On Wednesday, 5 November, Real Madrid host Juventus in the Champions League with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy aiming to close in further on a competition record.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only player who has scored in each of the three CL matches this season. Alessandro Del Piero and Sergi Rebrov are the CL record holders with at least one goal in the first five matches of a CL season.
Most consecutive matches from start of CL season with at least one goal scored
# Season Goalscorer
5 1995/1996 Alessandro Del Piero
5 1997/1998 Sergi Rebrov
4 1997/1998 Alessandro Del Piero
4 2002/2003 Ânderson
4 2002/2003 Filippo Inzaghi
3 2008/2009 Ruud van Nistelrooy
Friday, October 31, 2008
Karim Benzema x 10 goals
On 21 October, Karim Benzema sparked an Olympique Lyon comeback victory in the Champions League by scoring twice against Steaua Bucuresti. The young Frenchman raised his career CL goal tally to double digits in only his 14th match in the competition.
According to Infostrada, only four players, Adriano, Simone Inzaghi, George Weah and Didier Drogba were faster to 10 goals than Benzema.
Fewest Champions League matches needed to score 10th goal in competition
# Name Nation Club(s) From / Until
11 Adriano BRA Internazionale 14 Sep 2004 23 Nov 2005
12 Simone Inzaghi ITA Lazio 29 Sep 1999 12 Sep 2000
13 George Weah LBR Paris Saint-Germain / AC Milan 14 Sep 1994 16 Oct 1996
13 Didier Drogba CIV Olympique Marseille / Chelsea 16 Sep 2003 12 Apr 2005
14 Ronaldinho BRA FC Barcelona 29 Sep 2004 07 Mar 2006
14 Karim Benzema FRA Olympique Lyon 06 Dec 2005 21 Oct 2008
15 Ruud van Nistelrooy NED PSV / Manchester United 04 Nov 1998 17 Oct 2001
According to Infostrada, only four players, Adriano, Simone Inzaghi, George Weah and Didier Drogba were faster to 10 goals than Benzema.
Fewest Champions League matches needed to score 10th goal in competition
# Name Nation Club(s) From / Until
11 Adriano BRA Internazionale 14 Sep 2004 23 Nov 2005
12 Simone Inzaghi ITA Lazio 29 Sep 1999 12 Sep 2000
13 George Weah LBR Paris Saint-Germain / AC Milan 14 Sep 1994 16 Oct 1996
13 Didier Drogba CIV Olympique Marseille / Chelsea 16 Sep 2003 12 Apr 2005
14 Ronaldinho BRA FC Barcelona 29 Sep 2004 07 Mar 2006
14 Karim Benzema FRA Olympique Lyon 06 Dec 2005 21 Oct 2008
15 Ruud van Nistelrooy NED PSV / Manchester United 04 Nov 1998 17 Oct 2001
Friday, October 24, 2008
Rafael Benitez searching for his first win against Big Four clubs
Liverpool has not won in all 12 Premier League visits to the other Big Four sides since Rafael Benitez became manager.
According to Infostrada, since June 2004, they have picked up only two points from a possible 36 on the road against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and have scored only four Premier League away goals in this time.
Liverpool’s Premier League away record at the other Big Four clubs under Rafael Benitez
Club P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 4 0 1 3 0 4 1
Arsenal 4 0 1 3 3 9 1
Manchester United 4 0 0 4 1 8 0
Total 12 0 2 10 4 21 2
According to Infostrada, since June 2004, they have picked up only two points from a possible 36 on the road against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and have scored only four Premier League away goals in this time.
Liverpool’s Premier League away record at the other Big Four clubs under Rafael Benitez
Club P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 4 0 1 3 0 4 1
Arsenal 4 0 1 3 3 9 1
Manchester United 4 0 0 4 1 8 0
Total 12 0 2 10 4 21 2
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
PSV - Olympique Marseille: Kromkamp, Zonneveld and Manco miss Wednesday’s game
A 19-man squad will withdraw in the woody surroundings of Oisterwijk to prepare for Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League game against Olympique Marseille. PSV coach Huub Stevens announced that Jan Kromkamp (groin) and Mike Zonneveld (back) will miss the game, along with Reimond Manco, who is ill.
PSV coach Huub Stevens presented a team update at the end of this morning’s press conference at the Philips Stadium. Zonneveld made an appearance in Young PSV’s 4-2 win over FC Groningen on Monday night. The defender picked up a knock in his back and is ruled out of the clash with Olympique Marseille. Kromkamp left the training session early, after he had sustained a groin injury in training. Reimond Manco will miss Wednesday’s game due to illness. One player will be dropped from the 19-man squad. Olympique Marseille manager Erik Gerets and former PSV player Boudewijn Zenden will be the guests at the Olympique Marseille conference on Tuesday afternoon from 5.30pm, before the French team train on the Philips Stadium pitch for one hour.
PSV Press
PSV coach Huub Stevens presented a team update at the end of this morning’s press conference at the Philips Stadium. Zonneveld made an appearance in Young PSV’s 4-2 win over FC Groningen on Monday night. The defender picked up a knock in his back and is ruled out of the clash with Olympique Marseille. Kromkamp left the training session early, after he had sustained a groin injury in training. Reimond Manco will miss Wednesday’s game due to illness. One player will be dropped from the 19-man squad. Olympique Marseille manager Erik Gerets and former PSV player Boudewijn Zenden will be the guests at the Olympique Marseille conference on Tuesday afternoon from 5.30pm, before the French team train on the Philips Stadium pitch for one hour.
PSV Press
Shakhtar Donetsk - Sporting Lisbon preview: the match shall be won by a team that’d do fewer mistakes than their opponents
Mircea Lucescu: “This is a very important match for both sides. Both, Shakhtar and Sporting, deserve to advance further in the competition. This is why both teams shall be doing everything possible to achieve a good result. Our main challenge is that we have lost two of our main players, Ilsinho and Luis Adriano. Now we are trying to wind the way out of this difficult situation. We are trying to find a replacement for these two players. The team should not feel their absence”.
“I hope the fair play rules will be observed in this match. There shouldn’t be any problems with it. The teams must show respect for the spectators, for their opponents and for the referees. This is very important. The teams shall be striving to win, but at the cost of the fair play idea”.
Shakhtar’s group stage rivals, Sporting, are staying at the Donbass Palace hotel and the group of Portuguese journalists at the Atlas hotel.
Paulo Bento has taken 23 players to Ukraine:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício, Tiago, Ricardo Batista
Defenders: Daniel Carriço, Anderson Polga, Pedro Silva, Tonel, Leandro Grimi, Michael Santos, Pedro Mendes, Abel
Midfielders: Adrien Silva, Marat Izmailov, Miguel Veloso, Bruno Pereirinha, Fábio Rochemback, João Moutinho, Leandro Romagnoli
Forwards: Derlei, Yannick Djaló, Hélder Postiga, Liedson, Wilson Eduardo
FC Shakhtar Press
“I hope the fair play rules will be observed in this match. There shouldn’t be any problems with it. The teams must show respect for the spectators, for their opponents and for the referees. This is very important. The teams shall be striving to win, but at the cost of the fair play idea”.
Shakhtar’s group stage rivals, Sporting, are staying at the Donbass Palace hotel and the group of Portuguese journalists at the Atlas hotel.
Paulo Bento has taken 23 players to Ukraine:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício, Tiago, Ricardo Batista
Defenders: Daniel Carriço, Anderson Polga, Pedro Silva, Tonel, Leandro Grimi, Michael Santos, Pedro Mendes, Abel
Midfielders: Adrien Silva, Marat Izmailov, Miguel Veloso, Bruno Pereirinha, Fábio Rochemback, João Moutinho, Leandro Romagnoli
Forwards: Derlei, Yannick Djaló, Hélder Postiga, Liedson, Wilson Eduardo
FC Shakhtar Press
FC Basel – Barcelona FC: back at Saint Jakobs
Barça have trained at the place where they won their first ever Cup Winners Cup in 1979, and where on Wednesday they face FC Basel in the third game of their Champions League campaign.
