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UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

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UEFA Champions League theme song

The UEFA Champions League theme song was performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields chorus.
It is an arrangement by Tony Britten of Georg Frideric Handel's "Zadok the Priest" from the Coronation Anthems.


 
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1st Qualifying Round


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Wednesday 27th July 2011

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UCL: Wins for Twente, Rubin, Genk

Marc Janko hit a double, one from the penalty spot, as FC Twente took control of their Champions third qualifying round clash with FC Vaslui with a 2-0 win.

Rubin Kazan were equally impressive, coming away from Dynamo Kiev with an identical win, given to them by Alan Kasaev and Bebran Natcho`s penalty.

Michael Lamey and Maor Melikson were on target as Wisla Krakow won 2-1 at Litex Lovech, with Wellington responding for the hosts, while FK Ekranas and BATE drew 0-0.

A Daniel Larsson goal helped Malmo earn a shock 1-0 win at Rangers, Shota Grigalashvili and Patrick Wolf traded goals as FC Zestafoni and SK Sturm Graz drew 1-1, and Apoel Nicosia and Slovan Bratislav drew 0-0.

Substitute Marvin Ogunjimi scored two minutes into time added on as Genk beat Partizan Belgrade 2-1 in the day`s other match.

Calvin Anele Ngcongca was sent off for Genk in the first half, with Stefan Babovic making it 10-a-side after the break.

Jelle Vossen then gave Genk the lead from the spot and, although Nemanja Tomic levelled, Ogunjimi had the last word.

 

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Wednesday 27th July 2011

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Rangers stunned by Malmo in UCL

Rangers' Champions League hopes were left hanging in the balance after they suffered defeat to Swedish outfit Malmo at Ibrox.

Daniel Larsson grabbed the only goal of the first leg of the third qualifying round tie, leaving the Scottish champions with a major hurdle to overcome in next week's away leg.

It was another frustrating encounter for Ally McCoist, with the new Rangers manager still to secure his first competitive victory at the Light Blues helm.

Lee Wallace was handed his Rangers debut from the start, while skipper David Weir made his first appearance of the season after sitting out Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener against Hearts through suspension.

Before the match kicked off, fans were warned about the repercussions of any sectarian singing, having already been banned for next week's return leg in Sweden after being found guilty of discriminatory chanting in European matches last season.

Rangers failed to heed Malmo's early warning signs of attacking intent and the Swedes surged into the lead after 18 minutes.

The move began when Steven Whittaker was robbed of possession by Durmaz and the ball was eventually laid on by Figueiredo to Larsson, who rifled an unstoppable drive past the grasp of McGregor.

The mood was lifted at half-time when new signing Dorin Goian - unable to feature in tonight's game as he awaits a work permit and international clearance - was paraded on the pitch to enthusiastic applause during the break.

Rangers emerged for the second half eager to haul themselves back into the tie but it was Malmo who almost had the net bulging again just a few minutes after the restart.

Papac was cautioned for tripping Larsson before Figueiredo's curling free-kick was tipped one-handed over the crossbar by a full-stretch McGregor. Agon Mehmeti then sent a header flashing narrowly wide of the upright from the corner.

Rangers should have been back on level terms when Nikica Jelavic whipped a tempting ball into the path of Steven Naismith, who should have buried the shot from close range, but he connected on his weaker foot and mis-kicked wide instead.

Naismith had the chance to make amends just moments later in what was a carbon copy of the previous move and, unfortunately for him, the finish was just as poor the second time around.

It was proving to be a busy night for McGregor - who, thankfully for Rangers, signed a new long-term contract this summer - and he did well to block from Jiloam Hamad in the final minutes of the match and keep his side's hopes of progression alive for now.

 

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Champions League qualifying wrap: Dinamo, Benfica take control

28 July 2011

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Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb came from behind to beat Finnish side HJK 2-1 in their opening third-round Champions League qualifying leg.

HJK took the lead at Sonera Stadium on 14 minutes through midfielder Alexander Ring, but the hosts’ advantage was cancelled out by an own goal from Brazilian midfielder Rafinha five minutes later.

