hits

Igor Stimac confident India can compete against any team outside Asia's top 8

The Frenchman was wrongly accused of taking a banned substance and has been vindicated in court
Original author: Josh Thomas
  223 Hits

FIFA to trial semi-automated offside tech for VAR

Goal takes a glimpse into the career of former Birmingham City midfielder and East Bengal’s new foreign signing Jacques Maghoma…

Congolese international Jacques Maghoma is all to feature for East Bengal who are all set to make their debut in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The 33-year-old midfielder is a graduate from Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy and has a vast experience of playing in the League Two and Championship in England. He has also represented Congo DR in two editions of the African Cup of Nations.

Maghoma brings the much needed experience and solidity in the East Bengal midfield and he will partner former Hamburger SV midfielder Matti Steinmann in the centre of the park.

Debut

After graduating from Tottenham’s youth system, Maghoma had joined Burton Albion FC ahead of the 2009-10 season. Burton were plying their trade in the League Two at that time. He made his professional debut against Shrewsbury Town. He had scored just one goal in his maiden season which came against Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Experience in England

Maghoma remained at Burton for four seasons and had appeared 157 League Two matches where he scored five goals. Ahead of the 2013-14 season, he joined Sheffield Wednesday on a two-year deal in the Championship.

During his second season at Sheffield, Maghoma got the opportunity to play against Manchester City twice, once in the League Cup and once in the FA Cup. Unfortunately, Sheffield lost the League Cup tie 7-0 and FA Cup tie 2-1.

In the 2015-16 season, he joined Birmingham City initially on a two-year deal and later extended his stay for three more years. At Birmingham, Maghoma scored 16 goals in 166 Championship matches. He also got the opportunity to play under managers like Chelsea great Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.

International football

Jacques Maghoma made his international debut for Congo DR at the age of 28 in an international friendly match against Nigeria which they won 2-0. He was also selected in the national side for the 2017 African Cup of Nations where he played two group stage matches against Ivory Coast and Morocco. Congo had topped the group table but where knocked out of the quarterfinals after losing 1-2 against Ghana.

In the 2019 edition of the Cup of Nations, Maghoma was once again a part of Congo’s squad and this time he had played all four matches in the competition. They were yet again ousted from the quarterfinals this time losing to Madagascar.

He has played 17 international matches for Congo DR so far in his career in which he has scored two goals which came against Burundi and Guinea.

Last stint

The 2019-20 season was the last year of Maghoma’s contract with Birmingham City. He played 18 matches in the Championship and had scored one goal which came against Wigan Athletic. Maghoma joined East Bengal after that stint. 

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee
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LIVE: Villarreal vs Arsenal

Goal takes a look at the career of the Newcastle United youth product...

One of Odisha FC's star signing this season is Stephen Taylor who is expected to strengthen their backline ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL). 

The Juggernauts have got a new manager Stuart Baxter hoping that the British tactician will guide them to a top-four finish. They have brought in five new faces in the overseas contingent.

The centre-back is a no-nonsense defender who is known for his tactical acumen and physical prowess. His aerial ability is a bonus and comes in handy during set-pieces. 

Let's take a closer look at the veteran defender who has immense experience of playing in the Premier League. 

Jersey Number: 27

Taylor was born in Greenwich, London. He started his youth career at Cramlington Juniors and then moved to Wallsend Boys Club. Interestingly, he was scouted by Newcastle as a striker. When he was 13, he was asked to switch position and play in defence as there were no available defenders for a particular match under manager Vince Hutton. Since then he has been playing at the back.

He was instrumental in helping Newcastle win the U17 Premier Academy League in 2001-02. In the quarter-finals, they beat Arsenal, which left Arsene Wenger bitter as he was in attendance. Taylor along with fellow centre-back Chris Carr stood tall in defence and hardly put a foot wrong to oust Arsenal. 

In the semi-finals, they made a trip to Sheffield United and Taylor scored a brace in a thrilling 3-2 win. Courtesy of the win, they booked a spot in the final where they met Manchester United

It was a dream first half for Newcastle as they pumped in three goals in the first half at Old Trafford. The Red Devils came back strongly in the second half and scored twice but could not avert a 3-2 defeat in the first leg. 

In the return leg at St. James Park, Taylor was in the thick of things as United started testing Newcastle's defensive resolve from the first whistle. After a goalless first half, Calvin Zola-Makongo scored for the home side which put the match to bed. 

