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FC Barcelona women's team beat city rivals Espanyol 6-1, taking them to the top of the table. The match saw a stunning goal from Barbara Latorre, which was strangely reminiscent of Messi's effort against Getafe in 2007.

Barbara Latorre pulls off a 'Messi' goal

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane returned from injury to earn his side a 1-1 draw in the north London derby and deny&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;leadership of the Premier League on Sunday.

Kane equalised from the penalty spot shortly after halftime after defender Kevin Wimmer&#39;s own goal had given&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;the lead shortly before the interval.

Tottenham remain unbeaten in the Premier League, although winless is seven games, while Arsenal&nbsp;are unbeaten in all competitions since the opening day of the season.

Both sides struck the woodwork, Theo Walcott for&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;before halftime and Christian Eriksen late on for Spurs.

Arsenal&nbsp;remain third with 24 points, one behind leaders Chelsea. Tottenham are fifth on 21.

(Reuters)

Tottenham remain unbeaten in the Premier League while Arsenal?are unbeaten in all competitions since the opening day of the season

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane returned from injury to earn his side a 1-1 draw in the north London derby and deny Arsenal leadership of the Premier League on Sunday. Kane equalised from the penalty spot shortly after halftime after defender Kevin Wimmer's own goal had given Arsenal the lead shortly before the interval. Tottenham remain unbeaten in the Premier League, although winless is seven games, while Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions since the opening day of the season. Both sides struck the woodwork, Theo Walcott for Arsenal before halftime and Christian Eriksen late on for Spurs. Arsenal remain third with 24 points, one behind leaders Chelsea. Tottenham are fifth on 21. (Reuters)

Kane penalty helps Tottenham draw at Arsenal

Manchester&nbsp;United&#39;s woes deepened as stunning goals by Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens gave&nbsp;Fenerbahce&nbsp;a 2-1 Europa League win on Thursday that left Jose Mourinho&#39;s side facing a battle to reach the knockout stages.

Without a victory in four Premier League games,&nbsp;United&nbsp;desperately needed a morale-lifting result in Turkey but were undone by a brilliant second-minute overhead kick from Sow and a superb curling set piece by Lens before Wayne Rooney smashed home a consolation.

While Mourinho&#39;s men are third in Group A, Zenit St Petersburg have made it look easy in Group D and reached the knockout stages with two games to spare after a 2-1 win over Irish side Dundalk maintained their perfect record.

Athletic Bilbao&#39;s Aritz Aduriz became the first player to score five times in a Europa League match, his haul comprising three penalties in a 5-3 triumph over Racing Genk in Group F.

Anderlecht were also on the goal trail in Group C as Nicolae Stanciu and Lukasz Teodorczyk netted twice for the Belgians who brushed aside Mainz 05 6-1.

AS Roma&#39;s Edin Dzeko bagged a double as they moved top of Group E after a 4-2 win at Austria Vienna.

A gloomy pall has descended over Mourinho&#39;s reign at Old Trafford with the manager under scrutiny for his team&#39;s poor start and the disciplinary problems that have earned him a domestic one-match touch line ban.

After victories in their last two group games, Europe&#39;s second-tier competition had supplied United&nbsp;with some relief from their league struggles but they were sliced apart by&nbsp;Fenerbahce who exposed some glaring defensive weaknesses.

The two spectacular goals they conceded, however, were almost unstoppable.

The match had barely begun when Sow flung himself on the edge of the box into an overhead volley from a floated cross, smashing the ball past&nbsp;United&nbsp;keeper David De Gea and into the top corner.

Fenerbahce&nbsp;then took a stranglehold on the tie when Lens stepped up to nonchalantly curl a free kick around the wall and into the corner 14 minutes after the restart, leaving De Gea rooted to the spot as the ball bulged the net.

It should have got a lot worse for&nbsp;United&nbsp;when second-half substitute Emmanuel Emenike threatened three times to extend the lead before Rooney drove the ball home from 25 metres to set up a nervy finish.

United, who suffered an injury blow when the world&#39;s most expensive player Paul Pogba was forced off in the first half, are now a point behind group leaders Feyenoord and&nbsp;Fenerbahce&nbsp;with two games remaining.

(AFP)

United manager Jose Mourinho accused his side of playing with the intensity of a 'summer friendly'

Manchester United's woes deepened as stunning goals by Moussa Sow and Jeremain Lens gave Fenerbahce a 2-1 Europa League win on Thursday that left Jose Mourinho's side facing a battle to reach the knockout stages. Without a victory in four Premier League games, United desperately needed a morale-lifting result in Turkey but were undone by a brilliant second-minute overhead kick from Sow and a superb curling set piece by Lens before Wayne Rooney smashed home a consolation. While Mourinho's men are third in Group A, Zenit St Petersburg have made it look easy in Group D and reached the knockout stages with two games to spare after a 2-1 win over Irish side Dundalk maintained their perfect record. Athletic Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz became the first player to score five times in a Europa League match, his haul comprising three penalties in a 5-3 triumph over Racing Genk in Group F. Anderlecht were also on the goal trail in Group C as Nicolae Stanciu and Lukasz Teodorczyk netted twice for the Belgians who brushed aside Mainz 05 6-1. AS Roma's Edin Dzeko bagged a double as they moved top of Group E after a 4-2 win at Austria Vienna. A gloomy pall has descended over Mourinho's reign at Old Trafford with the manager under scrutiny for his team's poor start and the disciplinary problems that have earned him a domestic one-match touch line ban. After victories in their last two group games, Europe's second-tier competition had supplied United with some relief from their league struggles but they were sliced apart by Fenerbahce who exposed some glaring defensive weaknesses. The two spectacular goals they conceded, however, were almost unstoppable. The match had barely begun when Sow flung himself on the edge of the box into an overhead volley from a floated cross, smashing the ball past United keeper David De Gea and into the top corner. Fenerbahce then took a stranglehold on the tie when Lens stepped up to nonchalantly curl a free kick around the wall and into the corner 14 minutes after the restart, leaving De Gea rooted to the spot as the ball bulged the net. It should have got a lot worse for United when second-half substitute Emmanuel Emenike threatened three times to extend the lead before Rooney drove the ball home from 25 metres to set up a nervy finish. United, who suffered an injury blow when the world's most expensive player Paul Pogba was forced off in the first half, are now a point behind group leaders Feyenoord and Fenerbahce with two games remaining. (AFP)

Europa League: Fenerbahce beat Manchester United to heap misery on Mourinho

Leicester City missed the chance to book an early spot in the Champions League&#39;s knockout stages as they survived some nervy moments to secure a goalless draw with FC Copenhagen in Group G on Wednesday.

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Having won their previous three group games, the Premier League champions stood on the brink of reaching the last 16, but Copenhagen denied them the victory they needed, while improving their own qualification hopes.

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The Danish side&#39;s only previous loss in 27 competitive games was a 1-0 reverse to Leicester in their Champions League clash two weeks ago, and on several occasions they threatened to take all three points on home turf.

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Their best chance came in the 70th minute when Leicester defender Christian Fuchs cleared Benjamin Verbic&#39;s effort off the line as the home side pressed forward while the visitors&#39; keeper Kasper Schmeichel made a smart save from Andreas Cornelius in the dying minutes.

&nbsp;

Riyad Mahrez was once again the most influential creative presence in Claudio Ranieri&#39;s side, but the Foxes had to settle for a draw on a chilly night in Copenhagen.

&nbsp;

With the top two qualifying for the knockouts and two rounds of group matches remaining, Leicester top the standings with 10 points from four games, while Copenhagen are third on five, two behind Porto, who beat Club Bruges 1-0.

&nbsp;

&quot;If you win you are more satisfied, but you have to respect the opponent,&quot; said Ranieri, before adding that his side were still in a very good position at the top of the group.

&nbsp;

Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken rued several missed chances that left his team with just one point from two tight games against Leicester.

&nbsp;

&quot;After 180 minutes the only thing I am left with is that we didn&#39;t put it in the net. Leicester created two or three chances over 180 minutes,&quot; Solbakken told reporters.

&nbsp;

The Danes started well, playing at a high tempo and forcing a succession of free kicks and corners in the first half to keep Leicester on the back foot, but the final delivery into the box was often poor.

&nbsp;

Leicester were not much better in attack and as both defences flung themselves into the path of the ball to block shots, neither goalkeeper had much to deal with.

&nbsp;

Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater combined to create an excellent chance for Leicester in the 58th minute but there was nobody on hand to steer the ball home as the latter rifled it across the face of goal.

&nbsp;

The Danish champions almost stole the win late on as striker Cornelius rose highest to send a downward header into the bottom left corner.

&nbsp;

Yet Schmeichel, playing his first competitive club game in the city of his birth, reacted quickly, pushing the ball away smartly to maintain Leicester&#39;s unbeaten record and secure a fourth straight clean sheet in the competition.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)&nbsp;

The Premier League champions stood on the brink of reaching the last 16 but Copenhagen denied them the victory

Leicester City missed the chance to book an early spot in the Champions League's knockout stages as they survived some nervy moments to secure a goalless draw with FC Copenhagen in Group G on Wednesday. Having won their previous three group games, the Premier League champions stood on the brink of reaching the last 16, but Copenhagen denied them the victory they needed, while improving their own qualification hopes. The Danish side's only previous loss in 27 competitive games was a 1-0 reverse to Leicester in their Champions League clash two weeks ago, and on several occasions they threatened to take all three points on home turf. Their best chance came in the 70th minute when Leicester defender Christian Fuchs cleared Benjamin Verbic's effort off the line as the home side pressed forward while the visitors' keeper Kasper Schmeichel made a smart save from Andreas Cornelius in the dying minutes. Riyad Mahrez was once again the most influential creative presence in Claudio Ranieri's side, but the Foxes had to settle for a draw on a chilly night in Copenhagen. With the top two qualifying for the knockouts and two rounds of group matches remaining, Leicester top the standings with 10 points from four games, while Copenhagen are third on five, two behind Porto, who beat Club Bruges 1-0. "If you win you are more satisfied, but you have to respect the opponent," said Ranieri, before adding that his side were still in a very good position at the top of the group. Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken rued several missed chances that left his team with just one point from two tight games against Leicester. "After 180 minutes the only thing I am left with is that we didn't put it in the net. Leicester created two or three chances over 180 minutes," Solbakken told reporters. The Danes started well, playing at a high tempo and forcing a succession of free kicks and corners in the first half to keep Leicester on the back foot, but the final delivery into the box was often poor. Leicester were not much better in attack and as both defences flung themselves into the path of the ball to block shots, neither goalkeeper had much to deal with. Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater combined to create an excellent chance for Leicester in the 58th minute but there was nobody on hand to steer the ball home as the latter rifled it across the face of goal. The Danish champions almost stole the win late on as striker Cornelius rose highest to send a downward header into the bottom left corner. Yet Schmeichel, playing his first competitive club game in the city of his birth, reacted quickly, pushing the ball away smartly to maintain Leicester's unbeaten record and secure a fourth straight clean sheet in the competition. (Reuters)

Champions League: FC Copenhagen 0-0 Leicester City

Mateo Kovacic&#39;s late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3 with Legia Warsaw in an enthralling Champions League game played amid an empty stadium on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Croatia midfielder Kovacic capped a fine individual display by rifling in the equaliser in the 85th minute after Legia had come from behind in the Group F encounter to take the lead in the 83rd through Thibault Moulin&#39;s powerful finish.