The deadlock ensued until midway through the second half, when another Brazilian –midfielder Sammir – scored to put Dinamo in control of the tie ahead of their second leg in Zagreb.

Benfica took the upper hand in their tie with Turkish side Trabzonspor after a 2-0 victory in Portugal.

Spanish substitute Nolito and Argentine midfielder Nicolas Gaitan were the goalscorers for the victors.

Copenhagen took the spoils after a 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in Denmark came courtesy of Solvi Ottesen’s fourth-minute goal.

Maccabi Haifa fought off Slovenian outfit Maribor 2-1, with Nigerian midfielder Dele Yampolsky providing the winner for the Israeli champions.

Czech side Viktoria Plzen recorded a valuable 1-0 away victory over Norway’s Rosenborg, the win coming via the goal of new signing Vaclav Pilar.

Danish club Odense BK scored a 90th-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 at home with Greek side Panathinaikos.

Standard Liege and Zurich traded late goals to draw 1-1 in their first-leg clash in Belgium.


 

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Sunday 31st July 2011
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Mourinho ban reduced on appeal


UEFA have modified the five-match European ban imposed on Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho so the fourth match, as well as the fifth, is now suspended.

Mourinho was handed the initial punishment in May in relation to the ill-tempered Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, when the Portuguese was sent to the stands during the game and made what UEFA termed "an inappropriate statement" in the post-match press conference.

Mourinho, who served the first match of the ban in the second leg against Barca, was also fined 50,000 euros by UEFA's control and disciplinary body. Madrid lodged an appeal against the decision, which was heard - and partially upheld - by UEFA's appeals body on Friday.

A statement on the UEFA website read on Friday: "UEFA's Appeals Body today partially upheld the decision taken by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body against Real Madrid and their head coach Jose Mourinho.

"The original judgment related to Mourinho's dismissal from the bench and the inappropriate statement made at the post-match press conference of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the Spanish capital on 27 April.

"After hearing the parties and looking at various pieces of evidence, the Appeals Body decided to modify the sanction. "The five-match ban, with the fifth game suspended for a probationary period of three years, is changed to a five-match ban, with the fourth and fifth fixtures suspended for a probationary period of three years. The 50,000 euro fine imposed on Mourinho stays."

UEFA also announced they have rejected an appeal against the 20,000 euro fine imposed on Madrid for the "improper conduct" of their supporters during the same match. Mourinho was ordered to the stands during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat to Pep Guardiola`s side in April after showing his displeasure at the red card shown to Madrid midfielder Pepe.

In the post-match press conference Mourinho then courted controversy when he implied Barca receive favourable treatment from referees and claimed the Catalan club had yet to win a "clean" Champions League title under Guardiola. Madrid lost the semi-final 3-1 on aggregate and Barca went on to beat Manchester United in the final.

Last season was Mourinho's first in charge of Madrid, with whom he won the Copa del Rey with victory over Barca in the final and finished second to Guardiola's side in the La Liga. Madrid can appeal against the rulings to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

 

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Champions League qualifying wrap: BATE charge on, Panathinaikos ousted


3 August 2011

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BATE Borisov, Odense Boldklub and Copenhagen sealed Champions League playoff berths after winning their third-round qualifying ties.

Following a scoreless first-leg stalemate in Lithuania last week, Belarusian champions BATE ousted Ekranas courtesy of a 3-1 result in Borisov on Tuesday. BATE went ahead in the second leg at the Stadyen Haradski on 18 minutes through Vitali Rodionov, before Andrius Velicka equalised for Ekranas.

But the hosts quickly steadied, regaining the ascendancy via Brazilian midfielder Renan, who was then sent off after a second yellow card in the 40th minute. But Viktor Goncharenko’s side held on despite being down to 10 men, with Mikhail Gordeychuk 89th-minute goal capping the victory.

Danish outfit OB stunned Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos 4-3 in Athens to seal a 5-4 aggregate result. After drawing 1-1 in Denmark in the first leg, the visitors silenced the home faithful through an Andreas Johansson strike on 12 minutes.

But the Greek Super League runners-up hit back as Jean Boumsong and Toche netted to seemingly put them in control, before Espen Ruud swung the advantage back in OB’s favour with a 58th-minute strike that put his side ahead on away goals.