Thirty years later, FC Barcelona are back where they won their first ever Cup Winners Cup. Things have changed, and the old Saint Jakob Stadium has now been replaced by the ultra-modern Saint Jakob Park, which holds 37,500 spectators. The pitch was in excellent conditions as the team trained in preparation for their key European encounter.
The session started at 19.30, and the light rain made the pitch much faster than usual. Only the first fifteen minutes were open to the media, during which time the 19 Barcelona players went through their usual warm up drills.
Next time Guardiola’s players set foot on the Saint Jakobs turf will be on Wednesday night for the game with Basel.
FC Barcelona Press
Thirty years later, FC Barcelona are back where they won their first ever Cup Winners Cup. Things have changed, and the old Saint Jakob Stadium has now been replaced by the ultra-modern Saint Jakob Park, which holds 37,500 spectators. The pitch was in excellent conditions as the team trained in preparation for their key European encounter.
The session started at 19.30, and the light rain made the pitch much faster than usual. Only the first fifteen minutes were open to the media, during which time the 19 Barcelona players went through their usual warm up drills.
Next time Guardiola’s players set foot on the Saint Jakobs turf will be on Wednesday night for the game with Basel.
FC Barcelona Press
Panathinaikos- Werder Bremen: the program of the game
Michael Riley (Eng) will be the referee of the match between Panathinaikos and Werder. The assistant referees will be Phillip Sharp and David Richardson (Eng). The fourth official will be Stuart Attwell (Εng)
The last training of Panathinaikos before the match started at 19.30 at OAKA. The last training of Werder before the match started at 18.30 at OAKA.
The last training of Panathinaikos before the match started at 19.30 at OAKA. The last training of Werder before the match started at 18.30 at OAKA.
Inter Milan – Anorthosis preview: Mourinho squad
José Mourinho has called up 20 players for Wednesday evening's Champions League Matchday 3 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):
Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.
Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu, 39 Davide Santon.
Midfielders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 5 Dejan Stankovic, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.
Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.
Inter Milan Press
Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.
Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu, 39 Davide Santon.
Midfielders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 5 Dejan Stankovic, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.
Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.
Inter Milan Press
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Bayern Munich – Fiorentina preview: Violas hopes rest on potent duo
To the untrained eye, Alberto Gilardino might have appeared nervous at the news conference ahead of Bayern’s meeting with Fiorentina on Tuesday evening. The Italian striker repeatedly burst into a torrent of speech even before the official interpreter had started translating the questions put by newsmen, a breach of the unspoken etiquette prevailing on official UEFA occasions. Is Signor Gilardino slightly fearful of the home side’s enviable reputation at the Allianz Arena?
The truth is undoubtedly a little different. The 26-year-old is Fiorentina’s most experienced player with 28 Champions League appearances already under his belt. Most of his team-mates are tasting life in Europe’s top club contest for the first time, but Gilardino lifted the trophy with AC Milan in 2007. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is expecting his striker to carry the fight to Bayern on Tuesday. “Alberto simply has the right attitude,” the 51-year-old commented. The pair worked successfully together at AC Parma. Prandelli has twice been named Italy’s coach of the year (05/06, 06/07), as Fiorentina boss on both occasions.
Gilardino’s impatience at the news conference probably reflected his desire for hostilities to commence as soon as possible. “We want to cause Bayern as many problems as possible and win the match,” the 2006 World Cup winner confidently declared. “Tomorrow’s match is one of the most important in my coaching career, in one of the world’s finest stadiums,” Prandelli stated, doubtless speaking for many of his players too.
Fiorentina’s solitary Champions League campaign so far was back in 1999-2000, when they finished second in their group behind Barcelona, before losing out to holders Manchester United and eventual finalists Valencia in the second group stage. Last season, the Italians emulated Bayern in reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals, but they were absent from the European scene for five years previously.
Prandelli expressed delight at the return to fitness of Gilardino’s strike partner Adrian Mutu. “Thankfully, Adrian can probably play,” the coach reported. The Romanian sat out a 3-0 victory over Reggina Calcio at the weekend with a knee problem. “We’ve not played together very often so far, but I hope we’ll achieve a lot together in the future,” Gilardino commented.
Mutu was the Tuscan side’s leading scorer last term, but summer signing Gilardino has netted five of Fiorentina’s eight league goals this season, and both their goals in Group F. In the summer qualifying meeting with Slavia Prague, both strikers hit the target in a 2-0 return leg win. “Do you think you and Adrian are one of the best strike pairings in the world?” a journalist asked Gilardino on Monday. The player smiled knowingly – while waiting for the interpreter to finish his job on this occasion.
FC Bayern Press
The truth is undoubtedly a little different. The 26-year-old is Fiorentina’s most experienced player with 28 Champions League appearances already under his belt. Most of his team-mates are tasting life in Europe’s top club contest for the first time, but Gilardino lifted the trophy with AC Milan in 2007. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is expecting his striker to carry the fight to Bayern on Tuesday. “Alberto simply has the right attitude,” the 51-year-old commented. The pair worked successfully together at AC Parma. Prandelli has twice been named Italy’s coach of the year (05/06, 06/07), as Fiorentina boss on both occasions.
Gilardino’s impatience at the news conference probably reflected his desire for hostilities to commence as soon as possible. “We want to cause Bayern as many problems as possible and win the match,” the 2006 World Cup winner confidently declared. “Tomorrow’s match is one of the most important in my coaching career, in one of the world’s finest stadiums,” Prandelli stated, doubtless speaking for many of his players too.
Fiorentina’s solitary Champions League campaign so far was back in 1999-2000, when they finished second in their group behind Barcelona, before losing out to holders Manchester United and eventual finalists Valencia in the second group stage. Last season, the Italians emulated Bayern in reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals, but they were absent from the European scene for five years previously.
Prandelli expressed delight at the return to fitness of Gilardino’s strike partner Adrian Mutu. “Thankfully, Adrian can probably play,” the coach reported. The Romanian sat out a 3-0 victory over Reggina Calcio at the weekend with a knee problem. “We’ve not played together very often so far, but I hope we’ll achieve a lot together in the future,” Gilardino commented.
Mutu was the Tuscan side’s leading scorer last term, but summer signing Gilardino has netted five of Fiorentina’s eight league goals this season, and both their goals in Group F. In the summer qualifying meeting with Slavia Prague, both strikers hit the target in a 2-0 return leg win. “Do you think you and Adrian are one of the best strike pairings in the world?” a journalist asked Gilardino on Monday. The player smiled knowingly – while waiting for the interpreter to finish his job on this occasion.
FC Bayern Press
Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool will train on Tuesday evening at Vicente Calderón
As is usual for Champions League matches, both teams will hold their final training sessions prior to the encounter at Estadio Vicente Calderón. The Liverpool expedition is scheduled to land at Barajas Airport at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and Rafa Benítez and his players will stay at a hotel in the centre of Madrid. The Spanish manager, along with one player, will hold a press conference at Estadio Vicente Calderón at 6:45 p.m. Liverpool will then train afterwards at 7:30.
For his part, Javier Aguirre and one Atlético player will appear before the media at 8:30 p.m., and Atlético de Madrid will hold their practice subsequently at 9 o’clock.
Access to the Press Room shall be granted through Gate 0 and the media, who will only be able to record the first fifteen minutes of each training session, will not have access to the pitch.
Atlético Press
For his part, Javier Aguirre and one Atlético player will appear before the media at 8:30 p.m., and Atlético de Madrid will hold their practice subsequently at 9 o’clock.
