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Vidal and Quagliarella elated with Juventus comeback after 2-2 draw with Chelsea
The Old Lady pair inspired the Italian side to a creditable draw at Stamford Bridge in their return to Europe's elite football competition
Sep 19, 2012 10:15:00 PM
By Max Bentley
Juventus goalscorers Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella praised their side's resolve after they fought back from two goals down to earn a point against Champions League holders Chelsea.
After Oscar had put Chelsea two goals ahead inside the opening 33 minutes, the Serie A champions dug deep to claim a respectable point and Quagliarella spoke of his delight at their strength of character.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the Italian striker said: "Considering the way the game was going, this is a very important result for us against the reigning champions.
“It was a tough game. I was called upon and hoped to have a few chances to score. I took one and went close with another by hitting the bar. I gave my all."
Since the return of Sebastian Giovinco from Parma, the 29-year-old striker has failed to hold down a starting role, but remains optimistic of being part of caretaker coach Massimo Carrera's plans.
"It’s certainly not easy to sit on the bench and watch the matches from the sidelines, but in a big team there is always going to be competition. I always sit there hoping to start or to come off the bench.
Maybe earlier than the last 10 minutes!“I was running towards Marco Storari to celebrate with him and was very pleased to hug Massimo, as he is someone who suffers along with us. It was his Champions League debut too, so we were all a bit tense and emotional," he added.
Vidal suffered a knock to his ankle during the first-half, but moved to reassure fans that his injury is not serious.
“I had this ankle injury, but I am fine now and I’m happy the team proved the work we did last season led us to this. We’re happy to be in the Champions League,” said the Chilean midfielder.
“We showed the same heart as last year in Serie A. We want to play in three competitions and this is the Juventus we need to see every game.
“I am fine and will work with the doctors, so I should be fit for the weekend if the coach wants to pick me.”
Oscar winning performance lights up faltering start of Chelsea's Champions League defence
The £25 million summer signing announced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful with a stunning brace on his full debut as the holders played out a 2-2 draw against Juventus
Sep 19, 2012 10:01:00 PM
COMMENT
By Wayne Veysey at Stamford Brdige
With a name like Oscar, it is only natural that Chelsea's Champions League debutant should be a player of high achievement.
Especially when the latest gun hired to make Roman Abramovich simultaneously salivate and celebrate cost around £25 million to bring to Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, if the Brazilian’s full debut is anything to go by it already looks money every bit as well spent as the £32m required to land the signature of equally precocious team-mate Eden Hazard.
On the night he was properly introduced to the Chelsea fans, following up three substitute appearances with his first start for the club, the former Internacional man was a double Oscar-winner, scoring two long-range goals within two thrilling minutes, a memorable spell in which it felt like a true star was born.
In truth, the 21-year-old had been a fairly invisible presence for the opening half-hour. Preferred to Juan Mata in the central playmaker role behind Fernando Torres he had struggled to get into the game as Chelsea's sloppiness at the back was matched by a paucity of composure in the final third.
After 31 minutes, the Brazilian made his mark. Hazard was the architect, upping his already burgeoning assist count by swerving in from the left and selflessly passing to his better placed team-mate.
Oscar took a touch and then connected well with a shot from 25 yards, although Gianluigi Buffon would surely have saved the shot had it not take a cruel deflection off centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.
If there was an element of fortune to Oscar’s first goal for his new employers, the second was masterclass of imagination and execution.
With a single touch he was able to control the pass he received on the edge of the box and, at the same time, wrong-foot the defence to give himself a goal-shooting opportunity. The second touch was as glorious as the first, a rising curled shot evading the grasp of Buffon.
How the faithful roared. It was the type of goal that only a player of rare ability could have scored, the type that few who have worn the blue shirt could have conceived, never mind execute.
The instant comparisons with Gianfranco Zola, a legend in these parts and still recognised as the greatest player to ever pull on a Chelsea jersey, were deserved.