&nbsp;

UEFA had ordered the game to be played behind closed doors after crowd trouble overshadowed Legia&#39;s opener against Dortmund, meaning only several hundred visiting Real supporters witnessed the thriller that featured a historic start.

&nbsp;

Gareth Bale gave Real the lead in the Polish Army Stadium in just 57 seconds with a thunderous strike from outside the area to record the fastest ever goal scored by Real in a Champions League match.

&nbsp;

Karim Benzema doubled their advantage in the 35th, taking advantage of a Bale cutback to sidefoot home.

&nbsp;

Yet Legia hit back with a brilliant piece of skill and finish from Vadis Odjidja five minutes before halftime, while Miroslav Radovic completed a shock comeback by the hosts with an arrowed toe poke into the bottom corner in the 58th.

&nbsp;

Real are second in Group F on eight points, two behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who qualified by beating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

Real travel to Sporting on Nov. 22, where a point will also see them through. Legia are out but can still challenge Sporting for third place to reach the Europa League last 32 after taking their first point in the competition for 21 years.

&nbsp;

Bale, who signed a new five-year contract with the European champions in midweek, got the game off to a flying start by swiveling to hook the ball into the top corner.

&nbsp;

The Wales international teed up Benzema later in the half with the help of Kovacic and Real looked set to cruise towards a victory that would have qualified them for the last 16, but Legia hit back before the break with Odjidja&#39;s wonderful goal.

&nbsp;

Radovic then took advantage of slack Real defending to drive at the defence and let fly from the edge of the box, sending the ball under Keylor Navas.

&nbsp;

Aleksandar Prijovic hit straight at Navas but barely a minute later made amends by laying the ball off to Moulin to crash the ball in off the post.

&nbsp;

Real&#39;s blushes were saved barely two minutes later though by Kovacic, who has taken on new importance in the absence of compatriot Luka Modric.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)&nbsp;

Mateo Kovacic's late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before the draw

Mateo Kovacic's late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3 with Legia Warsaw in an enthralling Champions League game played amid an empty stadium on Wednesday. Croatia midfielder Kovacic capped a fine individual display by rifling in the equaliser in the 85th minute after Legia had come from behind in the Group F encounter to take the lead in the 83rd through Thibault Moulin's powerful finish. UEFA had ordered the game to be played behind closed doors after crowd trouble overshadowed Legia's opener against Dortmund, meaning only several hundred visiting Real supporters witnessed the thriller that featured a historic start. Gareth Bale gave Real the lead in the Polish Army Stadium in just 57 seconds with a thunderous strike from outside the area to record the fastest ever goal scored by Real in a Champions League match. Karim Benzema doubled their advantage in the 35th, taking advantage of a Bale cutback to sidefoot home. Yet Legia hit back with a brilliant piece of skill and finish from Vadis Odjidja five minutes before halftime, while Miroslav Radovic completed a shock comeback by the hosts with an arrowed toe poke into the bottom corner in the 58th. Real are second in Group F on eight points, two behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who qualified by beating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on Wednesday. Real travel to Sporting on Nov. 22, where a point will also see them through. Legia are out but can still challenge Sporting for third place to reach the Europa League last 32 after taking their first point in the competition for 21 years. Bale, who signed a new five-year contract with the European champions in midweek, got the game off to a flying start by swiveling to hook the ball into the top corner. The Wales international teed up Benzema later in the half with the help of Kovacic and Real looked set to cruise towards a victory that would have qualified them for the last 16, but Legia hit back before the break with Odjidja's wonderful goal. Radovic then took advantage of slack Real defending to drive at the defence and let fly from the edge of the box, sending the ball under Keylor Navas. Aleksandar Prijovic hit straight at Navas but barely a minute later made amends by laying the ball off to Moulin to crash the ball in off the post. Real's blushes were saved barely two minutes later though by Kovacic, who has taken on new importance in the absence of compatriot Luka Modric. (Reuters)

Champions League: Real Madrid held to 3-3 draw against Legia Warsaw

Gonzalo Higuain converted an early penalty for Juventus and then missed a sitter before Olympique Lyonnais hit back late in the game to grab a 1-1 draw in their Champions League match on Wednesday.

Corentin Tolisso&#39;s 85th-minute header, the first goal that the Italian champions have conceded in four games in Group H, kept alive the French side&#39;s slim hopes of reaching the last 16 and kept Juve waiting for at least one more game to book their spot.

Juventus are second with eight points, two behind leaders Sevilla, and should still progress, while Lyon have four.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was angry with his team for trying to grab a late winner instead of settling for the draw.

&quot;We ran too many risks towards the end and we could have undermined our whole campaign in the Champions League,&quot; he said. &quot;You go to war when there&#39;s a chance of winning; you don&#39;t go to war when there&#39;s a chance of losing.&quot;

Juve were gifted an early lead when Higuain burst down the left and found Stefano Sturaro who was clumsily pushed over by Mouctar Diakhaby.

The Argentine stepped up and sent Anthony Lopes the wrong way from the spot.

However, Higuain turned villain shortly before halftime when he scooped the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy after Mario Mandzukic had won possession off a defender and set him up with a glorious opportunity.

In between, Claudio Marchisio sent a low drive agonisingly wide from just outside the penalty area.

Juventus, who won 1-0 in Lyon two weeks ago, appeared to sit back after halftime and the visitors enjoyed plenty of possession although they struggled to turn it into genuine chances.

Already missing Giorgio Chiellini from their so-called &#39;BBC&#39; defence, Juventus also saw Leonardo Bonucci limp off in the 67th minute when he had to be replaced by Mehdi Benatia.

The revamped defence were caught out with five minutes left when Rachid Ghezzal delivered a superb free kick into the Juve area which was attacked by three players, with Tolisso getting there first to head past Gianluigi Buffon.

Juventus threw themselves forward in search of a late winner and Lyon threatened to snatch the points when Alexandre Lacazette ran on to a through ball but Buffon did well to narrow the angle.

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Higuain converted an early penalty but?missed a sitter before the match with Olympique Lyonnais game ended in a 1-1 draw

Gonzalo Higuain converted an early penalty for Juventus and then missed a sitter before Olympique Lyonnais hit back late in the game to grab a 1-1 draw in their Champions League match on Wednesday. Corentin Tolisso's 85th-minute header, the first goal that the Italian champions have conceded in four games in Group H, kept alive the French side's slim hopes of reaching the last 16 and kept Juve waiting for at least one more game to book their spot. Juventus are second with eight points, two behind leaders Sevilla, and should still progress, while Lyon have four. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was angry with his team for trying to grab a late winner instead of settling for the draw. "We ran too many risks towards the end and we could have undermined our whole campaign in the Champions League," he said. "You go to war when there's a chance of winning; you don't go to war when there's a chance of losing." Juve were gifted an early lead when Higuain burst down the left and found Stefano Sturaro who was clumsily pushed over by Mouctar Diakhaby. The Argentine stepped up and sent Anthony Lopes the wrong way from the spot. However, Higuain turned villain shortly before halftime when he scooped the ball over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy after Mario Mandzukic had won possession off a defender and set him up with a glorious opportunity. In between, Claudio Marchisio sent a low drive agonisingly wide from just outside the penalty area. Juventus, who won 1-0 in Lyon two weeks ago, appeared to sit back after halftime and the visitors enjoyed plenty of possession although they struggled to turn it into genuine chances. Already missing Giorgio Chiellini from their so-called 'BBC' defence, Juventus also saw Leonardo Bonucci limp off in the 67th minute when he had to be replaced by Mehdi Benatia. The revamped defence were caught out with five minutes left when Rachid Ghezzal delivered a superb free kick into the Juve area which was attacked by three players, with Tolisso getting there first to head past Gianluigi Buffon. Juventus threw themselves forward in search of a late winner and Lyon threatened to snatch the points when Alexandre Lacazette ran on to a through ball but Buffon did well to narrow the angle. (Reuters)

Champions League: Higuain hero and villain as Juve blow early lead

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home again as Kevin&nbsp;Kampl&#39;s second-half goal gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 victory that put the Bundesliga side on course for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday.

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Slovenian international&nbsp;Kampl&#39;s close-range effort after 65 minutes gave Leverkusen a deserved victory &mdash;&nbsp;their first on English soil in 10 attempts &mdash;&nbsp;to move them above Tottenham into second place in Group E.

&nbsp;

Tottenham, now without a win in six matches in all competitions, never settled and there was precious little for the majority of the record 85,512 crowd to get excited about.

&nbsp;

Eric Dier came close to an equaliser when his free kick thumped against the crossbar with eight minutes left but Tottenham left the field to boos after a repeat of their opening 2-1 defeat by Monaco.

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With two matches left, Monaco lead the group on eight points after beating CSKA Moscow 3-0. Leverkusen have six and Tottenham have it all to do with four.

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&quot;If we don&#39;t win in Monaco and then against CSKA it&#39;s goodbye to the Champions League,&quot; Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side face north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, told reporters.

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&quot;Two games at Wembley we have been very poor.&quot;

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Tottenham&#39;s season has hit a wall since an impressive win over Manchester City last month and they began in edgy fashion against a Leverkusen side who sensed their hosts&#39; unease.

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With their White Hart Lane ground affected by building work on a new stadium, Tottenham opted to play their home Champions League games at Wembley. But the grandeur of the venue has not had the desired effect on their form.

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Pochettino looked far from happy as his side continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half.

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Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez buzzed around dangerously and should have punished a Kyle Walker error shortly before halftime but his shot was deflected wide.

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Tottenham took half an hour to register a worthwhile effort on goal, Christian Eriksen&#39;s powerful shot beaten away by Bernd Leno.

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Dele Alli did have the ball in the net on the stroke of halftime after substitute Vincent Jansen&#39;s shot was saved by Leno, but Jansen had been penalised for pulling.

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Alli had a strong penalty appeal turned down when tumbling over Leverkusen skipper Omer Toprak&#39;s dangled foot early in the second half and Walker sliced through the Leverkusen defence and fired a shot agonisingly wide.