Access to the Press Room shall be granted through Gate 0 and the media, who will only be able to record the first fifteen minutes of each training session, will not have access to the pitch.
Atlético Press
Manchester United – Celtic FC preview: Celts look forward to facing European champions
Tradition dictates that tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League meeting of the reigning Scottish and English champions should make for an entertaining and eventful evening.
But despite the proud custom of attacking football embraced by both Celtic and Manchester United, Gordon Strachan is well aware of the pitfalls that this Group E encounter at Old Trafford will hold.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference in Manchester, the Celtic manager was fulsome in his praise of the UEFA Champions League holders, explaining that they were an improved outfit from the one that his team met two years ago in the same competition.
Those encounters turned out to be classics, with United winning 3-2 at home and Shunsuke Nakamura scoring the only goal of the game in an unforgettable tie at Celtic Park.
“The traditions of the clubs say that we have to try and entertain and attack,” Gordon Strachan said. “We will do our best, but a lot of teams come here and say that and the traffic always seems to go the one way.
“You come with great intentions when you come here and I’ve seen people say that teams sit in when they come here. No they don’t, they just can’t get out, there’s a big difference.
“We are going to play the best team in Europe, they are the champions of England, the champions of Europe and that tells you that they are the best team in Europe, with some of the best players in the world.
“The players know what’s coming and we are looking forward to the challenge. A lot of them were here two years ago, so they know what to expect. They enjoyed the experience two years ago and you can only enjoy the experience if you perform well and are happy with your contribution.”
The United squad list reads like a current ‘who’s who’ of world football, with the prodigiously gifted Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Celtic FC Press
But despite the proud custom of attacking football embraced by both Celtic and Manchester United, Gordon Strachan is well aware of the pitfalls that this Group E encounter at Old Trafford will hold.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference in Manchester, the Celtic manager was fulsome in his praise of the UEFA Champions League holders, explaining that they were an improved outfit from the one that his team met two years ago in the same competition.
Those encounters turned out to be classics, with United winning 3-2 at home and Shunsuke Nakamura scoring the only goal of the game in an unforgettable tie at Celtic Park.
“The traditions of the clubs say that we have to try and entertain and attack,” Gordon Strachan said. “We will do our best, but a lot of teams come here and say that and the traffic always seems to go the one way.
“You come with great intentions when you come here and I’ve seen people say that teams sit in when they come here. No they don’t, they just can’t get out, there’s a big difference.
“We are going to play the best team in Europe, they are the champions of England, the champions of Europe and that tells you that they are the best team in Europe, with some of the best players in the world.
“The players know what’s coming and we are looking forward to the challenge. A lot of them were here two years ago, so they know what to expect. They enjoyed the experience two years ago and you can only enjoy the experience if you perform well and are happy with your contribution.”
The United squad list reads like a current ‘who’s who’ of world football, with the prodigiously gifted Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Celtic FC Press
FC Porto - Dynamo Kyiv preview: Match officials appointed for Tuesday's match
Match officials from Norway have been selected to work at the Champions League group stage match FC Porto – Dynamo Kyiv.
The Norwegian referee Terje Hauge will take charge of Tuesday's encounter. Hauge was born in 1965 and currently lives in Bergen, Norway. He works as a referee advisor in addition to refereeing. Since he made his debut in 1990, Hauge has handled more than 200 matches in the top division and is considered one of the best Norwegian referees. He has been an authorised FIFA referee since 1993.
Hauge has refereed in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2000 and 2004. He also took charge of the 2004 UEFA Super Cup match between FC Porto and Valencia CF. On 17 May 2006, Terje Hauge became the first Norwegian to referee in a UEFA Champions League final. He took charge of the match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris.
The 43-year-old referee will be assisted by his compatriots Jan Petter Randen and Kim Thomas Haglund, with Kjetil Saelen, also from Norway, acting as fourth official.
Wolfgang Thierrichter from Austria and Patrick Kelly from Ireland have been appointed UEFA delegate and UEFA Referee observer, respectively.
Dynamo Kyiv Press
The Norwegian referee Terje Hauge will take charge of Tuesday's encounter. Hauge was born in 1965 and currently lives in Bergen, Norway. He works as a referee advisor in addition to refereeing. Since he made his debut in 1990, Hauge has handled more than 200 matches in the top division and is considered one of the best Norwegian referees. He has been an authorised FIFA referee since 1993.
Hauge has refereed in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2000 and 2004. He also took charge of the 2004 UEFA Super Cup match between FC Porto and Valencia CF. On 17 May 2006, Terje Hauge became the first Norwegian to referee in a UEFA Champions League final. He took charge of the match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris.
The 43-year-old referee will be assisted by his compatriots Jan Petter Randen and Kim Thomas Haglund, with Kjetil Saelen, also from Norway, acting as fourth official.
Wolfgang Thierrichter from Austria and Patrick Kelly from Ireland have been appointed UEFA delegate and UEFA Referee observer, respectively.
Dynamo Kyiv Press
Juventus - Real Madrid preview: Historical duel
Two of the greatest teams in European football history will face each other on Tuesday 21 October in Turin at 20:45 CET. Real Madrid and Juventus have clashed twelve times throughout their history, with seven victories for the Whites and five for the Italian team. The Madridistas have only won one of their five games in Turin.
Real Madrid have won four and lost only one of their five matches against the Italians at the Bernabéu, but the same can be said of Juventus at their home stadium. Two of the 12 clashes between them took place on neutral ground, first in the 1962 quarterfinal tie-break that gave Real Madrid a ticket to the semifinals, and in the legendary 1998 final in which the Madridistas won their seventh European Cup.
The Whites reached the quarterfinals in the 1986/87 edition of the tournament by defeating Juventus in the Last 16. Both sides won 1-0 at their own stadiums, but Real Madrid went through in the penalty shoot-out (3-1).
The first time the Italian side ever eliminated the Madridistas was in the 1996 quarterfinals. Raúl helped the team win 1-0 at home with a goal, but Juventus earned a 2-0 victory in the return leg. The Italians eventually won their second and last European Cup to date that year against Ajax.
Every Madridista remembers the 20 May 1998 clash between both sides in the Amsterdam Arena. The Italians were favourites to win the title due to their experience in the championship, their title of the previous campaign and by having Zinedine Zidane in their ranks.
Against all odds, Jupp Heinckes' Real Madrid won the title by defeating them 1-0. It was their first European Cup title in 32 years.
Both clubs were pitted against each other again in the 2002/03 and 2004/05 seasons. Real Madrid won at the Bernabéu by one goal both years (2-1 and 1-0, respectively) despite deserving much more. They eventually lost 3-1 and 2-0, respectively, in the Turin return legs.
Real Madrid Press
Real Madrid have won four and lost only one of their five matches against the Italians at the Bernabéu, but the same can be said of Juventus at their home stadium. Two of the 12 clashes between them took place on neutral ground, first in the 1962 quarterfinal tie-break that gave Real Madrid a ticket to the semifinals, and in the legendary 1998 final in which the Madridistas won their seventh European Cup.
The Whites reached the quarterfinals in the 1986/87 edition of the tournament by defeating Juventus in the Last 16. Both sides won 1-0 at their own stadiums, but Real Madrid went through in the penalty shoot-out (3-1).
The first time the Italian side ever eliminated the Madridistas was in the 1996 quarterfinals. Raúl helped the team win 1-0 at home with a goal, but Juventus earned a 2-0 victory in the return leg. The Italians eventually won their second and last European Cup to date that year against Ajax.
Every Madridista remembers the 20 May 1998 clash between both sides in the Amsterdam Arena. The Italians were favourites to win the title due to their experience in the championship, their title of the previous campaign and by having Zinedine Zidane in their ranks.
Against all odds, Jupp Heinckes' Real Madrid won the title by defeating them 1-0. It was their first European Cup title in 32 years.