The home fans, who had already been pumped up by the Champions League trophy – or the 'Big Cup' as one noteworthy former manager calls it – being paraded by the Armed Forces shortly before kick-off, were in jubilant mood. "We know what we are, we know what we are, Champions of Europe, we know what we are," they sang.
Chelsea's supporters have yet to come up with a suitable song to commemorate the lavishly gifted Brazilian, but this should inspire them into action.
Roberto Di Matteo’s team stuttered throughout the second half but Oscar’s debut double was enough to earn the red carpet treatment from the home fans when he was substituted after 73 minutes.
They rose in unison to acclaim the new boy, although excitement at witnessing another thrilling young talent was later dampened by the failure to hold on to a two-goal lead.
This is the weakness of the new Chelsea. It is early days in what will undoubtedly be a transition season but the lavish investment in the front of the team has not been matched by reinforcing a distinctly wobbly centre.
While Hazard, Oscar, Ramires, Juan Mata, Victor Moses, Daniel Sturridge (injured against Juventus), Marko Marin and the loaned Kevin De Bruyne tussle for the three attacking midfield positions in Di Matteo’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, the defence is protected by first-choice pair John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard, backed up by Oriol Romeu and little else.
Ramires has not been used in the centre since the days when Andre Villas-Boas performed his touchline gymnastics at the Bridge, while Michael Essien and Raul Meireles were both eased off the wage bill at the end of the transfer window.
This has given Di Matteo’s squad a lop-sided look, one which Juventus’ equalising goal served only to magnify.
Mikel’s errant pass from his own box and some dawdling by Chelsea was compounded by a terrible error of judgement by John Terry, whose attempt to catch Fabio Quagliarella off-side failed dismally as the substitute darted past him and slotted calmly past Petr Cech to make the score 2-2.
The sale of Meireles to Fenerbahce in the week after the Premier League transfer window had shut and the failure to replace him appears even more perverse in the light of a second consecutive night of thrilling Champions League group action.
Chelsea have introduced an Oscar but the wider debate is whether they have the squad to go on and win some prizes.
A team like Bayern should not lose their concentration, says Heynckes after win over Valencia
The 67-year-old revealed his disappointment at his side's second-half performance, lamenting their sloppiness as they allowed the visitors back into the game
Sep 19, 2012 10:00:00 PM
By Tom Webber
Jupp Heynckes was critical of Bayern Munich's second-half display in the win over Valencia, lamenting a lack of concentration as his team struggled to put the match beyond reach. Die Roten dominated the game in the first-half but stepped off the gas after the break and failed to close out the game in their Champions League opener.
Although Toni Kroos added to Bastian Schweinsteiger's earlier strike, Los Che netted a consolation effort in stoppage-time, through Nelson Valdez, to deny the hosts a clean sheet.
"The final stages must be viewed critically. That should not happen to a team like ours, because we have lost concentration," Heynckes is quoted as saying by Kicker.
"It was a game of patience. Valencia played on the counterattack but had virtually no chance to score."
Captain Philipp Lahm also believed that the Bundesliga outfit should have put a bigger gap between them and the opposition, though he was happy enough with the win.
"A win against the closest competitors in our group, that is a good start. We should have made it 2-0 earlier," he said.
New €40m-signing Javi Martinez was awarded with his first start for his new club in the fixture and expressed his delight at the way he has settled into the team.
"Not only with Schweinsteiger has the interplay already worked well, but with the whole team," he enthused.
Bayern travel to Belarus to face BATE, who defeated Lille 3-1 in France, in their next Group F fixture.
'It is not easy to win a game like that,' says Messi after Barcelona snatch late win
The Argentine spoke of how difficult it is to play against teams that play a deep defensive line, as his side struggled to break down their opposition at Camp Nou
Sep 19, 2012 9:45:00 PM
By Charlie Scott
Lionel Messi praised Spartak Moscow after his late double helped Barcelona to a 3-2 win over the Russian club in their Champions League group stage opener.
Cristian Tello had made it 1-0 early on in the match, before a Dani Alves own goal levelled the scoreline at the break.
