Hoffenheim boss Nagelsmann plots to undo idol Guardiola

Sinsheim (Germany) (AFP) – Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann is plotting to outsmart his idol Pep Guardiola when Manchester City attempt to get their Champions League campaign back on track by winning in Germany on Tuesday.

At 31, Nagelsmann is the youngest coach in Champions League history, and admits to being a a keen student of Guardiola’s methods.

Now Nagelsmann hopes to thwart the Spanish master tactician in Hoffenheim’s first home Champions League match in the club’s history.

“I don’t know if it it’s always an advantage to know Pep Guardiola, because then you know that he is doing so much the right way or the best way,” said Nagelsmann.

“It’s not very easy to say exactly how he will set his team.

“He has different ways to play against different opponents.

“You can see a lot of similarities in his style, but also see a lot of differences.

“As I said, it’s not easy to approach his style of play, but I have a few ideas.”

In Sinsheim, City will be aiming to bounce back from their shock 2-1 loss at home to Lyon in their first Group F game, while Hoffenheim drew their opener 2-2 at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Guardiola’s City beat Brighton 2-0 at home at the weekend to go top of the Premier League, but Hoffenheim suffered their third defeat in six Bundesliga games on Saturday, losing 2-1 at home to RB Leipzig, who the ambitious Nagelsmann will coach next season.

– In at the deep end –

This is the first time Nagelsmann will go head-to-head with Guardiola, who coached Bayern Munich to three consecutive Bundesliga titles from 2013 to 2016 before joining City.

There are elements to Nagelsmann’s aggressive style with Hoffenheim which echo that of Guardiola, whose City team also like to press their opponents in their own half.

Neither is afraid to take risks in selection or switch tactics mid-match.

Nagelsmann became a rising star in German football when he was thrust from coaching Hoffenheim’s Under-19 team to being tasked with maintaining the senior team in the Bundesliga.

He was just 29 in February 2016 when he took charge of Hoffenheim — a Bundesliga record for a permanent head coach — with the team second from bottom.

He only gained his coaching licence a month after his appointment, but the precarious situation did not faze the self-confident Nagelsmann.

The former defender forged a strong team spirit, turning Hoffenheim from relegation contenders to Champions League qualifiers within two seasons.

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Madrid head to Moscow with fewer stars and bigger plans for future

Madrid (AFP) – Luka Modric returns to the Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday, the scene of Croatia’s World Cup final defeat to France, not only as FIFA’s best men’s player but the star of Real Madrid too.

For the first time in his six seasons at Madrid, Modric will line up for a Champions League tie without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sold, or Gareth Bale, who is injured. 

There will be no Kaka, Angel di Maria or James Rodriguez either, all of whom Modric has rubbed shoulders with. At 33, he has outlasted them all. 

Together, that quintet cost Madrid almost 400 million euros ($464 million), and each considerably more than Modric, whose fee of around 30 million pounds in 2012 would not even have got Richarlison out of Watford last summer.

But in this current squad, Modric stands out. In part, because of his brilliance, which has never been in doubt, but also because of Real Madrid too. The Galacticos are, just about, all gone.

Bale is the last, and he would have been playing against CSKA Moscow, had it not been for a thigh injury picked up on Saturday. 

After him, Madrid’s most expensive starters are likely to be Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos — both, like Modric, signed for around 30 million euros. 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Europe, Barcelona will be fielding Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele against Tottenham. Manchester United will have Paul Pogba, and Paris Saint-Germain Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. All of them surpassed the 100-million euro mark. 

Since being wooed by James’ sumptuous volley at the Maracana in the 2014 World Cup, Madrid have changed their approach. 

As the remnants of the old mode depart — Ronaldo is gone, James unlikely to return — the new, younger and cheaper, batch have risen to the surface.

“Madrid is strengthening its search for young players that will become the next great players of the sport,” president Florentino Perez said in July.

Alvaro Odriozola, the 22-year-old right back, could make his Champions League debut on Tuesday in the absence of Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. He was signed from Real Sociedad for 35 million euros in the summer. 