The tie was sealed when Bashkim Kadrii and Hans Andreasen struck once more for the visitors, rendering Antonios Petropoulos' goal deep into injury time a mere consolation. Elsewhere, Copenhagen, seeking a berth in the Champions League group phase for a second consecutive year, completed a 3-0 aggregate triumph over Irish side Shamrock Rovers with a 2-0 victory in Dublin.

Holding a 1-0 lead after last week’s first leg, Copenhagen sealed their passage into the next round after Dame N'Doye and Cristian Bolanos were on target for the Danish champions.

 

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Champions League qualifying wrap: Swedes stun Rangers, Benfica progress


4 August 2011


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Rangers bowed out of the Champions League as a late Jiloan Hamad goal saw the Scottish champions eliminated by Malmo.

After a shock 1-0 defeat in last week’s first leg, Rangers were back on level terms in their third round qualifying tie through Nikica Jelavic’s first-half strike in Sweden. But Malmo would have the last say as Hamad’s intervention in the 80th minute sealed a 1-1 draw for the hosts and condemned Ally McCoist’s men to a Europa League play-off spot.

It was an ill-tempered match, with Rangers losing Steve Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra to straight red cards and Malmo having Ricardinho sent off for earning a second yellow card in the 73rd minute. Rosenborg’s hopes were also extinguished, with Viktoria Plezen sealing a 4-2 aggregate result over the Norwegian giants following a 3-2 win on Wednesday.

While one Czech side progressed, another was eliminated as Slovan Bratislava exited at the hands of APOEL Nicosia. Bratislava were poised to progress to the play-off stages following last week’s scoreless draw at APOEL, but goals from Brazilian duo Ailton and Gustavo sent the Cyprian champions through.

Benfica moved into the final qualifying round after a 1-1 draw in Turkey against Trabzonspor gave them a 3-1 aggregate win. Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb progressed by the same aggregate score after a 1-0 home win over HJK Helsinki.

FC Twente moved on despite a scoreless stalemate with Vaslui in Romania, with the Dutch side advancing courtesy of a 2-0 first-leg triumph. Russian outfit Rubin Kazan wrapped up their tie with Dynamo Kiev after a 2-1 home win at the Tsentralnyi Stadium capped a 4-1 aggregate result.

Genk also advanced, as a 1-1 draw with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia sealed a 3-2 aggregate result for the Belgian champions. Elsewhere, FC Zurich continued their push for the group stages after knocking out Belgian side Standard Liege, while Austrian powerhouse Sturm Graz ended the run of Georgian outfit FC Zestafoni.

Polish champions Wisla Krakow kept their dream of a first-ever group-stage berth alive at the expense of Bulgarian counterparts Litex Lovech, while Israeli side Maccabi Haifa ousted Slovenia’s Maribor.

 

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Arsenal face tough road to CL group stage

5 August 2011

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Arsenal face a challenging examination against Udinese in the Champions League play-offs, while Bayern Munich are set to meet FC Zurich.

Champions League regulars who have lost in the knock-out stages to Barcelona in each of the last two seasons, Arsenal have been forced to qualify after finishing fourth in the English Premier League last season. And in Serie A side Udinese, they face arguably the toughest opponent of the unseeded teams featured in the 'League' route of Friday's draw in Switzerland.

The first leg of the tie will be played at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Bayern, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season, are also at home after a kinder draw paired them against Swiss club FC Zurich. Danish side OB have a daunting engagement with Spanish club Villarreal, another team to feature regular in European competition.

In two more evenly-matched ties, Dutch side FC Twente face off against Liga Sagres runners-up Benfica. And French Champions League experts Lyon tackle Russian club Rubin Kazan, noted for their admirable record of one win, one loss and two draws in four meetings with Barcelona between 2009 and 2010.

In the 'Champions' route to the group stage, contested between national champions in minor European leagues, Belgian title holders Genk are up against Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa. Swedish side Malmo are rewarded for their third-qualifying round triumph over Glasgow Rangers with a tie against Croatians Dinamo Zagreb.