Both clubs were pitted against each other again in the 2002/03 and 2004/05 seasons. Real Madrid won at the Bernabéu by one goal both years (2-1 and 1-0, respectively) despite deserving much more. They eventually lost 3-1 and 2-0, respectively, in the Turin return legs.
Real Madrid Press
Fenerbahce – Arsenal preview: ready to win
''We all know that Arsenal are the strongest team in our group from their previous results in the Champions League, but my players are also very qualified and experienced. Our only aim is to beat Arsenal infront of our fans, so we approach the task with this attitude and play with the same mentality and intentsity. We are aware of the fact that we really have to be very careful at defending and attacking. What we need to do is to show how much we really want to be successful in the Champions League.'', so revealed Fenerbahce coach Luis Aragonés today at the magnificient Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium.
Talented canary Edu also added: ''It's not only me and Lugano trying to close down the opposition," he said. "It's a team thing, preventing the opposition having opportunities. There are still areas which need to be improved and when we achieve this everything will be better. Despite not making an impressive start to our Champions League campaign, we still have a chance of qualifying.You need to judge each match on its own merits because every game has its own story. It's no secret that we go out to win every match. Last year we had a successful Champions League campaign but things have not gone as we wanted this year. Although we have started badly, I believe we can finish strongly. We attach a great importance to this match against Arsenal, because we got some bad results and now it is time for great victories again. We have worked hard, studied them, and will take the necessary precautions on the pitch.''
Fenerbahce Press
Talented canary Edu also added: ''It's not only me and Lugano trying to close down the opposition," he said. "It's a team thing, preventing the opposition having opportunities. There are still areas which need to be improved and when we achieve this everything will be better. Despite not making an impressive start to our Champions League campaign, we still have a chance of qualifying.You need to judge each match on its own merits because every game has its own story. It's no secret that we go out to win every match. Last year we had a successful Champions League campaign but things have not gone as we wanted this year. Although we have started badly, I believe we can finish strongly. We attach a great importance to this match against Arsenal, because we got some bad results and now it is time for great victories again. We have worked hard, studied them, and will take the necessary precautions on the pitch.''
Fenerbahce Press
Friday, October 17, 2008
Atlético Madrid – Real Madrid: Colchoneros want a win in the derby
On Saturday, 18 October, Atlético Madrid hope to end a 13-match winless streak in the Primera División against city rivals Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderón stadium.
If Atlético fail to beat Real they will equal their longest non-winning streak against their city rivals, which stretches to 14 matches.
According to Infostrada, this streak of 14 matches without a win is also the longest of Atlético against any club in the Primera División.
Atlético Madrid longest non-winning streaks against a club - Primera División
# Club Last match before streak Match that ended streak
14 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (04 Jan 1992) 2-0 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (12 Jun 1999) 3-1
13 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (30 Oct 1999) 1-3 Still running
12 Real Zaragoza CD Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (07 Oct 1962) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (02 Feb 1969) 1-0
11 Atlético Club de Bilbao Atlético Madrid - Atlético Bilbao (31 Dec 1950) 2-0 Atlético Bilbao - Atlético Madrid (06 Jan 1957) 1-4
9 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (07 Mar 1965) 0-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (15 Mar 1970) 3-0
9 Real Zaragoza Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza (23 Feb 1998) 2-1 Real Zaragoza - Atlético Madrid (21 Jan 2006) 0-2
8 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (07 Oct 1951) 3-2 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (19 Feb 1956) 1-0
8 Las Palmas Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (16 Oct 1966) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (03 Jan 1971) 2-1
8 Sporting Gijón Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (23 Apr 1978) 5-1 Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (19 Dec 1982) 2-1
8 FC Barcelona Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Mar 1981) 1-0 Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Sep 1985) 2-1
8 RCD Espanyol Atlético Madrid - RCD Espanyol (07 Dec 2003) 2-0 RCD Espanyol - Atlético Madrid (08 May 2008) 0-2
If Atlético fail to beat Real they will equal their longest non-winning streak against their city rivals, which stretches to 14 matches.
According to Infostrada, this streak of 14 matches without a win is also the longest of Atlético against any club in the Primera División.
Atlético Madrid longest non-winning streaks against a club - Primera División
# Club Last match before streak Match that ended streak
14 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (04 Jan 1992) 2-0 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (12 Jun 1999) 3-1
13 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (30 Oct 1999) 1-3 Still running
12 Real Zaragoza CD Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (07 Oct 1962) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (02 Feb 1969) 1-0
11 Atlético Club de Bilbao Atlético Madrid - Atlético Bilbao (31 Dec 1950) 2-0 Atlético Bilbao - Atlético Madrid (06 Jan 1957) 1-4
9 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (07 Mar 1965) 0-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (15 Mar 1970) 3-0
9 Real Zaragoza Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza (23 Feb 1998) 2-1 Real Zaragoza - Atlético Madrid (21 Jan 2006) 0-2
8 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (07 Oct 1951) 3-2 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (19 Feb 1956) 1-0
8 Las Palmas Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (16 Oct 1966) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (03 Jan 1971) 2-1
8 Sporting Gijón Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (23 Apr 1978) 5-1 Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (19 Dec 1982) 2-1
8 FC Barcelona Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Mar 1981) 1-0 Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Sep 1985) 2-1
8 RCD Espanyol Atlético Madrid - RCD Espanyol (07 Dec 2003) 2-0 RCD Espanyol - Atlético Madrid (08 May 2008) 0-2
Friday, October 3, 2008
Chelsea - Aston Villa preview: league leader hoping to snap streak
On Sunday, league leaders Chelsea host third placed Aston Villa in the seventh match round of the Premier League.
Chelsea has not won in the last five meetings with Aston Villa. Their last win over Aston Villa was three years ago on 24 September 2005 (2-1).
According to Infostrada, no other current Premier League team is on a longer unbeaten streak against Chelsea than Aston Villa.
Between 1995 and 2005, Chelsea suffered a 19 match winless streak against Arsenal.
Longest winless streak against specific opponent – Chelsea in Premier League
Matches Opponent Last match before streak First match after streak
19 Arsenal Chelsea - Arsenal (30 Sep 1995) 1-0 Chelsea - Arsenal (21 Aug 2005) 1-0
12 Blackburn Rovers Start Premier League Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea (21 Sep 1998) 3-4
8 Sheffield Wednesday Start Premier League Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea (07 Sep 1996) 0-2
6 Everton Chelsea - Everton (03 Jan 1994) 4-2 Everton - Chelsea (11 May 1997) 1-2
6 Liverpool Chelsea - Liverpool (25 Sep 1993) 1-0 Chelsea - Liverpool (01 Jan 1997) 1-0
6 Coventry City Chelsea - Coventry City (01 May 1993) 2-1 Chelsea - Coventry City (24 Aug 1996) 2-0
5 Aston Villa Chelsea - Aston Villa (24 Sep 2005) 2-1 Still running
Last five PL meetings between Chelsea and Aston Villa
Date Match Result
26 Dec 2007 Chelsea - Aston Villa 4-4
02 Sep 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 2-0
02 Jan 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 0-0
30 Sep 2006 Chelsea - Aston Villa 1-1
01 Feb 2006 Aston Villa - Chelsea 1-1
Chelsea has not won in the last five meetings with Aston Villa. Their last win over Aston Villa was three years ago on 24 September 2005 (2-1).
According to Infostrada, no other current Premier League team is on a longer unbeaten streak against Chelsea than Aston Villa.
Between 1995 and 2005, Chelsea suffered a 19 match winless streak against Arsenal.
