News News Blog: UEFA Champions League

UEFA delay president election amid Michel Platini appeal but technology set for EURO 2016

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UEFA will not hold an election to replace Michel Platini as president until the appeals process against his eight-year ban has been exhausted.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michel Platini has been given an eight-year ban</td></tr>
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Platini was banned along with FIFA president Sepp Blatter last month over a £1.3million payment he received from FIFA in 2011. He has appealed to FIFA's appeals committee and is expected to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if that fails.</div>
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UEFA's executive committee met yesterday and decided to delay any election until the outcome of that process. Platini has already withdrawn as a candidate for next month's FIFA presidential election.</div>
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Goal-line technology, meanwhile, will be used at Euro 2016 and from the play-off stage of next season's Champions League.</div>
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UEFA delay president election amid Michel Platini appeal but technology set for EURO 2016

UEFA will not hold an election to replace Michel Platini as president until the appeals process against his eight-year ban has been exhaust...

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Louis van Gaal is the cog that has gone wrong at Manchester United, blasts former winger

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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal reaches boiling point after losing it with fans

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man United boss Louis van Gaal lost it with fans and former players for bringing up the past</td></tr>
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LOUIS VAN GAAL has told Manchester United fans to get real and stop living in the past.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Louis%20Van%20Gaal" target="_blank">outspoken Dutchman</a> admits he is struggling to manage expectation levels at Old Trafford.</div>
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Van Gaal insists it is unrealistic to expect 25 years of virtually unbroken success under <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sir%20Alex%20Ferguson" target="_blank">Sir Alex Ferguson</a> to continue while the club is in transition and at a time when the competition at home and abroad has intensified.</div>
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After facing a fans’ backlash following United’s exit from the <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/UEFA%20Champions%20League" target="_blank">Champions League</a>, he said: “The problem is that we have to meet the expectations. And the expectations at a club like this are very high. </div>
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“But you have to analyse the club now. You cannot compare it with five or 10 years ago, because there is an evolution in European football. They say Manchester United has to win [titles] but that is the past."</div>
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Fans, media and a lengthy list of former <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Manchester%20United" target="_parent">Manchester United</a> stars keep telling him how good it was and how it should be.</div>
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Well, the outspoken Dutchman snapped yesterday and basically told everyone to take a reality check on today's football landscape.</div>
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Despite spending £250million on new players in his 18 months in charge, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-self-belief-has-not-wavered-despite.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Van Gaal says he is still in a re-building process and that there were "positives" from the midweek defeat by Wolfsburg</a> when United crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.</div>
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“There were a lot of positives but when people don’t want to see them it’s not my problem," he said. "I didn't hear anything positive said of [youngsters] Guillermo Varela or Campbell Borthwick-Jackson.</div>
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"We had Memphis, 21, Lingard, 22, Martial, 19, in attack and still we could hurt the No 2 club in Germany. We could have won the game.”</div>
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That exit followed a run of less than inspiring performances with United booed off in some recent games at Old Trafford where they have slugged out five goal-less draws this season.</div>
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But after a week of mounting criticism, Van Gaal went on the attack. He insisted he is still the right man for the job, his players are behind him and his methods, and progress is being made - if people are prepared to analyse the games properly.</div>
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He said: "It is more of a problem in the outside world than inside the club. No, I don't have any doubts about my ability. I have read that I am 64 and I am too old. But only last year I was good enough to get Holland to third place at the World Cup.</div>
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"I read the same things - that my touch had gone - 20 years ago when I was at Barcelona and we went out at the group stage but we went on to win La Liga. It is always like that. I cannot change that. I cannot change what is in people's mind. I can only say the facts.</div>
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"The facts are this - we are out of the group stage and, yes, I am very sorry. But I have done everything I could. My players have done everything they could. My board, I think, have also done everything.</div>
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"We are all working very hard but the problem is that we have to meet the expectations. And the expectations at a club like this are very high. But you have to analyse the club now. You cannot compare it with five or 10 years ago, because there is an evolution in football and in European football. They say Manchester United has to win [titles] but that is the past.</div>
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"I had the task when I came here to improve the club and win the title, when it is possible. We are in that process, but when I say that, I know I will face criticism that 'football is not a process' and things like that."</div>
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Van Gaal argued that the competition is stronger now both in Europe and in the Premier League because clubs have greater financial resources and better organisation.</div>
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He added: "The world has changed. Now we have many more clubs with the money and structure to win something. Next year the clubs in the Premier League will have a bigger budget than most of the clubs in Europe. That makes a big difference.</div>
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"Every club can also buy players. The difference between the clubs is not so different anymore. You see confirmation of that every week. The bottom clubs can beat the top.</div>
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"When you say that I am hired to make the difference, you are right. I can make the difference, in tactics and everything. But I cannot score goals and the 0-0 draw for PSV Eindhoven was the match that cost us in our group."</div>
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Van Gaal’s hopes of an immediate improvement for United’s first ever League meeting with Bournemouth today have been hit by nine absentees – Chris Smalling, Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiger (suspended) joining a list that already included Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw. </div>
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He is set to field a defence including three youngsters, Guillermo Varela, Paddy McNair and Campbell Borthwick-Jackson.</div>
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Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal reaches boiling point after losing it with fans

Man United boss Louis van Gaal lost it with fans and former players for bringing up the past LOUIS VAN GAAL has told Manchester United ...