Danish champions Copenhagen take on Czech newcomers Viktoria Plzen. Polish club Wisla Krakow play Cypriots APOEL, and Belarusian side Bate Borisov tackle Austrians Sturm Graz.

 

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Tuesday 16th August 2011

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Champions League places up for grabs

Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal to shrug off the loss of Cesc Fabregas and pull together to see off Udinese in their Champions League play-off on Tuesday night.

Although Wenger has plenty of money to spend following the sale of Fabregas to Barcelona - a switch completed today with the Spain midfielder re-joining his hometown club in a £35 million deal - a place in the lucrative group stages of Europe's elite club competition remains of paramount importance.

And to that end, Wenger has called on his squad to unite and claim a first-leg lead to take to Udine next week. "I expect my team to have a good game and that will encourage their belief and strengthen their belief. At the moment that is the most important thing," the Frenchman said.

"I understand everybody's worry, but I believe as well a club is a united front. "Our players need the support from our fans. "It is an important period for this club, but I am confident we will get over it in a very successful way. "We need to remain united and not let the media manipulate our fans in a way they should not."

Wenger, though, knows failure to beat Udinese - when the Gunners are without suspended duo Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie - will leave more unanswered questions. "You never knock somebody from Italy out in an easy way so we prepare ourselves for big challenges," he said.

"But we know we are prepared for that and we are ready to give our all to be part of the Champions League group stage. "We will try to give our best to win the game tomorrow without conceding goals. "I expect a game of 180 minutes where we will have to be at the top for as long as we can and not dream that after 90 minutes it will be over. That would be the right approach."

Wenger must also serve a one-match touchline ban imposed by UEFA following the fall-out from Arsenal's Champions League exit away to Barcelona last season, where Swiss referee Massimo Busacca had controversially dismissed Van Persie and came in for heavy criticism from both the Arsenal manager and Nasri.

"The preparation is exactly the same - the only thing is I cannot go into the dressing room. I hope that will not have a big impact," Wenger said. Lyon host Rubin Kazan with the hosts again without key central defender Cris. The Brazilian missed Les Gones' second Ligue 1 game of the season at the weekend, a 1-1 draw at home to Ajaccio, with a thigh problem and he will not have recovered in time to face the Russians at the Stade Gerland.

Tuesday night's other ties see FC Twente host Benfica, Bate Borisov meet Sturm Graz andViktoria Plzen go to FC Copenhagen. Wednesday night's action is highlighted by Bayern Munich's clash with FC Zurich.

Bayern have made a mixed start to the new Bundesliga season although the weekend win at Wolfsburg has lifted the pressure which was already starting to grow on new coach Jupp Heynckes.

Striker Ivica Olic has demanded Bayern build on the display against Wolfsburg and gain a first-leg advantage at the Allianz Arena. He told the Tz newspaper: "Bayern must come again. "Zurich are a good side but certainly not a top team. "We need to score goals and we need more than one."

Villarreal face a tricky trip to Odense while Wisla Krakow host Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia, Maccabi Haifa host Genk and Malmo go to Dinamo Zagreb.


Tuesday's Fixtures

Arsenal vs Udinese
BATE Borisov vs Sturm Graz

FC Copenhagen vs Plzen
FC Twente vs Benfica
Lyon vs Rubin Kazan


Wednesday's Fixtures

Bayern Munich vs Zurich

Dinamo Zagreb vs Malmo FFMaccabi Haifa vs Racing Genk
OB Odense vs Villarreal
Wisla Krakow vs APOEL Nicosia



 

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Champions League play-offs wrap: Lyon, Plzen on cusp of group stage

17 August 2011

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Lyon notched a convincing win, while Twente and BATE Borisov were held at home in Champions League play-off first-legs on Tuesday.
Ligue 1 outfit Lyon were forced to come from behind before beating Rubin Kazan 3-1 at Stade de Gerland.
After their Russian opponents went ahead in the third minute courtesy of Vladimir Dyadyun's goal, Remi Garde's men equalised via Bafetimbi Gomis on 10 minutes. Georgian defender Solomon Kvirkvelia found the back of his own net to gift the hosts the lead just prior to the break, and striker Jimmy Briand wrapped up the victory with a goal on 71 minutes.