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Moments later, more shoddy Tottenham defending let in Hernandez whose first shot was blocked and as the ball came back to him he forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save.

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Tottenham failed to heed the warnings, however, and fell behind in the 65th minute. Charles Aranguiz&#39;s shot deflected into the path of&nbsp;Kampl&nbsp;who slotted past Lloris from six yards out.

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Leverkusen cleverly kept Tottenham at arm&#39;s length thereafter although they did enjoy a let off when Dier&#39;s free kick rocked the crossbar and the ball was scrambled clear.

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&quot;We were courageous and bold,&quot; Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, whose side had drawn their previous three matches in the group, said.

&nbsp;

&quot;Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League so that makes it more special.&quot;

&nbsp;

(Reuters)&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home as Leverkusen claimed their first victory on English soil in 10 attempts

Tottenham Hotspur stumbled at their adopted Wembley home again as Kevin Kampl's second-half goal gave Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 victory that put the Bundesliga side on course for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday. Slovenian international Kampl's close-range effort after 65 minutes gave Leverkusen a deserved victory — their first on English soil in 10 attempts — to move them above Tottenham into second place in Group E. Tottenham, now without a win in six matches in all competitions, never settled and there was precious little for the majority of the record 85,512 crowd to get excited about. Eric Dier came close to an equaliser when his free kick thumped against the crossbar with eight minutes left but Tottenham left the field to boos after a repeat of their opening 2-1 defeat by Monaco. With two matches left, Monaco lead the group on eight points after beating CSKA Moscow 3-0. Leverkusen have six and Tottenham have it all to do with four. "If we don't win in Monaco and then against CSKA it's goodbye to the Champions League," Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side face north London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, told reporters. "Two games at Wembley we have been very poor." Tottenham's season has hit a wall since an impressive win over Manchester City last month and they began in edgy fashion against a Leverkusen side who sensed their hosts' unease. With their White Hart Lane ground affected by building work on a new stadium, Tottenham opted to play their home Champions League games at Wembley. But the grandeur of the venue has not had the desired effect on their form. Pochettino looked far from happy as his side continually gave the ball away in dangerous areas in the first half. Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez buzzed around dangerously and should have punished a Kyle Walker error shortly before halftime but his shot was deflected wide. Tottenham took half an hour to register a worthwhile effort on goal, Christian Eriksen's powerful shot beaten away by Bernd Leno. Dele Alli did have the ball in the net on the stroke of halftime after substitute Vincent Jansen's shot was saved by Leno, but Jansen had been penalised for pulling. Alli had a strong penalty appeal turned down when tumbling over Leverkusen skipper Omer Toprak's dangled foot early in the second half and Walker sliced through the Leverkusen defence and fired a shot agonisingly wide. Moments later, more shoddy Tottenham defending let in Hernandez whose first shot was blocked and as the ball came back to him he forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save. Tottenham failed to heed the warnings, however, and fell behind in the 65th minute. Charles Aranguiz's shot deflected into the path of Kampl who slotted past Lloris from six yards out. Leverkusen cleverly kept Tottenham at arm's length thereafter although they did enjoy a let off when Dier's free kick rocked the crossbar and the ball was scrambled clear. "We were courageous and bold," Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, whose side had drawn their previous three matches in the group, said. "Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League so that makes it more special." (Reuters)

Champions League: Kampl's second-half goal gives Leverkusen 1-0 victory at Tottenham

Despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA, England and Scotland&#39;s players will wear black armbands with a&nbsp;red poppy in a World Cup qualifier on Armistice Day.

FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match. The English and Scottish football associations have been arguing with the governing body to let players wear the bands.

The wearing of a poppy represents an &quot;appropriate tribute&quot; to Britain&#39;s war dead, the FA insisted.

&quot;The poppy is an important symbol of remembrance and we do not believe it represents a political, religious or commercial message, nor does it relate to any one historical event,&quot; said an FA statement, reported news agency AFP. &quot;The FA intend to pay appropriate tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by having the England team wear black armbands bearing poppies in our fixture on Armistice Day.&quot;

Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

The Scottish FA issued a statement saying the wearing of a poppy was &quot;an appropriate tribute&quot;.

&quot;The Scotland national team (will) wear black armbands bearing poppies in our fixture against England on Armistice Day,&quot; said the Scottish body, reported AFP

British Prime Minister Theresa May expressed outrage at FIFA&#39;s opposition to the tribute.

&quot;It is utterly outrageous,&quot; May said.&nbsp;

Earlier Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May branded as &quot;outrageous&quot; FIFA&#39;s opposition to the gesture. &quot;Our football players want to recognise those who gave their lives for our security.

&quot;It is absolutely right that they should be able to do so. A clear message is going from this house before they (FIFA) start telling us what to do they jolly well ought to sort their own house out.&quot;

The governing body restated its stance in a statement on Wednesday. It said the body &quot;respected the significance&quot; of Remembrance Day on November 11.

&quot;The laws of the game are overseen by the International Football Association Board (composed of the four British FAs and FIFA) and applicable to all 211 member associations.

&quot;The relevant Law 4, para. 4, clearly states that the players equipment should not carry any political, religious or commercial messages. The laws are applied uniformly in the event of similar requests by any member association to commemorate similar historical events.&quot;

However, FA chairman Greg Clarke told ITV that &quot;we should wear poppies&quot;. &quot;We are commemorating millions of people who gave their lives in wars over the last hundred years and they deserve that. The people who lost relatives deserve that. That&rsquo;s our plan. We&#39;ll be wearing poppies at Wembley,&quot; Clarke said.

In 2011, FIFA agreed to let England wear a poppy symbol on black armbands when they played Spain in a friendly on November 11.

(With inputs from AFP)

The Football Association insisted that the wearing of a poppy represents an 'appropriate tribute' to Britain's war dead

Despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA, England and Scotland's players will wear black armbands with a red poppy in a World Cup qualifier on Armistice Day. FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match. The English and Scottish football associations have been arguing with the governing body to let players wear the bands. The wearing of a poppy represents an "appropriate tribute" to Britain's war dead, the FA insisted. "The poppy is an important symbol of remembrance and we do not believe it represents a political, religious or commercial message, nor does it relate to any one historical event," said an FA statement, reported news agency AFP. "The FA intend to pay appropriate tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by having the England team wear black armbands bearing poppies in our fixture on Armistice Day." Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. The Scottish FA issued a statement saying the wearing of a poppy was "an appropriate tribute". "The Scotland national team (will) wear black armbands bearing poppies in our fixture against England on Armistice Day," said the Scottish body, reported AFP British Prime Minister Theresa May expressed outrage at FIFA's opposition to the tribute. "It is utterly outrageous," May said. Earlier Wednesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May branded as "outrageous" FIFA's opposition to the gesture. "Our football players want to recognise those who gave their lives for our security. "It is absolutely right that they should be able to do so. A clear message is going from this house before they (FIFA) start telling us what to do they jolly well ought to sort their own house out." The governing body restated its stance in a statement on Wednesday. It said the body "respected the significance" of Remembrance Day on November 11. "The laws of the game are overseen by the International Football Association Board (composed of the four British FAs and FIFA) and applicable to all 211 member associations. "The relevant Law 4, para. 4, clearly states that the players equipment should not carry any political, religious or commercial messages. The laws are applied uniformly in the event of similar requests by any member association to commemorate similar historical events." However, FA chairman Greg Clarke told ITV that "we should wear poppies". "We are commemorating millions of people who gave their lives in wars over the last hundred years and they deserve that. The people who lost relatives deserve that. That’s our plan. We'll be wearing poppies at Wembley," Clarke said. In 2011, FIFA agreed to let England wear a poppy symbol on black armbands when they played Spain in a friendly on November 11. (With inputs from AFP)

Football: England, Scotland to defy FIFA ban by wearing poppies

Borussia Moenchengladbach have accused Bundesliga bosses of favouritism towards Bayern Munich as they face a successive Friday night match, three days after a mid-week game in Europe.

Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin away in a key Bundesliga match on Friday.

It is the second time in quick succession Gladbach have been given a short turn-around by the German Football League (DFL) after they drew 0-0 with Frankfurt last Friday, three days after a German Cup win home to Stuttgart.

Borussia, 11th in Germany&#39;s top flight, are struggling for form and are winless in their last four German league games.

&quot;I have to say, what were the league thinking giving a Champions League side a game directly on a Friday?&quot; Max Eberl, Gladbach&#39;s director of sport, asked magazine Kicker.

&quot;That would never happen to Bayern Munich. I have never heard of Bayern playing on a Friday after a Champions League game.

&quot;They always play on Saturdays and Sundays. Borussia Moenchengladbach must now run out at Hertha Berlin. I find that extremely unfortunate.&quot;

Following their Champions League draw Gladbach remain third in Group C, three points behind Manchester City, who they host in three weeks&#39; time in a must-win clash.

Eberl is realistic about his side&#39;s chances of progressing to the knock-out stages with Pep Guardiola&#39;s City and Barcelona in pole position to reach the last 16.

But the Germans are still mathematically in contention and third at least carries automatic qualification for the Europa League, if it comes to that.

&quot;We still have matters in our own hands and can go into the winter break (in January) in the Europa League,&quot; said Eberl.

&quot;Bold fans have dreamt of &#39;a final&#39; against Manchester City, but that was not in our heads against Celtic.&quot;

(AFP)

Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin on Friday

Borussia Moenchengladbach have accused Bundesliga bosses of favouritism towards Bayern Munich as they face a successive Friday night match, three days after a mid-week game in Europe. Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin away in a key Bundesliga match on Friday. It is the second time in quick succession Gladbach have been given a short turn-around by the German Football League (DFL) after they drew 0-0 with Frankfurt last Friday, three days after a German Cup win home to Stuttgart. Borussia, 11th in Germany's top flight, are struggling for form and are winless in their last four German league games. "I have to say, what were the league thinking giving a Champions League side a game directly on a Friday?" Max Eberl, Gladbach's director of sport, asked magazine Kicker. "That would never happen to Bayern Munich. I have never heard of Bayern playing on a Friday after a Champions League game. "They always play on Saturdays and Sundays. Borussia Moenchengladbach must now run out at Hertha Berlin. I find that extremely unfortunate." Following their Champions League draw Gladbach remain third in Group C, three points behind Manchester City, who they host in three weeks' time in a must-win clash. Eberl is realistic about his side's chances of progressing to the knock-out stages with Pep Guardiola's City and Barcelona in pole position to reach the last 16. But the Germans are still mathematically in contention and third at least carries automatic qualification for the Europa League, if it comes to that. "We still have matters in our own hands and can go into the winter break (in January) in the Europa League," said Eberl. "Bold fans have dreamt of 'a final' against Manchester City, but that was not in our heads against Celtic." (AFP)

'Wouldn't happen to Bayern', fumes Gladbach boss

Mateo Kovacic&#39;s late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3 with Legia Warsaw in an enthralling Champions League game played amid an empty stadium on Wednesday.