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Arsene Wenger desperate for Arsenal to maintain their good Champions League habit

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc3LQ9dymkFU408t3EZuFw0oPGw0v0vU1sZn6cqSzbKrvtdwf3eJNx3yiWeS1N9zcAlBbAL1ErNQX3_eLCWhCg1JznRi0hZ2Sa9bdjoYdNuiFdKDfKbBTqK5EDS7DnqhqWO0jn2p-xAc/s1600/Arsene+Wenger+desperate+for+Arsenal+to+maintain+their+good+Champions+League+habit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arsene Wenger desperate for Arsenal to maintain their good Champions League habit " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc3LQ9dymkFU408t3EZuFw0oPGw0v0vU1sZn6cqSzbKrvtdwf3eJNx3yiWeS1N9zcAlBbAL1ErNQX3_eLCWhCg1JznRi0hZ2Sa9bdjoYdNuiFdKDfKbBTqK5EDS7DnqhqWO0jn2p-xAc/s640/Arsene+Wenger+desperate+for+Arsenal+to+maintain+their+good+Champions+League+habit.jpg" title="Arsene Wenger desperate for Arsenal to maintain their good Champions League habit " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arsene Wenger's (left) Arsenal lost 3-2 to Olympiakos in London earlier this season</td></tr>
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LABEL conscious Arsene Wenger knows that after the final head-to-head with Olympiakos Arsenal will be left with one of two badges. </div>
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“Group stage qualification kings” or “European football’s nearly men”.</div>
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Ever since the defeat against the Greeks at the Emirates, Arsenal’s attempt to progress through the  Champions League group stages for the 16th season in a row has hung on a knife edge.</div>
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Sure enough – the mathematics eventually worked down to a single head-to-head in the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Athens’ port gateway.</div>
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Essentially, if Arsenal win by two clear goals they are through once again. The trouble is, in general, Arsenal do not do European knife edges particularly well.</div>
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Monaco last season: a 3-1 home defeat left the north London side facing an uphill task to qualify on aggregate. The 2-0 win in France saw them exit narrowly on away goals.</div>
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The year before they succumbed to no greater force than Bayern Munich by exactly the same scoreline, failing in five frantic minutes to secure the third goal of an unlikely win at the Allianz Arena.</div>
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When they were buried 4-0 at the San Siro by Inter Milan in 2012 everybody thought it was game over. However, Arsenal got themselves 3-0 up at half-time back at the Emirates, but just could not find the fourth to take the tie to extra time.</div>
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So near, so far – always.</div>
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“A worrying habit?” Wenger mused. “As long as you don't win the competition – at any stage to go out is bad. That is basically it.”</div>
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Then, with that mischievous smile back on his face, he flipped the question.</div>
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“On the other hand, we have climbed 15 times out of the group stages consecutively, so you could say that is a good habit.”</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wenger could have a lot to ponder if they fail in the Greek capital</td></tr>
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On the plus side, Wenger is sure that those near misses should set his players up psychologically to know exactly what is expected of them.</div>
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“Mentally, you prepare yourself to adapt to every situation and give the right response to every situation you face,” he said.</div>
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“We will have to adapt to what is happening on the pitch and to all of the scenarios, accept them and respond. But from Monaco especially we can learn from what happened to us.</div>
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“Overall the game we played in Monaco was very positive, maybe we rushed a little bit in the last 10 minutes and that is what we can learn from the game.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arsenal boss is focused on the task in hand to keep their Champions League hopes alive</td></tr>
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“Ideally, you would like not to have to be patient but we might need to be. What is important is that basically the same for every game in Champions League you attack well and defend well, that is the best way, go into the game with a desire to win it and knowing you need to do both sides of the game well.”<br />
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However, other recent historical precedent is less helpful. Arsenal have travelled to Olympiakos three times in the last six years, always in December. Each time they have lost.</div>
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Moreover, Olympiakos are currently flying high in the Greek Super League on the back of 12 successive domestic victories since the start of the season.</div>
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Indeed, Group F winners Bayern Munich are the only team from anywhere who have not rolled over in front of Olympiakos this season and a repeat of either the 3-0 win for the Germans here or the 4-0 victory in Munich will be enough for Arsenal.</div>
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Wenger is hoping that if they can get the jitters to set in, momentum and nerves will do the rest.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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“We are playing against a side that is at the moment qualified but they can lose what they have and that can create a fear factor.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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“We have to put every scenario in our head - it is important we focus on the performance. The results come if we play well so let’s focus on that.<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
“They are a good side but we know we can do it. The team will be highly focused - this holds a big significance to us.”</div>

Arsene Wenger desperate for Arsenal to maintain their good Champions League habit

Arsene Wenger's (left) Arsenal lost 3-2 to Olympiakos in London earlier this season LABEL conscious Arsene Wenger knows that after ...

