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Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League on goal difference after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s side, which&nbsp;began the season with 10 straight victories, have now gone five games without a win in all competitions, equalling the Spaniard&#39;s worst run as a manager when he was at Barcelona.

&quot;You can win 10 times and then you are not able to win five times,&quot; said Guardiola. &quot;I have to discover the reason why and I am going to find that.

&quot;We had problems creating our build-up. There is a difference between the first and second half. Unfortunately, we could not win.&quot;

It could have been even worse for City after they gifted Southampton the lead when a wayward pass from John Stones put Nathan Redmond in on goal after 27 minutes.

Moments later Stones thought he had atoned by bundling the ball into the net but his goal was disallowed for a Sergio Aguero offside.

Guardiola reacted to the poor first half by replacing Kevin De Bruyne with Kelechi Iheanacho, who made an immediate impact by scoring from close range after Fernandinho found Leroy Sane with an exquisite crossfield pass.

Saints remained a threat on the break and Claudio Bravo saved well from Charlie Austin on 74 minutes while Aguero went close at the other end, where Raheem Sterling was a constant threat as City pushed for the elusive winner.

(Reuters)

Pep Guardiola's side, which?began the season with 10 straight victories, have now gone five games without a win in all competitions

Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League on goal difference after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side, which began the season with 10 straight victories, have now gone five games without a win in all competitions, equalling the Spaniard's worst run as a manager when he was at Barcelona. "You can win 10 times and then you are not able to win five times," said Guardiola. "I have to discover the reason why and I am going to find that. "We had problems creating our build-up. There is a difference between the first and second half. Unfortunately, we could not win." It could have been even worse for City after they gifted Southampton the lead when a wayward pass from John Stones put Nathan Redmond in on goal after 27 minutes. Moments later Stones thought he had atoned by bundling the ball into the net but his goal was disallowed for a Sergio Aguero offside. Guardiola reacted to the poor first half by replacing Kevin De Bruyne with Kelechi Iheanacho, who made an immediate impact by scoring from close range after Fernandinho found Leroy Sane with an exquisite crossfield pass. Saints remained a threat on the break and Claudio Bravo saved well from Charlie Austin on 74 minutes while Aguero went close at the other end, where Raheem Sterling was a constant threat as City pushed for the elusive winner. (Reuters)

EPL: Manchester City draw 1-1 with Southampton, go top of league

Italians with selective memories might remember Marcello Lippi as the coach who quit moments after the Azzurri&#39;s first-round elimination, as defending champions, from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

But for connoisseurs of the beautiful game the dapper 68-year-old is the wily tactician who, in 2006, ended Italy&#39;s 24-year wait to be crowned world champions again.

Lippi, named coach of China on Saturday, won&#39;t be expected to work the same magic with a team that is ranked 84th in the world and likely to miss the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But with one of football&#39;s most impressive CVs, coupled with a mandate that should give him significant control over players and resources, the Italian has the tools to put the underperforming Chinese on the road to success.

He was the first coach to win both the Champions League and World Cup and the first -- and only -- to win the Champions League in Europe and Asia (AFC).

Respected for his intricate knowledge of tactics and ability to squeeze every last drop from his players, Lippi&#39;s fatherly approach contrasts with his cold and calculated demeanour.

Amid the bombshell of a damaging betting scandal weeks before the 2006 World Cup, Lippi put an arm around the shoulders of his players to steer them, against all odds, to one of the most memorable World Cup finals in recent history.

Few believed Italy&#39;s 2006 squad, which included many players who failed to make an impact at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, would succeed under Lippi.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said Lippi&#39;s &quot;humility&quot; and &quot;intelligence&quot; was key as he guided the controversy-hit Italians to international football&#39;s greatest prize.

&quot;I&#39;ve not worked with anyone quite like him. He can stimulate the players to such a degree that everyone gives 120 percent,&quot; the Italy and Juventus goalkeeper said prior to the 2006 final.

&quot;He makes every player feel important and treats everybody equally. It is difficult to find all these qualities in a coach.&quot;

&nbsp;

Monumental success

A former defender with Sampdoria, with whom he spent the bulk of his 363-game professional career, Lippi achieved his first significant coaching success by steering Napoli to the 1993-1994 UEFA Cup.

It was a huge achievement, given the financial demise of a club still basking in the triumph of the two titles they won in three seasons while under the spell of Diego Maradona.

When such a coaching talent emerges in Italy, Juventus are never usually far behind, and Lippi was appointed during the summer of 1994.

The silver-haired, straight-talking Tuscan helped Italy&#39;s most successful domestic club fill their trophy cabinet over a nine-year period that was interrupted by a comparatively disastrous season at Inter Milan in 1999-2000.

Lippi led Juventus to their second Champions League title (1996), five Serie A titles, one Italian Cup, four Italian Supercups, one European SuperCup and the Intercontinental Cup.

Although he had the likes of Edgar Davids, Zinedine Zidane and Pavel Nedved, he always insisted team unity was key.

&quot;A group of the best players do not necessarily make for the best team,&quot; Lippi would say.

He would later go on to manage Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande to three consecutive league titles between 2012 and 2014, setting him up for the next chapter in the career of one of the world&#39;s greatest coaches.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

?With his CV & a mandate that gives him enough control, the Italian has the tools to put the underperforming Chinese on the road to success

Italians with selective memories might remember Marcello Lippi as the coach who quit moments after the Azzurri's first-round elimination, as defending champions, from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. But for connoisseurs of the beautiful game the dapper 68-year-old is the wily tactician who, in 2006, ended Italy's 24-year wait to be crowned world champions again. Lippi, named coach of China on Saturday, won't be expected to work the same magic with a team that is ranked 84th in the world and likely to miss the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But with one of football's most impressive CVs, coupled with a mandate that should give him significant control over players and resources, the Italian has the tools to put the underperforming Chinese on the road to success. He was the first coach to win both the Champions League and World Cup and the first -- and only -- to win the Champions League in Europe and Asia (AFC). Respected for his intricate knowledge of tactics and ability to squeeze every last drop from his players, Lippi's fatherly approach contrasts with his cold and calculated demeanour. Amid the bombshell of a damaging betting scandal weeks before the 2006 World Cup, Lippi put an arm around the shoulders of his players to steer them, against all odds, to one of the most memorable World Cup finals in recent history. Few believed Italy's 2006 squad, which included many players who failed to make an impact at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, would succeed under Lippi. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said Lippi's "humility" and "intelligence" was key as he guided the controversy-hit Italians to international football's greatest prize. "I've not worked with anyone quite like him. He can stimulate the players to such a degree that everyone gives 120 percent," the Italy and Juventus goalkeeper said prior to the 2006 final. "He makes every player feel important and treats everybody equally. It is difficult to find all these qualities in a coach." Monumental success A former defender with Sampdoria, with whom he spent the bulk of his 363-game professional career, Lippi achieved his first significant coaching success by steering Napoli to the 1993-1994 UEFA Cup. It was a huge achievement, given the financial demise of a club still basking in the triumph of the two titles they won in three seasons while under the spell of Diego Maradona. When such a coaching talent emerges in Italy, Juventus are never usually far behind, and Lippi was appointed during the summer of 1994. The silver-haired, straight-talking Tuscan helped Italy's most successful domestic club fill their trophy cabinet over a nine-year period that was interrupted by a comparatively disastrous season at Inter Milan in 1999-2000. Lippi led Juventus to their second Champions League title (1996), five Serie A titles, one Italian Cup, four Italian Supercups, one European SuperCup and the Intercontinental Cup. Although he had the likes of Edgar Davids, Zinedine Zidane and Pavel Nedved, he always insisted team unity was key. "A group of the best players do not necessarily make for the best team," Lippi would say. He would later go on to manage Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande to three consecutive league titles between 2012 and 2014, setting him up for the next chapter in the career of one of the world's greatest coaches. (AFP)

Lippi: One of the world's great coaches

World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi has been named as coach of China&#39;s national team, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on its website on Saturday.

The Italian replaced Gao Hongbo, who resigned this month after a 2-0 defeat in Uzbekistan dealt a further blow to the country&#39;s slim hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

&quot;The Chinese Football Association decided to appoint Mr. Lippi as coach of China&#39;s men&#39;s national team following amicable negotiations,&quot; read a short statement on the website.

No details of the contract were revealed but Lippi will be introduced to the media at a news conference in Beijing on Friday.

The 68-year-old, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Guangzhou Evergrande, winning the Chinese League title three times and the Asian Champions League in 2013.

Lippi had been linked with a return to Guangzhou but the Chinese champions cleared the way for him to take the national team job when the club announced on Saturday they had agreed to terminate a contract signed early last month.

He will be China&#39;s third coach this year after Gao and Frenchman Alain Perrin, who was sacked in January, as the CFA bids to fulfil the ambition of President Xi Jinping for the country to qualify for the World Cup finals for a second time.

Lippi&#39;s first match in charge will be the World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Kunming on Nov. 15 but he will have his work cut out to resurrect their campaign.

The loss to Uzbekistan left China bottom of the six-team Asian Group A with one draw and three defeats after four of 10 matches in the round.

The top two qualify directly for Russia in 2018 with the third-placed side offered a passage to the finals via two playoffs.

At Evergrande, Lippi was handed a huge budget to bring in big-name European and Brazilian players, an option clearly not open to him with the national team.

Finding players to bolster China&#39;s goal tally - they have scored just two in their first four matches of this round of qualifying - will be a major challenge.

Of the top 13 goalscorers in the Chinese Super League going into this weekend&#39;s round of matches, only one - Shanghai SIPG&#39;s Wu Lei - was Chinese.