At 17, he was rewarded for his consistent performances with the U17 side and was handed a professional contract. But he was soon loaned out to Wycombe Wanderers where he played under former Arsenal centre-back Tony Adams. 

After his loan period ended, he returned to Newcastle and made his debut in a UEFA Cup match against Mallorca in March 2004. Soon he also made his Premier League debut against Bolton Wanderers. 

The 2006-07 season was a landmark year in his career as he scored decisive goals. He scored the winner in a UEFA Cup match against Celta Vigo and a few days later he once again got on the scoresheet against Blackburn Rovers to score his debut Premier League goal. 

When Newcastle got relegated in 2009, he stuck to his guns and formed a formidable partnership with Fabricio Coloccini and helped the Magpies regain promotion to the Premier League. 

He remained with Newcastle for 13 years and in 2016 he was released by the club. He made 268 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals. His last match was against Tottenham Hotspur in which they humiliated the North-London side 5-1. 

MLS and A-League

Taylor joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Portland Timbers after ending his time with Newcastle United. He made 11 appearances and scored two goals during his stay in the United States. 

In January 2017, he joined Ipswich Town but a hamstring injury forced him to spend time on the sidelines. He made just three appearances and in July joined Peterborough United. He once again established himself as an undisputed starter in his new surroundings and went on to play more than 50 games across all competitions in the 2017-18 season. 

In 2018, Taylor accepted an offer from A-League side Wellington Phoenix in his quest for a new challenge. In his second season, he was appointed as the captain of the side. He made 50 appearances in two years across all competitions for Phoenix. He has played alongside ATK Mohun Bagan duo Roy Krishna and David Williams during his stint with the A-League outfit. 

International Career

Taylor has played for various age group teams for England. From U16 to U21 he has not only represented his country at every level but has also had the captain's armband at times. He has 56 caps to his name cumulatively for the various teams. 

He was also called up for the senior team by Steve McLaren for a friendly against Germany in 2007.  

 

Original author: Soham Mukherjee
  225 Hits

Ryan Gravenberch completes Bayern Munich move

Ferencvaros 1-4 Juventus: Morata at the double as Ronaldo closes in on Casillas' record

Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala struck in an easy win as Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in an 18th successive Champions League campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo became just the second player to feature in 18 consecutive Champions League campaigns and Alvaro Morata scored twice as Juventus claimed a 4-1 win over Ferencvaros.

Having missed Juve's opening two Group G games – a win over Dynamo Kiev and a defeat to Barcelona – due to testing positive for coronavirus, Ronaldo, who scored twice on his return to Serie A action against Spezia, closed in on Iker Casillas' record of appearing in 20 successive Champions League seasons when he started in Budapest.

Miha Blazic's outstanding tackle prevented Ronaldo marking the occasion with a goal on Wednesday, though Juve had already taken the lead through Alvaro Morata's early effort.

Ronaldo did record an assist, however, setting up Morata to curl in a superb second before Paulo Dybala pounced on a goalkeeping error.

Lasha Dvali's own goal completed the rout, with Franck Boli snatching a late consolation at the other end in the closing stages.

Juve failed to register a shot on target in their defeat to Barca last week, yet Ronaldo had already tested Ferencvaros goalkeeper Denes Dibusz inside four minutes.

Andrea Pirlo's side had their opener three minutes later – Juan Cuadrado teeing up Morata to tap in.

Ronaldo looked set to make it 2-0 prior to the break, but Blazic made a wonderful challenge to prevent a certain goal, with Juve's number seven then forcing Dibusz into action after the restart.

After ignoring Morata for a chance he blazed wide, Ronaldo made no mistake three minutes later, supplying a neat pass into the Spaniard, who sent a fantastic finish into the top-right corner.

Morata made way shortly after and his replacement Dybala made a swift impact, tucking into an empty net after Dibusz failed to control a backpass. 

Another Dibusz calamity gifted Juve a fourth – Dvali only able to turn Dybala's strike in off the bar – though Boli did at least get Ferencvaros on the scoresheet when he finished on the rebound.

 

What does it mean? Ronaldo gets Juve back to winning ways

Juve managed to win just one of their four matches in all competitions during Ronaldo's absence, but have won both of the games since his return.