Man City 4 - Monchengladbach 2: Late Sterling double secures top spot for City

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raheem Sterling clinched City's place as group toppers</td></tr>
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BIRTHDAY boy Raheem Sterling was the toast as Manchester City enjoyed a coming of age party in the Champions League.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sterling chose the occasion of his 21st birthday to produce his best performance since joining City from Liverpool in the summer and paid back a big chunk of his £49m fee in the process.</div>
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He scored twice and had a hand in the other two goals as City produced a remarkable late charge to beat Borussia Monchengladbach and finish group winners for the first time in their sixth season in the competition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sterling scored twice and substitute Wilfried Bony also found the net in a remarkable five minute spell between the 80th and 85th minutes as City came from 2-1 down to win 4-2.</div>
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They needed Seville to beat Juventus as well to finish in pole position and with the Spaniards duly obliging it was the perfect ending to a night when City put manager Manuel Pellegrini and their fans through the emotional wringer.</div>
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It means they will avoid teams like Barcelona - who have beaten them in the last two seasons in the last 16 - Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. </div>
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To make the life even sweeter for City and their fans, neighbours United crashed out in Wolfsburg.</div>
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Sterling, who has now hit eight goals for City, three of them in Europe, said: "It's something I have been dreaming of all my life, scoring in the Champions League and scoring on my birthday makes it even more special.</div>
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"I knew if we had the chances we would take them so credit to the boys. The second half we slowed it down a bit and worked the ball a bit better.</div>
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"It's a brilliant feeling for the boys and we have worked hard and I think we deserved it. We made it hard and difficult at times but we showed the character we can show.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolarov and Fernandinho celebrate with Sterling as the striker scored twice for Man City</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The most important thing was avoiding the big teams in the next round and trying to get a fair draw and hopefully we can do it over two legs. It's feet up now with my family and two daughters."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pellegrini suggested it could be the turning point in Sterling's City career.</div>
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"It was his birthday, he is 21 years old, so I told him the minimum he has to do was to score two goals. I think it will be very important for him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borussia Monchengladbach gave Man City a fright in Manchester </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"It is obviously better to finish first because you can avoid important teams like Bayern, Barca and Real for just one stage more. But if you hope to win the Champions League , you have to play against the big teams eventually."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But as they often do in Europe, City made hard work of it against in-form Borussia who had beaten Bayern Munich on Saturday and had lost only one of their previous 15 games.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
City took a 15th minute lead through David Silva  who was set up by Sterling's lever back heel  but were stunned by goals before half-time from Julian Korb and Raffael that underlined their worrying defensive vulnerability.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bony wrapped up top spot in Group D with City's fourth goal </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Korb scored with a first time shot after Fabian Johnson¹s surging run from the half-way line had opened up City. And Raffael finished off a pitch-length move with the final touch after Johnson had helped on Oscar Wendt¹s cross.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
City improved in the second half but couldn¹t find a way through. But with news filtering through that Juve were behind in Spain they re-doubled their efforts and Sterling equalised from Gael Clichy¹s cut-back in the 80th minute. </div>
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A minute later he added his second from sub Bony¹s pass and then Bony scored himself from a cross by Aleksander Kolarov who had exchanged passes with Sterling.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If key stars Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany can get themselves fit and stay injury-free, then maybe City can start to believe that this could be the season where they finally make an impact in Europe.</div>

Man City 4 - Monchengladbach 2: Late Sterling double secures top spot for City

Raheem Sterling clinched City's place as group toppers BIRTHDAY boy Raheem Sterling was the toast as Manchester City enjoyed a co...