(Reuters)

The Italian replaced Gao Hongbo after a 2-0 defeat in Uzbekistan dealt a further blow to the country's 2018 World Cup hopes

World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi has been named as coach of China's national team, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said on its website on Saturday. The Italian replaced Gao Hongbo, who resigned this month after a 2-0 defeat in Uzbekistan dealt a further blow to the country's slim hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. "The Chinese Football Association decided to appoint Mr. Lippi as coach of China's men's national team following amicable negotiations," read a short statement on the website. No details of the contract were revealed but Lippi will be introduced to the media at a news conference in Beijing on Friday. The 68-year-old, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Guangzhou Evergrande, winning the Chinese League title three times and the Asian Champions League in 2013. Lippi had been linked with a return to Guangzhou but the Chinese champions cleared the way for him to take the national team job when the club announced on Saturday they had agreed to terminate a contract signed early last month. He will be China's third coach this year after Gao and Frenchman Alain Perrin, who was sacked in January, as the CFA bids to fulfil the ambition of President Xi Jinping for the country to qualify for the World Cup finals for a second time. Lippi's first match in charge will be the World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Kunming on Nov. 15 but he will have his work cut out to resurrect their campaign. The loss to Uzbekistan left China bottom of the six-team Asian Group A with one draw and three defeats after four of 10 matches in the round. The top two qualify directly for Russia in 2018 with the third-placed side offered a passage to the finals via two playoffs. At Evergrande, Lippi was handed a huge budget to bring in big-name European and Brazilian players, an option clearly not open to him with the national team. Finding players to bolster China's goal tally - they have scored just two in their first four matches of this round of qualifying - will be a major challenge. Of the top 13 goalscorers in the Chinese Super League going into this weekend's round of matches, only one - Shanghai SIPG's Wu Lei - was Chinese. (Reuters)

Football: World Cup-winning coach Lippi appointed China manager

Under-pressure Frank de Boer saw his Inter Milan side hold on with 10 men to beat Premier League outfit Southampton 1-0 in their Europa League clash at San Siro on Thursday.

Antonio Candreva got the only goal of the game midway through the second half for the Serie A club, who were forced to play out the final 13 minutes a man down after Marcelo Brozovic was sent off.

It was a cruel result for Southampton, who had been the better side and saw Jay Rodriguez have a goal disallowed early in the second half.

The result sees Saints remain on four points in Group K, two points behind Sparta Prague, who beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 in Israel.

For Inter, it was a first three points in the competition and the win against a team in good form in the Premier League should buy Dutch coach De Boer some time as the Nerazzurri struggle for results.

Captain Mauro Icardi, forced to issue an apology to fans in midweek and promise to reprint his autobiography after including an allegedly distorted description of a 2015 altercation with the club&#39;s hardline &#39;ultra&#39; supporters, started for the hosts.

Southampton boss Claude Puel made a host of changes to the team that beat Burnley at the weekend, including giving a first start at left-back to the young Sam McQueen.

It had the air of an historic evening for the English side, who were in the third tier when Inter won the Champions League in 2010.

An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro, but the Saints supporters were left frustrated by their team&#39;s inability to translate their dominance into goals.

Yuto Nagatomo had to clear off the line to prevent goalkeeper Samir Handanovic deflecting a McQueen cross into his own net just before the half-hour, and James Ward-Prowse fired narrowly over after being set up by the impressive Cuco Martina.

Rodriguez, sliding in at the back post, was then just unable to get a touch after Shane Long had flicked on a Martina cross, while all Inter offered in the first half was an Eder strike that flashed narrowly past.

The visitors replaced the injured Long with Charlie Austin just after half-time before Rodriguez had the ball in the net in the 51st minute.

After he had been prevented from getting a shot away by a great Joao Miranda tackle, he headed in from the subsequent corner but the Lithuanian referee&#39;s whistle had already blown for an apparent foul by the striker.

Inter went on to take the lead on 67 minutes as Davide Santon delivered a low ball from the left and Candreva came across Virgil van Dijk to finish emphatically into the roof of the net past Fraser Forster.

Croatian midfielder Brozovic was dismissed for a second yellow for catching Pierre Hojbjerg, and Southampton laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages.

However, skipper Van Dijk was denied by Handanovic at point-blank range and then saw a header cleared off the line.

Handanovic produced a great save from Austin before Ward-Prowse volleyed just past in the 95th minute.

Saints will hope to gain revenge when the teams met again at St Mary&#39;s in two weeks. 
 
(AFP)

An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro

Under-pressure Frank de Boer saw his Inter Milan side hold on with 10 men to beat Premier League outfit Southampton 1-0 in their Europa League clash at San Siro on Thursday. Antonio Candreva got the only goal of the game midway through the second half for the Serie A club, who were forced to play out the final 13 minutes a man down after Marcelo Brozovic was sent off. It was a cruel result for Southampton, who had been the better side and saw Jay Rodriguez have a goal disallowed early in the second half. The result sees Saints remain on four points in Group K, two points behind Sparta Prague, who beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 in Israel. For Inter, it was a first three points in the competition and the win against a team in good form in the Premier League should buy Dutch coach De Boer some time as the Nerazzurri struggle for results. Captain Mauro Icardi, forced to issue an apology to fans in midweek and promise to reprint his autobiography after including an allegedly distorted description of a 2015 altercation with the club's hardline 'ultra' supporters, started for the hosts. Southampton boss Claude Puel made a host of changes to the team that beat Burnley at the weekend, including giving a first start at left-back to the young Sam McQueen. It had the air of an historic evening for the English side, who were in the third tier when Inter won the Champions League in 2010. An army of seven thousand travelling fans from England helped generate an atmosphere at a largely empty San Siro, but the Saints supporters were left frustrated by their team's inability to translate their dominance into goals. Yuto Nagatomo had to clear off the line to prevent goalkeeper Samir Handanovic deflecting a McQueen cross into his own net just before the half-hour, and James Ward-Prowse fired narrowly over after being set up by the impressive Cuco Martina. Rodriguez, sliding in at the back post, was then just unable to get a touch after Shane Long had flicked on a Martina cross, while all Inter offered in the first half was an Eder strike that flashed narrowly past. The visitors replaced the injured Long with Charlie Austin just after half-time before Rodriguez had the ball in the net in the 51st minute. After he had been prevented from getting a shot away by a great Joao Miranda tackle, he headed in from the subsequent corner but the Lithuanian referee's whistle had already blown for an apparent foul by the striker. Inter went on to take the lead on 67 minutes as Davide Santon delivered a low ball from the left and Candreva came across Virgil van Dijk to finish emphatically into the roof of the net past Fraser Forster. Croatian midfielder Brozovic was dismissed for a second yellow for catching Pierre Hojbjerg, and Southampton laid siege to the home goal in the closing stages. However, skipper Van Dijk was denied by Handanovic at point-blank range and then saw a header cleared off the line. Handanovic produced a great save from Austin before Ward-Prowse volleyed just past in the 95th minute. Saints will hope to gain revenge when the teams met again at St Mary's in two weeks. (AFP)

Europa League: Inter Milan 1-0 Southampton

Bayern Munich broke their three-game winless streak with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday in the Champions League with winger Arjen Robben outstanding.

Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before Luciano Narsingh netted for Eindhoven before the break, but Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 on the hour mark.

Robben, who created two goals, capped an eye-catching display with a fourth goal as Bayern got their Group D campaign back on track after their 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid three weeks ago.

&quot;We started well and created good chances to go 2-0, we weren&#39;t that dominant and we had to be careful at the back. They showed what they can do on the counter,&quot; said Robben.

&quot;We dominated in the second and deserved the high win.&quot;

After talk from the German media of a &#39;mini-crisis&#39;, following three games without a win in all competitions, this was the result and performance Bayern needed.

But the German league leaders were aided and abetted by an Eindhoven defence which left acres of space to exploit, especially early on, allowing Bayern 28 shots on goal, while the Dutch managed only eight in reply.

Robben, 32, scored his first header in the Champions League, but credited the goal to Thiago Alcantara&#39;s superb chip.

&quot;It was nice to get the header, but it was down to the beatiful pass from Thiago, he deserves the credit,&quot; said Robben.

Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind leaders Atletico, who won 1-0 at Rostov, while Eindhoven are third with a single point.

Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, a Bundesliga performance chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had branded &quot;unacceptable&quot;.

Lewandowski was the only change to the starting line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as Mueller switched to the wing and Kingsley Coman dropping to the bench.

Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu made two changes from their 1-1 Dutch league draw with Heracles Almelo as Netherlands striker Narsingh and Mexico winger Andres Guardado returned.

Bayern needed just 12 minutes to take the lead thanks to quick thinking from Mueller and Robben, who fired in a short pass from a corner.

Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet parried Mueller&#39;s shot, but the Germany international snapped up the rebound and slotted home off his right foot.

&quot;It&#39;s my eighth season playing with Thomas,&quot; explained Robben.

&quot;I often know what he&#39;s going to do, and we work on things like that in training and we used the chance well.&quot;

Bayern exploited the space Eindhoven generously gave them at the back.

David Alaba&#39;s cross clipped a defender, but Kimmich tracked the looping ball to header over the line on 21 minutes for his seventh goal in eight games.

Eindhoven then tightened their defence and started to attack.

Uruguay winger Gaston Pereiro had the ball in the Munich net on their first meaningful attack on 39 minutes, but the goal was incorrectly ruled off side.

The Dutch clawed one back two minutes later when Narsingh&#39;s superb shot from outside the area crashed in off the post to the annoyance of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 2-1 at the break.

Lewandowski fired wide in the first two minutes after the break, but only Neuer&#39;s reflex save denied Pereiro at the other end.

Just as PSV were gaining momentum, Bayern extended their lead.

Robben beat two defenders before Zoet parried his shot before Lewandowski headed in the rebound on 59 minutes.

Zoet&#39;s saves, to deny Alaba and Mueller, kept the score respectable before Thiago Alcantara&#39;s chip saw Robben nudge the ball over the Eindhoven keeper on 84 minutes. 
 
(AFP)

Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind Atletico, while Eindhoven are third with a single point

Bayern Munich broke their three-game winless streak with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday in the Champions League with winger Arjen Robben outstanding. Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before Luciano Narsingh netted for Eindhoven before the break, but Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 on the hour mark. Robben, who created two goals, capped an eye-catching display with a fourth goal as Bayern got their Group D campaign back on track after their 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid three weeks ago. "We started well and created good chances to go 2-0, we weren't that dominant and we had to be careful at the back. They showed what they can do on the counter," said Robben. "We dominated in the second and deserved the high win." After talk from the German media of a 'mini-crisis', following three games without a win in all competitions, this was the result and performance Bayern needed. But the German league leaders were aided and abetted by an Eindhoven defence which left acres of space to exploit, especially early on, allowing Bayern 28 shots on goal, while the Dutch managed only eight in reply. Robben, 32, scored his first header in the Champions League, but credited the goal to Thiago Alcantara's superb chip. "It was nice to get the header, but it was down to the beatiful pass from Thiago, he deserves the credit," said Robben. Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind leaders Atletico, who won 1-0 at Rostov, while Eindhoven are third with a single point. Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, a Bundesliga performance chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had branded "unacceptable". Lewandowski was the only change to the starting line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as Mueller switched to the wing and Kingsley Coman dropping to the bench. Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu made two changes from their 1-1 Dutch league draw with Heracles Almelo as Netherlands striker Narsingh and Mexico winger Andres Guardado returned. Bayern needed just 12 minutes to take the lead thanks to quick thinking from Mueller and Robben, who fired in a short pass from a corner. Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet parried Mueller's shot, but the Germany international snapped up the rebound and slotted home off his right foot. "It's my eighth season playing with Thomas," explained Robben. "I often know what he's going to do, and we work on things like that in training and we used the chance well." Bayern exploited the space Eindhoven generously gave them at the back. David Alaba's cross clipped a defender, but Kimmich tracked the looping ball to header over the line on 21 minutes for his seventh goal in eight games. Eindhoven then tightened their defence and started to attack. Uruguay winger Gaston Pereiro had the ball in the Munich net on their first meaningful attack on 39 minutes, but the goal was incorrectly ruled off side. The Dutch clawed one back two minutes later when Narsingh's superb shot from outside the area crashed in off the post to the annoyance of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 2-1 at the break. Lewandowski fired wide in the first two minutes after the break, but only Neuer's reflex save denied Pereiro at the other end. Just as PSV were gaining momentum, Bayern extended their lead. Robben beat two defenders before Zoet parried his shot before Lewandowski headed in the rebound on 59 minutes. Zoet's saves, to deny Alaba and Mueller, kept the score respectable before Thiago Alcantara's chip saw Robben nudge the ball over the Eindhoven keeper on 84 minutes. (AFP)

Bayern Munich break winless streak with 4-1 win over Eindhoven

Vincent Aboubakar headed a late goal, his second of the game, to give Besiktas a shock 3-2 win away at Napoli in the Champions League after the Serie A team had twice come from behind and missed a penalty along the way.