The Bianconeri sit second in Group G, three points behind Barca, who saw off Dynamo at Camp Nou.

Morata hitting the mark

Spain international Morata thrived in his first stint at Juve and has enjoyed a good start to his second spell with the Italian champions. He has now scored six goals in total, all of them coming away from home, and the 28-year-old seems right at home after largely indifferent spells at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

Dybala profits from dismal Dibusz

Juve had the points secured at 2-0, but substitute Dybala was gift-wrapped a goal when Dibusz – who made five saves in total – knocked a pass into his path.

The goalkeeper made a second howler in the 82nd minute, hitting an attempted pass straight to Dybala, whose shot was helped in by Dvali.

What's next?

Lazio host Juve on Sunday in Serie A, while Ferencvaros are their next Champions League opponents on November 24.

  284 Hits

'I don’t feel disrespected' - Arsenal boss Arteta dismisses Keane's Aubameyang claims

The former Manchester United captain said the Gunners forward had shown a lack of respect by referring to his manager by his first name

Mikel Arteta insists he has never felt disrespected by his players referring to him by his first name.

The Arsenal boss was responding to comments made by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane following Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Keane was covering the game as a pundit for Sky Sports and was clearly irked by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang referring to Arteta as ‘Mikel’ during a post-match interview.

“They didn’t show him respect when they called him by his name, Mikel,” Keane said. “He’s the manager, the boss, the gaffer. That’s respect. “Not Mikel, he’s not his mate.”

However Arteta is adamant Aubameyang and his team-mates are free to call him what they want and says his captain was not showing him any kind of disrespect.

“I was told that Roy mentioned that,” said the Arsenal boss ahead of his side’s Europa League meeting with Molde on Thursday night. “I think it is something very in particular.

“I give them the choice to call me whatever they feel comfortable with. With some of them obviously I shared a dressing room. There are people at the training ground who call me boss or coach. The French guys call me coach. It depends. It’s not an issue for me.

“I don’t feel disrespected. I understand why he is saying that as a player, but the way I feel with them - and I feel so close with them, with some of them I played with - so for me it is not an issue and it is not the way I would feel respected or disrespected.”

Arteta admits he was worried about how easy it was going to be to distance himself from his players following his return to Arsenal last year.

The likes of Mesut Ozil, Mohamed Elneny, Hector Bellerin and Emi Martinez had all been former team-mates of his during his time as a player in north London, but he says ultimately it was not a tough situation to manage.

“It has not been something difficult,” he said. “It is something that before I joined I was a bit concerned with, and at the moment I am not. Because I think it is not just something that has to come from me.

“It is something that both parties have to understand, respect and go about the relationship in the same way. To be fair they made it really, really easy for me in that sense. Obviously the feelings I have for them won’t change whether I am on one side or the other, because at the end we are part of the same thing.”

Original author: Charles Watts
  381 Hits

LIVE: Brazil vs Colombia

The Blues' defensive improvements were on display once again on Wednesday as they picked up another victory at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's defensive bounce back continued on Wednesday as the Blues kept yet another clean sheet in their Champions League victory over Rennes.

The Blues cruised to a 3-0 win over the Ligue 1 side, taking them top of the group with seven points from their first three group stage matches.

Once again, Chelsea's backline held firm with the Blues have bouncing back from early-season criticisms of the team's defensive shape.

The Blues conceded 11 goals from their first five Premier League matches, with Frank Lampard's side being questioned for their lapses in defence, but with Wednesday's win Chelsea have now kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, erasing virtually all of those defensive doubts.

Chelsea have now kept five successive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since 2010. That run, from September to October, came under Carlo Ancelotti in a season that saw the club finish second in the Premier League.

Having also not allowed a goal in consecutive Champions League matches, the Blues have now kept three straight clean sheets in the continental competition for the first time since 2009-10.

Chelsea's defensive improvements coincide with the arrival of Edouard Mendy, who has allowed just one goal in seven games since joining the club from Rennes.

While Chelsea's backline has shone, the attack has remained every bit as potent.

After seeing Timo Werner fire a pair of finishes from the penalty spot in the first half, Tammy Abraham added Chelsea's third with a goal in the 50th minute. With his goal, Abraham became the first player to score in three consecutive Champions League starts for Chelsea since Willian in 2015.