Longest winless streak against specific opponent – Chelsea in Premier League
Matches Opponent Last match before streak First match after streak
19 Arsenal Chelsea - Arsenal (30 Sep 1995) 1-0 Chelsea - Arsenal (21 Aug 2005) 1-0
12 Blackburn Rovers Start Premier League Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea (21 Sep 1998) 3-4
8 Sheffield Wednesday Start Premier League Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea (07 Sep 1996) 0-2
6 Everton Chelsea - Everton (03 Jan 1994) 4-2 Everton - Chelsea (11 May 1997) 1-2
6 Liverpool Chelsea - Liverpool (25 Sep 1993) 1-0 Chelsea - Liverpool (01 Jan 1997) 1-0
6 Coventry City Chelsea - Coventry City (01 May 1993) 2-1 Chelsea - Coventry City (24 Aug 1996) 2-0
5 Aston Villa Chelsea - Aston Villa (24 Sep 2005) 2-1 Still running
Last five PL meetings between Chelsea and Aston Villa
Date Match Result
26 Dec 2007 Chelsea - Aston Villa 4-4
02 Sep 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 2-0
02 Jan 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 0-0
30 Sep 2006 Chelsea - Aston Villa 1-1
01 Feb 2006 Aston Villa - Chelsea 1-1
Zenit’s Tomas Hubocan is part of the history
On Tuesday, Tomas Hubocan of Zenit St. Petersburg netted an own goal in the fourth minute of his club’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The Slovakian thereby recorded the second fastest own goal in the history of the competition, according to Infostrada.
The record belongs to Benfica’s Scott Minto who beat his own goalkeeper in the third minute of a Champions League match on 4 November 1998.
Fastest own goals in Champions League history
Min. Goalscorer Nation Match Date
3 Scott Minto ENG Benfica* - HJK 2-2 04 Nov 1998
4 Tomas Hubocan SVK Zenit St. Petersburg* - Real Madrid 1-2 30 Sep 2008
10 Max Houttuin NED Olympique Lyon - sc Heerenveen* 3-1 12 Sep 2000
10 Vladislav Vashchuk UKR Anderlecht - Dynamo Kyiv* 4-2 18 Oct 2000
10 Gary Caldwell SCO Benfica – Celtic* 3-0 01 Nov 2006
12 Fernando Meira POR VfB Stuttgart* - Chelsea 0-1 25 Feb 2004
13 Sami Hyypiä FIN Besiktas – Liverpool* 2-1 24 Oct 2007
13 Deivid BRA Fenerbahçe* - Chelsea 2-1 02 Apr 2008
14 Jorge Andrade POR Deportivo La Coruña* - Liverpool 0-1 03 Nov 2004
16 Manuel Dimas POR Sporting CP* - Spartak Moskva 0-3 17 Oct 2000
* Denotes club that scored own goal
The Slovakian thereby recorded the second fastest own goal in the history of the competition, according to Infostrada.
The record belongs to Benfica’s Scott Minto who beat his own goalkeeper in the third minute of a Champions League match on 4 November 1998.
Fastest own goals in Champions League history
Min. Goalscorer Nation Match Date
3 Scott Minto ENG Benfica* - HJK 2-2 04 Nov 1998
4 Tomas Hubocan SVK Zenit St. Petersburg* - Real Madrid 1-2 30 Sep 2008
10 Max Houttuin NED Olympique Lyon - sc Heerenveen* 3-1 12 Sep 2000
10 Vladislav Vashchuk UKR Anderlecht - Dynamo Kyiv* 4-2 18 Oct 2000
10 Gary Caldwell SCO Benfica – Celtic* 3-0 01 Nov 2006
12 Fernando Meira POR VfB Stuttgart* - Chelsea 0-1 25 Feb 2004
13 Sami Hyypiä FIN Besiktas – Liverpool* 2-1 24 Oct 2007
13 Deivid BRA Fenerbahçe* - Chelsea 2-1 02 Apr 2008
14 Jorge Andrade POR Deportivo La Coruña* - Liverpool 0-1 03 Nov 2004
16 Manuel Dimas POR Sporting CP* - Spartak Moskva 0-3 17 Oct 2000
* Denotes club that scored own goal
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Champions League (in Africa) arrives to final four
We know, UEFA Champions League is the most important tournament in club levels in the world.
But, be careful, many of the top players that will be playing UCL next seasons, are playing the African Champions League these days. An example: Kolo Touré, Yaya Touré, Ibrahim Touré, Emmanuel Eboué, Salomon Kalou, Bonaventure Kalou, Bakari Koné, Donald-Olivier Sié,Abdoulaye Traoré, Romaric N'Dri Koffi and many other had played in the Ivorian ASEC Mimosas.
Due to semifinals will start on Sunday, here we have an interesting article from The Offside.
Standard Liege – Everton: Saha starts
David Moyes has handed Louis Saha a starting berth for tonight's Uefa Cup clash with Standard Liege.
The French international striker will partner Yakubu in attack as the manager makes two changes from the side that started against Liverpool at the weekend.
Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after playing for Liege in the Champions League qualifier, whilst Joseph Yobo drops out of the starting line-up in order to accomodate the return to the starting line-up of Leighton Baines.
Joleon Lescott will switch over from left back to the centre of defence alongside Phil Jagielka.
Leon Osman, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville will fill the midfield positions.
The French international striker will partner Yakubu in attack as the manager makes two changes from the side that started against Liverpool at the weekend.
Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after playing for Liege in the Champions League qualifier, whilst Joseph Yobo drops out of the starting line-up in order to accomodate the return to the starting line-up of Leighton Baines.
Joleon Lescott will switch over from left back to the centre of defence alongside Phil Jagielka.
Leon Osman, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville will fill the midfield positions.
Yobo has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Segundo Castillo, Nuno Valente, the fit-again Steven Pienaar, Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe.
It is Pienaar's first inclusion in an Everton squad this term after recovering from the broken toe he sustained against PSV Eindhoven in pre-season.
Source: Everton Press
Valencia – Marítimo: Iberian contest
Valencia CF carried out an intense morning training session. The team prepared the UEFA Cup first round second leg clash that will take place on Thursday 2nd October against Portuguese side CS Marítimo at Mestalla. Coach Unai Emery managed a training session that begun with some physical exercises. Then, the players carried out some tactical exercises, focusing on offensive and defensive movements with ball possession to improve speed. All Valencia CF players joined in this training session. The only absence was Curro Torres, who is still recovering from his injury.
Source: Valencia CF Press
Source: Valencia CF Press
Paris Saint Germain – Kayserispor: “Gather all our strength”
This Thursday, against Kayserispor, PSG can confirm its place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup. PSG coach Paul Le Guen and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu fronted up to the press at the traditional pre-match press conference...
Paul, you have one foot in the group phase...
“We saw with the result from the first leg that we got off to the right start. That still stands, even if we’ve lost two league games since then, against Saint-Etienne and Grenoble. We have to be very wary, because to be eliminated now would be a huge disappointment. We don’t have that much room to play with. We can get back to winning ways, but we need together all our strengths, even though I can’t call on the entire squad sue to injuries.”
You have several key players missing with injuries...
“Of course I’m not happy to be without Sakho, Makelele and Giuly because, without any disrespect to the others, without those players, it’s not the same. We need all our players, but especially the big players. We hope to have them fit soon. Now it’s up to the other players to seize the opportunity. Clément Chantôme is back in the squad after his twisted ankle, and that’s obviously a positive.”
Péguy Luyindula also seems to be riding a wave of confidence...
“Péguy has never given up. He’s always kept working hard. It hasn’t always been easy, including during our discussions, but he hung in there. I’ve played him in the UEFA Cup and the League Cup because I knew he could do a job. His relationship with the Parc des Princes is a little hard, and I’m sorry about that because he works hard for the team. Péguy is a lovely guy and I know he’s worth more than he’s shown here at PSG.”
Are PSG going give this UEFA Cup 100 per cent?
“Obviously there’s a logical progression having qualified for this competition by winning last season’s League Cup. We have respect for this competition. The club’s aim is to qualify for the group stage and I think our fans will love the European nights back at the Parc des Princes.”