An early goal by Adriano gave Besiktas the lead, Dries Mertens equalised on the half hour and Aboubakar put the Turkish side back in front before halftime in the Group B game.

Lorenzo Insigne&#39;s penalty was saved by Fabricio in the 50th minute but Napoli were awarded another spot kick 19 minutes later and substitute Manolo Gabbiadini converted.

Gabbiadini also had a goal disallowed for offside before Aboubakar got behind the Napoli defence to head home in the 86th minute, leaving Napoli with six points in Group B and the Turkish side with five.

Napoli, beaten in their last two games, fielded Mertens as a false number nine to replace injured striker Arkadiusz Milik.

The Belgian had two early chances but Besiktas went ahead with their first chance in the 12th minute when the unmarked Adriano turned in Ricardo Quaresma&#39;s low cross at the far post.

Mertens levelled from close range after half an hour, only for Aboubakar to pounce on a dreadful pass from Christian Maggio and plant his shot past Pepe Reina.

Napoli were awarded their first penalty soon after halftime but Insigne saw his shot saved by Fabricio. However, substitute Gabbiadini, who replaced Insigne shortly afterwards, made no mistake from another spot kick in the 69th minute.

Napoli seemed poised to take all three points but instead the Cameroonian Aboubakar snatched an unlikely win for Besiktas. 
 
(Reuters)

Aboubakar gave Besiktas a shock 3-2 win in the Champions League match

Vincent Aboubakar headed a late goal, his second of the game, to give Besiktas a shock 3-2 win away at Napoli in the Champions League after the Serie A team had twice come from behind and missed a penalty along the way. An early goal by Adriano gave Besiktas the lead, Dries Mertens equalised on the half hour and Aboubakar put the Turkish side back in front before halftime in the Group B game. Lorenzo Insigne's penalty was saved by Fabricio in the 50th minute but Napoli were awarded another spot kick 19 minutes later and substitute Manolo Gabbiadini converted. Gabbiadini also had a goal disallowed for offside before Aboubakar got behind the Napoli defence to head home in the 86th minute, leaving Napoli with six points in Group B and the Turkish side with five. Napoli, beaten in their last two games, fielded Mertens as a false number nine to replace injured striker Arkadiusz Milik. The Belgian had two early chances but Besiktas went ahead with their first chance in the 12th minute when the unmarked Adriano turned in Ricardo Quaresma's low cross at the far post. Mertens levelled from close range after half an hour, only for Aboubakar to pounce on a dreadful pass from Christian Maggio and plant his shot past Pepe Reina. Napoli were awarded their first penalty soon after halftime but Insigne saw his shot saved by Fabricio. However, substitute Gabbiadini, who replaced Insigne shortly afterwards, made no mistake from another spot kick in the 69th minute. Napoli seemed poised to take all three points but instead the Cameroonian Aboubakar snatched an unlikely win for Besiktas. (Reuters)

Aboubakar gives Besiktas dramatic win over Napoli

Lionel Messi scored his second hat-trick in as many Champions League games to give Barcelona a 4-0 win over Manchester City as Pep Guardiola and Claudio Bravo endured harrowing returns to the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

A slip by Fernandinho allowed Messi to round former team mate Bravo and open the scoring in the 17th minute and the keeper completed a miserable night by getting sent off in the second half for handling outside the area after losing the ball.

The magical Messi hammered in his second from the edge of the area after turning two City defenders and pounced on a Luis Suarez lay-off to complete his treble in the 69th minute.

Barca substitute Jeremy Mathieu was then dismissed for two bookable offences. Neymar had a late penalty saved by substitute Willy Caballero but the Brazilian made amends by scoring the fourth goal in the 89th minute. 
 
(Reuters)

Messi scored his goals in the 17th, 61st and 69th minutes

Lionel Messi scored his second hat-trick in as many Champions League games to give Barcelona a 4-0 win over Manchester City as Pep Guardiola and Claudio Bravo endured harrowing returns to the Nou Camp on Wednesday. A slip by Fernandinho allowed Messi to round former team mate Bravo and open the scoring in the 17th minute and the keeper completed a miserable night by getting sent off in the second half for handling outside the area after losing the ball. The magical Messi hammered in his second from the edge of the area after turning two City defenders and pounced on a Luis Suarez lay-off to complete his treble in the 69th minute. Barca substitute Jeremy Mathieu was then dismissed for two bookable offences. Neymar had a late penalty saved by substitute Willy Caballero but the Brazilian made amends by scoring the fourth goal in the 89th minute. (Reuters)

Messi's hat-trick drives Barcelona to 4-0 win over Manchester City

India captain Sunil Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to a historic AFC Cup final by scripting an inspiring 3-1 win over defending champions Johor Darul Ta&#39;zim with his stunning double strike, on Wednesday.

Bengaluru made it to the final by virtue of superior aggregate goal difference of 4-2. The first leg in Malaysia ended in a 1-1 draw.

It is a historic day for Indian football as no club from the country has ever made it to the summit clash of the prestigious second-tier continental tournament.

After the Malaysian team went ahead with Shafiq Rahim&#39;s 11th minute goal, Chhetri struck the equaliser in the 41st minute and put the side ahead in the 67th minute. Bengaluru&#39;s win was sealed when Spanish defender Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez found the back of the net in the 75th minute.

In front of a packed stadium, the hosts, who trailed 0-1 till the 41st minute, saw their skipper rising to the occasion as he nodded home a Eugenson Lyngdoh flag kick. Chhetri evaded the defence and timed his jump to perfection to bring the &#39;Blues&#39; back in the match.

However, the defining moment came in the second half when Chhetri made space for himself from 30-yards and took a crack with his in-step to slot home, beating the outstretched hands of custodian Izham.

Lyngdoh who had a dream night at the centre of the park also had a hand in the final goal which shut the defending champions out of the contest.

An indirect free kick was beautifully swerved into the 18-yard box as the lanky Juanan outjumped the defensive melee to place the delivery to perfection as the fans went into delirium.

The significance of this achievement could be gauged by the fact that only two Indian football clubs - Dempo Sports Club of Goa and Kolkata giants East Bengal - had made it to the semi-finals of the tournament since its inception.

Earlier, the Blues constantly applied pressure but Johor took the lead first up as Shafiq nodded home after BFC goalkeeper Amrinder parried the ball in the box.

The first half was a fantastic display of football by both the sides ending at 1-1, but the Blues played dominant game with majority ball possession and making regular forays into opponent&#39;s defence areas.

Down 0-1, the Blues raided the JDT defense constantly but without much success with one of the best chances coming in 28th minute through Chhetri as the ball flashed past the goal three times in sheer madness.

The Blues also had a good chance to equalise in 18th minute as Lyngdoh&#39;s cross led to mayhem in the box, not before Izham saved twice after a crazy minute.

Blues were unlucky in 21st minute as referee signalled for play to continue despite of huge shout for handball by a rival player.

JDT&#39;s Antonio was booked for arguing with the referee in 25th minute.

The second half, however, was completely dominated by the hosts, hardly giving any chance to the rivals by completely outplaying them.

In 48th minute of the match, the Blues made another move with Vineeth dodged past Antonio, found Chhetri unmarked at the edge of the area but he kicked wide.

In 55th minute, Eugene weaved past Antonio with ease but the JDT man recovered well and the hosts had a corner. The rivals managed to clear their lines after Alwyn George&#39;s ill-directed shot. 
 
(PTI)

India captain Sunil Chhetri scored two goals against Malaysian team Johor Darul Ta'zim

India captain Sunil Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to a historic AFC Cup final by scripting an inspiring 3-1 win over defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim with his stunning double strike, on Wednesday. Bengaluru made it to the final by virtue of superior aggregate goal difference of 4-2. The first leg in Malaysia ended in a 1-1 draw. It is a historic day for Indian football as no club from the country has ever made it to the summit clash of the prestigious second-tier continental tournament. After the Malaysian team went ahead with Shafiq Rahim's 11th minute goal, Chhetri struck the equaliser in the 41st minute and put the side ahead in the 67th minute. Bengaluru's win was sealed when Spanish defender Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez found the back of the net in the 75th minute. In front of a packed stadium, the hosts, who trailed 0-1 till the 41st minute, saw their skipper rising to the occasion as he nodded home a Eugenson Lyngdoh flag kick. Chhetri evaded the defence and timed his jump to perfection to bring the 'Blues' back in the match. However, the defining moment came in the second half when Chhetri made space for himself from 30-yards and took a crack with his in-step to slot home, beating the outstretched hands of custodian Izham. Lyngdoh who had a dream night at the centre of the park also had a hand in the final goal which shut the defending champions out of the contest. An indirect free kick was beautifully swerved into the 18-yard box as the lanky Juanan outjumped the defensive melee to place the delivery to perfection as the fans went into delirium. The significance of this achievement could be gauged by the fact that only two Indian football clubs - Dempo Sports Club of Goa and Kolkata giants East Bengal - had made it to the semi-finals of the tournament since its inception. Earlier, the Blues constantly applied pressure but Johor took the lead first up as Shafiq nodded home after BFC goalkeeper Amrinder parried the ball in the box. The first half was a fantastic display of football by both the sides ending at 1-1, but the Blues played dominant game with majority ball possession and making regular forays into opponent's defence areas. Down 0-1, the Blues raided the JDT defense constantly but without much success with one of the best chances coming in 28th minute through Chhetri as the ball flashed past the goal three times in sheer madness. The Blues also had a good chance to equalise in 18th minute as Lyngdoh's cross led to mayhem in the box, not before Izham saved twice after a crazy minute. Blues were unlucky in 21st minute as referee signalled for play to continue despite of huge shout for handball by a rival player. JDT's Antonio was booked for arguing with the referee in 25th minute. The second half, however, was completely dominated by the hosts, hardly giving any chance to the rivals by completely outplaying them. In 48th minute of the match, the Blues made another move with Vineeth dodged past Antonio, found Chhetri unmarked at the edge of the area but he kicked wide. In 55th minute, Eugene weaved past Antonio with ease but the JDT man recovered well and the hosts had a corner. The rivals managed to clear their lines after Alwyn George's ill-directed shot. (PTI)

Bengaluru FC first Indian club to reach AFC Cup semi-final

Riyad Mahrez secured another Champions League victory for Leicester City on Tuesday while big boys Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also in winning form.