Croatia midfielder Kovacic capped a fine individual display by rifling in the equaliser in the 85th minute after Legia had come from behind in the Group F encounter to take the lead in the 83rd through Thibault Moulin&#39;s powerful finish.

UEFA had ordered the game to be played behind closed doors after crowd trouble overshadowed Legia&#39;s opener against Dortmund, meaning only several hundred visiting Real supporters witnessed the thriller that featured a&nbsp;historic start.

Gareth Bale gave Real the lead in the Polish Army Stadium in just 57 seconds with a thunderous strike from outside the area to record the fastest-ever goal scored by Real in a Champions League match.

Karim Benzema doubled their advantage in the 35th, taking advantage of a Bale cutback to sidefoot home.

Yet Legia hit back with a brilliant piece of skill and finish from Vadis Odjidja five minutes before halftime, while Miroslav Radovic completed a shock comeback by the hosts with an arrowed toe poke into the bottom corner in the 58th.

Real are second in Group F on eight points, two behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who qualified by beating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on Wednesday.

Real travel to Sporting on Nov. 22, where a point will also see them through. Legia are out but can still challenge Sporting for third place to reach the Europa League last 32 after taking their first point in the competition for 21 years.

Bale, who signed a new five-year contract with the European champions in midweek, got the game off to a flying start by swivelling to hook the ball into the top corner.

The Wales international teed up Benzema later in the half with the help of Kovacic and Real looked set to cruise towards a victory that would have qualified them for the last 16, but Legia hit back before the break with Odjidja&#39;s wonderful goal.

Radovic then took advantage of slack Real defending to drive at the defence and let fly from the edge of the box, sending the ball under Keylor Navas.

Aleksandar Prijovic hit straight at Navas but barely a minute later made amends by laying the ball off to Moulin to crash the ball in off the post.

Real&#39;s blushes were saved barely two minutes later though by Kovacic, who has taken on new importance in the absence of compatriot Luka Modric.

(Reuters)

Mateo Kovacic's late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3

Mateo Kovacic's late strike avoided embarrassment for Real Madrid as the European champions surrendered a two-goal lead before drawing 3-3 with Legia Warsaw in an enthralling Champions League game played amid an empty stadium on Wednesday. Croatia midfielder Kovacic capped a fine individual display by rifling in the equaliser in the 85th minute after Legia had come from behind in the Group F encounter to take the lead in the 83rd through Thibault Moulin's powerful finish. UEFA had ordered the game to be played behind closed doors after crowd trouble overshadowed Legia's opener against Dortmund, meaning only several hundred visiting Real supporters witnessed the thriller that featured a historic start. Gareth Bale gave Real the lead in the Polish Army Stadium in just 57 seconds with a thunderous strike from outside the area to record the fastest-ever goal scored by Real in a Champions League match. Karim Benzema doubled their advantage in the 35th, taking advantage of a Bale cutback to sidefoot home. Yet Legia hit back with a brilliant piece of skill and finish from Vadis Odjidja five minutes before halftime, while Miroslav Radovic completed a shock comeback by the hosts with an arrowed toe poke into the bottom corner in the 58th. Real are second in Group F on eight points, two behind leaders Borussia Dortmund, who qualified by beating Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on Wednesday. Real travel to Sporting on Nov. 22, where a point will also see them through. Legia are out but can still challenge Sporting for third place to reach the Europa League last 32 after taking their first point in the competition for 21 years. Bale, who signed a new five-year contract with the European champions in midweek, got the game off to a flying start by swivelling to hook the ball into the top corner. The Wales international teed up Benzema later in the half with the help of Kovacic and Real looked set to cruise towards a victory that would have qualified them for the last 16, but Legia hit back before the break with Odjidja's wonderful goal. Radovic then took advantage of slack Real defending to drive at the defence and let fly from the edge of the box, sending the ball under Keylor Navas. Aleksandar Prijovic hit straight at Navas but barely a minute later made amends by laying the ball off to Moulin to crash the ball in off the post. Real's blushes were saved barely two minutes later though by Kovacic, who has taken on new importance in the absence of compatriot Luka Modric. (Reuters)

Champions League: Real Madrid 3-3 Legia Warsaw

Coach Pep Guardiola was left thrilled after Manchester City revived their Champions League bid by beating his old club Barcelona 3-1 in a gloriously open Group C encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Ilkay Guendogan scored twice and Kevin De Bruyne netted a superb free kick in a magnificent display from the home side that ended Barcelona&#39;s 100 per cent record and made handsome amends for City&#39;s 4-0 drubbing at the Nou Camp two weeks ago.

Guardiola&#39;s men now have seven points from four matches, two behind leaders Barca. Borussia Moenchengladbach are on four points after drawing 1-1 with bottom club Celtic.

City&#39;s victory looked unlikely when Lionel Messi followed up his hat-trick in the game at the Nou Camp with a dazzling opener on the counter-attack in the 21st minute and Barca were in control before Guendogan cashed in on a Sergi Roberto mistake.

In a game peppered with fine attacking and dubious defending, City then ran Barca ragged as the exceptional De Bruyne netted in the 51st minute before helping set up Guendogan&#39;s second after 74.

City&#39;s best Champions League night left Barca frustrated as they failed to gain the win that would have sealed their place in the knockout stages for a 13th successive season.

The home side&#39;s big night started brightly as Raheem Sterling appeared to be brought down in the box by Samuel Umtiti only to be booked, harshly perhaps, for diving.

Then, in a devastating counter-attack initiated by Javier Mascherano when he broke up a City thrust in his own box, Messi found Neymar on the left before marauding down the field to latch on to the Brazilian&#39;s pass and claim his 90th Champions League goal.

Barca looked poised to take over, threatening a second goal until Sergi Roberto stroked a pass carelessly across his own defensive line, allowing Sergio Aguero to intercept and feed Sterling who crossed for Guendogan to tap the ball in.

A poor touch from Sterling stopped him putting City ahead at the start of the second half but they did not have to wait long to go ahead as De Bruyne&#39;s free-kick dipped over the wall and beat the despairing dive of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

De Bruyne came close to adding to the lead as the hosts flooded forward.

Barca should have equalised when a stray back pass from John Stones led to Andre Gomes hitting the bar when it seemed easier to score.

City, though, earned reward for their domination and some wayward defending by the visitors when De Bruyne&#39;s pass cut them apart and set up Jesus Navas to whip in the cross that eventually fell to Germany midfielder Guendogan who hammered his fourth goal in two games.

(Reuters)

Coach Pep Guardiola's men now have seven points from four matches, two behind leaders Barca

Coach Pep Guardiola was left thrilled after Manchester City revived their Champions League bid by beating his old club Barcelona 3-1 in a gloriously open Group C encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Ilkay Guendogan scored twice and Kevin De Bruyne netted a superb free kick in a magnificent display from the home side that ended Barcelona's 100 per cent record and made handsome amends for City's 4-0 drubbing at the Nou Camp two weeks ago. Guardiola's men now have seven points from four matches, two behind leaders Barca. Borussia Moenchengladbach are on four points after drawing 1-1 with bottom club Celtic. City's victory looked unlikely when Lionel Messi followed up his hat-trick in the game at the Nou Camp with a dazzling opener on the counter-attack in the 21st minute and Barca were in control before Guendogan cashed in on a Sergi Roberto mistake. In a game peppered with fine attacking and dubious defending, City then ran Barca ragged as the exceptional De Bruyne netted in the 51st minute before helping set up Guendogan's second after 74. City's best Champions League night left Barca frustrated as they failed to gain the win that would have sealed their place in the knockout stages for a 13th successive season. The home side's big night started brightly as Raheem Sterling appeared to be brought down in the box by Samuel Umtiti only to be booked, harshly perhaps, for diving. Then, in a devastating counter-attack initiated by Javier Mascherano when he broke up a City thrust in his own box, Messi found Neymar on the left before marauding down the field to latch on to the Brazilian's pass and claim his 90th Champions League goal. Barca looked poised to take over, threatening a second goal until Sergi Roberto stroked a pass carelessly across his own defensive line, allowing Sergio Aguero to intercept and feed Sterling who crossed for Guendogan to tap the ball in. A poor touch from Sterling stopped him putting City ahead at the start of the second half but they did not have to wait long to go ahead as De Bruyne's free-kick dipped over the wall and beat the despairing dive of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. De Bruyne came close to adding to the lead as the hosts flooded forward. Barca should have equalised when a stray back pass from John Stones led to Andre Gomes hitting the bar when it seemed easier to score. City, though, earned reward for their domination and some wayward defending by the visitors when De Bruyne's pass cut them apart and set up Jesus Navas to whip in the cross that eventually fell to Germany midfielder Guendogan who hammered his fourth goal in two games. (Reuters)

Champions League: Manchester City beat Barcelona 3-1

Manchester City must play &quot;perfectly&quot; to beat Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to manager&nbsp;Pep&nbsp;Guardiola whose side suffered a 4-0 thrashing in the Nou Camp this month.

City won for the first time in seven games in all competitions on Saturday, crushing West Bromwich Albion 4-0 in the Premier League, but Guardiola knows his former club represent a far greater challenge.

&quot;I have never thought that we can&#39;t win a football match and I never will. Even when we lost 4-0,&quot; Guardiola told a news conference on Monday.

&quot;It&#39;s difficult and we know we need to play almost perfectly to win - and if not, we will congratulate them and move on.

&quot;Winning the last game helped a lot but the Champions League is much different. Tomorrow we have another chance against the best.&quot;

While Barcelona can secure progress to the knockout phase at the Etihad on Tuesday, City are in a battle with Borussia Moenchengladbach for second spot in Group C.

Another loss to the Catalans would leave their progress in real jeopardy.

&quot;For them it&#39;s not a final, for us it is like a final,&quot; said Guardiola, who is yet to taste defeat at home since taking over at Man City, said.

&quot;There is just three games left. We dropped points in Glasgow (Celtic) and we have to recover those points.&quot;

City&#39;s cause is not helped by injuries with the right back area particularly worrying.

Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta are both unavailable, meaning Guardiola has to choose between Fernando, who played there for the first time against West Brom, and 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo.

&quot;We have to think we&#39;ve not got right backs,&quot; Guardiola said. &quot;We have one who recently played there and one who is 19.&quot;

Striker Sergio Aguero will start, however, after being surprisingly left out of the away clash.

The Argentine scored twice against West Brom and looked close to being back to his best.

&quot;When he is happy of course all the team is happy,&quot; Guardiola said.