Source: PSG Press
Paul, you have one foot in the group phase...
“We saw with the result from the first leg that we got off to the right start. That still stands, even if we’ve lost two league games since then, against Saint-Etienne and Grenoble. We have to be very wary, because to be eliminated now would be a huge disappointment. We don’t have that much room to play with. We can get back to winning ways, but we need together all our strengths, even though I can’t call on the entire squad sue to injuries.”
You have several key players missing with injuries...
“Of course I’m not happy to be without Sakho, Makelele and Giuly because, without any disrespect to the others, without those players, it’s not the same. We need all our players, but especially the big players. We hope to have them fit soon. Now it’s up to the other players to seize the opportunity. Clément Chantôme is back in the squad after his twisted ankle, and that’s obviously a positive.”
Péguy Luyindula also seems to be riding a wave of confidence...
“Péguy has never given up. He’s always kept working hard. It hasn’t always been easy, including during our discussions, but he hung in there. I’ve played him in the UEFA Cup and the League Cup because I knew he could do a job. His relationship with the Parc des Princes is a little hard, and I’m sorry about that because he works hard for the team. Péguy is a lovely guy and I know he’s worth more than he’s shown here at PSG.”
Are PSG going give this UEFA Cup 100 per cent?
“Obviously there’s a logical progression having qualified for this competition by winning last season’s League Cup. We have respect for this competition. The club’s aim is to qualify for the group stage and I think our fans will love the European nights back at the Parc des Princes.”
Source: PSG Press
Galatasaray - AC Bellinzona: host team need a draw or less...
Galatasaray will play with AC Bellinzona in the UEFA Cup First Round, Second Leg. Turkish team was victorious in the first leg 4-3.
Galatasaray's Last Five Games
28.09.2008 Galatasaray 4-1 Konyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
21.09.2008 Kocaelispor 1-4 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
13.09.2008 Galatasaray 1-1 Antalyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
31.08.2008 Kayserispor 0-0 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)
AC Bellinzona's Last Five Games
26.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 1-1 Grasshoppers Zürich (Axpo Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
14.09.2008 Bellinzona 1-2 BSC Young Boys (Axpo Super League)
01.09.2008 FC Zürich 3-0 Bellinzona (Axpo Super League)
28.08.2008 Bellinzona 2-1 FC Dnipro (UEFA Cup)
Source: Galatasaray Press
Galatasaray's Last Five Games
28.09.2008 Galatasaray 4-1 Konyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
21.09.2008 Kocaelispor 1-4 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
13.09.2008 Galatasaray 1-1 Antalyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
31.08.2008 Kayserispor 0-0 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)
AC Bellinzona's Last Five Games
26.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 1-1 Grasshoppers Zürich (Axpo Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
14.09.2008 Bellinzona 1-2 BSC Young Boys (Axpo Super League)
01.09.2008 FC Zürich 3-0 Bellinzona (Axpo Super League)
28.08.2008 Bellinzona 2-1 FC Dnipro (UEFA Cup)
Source: Galatasaray Press
Zurich - AC Milan: the usual press conference by coach Carlo Ancelotti at the Letzigrund
Ahead of the match against Zurich, valid for the second leg of the first round of the Uefa Cup 2008/2009, Carlo Ancelotti talked during a press conference:
"In tomorrow's match we start from a 3-1 result which is certainly an advantage for us, but we must not underestimate Zurich, because they will put us in difficulty.
It will be a different Milan compared to the first leg, because in the meantime the team has found a lot more balance. There won't be many changes, also because of the various injuries which prevent us from playing certain players. The most uncertain is Jankulovski, while Dida will start in goal. For the midfield there is a doubt between Ambrosini and Gattuso and up front between Ronaldinho and Pato.
We expect a Zurich team who will try to give everything at home, but Milan's objective is to go as far as possible in this competition and possibly to win the Uefa Cup, so we want to start by surviving this round."
Source: AC Milan Press
"In tomorrow's match we start from a 3-1 result which is certainly an advantage for us, but we must not underestimate Zurich, because they will put us in difficulty.
It will be a different Milan compared to the first leg, because in the meantime the team has found a lot more balance. There won't be many changes, also because of the various injuries which prevent us from playing certain players. The most uncertain is Jankulovski, while Dida will start in goal. For the midfield there is a doubt between Ambrosini and Gattuso and up front between Ronaldinho and Pato.
We expect a Zurich team who will try to give everything at home, but Milan's objective is to go as far as possible in this competition and possibly to win the Uefa Cup, so we want to start by surviving this round."
Source: AC Milan Press
Liverpool 3 – PSV Eindhoven 1: 100 Red goals in Europe
Robbie Keane scored his first goal for Liverpool and Steven Gerrard joined the 100 club as the Reds marked Rafael Benitez's 250th match in charge with a comfortable 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven.
The Ireland international's first-half strike was upstaged by Stevie's century in what proved to be a routine victory against the Dutch outfit with Dirk Kuyt also on target.
It means Liverpool remain level with Atlético Madrid at the top of Group D and will approach their double-header with the Spanish side in buoyant mood having taken maximum points from their opening two group fixtures for the first time ever.
Ahead of the match Benitez had suggested he would keep with faith with the players who had served him so well in the opening 10 games of the season, and he was true to his word.
Fabio Aurelio's return to action in place of Andrea Dossena was the only change from the team that beat Everton so convincingly at the weekend and it was a policy that would serve the Reds boss well.
Indeed, he didn't have long to wait for his reward with Kuyt firing the Reds in front after just four minutes of the contest.
A corner from the right was met on the volley by Fernando Torres and although Andreas Isaksson did brilliantly to deny the Spaniard, Kuyt was on hand to drill the rebound into the corner via the keeper's hands.
It was Liverpool's 100th goal in the European Cup under Rafa Benitez and it set the tone for a night that would be littered with significant milestones.
First Keane was denied a penalty after he appeared to be tripped in the area before Torres powered a towering header from Steven Gerrard's corner just wide.
Torres ghosted into space down the right hand side of the penalty area before crossing low for his strike partner who met the ball first time with a superb side-footed effort.
So often this season the 28-year-old has seen the ball bounce just wide or into the grateful arms of a goalkeeper - but not on this occasion as he expertly guided it into the far corner of the net. Cue a trademark celebration from the Irishman, whose finish was greeted by the biggest cheer of the night.
It already seemed like it would be a damage limitation exercise for Huub Stevens' men but they gave the home side a scare on 59 minutes when Nordin Amrabat smashed a 25 yarder inches wide of Pepe Reina's right-hand post.
It was rare foray forward for the visitors and the remainder of the match followed the same pattern that had preceded that attempt - with Liverpool in the ascendancy.
Keane went close to doubling his tally with a flicked header from Aurelio's free-kick before Torres saw a clipped effort bounce just wide after a burst of pace had sent him surging in on the left-hand side of the area.
On an evening where his teammates had been stealing the limelight with significant goals, Steven Gerrard had been surprisingly quiet.
The skipper is so often the man for the big occasion and he wasn't about to let it pass him by without notching his 100th for the club. On 76 minutes the Reds were awarded a free-kick in front of the Kop and as the midfielder raced on to Aurelio's touch-off there was only one place the ball was destined to land.
It was typical Gerrard - an exquisite drive that gave the keeper absolutely no chance and how fitting the goal came at the Kop end.
Source: Liverpool FC Press
The Ireland international's first-half strike was upstaged by Stevie's century in what proved to be a routine victory against the Dutch outfit with Dirk Kuyt also on target.
It means Liverpool remain level with Atlético Madrid at the top of Group D and will approach their double-header with the Spanish side in buoyant mood having taken maximum points from their opening two group fixtures for the first time ever.
Ahead of the match Benitez had suggested he would keep with faith with the players who had served him so well in the opening 10 games of the season, and he was true to his word.