Spartak then took a 2-1 lead on the hour mark courtesy of a well-taken finish from Brazilian midfielder Romulo, but Messi's second-half contribution proved decisive in the match, as he scored twice to win the game.
"It's not easy to win a game like that when the other team sits back and defends," Messi toldUefa.com
"They have very fast forwards and played well on the counterattack."
Messi also expressed his sadness at the injury Gerard Pique picked up in the 12th minute, but stressed there were players capable of covering for the Spain international.
"It's a shame about [Gerard] Pique's injury. He is important for us, just like Carles Puyol is, but we have plenty of players in the squad, plus the reserves," he added.
Pique himself sent a message on Twitter following the final whistle, displaying his happiness at the result, and saying his injury was not as serious as first feared.
He said: "Great comeback from the team! It's really important to start winning! Thanks to all of you for the support. I hope to be playing again soon."
Barcelona sit top of Group G following their win tonight, as Celtic drew 0-0 with Benfica in the other group game.
Benfica away will be a different beast, says Lennon after Celtic draw
The Hoops boss has admitted he was impressed by his side's strong performance at Celtic Park, but says playing in Portugal will be a tougher proposition
Sep 19, 2012 10:22:00 PM
By Sion Cleaver
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has stated that playing Benfica away will be a different beast following their 0-0 draw at Celtic Park in the opening Champions League game of the 2012-13 season.
An outstanding performance from Scott Brown and a series of Kris Commons chances failed to give the Old Firm club the breakthrough they desired.
Lennon is confident that Celtic can grow from their opening game performance and forget their 2-1 away defeat to St Johnstone in their last SPL outing, but admits playing away from home will be a tough proposition.
"I am pleased," he told Sky Sports. "It was a tough game against a quality side. I thought we coped more than admirably.
"We had more of a cutting edge before half-time, but it improves as we go on. It's going to be difficult away, the away leg is always a different beast."
Lennon is confident Celtic can compete for a place in the next round of this season's Champions League, despite being drawn in the same group as Spanish giants Barcelona.
He added: "Qualifying will be very difficult from this group, but it's always hard in Champions League football."
Midfielder Brown was delighted with his side's performance in their first Champions League appearance in four years, admitting that he thought Celtic were the better team on the night.
"I thought we played really well, we battled well and played good football as well," he stated. "Overall, I thought we were the better team."
Mikel laments Chelsea concentration lapse after Juventus comeback
The Nigerian's sloppy attempted pass was a mistake that contributed to the Italian side's late equaliser after the Champions League holders had earlier been two goals up
Sep 19, 2012 10:08:00 PM
By George Ankers
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel lamented his part in a collective switching-off as the Blues allowed Juventus to fight back and earn a 2-2 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge.
Last season's winners started their defence well, going 2-0 up with quickfire goals from Brazilian youngster Oscar, but Arturo Vidal’s swift reply was consolidated by a Fabio Quagliarella strike late on.
Mikel gave the ball away in the build-up to the equaliser and he told Sky Sports after the game: "I think we switched off. It was a pass to Eden [Hazard] that didn't quite get there and then we just switched off.
"We should have dealt with it properly."
The Nigerian had been encouraged, however, by their energetic beginning to the match, adding: "I think we started the game well, we scored two goals and we had more possession of the game. We had the game under control but they scored one goal.
"We came out in the second half trying to do something in the way that we started the first-half but their second goal was a cheap goal to give away."
Juventus displayed weaknesses against Chelsea, admits Carrera
The caretaker boss was satisfied with his side's performance, as they came back from behind to earn a point at Stamford Bridge, but conceded they looked vulnerable on occasions
Sep 20, 2012 7:45:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Massimo Carrera believes Juventus still have plenty of room for improvement following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in their maiden Champions League clash of the season.
Two goals from Oscar helped the titleholders to a comfortable lead, but the Bianconeri fought back as Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella eventually tied the scores at Stamford Bridge.