A loss to the blaugrana team tonight would jeopardise City's chances of progressing to the next round of the Champions League

Manchester City must play "perfectly" to beat Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to manager Pep Guardiola whose side suffered a 4-0 thrashing in the Nou Camp this month. City won for the first time in seven games in all competitions on Saturday, crushing West Bromwich Albion 4-0 in the Premier League, but Guardiola knows his former club represent a far greater challenge. "I have never thought that we can't win a football match and I never will. Even when we lost 4-0," Guardiola told a news conference on Monday. "It's difficult and we know we need to play almost perfectly to win - and if not, we will congratulate them and move on. "Winning the last game helped a lot but the Champions League is much different. Tomorrow we have another chance against the best." While Barcelona can secure progress to the knockout phase at the Etihad on Tuesday, City are in a battle with Borussia Moenchengladbach for second spot in Group C. Another loss to the Catalans would leave their progress in real jeopardy. "For them it's not a final, for us it is like a final," said Guardiola, who is yet to taste defeat at home since taking over at Man City, said. "There is just three games left. We dropped points in Glasgow (Celtic) and we have to recover those points." City's cause is not helped by injuries with the right back area particularly worrying. Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta are both unavailable, meaning Guardiola has to choose between Fernando, who played there for the first time against West Brom, and 19-year-old Pablo Maffeo. "We have to think we've not got right backs," Guardiola said. "We have one who recently played there and one who is 19." Striker Sergio Aguero will start, however, after being surprisingly left out of the away clash. The Argentine scored twice against West Brom and looked close to being back to his best. "When he is happy of course all the team is happy," Guardiola said.

Manchester City needs to play 'perfect' football to beat Barcelona: Guardiola

Inter Milan fired Dutchman Frank&nbsp;de&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;as coach on Tuesday after less than three months in charge during which the former European champions lost seven of their 14 competitive games.

Inter, who dropped to 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday&#39;s 1-0 loss to Sampdoria, said youth team coach Stefano Vecchi would be in charge of the team for Thursday&#39;s Europa League match at Southampton.

&quot;The club thanks Frank and his staff for the work they have undertaken at the and wish them the best for the future,&quot; Inter, who have lost four of their last five league games, said in a statement.

Inter, traditionally one of Italy&#39;s three biggest clubs alongside&nbsp;Juventus and city rivals AC Milan, appointed the 46-year-old&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;on Aug. 9, two weeks before the start of the season, after Robert Mancini left by mutual consent.

The club said that an announcement on&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&#39;s replacement would be made&nbsp;later. Italian media reported that Stefano Pioli, the former Lazio coach, was the favourite.

De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;was Inter&#39;s eighth coach since Jose Mourinho left in 2010 after winning the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble.

The others were Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri, Andrea Stramaccioni, Walter Mazzarri and Mancini. Gasperini&#39;s reign was even shorter than&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&#39;s, lasting five matches.

Inter are enduring their fifth successive season without Champions League football and have won one trophy since Mourinho&#39;s&nbsp;departure, the Coppa Italia in 2011.

Former Netherlands&nbsp;defender&nbsp;De&nbsp;Boer&nbsp;had no previous experience of playing or coaching in Italy. He had previously been in charge of Dutch side&nbsp;Ajax Amsterdam for six years during which he won four league titles.

His overall record of five wins, two draws and seven&nbsp;defeats included shock losses to Hapoel Beer Sheva and Sparta Prague in the Europa League and at home to Cagliari in Serie A.

Inter were sold to a consortium led by Indonesian business tycoon Erick Thohir in October 2013 by Massimo Moratti, who had owned the club since 1995.

In June, Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd bought nearly 70 percent of Inter for 270 million euros, although Thohir stayed on as club president.

(Reuters)

The Dutchman was sacked on the back of a string of poor results which left the club languishing at 12th spot

Inter Milan fired Dutchman Frank de Boer as coach on Tuesday after less than three months in charge during which the former European champions lost seven of their 14 competitive games. Inter, who dropped to 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sampdoria, said youth team coach Stefano Vecchi would be in charge of the team for Thursday's Europa League match at Southampton. "The club thanks Frank and his staff for the work they have undertaken at the and wish them the best for the future," Inter, who have lost four of their last five league games, said in a statement. Inter, traditionally one of Italy's three biggest clubs alongside Juventus and city rivals AC Milan, appointed the 46-year-old De Boer on Aug. 9, two weeks before the start of the season, after Robert Mancini left by mutual consent. The club said that an announcement on De Boer's replacement would be made later. Italian media reported that Stefano Pioli, the former Lazio coach, was the favourite. De Boer was Inter's eighth coach since Jose Mourinho left in 2010 after winning the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble. The others were Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini, Claudio Ranieri, Andrea Stramaccioni, Walter Mazzarri and Mancini. Gasperini's reign was even shorter than De Boer's, lasting five matches. Inter are enduring their fifth successive season without Champions League football and have won one trophy since Mourinho's departure, the Coppa Italia in 2011. Former Netherlands defender De Boer had no previous experience of playing or coaching in Italy. He had previously been in charge of Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam for six years during which he won four league titles. His overall record of five wins, two draws and seven defeats included shock losses to Hapoel Beer Sheva and Sparta Prague in the Europa League and at home to Cagliari in Serie A. Inter were sold to a consortium led by Indonesian business tycoon Erick Thohir in October 2013 by Massimo Moratti, who had owned the club since 1995. In June, Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd bought nearly 70 percent of Inter for 270 million euros, although Thohir stayed on as club president. (Reuters)

Inter Milan fires De Boer after 14 games

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for comments made to the referee during last weeekend&#39;s Premier League match against Burnley, the FA said on Tuesday.

Mourinho was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg for the second half of the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday after reportedly complaining about a penalty decision that did not go United&#39;s way.

&quot;It is alleged that in or around the tunnel area at halftime he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a Match Official,&quot; the FA said.

Mourinho was also charged with misconduct by the FA last week for comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of United&#39;s Premier League game against Liverpool.

(Reuters)

Mourinho was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg for the second half of the match between United and Burnley

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for comments made to the referee during last weeekend's Premier League match against Burnley, the FA said on Tuesday. Mourinho was sent to the stands by referee Mark Clattenburg for the second half of the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday after reportedly complaining about a penalty decision that did not go United's way. "It is alleged that in or around the tunnel area at halftime he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a Match Official," the FA said. Mourinho was also charged with misconduct by the FA last week for comments he made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of United's Premier League game against Liverpool. (Reuters)

Man United boss Mourinho slapped with second misconduct charge

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger&#39;s exile came to an end on Monday as he returned to first-team training.

Pictures posted on the club&#39;s social media accounts featured the 32-year-old training with team-mates ahead of Thursday&#39;s match at Fenerbahce.

Since United manager Jose Mourinho&#39;s arrival Schweinsteiger has not played and was also left out from United&#39;s Europe League squad.

&quot;It&#39;s great to see him back,&quot; United left-back Luke Shaw told AFP at United&#39;s training complex.

&quot;We found out the news a couple of days ago and it&#39;s so great to have him back. He&#39;s a big influence in the dressing room and obviously on the pitch, especially for the young players like myself. It&#39;s a great boost for us, the experience and the quality that he brings.&quot;

Former United captain Bryan Robon also hailed Schweinsteiger&#39;s return.

&quot;Bastian&#39;s a great lad, speaks perfect English, has got great quality and vast experience,&quot; Robson said at the launch of a United deal with Chinese mattress firm Mlily.

&quot;For me he could definitely help the group, on the confidence side and just the know-how on how to play the game in that central role. I still think he could be valuable to the squad.&quot;

Mourinho had criticised Shaw after United lost 3-1 at Watford last month and was left out of the squad for their recent 4-0 loss to Chelsea.

Shaw said that although he was &quot;unhappy&quot; to miss the game against Chelsea but there were no issues between him and the manager.&nbsp;

&quot;I really wanted to play that game,&quot; said Shaw. &quot;But at the end of the day it&#39;s the manager&#39;s decision. After the game I spoke with him about it and I 100 percent agreed with what he said and why I wasn&#39;t involved. Obviously we&#39;ll keep that between us two. But it&#39;s been really good the last couple of games. I&#39;ve felt fitter and stronger.&quot;

(With inputs from AFP)

Pictures posted on the club's social media accounts featured the 32-year-old training with team-mates

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger's exile came to an end on Monday as he returned to first-team training. Pictures posted on the club's social media accounts featured the 32-year-old training with team-mates ahead of Thursday's match at Fenerbahce. Since United manager Jose Mourinho's arrival Schweinsteiger has not played and was also left out from United's Europe League squad. "It's great to see him back," United left-back Luke Shaw told AFP at United's training complex. "We found out the news a couple of days ago and it's so great to have him back. He's a big influence in the dressing room and obviously on the pitch, especially for the young players like myself. It's a great boost for us, the experience and the quality that he brings." Former United captain Bryan Robon also hailed Schweinsteiger's return. "Bastian's a great lad, speaks perfect English, has got great quality and vast experience," Robson said at the launch of a United deal with Chinese mattress firm Mlily. "For me he could definitely help the group, on the confidence side and just the know-how on how to play the game in that central role. I still think he could be valuable to the squad." Mourinho had criticised Shaw after United lost 3-1 at Watford last month and was left out of the squad for their recent 4-0 loss to Chelsea. Shaw said that although he was "unhappy" to miss the game against Chelsea but there were no issues between him and the manager. "I really wanted to play that game," said Shaw. "But at the end of the day it's the manager's decision. After the game I spoke with him about it and I 100 percent agreed with what he said and why I wasn't involved. Obviously we'll keep that between us two. But it's been really good the last couple of games. I've felt fitter and stronger." (With inputs from AFP)

Football: Schweinsteiger's exile ends, rejoins Man Utd training

Wales international Gareth Bale has extended his Real Madrid contract until 2022, the Spanish club said on Sunday.

Bale joined Real for a then world-record fee of 100 million euros ($110 million) in 2013 and has won two Champions Leagues and a King&#39;s Cup in three seasons with the La Liga club.

The 27-year-old winger, whose previous contract ran until 2019, has made 135 appearances in all competitions since he joined the club, scoring 62 goals.&nbsp;

&quot;Real Madrid C. F. and Gareth Bale have agreed to the extension of the player&#39;s contract until June 30, 2022,&quot; the club said on its website.

(Reuters)

The 27-year-old Welsh winger was previously contracted with Real Madrid till 2019

Wales international Gareth Bale has extended his Real Madrid contract until 2022, the Spanish club said on Sunday. Bale joined Real for a then world-record fee of 100 million euros ($110 million) in 2013 and has won two Champions Leagues and a King's Cup in three seasons with the La Liga club. The 27-year-old winger, whose previous contract ran until 2019, has made 135 appearances in all competitions since he joined the club, scoring 62 goals. "Real Madrid C. F. and Gareth Bale have agreed to the extension of the player's contract until June 30, 2022," the club said on its website. (Reuters)

Gareth Bale extends Madrid stay till 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to goalscoring form with his first hat-trick of the season and also missed a penalty as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a 4-1 win at Alaves on Saturday.