In addition, he also became the first Englishman to do so since Lampard in 2008.

It's not the only way he Abraham matched Lampard on Wednesday, as Reece James' assist on the forward's goal made that occasion the first time two Englishmen have combined for a Champions League goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since March 2012.

That combination included Lampard, who provided an assist to John Terry in a clash with Napoli.

Next up for Chelsea is a match against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge this weekend before players depart for the international break.

  257 Hits

Giroud ties record, Mbappe scores as France cruise

The Senegal midfielder was shown a third red card in his professional career on Wednesday night

Idrissa Gueye was given marching orders for the first time in a Uefa Champions League game as Paris Saint Germain suffered a 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig.

Gueye first received a yellow card in the 37th minute and he was later sent off for a second bookable offence nine minutes after the hour-mark.

In the sixth minute, Angel Di Maria opened the scoring at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night but the Argentine forward missed the chance to double the visitors' lead from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.

Towards the end of the first 45 minutes, Christopher Nkunku inspired RB Leipzig to turn the game around with his equaliser and Emil Forsberg grabbed the match-winning goal for the Bundesliga outfit in the 57th minute.

It was a difficult night for PSG in Leipzig as they ended the match with nine players after centre-back Presnel Kimpembe was sent off for a second yellow card in the stoppage time.

Gueye's expulsion was his first red card in any competition since he was dismissed for receiving two yellow cards in a Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal in October 2017.

The 31-year-old is also the first PSG player to receive a red card in the Champions League since Marco Verratti was given marching orders against Real Madrid in March 2018.

Gueye and Kimpembe got themselves on the other side of PSG's history books as the first time the Ligue 1 giants had two players sent off in a Uefa Champions League game.

The Senegal international will be suspended for the reverse fixture when PSG host RB Leipzig at Parc des Princes on November 24.

However, the combative midfielder could make his eighth appearance in the Ligue 1 on Saturday when Thomas Tuchel’s side host Rennes.

Wednesday's defeat moved PSG down to third in Group H, level on six points with second-placed RB Leipzig after three matches.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo
  248 Hits

Bayern tested by Dortmund, but cement Bundesliga superiority

The Spanish defender conceded that his side struggled to contain their Ukrainian opponents and are set for a tricky year of transition
Original author: Josh Thomas
  215 Hits

Will Germany's World Cup debutante, rising star Musiala emerge as X-factor?

The French side appear in danger of missing the Champions League knockout phase after a 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig

PSG midfielder Marquinhos has offered his backing of under-pressure manager Thomas Tuchel after their side fell 2-1 to RB Leipzig in the Champions League

The Ligue 1 champions took an early lead at Red Bull Arena through Angel Di Maria, but the Argentine would later miss a chance to add a second from the penalty spot.

That miss would prove costly as goals from Christopher Nkunku and Emil Forsberg clinched Wednesday's match for Leipzig.

The defeat leaves PSG with just three points from their first three Group H matches, with Tuchel's side in danger of failing to qualify from a group that also includes Manchester United and Istanbul Basaksehir.

PSG also lost their first two Ligue 1 matches this term, though they have now rebounded with seven straight wins to move into first place. 

Still, all is not well with PSG one season after they won a domestic treble and reached the Champions League final, where they fell 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Tuchel has been under pressure and a contentious relationship with sporting director Leonardo has not helped his standing at the club. 

But Marquinhos has urged observers not to forget Tuchel's heroics from last season.

"Of course [we support him]," the Brazilian said. "We know how football is. It is the coach who has had the best season in club history. Football has no patience.

"We need to focus on the real things. Today he is our coach at PSG, we have confidence in him. If things aren't going well it's not just the coach's fault, the players can do things better too.

"When you're on the pitch you have to fight to win, no matter how you play, good or bad."

Marquinhos stressed that his side will need to take a positive outlook into their remaining three group-stage matches as they look to qualify out of a tricky group.

"We have three more games, we have to stay positive," Marquinhos said. "In the locker room, we have to continue to improve. This competition is very difficult, we have to increase our level of play if we want to go far.

"It is between us that we will work for the next three games."

Original author: Goal
  204 Hits

How to watch Manchester City vs Chelsea in the Champions League final LIVE from India?