"We did very well, we were in good physical condition and that's how we turned the match around. We were losing by two goals but came back fighting," the interim coach said after the match.
"We also know we have weaknesses that we have to work on. We could have won it; we could have lost it as well. But that's football. I'm just happy that tonight we proved we can play at this level."
Carrera then went on to praise Arturo Vidal, who pulled one back for his team just minutes after an injury which seemed to force him off.
"Vidal reflects the soul of this team. He was injured and we were going to take him off, but he said he was alright and he came back to score a goal – it just shows our strength."
Juventus take on Shakhtar Donetsk on October 2 in their second Group E game.
Champions League Group E wrap: Oscar stars as Chelsea draw
20 September 2012
Chelsea began their Champions League title defence in uninspiring fashion, drawing 2-2 at home to Juventus on Wednesday.
Brazilian attacker Oscar threatened to steal the show with two goals in two minutes on his full Chelsea debut and in his first Champions League appearance, the second a strike of rare quality.
But Arturo Vidal gave his team hope with a fine strike shortly before half-time and substitute Fabio Quagliarella made the home side pay for a sloppy performance with an 81st-minute equaliser.
It was the least the well-drilled visitors deserved in their return to the competition following a three-season hiatus.
Both sides struggled to create opportunities in the early exchanges and Juventus began to threaten on the counter-attack and twice came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half.
But Oscar made his mark and demonstrated why he had been preferred to Juan Mata in the central playmaker role behind Fernando Torres.
Eden Hazard was once again the creator as he teed up Oscar, who let fly from 25 yards and saw his deflected strike leave Gianluigi Buffon with no chance on 31 minutes.
If there was an element of fortune to Oscar's first goal, the second was an absolute gem of imagination and execution.
With a slightly heavy first touch he was able to control the pass he received on the edge of the area and he curled a delightful shot into the top corner, leaving Buffon with no chance.
Chelsea switched off momentarily in the 38th minute and they were punished by Arturo Vidal, who lashed a low shot beyond Petr Cech from 20 yards to give his team hope going into the break.
Shortly after Oscar had departed to a standing ovation from the home supporters, Quagliarella took full advantage of sloppiness from John Obi Mikel.
Mikel gave the ball away deep in his own half and a Claudio Marchisio pass found Quagliarella and the forward neatly finished through Cech's legs.
It could have been even worse for the home side when with four minutes left, Quagliarella clipped the top of the bar following a delightful turn and shot.
Shakhtar Donetsk got their Champions League campaign off to the best possible start with a 2-0 win over Nordsjaelland at Donbass Arena.
A double from Henrik Mkhitaryan was enough to see off Nordsjaelland in a game which saw the Danes make a good fist of their European debut.
Champions League Group F wrap: Bayern overcome Valencia
20 September 2012
Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos fired Bayern Munich to a 2-1 UEFA Champions League Group F win over Valencia on Wednesday.
Bayern – runners-up in the competition last season – were determined to get their 2012/13 campaign off to a good start and dominated the fixture at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
But Valencia proved difficult to break down and gave them a scare with Nelson Valdez's late header.
The hosts controlled the early proceedings but save for a three-minute spell in which Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves denied three shots on goal, they struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances.
Arjen Robben was proving a handful on the wing and he had a goal-bound shot deflected over on 35 minutes before Valencia made one of their first meaningful forays forward.
It proved costly though as the La Liga outfit had committed men forward, meaning there was space for Bayern to exploit them at the other end of the pitch.
Robben unselfishly played in Schweinsteiger who fired a strike past Alves from the right side of the box as the Bavarian outfit took the lead with seven first-half minutes remaining.
Tino Costa fired a series of long-range efforts at Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the early stages of the second half while Kroos was impressing for the hosts.
He could have won a penalty early in the second half before firing a terrific effort at goal from outside the box that required an athletic save from Alves.
It was third time lucky for Kroos and Bayern though, when he smashed a strike into the top corner after being given too much room on the edge of the box with 14 minutes remaining.