Fabio Aurelio's return to action in place of Andrea Dossena was the only change from the team that beat Everton so convincingly at the weekend and it was a policy that would serve the Reds boss well.
Indeed, he didn't have long to wait for his reward with Kuyt firing the Reds in front after just four minutes of the contest.
A corner from the right was met on the volley by Fernando Torres and although Andreas Isaksson did brilliantly to deny the Spaniard, Kuyt was on hand to drill the rebound into the corner via the keeper's hands.
It was Liverpool's 100th goal in the European Cup under Rafa Benitez and it set the tone for a night that would be littered with significant milestones.
First Keane was denied a penalty after he appeared to be tripped in the area before Torres powered a towering header from Steven Gerrard's corner just wide.
Torres ghosted into space down the right hand side of the penalty area before crossing low for his strike partner who met the ball first time with a superb side-footed effort.
So often this season the 28-year-old has seen the ball bounce just wide or into the grateful arms of a goalkeeper - but not on this occasion as he expertly guided it into the far corner of the net. Cue a trademark celebration from the Irishman, whose finish was greeted by the biggest cheer of the night.
It already seemed like it would be a damage limitation exercise for Huub Stevens' men but they gave the home side a scare on 59 minutes when Nordin Amrabat smashed a 25 yarder inches wide of Pepe Reina's right-hand post.
It was rare foray forward for the visitors and the remainder of the match followed the same pattern that had preceded that attempt - with Liverpool in the ascendancy.
Keane went close to doubling his tally with a flicked header from Aurelio's free-kick before Torres saw a clipped effort bounce just wide after a burst of pace had sent him surging in on the left-hand side of the area.
On an evening where his teammates had been stealing the limelight with significant goals, Steven Gerrard had been surprisingly quiet.
The skipper is so often the man for the big occasion and he wasn't about to let it pass him by without notching his 100th for the club. On 76 minutes the Reds were awarded a free-kick in front of the Kop and as the midfielder raced on to Aurelio's touch-off there was only one place the ball was destined to land.
It was typical Gerrard - an exquisite drive that gave the keeper absolutely no chance and how fitting the goal came at the Kop end.
Source: Liverpool FC Press
Shakhtar 1 - Barcelona 2: Messi goals produce another late victory
Barça turned their Champions League tie with Shakhtar on its head in the closing minutes with two goals from Lionel Messi to record their fifth consecutive victory and stay on top of Group C.
Just like on Montjuïc four days before, it was not until the very last moments that justice was done as a brace from the Argentinian forward won the game for the visitors in Donetsk. In a match of few chances at either end it was always going to take something special to claim all three points and Messi was able to produce just that.
Shakhtar complicated Barça's task by taking the lead before the break with a goal on the counter-attack. In the second half the hosts sat back even more, but Eto'o and Bojan both had chances before the Blaugrana finally drew level in the 87th minute thanks to a mistake by Andriy Pyatov that saw the ball slip through his hands. Not content with a point though, Barça pushed forward in the closing moments and Messi was able to show why he is so highly-rated with a superb finish to win the match for his team.
The home team was conscious of how important the game was for their aspirations to qualify for the next stage and did not want to take too many risks and allow Barça much space. After a bright opening, Shakhtar then sat back and the visitors took control but, unlike in previous games, they had to maintain possession in their own half and across the middle because an advanced Shakhtar side pressed them back and kept the ball away from their area.
The best chance for Barcelona in the opening stages came in the sixth minute when a superb pass through the middle found Thierry Henry clear and he was able to take one touch to control the ball before shooting, only for a good save from the keeper to deny him the opener. Fernandinho then looked to test Víctor Valdés, but it was the away team that maintained the pressure and ensured that their opponents had to keep several players back on the edge of their own area at all times. With Henry and Eto'o looking for space in front of goal and Iniesta creating down the flanks, Xavi was able to use his creative touches more and more.
Alves then kept Pyatov's eye in with a shot from outside the area shortly before Shakhtar tested Valdés. Brandão Broke forward in the 37th minute and picked out Luiz Adriano and he in turn found Ilsinho, but the Catalan custodian was prepared and made a superb save to tip the shot over the bar. The home side were not finished though and took the lead a minute before half time. A high ball forward was flicked on by Piqué and Ilsinho held off the challenge from Puyol before clipping the ball over the approaching Valdés.
With a one goal lead, Shakhtar looked to protect that and Barça controlled the second period from start to finish. Alves tested the keeper shortly after the restart with a low free-kick that was tipped round the post. Messi then entered the game just before the hour mark in place of Henry and he quickly showed a few touches that would later be used to undo Shakhtar's stubborn resistance. His first contribution was a superb pass through the middle to Eto'o and the Cameroonian forward looked set to score before losing his balance at the crucial moment before prodding the ball wide of the post. Bojan then came on and he almost scored too after steering his way into the area before shooting into the side-netting.
When the equaliser came it was at a time when Shakhtar were looking to wind down the clock and see out time. Justice was served though in an unexpected way as Krkic's cross was fumbled by Pyatov and Messi was in the right place to steer home from close range.
At 1-1 the game was there for Barcelona to take and, while they could have accepted a point, they moved forward in search of all three. In the 92nd minute they produced a superb move as Xavi's pass behind the defence found Messi and he superbly clipped it over the approaching keeper and into the net to win the game.
The victory sees Barça move clear at the top of Group C with six points.
Source: FC Barcelona Press
Just like on Montjuïc four days before, it was not until the very last moments that justice was done as a brace from the Argentinian forward won the game for the visitors in Donetsk. In a match of few chances at either end it was always going to take something special to claim all three points and Messi was able to produce just that.
Shakhtar complicated Barça's task by taking the lead before the break with a goal on the counter-attack. In the second half the hosts sat back even more, but Eto'o and Bojan both had chances before the Blaugrana finally drew level in the 87th minute thanks to a mistake by Andriy Pyatov that saw the ball slip through his hands. Not content with a point though, Barça pushed forward in the closing moments and Messi was able to show why he is so highly-rated with a superb finish to win the match for his team.The home team was conscious of how important the game was for their aspirations to qualify for the next stage and did not want to take too many risks and allow Barça much space. After a bright opening, Shakhtar then sat back and the visitors took control but, unlike in previous games, they had to maintain possession in their own half and across the middle because an advanced Shakhtar side pressed them back and kept the ball away from their area.
The best chance for Barcelona in the opening stages came in the sixth minute when a superb pass through the middle found Thierry Henry clear and he was able to take one touch to control the ball before shooting, only for a good save from the keeper to deny him the opener. Fernandinho then looked to test Víctor Valdés, but it was the away team that maintained the pressure and ensured that their opponents had to keep several players back on the edge of their own area at all times. With Henry and Eto'o looking for space in front of goal and Iniesta creating down the flanks, Xavi was able to use his creative touches more and more.
Alves then kept Pyatov's eye in with a shot from outside the area shortly before Shakhtar tested Valdés. Brandão Broke forward in the 37th minute and picked out Luiz Adriano and he in turn found Ilsinho, but the Catalan custodian was prepared and made a superb save to tip the shot over the bar. The home side were not finished though and took the lead a minute before half time. A high ball forward was flicked on by Piqué and Ilsinho held off the challenge from Puyol before clipping the ball over the approaching Valdés.
With a one goal lead, Shakhtar looked to protect that and Barça controlled the second period from start to finish. Alves tested the keeper shortly after the restart with a low free-kick that was tipped round the post. Messi then entered the game just before the hour mark in place of Henry and he quickly showed a few touches that would later be used to undo Shakhtar's stubborn resistance. His first contribution was a superb pass through the middle to Eto'o and the Cameroonian forward looked set to score before losing his balance at the crucial moment before prodding the ball wide of the post. Bojan then came on and he almost scored too after steering his way into the area before shooting into the side-netting.