Leicester maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe&#39;s elite club competition by edging FC Copenhagen 1-0 at the King Power Stadium with Mahrez getting the only goal of the game.

Islam Slimani headed down a Jamie Vardy cross for Mahrez to score with a close-range volley with the outside of his left foot five minutes before half-time.

With Porto winning 2-1 away to Club Brugge in the group&#39;s other game, Claudio Ranieri&#39;s side now know a win away to Copenhagen in their next match on November 2 will secure a place in the last 16.

&quot;We&#39;re in a good position now,&quot; said Ranieri.

&quot;We knew it would be tough. Copenhagen tried until the end. It was difficult at the start, but the performance was good.&quot;

In Bruges, Jelle Vossen put the home side in front early on but Miguel Layun lashed in the equaliser midway through the second half and Andre Silva scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot.

For Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas it was a 92nd win in the Champions League, allowing him to surpass Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez and establish a new record.

Leicester&#39;s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur found themselves hanging on for a point as they claimed a 0-0 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in Group E.

A Vincent Janssen header that came back off the bar was the closest Spurs came to scoring at the BayArena.

The home side piled on the pressure in the second half but Javier Hernandez was denied by a brilliant save on the line by Hugo Lloris and Stefan Kiessling missed a great chance late on.

&quot;We can be pleased with the point,&quot; said Lloris.

&quot;The game turned in the second half, Leverkusen pressed high and we struggled a bit. I think the draw is a good result for us.&quot;

Just three points separate all four teams in the section, but it is Monaco who are on top after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at CSKA Moscow.

Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, on loan from Monaco, scored against his parent club in the 34th minute but Bernardo Silva equalised for the visitors late on.

Trouble mars Madrid win

Reigning champions Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory at home to Legia Warsaw in Group F after supporter violence marred the build-up to the game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Five fans and two police officers were treated for minor injuries following clashes outside the stadium before kick-off.

When the game began, Vadis Odjidja struck the post for the visitors before Gareth Bale fired in the opener and a Marcelo shot went in off Tomasz Jodlowiec.

Miroslav Radovic pulled one back from the penalty spot but Marco Asensio made it 3-1 before the interval and substitutes Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata added further goals in the second half.

Zinedine Zidane&#39;s side are level on seven points at the top of the group with Borussia Dortmund, who were 2-1 winners over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst through for an early opener and a superb Julian Weigl strike made it 2-0 but Dortmund were hanging on after Bruno Cesar reduced the deficit midway through the second half.

In Group H Juan Cuadrado came off the bench to score a late winner as 10-man Juventus beat Lyon 1-0 in France.

Gianluigi Buffon was in fine form for the Italian champions as he saved a first-half Alexandre Lacazette penalty, while Juve had Mario Lemina sent off early in the second period.

But Cuadrado netted the winner 14 minutes from the end as the hosts failed to make their man advantage count.

&quot;I should thank Mario Lemina for his sending-off because I thought we played better with a man less,&quot; said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri.

They are level at the top of the group with Sevilla, who were 1-0 winners away to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Samir Nasri netting the only goal.

(AFP)

Riyad Mahrez helped Leicester win their third straight game while Real Madrid romped to a 4-1 win over Legia Warsaw

Riyad Mahrez secured another Champions League victory for Leicester City on Tuesday while big boys Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also in winning form. Leicester maintained a perfect record in Group G in their first foray in Europe's elite club competition by edging FC Copenhagen 1-0 at the King Power Stadium with Mahrez getting the only goal of the game. Islam Slimani headed down a Jamie Vardy cross for Mahrez to score with a close-range volley with the outside of his left foot five minutes before half-time. With Porto winning 2-1 away to Club Brugge in the group's other game, Claudio Ranieri's side now know a win away to Copenhagen in their next match on November 2 will secure a place in the last 16. "We're in a good position now," said Ranieri. "We knew it would be tough. Copenhagen tried until the end. It was difficult at the start, but the performance was good." In Bruges, Jelle Vossen put the home side in front early on but Miguel Layun lashed in the equaliser midway through the second half and Andre Silva scored a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot. For Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas it was a 92nd win in the Champions League, allowing him to surpass Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez and establish a new record. Leicester's Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur found themselves hanging on for a point as they claimed a 0-0 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany in Group E. A Vincent Janssen header that came back off the bar was the closest Spurs came to scoring at the BayArena. The home side piled on the pressure in the second half but Javier Hernandez was denied by a brilliant save on the line by Hugo Lloris and Stefan Kiessling missed a great chance late on. "We can be pleased with the point," said Lloris. "The game turned in the second half, Leverkusen pressed high and we struggled a bit. I think the draw is a good result for us." Just three points separate all four teams in the section, but it is Monaco who are on top after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at CSKA Moscow. Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, on loan from Monaco, scored against his parent club in the 34th minute but Bernardo Silva equalised for the visitors late on. Trouble mars Madrid win Reigning champions Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory at home to Legia Warsaw in Group F after supporter violence marred the build-up to the game at the Santiago Bernabeu. Five fans and two police officers were treated for minor injuries following clashes outside the stadium before kick-off. When the game began, Vadis Odjidja struck the post for the visitors before Gareth Bale fired in the opener and a Marcelo shot went in off Tomasz Jodlowiec. Miroslav Radovic pulled one back from the penalty spot but Marco Asensio made it 3-1 before the interval and substitutes Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata added further goals in the second half. Zinedine Zidane's side are level on seven points at the top of the group with Borussia Dortmund, who were 2-1 winners over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang burst through for an early opener and a superb Julian Weigl strike made it 2-0 but Dortmund were hanging on after Bruno Cesar reduced the deficit midway through the second half. In Group H Juan Cuadrado came off the bench to score a late winner as 10-man Juventus beat Lyon 1-0 in France. Gianluigi Buffon was in fine form for the Italian champions as he saved a first-half Alexandre Lacazette penalty, while Juve had Mario Lemina sent off early in the second period. But Cuadrado netted the winner 14 minutes from the end as the hosts failed to make their man advantage count. "I should thank Mario Lemina for his sending-off because I thought we played better with a man less," said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri. They are level at the top of the group with Sevilla, who were 1-0 winners away to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Samir Nasri netting the only goal. (AFP)

Champions League: Leicester maintain perfect record; Real, Dortmund post wins

One of the most eagerly-awaited clashes of the Premier League season turned into a major letdown as Liverpool and Manchester United nullified each other in a largely undistinguished goalless draw at Anfield on Monday.

After all the hype preceding the battle between English football&#39;s fiercest rivals, United&#39;s manager Jose Mourinho was left happier than his counterpart Juergen Klopp as the visitors doused Liverpool&#39;s acclaimed attacking pyrotechnics.

The home side, full of goals all season, proved desperately disappointing until finding some second-half drive and may have still felt they deserved the win as United goalkeeper David de Gea had to make fine saves from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho.&nbsp;

Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Portuguese sounded particularly satisfied as he suggested United&#39;s ability to keep a clean sheet against their hosts had shown &quot;they (Liverpool) are not the last wonder of the world like you like to say they are&quot;.

Klopp, though, talked of &quot;mixed feelings&quot;, admitting it had been a poor spectacle.

&quot;I am not frustrated but I am not happy with the performance. No one will show this game in 10 or 20 years but we could have played better.

&quot;We get a point. It doesn&#39;t feel like the best thing but it is what we got.&quot;

His usually whirlwind Liverpool were effectively subdued in the first half as Mourinho reverted to conservative type, bringing in Marouane Fellaini to partner Ander Herrera in a stifling central midfield combination.

Throwing men behind the ball and taking the voice out of the passionate home crowd, United controlled most of the play in the opening half-hour even if a 40-metre Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick blasted into row Z was their lowest of highlights.

Liverpool, without the injured Georginio Wijnaldum and forced to leave Adam Lallana on the bench, never got going, with Daniel Sturridge proving disappointing, and they looked nervous in front of their fevered fans.

It took them more than half an hour before a Roberto Firmino header straight at De Gea represented their first attempt on goal.

It was only after the break that they began to show glimpses of their true colours, Can wriggling through to force a fine one-handed save from De Gea at full stretch before the Spanish keeper delivered an even finer stop, flying through the air to tip Coutinho&#39;s curler wide.

A brilliant last-gasp challenge by Antonio Valencia deprived Firmino but United, for all their solidity, had only one effort on target and looked back ruefully on their best chance, a tame header across goal from Ibrahimovic after a great delivery from Paul Pogba.