The Blues were awarded a penalty and Dalbert was given a second yellow card in an incident that crippled the Ligue 1 side's chances

Rennes head coach Julian Stephan has expressed his bewilderment over a controversial handball decision against his side in Wednesday's defeat at Chelsea.

The Blues were already ahead 1-0 in their Champions League Group E match after Timo Werner had converted from the spot. Chelsea's first penalty was clear-cut but their second, awarded four minutes before half-time, was far more controversial. 

Tammy Abraham’s shot deflected off Dalbert's arm, with the Rennes defender appearing to know little about it. After not giving the penalty initially, referee Felix Zwayer awarded the spot-kick following a VAR check.

Dalbert was also sent off for a second yellow card and after Werner converted a second penalty, Chelsea were on their way to an easy 3-0 win.

Speaking after the match, Stephan said that according to his understanding of the rules, the second penalty should not have been awarded.

"Unless the rule has changed and we weren't aware I don't know why he decided to give handball for this,” Stephan said. “When you give a second yellow for this kind of thing it kills the game. So there's misunderstanding in actual fact.

“Why do we check that and not the handball from [Kurt] Zouma? There's some misunderstanding but I don't want to go into conspiracy-theory thinking.

“It was a turning point in the game, it makes it difficult against a team like Chelsea who have good players in every position, with the numerical disadvantage.

“My players were remarkable in the last 20 minutes to put pressure and try to score a goal. I'm disappointed for them that it went the way it did.”

Speaking on BT Sport, former Premier League referee Peter Walton said that though he felt the call was harsh, he believed that Zwayer made the right decision based on the rules in European competition.

“First of all, the penalty does seem harsh, but the interpretation of the UEFA rule - like we’ve seen in previous matches - if it strikes the arm, it’s going to be given as a penalty kick," Walton said.

"Personally, I don’t think it was, however, that’s interpretation. As regards to a second yellow card, because he’s deemed to be stopping a promising attack in terms of the handball offence, because he deemed it to be an offence, then it’s a yellow card.

"He’s gone off, and he can count himself unlucky, but that’s the law.”

Original author: Goal
  284 Hits

Lauren Hemp signs new Man City contract until 2024

The Morocco international scored two decisive goals to help his side clinch their second win in the top European competition

Youssef En-Nesyri scored twice as Sevilla secured a comeback 3-2 victory over Krasnodar in Wednesday’s Champions League game.

The 23-year-old forward boosted his side’s chances of advancing into the knock-out stages of the European competition with his eye-catching displays at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The Morocco international was afforded his second appearance for the Palanganas in the Champions League this season and scored two quick-fire goals.

Sevilla started the game on the backfoot allowing the Russian club to dominate proceedings in the opening 30 minutes and paid for it when Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

Four minutes later, Marcus Berg doubel the lead with a well-taken strike from the penalty spot which seemed to awake Sevilla .

The Palanganas then pressed for a goal before the half-time break and were rewarded for their efforts when Ivan Rakitic fired his strike into the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

Moments before the break, Sevilla suffered a blow when they were reduced to 10 men after Jesus Navas received a straight red card for tripping Kristoffer Olsson, who was racing towards goal.

Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui made some tactical changes after the restart, introducing En-Nesyri for Joan Jordan at the hour mark.

Nine minutes after his introduction, the Morocco international announced himself in the encounter with a goal to level matter.

The forward pounced on a loose ball after a defensive flop from Brazilian Kaio and put his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.

En-Nesyri then completed his brace in the 72nd minute after receiving a fine pass from Rakitic which was enough to ensure his side secures all three points at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The victory propelled the Palanganas to the second on Group E table after gathering seven points from three games.

En-Nesyri has now scored four goals in 10 games across all competitions in the current campaign and will hope to add to the tally when Sevilla take on Osasuna in their next outing.

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  202 Hits

Welcome to World Class: The Shortlist - Centre-Backs

The German tactician isn't thinking about being dismissed even though his team has endured an inconsistent start to the season

Thomas Tuchel insists he isn't worrying about his future despite nine-man PSG crashing to a 2-1 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Questions have been asked about the German coach's job security since the Parisians were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at the Parc des Princes last month.

The pressure is continuing to rise against Tuchel as PSG gave up a 1-0 lead, missed a penalty and saw both Idrissa Gueye and Presnel Kimpembe shown second yellow cards in the second half on Wednesday.