Wolfsburg 3 - Man Utd 2: Louis van Gaal's men crash out of Champions League

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manchester United lose Champions League decider against Wolfsburg</td></tr>
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SO, Thursday night football it is. But for Manchester United, one of Europe’s great clubs, it could so easily have been different. </div>
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After a rollercoaster Group B match, in which United’s dreams of remaining in Europe’s elite club competition remained alive until the tense final minutes, Louis van Gaal’s team crashed out to resilient Wolfsburg.</div>
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After going into an early lead in the nail-biter, United succumbed to two goals and they looked dead and buried, only to battle their way back and force a Josuha Guilavogui own-goal.</div>
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At that stage, it seemed United were through – but their hopes of progressing were shattered two minutes later when Naldo headed in for his second goal – and the winner – six minutes from time.</div>
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Had it remained a draw, United would have gone through at that point but PSV Eindhoven went on to beat CSKA, having been 1-0 behind.</div>
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In a season where his team’s style has been criticised for being boring, this was full of excitement, goals and incident – and yet, having started the night in second place, they bombed out of a tournament they have won three times. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matteo Darmian went off before half-time, adding injury to insult on a desperate night</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last few weeks have largely been ones to forget for United, and desperate times call for desperate measures so Louis Van Gaal put his neck on the block before kick-off by handing a full debut to Guillermo Varela.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Uruguayan defender slotted in at right back ahead of England international Ashley Young for only his second United appearance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a brave call by Van Gaal considering what was at stake and the fact the inexperienced Varela spent last season playing under Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid’s reserves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a sign of how stretched Van Gaal’s resources were after seeing injuries deplete his squad and one glance at the bench hardly filled travelling fans with confidence.</div>
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It included novices Paddy McNair and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, while forgotten man Nick Powell took his place among the substitutes for the first time since being part of the United team humiliated by MK Dons in the Capital One Cup back in 2014.</div>
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The equation was simple for United - Van Gaal’s men needed to win to guarantee their place in the knockout stages and render the result at PSV Eindhoven meaningless.</div>
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But to do this United had to find the back of the net, of course, something Van Gaal’s men had found hard to do in recent weeks.</div>
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In fact, the last time United scored more than once in Europe, Brendan Rodgers was still Liverpool boss and England were alive and kicking in the Rugby World Cup.</div>
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But it was Wolfsburg who should have scored first after ripping the United defence to shreds within three minutes.</div>
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Maximilian Arnold rose the highest to meet a hopeful ball forward and flick it on to Andre Schurrle in acres of space, but all the ex-Chelsea star could do was blaze high over the top with just David De Gea to beat.</div>
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It proved a costly miss when Martial fired United ahead from Juan Mata’s sublime pass just seven minutes later to give the visitors the perfect start.</div>
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Now was the time for some of that boring and containing football the visitors had become famous for.</div>
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But their lead didn’t last long - just two minutes to be precise - as Wolfsburg hit straight back to level with a stunning equaliser.</div>
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Ricardo Rodriguez floated in a free kick and Naldo met it with an instant volley they flew past a helpless De Gea.</div>
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United came close to going ahead again on 27 minutes when Marouane Fellaini’s header from Daley Blind’s corner was clawed out by Benaglio.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assistant Ryan Giggs was furious as the referee eventually ruled out a United strike</td></tr>
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It was a crucial save because Wolfsburg promptly charged to the opposite end and took the lead with a stunning goal that tied United’s defence in knots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Julian Draxler was the creator, playing a clever one-two with Max Kruse before cutting the ball back for Vieirinha to add the simplest of finishes and leave United with big, big problems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It took a strong save from De Gea to deny Draxler and somehow keep United in the competition because a third goal for Wolfsburg would surely have been curtains for Van Gaal’s men.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jesse Lingard thought he had hauled United level on the stroke of half time when he curled in from out on the left.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the goal was ruled-out for off-side when Juan Mata was given offside while he was stood by the keeper as the ball went in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Assistant boss Ryan Giggs was fuming on the sidelines after referee Milorad Mazic appeared to have allowed the goal only to change his mind following a conflab with his linesman after protests from the home players.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the break the game swung from end to end, with De Gea making two outstanding saves and his opposite number Diego Benaglio doing the same to deny Memphis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An own goal from Josuha Guilavogui with eight minutes left gave United hope. The Wolfsburg player headed past his own goalkeeper after good aerial work from Marouane Fellaini.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But just when they thought their fortunes had improved, Ronaldo Naldo scored minutes later to condemn United to Thursday night football on the Europa League.</div>

Wolfsburg 3 - Man Utd 2: Louis van Gaal's men crash out of Champions League

Manchester United lose Champions League decider against Wolfsburg SO, Thursday night football it is. But for Manchester United, one of ...

Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTVY04OGEbQlc176Sar2QFPYWp0dOfbm_GeNBloRMLl_OwjBoLE2Zy77xW5WUmENZ0H1bmX3ns6z977A8hHgJ4HFFEjYM46ytLaPE_x8FdrnG_VoJlMCqg0ASWwM_lxyZl4lgpbVIqSU/s1600/Man+Utd+0+-+PSV+Eindhoven+0-+Reds+face+must+win+match+away+to+Wolfsburg+after+dull+draw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTVY04OGEbQlc176Sar2QFPYWp0dOfbm_GeNBloRMLl_OwjBoLE2Zy77xW5WUmENZ0H1bmX3ns6z977A8hHgJ4HFFEjYM46ytLaPE_x8FdrnG_VoJlMCqg0ASWwM_lxyZl4lgpbVIqSU/s640/Man+Utd+0+-+PSV+Eindhoven+0-+Reds+face+must+win+match+away+to+Wolfsburg+after+dull+draw.jpg" title="Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manchester United's Jesse Lingard and Wayne Rooney look dejected after missing a chance to score</td></tr>
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THERE are plenty of parallels with Manchester United’s glorious recent past that remain horribly out of reach for Louis van Gaal, though he can now at least prepare for squeaky bum time.</div>
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Another bereft performance devoid of excitement and flair ensured that their Champions League ambitions became a lot more complicated as PSV Eindhoven comfortably kept their opponents at arm’s length.</div>
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Instead of travelling to Wolfsburg in a fortnight to see who tops Group B, United must now emerge victorious to be sure of reaching the knock-out stages.</div>
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Winning away in Europe has so far proved beyond them in the competition proper this term and to witness them stutter and stall here will hardly imbue Van Gaal’s confidence in his players or them in him.</div>
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A draw will not be good enough should PSV overcome CSKA Moscow in the Philips Stadion.</div>
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Had Jesse Lingard not struck the best chance of the night over the crossbar deep into the second-half progress would have been assured, but this is a United side that continues to turn the straight forward into the difficult.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRkVOoaE6Y_3d2kYhhQWgvlT4kQ-fEYyA3qiigaVPBrewlsug3jRB50B7uSNnWe_VookFvhJnzGPL4y5c3FsvTeBm19u9ZT_FBhFoMHrGeGVizbSeiqjq_OK21mTMf4n3mmVWpmsf4gQ/s1600/Man+Utd+0+-+PSV+Eindhoven+0-+Reds+face+must+win+match+away+to+Wolfsburg+after+dull+draw+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRkVOoaE6Y_3d2kYhhQWgvlT4kQ-fEYyA3qiigaVPBrewlsug3jRB50B7uSNnWe_VookFvhJnzGPL4y5c3FsvTeBm19u9ZT_FBhFoMHrGeGVizbSeiqjq_OK21mTMf4n3mmVWpmsf4gQ/s640/Man+Utd+0+-+PSV+Eindhoven+0-+Reds+face+must+win+match+away+to+Wolfsburg+after+dull+draw+2.jpg" title="Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manchester United's Wayne Rooney looks dejected</td></tr>
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For all the criticism of the style of play under Van Gaal, here was essentially an attack-minded selection that tried to fathom a swashbuckling solution to the lack of sparkle. The manager could do with releasing the handbrake some more, but he should not take all the blame for the malaise.</div>
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Lingard and Memphis were stationed either side of Wayne Rooney who, himself, was deployed behind than Anthony Martial, yet it spoke volumes that the most illuminating passage came in the seventh minute in tribute to iconic No7 George Best.</div>
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On the tenth anniversary of his passing, Old Trafford briefly resembled a U2 concert as supporters held aloft their camera phones to produce a poignant light show.</div>
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Little about the football itself dazzled.</div>
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PSV had showcased themselves when winning the first encounter 2-1 back in September, a game overshadowed by the horrendous broken leg suffered by Luke Shaw, and needed a positive result for their own hopes. They were to leave by far the happier.</div>
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What chances there were belonged predominantly to United even if few were clear cut.</div>
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Memphis Depay battered a from 20-yards shot which Jeroen Zoet clutched to his mid-riff and, overall, the visiting supporters will have struggled to recognise their former hero such was his tepid contribution.</div>
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The goalkeeper then saved on his own line after Morgan Schneiderlin had toe-poked Daley Blind’s corner towards goal and, in between, Rooney played a cute pass which Martial allowed to run into Lingard’s path.</div>
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However, he miscontrolled just as he would have wanted to shoot and moment was gone.</div>
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Indeed, it was the 37th minute before a more glaring opportunity arrived. Lingard’ shot ricocheted kindly to Martial and he will feel he should have done better than to allow his effort to be saved by Zoet’s right heel.</div>
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Yet it was noticeable that during a break in play towards the end of a largely joyless opening half, a heated Rooney was spotted in deep discussion with both Blind and Smalling, gesticulating over the need for improvement.</div>
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United ended on the front foot, Martial forcing Zoet to be alert at his near post, but the emphasis always seems to be on patience simply because of the sheer lack of pizzazz.</div>
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The failure to eke out an advantage brought a double change from Van Gaal just before the hour mark, though, initially at least, it was not the introduction of Juan Mata whose ability to unpick defences might have been a boon.</div>
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Instead Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young were introduced for Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis, whose night went downhill rapidly and whose goal against Watford last weekend does not appear to have been a launchpad for him to find his form.</div>
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His struggles continue as did those of United collectively.</div>
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The cry of “Attack, Attack, Attack” emanated from the Stretford End, but United had all but ceased to function in that capacity and PSV took encouragement.</div>
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The visitors looked increasingly menacing on the break with Chris Smalling forced to make on key interception to thwart momentum and David De Gea’s fingertips stung by Davy Propper’s blistering attempt from 30 yards.</div>
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Less than 60 seconds later came confirmation it was not to be United’s night.</div>
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Young wriggled beyond Hector Moreno and his cut back found Lingard eight yards out with the goal at his mercy. Leaning back it was all he could do to scoop the ball over the crossbar.</div>
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The last time United were held to a goalless draw at home in Europe was against Glasgow Rangers in September 2010. They reached the final that year before losing to Barcelona.</div>
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Reaching the last 16 seems a tall order this morning.</div>
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<strong>Manchester United</strong> (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Darmian (Mata 84), Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger (Fellaini 58); Lingard, Rooney, Memphis (Young 58); Martial.</div>
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<strong>Booked</strong>: Lingard</div>
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<strong>PSV Eindhoven</strong> (4-3-3): Zoet; Arias, Bruma, Moreno, Brenet; Propper, Hendrix (Isimit-Mirin 60), Guardado; Narsingh (Pereiro 18), De Jong, Locadia.</div>
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<strong>Booked</strong>: De Jong, Arias</div>
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<strong>Referee</strong>: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)</div>