Barcelona move up to second, just two points adrift, despite a below-par display in edging past bottom-placed Granada 1-0 thanks to Rafinha&#39;s spectacular winner.

Atletico Madrid remain three points back of city rivals Real thanks to doubles from Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro in a 4-2 win over Malaga despite playing with 10 men for the final half hour.

Ronaldo&#39;s wayward form in recent weeks had come under the spotlight &#39; even drawing whistles from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd last weekend &#39; but he turned the game around after Deyverson had put Alaves into a shock early lead.

&quot;We are always going to demand goals from Cristiano, but he was good in all aspects,&quot; said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

&quot;We knew how to suffer because the first half and the start of the second weren&#39;t comfortable or easy.

&quot;But playing like this, if you know how to suffer and then add a bit of movement, we know what we can do.&quot;Real&#39;s unbeaten run stretches to 26 matches, but their defensive struggles continued in Vitoria as Zidane&#39;s men got off to the worst possible start when Deyverson pounced on an error from goalkeeper Keylor Navas to slot Alaves into a seventh-minute lead.

The visitors needed two slices of fortune to turn the game around before half-time.

Firstly, Deyverson was adjudged to have handled a Gareth Bale free-kick inside his own area and Ronaldo slotted home the penalty.

Ronaldo&#39;s second came 16 minutes later when his low effort from outside the area deflected off Zouhair Feddal and flew into the far corner.

The Portuguese missed the chance to seal his hat-trick when his second spot-kick was saved by Fernando Pacheco 12 minutes from time.

However, Alvaro Morata again made his presence felt off the bench as he raced onto Marcelo&#39;s through ball and lobbed the onrushing Pacheco for his fourth goal as a substitute this season.

And Marcelo was involved again in the fourth as he and Ronaldo exchanged passes before the latter smashed home two minutes from time.

An injury-ravaged Barcelona named Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in attack against winless Granada, but had to rely on free-scoring midfielder Rafinha in a much closer contest than anticipated at the Camp Nou.

&quot;It is clear it wasn&#39;t a brilliant match on our part,&quot; admitted Barca boss Luis Enrique. &quot;Sometimes the players aren&#39;t machines.&quot;

Rafinha&#39;s overhead kick broke the deadlock three minutes into the second-half after Barca toiled to break down Granada&#39;s deep-lying defence before the break.

Neymar, Suarez and Messi all missed chances to add a second, but Granada never threatened to end their record of losing in every one of their now 24 visits to the Camp Nou.Atletico bounced back from their first defeat of the season at Sevilla last weekend, but made life difficult for themselves against Malaga.

Carrasco fired home his sixth goal in his last six games to put Atletico in front before Gameiro took advantage of some slack Malaga defending to double the lead inside 25 minutes.

Sandro Ramirez&#39;s stunning free-kick brought Malaga back into the game, but Gameiro restored Atletico&#39;s two-goal lead when he latched onto Antoine Griezmann&#39;s flick-on to make it 3-1 just before the break.

However, Stefan Savic picked up two quickfire yellow cards to leave Atletico a man short for the final half hour.

Ignacio Camacho headed home from a corner to cut Malaga&#39;s deficit once more, but Carrasco showed stunning speed and produced an unerring finish into the far corner to seal the points four minutes from time.

&quot;I think he has improved with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. He has understood his own potential,&quot; Atletico boss Diego Simeone said of Carrasco.

&quot;Today he scored a goal with his left foot and then another one on his right on the counter-attack with the finish of a striker.&quot;

Sevilla slip to fourth after being held 1-1 at Sporting Gijon.

(AFP)

The 4-1 win against Alves helped Real Madrid hold off Barca and Atletico in the La Liga standings

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to goalscoring form with his first hat-trick of the season and also missed a penalty as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a 4-1 win at Alaves on Saturday. Barcelona move up to second, just two points adrift, despite a below-par display in edging past bottom-placed Granada 1-0 thanks to Rafinha's spectacular winner. Atletico Madrid remain three points back of city rivals Real thanks to doubles from Yannick Carrasco and Kevin Gameiro in a 4-2 win over Malaga despite playing with 10 men for the final half hour. Ronaldo's wayward form in recent weeks had come under the spotlight ' even drawing whistles from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd last weekend ' but he turned the game around after Deyverson had put Alaves into a shock early lead. "We are always going to demand goals from Cristiano, but he was good in all aspects," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. "We knew how to suffer because the first half and the start of the second weren't comfortable or easy. "But playing like this, if you know how to suffer and then add a bit of movement, we know what we can do."Real's unbeaten run stretches to 26 matches, but their defensive struggles continued in Vitoria as Zidane's men got off to the worst possible start when Deyverson pounced on an error from goalkeeper Keylor Navas to slot Alaves into a seventh-minute lead. The visitors needed two slices of fortune to turn the game around before half-time. Firstly, Deyverson was adjudged to have handled a Gareth Bale free-kick inside his own area and Ronaldo slotted home the penalty. Ronaldo's second came 16 minutes later when his low effort from outside the area deflected off Zouhair Feddal and flew into the far corner. The Portuguese missed the chance to seal his hat-trick when his second spot-kick was saved by Fernando Pacheco 12 minutes from time. However, Alvaro Morata again made his presence felt off the bench as he raced onto Marcelo's through ball and lobbed the onrushing Pacheco for his fourth goal as a substitute this season. And Marcelo was involved again in the fourth as he and Ronaldo exchanged passes before the latter smashed home two minutes from time. An injury-ravaged Barcelona named Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in attack against winless Granada, but had to rely on free-scoring midfielder Rafinha in a much closer contest than anticipated at the Camp Nou. "It is clear it wasn't a brilliant match on our part," admitted Barca boss Luis Enrique. "Sometimes the players aren't machines." Rafinha's overhead kick broke the deadlock three minutes into the second-half after Barca toiled to break down Granada's deep-lying defence before the break. Neymar, Suarez and Messi all missed chances to add a second, but Granada never threatened to end their record of losing in every one of their now 24 visits to the Camp Nou.Atletico bounced back from their first defeat of the season at Sevilla last weekend, but made life difficult for themselves against Malaga. Carrasco fired home his sixth goal in his last six games to put Atletico in front before Gameiro took advantage of some slack Malaga defending to double the lead inside 25 minutes. Sandro Ramirez's stunning free-kick brought Malaga back into the game, but Gameiro restored Atletico's two-goal lead when he latched onto Antoine Griezmann's flick-on to make it 3-1 just before the break. However, Stefan Savic picked up two quickfire yellow cards to leave Atletico a man short for the final half hour. Ignacio Camacho headed home from a corner to cut Malaga's deficit once more, but Carrasco showed stunning speed and produced an unerring finish into the far corner to seal the points four minutes from time. "I think he has improved with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. He has understood his own potential," Atletico boss Diego Simeone said of Carrasco. "Today he scored a goal with his left foot and then another one on his right on the counter-attack with the finish of a striker." Sevilla slip to fourth after being held 1-1 at Sporting Gijon. (AFP)

Ronaldo hat-trick extends Real Madrid's La Liga lead

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri said he was not worried about a potential points deduction and is solely focused on improving performances on the pitch.

The Premier League club are under investigation by the English Football League (EFL) following allegations made in a British newspaper that financial information was falsified before owner Gino Pozzo completed his takeover.

&quot;I would tell them (his players) what I know,&quot; Mazzarri, who was in charge of Reggina when Italian club was hit with a 15-point deduction in 2006, told British media.

&quot;I would tell them I am not worried. I have had an experience in the past where my team had points deducted where they had to work harder.

&quot;I will tell them to keep concentrated. These are things that are nothing to do with the manager and the players. They know what their role is.&quot;

The Hornets, who are also carrying out their own independent investigation into the matter, could also face a fine if the claims are proved accurate.

Watford, who are ninth in the table, host 18th-placed Hull City on Saturday.

(Reuters)

The Watford manager said he is solely focused on improving his team's performance on the pitch

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri said he was not worried about a potential points deduction and is solely focused on improving performances on the pitch. The Premier League club are under investigation by the English Football League (EFL) following allegations made in a British newspaper that financial information was falsified before owner Gino Pozzo completed his takeover. "I would tell them (his players) what I know," Mazzarri, who was in charge of Reggina when Italian club was hit with a 15-point deduction in 2006, told British media. "I would tell them I am not worried. I have had an experience in the past where my team had points deducted where they had to work harder. "I will tell them to keep concentrated. These are things that are nothing to do with the manager and the players. They know what their role is." The Hornets, who are also carrying out their own independent investigation into the matter, could also face a fine if the claims are proved accurate. Watford, who are ninth in the table, host 18th-placed Hull City on Saturday. (Reuters)

Not worried about a potential points deduction: Walter Mazzarri

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane backed Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s case for a fourth Ballon d&#39;Or on Friday despite the Portuguese superstar&#39;s current struggles in front of goal.

Ronaldo won both the Champions League with Real and Portugal&#39;s first ever major tournament at Euro 2016 to make him the favourite to land the award for the world&#39;s best player on January 9 next year.

&quot;He clearly deserves the Ballon d&#39;Or,&quot; said Zidane ahead of Saturday&#39;s trip to Alaves in La Liga.

&quot;Not just at an individual level, but above all on a collective level...he knows everything he is achieving is thanks to his hard work and the work of those around him.&quot;

Ronaldo is expected to face competition from five-time winner Lionel Messi, Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann for the award.

However, his form has slumped since his return from a two-month injury layoff after suffering knee ligament damage in the Euro 2016 final.

&quot;What Cristiano has done is raise the bar so high that every time he doesn&#39;t score it is a problem,&quot; added Zidane.

Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season, by a distance his worst return at this stage of the campaign in seven seasons with the European champions.

&quot;He is angry (about not scoring), but there is no bigger worry than that,&quot; continued Zidane.

&quot;Every time he doesn&#39;t score there is a furore, but he has to live with these things. He is a phenom.&quot;

Ronaldo is expected to be partnered by Bale and Karim Benzema once more in the Madrid front line despite the fine form of Alvaro Morata.

The Spanish international came off the bench to score the winner against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and bagged a double in a 7-1 rout of Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

However, captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Casemiro remain out injured.