Twente equalised late in their clash with Benfica at De Grolsch Veste, with the match finishing 2-2. Luuk de Jong put the Eredivisie outfit ahead on six minutes, but Oscar Cardozo and Nolito goals ensured Benfica headed to the interval in front. Bryan Ruiz's header on 80 minutes salvaged a draw for the hosts, but Benfica will draw confidence from two crucial away goals ahead of next week's second leg in Portugal.

Belarusian side BATE Borisov fought back against Sturm Graz to earn a 1-1 draw at their Stadyen Dynama home in Minsk. Manuel Weber put the Austrians ahead in the 12th minute, only for his goal to be cancelled out by Marko Simic's 59th-minute strike. After a scoreless first-half at FC Copenhagen's Parken home, Czech side Viktoria Plzen defeated their Danish opponents 3-1.

Solvi Ottesen's own-goal put the visitors ahead, before Vaclav Pilar extended the advantage on 59 minutes. Ottesen made amends for his early gaffe with a 69th-minute goal for Copenhagen, but Plzen's Martin Fillo sealed the result 10 minutes later to put his side on the cusp of a group-stage berth.

Theo Walcott was on target early for Arsenal in their 1-0 victory over Udinese at the Emirates Stadium. Serie A side Udinese squandered several opportunities to snare a crucial away goal after Walcott’s third-minute intervention, with Antonio Di Natale and Giampiero Pinzi the main culprits.

 
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Wednesday 17th August 2011

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Bayern, Villarreal face tricky ties

Both Bayern Munich and Villarreal will look to seal entry into the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League by beating Zurich and Odense respectively.


Wednesday night's action is highlighted by Bayern Munich's clash with FC Zurich.

Bayern have made a mixed start to the new Bundesliga season although the weekend win at Wolfsburg has lifted the pressure which was already starting to grow on new coach Jupp Heynckes.

Striker Ivica Olic has demanded Bayern build on the display against Wolfsburg and gain a first-leg advantage at the Allianz Arena.

He told the Tz newspaper: "Bayern must come again.

"Zurich are a good side but certainly not a top team.

"We need to score goals and we need more than one."

Villarreal face a tricky trip to Odense while Wisla Krakow host Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia, Maccabi Haifa host Genk and Malmo go to Dinamo Zagreb.


Match Fixtures and Previews

Bayern Munich vs Zurich

Dinamo Zagreb vs Malmo FF


Maccabi Haifa vs Racing Genk


OB Odense vs Villarreal


Wisla Krakow vs APOEL Nicosia


 

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Champions League play-offs wrap: Odense stun Villarreal, Bayern in control


18 August 2011

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Odense caused a major stir in the Champions League play-offs after beating Villarreal 1-0 in the first-leg of their tie on Wednesday.

Despite several attempts on goal, Villarreal were thwarted by the heroics of Odense goalkeeper Stefan Wessels Hans before Henrik Andreasen's late goal gave the Danish side a memorable victory ahead of the return leg in Spain on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich gained a decisive upper hand in their quest for group-stage qualification following a 2-0 win over Zurich.

Bastian Schweinsteiger nodded Jupp Heynckes' side in front on eight minutes before Arjen Robben's curling effort on 72 minutes put the Bavarians well in control of the tie.
Zurich's Mathieu Beda was sent off late for the visitors at Allianz Arena. Polish champions Wisla Krakow will take a narrow lead into their second leg at Cypriot counterparts APOEL after a 1-0 home win.
Patryk Malecki scored the winner for Wisla on 71 minutes. A Sammir brace guided Dinamo Zagreb to a comfortable 4-1 win over Swedish club Malmo. Sammir scored the opener on four minutes, and added a second from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. Ante Rukavina and Fatos Beqiraj also netted for the victors.

Israel's Maccabi Haifa won 2-1 at home over Genk, but the tie is delicately balanced after the Belgian champions nabbed a crucial away goal. Goals from Weam Amasha and Vladimer Dvalishvili gave Maccabi a 2-0 lead after 28 minutes, but Israeli international Elyaniv Barda's 68th minute strike for Genk could prove crucial after next week's return leg.

 
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