Tuchel said that scrutiny about his job is normal and he is just focusing on his work to improve the team's performance.

"The press in France always asks the question, says that I am in danger," Tuchel said to reporters post-match. "It's been like that since my arrival, I don't know why. It's the impression that the press and the environment are very, very critical, that's how it is.

"We can accept that it does not change my work with the team and the staff. It's the life of a coach in Paris, it's never enough. No problem for me. There are difficult phases in sport.

"Our expectation is not to win each game, we also know what state we are in each game. Today, it was possible to win, it was possible to draw in the same match.

"If we win [on November 24 against Leipzig] at the Parc [des Princes], the situation is totally the opposite."

Despite the absence of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi, PSG opened the scoring after five minutes when Dayot Upamecano's back pass was intercepted by Moise Kean, who deftly played in Di Maria to break the deadlock.

Only 10 minutes later, Di Maria earned a penalty when Upamecano handled Kean's shot - but the Argentine's spot-kick was saved by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Former PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku levelled the game for Leipzig with a low shot from outside the area just before half-time, and Emil Forsberg's penalty put the Germans in front shortly after the break.

The Ligue 1 champions' job became more difficult when Gueye was given a second yellow for a 50-50 challenge on Amadou Haidara with 20 minutes to play and they couldn't force an equaliser before Kimpembe was also sent off in stoppage time.

PSG are now third in Champions League Group H, three points behind leaders Manchester United and Leipzig, but they do have a two-plus goal difference advantage over the Germans, who they play in the next matchday in Paris.

Original author: Goal
  196 Hits

MAN. CITY, LEWANDOWSKI, MESSI: #UCL R16 BEST MOMENTS (Second leg)

The Equatoguinean played a vital role for her side as they were held to a draw against their visitors on Wednesday

Jade Boho was on target twice as Logrono were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia in Wednesday's Spanish Primera Iberdrola encounter.

Having failed to celebrate a win in four straight league games, Logrono were desperate to claim their first win against Valencia.

Boho was handed her third start of the season by manager Gerardo Leon and she opened her season account with a brace in the draw.

Logrono made a disappointing start to the encounter when Carla Bautista blasted past goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar thanks to an assist from Marta Carro after the just one minute.

Logrono, however, finally levelled matters four minutes from the half-time break when Chini Pizarro played through Boho to score.

After the break, Julie Tavlo-Petersson set up Boho to put Leon's team in the lead in the 62nd minute of the match.

On the brink of the end of regulation time, Elle Jansen teed up Asun Martinez to grab an equaliser for Valencia and forced a stalemate at Estadio Nuevo Municipal Las Gaunas.

With her brace, Boho, who played from the start to finish, has scored two goals in four league outings this season for Logrono.

Apart from Boho, compatriot Cote d'Ivoire's Rebecca Elloh was in action for 89 minutes, while compatriot Ida Guehai and Ghana's Grace Asantewaa played the final 44 minutes.

The draw takes Logrono to 15th on the log with two points from five matches and they will be eyeing their first win at Madrid on November 8.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Copyright

© UEFA.tv

  189 Hits

The winner of the PFA Vertu Motors League Two Fans' Player of the Month - February

The Blues boss was without his big money midfielder for the Champions League clash with Rennes but his side still eased to victory

Frank Lampard says Kai Havertz has Covid-19 symptoms and that he is self-isolating but is not too unwell after missing Chelsea's 3-0 win over Rennes

UEFA testing saw Havertz pull out of the squad on Monday and he will now need to isolate for at least 10 days, which rules him out of Chelsea's upcoming game with Sheffield United.

Due to being symptomatic, the 21-year-old will likely miss out of Germany's upcoming international games.

Lampard explained the timeline that saw the £62 million ($70m) signing from Bayer Leverkusen miss out on the midweek Champions League encounter.

"It showed up in the UEFA testing on Monday," Lampard said at Stamford Bridge. "We retested yesterday when we found out. Clearly everyone else in the squad is negative, so that is a good sign. I've spoke to Kai a couple of times since we found out.

"He's at home, he's isolating and he was very disappointed because he wants to play. He had some minor symptoms yesterday, his symptoms have escalated slightly today but he is fine. I spoke to him two hours before the game today and he's disappointed to be out.

"He's trying to do all the right things. It's just one of those things in the modern day with where we're at. Hopefully he isolates, does the right things and comes back firing." 