Valdez netted an injury-time header for the Spaniards but Bayern really should have restored their two-goal lead immediately after.
Substitute Mario Mandzukic had the opportunity after Adil Rami brought down Robben in the penalty area with a challenge that saw him sent off for a second yellow card.
The Croatian struck a poor penalty though, with Alves easily saving it as Jupp Heynckes' side were forced to settle for a 2-1 victory.
The other match in Group F saw Belarusian BATE Borisov stun Lille of France with a 3-1 away victory.
Aliaksandr Volodko opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance after just six minutes for the underdogs.
Further goals to BATE from Vitali Rodionov and Edgar Olekhnovich in the first half highlighted the gaps in Lille's defence as they headed to the break in all sorts.
And despite Aurelien Chedjou's header on the hour-mark, Lille were second best and unable to claw their way back into the game.
Champions League Group G wrap: Messi denies brave Spartak
20 September 2012
Barcelona produced a thrilling comeback to edge past Spartak Moscow 3-2 at Camp Nou in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi was once again the difference for the Catalans, scoring twice in the last 18 minutes to reverse a 2-1 deficit and give his side an early lead atop the Group G standings.
Cristian Tello opened the scoring after 14 minutes, but the home side were pegged back just before the half-hour mark by an own goal from Dani Alves from a Spartak break.
Barca struggled to create many opportunities and were carved apart on the break once more in the second half as Romulo stunned the home crowd when he gave the visitors a shock lead in the 59th minute.
But Messi popped up with two close-range strikes in the 72nd and 80th minutes to put the Catalans back in the lead for good, though question marks remain after they were given a run for their money by the determined side from Russia.
Tello was handed a chance to impress with a start in the Barca front three, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands with the opening goal after 14 minutes.
The 21-year-old beat his marker by cutting in from the left flank, and with Spartak's defence slow to react, he had time to pick his spot and drill low into the far corner.
Spartak drew level on 29 minutes as Emmanuel Emenike did the hard work down the right before squaring a pass which Alves diverted into his own net.
The visitors continually troubled Barca on the counter-attack and stormed into the lead in the 59th minute, just seconds after coming mightily close to conceding.
Messi was denied from close range by a great save from Andrey Dikan, and Ari led the charge down the left and teed up Aiden McGeady at the top of the box, with his clever pass allowing Romulo to skip past Adriano Correia and slot neatly under Victor Valdes.
But Barca would not be behind for long as Tello wriggled past two defenders on the left before cutting back to Messi, who tapped into an open net.
It was Messi who would once again find the winner, arriving at the far post to head home an Alexis Sanchez cross with authority to give the hosts the three points.
Celtic claimed a point on their return to the Champions League in a goalless draw with Benfica at Celtic Park.
Rodrigo had the best chance of the game for the visitors after a clever pass from Pablo Aimar, but was thwarted by Fraser Forster as the encounter finished 0-0.
Champions League Group H wrap: United edge Galatasaray
20 September 2012
Manchester United have opened their Champions League campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 home win over Galatasaray on Wednesday.
The Turkish champions had a penalty claim turned down inside the first minute and United soon made the most of their good fortune as Michael Carrick gave them the lead, but the visitors had their fair share of chances.
Nordin Amrabat and Hamit Altintop both struck the frame of the goal in the first half for Fatih Terim's side, while Nani missed a penalty after the break, but the hosts were able to hold on for the three points.
Galatasaray were on the attack from the outset and should have been given a penalty inside the first 40 seconds when Nemanja Vidic brought down Burak Yilmaz.
It did not take long for United to capitalise on referee Wolfgang Stark's error of judgement as they took the lead through Carrick.
The midfielder charged through the middle, and after Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie had combined, Carrick had possession again and tapped the ball in after rounding goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The visitors were inches away from equalising minutes later as Amrabat unleashed a curling effort onto David de Gea's crossbar.
With seven minutes left in the first half Galatasaray hit the woodwork again as Altintop hammered a low effort against de Gea's left-hand post.