(Reuters)

Man United, seventh in the table, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth

One of the most eagerly-awaited clashes of the Premier League season turned into a major letdown as Liverpool and Manchester United nullified each other in a largely undistinguished goalless draw at Anfield on Monday. After all the hype preceding the battle between English football's fiercest rivals, United's manager Jose Mourinho was left happier than his counterpart Juergen Klopp as the visitors doused Liverpool's acclaimed attacking pyrotechnics. The home side, full of goals all season, proved desperately disappointing until finding some second-half drive and may have still felt they deserved the win as United goalkeeper David de Gea had to make fine saves from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho. Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal. The Portuguese sounded particularly satisfied as he suggested United's ability to keep a clean sheet against their hosts had shown "they (Liverpool) are not the last wonder of the world like you like to say they are". Klopp, though, talked of "mixed feelings", admitting it had been a poor spectacle. "I am not frustrated but I am not happy with the performance. No one will show this game in 10 or 20 years but we could have played better. "We get a point. It doesn't feel like the best thing but it is what we got." His usually whirlwind Liverpool were effectively subdued in the first half as Mourinho reverted to conservative type, bringing in Marouane Fellaini to partner Ander Herrera in a stifling central midfield combination. Throwing men behind the ball and taking the voice out of the passionate home crowd, United controlled most of the play in the opening half-hour even if a 40-metre Zlatan Ibrahimovic free kick blasted into row Z was their lowest of highlights. Liverpool, without the injured Georginio Wijnaldum and forced to leave Adam Lallana on the bench, never got going, with Daniel Sturridge proving disappointing, and they looked nervous in front of their fevered fans. It took them more than half an hour before a Roberto Firmino header straight at De Gea represented their first attempt on goal. It was only after the break that they began to show glimpses of their true colours, Can wriggling through to force a fine one-handed save from De Gea at full stretch before the Spanish keeper delivered an even finer stop, flying through the air to tip Coutinho's curler wide. A brilliant last-gasp challenge by Antonio Valencia deprived Firmino but United, for all their solidity, had only one effort on target and looked back ruefully on their best chance, a tame header across goal from Ibrahimovic after a great delivery from Paul Pogba. (Reuters)

Liverpool, Manchester United play out drab draw

Midfielder Ander Herrera was proud of Manchester United&#39;s battling qualities in Monday&#39;s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, adding that his side took the hosts out of their comfort zone at Anfield.

&quot;We can be proud of the team today; every player did everything and gave everything. This is the way we need to play this sort of fixture, so we are very happy,&quot; Herrera told reporters.

&quot;We fought against a team who are in one of their best moments, at home they are not going to lose many games. They press very high and intensive but they didn&#39;t feel comfy, if you ask them, they will tell you that.&quot;

Jose Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

&quot;We cannot be 100 per cent happy because we want to win always, but we can be proud,&quot; Herrera added. &quot;We were better in the first half, they were better in the second half. It&#39;s a fair point.&quot;

(Reuters)

Despite a draw against Liverpool, the midfielder praised the team's efforts saying they forced the hosts out of their comfort zone

Midfielder Ander Herrera was proud of Manchester United's battling qualities in Monday's 0-0 draw with Liverpool, adding that his side took the hosts out of their comfort zone at Anfield. "We can be proud of the team today; every player did everything and gave everything. This is the way we need to play this sort of fixture, so we are very happy," Herrera told reporters. "We fought against a team who are in one of their best moments, at home they are not going to lose many games. They press very high and intensive but they didn't feel comfy, if you ask them, they will tell you that." Jose Mourinho, the master of stifling Anfield dreams when at Chelsea, again found his tactical mastery rewarded but United, seventh in the table on 14 points, have still won just one of their last five league games while Liverpool stay fourth on 17, two behind leaders Manchester City and Arsenal. "We cannot be 100 per cent happy because we want to win always, but we can be proud," Herrera added. "We were better in the first half, they were better in the second half. It's a fair point." (Reuters)

Ander Herrera proud of Manchester United's battling qualities in Liverpool draw

Chelsea demolished the team that succeeded them as Premier League winners when champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Goals from the Premier League&#39;s leading marksman Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses ensured Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri&#39;s visit to his old club was a far cry from five months ago when the Foxes received a guard of honour for their title triumph.

The unmarked Costa&#39;s seventh-minute strike was his seventh goal of the season, before Chelsea&#39;s dominance was further rewarded, following more comedy defending, by Hazard&#39;s expertly-taken second.

Moses finished a brilliant one-two 10 minutes from time to leave Leicester as the first English top-flight champions since Blackburn Rovers 21 years ago to lose their opening four away games of the season.

(Reuters)

Champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday

Chelsea demolished the team that succeeded them as Premier League winners when champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Goals from the Premier League's leading marksman Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses ensured Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri's visit to his old club was a far cry from five months ago when the Foxes received a guard of honour for their title triumph. The unmarked Costa's seventh-minute strike was his seventh goal of the season, before Chelsea's dominance was further rewarded, following more comedy defending, by Hazard's expertly-taken second. Moses finished a brilliant one-two 10 minutes from time to leave Leicester as the first English top-flight champions since Blackburn Rovers 21 years ago to lose their opening four away games of the season. (Reuters)

Chelsea hammer Leicester in battle of last two champions

Ahead of Monday&#39;s game against Liverpool, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has asked supporters of both teams to show restraint when two of football&#39;s fiercest rivals face-off in the Premier League.

&quot;In football, we have some &#39;football tragedies&#39;, which is the big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did and you can make fun of it in a positive way. But the human tragedy is something much, much more serious and I think is the last thing somebody should use on a football pitch, Mourinho told the press. &quot;These need our respect, so I would be really sad if in such a big football match that was a negative point.&quot;

He was referring to last season&#39;s Europa League last-16 tie when both clubs were fined for chants mocking the Hillsborough and Munich tragedies faced by their teams.

In 1958, 23 people, including eight United players, died after their plane caught fire and crashed in Munich. In 1989, 96 Liverpool fans died after being crushed during an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough.

On Thursday, the two clubs also warned their supporters to behave in a joint statement.

Mourinho, who has faced Liverpool many times as Chelsea manager, also said he was looking forward to the match at Anfield and liked the atmosphere there.

&quot;I always like to play at Anfield. I won many times there, I also lost. I won big matches, I lost big matches. I cannot say I like to go there because I&#39;m always successful because it&#39;s not true. I like to go there, I like the atmosphere, said the Portuguese.

&quot;Being Man United manager obviously means something more because we cannot compare the historical rivalry between my previous club and Liverpool, Man United and Liverpool,&quot; he added. &quot;I&#39;m in England for a long time. Obviously I never played this match but I played many times against Liverpool, United. I understand the dimension of the clubs and now I understand better the history between the rivals.&quot;

&quot;In the end, it&#39;s just a big match. It can be comparable to Milan v Inter Milan, (Real) Madrid v Barcelona, maybe Porto v Benfica, maybe comparable to one of these matches.&quot;

He also clarified that the outcome would not impact United&#39;s season.

&quot;The season for me is not about the Anfield match though, or Old Trafford in January. It&#39;s about many matches, many points to win, many points to lose and targets to achieve.&quot; 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The Manchester United manager does not want a repeat of last season's debacle when both teams were fined for mocking each other

Ahead of Monday's game against Liverpool, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has asked supporters of both teams to show restraint when two of football's fiercest rivals face-off in the Premier League. "In football, we have some 'football tragedies', which is the big match that you lost, the mistake that some player did and you can make fun of it in a positive way. But the human tragedy is something much, much more serious and I think is the last thing somebody should use on a football pitch, Mourinho told the press. "These need our respect, so I would be really sad if in such a big football match that was a negative point." He was referring to last season's Europa League last-16 tie when both clubs were fined for chants mocking the Hillsborough and Munich tragedies faced by their teams. In 1958, 23 people, including eight United players, died after their plane caught fire and crashed in Munich. In 1989, 96 Liverpool fans died after being crushed during an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. On Thursday, the two clubs also warned their supporters to behave in a joint statement. Mourinho, who has faced Liverpool many times as Chelsea manager, also said he was looking forward to the match at Anfield and liked the atmosphere there. "I always like to play at Anfield. I won many times there, I also lost. I won big matches, I lost big matches. I cannot say I like to go there because I'm always successful because it's not true. I like to go there, I like the atmosphere, said the Portuguese. "Being Man United manager obviously means something more because we cannot compare the historical rivalry between my previous club and Liverpool, Man United and Liverpool," he added. "I'm in England for a long time. Obviously I never played this match but I played many times against Liverpool, United. I understand the dimension of the clubs and now I understand better the history between the rivals." "In the end, it's just a big match. It can be comparable to Milan v Inter Milan, (Real) Madrid v Barcelona, maybe Porto v Benfica, maybe comparable to one of these matches." He also clarified that the outcome would not impact United's season. "The season for me is not about the Anfield match though, or Old Trafford in January. It's about many matches, many points to win, many points to lose and targets to achieve." (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Jose Mourinho asks supporters to behave ahead of United-Liverpool game

Aston Villa appointed Steve Bruce as the Championship side&rsquo;s new manager on Wednesday, the struggling second-tier English club confirmed.

Bruce, 55, replaces Roberto Di Matteo at the helm of a team who were relegated from the Premier League last season and who are now languishing in 19th place in the Championship.

He becomes the fourth permanent manager in the last 12 months at Villa Park.

Former Manchester United defender Bruce returns to management after quitting Hull in July, having successfully guided the Tigers back to the Premier League.

&quot;It&#39;s a wonderful opportunity. It is one of the big clubs of this country. To be given the opportunity to manage it is terrific,&quot; Bruce told the club&#39;s official website.&nbsp;

&quot;I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be - and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years.&nbsp;

I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance. I hope I can do my stuff.&quot;

Bruce, who was in charge at city rivals Birmingham from 2001 to 2007, will be in the dugout for Saturday&#39;s derby clash against local rivals Wolves as Villa look to snap a nine-match winless run.

The affable Bruce has always been the leading contender for Villa, who also interviewed assistant manager Steve Clarke, after Di Matteo was axed.

Villa&#39;s Chief executive Keith Wyness, ex-boss Brian Little and technical director Steve Round advised owner Tony Xia, who had the final say.

&quot;I&#39;m delighted to welcome Steve to the club. With his track record, not only at leading teams to promotion from the Championship but also vast experience in the Premier League,&quot; Xia said on securing Bruce&#39;s services

 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

The former Manchester United defender returns to management after quitting Hull in July

Aston Villa appointed Steve Bruce as the Championship side’s new manager on Wednesday, the struggling second-tier English club confirmed. Bruce, 55, replaces Roberto Di Matteo at the helm of a team who were relegated from the Premier League last season and who are now languishing in 19th place in the Championship. He becomes the fourth permanent manager in the last 12 months at Villa Park. Former Manchester United defender Bruce returns to management after quitting Hull in July, having successfully guided the Tigers back to the Premier League. "It's a wonderful opportunity. It is one of the big clubs of this country. To be given the opportunity to manage it is terrific," Bruce told the club's official website. "I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be - and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years. I am absolutely delighted to have been given the chance. I hope I can do my stuff." Bruce, who was in charge at city rivals Birmingham from 2001 to 2007, will be in the dugout for Saturday's derby clash against local rivals Wolves as Villa look to snap a nine-match winless run. The affable Bruce has always been the leading contender for Villa, who also interviewed assistant manager Steve Clarke, after Di Matteo was axed. Villa's Chief executive Keith Wyness, ex-boss Brian Little and technical director Steve Round advised owner Tony Xia, who had the final say. "I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the club. With his track record, not only at leading teams to promotion from the Championship but also vast experience in the Premier League," Xia said on securing Bruce's services (AFP)

Aston Villa appoint Steve Bruce as new manager

World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos extended his contract with the Spanish giants Real Madrid for two years until 2022. His contract was to expire in 2020.&nbsp;

&quot;Real Madrid and Toni Kroos have agreed on the extension of the contract which will keep the player at the club until June 30, 2022,&quot; Real said in a statement.