Man Utd 0 - PSV Eindhoven 0: Reds face must win match away to Wolfsburg after dull draw

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard and Wayne Rooney look dejected after missing a chance to score THERE are plenty of para...

Juventus 1 - Man City 0: City give up top spot as Juve deliver European reality check

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a3eFbyjBIrMoKRU0yKAD1i-eOG8UsCaZV9qRMVojIkAdqRw_dsEIy70wBpOuiOWJOvLH_VViPViSL5qRygHTciyCj-hD7GeI4OyXFkGy3WSHCuGjlT5mwiOG_Zaa5MUnnWRKL9bURPY/s1600/Juventus+1+-+Man+City+0-+City+give+up+top+spot+as+Juve+deliver+European+reality+check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Juventus 1 - Man City 0: City give up top spot as Juve deliver European reality check" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a3eFbyjBIrMoKRU0yKAD1i-eOG8UsCaZV9qRMVojIkAdqRw_dsEIy70wBpOuiOWJOvLH_VViPViSL5qRygHTciyCj-hD7GeI4OyXFkGy3WSHCuGjlT5mwiOG_Zaa5MUnnWRKL9bURPY/s640/Juventus+1+-+Man+City+0-+City+give+up+top+spot+as+Juve+deliver+European+reality+check.jpg" title="Juventus 1 - Man City 0: City give up top spot as Juve deliver European reality check" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manuel Pellegrini's side blew the chance to win the group</td></tr>
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PAUL POGBA showed Manchester City what they are missing as they failed to get their weekend humiliation to Liverpool out of their system here.</div>
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France midfielder Pogba – a summer target for Manuel Pellegrini – showed glimpses of real quality as City produced an improved performance but still reminded everyone they always like to do things the hard way in the Champions League.  </div>
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Having already qualified for the knockout stages, Pellegrini’s team wanted victory not only to show Saturday’s shambles was a one-off but also to guarantee top spot in Group D with a game to spare in the hope of an easier last-16 draw.</div>
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But Mario Mandzukic’s controversial goal means they must now beat Borussia Monchengladbach at home in their last game and hope that leaders Juventus, still unbeaten in the group, lose in Seville on the same night.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Hart calls for some help</td></tr>
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A draw for the Italians in Spain would not be enough for City because Juve would go through on the head-to-head record having completed the double over them.</div>
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Wily former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid striker Mandzukic gave Nicolas Otamendi a sly nudge to leave the defender sprawled on the ground as he tapped home Alex Sandro’s cross. The Croat also scored in Juve’s 2-1 win at the Etihad in September.</div>
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In an end-to end game, superb saves from Joe Hart from Mandzukic and his replacement Alvaro Morata denied last season’s finalists more goals while at the other end Gianluigi Buffon produced similar heroics.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario Mandzukic was too strong for Nicolas Otamendi</td></tr>
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After the weekend horror show, Pellegrini made three changes with  Otamendi returning at centre-back for Eliaquim Mangala, Gael Clichy made his first appearance of the season at left-back in place of Aleksandar Kolarov and Fernandinho came in for Raheem Sterling to beef up midfield.</div>
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Fernando sat in front of the back four allowing Yaya Toure and Fernandinho to push forward, flanked by Kevin De Bruyne and Jesus Navas.</div>
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But Juventus took an 18th-minute lead with a controversial goal from Mandzukic.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He gave an off-balance Otamendi a push as they tussled for Sandro’s superb cross from the left and the City defender was left on the floor as the Croatia striker tapped home from eight yards. Otamendi’s heated protests to German referee Felix Brych fell on deaf ears.</div>
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City were facing an uphill struggle, especially as Pogba was showing just why he is one of the most coveted player in Europe. The France midfielder produced a clever backheel flick to put Paulo Dybala in but the Argentinian was offside. </div>
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And he started the move that led to the goal, ghosting past De Bruyne in midfield before sending Sandro away down the left.</div>
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Pogba had a shot hacked off the line and City had keeper Hart to thank for denying Mandzukic a second goal. The England number one dived down low to his left to tip the striker’s volley round the post.</div>
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City were holding their own in an open game, however, and there were chances at both ends just before the break. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hart saved at Stephan Lichtsteiner’s feet at one end before Claudio Marchisio’s back-pass gave Sergio Aguero a a chance but Buffon was out quickly to avert the danger. Buffon denied City an equaliser early in the second half when he tipped Fernando’s header on to the post, then grasped the loose ball before midfielder Toure could touch it over the line.</div>
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With City pressing desperately for an equaliser, they left themselves open to the counter- attack and Hart made another vital save from Morata but injured himself in the process and was replaced by Willy Caballero.</div>
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Sterling, on for Aguero, looked certain to equalise from De Bruyne’s cross but Lichtsteiner somehow diverted the ball wide to leave a frustrated City side facing a second-place group finish for the third year running.</div>
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<strong>Juventus</strong> (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Machisio, Pogba, Sandro (Evra 78); Mandzukic (Morata 55), Dybala (Cuadrado 82).</div>
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<strong>Goal</strong>: Mandzukic 18.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Man City</strong> (4-1-4-1): Hart (Caballero 81); Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando; Navas, Toure, Fernandinho (Delph 60), De Buryne; Aguero (Sterling 69).</div>
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<strong>Booked</strong>: Fernandinho, Sagna, Navas.</div>
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<strong>NEXT UP</strong>: Southampton (h), Sat PL.</div>
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<strong>Referee</strong>: F?Brych (Germany).</div>