(AFP)

Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane backed Cristiano Ronaldo's case for a fourth Ballon d'Or on Friday despite the Portuguese superstar's current struggles in front of goal. Ronaldo won both the Champions League with Real and Portugal's first ever major tournament at Euro 2016 to make him the favourite to land the award for the world's best player on January 9 next year. "He clearly deserves the Ballon d'Or," said Zidane ahead of Saturday's trip to Alaves in La Liga. "Not just at an individual level, but above all on a collective level...he knows everything he is achieving is thanks to his hard work and the work of those around him." Ronaldo is expected to face competition from five-time winner Lionel Messi, Madrid teammate Gareth Bale and Atletico Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann for the award. However, his form has slumped since his return from a two-month injury layoff after suffering knee ligament damage in the Euro 2016 final. "What Cristiano has done is raise the bar so high that every time he doesn't score it is a problem," added Zidane. Ronaldo has netted just four times in nine appearances for Madrid so far this season, by a distance his worst return at this stage of the campaign in seven seasons with the European champions. "He is angry (about not scoring), but there is no bigger worry than that," continued Zidane. "Every time he doesn't score there is a furore, but he has to live with these things. He is a phenom." Ronaldo is expected to be partnered by Bale and Karim Benzema once more in the Madrid front line despite the fine form of Alvaro Morata. The Spanish international came off the bench to score the winner against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and bagged a double in a 7-1 rout of Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. However, captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and Casemiro remain out injured. (AFP)

'Phenom' Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or: Zidane

United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in the wake of his comments about referee Anthony Taylor before Manchester United&#39;s goalless draw with Liverpool last week, the Football Association said on Thursday.

Mourinho said it would be &quot;difficult&quot; for Taylor, who is from the Greater Manchester area, to have &quot;a very good performance&quot; after being put in charge of the Premier League game between two fierce rivals.

&quot;Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct, in respect of comments he made relating to the appointed match referee prior to the Liverpool FC v Manchester United FC fixture on Monday 17 October 2016,&quot; the FA said in a statement.

The FA had earlier asked Mourinho to explain comments he made about the match referee. The 53-year-old has until Monday to respond to the charge.

FA rules prohibit managers and players from making comments about officials which could be viewed as intimidatory or influential before games.

On a busy day for the FA&#39;s disciplinary department, Sunderland boss Davis Moyes was also hit with a misconduct charge after he was sent off at Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Moyes has been accused by the FA of using &quot;abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official&quot; in their 1-0 defeat at St Mary&#39;s.

The Sunderland manager, who has until Tuesday to respond to the charge, was sent to the stands after referee Chris Kavanagh waved away a late penalty appeal.

Moyes, whose side are bottom of the Premier League, later admitted that he had deserved to be banished from the touchline.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Manchester United and Sunderland managers were both hit with misconduct charges after making inappropriate comments about match referees

United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in the wake of his comments about referee Anthony Taylor before Manchester United's goalless draw with Liverpool last week, the Football Association said on Thursday. Mourinho said it would be "difficult" for Taylor, who is from the Greater Manchester area, to have "a very good performance" after being put in charge of the Premier League game between two fierce rivals. "Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct, in respect of comments he made relating to the appointed match referee prior to the Liverpool FC v Manchester United FC fixture on Monday 17 October 2016," the FA said in a statement. The FA had earlier asked Mourinho to explain comments he made about the match referee. The 53-year-old has until Monday to respond to the charge. FA rules prohibit managers and players from making comments about officials which could be viewed as intimidatory or influential before games. On a busy day for the FA's disciplinary department, Sunderland boss Davis Moyes was also hit with a misconduct charge after he was sent off at Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday. Moyes has been accused by the FA of using "abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official" in their 1-0 defeat at St Mary's. The Sunderland manager, who has until Tuesday to respond to the charge, was sent to the stands after referee Chris Kavanagh waved away a late penalty appeal. Moyes, whose side are bottom of the Premier League, later admitted that he had deserved to be banished from the touchline. (Reuters)

EPL: Mourinho, Moyes charged with misconduct by FA

Valencia were fined and warned on Wednesday after a section of fans pelted celebrating Barcelona players with a bottle, but the Spanish champions were also criticised for their conduct.

Luis Suarez and Neymar were hit by a plastic bottle thrown by the Valencia fans as Barca celebrated a last-gasp 3-2 win at Mestalla on Saturday in what had been a bad-tempered La Liga encounter.

A disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation fined the home side 1,500 euros ($1,600) and said a repeat could result in a stadium closure.

But it also had harsh words for Barcelona, accusing some of their players, without giving names, of &quot;reproachable behaviour&quot; as they celebrated close to the touchline.

However, the Federation stressed that &quot;nothing, absolutely nothing justifies a violent public reaction&quot;.

In response, Barcelona issued a statement calling the criticism of their players &quot;totally reproachable&quot;.

&quot;The committee should have confined itself to analysing the facts and apply the existing rules,&quot; the Catalan club said.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique had said in the immediate aftermath of the incident: &quot;We celebrated as it is normal to celebrate a last-minute winner.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A disciplinary committee fined Valencia after their fans hit Barca's Suarez and Neymar in their La Liga encounter on Saturday

Valencia were fined and warned on Wednesday after a section of fans pelted celebrating Barcelona players with a bottle, but the Spanish champions were also criticised for their conduct. Luis Suarez and Neymar were hit by a plastic bottle thrown by the Valencia fans as Barca celebrated a last-gasp 3-2 win at Mestalla on Saturday in what had been a bad-tempered La Liga encounter. A disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation fined the home side 1,500 euros ($1,600) and said a repeat could result in a stadium closure. But it also had harsh words for Barcelona, accusing some of their players, without giving names, of "reproachable behaviour" as they celebrated close to the touchline. However, the Federation stressed that "nothing, absolutely nothing justifies a violent public reaction". In response, Barcelona issued a statement calling the criticism of their players "totally reproachable". "The committee should have confined itself to analysing the facts and apply the existing rules," the Catalan club said. Barcelona coach Luis Enrique had said in the immediate aftermath of the incident: "We celebrated as it is normal to celebrate a last-minute winner." (AFP)

Football: Valencia fined, Barcelona censured for bottle incident

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is still learning to adapt to the demands of English football as he seeks to end his club&#39;s five-game winless run against rivals Manchester United in the League Cup on Wednesday.

City made a blistering start to the campaign, winning their first 10 games in all competitions, but momentum has been stalled in recent weeks, and Sunday&#39;s 1-1 draw against Southampton marked the fifth consecutive game without a victory.

Guardiola&#39;s side are also trailing Barcelona by five points in their Champions League group after three games.

&quot;Our last few games have been tough,&quot; Guardiola told British media. &quot;If you are winning a game 3-0 in the last 15 or 20 minutes you can have more control and it gets a little easier.

&quot;But we were playing 10 against 11 against Barcelona, it&#39;s physical and tough in the Champions League.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;After that, there was the game against Southampton, when we made a mistake to go behind. Three days after Manchester United it is West Brom, then Barcelona and they are so important as well,&quot; he said.

&quot;I am still learning about football in this country.&quot;

Guardiola has told his players not to lose faith in his high-risk, high-reward style of football, but has said he needs time to assess his side.

&quot;Even when we were winning 10 games in a row I felt we had to make a lot of effort to win those games. You cannot win any game here without spending a lot of energy,&quot; he added.

&quot;I am still learning how the team reacts to winning and not winning, to playing at home after a Champions League game, and I am pretty sure I need time.&quot;

City, still top of the league on goal difference ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, travel to face West Bromwich Albion in the league on Saturday.

(Reuters)

Sunday's 1-1 draw against Southampton marked Manchester City's fifth consecutive game without a victory

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is still learning to adapt to the demands of English football as he seeks to end his club's five-game winless run against rivals Manchester United in the League Cup on Wednesday. City made a blistering start to the campaign, winning their first 10 games in all competitions, but momentum has been stalled in recent weeks, and Sunday's 1-1 draw against Southampton marked the fifth consecutive game without a victory. Guardiola's side are also trailing Barcelona by five points in their Champions League group after three games. "Our last few games have been tough," Guardiola told British media. "If you are winning a game 3-0 in the last 15 or 20 minutes you can have more control and it gets a little easier. "But we were playing 10 against 11 against Barcelona, it's physical and tough in the Champions League." "After that, there was the game against Southampton, when we made a mistake to go behind. Three days after Manchester United it is West Brom, then Barcelona and they are so important as well," he said. "I am still learning about football in this country." Guardiola has told his players not to lose faith in his high-risk, high-reward style of football, but has said he needs time to assess his side. "Even when we were winning 10 games in a row I felt we had to make a lot of effort to win those games. You cannot win any game here without spending a lot of energy," he added. "I am still learning how the team reacts to winning and not winning, to playing at home after a Champions League game, and I am pretty sure I need time." City, still top of the league on goal difference ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, travel to face West Bromwich Albion in the league on Saturday. (Reuters)

Need time to acclimatise to English football: Pep Guardiola

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was named La Liga player of the season for 2015-16 on Monday, ahead of the likes of Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid&#39;s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atletico gaffer&nbsp;Diego Simeone also took the coach of the season award while Barcelona&#39;s Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was named the top non-EU player.

Messi was recognised as the best forward at the award ceremony in Valencia.

Atletico dominated the awards as Jan Oblak was best goalkeeper, Diego Godin top defender and Frenchman Griezmann also claimed the fans&#39; award.

Real Madrid weren&#39;t left empty-handed, though, as Luka Modric was named best midfielder.

The winners&#39; names were announced in a ceremony organised by the La Liga in Valencia.

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone took the coach of the season award while Barcelona's Luis Suarez was named the top non-EU player

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann was named La Liga player of the season for 2015-16 on Monday, ahead of the likes of Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Atletico gaffer Diego Simeone also took the coach of the season award while Barcelona's Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was named the top non-EU player. Messi was recognised as the best forward at the award ceremony in Valencia. Atletico dominated the awards as Jan Oblak was best goalkeeper, Diego Godin top defender and Frenchman Griezmann also claimed the fans' award. Real Madrid weren't left empty-handed, though, as Luka Modric was named best midfielder. The winners' names were announced in a ceremony organised by the La Liga in Valencia. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Griezmann beats Messi and Ronaldo to win La Liga award

Chelsea made it a miserable return for Jose Mourinho as they hammered his Manchester United side 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the Premier League.

Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring after just 30 seconds and Chelsea did not look back, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N&#39;Golo Kante completing an emphatic victory.

He saw his side squander a chance to level when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed over after Antonio Valencia had stood up a cross from the right.

More slack defending allowed Chelsea to double their lead in the 21st minute, Cahill slamming home after Hazard&#39;s corner had struck Ander Herrera and bounced down inside the six-yard box.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been relatively untroubled up to that point, although he produced a smart double save to repel Herrera&#39;s left-foot effort and Jesse Lingard&#39;s follow-up.