Kroos had joined the club from Bayern Munich on a six-year deal in 2014 for 25 million euros (27.5 million dollars).&nbsp;

The 26-year-old has made 108 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring four goals. Part of Germany&#39;s 2014 World Cup-winning team, Kroos has established himself as a favourite in the midfield.&nbsp;

He was helped the club win the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in May. He has also won two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time in Spain.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The midfielder, who had signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid in 2014, has decided to stay on with the club for another two years

World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos extended his contract with the Spanish giants Real Madrid for two years until 2022. His contract was to expire in 2020. "Real Madrid and Toni Kroos have agreed on the extension of the contract which will keep the player at the club until June 30, 2022," Real said in a statement. Kroos had joined the club from Bayern Munich on a six-year deal in 2014 for 25 million euros (27.5 million dollars). The 26-year-old has made 108 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring four goals. Part of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning team, Kroos has established himself as a favourite in the midfield. He was helped the club win the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in May. He has also won two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time in Spain. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Germany's Kroos extends Real Madrid contract until 2022

Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at&nbsp;hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf.&nbsp;

Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute.&nbsp;

Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero&#39;s weak penalty.

The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10.

Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece.&nbsp;

Brazil&#39;s striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross.

The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Lacking inspiration from captain Lionel Messi, Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Paraguay

Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf. Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute. Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero's weak penalty. The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10. Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece. Brazil's striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross. The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Argentina suffers defeat in WC qualifiers, Brazil tops South American group

World champions Germany struck twice in four first-half minutes to beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and stretch their winning run in Group C with their best ever start in a tournament qualification.

Julian Draxler&#39;s 13th-minute strike put them ahead and Sami Khedira added another goal as Germany killed off the game for their third win in three qualifiers in their best start to a World Cup or Euro qualification with no goals conceded.

Germany, who made three times as many passes as the Irish, are top with nine points, two clear of Azerbaijan, who drew 0-0 away to the Czech Republic. The Irish stay third on four points.

Northern Ireland, who battled hard in a 1-0 Euro 2016 group stage defeat by Germany, were no match for the hosts, who had over 75 percent possession and were never really threatened.

&quot;We did our job. We got the six points we wanted from our (latest) two qualifiers,&quot; said Loew, who equalled former Germany coach Sepp Herberger&#39;s record 94 wins.

&quot;Northern Ireland were defending deep in their half and it was at times difficult for us.&quot;

&quot;We were in a good run after our win over the Czechs (on Saturday). I wanted two or three goals in the first half to be able to then rest some players.&quot;

Messy performance mars Southgate&#39;s audition

England interim manager Gareth Southgate is halfway through his audition for the full-time job but his hopes were hardly helped by an ugly performance in a 0-0 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday.

Southgate claims he inherited a &quot;mess&quot; after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 67 days in the job, and the display in Ljubljana was anything but pretty.

England rode their luck to stay top of Group F and on course for the 2018 Russia World Cup, thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping by Joe Hart, but there were few positives in a shapeless display that classier opposition than 67th-ranked Slovenia would have punished.

His decision to drop skipper and England&#39;s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney in favour of Eric Dier was hardly a qualified success with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder almost gifting Slovenia an early goal.

Jordan Henderson, who wore the captain&#39;s armband, struggled to exert much authority and he too was guilty of a careless pass that would have led to a Slovenia goal after the break but for another fine intervention by the over-worked Hart.

When Rooney did finally come off the bench in the 73rd minute he almost gave his side an undeserved lead with a shot that flashed past the post, but there was precious little to excite the visiting fans as England laboured to a draw.

Southgate&#39;s first game since replacing disgraced Allardyce was a nondescript 2-0 win over Malta last weekend.

Now he must wait another month before a qualifier at home to Scotland and a friendly versus Spain, after which the English&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Association are expected to make a decision on his future.

Lewandowski scores stoppage time winner

Robert Lewandowski struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Poland a dramatic 2-1 home win over 10-man Armenia in a World Cup Group E qualifier on Tuesday.

The result kept Poland on course to reach the 32-team finals in Russia, as it left them second in Group E on seven points from three games, behind surprise leaders Montenegro on goal difference.

Romania have five points, Denmark are on three after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Montenegro, Kazakhstan have two and Armenia none.

(Reuters)

Goals by Draxler and Khedira gave Germans their best-ever start in a World Cup or Euro qualification stage

World champions Germany struck twice in four first-half minutes to beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and stretch their winning run in Group C with their best ever start in a tournament qualification. Julian Draxler's 13th-minute strike put them ahead and Sami Khedira added another goal as Germany killed off the game for their third win in three qualifiers in their best start to a World Cup or Euro qualification with no goals conceded. Germany, who made three times as many passes as the Irish, are top with nine points, two clear of Azerbaijan, who drew 0-0 away to the Czech Republic. The Irish stay third on four points. Northern Ireland, who battled hard in a 1-0 Euro 2016 group stage defeat by Germany, were no match for the hosts, who had over 75 percent possession and were never really threatened. "We did our job. We got the six points we wanted from our (latest) two qualifiers," said Loew, who equalled former Germany coach Sepp Herberger's record 94 wins. "Northern Ireland were defending deep in their half and it was at times difficult for us." "We were in a good run after our win over the Czechs (on Saturday). I wanted two or three goals in the first half to be able to then rest some players." Messy performance mars Southgate's audition England interim manager Gareth Southgate is halfway through his audition for the full-time job but his hopes were hardly helped by an ugly performance in a 0-0 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday. Southgate claims he inherited a "mess" after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 67 days in the job, and the display in Ljubljana was anything but pretty. England rode their luck to stay top of Group F and on course for the 2018 Russia World Cup, thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping by Joe Hart, but there were few positives in a shapeless display that classier opposition than 67th-ranked Slovenia would have punished. His decision to drop skipper and England's all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney in favour of Eric Dier was hardly a qualified success with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder almost gifting Slovenia an early goal. Jordan Henderson, who wore the captain's armband, struggled to exert much authority and he too was guilty of a careless pass that would have led to a Slovenia goal after the break but for another fine intervention by the over-worked Hart. When Rooney did finally come off the bench in the 73rd minute he almost gave his side an undeserved lead with a shot that flashed past the post, but there was precious little to excite the visiting fans as England laboured to a draw. Southgate's first game since replacing disgraced Allardyce was a nondescript 2-0 win over Malta last weekend. Now he must wait another month before a qualifier at home to Scotland and a friendly versus Spain, after which the English Football Association are expected to make a decision on his future. Lewandowski scores stoppage time winner Robert Lewandowski struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Poland a dramatic 2-1 home win over 10-man Armenia in a World Cup Group E qualifier on Tuesday. The result kept Poland on course to reach the 32-team finals in Russia, as it left them second in Group E on seven points from three games, behind surprise leaders Montenegro on goal difference. Romania have five points, Denmark are on three after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Montenegro, Kazakhstan have two and Armenia none. (Reuters)

World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Germany cruise to win as England draw blanks against Slovenia

Christian Benteke struck after seven seconds and went on to grab a hat-trick as Belgium thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to stay top of World Cup qualifiying Group H on goal difference on Monday.

It was the fastest&nbsp;ever goal in a World Cup qualifier.

The Crystal Palace striker stole the ball in the home side&#39;s half straight from the kickoff and weaved his way through Gibraltar&#39;s defence to score from inside the area.

Benteke celebrated the record-breaking strike, also the fastest goal scored by a Belgium international, by holding up six fingers, thinking he had scored after six seconds.

Axel Witsel scored from 25 metres after 19 minutes to double Roberto Martinez&#39;s side&#39;s advantage, and Benteke scored his second shortly before halftime when he turned in Thomas Meunier&#39;s cut back from six yards.

After Dries Martens scored the fourth with a dinked finish in the 51st minute Benteke completed his first hat-trick for Belgium five minutes later with a backheel from Eden Hazard&#39;s pass.

Chelsea forward Hazard then added to his assist by completing the rout in the 78th minute.

Belgium top Group H on nine points thanks to their superior goal difference over Greece, who also extended their 100 per cent start by winning 2-0 in Estonia.

&quot;The fact we scored so early proves we were fully concentrated,&quot; Martinez told Belgian network RTBF.

&quot;We weren&#39;t selfish, we played for each other. Our aim was to score early to make our job easier and that&#39;s what we did. I&#39;m very pleased with the display we put on.&quot;

Martinez also said Benteke&#39;s return to form for club and country was his reward for working hard to try and bounce back from an underwhelming last year with Liverpool.

&quot;As well as scoring he held the ball up really well,&quot; added Martinez on Benteke, who has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace.

&quot;He has been rewarded for all the hard work in recent weeks. He had a difficult last season and is trying to find his best form again.&quot;

(Reuters)

The striker stole the ball in the home side's half, straight from the kickoff, to score the fastest-ever goal in a World Cup qualifier

Christian Benteke struck after seven seconds and went on to grab a hat-trick as Belgium thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to stay top of World Cup qualifiying Group H on goal difference on Monday. It was the fastest ever goal in a World Cup qualifier. The Crystal Palace striker stole the ball in the home side's half straight from the kickoff and weaved his way through Gibraltar's defence to score from inside the area. Benteke celebrated the record-breaking strike, also the fastest goal scored by a Belgium international, by holding up six fingers, thinking he had scored after six seconds. Axel Witsel scored from 25 metres after 19 minutes to double Roberto Martinez's side's advantage, and Benteke scored his second shortly before halftime when he turned in Thomas Meunier's cut back from six yards. After Dries Martens scored the fourth with a dinked finish in the 51st minute Benteke completed his first hat-trick for Belgium five minutes later with a backheel from Eden Hazard's pass. Chelsea forward Hazard then added to his assist by completing the rout in the 78th minute. Belgium top Group H on nine points thanks to their superior goal difference over Greece, who also extended their 100 per cent start by winning 2-0 in Estonia. "The fact we scored so early proves we were fully concentrated," Martinez told Belgian network RTBF. "We weren't selfish, we played for each other. Our aim was to score early to make our job easier and that's what we did. I'm very pleased with the display we put on." Martinez also said Benteke's return to form for club and country was his reward for working hard to try and bounce back from an underwhelming last year with Liverpool. "As well as scoring he held the ball up really well," added Martinez on Benteke, who has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace. "He has been rewarded for all the hard work in recent weeks. He had a difficult last season and is trying to find his best form again." (Reuters)

Belgium defeat Gibraltar 6-0, Benteke scores after seven seconds

Spain defender Gerard Pique has grown &quot;tired&quot; of the criticism against him and has announced plans of retiring from international soccer after World Cup 2018.