United had the perfect opportunity to score from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Rafael was brought down, but Nani had his tame effort saved by Fernando Muslera.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men had their chances to seal the win but eventually held on for three points at Old Trafford.
Sporting Braga kicked off their campaign with a shock 2-0 loss at home to Romanian champions CFR Cluj at the Estadio-AXA.
Ex-Braga player Rafael Bastos struck twice in the first half as his new side turned in a mightily impressive performance to down the Portuguese outfit.
EXCLUSIVE: Roman inquest! Abramovich grills Chelsea players over Euro collapse
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 21:57 GMT, 20 September 2012 | UPDATED: 22:11 GMT, 20 September 2012
Inquest: Roman Abramovich made a visit
Roman Abramovich demanded answers from players and coaching staff at Chelsea’s training ground on Thursday after they blew a two-goal lead against Juventus.Abramovich, who watched the Champions League clash with the Serie A winners from his box at Stamford Bridge, arrived unannounced at Cobham in the morning.He spoke with players, coaches and manager Roberto Di Matteo on the training field to ask why the European champions could not hold on to a lead against the Italians on Wednesday after Oscar had scored twice in the first half.
Delight: Juventus celebrate with their fans after the late equaliser
The fallout from the match continued when the club called in police to investigate racist abuse of midfielder John Mikel Obi on Twitter after the match.Chelsea said in a statement: ‘We’ve been made aware of racist tweets targeted at Mikel which are totally unacceptable, disgusting and abhorrent. We’ve informed the police and support taking the strongest possible action.’New-boy Oscar appeared to have put Chelsea on course for three points against Juventus with two stunning strikes. Juve secured a draw with goals from Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella.Mikel, who gave the ball away in the build-up to Juve’s leveller, closed his Twitter account in response to the racism storm.His situation adds to a series of off-field distractions for Chelsea, who started the season with the chance to win silverware in seven competitions. They have already seen two trophies slip away.Chelsea were beaten by Manchester City in the Community Shield and were torn apart by Falcao and Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup in Monaco.
Working on it: Roberto Di Matteo has not got Chelsea in to the groove yet
Chelsea owner Abramovich arrived on Thursday with director Eugene Tenenbaum and a third, unidentified, executive to discuss the performance.Di Matteo, who led Chelsea to European Cup and FA Cup glory last season, is under no immediate threat and Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A for more than a season, but Abramovich expected Chelsea to protect their two-goal lead.Abramovich has barely been seen at the training ground since he fired Andre Villas-Boas in March but is known for piling the pressure on struggling managers.Chelsea are top of the Barclays Premier League table, but there is a feeling at the club that they are yet to settle into a rhythm.
Here we go again: John Terry (left) is fighting against an FA charge
Their skipper John Terry is preparing to defend next week’s FA charge concerning an alleged racist remark towards Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road last October. Team-mate Ashley Cole, who gave evidence for Terry in his successful defence against a racism charge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, has agreed to appear again.Chief executive Ron Gourlay is working on an extension to Frank Lampard’s contract after opening talks with the midfielder. After Chelsea’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich, Gourlay said he wanted the 34-year-old’s terms finalised before October but Lampard is yet to receive a formal offer.