Chelsea could have Havertz back after the international break when they face Newcastle United upon their return to Premier League action later this month.

In the absence of Havertz, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham formed a formidable attacking combination against Rennes, and Lampard was pleased with their performances.

He said: "The link up was good. I know Timo, from the many conversations I've had with him, that he is comfortable on the left side. In the early stages of the season we had one fit out-and-out winger. Christian [Pulisic], Hakim [Ziyech] were out and Callum [Hudson-Odoi] was getting match fit.

"We have options but those options were tight at the beginning of the season. I know Timo can do it and he gives the chance for Tammy or Oli to give their attributes as a central striker.

"The way we want to play in a 4-3-3 like today, you get plenty of opportunities as a left-side winger or inside winger to get into the box. It really suits him. We saw loads of fluidity in the front three as a whole today."

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella
  396 Hits

Chukwueze helps Villarreal extend winning run against Azeez’s Granada

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal
  190 Hits

The story of Paul Gascoigne's goal against Scotland at Euro 96

The English coach revealed he has decided to change penalty takers, while also admitting the Blues were fortunate to receive one of their spot kicks

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has confirmed Jorginho has been axed as the team's No.1 penalty taker and replaced by Timo Werner, with the German scoring twice from the spot in a 3-0 Champions League win against Rennes on Wednesday.

Werner's two penalties were added to by Tammy Abraham as the Blues coasted to a victory at Stamford Bridge that puts them in the box seat for qualification to the knockout stage.

Lampard was asked about why Werner was on penalty duty despite Jorginho also being on the pitch, with the Chelsea legend admitting he had replaced the Italian after he missed from the spot in their last continental game against Krasnodar.

"I spoke to Jorginho first because he's been brilliant at taking penalties," Lampard said post-match.  "It's more missing a couple recently that I felt it was time to change. Jorgi's answer was as professional as I'd expect. He only wants to score them but he was fine with that.

"If Timo takes them as well as today he'll be happy. I'm happy he scored. Timo is as it stands now but of course he needs to keep scoring them. Today he did it very well."

Controversy surrounded Werner's second penalty after Rennes defender Dalbert was penalised for handball and shown a second yellow card despite the ball deflecting unluckily on to his arm.

Lampard admitted he would feel aggrieved about the decision if he was Rennes' manager and believes the handball ball is currently being interpreted differently across Europe.

"We had this earlier in the season in the Premier League and it has been well adjusted to show what feels like common sense in terms of the arm moving in a natural or not natural position," he said.

"It probably goes along with the rules of the Champions League that the decision gets given today. I'm not sure they are the rules we're going by in the Premier League.

"I'm not completely happy with them and if I was the manager of Rennes today I wouldn't be happy either. It's one that worked in our favour today but I'm not mad about that rule. It is what it is."

Chelsea top their Champions League after three matches with seven points alongside Sevilla.

Original author: Goal
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Win La Liga or be sacked? The high stakes facing Koeman, Simeone

The defender has struggled at times early in the new campaign after a difficult off-season that saw him get into legal trouble in Greece

Robin van Persie has called out Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, saying that his distribution needs to improve. 

Maguire started on Wednesday in the Champions League against Istanbul Basaksehir, but was unable to prevent United from falling 2-1 to the Turkish champions.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Maguire, whose legal trouble in Greece in the summer was followed by a series of poor performances for club and country.

Former United striker Van Persie has singled out distribution as one area of Maguire's game that needs to get better – but stressed that it's not all his fault.

"Everyone is talking about Maguire being fantastic on the ball, so far he’s not been fantastic on the ball going forward with his passing but that’s not only down to him," Van Persie said on BT Sport.

"Overall, in some situations - the team is not well positioned. You see Fred coming to take on the ball from the centre-back places - he should not do that, Maguire should do that - he should play in a zone higher up the pitch where it’s more difficult to play but it gives people more options to play.

"Forward players should play as high as possible. It’s not clicking because the positioning of the players is not right."

United are currently 15th in the Premier League after a difficult start to their domestic campaign. With just nine goals from six matches, Van Persie believes that the team's attack could be improved by more attacking moves that start from Maguire in the back.

"On the pitch what I’m seeing is that he could bring more to the team, defensively but especially on the ball because everyone was talking about how great he is on the ball," Van Persie added.