Juventus 1 - Man City 0: City give up top spot as Juve deliver European reality check

Manuel Pellegrini's side blew the chance to win the group PAUL POGBA showed Manchester City what they are missing as they failed ...

Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzAlHynN4PCLGPwxvpH4Se09EUvPluLzJrlwk5A_8ShA0pmvy50083r9ilZdLquu3WajdUgj4AI58FGMmnFXeDXBZNwGUXr68kTXjQ1Hfnu8QysgtspLWGW4b7hWj_8x_HZTG4mbOQrc/s1600/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzAlHynN4PCLGPwxvpH4Se09EUvPluLzJrlwk5A_8ShA0pmvy50083r9ilZdLquu3WajdUgj4AI58FGMmnFXeDXBZNwGUXr68kTXjQ1Hfnu8QysgtspLWGW4b7hWj_8x_HZTG4mbOQrc/s640/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G.jpg" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary Cahill celebrates scoring Chelsea's opening goal</td></tr>
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JOSE MOURINHO had a blazing row with striker Diego Costa at half time in Israel. But the rest of his team saved their fire to blow away Maccabi.</div>
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Chelsea last night did what they had to do in Israel. But Dynamo Kiev’s unexpected win at Porto means that Group G will go to the final game on December 9 before the two qualifiers are known.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was not an easy night for Mourinho’s men, on a poor pitch in Haifa. Goals from Gary Cahill, Willian and Oscar made it all look much more comfortable than it actually was.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mourinho blew his top at Costa just before half-time for bad positional play in front of goal – and the furious striker gave as good as he got, despite Oscar and John Terry trying to calm things down. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWbMsMB_2SpXgZM6JpgCbvXJ1YK0dHP-DbyBQkxcQH9RG1nwtkWUFVRnFGiHYTPhDid-uySyAl_5muGgs9gn0KKdr1_aCFCt3uUvuMur4nZWMZcE2SpOV0Qm26VwHfGtsmhNXtTXmxno/s1600/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWbMsMB_2SpXgZM6JpgCbvXJ1YK0dHP-DbyBQkxcQH9RG1nwtkWUFVRnFGiHYTPhDid-uySyAl_5muGgs9gn0KKdr1_aCFCt3uUvuMur4nZWMZcE2SpOV0Qm26VwHfGtsmhNXtTXmxno/s640/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+2+-+Copy.jpg" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Terry was stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Kurt Zouma late on</td></tr>
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Amazingly Costa appeared for the second half – but his team did the job anyway. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mourinho made four changes from the team that beat Norwich on Saturday, with Kurt Zouma, Branislav Ivanovic, Kenedy and Pedro all dropping out at the Sammy Ofer Stadium.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But he fielded a strong side, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Cahill, Baba Rahman and Oscar all returning to the line-up as Chelsea aimed at their first away European win in a year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHg3elpSLSCrUOXMA65zFTi9mW4lyOsKRka9sZMJGvfmxKWJxlVwKB5IBLcKNq21guO01lIIt-skljMZ9SOQmgrKIbvBD8CvKL3nyyp93q4gWSaI636s596_8V10N_ml4sIl9XxIqhWc/s1600/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHg3elpSLSCrUOXMA65zFTi9mW4lyOsKRka9sZMJGvfmxKWJxlVwKB5IBLcKNq21guO01lIIt-skljMZ9SOQmgrKIbvBD8CvKL3nyyp93q4gWSaI636s596_8V10N_ml4sIl9XxIqhWc/s640/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+3.jpg" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willian curling in his free-kick on 73 minutes</td></tr>
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Chelsea had beaten Maccabi, who had lost all four Group G games before last night, 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in September – but Mourinho warned his team against complacency in the build-up.</div>
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The Chelsea manager was unhappy about a soft-looking pitch before kick-off and his side had a lucky escape after only two minutes, when Dor Peretz headed over from six yards.</div>
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Maccabi, despite their wretched record, tore eagerly into Chelsea from the off but Mourinho’s team began to regain control, as Azpilicueta shot wide and then Cesc Fabregas chipped just over.</div>
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As quality began to tell, they broke through as Gary Cahill met Willian’s corner. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic did well to push the ball on to the post but only back to the Chelsea man, who stabbed it home for the goal that his team needed to settle the early nerves.</div>