&quot;Yes, I&#39;m tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and then I hope I can be left in peace,&quot; Pique said on Sunday.

Pique came under the radar during the Sunday&#39;s 2-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against Albania after he claims that he had cut off the sleeves from his shirt which bore Spain&#39;s colours of yellow and red. The Barcelona centre-back clarified after the match that he had, in fact, cut off the sleeves from a different shirt that did not have the flag design.

&quot;I cut my shirt because the sleeves were very short and they were bothering me. I&#39;ve tried everything but I can&#39;t take it any more, the thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel&#39;s back.&quot;

The 28-year-old&#39;s relationship with Spain supporters has been rocky because of his repeated jibes at Real Madrid and his support for a referendum on Catalan independence.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation defended the Barcelona-born defender&#39;s action of cutting the sleeves in a statement.

&quot;Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments - that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours - the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match.&nbsp;

&quot;This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also wore long sleeves,&quot; a statement read, goal.com reported.

Pique&nbsp;has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also present in Spain&#39;s disappointing campaigns in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

'The thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel's back,' the Barcelona-born defender said on Sunday

Spain defender Gerard Pique has grown "tired" of the criticism against him and has announced plans of retiring from international soccer after World Cup 2018. "Yes, I'm tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and then I hope I can be left in peace," Pique said on Sunday. Pique came under the radar during the Sunday's 2-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against Albania after he claims that he had cut off the sleeves from his shirt which bore Spain's colours of yellow and red. The Barcelona centre-back clarified after the match that he had, in fact, cut off the sleeves from a different shirt that did not have the flag design. "I cut my shirt because the sleeves were very short and they were bothering me. I've tried everything but I can't take it any more, the thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel's back." The 28-year-old's relationship with Spain supporters has been rocky because of his repeated jibes at Real Madrid and his support for a referendum on Catalan independence. The Royal Spanish Football Federation defended the Barcelona-born defender's action of cutting the sleeves in a statement. "Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments - that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours - the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match. "This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also wore long sleeves," a statement read, goal.com reported. Pique has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also present in Spain's disappointing campaigns in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Spanish defender Pique decides to quit international soccer after 'shirt sleeve' controversy

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports.

As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported.

Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported.

Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England&#39;s most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals.

The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday.

Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was &#39;at times unfair&#39;.

&quot;He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride,&quot; said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. &quot;I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today.&quot;

Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United&#39;s last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United&#39;s recent starting sides.

&quot;I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant,&quot; said former England defender Southgate. &quot;Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren&#39;t good enough to play. And you&#39;ve got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What&#39;s happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important.&quot;

Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side.&nbsp;&quot;Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start.&quot;

Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

England may start without Rooney, who scored only once in 12 games this season, as it looks to maintain 100 per cent record in qualifiers

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports. As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported. Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported. Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England's most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals. The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday. Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was 'at times unfair'. "He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride," said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. "I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today." Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United's last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United's recent starting sides. "I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant," said former England defender Southgate. "Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren't good enough to play. And you've got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What's happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important." Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side. "Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start." Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia. (WION with inputs from agencies)

England to bench captain Rooney in World Cup qualifier against Slovenia: Reports

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time.

Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili&#39;s 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar.

&quot;People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports.

&quot;We got a great start but you&#39;ve got to take care of business. We didn&#39;t and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they&#39;d got a bit of confidence by then.&quot;

He added: &quot;We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you&#39;ve got to take the three points.

&quot;The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that.&quot;

 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Gareth Bale getting wales a 10th-minute lead and Georgia's Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time. Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar. "People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half," Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports. "We got a great start but you've got to take care of business. We didn't and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they'd got a bit of confidence by then." He added: "We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you've got to take the three points. "The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that." (AFP)

Wales drop two World Cup points in Georgia draw

Thomas Mueller netted twice as Germany eased to an impressive 3-0 home win over the Czech Republic to keep them top of their World Cup qualifying group on Saturday.

It leaves Germany with a perfect six points ahead of Tuesday&#39;s next qualifier, home to Northern Ireland, who beat San Marino 4-0 in Belfast.

Germany stay top of Group C on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan on the road to Russia 2018.

&quot;We can be very happy with the win and we had a good grip on the game,&quot; said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

&quot;After 60 minutes you could see the opposition had run themselves into the ground and didn&#39;t have any more clear chances.&quot;

After Mueller gave Germany an early lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp strike just after the break.

Mueller then hit Germany&#39;s third with the best goal of the game midway through the second half to cap a very polished display from the world champions.

&quot;We&#39;re very serious about these two games (against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland), we could have scored more goals, but we delivered a very concentrated performance,&quot; said Mueller.

&quot;The fans deserve some praise, the atmosphere was really good. It made it even more fun to play for Germany and, of course, I am happy to have scored twice.&quot;

Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were outstanding in shutting down the Czech attack and putting in damaging long-range passes.

With his only out-and-out striker, Mario Gomez, injured, Loew opted to play Mario Goetze as his lone striker, in front of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil with Julian Draxler and Mueller on the wings.

The Czech Republic dealt Loew the heaviest home defeat of his 10-year tenure when they won 3-0 in Munich in October 2007 in a Euro qualifier.

But with veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik had a busy night.

The hosts went ahead after just 13 minutes. Goetze&#39;s pass to Ozil was flicked on to the unmarked Mueller, who drilled his shot past FC Basel&#39;s Vaclik.

&nbsp;

It could easily have been 3-0 at half time as Germany dominated the first 45 minutes.

&nbsp;

Goetze went one-on-one with Vaclik, who brought him down, but the German&#39;s chipped shot went wide and the referee waved away shouts for a penalty.

&nbsp;

Draxler&#39;s effort was just the wrong side of the post, while a superb long ball from Hummels found Goetze in behind the defence, but he was incorrectly flagged for offside.

&nbsp;

Four minutes into the second half, left-back Joshua Kimmich&#39;s pass allowed Kroos to curl his shot around Vaclik&#39;s despairing reach to double Germany&#39;s tally.

&nbsp;

But Germany saved their best goal for last.

&nbsp;

Ozil released Jonas Hector on the flank and he played in a superb cross which Mueller expertly converted on 65 minutes.

&nbsp;

It was nearly 4-0 on 80 minutes when replacement Benedikt Hoewedes fired just wide.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

Germany managed to stay on top of their World Cup wualifying group with a 3-0 win over Czech Republic

Thomas Mueller netted twice as Germany eased to an impressive 3-0 home win over the Czech Republic to keep them top of their World Cup qualifying group on Saturday. It leaves Germany with a perfect six points ahead of Tuesday's next qualifier, home to Northern Ireland, who beat San Marino 4-0 in Belfast. Germany stay top of Group C on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan on the road to Russia 2018. "We can be very happy with the win and we had a good grip on the game," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. "After 60 minutes you could see the opposition had run themselves into the ground and didn't have any more clear chances." After Mueller gave Germany an early lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp strike just after the break. Mueller then hit Germany's third with the best goal of the game midway through the second half to cap a very polished display from the world champions. "We're very serious about these two games (against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland), we could have scored more goals, but we delivered a very concentrated performance," said Mueller. "The fans deserve some praise, the atmosphere was really good. It made it even more fun to play for Germany and, of course, I am happy to have scored twice." Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were outstanding in shutting down the Czech attack and putting in damaging long-range passes. With his only out-and-out striker, Mario Gomez, injured, Loew opted to play Mario Goetze as his lone striker, in front of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil with Julian Draxler and Mueller on the wings. The Czech Republic dealt Loew the heaviest home defeat of his 10-year tenure when they won 3-0 in Munich in October 2007 in a Euro qualifier. But with veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik had a busy night. The hosts went ahead after just 13 minutes. Goetze's pass to Ozil was flicked on to the unmarked Mueller, who drilled his shot past FC Basel's Vaclik. It could easily have been 3-0 at half time as Germany dominated the first 45 minutes. Goetze went one-on-one with Vaclik, who brought him down, but the German's chipped shot went wide and the referee waved away shouts for a penalty. Draxler's effort was just the wrong side of the post, while a superb long ball from Hummels found Goetze in behind the defence, but he was incorrectly flagged for offside. Four minutes into the second half, left-back Joshua Kimmich's pass allowed Kroos to curl his shot around Vaclik's despairing reach to double Germany's tally. But Germany saved their best goal for last. Ozil released Jonas Hector on the flank and he played in a superb cross which Mueller expertly converted on 65 minutes. It was nearly 4-0 on 80 minutes when replacement Benedikt Hoewedes fired just wide. (AFP)

Mueller brace inspires Germany win

The United States beat Cuba 2-0 on Friday in the first friendly between the two countries for 69 years in a match that will be remembered mainly for the poor quality of the Havana pitch.

The US&nbsp;triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green.

Nevertheless, it was an encouraging display by Cuba, who belied their lowly FIFA world ranking of 139 with an encouraging display in which they twice hit the post in the second half.

The US&nbsp;played Cuba in World Cup qualifiers in 2008, and the two teams have since met in the Gold Cup, but this was the first friendly between them since 1947.

The match at the Estadio Pedro Marrero was played amid a backdrop of thawing political relations between the two countries as they work towards normalising relations, but some questioned whether much was accomplished.

&quot;I&rsquo;d rather have the game on (artificial) turf and I hate turf,&quot; ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman said, referring to the state of the pitch. &quot;I just think if you&rsquo;re going to schedule a friendly... you&rsquo;ve got to get something out of the game.&quot;

Chances were few and far between in the first half on a&nbsp;very bumpy pitch that more resembled a farmer&#39;s plowed field than an international soccer playing surface, with a shaggy covering of grass that was pock-marked with deep divots.

The unpredictable bounce made ball-control difficult, contributing to a forgettable first half, but the match came to life after the break.