Girard slams fixture pile-up after draw with Saint-Etienne
The 58-year-old has slammed the fact that his side had to play two games inside three days and praised his charges for their continued efforts
Dortmund defeat exposed Ajax's lack of steel, claims Gullit
The Euro 1988 hero has voiced his opinion that the Eredivisie holders must bulk up physically if they are to compete with Europe's elite in the Champions League
Juventus can win the Champions League, says Vialli
The former Bianconeri striker feels his former side could spring a surprise on their return to European club football's elite competition this term
Lennon: European nights will help 'replace' Rangers matches
The Celtic boss has suggested Champions League football can help fill the void left in the Parkhead side's fixture list by their Glasgow rivals' recent relegation
Manchester United enquired about Muslera and Semih Kaya, claims Galatasaray vice-president
Ali Durust revealed Sir Alex Ferguson's interest in two of the Turkish club's most prominent players, following their displays in the 1-0 Champions League loss on Wednesday night
Neymar and Lucas praise Oscar after his fine European debut
The young Brazilian's brace did not go unnoticed by his fellow starlets back in his home country, who both lauded him for his excellent showing
Ivanovic: Chelsea must focus on defending
The Serbia international has expressed his disappointment after the Blues' draw on matchday 1 of Europe's premier club competition
Iker Casillas spotted not celebrating Ronaldo's late winner against City
Los Blancos' captain was captured on camera during Tuesday night's clash with the Citizens, and appeared unmoved by the Portuguese's 90th-minute goal
Real threaten former Barcelona chief with legal action after Twitter attack on Mourinho
The former Barca vice-president Alfons Godall has been slammed by their rivals after he launched an attack on the social networking site against their coach
Dortmund have a chance to progress from Group D, says Riedle
After beating Ajax in their opening Champions League match, the former BVB striker believes they can spring a surprise and reach the knockout stages
Javi Martinez pleased with full Bayern debut
After making his first start for the German giants against Valencia, the Spain international is hoping he can become a regular in the starting eleven at the Allianz Arena
Xavi plays down Pique & Puyol absences
The influential midfielder insists the Blaugrana have enough squad depth to continue in their ways without their first choice centre-back pairing on the pitch
'Bundesliga is Bayern's top priority as Champions League is a matter of luck' - Rummenigge
The Bavarians' president has made it clear that they want to win the domestic title over the elite European competition in 2012-13, as it is decided in a fairer way
'It's nice to be a part of a great goal like that' - Buffon reserves special praise for Oscar
The veteran goalkeeper acclaimed the Brazilian prodigy for his second strike of the evening, while he was delighted with the Old Lady's performance in west London
'Nothing's hurting' - Kagawa at full fitness after Manchester United's Champions League win
The Japan international provided Michael Carrick the game-winning assist as the hosts began their 2012-13 Champions League campaign with a win against Galatasaray
Oscar thrilled with Champions League debut but disappointed not to beat Juventus
The 21-year-old Brazil international struck two goals against the Serie A holders, but believes that a victory would have made the performance even better
Yaya Toure wants further Champions League progress at Manchester City
The 29-year-old delivered a bustling display in the middle of the park against Real Madrid and feels that his side are finally starting to come good in European competition
Dortmund have a chance to progress from Group D, says Riedle
After beating Ajax in their opening Champions League match, the former BVB striker believes they can spring a surprise and reach the knockout stages
Cruyff: Dutch clubs cannot cope with intensity in Europe
The Dutch legend was pleased with what he saw in the opening stages of Holland's European hopefuls' games, but feels they came up short when it mattered most
Sep 24, 2012 10:35:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Johan Cruyff has voiced his opinion that Eredivisie clubs such as Ajax, PSV and Twente lack the quality to cope with the intensity in Champions League and Europa League.
The Amsterdam giants were beaten 1-0 by Borussia Dortmund, PSV lost 2-0 against Dnipro, while Twente had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Hannover in last week's European games.
"What got my attention the most this week is the way in which Dutch teams struggled with the intensity in big European games," Cruyff wrote in his column for De Telegraaf.
"Ajax made a good start against Borussia Dortmund. Even better than I'd expected. It was an even game until 20 minutes before the final whistle, and you can only give Ajax a compliment for that.
"However, Dortmund then switched to the next gear, and Ajax were unable to match their intensity.
"The same thing happened at Twente - Hannover. Twente made a good start, resulting in a 2-0 lead. Nevertheless, they had to settle for a draw after Hannover started pushing."
Ajax resume European action on October 3 against Real Madrid, while PSV and Twente meet Napoli and Helsingborg respectively one day later.