"It is not only down to him, you have to make space for each other. He should get options in midfield from the forward players. Do they give him enough options? 

"Sometimes it does click, you could see the midfielders did find the forward players but it’s not consistent enough for the moment. You should always have your runs in behind, you should always have depth in your game and that’s not always the case."

Original author: Goal
  128 Hits

Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool are 'prepared' to do business in January transfer window

The Italian coach wasn't overly impressed with his side's performance and believes their mistakes were down to complacency

Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has accused his players of being "egotistical" and guilty of complacency in their 4-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

Alvaro Morata continued his recent good form with a clinical brace, while Paulo Dybala also got his name on the scoresheet before forcing a late own-goal. 

Ferencvaros found the back of the net themselves in the 90th minute via Franck Boli as Juventus failed to keep a clean sheet for a fourth consecutive game in all competitions. 

Those defensive lapses are clearly leaving Pirlo frustrated as he questioned his side's attitude in the comfortable victory. 

“We’re satisfied with the result, but could’ve done much better in terms of the performance. We made a lot of mistakes down to complacency, so we need to improve,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia post-match.

“I talk to my players a lot, but they make the choices when they are on the pitch. They could’ve been less egotistical and killed off the game earlier.

"We are playing with two forwards plus two wide men. Once we get everyone in shape, we can evaluate who to use together. So far, not everyone has been at 100 per cent, so it’s been normal to rotate them and leave one out.”

On the decision to substitute Arthur at half-time, Pirlo explained: “Arthur wasn’t well from the start, he felt ill and was nauseous. We were ready to substitute him after 20 minutes, but he wanted to finish the half.

“His position should be slightly more advanced compared to today, but he was struggling to breathe and run today, so he was deeper to let him recover and compensate.”

Giorgio Chiellini echoed Pirlo's sentiments on the game and believes Juventus must be wary not to let their focus drop either in Serie A or the Champions League. 

“We made it seem easier, and in my mind we were too comfortable in the first half and slowed the tempo too much. We did better when pushing after the break and raised the tempo to create chances,” Chiellini added.

“We mustn’t kid ourselves, there was a big difference in the level of the teams, but after the win at Spezia, we want to go into the break for international duty with another victory against a much stronger side like Lazio."

Original author: Josh Thomas
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Chelsea: What is Vision 2030?

The German shot-stopper made a number of vital saves as his side held on for an unconvincing win

Ronald Koeman thanked "phenomenal" Marc-Andre ter Stegen for his part in Barcelona's narrow 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv and acknowledged his side have plenty to work on.

The Catalan giants made it three wins from three in Champions League Group G through Lionel Messi's fifth-minute penalty and a Gerard Pique header in the second half.

However, Barca needed Ter Stegen to make six saves against a Dynamo side depleted by a coronavirus outbreak in their camp, including a top-class reaction stop to deny Vitaliy Buyalskiy.

Viktor Tsygankov eventually found a way past Ter Stegen, who was making his first appearance of 2020-21 after recovering from a knee injury, but Barca saw out the victory.

"He has proved to be a great goalkeeper for us," Koeman told Movistar after the game. "He has been training well and we can see that today.

"We started the match well and quickly made it 1-0, but we were unable to find the second goal and then lost control.

"Thanks to Marc, who has been phenomenal, we managed to keep the opposition out."

Barca have made their worst start to a La Liga season in 18 years but are well on their way to a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

They are three points better off than second-placed Juventus at the midway stage and have an eight-point advantage on Ferencvaros and Dynamo, with a trip to the latter up next in three weeks' time.

Koeman struggled to find too many positives from his side's latest European victory, though, adding: "We have to play better and improve the game without the ball. 

"Today we did not do that well. In general, we had been good defensively. But today they put us in danger and we must talk about that and improve our game without the ball."

Dynamo had an inspired keeper of their own between the sticks as Ruslan Neshcheret made 12 saves in total on what was just his second senior appearance.

Neshcheret was brought into the side due to the visitors' two other shot-stoppers being ruled out with coronavirus and the youngster produced the performance of a lifetime.

"It was like being in a fairytale," he said. "Playing at this great stadium in such a game is a dream for any footballer. 

"Messi's penalty was very good. He's one of the best in this aspect. We were really happy to have a chance to play against such top opponents."

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