When the equaliser came it was at a time when Shakhtar were looking to wind down the clock and see out time. Justice was served though in an unexpected way as Krkic's cross was fumbled by Pyatov and Messi was in the right place to steer home from close range.
At 1-1 the game was there for Barcelona to take and, while they could have accepted a point, they moved forward in search of all three. In the 92nd minute they produced a superb move as Xavi's pass behind the defence found Messi and he superbly clipped it over the approaching keeper and into the net to win the game.
The victory sees Barça move clear at the top of Group C with six points.
Source: FC Barcelona Press
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Atlético de Madrid - Olympique de Marseille preview: host team goes for another win
The players of Olympique de Marsella have gotten to know the pitch at Estadio Vicente Calderón, where they will face off against Atlético de Madrid on Wednesday (8:45 p.m.). Eric Gerets’ lads worked out for approximately an hour on the grass, in their final preparatory session before the encounter. The French side fell at home to Liverpool on the first matchday of the group stage, so they are just about obligated to earn points against Atlético.
Pape Diouf, chairman of Olympique de Marseile, travelled at the front of the French club’s expedition and attended the practice of the squad managed by Eric Gerets. He had the opportunity to chat for a bit with Jesús García Pitarch, the General Manager Club Atlético de Madrid, for a few minutes in the stands.
The Olympique de Marseille squad list is formed by the following players:
Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Riou.
Defenders: Bonnart, Taiwo, Hilton, Zubar and Erbate.
Midfielders: Cana, Cheyrou, M’Bami, Kaboré, Ziani, Zenden, Valbuena and Ben Arfa.
Strikers: Niang, Samassa and Koné.
Pape Diouf, chairman of Olympique de Marseile, travelled at the front of the French club’s expedition and attended the practice of the squad managed by Eric Gerets. He had the opportunity to chat for a bit with Jesús García Pitarch, the General Manager Club Atlético de Madrid, for a few minutes in the stands.
The Olympique de Marseille squad list is formed by the following players:
Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Riou.
Defenders: Bonnart, Taiwo, Hilton, Zubar and Erbate.
Midfielders: Cana, Cheyrou, M’Bami, Kaboré, Ziani, Zenden, Valbuena and Ben Arfa.
Strikers: Niang, Samassa and Koné.
Liverpool - PSV Eindhoven preview: flight delayed
PSV’s flight from Eindhoven Airport this morning eventually left two-and-a-hours late. The hold-up was caused when the plane did not take off due to mechanical problems. The PSV party had to wait for a second aircraft and arrived at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool two-and-half-hours later than planned.
Liverpool and PSV had never met until the 2006/07 campaign, when they faced each other four times. In the group stage Ronald Koeman’s team played out a goalless draw in Eindhoven on Matchday 1 before Liverpool won the return match 2-0 on Matchday 5. PSV progressed to the quarter finals after having eliminated Arsenal from the competition. Rafa Benítez's team then earned a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over PSV in the quarter-finals. They recorded a 3-0 win at the Philips Stadium in the first leg and claimed a 1-0 victory in the return leg at Anfield. PSV also made a trip to Liverpool in summer, when they met Everton in a pre-season friendly. Nordin Amrabat opened the scoring for PSV, but the hosts canceled out the deficit in the closing stages. All in all, PSV are in Liverpool for the fourth time and will play a competitive match at Anfield for the third time.
The plane with the PSV party, including players, coaching staff, officials, members of the board, sponsors and media representatives, landed at John Lennon Airport at 2pm. PSV coach Huub Stevens will preview Wednesday’s game at a press conference tonight at 6pm, after which the players will have a one-hour training session on the pitch at Anfield.
Source: PSV Press
Shakhtar Donetsk – Barcelona preview: “Another big test”
Although the fact that the first team has won four games in a row indicates that things are on the right track, Pep Guardiola wants to put the past behind him, knowing that Shakhtar will be another big test.
Speaking in his press conference on the eve of the game with the Ukrainian club, the Barça manager has commented on how important it is to get a win to put them in a strong position in the group table. “We have another big test on Wednesday” he said. “A huge opportunity to make a big step towards the second round. We have to remember that not winning in the Champions League can penalise you heavily.”
The football first team has won on its last four outings, once in the Champions League and three times in the domestic championship. But Guardiola is keeping clam and reminded listeners that, especially in the league “a few days ago we were in the relegation zone … it is better to be prudent. The past belongs to the past. We know where we are going and that we need to persist.”
Guardiola was speaking about both the games Barça must face before the international break, and about how important both encounters are for their futures in both competitions. “Now we have to play two important matches before the break for different international commitments. The game on Wednesday is the priority for now, and is crucial in terms of qualification for the second round of the Champions League. The game on Saturday against Atlético Madrid is basic for getting closer to the top of the league.”
The Barça manager was giving nothing away regarding the side he might put out on Wednesday evening and also commented on Shakhtar Donetsk’s strength going forward. “I have enormous respect for Shakhtar” he said. “They are a very attacking and daring side. We’ll have to be very careful, because it is always difficult at their ground. But we know how they play, I know their players well, they have a high level and we’ll be trying to do them damage.”
The problem with Barça of late has been that despite creating loads of chances, they are struggling to covert them into goals. On this issue Guardiola said “getting goals is the most difficult bit … the most important thing is the good football and great team spirit we have. We have to persist in ensuring we do things well. With our strikers, we’ll manage it.”
Source: FC Barcelona Press
Speaking in his press conference on the eve of the game with the Ukrainian club, the Barça manager has commented on how important it is to get a win to put them in a strong position in the group table. “We have another big test on Wednesday” he said. “A huge opportunity to make a big step towards the second round. We have to remember that not winning in the Champions League can penalise you heavily.”
The football first team has won on its last four outings, once in the Champions League and three times in the domestic championship. But Guardiola is keeping clam and reminded listeners that, especially in the league “a few days ago we were in the relegation zone … it is better to be prudent. The past belongs to the past. We know where we are going and that we need to persist.”
Guardiola was speaking about both the games Barça must face before the international break, and about how important both encounters are for their futures in both competitions. “Now we have to play two important matches before the break for different international commitments. The game on Wednesday is the priority for now, and is crucial in terms of qualification for the second round of the Champions League. The game on Saturday against Atlético Madrid is basic for getting closer to the top of the league.”
The Barça manager was giving nothing away regarding the side he might put out on Wednesday evening and also commented on Shakhtar Donetsk’s strength going forward. “I have enormous respect for Shakhtar” he said. “They are a very attacking and daring side. We’ll have to be very careful, because it is always difficult at their ground. But we know how they play, I know their players well, they have a high level and we’ll be trying to do them damage.”
The problem with Barça of late has been that despite creating loads of chances, they are struggling to covert them into goals. On this issue Guardiola said “getting goals is the most difficult bit … the most important thing is the good football and great team spirit we have. We have to persist in ensuring we do things well. With our strikers, we’ll manage it.”
Source: FC Barcelona Press
Inter Milan - Werder Bremen preview: Italians want another victory
Inter finished off their preparations for Wednesday's UEFA Champions Group B Matchday 2 clash against Werder Bremen with an afternoon training session at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.
After a long session of warm-up and stretching exercises, José Mourinho's Nerazzurri performed tactical drills and played a training game. Luis Figo, Luis Jimenez and Maxwell trained separately.
José Mourinho has called up 20 players for Wednesday evening's Champions League Matchday 2 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):
Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.
Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu.
Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.
Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.
Source: FC Inter Press
After a long session of warm-up and stretching exercises, José Mourinho's Nerazzurri performed tactical drills and played a training game. Luis Figo, Luis Jimenez and Maxwell trained separately.
José Mourinho has called up 20 players for Wednesday evening's Champions League Matchday 2 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):
Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.
Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu.
Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.
Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.
Source: FC Inter Press
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