You will never convince me on goal-line technology, says Uefa president Platini
The European football chief maintains his stance that having more referees is a better solution, but also took the time to praise Poland & Ukraine for a "wonderful" Euro 2012
Sep 25, 2012 5:45:00 PM
By Miles Chambers
Uefa president Michel Platini has maintained his anti-goal line technology stance, despite plans for it to be introduced in certain leagues as soon as next year.
The Premier League plans to implement the new system for the 2013-14 season, amid increasing calls from the media, public and those involved in football for referees to be aided electronically.
However, Platini remains unconvinced of the shift away from human error and argues is would be more beneficial to increase the number of officials instead.
“So what will we have for offside decisions?” the Uefa chief was quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard. “A guy pushing the button on a television replay telling the referee? And, if is he from Arsenal and the goal is by Tottenham, what does he do?”
“My idea is to help referees by putting up more referees.
“You will never convince me on technology and I will not change at the age of 57. Technology assisting referee: I say, no.”
When asked whether extra officials can co-exist with new technology, the former France international added: “No, how can we put goal-line technology in every match?
“We will have to spend a lot of money. National associations will not do that. Fine, let England do it as a trial and see if it works.”
On a more positive note, Platini is delighted with how Euro 2012 turned out and praised the co-hosts of this summer’s major football tournament for putting on a terrific show.
“We suffered for many years asking ourselves the question whether we should go to Poland and Ukraine,” he mused.
“Finally we went there, found a lot of joy, great football, great atmosphere and great pride from the people. It was something wonderful - beyond our expectations.”
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UEFA Champions League Group E preview: Juve plot Shakhtar downfall
1 October 2012
Juventus will look to build on their opening Group E draw at Chelsea when Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk make the trip to Italy.
The reigning Serie A champions overcame a two-goal deficit at Stamford Bridge to earn a 2-2 draw against last season's Champions League winners courtesy of goals from Arturo Vidal and substitute Fabio Quagliarella.
Following on from their draw in London, Juventus have extended their unbeaten run in the Serie A to 45 matches.
Antonio Conte's side secured wins against Chievo and Roma, while they played out a goalless draw against rivals Fiorentina.
And as Juventus prepare to stage their first European fixture at Juventus Stadium since making the move from the Stadio Olimpico prior to the 2011/12 season, they come up against a side who boast an impressive unbeaten record of their own.
Shakhtar, the defending champions of Ukraine, defeated Europa League participants Dinipro Dnipropetrovsk 2-1 on Saturday, the club's 25th successive win in all competitions after they opened their Champions League account with a 2-0 win over Norsjaelland.
Both sides have an array of attacking talents so expect an entertaining Group E encounter with Sebastian Giovinco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on show.
Giovinco took his tally to three goals in five Serie A games following Juventus' comprehensive 4-1 win at home to Roma, while Mkhitaryan has an incredible record of 13 goals in his past 10 appearances in all competitions for Shakhtar.
In the remaining Group E game scheduled on Tuesday, Chelsea fly out to Denmark as they prepare to play Norsjaelland.
Chelsea are level on points alongside Juventus and a win at Parken Stadium would kick-start their title defence.
Brazilian youngster Oscar starred in Chelsea's draw with Juventus but the form of his team-mates at domestic level has filled the club's fans with plenty of confidence as they seek their first Premier League title since the 2009/10 season.
Roberto Di Matteo's men edged Stoke 1-0 in unconvincing fashion, however wins against Wolves and London rivals Arsenal extended Chelsea's unbeaten streak to five games in all competitions.
Fernando Torres netted the opener at Emirates Stadium, which will undoubtedly please Di Matteo, along with the team's effectiveness from set-pieces.
Norsdjaelland are clear underdogs against Chelsea but Dutch striker Joshua John will pose a threat for the European champions.
John has eight goals in seven games, including Nordsjaelland's opening goal in their 3-0 victory at home to Esbjerg.
The Danish champions are third, six points adrift of league leaders FC Copenhagen, and have now won two on the bounce.
Chelsea's trip to Denmark will be not be as straightforward as some are suggesting with Nordsjaelland sure to be stubborn opposition in front of their home faithful.