It was an ideal first half for Chelsea, but David Luiz was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after planting his studs in Marouane Fellaini&#39;s knee five minutes before half-time.

Mourinho changed tack at half-time, sending on Juan Mata for Fellaini and moving Marcus Rashford up front alongside Ibrahimovic in a 4-4-2 formation.

Lingard sought to sound the revolt for United, wriggling away from a pair of Chelsea players and unleashing a crisp drive that Courtois had to push away.

But in the 62nd minute it was game over. Nemanja Matic&#39;s pass down the inside-left channel found Hazard, who checked inside Smalling and steered a shot into the bottom-right corner.

Kante completed the rout, darting between Smalling and the sleep-walking Paul Pogba to tuck away his first Chelsea goal since his close-season switch from Leicester City.

Mourinho was appointed by United in May after being sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for a second time last December. With seven major titles across two spells, Mourinho is Chelsea&#39;s most successful ever manager, but his return to his old stomping ground ended in one of the most chastening results of his career.

Antonio Conte&#39;s side have now won three consecutive league games without conceding a goal and climbed to fourth place, just a point below leaders Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Pedro, Cahill, Hazard & Kante ripped apart Manchester United's poor defence, taking Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League standings

Chelsea made it a miserable return for Jose Mourinho as they hammered his Manchester United side 4-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the Premier League. Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring after just 30 seconds and Chelsea did not look back, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante completing an emphatic victory. He saw his side squander a chance to level when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed over after Antonio Valencia had stood up a cross from the right. More slack defending allowed Chelsea to double their lead in the 21st minute, Cahill slamming home after Hazard's corner had struck Ander Herrera and bounced down inside the six-yard box. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been relatively untroubled up to that point, although he produced a smart double save to repel Herrera's left-foot effort and Jesse Lingard's follow-up. It was an ideal first half for Chelsea, but David Luiz was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after planting his studs in Marouane Fellaini's knee five minutes before half-time. Mourinho changed tack at half-time, sending on Juan Mata for Fellaini and moving Marcus Rashford up front alongside Ibrahimovic in a 4-4-2 formation. Lingard sought to sound the revolt for United, wriggling away from a pair of Chelsea players and unleashing a crisp drive that Courtois had to push away. But in the 62nd minute it was game over. Nemanja Matic's pass down the inside-left channel found Hazard, who checked inside Smalling and steered a shot into the bottom-right corner. Kante completed the rout, darting between Smalling and the sleep-walking Paul Pogba to tuck away his first Chelsea goal since his close-season switch from Leicester City. Mourinho was appointed by United in May after being sacked by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for a second time last December. With seven major titles across two spells, Mourinho is Chelsea's most successful ever manager, but his return to his old stomping ground ended in one of the most chastening results of his career. Antonio Conte's side have now won three consecutive league games without conceding a goal and climbed to fourth place, just a point below leaders Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. (AFP)

Football: Chelsea thrash Mourinho's Manchester United 4-0

Lionel Messi shrugged off his recent woes from the penalty spot with a decisive 94th-minute spot-kick to move Barcelona top of La Liga with a pulsating 3-2 win at Valencia on Saturday.

Messi netted twice and his opener midway through the first half was allowed to stand despite Luis Suarez straying into an offside position.

However, it was Valencia who were up in arms at the officials when Messi opened the scoring on 22 minutes.

The Argentine&#39;s fifth goal in three games since returning from a groin injury sneaked in at Alves&#39;s near post, but the Brazilian goalkeeper had been distracted by the presence of the offside Suarez jumping over Messi&#39;s effort.

&quot;It is lamentable, absolutely lamentable that refereeing decisions prevented Valencia from taking a point or more from this match,&quot; Valencia sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch told BeIN Sports Spain.

Valencia hit back with two goals in six second-half minutes through on-loan Barca winger Munir El Haddadi and Rodrigo.

Valencia&#39;s lead lasted just six minutes despite Alves&#39;s best efforts as Suarez pounced to smash home a rebound after Ivan Rakitic&#39;s powerful header had been saved by the Valencia stopper.

Barca swarmed forward in search of a winner, but had to wait until deep into stoppage time when Messi played in Suarez and he was clearly taken out from behind by Abdennour. Messi stroked home his 14th goal of the season to secure a vital three points in the title race.

A bad-tempered encounter spilled over after Messi&#39;s strike, though, as Suarez and Neymar were hit by a plastic bottle thrown by the Valencia fans as Barca celebrated.

The victory moves the champions a point clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who face Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao respectively on Sunday.

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But as Barcelona celebrated, a teary-eyed captain Andres Iniesta was carried from the field following a knee injury, possibly ruled out for six to eight weeks. (AFP)
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However, the dramatic victory came at a cost for Barca as a tearful Andres Iniesta suffered ligament damage in his right knee that could keep him out for several months.

The game was only 14 minutes old when Iniesta was carried from the field in tears holding his right knee, which buckled under a heavy challenge from Enzo Perez.

Barca confirmed Iniesta suffered lateral collateral ligament damage, but said further tests would be carried out to determine the exact extent of the injury.

(AFP) 
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Messi, who had struggled from the penalty spot in recent seasons, netted twice earning crucial points to move Barca to the top spot

Lionel Messi shrugged off his recent woes from the penalty spot with a decisive 94th-minute spot-kick to move Barcelona top of La Liga with a pulsating 3-2 win at Valencia on Saturday. Messi netted twice and his opener midway through the first half was allowed to stand despite Luis Suarez straying into an offside position. However, it was Valencia who were up in arms at the officials when Messi opened the scoring on 22 minutes. The Argentine's fifth goal in three games since returning from a groin injury sneaked in at Alves's near post, but the Brazilian goalkeeper had been distracted by the presence of the offside Suarez jumping over Messi's effort. "It is lamentable, absolutely lamentable that refereeing decisions prevented Valencia from taking a point or more from this match," Valencia sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch told BeIN Sports Spain. Valencia hit back with two goals in six second-half minutes through on-loan Barca winger Munir El Haddadi and Rodrigo. Valencia's lead lasted just six minutes despite Alves's best efforts as Suarez pounced to smash home a rebound after Ivan Rakitic's powerful header had been saved by the Valencia stopper. Barca swarmed forward in search of a winner, but had to wait until deep into stoppage time when Messi played in Suarez and he was clearly taken out from behind by Abdennour. Messi stroked home his 14th goal of the season to secure a vital three points in the title race. A bad-tempered encounter spilled over after Messi's strike, though, as Suarez and Neymar were hit by a plastic bottle thrown by the Valencia fans as Barca celebrated. The victory moves the champions a point clear of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, who face Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao respectively on Sunday. But as Barcelona celebrated, a teary-eyed captain Andres Iniesta was carried from the field following a knee injury, possibly ruled out for six to eight weeks. (AFP) × However, the dramatic victory came at a cost for Barca as a tearful Andres Iniesta suffered ligament damage in his right knee that could keep him out for several months. The game was only 14 minutes old when Iniesta was carried from the field in tears holding his right knee, which buckled under a heavy challenge from Enzo Perez. Barca confirmed Iniesta suffered lateral collateral ligament damage, but said further tests would be carried out to determine the exact extent of the injury. (AFP)

La Liga: Messi's penalty pushes Barcelona ahead of Valencia

An 81st-minute Gareth McAuley goal prevented Liverpool from provisionally going top in the Premier League as they defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Saturday.

Needing a two-goal win to move above leaders Arsenal, Liverpool took a 2-0 lead through Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho, but McAuley&#39;s strike left them in second place on goal difference.

&quot;I&#39;m really pleased with the performance,&quot; Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports. &quot;It was unbelievably difficult against West Brom. You have to always concentrate. They are so dangerous at set-pieces. But I think it would have been kind of a joke if we hadn&#39;t won today. It was unbelievable, how we played.&quot;

Klopp made one change to the Liverpool team held 0-0 by United last Monday, with the fit-again Adam Lallana returning to the starting XI at the expense of Daniel Sturridge.

Arsenal had earlier been held to a 0-0 draw by Middlesbrough. Arsenal, 6-0 winners over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League in mid-week, were seeking an eighth successive win in all competitions.

But Middlesbrough came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half at the Emirates Stadium when Gaston Ramirez curled a 21st-minute free-kick against the post.

Arsenal dominated the second half, but had goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for ensuring the visitors&#39; counter-attacks came to nought.

Fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur too played out a goalless stalemate at Bournemouth. Both teams hit the woodwork in the early stages, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris diverting Charlie Daniels&#39;s shot onto the bar and Erik Lamela clipping the post from distance.

Tottenham extended their unbeaten start to the season to nine games. &quot;We had control, but we didn&#39;t create enough chances to score,&quot; said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. &quot;I think we need to be pleased in the end because it&#39;s one point more, one clean sheet, but it&#39;s true for us to be contenders we should be winning the games like today.&quot;

Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City can reclaim first place by avoiding defeat at home to Southampton on Sunday, when Jose Mourinho makes his return to Chelsea with Manchester United.

(AFP) 
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Liverpool, which needed a two-goal win to replace leaders Arsenal, missed out on goal difference

An 81st-minute Gareth McAuley goal prevented Liverpool from provisionally going top in the Premier League as they defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Saturday. Needing a two-goal win to move above leaders Arsenal, Liverpool took a 2-0 lead through Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho, but McAuley's strike left them in second place on goal difference. "I'm really pleased with the performance," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports. "It was unbelievably difficult against West Brom. You have to always concentrate. They are so dangerous at set-pieces. But I think it would have been kind of a joke if we hadn't won today. It was unbelievable, how we played." Klopp made one change to the Liverpool team held 0-0 by United last Monday, with the fit-again Adam Lallana returning to the starting XI at the expense of Daniel Sturridge. Arsenal had earlier been held to a 0-0 draw by Middlesbrough. Arsenal, 6-0 winners over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League in mid-week, were seeking an eighth successive win in all competitions. But Middlesbrough came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half at the Emirates Stadium when Gaston Ramirez curled a 21st-minute free-kick against the post. Arsenal dominated the second half, but had goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for ensuring the visitors' counter-attacks came to nought. Fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur too played out a goalless stalemate at Bournemouth. Both teams hit the woodwork in the early stages, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris diverting Charlie Daniels's shot onto the bar and Erik Lamela clipping the post from distance. Tottenham extended their unbeaten start to the season to nine games. "We had control, but we didn't create enough chances to score," said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. "I think we need to be pleased in the end because it's one point more, one clean sheet, but it's true for us to be contenders we should be winning the games like today." Pep Guardiola's Manchester City can reclaim first place by avoiding defeat at home to Southampton on Sunday, when Jose Mourinho makes his return to Chelsea with Manchester United. (AFP)

English Premier League: Liverpool climb to second spot as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur misfire

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