Cuba striker Maykel Reyes hit the post in the 58th minute&nbsp;before the US&nbsp;took the lead four minutes later when keeper Sandy Sanchez parried a shot into the path of Wondolowski, who lashed home from close range for his 11th international goal.

Chants of &quot;USA, USA&quot; rang out from the healthy contingent of American fans in the crowd.

Cuba almost drew level when midfielder Roberney Caballero hit the post with a header in the 65th&nbsp;before Wondolowski set up the second US&nbsp;goal six minutes later by cutting the ball back from the byline for Green to tap home from close range.

(Reuters)

The US?triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green

The United States beat Cuba 2-0 on Friday in the first friendly between the two countries for 69 years in a match that will be remembered mainly for the poor quality of the Havana pitch. The US triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging display by Cuba, who belied their lowly FIFA world ranking of 139 with an encouraging display in which they twice hit the post in the second half. The US played Cuba in World Cup qualifiers in 2008, and the two teams have since met in the Gold Cup, but this was the first friendly between them since 1947. The match at the Estadio Pedro Marrero was played amid a backdrop of thawing political relations between the two countries as they work towards normalising relations, but some questioned whether much was accomplished. "I’d rather have the game on (artificial) turf and I hate turf," ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman said, referring to the state of the pitch. "I just think if you’re going to schedule a friendly... you’ve got to get something out of the game." Chances were few and far between in the first half on a very bumpy pitch that more resembled a farmer's plowed field than an international soccer playing surface, with a shaggy covering of grass that was pock-marked with deep divots. The unpredictable bounce made ball-control difficult, contributing to a forgettable first half, but the match came to life after the break. Cuba striker Maykel Reyes hit the post in the 58th minute before the US took the lead four minutes later when keeper Sandy Sanchez parried a shot into the path of Wondolowski, who lashed home from close range for his 11th international goal. Chants of "USA, USA" rang out from the healthy contingent of American fans in the crowd. Cuba almost drew level when midfielder Roberney Caballero hit the post with a header in the 65th before Wondolowski set up the second US goal six minutes later by cutting the ball back from the byline for Green to tap home from close range. (Reuters)

US beat Cuba 2-0 in first friendly since 1947

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his international return with four goals in a 6-0 mauling of hapless Andorra on Friday and then demanded eight more wins to guarantee Portugal a place in the 2018 World Cup.

The Real Madrid superstar took his Portugal career tally to 65 goals in 134 games but his team, the European champions, are only third in Group B, a point behind minnows Faroe Islands and three back from leaders Switzerland.

Only the group winners are certain of making the finals in Russia.

On Friday, the Swiss followed their opening 2-0 win over the Portuguese with a last-gasp 3-2 triumph at Hungary while the Faroes beat Latvia 2-0 in Riga.

&quot;We know that Switzerland and the Faroes won tonight and it will be necessary for us to beat them during qualification,&quot; said Ronaldo.

&quot;There are eight games left and we want to win them all to reach the World Cup finals.&quot;

Ronaldo, 31, was making his first appearance for Portugal since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016, where his country beat France.

He wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence from international football, getting off the mark after just 73 seconds.

He was on target again two minutes later while adding two more after the interval.

&quot;I know that I am an important player and I have always done my best since I started my international career. I scored four goals tonight and obviously I am very happy to have come back after my serious injury in the Euros final,&quot; he said.

&quot;We knew that the first goal tonight would be very important because they are a team who defend with 11 players.

&quot;Things went well. We scored twice in the first five minutes and the match became a lot easier.&quot;

Portugal will be in action again on Monday when they travel to the Faroes.

(AFP)

Portugal now have three points from two games. The Euro 2016 champions had lost their first match to Switzerland

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his international return with four goals in a 6-0 mauling of hapless Andorra on Friday and then demanded eight more wins to guarantee Portugal a place in the 2018 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar took his Portugal career tally to 65 goals in 134 games but his team, the European champions, are only third in Group B, a point behind minnows Faroe Islands and three back from leaders Switzerland. Only the group winners are certain of making the finals in Russia. On Friday, the Swiss followed their opening 2-0 win over the Portuguese with a last-gasp 3-2 triumph at Hungary while the Faroes beat Latvia 2-0 in Riga. "We know that Switzerland and the Faroes won tonight and it will be necessary for us to beat them during qualification," said Ronaldo. "There are eight games left and we want to win them all to reach the World Cup finals." Ronaldo, 31, was making his first appearance for Portugal since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016, where his country beat France. He wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence from international football, getting off the mark after just 73 seconds. He was on target again two minutes later while adding two more after the interval. "I know that I am an important player and I have always done my best since I started my international career. I scored four goals tonight and obviously I am very happy to have come back after my serious injury in the Euros final," he said. "We knew that the first goal tonight would be very important because they are a team who defend with 11 players. "Things went well. We scored twice in the first five minutes and the match became a lot easier." Portugal will be in action again on Monday when they travel to the Faroes. (AFP)

World Cup qualifiers: Ronaldo nets four in 6-0 mauling of Andorra

Former president of the Costa Rican soccer federation, Eduardo Li, on Friday pleaded guilty to extortion and fraud in a corruption case that has also touched dozens of former leaders of soccer&rsquo;s world governing body.

The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty in December 2015.

As the president of the Costa Rican federation since 2007 Li was looking to becoming a member of the executive committee of FIFA, when the Swiss authorities arrested him in May 2015.

Investigators said that Li used his influence to help a private company obtain the marketing rights to several matches by the Costa Rican national team, and for another company to be represented on the team&rsquo;s jerseys, AFP reported.

Li is also accused of siphoning off FIFA funds intended for the Costa Rican federation.

Investigators said that Li received more than half-a- million dollars in exchange, AFP reported.

The charges against him include extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, according to a statement Friday from Robert Capers, the US attorney for the eastern district of New York, AFP reported.

In a plea deal, Li has agreed to pay a fine of $668,000.

About a third of the 40 people implicated in the FIFA scandal have entered guilty pleas, avoiding trial and most of those implicated were executives either of FIFA, of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), or of sports marketing companies.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Eduardo Li pleaded guilty to three charges including extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud

Former president of the Costa Rican soccer federation, Eduardo Li, on Friday pleaded guilty to extortion and fraud in a corruption case that has also touched dozens of former leaders of soccer’s world governing body. The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty in December 2015. As the president of the Costa Rican federation since 2007 Li was looking to becoming a member of the executive committee of FIFA, when the Swiss authorities arrested him in May 2015. Investigators said that Li used his influence to help a private company obtain the marketing rights to several matches by the Costa Rican national team, and for another company to be represented on the team’s jerseys, AFP reported. Li is also accused of siphoning off FIFA funds intended for the Costa Rican federation. Investigators said that Li received more than half-a- million dollars in exchange, AFP reported. The charges against him include extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, according to a statement Friday from Robert Capers, the US attorney for the eastern district of New York, AFP reported. In a plea deal, Li has agreed to pay a fine of $668,000. About a third of the 40 people implicated in the FIFA scandal have entered guilty pleas, avoiding trial and most of those implicated were executives either of FIFA, of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), or of sports marketing companies. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Former Costa Rican soccer chief pleads guilty in FIFA fraud case

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane denied his side were facing a crisis after they drew 1-1 at home to La Liga minnows Eibar and racked up a fourth consecutive draw for the first time in more than 10 years.

The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was in March 2006, when the club were reeling from on-field and institutional crises and president Florentino Perez had recently resigned.

Although Real remain unbeaten in the league, they are without a win in their last three games and are on 15 points from seven games, the number Zidane&#39;s predecessor Rafael Benitez had earned at the same stage last season.

The Spaniard was sacked three months later.

&quot;We are not in crisis, we&#39;re only in October. What we need to do is improve, we can&#39;t lose our minds over this,&quot; Zidane told a news conference on Sunday.

&quot;I&#39;m not going to go crazy and neither are my players, all I can see is that we need to work harder and be more intense at the start of games.&quot;

Real fell behind to Fran Rico&#39;s header in the sixth minute after a lapse in concentration at the back and a mistake from goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who let the ball slip through his hands.

The Costa Rica international returned to the side only last Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund after more than four months out with an Achilles injury and was also at fault for one of the goals in the 2-2 draw in Germany.

Gareth Bale equalised later in the first half but Real, missing Luka Modric, Casemiro and James Rodriguez through injury, struggled to create many chances against the Basques, although Bale hit the post after the break.

Real&#39;s next game is away to Real Betis in a fortnight&#39;s time, after the international break.

&quot;We leave tonight with a bad taste in the mouth. We let our opponents play in the first half and we knew that they could score like that and we didn&#39;t deal with it,&quot; added the coach, who lead Real to their 11th European Cup last season and last month saw them match the La Liga record of 16 straight wins.

&quot;We can&#39;t blame fitness issues, we just need to work with more intensity, starting with me. When the players return from international duty we have to turn this around, we can&#39;t continue like this.&quot;

(Reuters)

The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was 10 years ago when the club was reeling from on-field and institutional crises

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane denied his side were facing a crisis after they drew 1-1 at home to La Liga minnows Eibar and racked up a fourth consecutive draw for the first time in more than 10 years. The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was in March 2006, when the club were reeling from on-field and institutional crises and president Florentino Perez had recently resigned. Although Real remain unbeaten in the league, they are without a win in their last three games and are on 15 points from seven games, the number Zidane's predecessor Rafael Benitez had earned at the same stage last season. The Spaniard was sacked three months later. "We are not in crisis, we're only in October. What we need to do is improve, we can't lose our minds over this," Zidane told a news conference on Sunday. "I'm not going to go crazy and neither are my players, all I can see is that we need to work harder and be more intense at the start of games." Real fell behind to Fran Rico's header in the sixth minute after a lapse in concentration at the back and a mistake from goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who let the ball slip through his hands. The Costa Rica international returned to the side only last Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund after more than four months out with an Achilles injury and was also at fault for one of the goals in the 2-2 draw in Germany. Gareth Bale equalised later in the first half but Real, missing Luka Modric, Casemiro and James Rodriguez through injury, struggled to create many chances against the Basques, although Bale hit the post after the break. Real's next game is away to Real Betis in a fortnight's time, after the international break. "We leave tonight with a bad taste in the mouth. We let our opponents play in the first half and we knew that they could score like that and we didn't deal with it," added the coach, who lead Real to their 11th European Cup last season and last month saw them match the La Liga record of 16 straight wins. "We can't blame fitness issues, we just need to work with more intensity, starting with me. When the players return from international duty we have to turn this around, we can't continue like this." (Reuters)

Zidane says Real Madrid 'not in crisis' after fourth consecutive draw

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