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Immediately, Mourinho was on to the pitch to tread down a divot with his expensively-shod foot.</div>
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Willian, by some distance Chelsea’s best player so far this season, was a constant worry to the Maccabi defence with his pace but Costa blazed an overhead kick wide.</div>
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But then with four minutes to go to the break, defender Tal Ben Haim, playing against his old team, was sent off for a wild hack at the Chelsea striker.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OXqbwPT32k4rdV89qrWRvYDultbA1HY2uU1JbWtT8h_awdrBbEtvZt0GioV3oBCbniJPOKDdP52EKtTLnzy4geYK7LRg8Yt8DwzrgkBu7MKwASbk4t3287L2zlSCLUKOzfBI3ctHnf4/s1600/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OXqbwPT32k4rdV89qrWRvYDultbA1HY2uU1JbWtT8h_awdrBbEtvZt0GioV3oBCbniJPOKDdP52EKtTLnzy4geYK7LRg8Yt8DwzrgkBu7MKwASbk4t3287L2zlSCLUKOzfBI3ctHnf4/s640/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+4.jpg" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar celebrates scoring Chelsea's third goal</td></tr>
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Costa as usual was right at the centre of things – but he got a rollicking from Mourinho as the half-time whistle blew for not being in the right place as Hazard flicked the ball on in the six-yard box. The Spaniard gave a volley back.</div>
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Chelsea were lucky again when Eli Dasa popped up unmarked at the far post and only a fine block by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic prevented an equaliser.</div>
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Maccabi’s 10 men were far from giving up. And as Costa missed his kick after Azpilicueta pulled the ball back, it was still all far too uncomfortable for Mourinho’s men, on a night when they should have been in total control.</div>
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Hazard almost added a second when he burst through but once again Rajkovic produced a fine save. But then at the other end, as Maccabi broke, it was Begovic who once again brilliantly preserved Chelsea lead as he tipped Eran Zahavi’s shot round the post.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIJ7aepfdvJhiFoHBVQxCh-jwIIZUT8ViUyFdpXzIrirlmN4LnN0o75tvGDp3Jvl0JgpiGhF-HiM4Xz1j7po0ZP6yg67JNmGPiOP4E4IcofI40WDsqTNBZZehl-Ggpk9-guh1blG7xTQ/s1600/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIJ7aepfdvJhiFoHBVQxCh-jwIIZUT8ViUyFdpXzIrirlmN4LnN0o75tvGDp3Jvl0JgpiGhF-HiM4Xz1j7po0ZP6yg67JNmGPiOP4E4IcofI40WDsqTNBZZehl-Ggpk9-guh1blG7xTQ/s640/Maccabi+Tel+Aviv+-+0+Chelsea+4-+Cahill%252C+Willian%252C+Oscar+and+Zouma+send+Blues+top+of+Group+G+5.jpg" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kurt Zouma towering above the rest to powerfully convert Chelsea's fourth</td></tr>
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But, as ever this season, it was Willian who came to the rescue, curling in the vital second goal with a lovely free kick. It was his his sixth goal of the season – all of them from free-kicks.</div>
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Maccabi had finally run out of steam and, as Baba Rahman produced a fine cross from the left, Oscar headed home from point-blank range before Zouma rounded matters off in stoppage time.</div>
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<strong>Chelsea (4-2-3-1):</strong> Begovic; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry (Zouma, 72), Rahman; Fabregas, Matic; Willian (Remy, 79), Oscar, Hazard (Pedro, 69); Costa. Booked: Matic, Fabregas. Goals: Cahill 20, Willian 73, Oscar 77. Next Up: Tottenham (a), Sun PL.</div>
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<strong>Maccabi Tel-Aviv (4-3-3):</strong> Rajkovic; Dasa, Ben Haim, Garcia, Ben Harush; Igiebor, Alberman (Azulay 85), Peretz; Ben Haim II (Ben Basat, 80), Zahavi (Itzhaki 89), Rikan. Sent off: Ben Haim 41.</div>
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<strong>Referee:</strong> A Mallenco (Spain).</div>

Maccabi Tel Aviv - 0 Chelsea 4: Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Zouma send Blues top of Group G

Gary Cahill celebrates scoring Chelsea's opening goal JOSE MOURINHO had a blazing row with striker Diego Costa at half time in Is...

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