Dani Ceballos, bought as a 20-year-old for 17 million euros from Real Betis, came on for Bale against Atletico Madrid last weekend. 

And Marco Asensio, perhaps the policy’s poster boy, was brought in for a just under four million euros as an 18-year-old from Real Mallorca. 

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Discarded Sanchez a window into Man Utd’s wasted millions

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester United believed they were closing the gap on “noisy neighbours” Manchester City when they beat the Premier League champions to the signature of Alexis Sanchez just nine months ago.

But as the Red Devils slumped to a third defeat just seven games into the new league season at West Ham on Saturday to already fall nine points adrift of City, Sanchez was nowhere to be seen.

That the Chilean was deemed not good enough to make Jose Mourinho’s 18-man squad for such a shambolic display at the London Stadium speaks volumes for Sanchez’s slide since joining United in January.

Prolific in four years at Arsenal and three seasons with Barcelona before then, Sanchez has scored just three times in 23 appearances under Mourinho — none of which have come this season.

Mourinho’s power battle with £89 million ($116 million) midfielder Paul Pogba has drawn the spotlight from Sanchez. But Mourinho’s patience with the other marquee signing of his time in charge at Old Trafford ran out this week.

Sanchez was hauled off during a 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend.

He was then reportedly admonished by Mourinho in front of his team-mates for his poor form and was the only outfield player who travelled to London for the West Ham debacle left out of the matchday squad.

“Look for how many months are people asking for (Anthony) Martial, Martial, Martial and saying how Alexis isn’t playing well enough,” said Mourinho justifying his decision. “This week it was time to agree and leave Alexis out.”

– ‘Different football’ –

Sanchez wouldn’t be the first creative player Mourinho has failed to get the best out of. United’s fiercest rivals City and Liverpool have benefited from Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne being discarded by the Portuguese during his time at Chelsea.

When imploring Mourinho to attack more after being held by Wolves, Pogba defended Sanchez’s struggles to adapt from the more open football played at Barca and Arsenal.

“When you play a long time with another team and you play different football in that other team you have some kind of adaptation that you have to have,” said the Frenchman.

Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford may be running out, particularly if he fails to summon a response when United host Valencia in the Champions League on Tuesday.

However, the difference in the fanfare that greeted Sanchez’s signing and his production on the pitch is emblematic of the waste that is leaving United trailing in City’s wake.

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Homecoming offers Man City’s Sane chance to show Germany what they missed

London (AFP) – Manchester City travel to Hoffenheim on Tuesday desperately needing a win to kickstart a Champions League campaign that began with a shock 2-1 defeat to Lyon for the competition favourites.

There should therefore be no shortage of motivation for Pep Guardiola’s men, but one member of the City squad will be especially keen to make a big impression back on German soil.

Leroy Sane was one of the stars of City’s romp to a record 100 Premier League points and the League Cup last season. The 22-year-old was crowned Young Player of the Year in England thanks to a stellar return of 14 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

However, that still wasn’t enough to earn him a place in Germany’s World Cup squad as Sane was surprisingly cut from Joachim Loew’s 23.

Sane may have had the last laugh as the defending champions crashed out in the group stages — the first time in 80 years Germany had fallen at the first hurdle.

The pace, direct running and eye for a quick shot at goal possessed by the former Schalke winger were all traits missing from a laboured and predictable Germany in Russia.

– Let down by body language –

Yet, there was no time for Sane to feel vindicated as on his return to club duty he was similarly shunned by Guardiola, sparking doubts over his attitude off the field.

“Sometimes you have the feeling with Leroy’s body language that it is all the same whether we win or lose. He has to improve his body language,” said Germany’s vice-captain Toni Kroos even as Sane was recalled to Loew’s squad for last month’s Nations League opener against newly crowned world champions France.

“He was fantastic for City last year but Pep has the same problem at the moment -– he’s trying to get the best out of him so he can perform better.”

If Guardiola was looking for a reaction, he has got what he desired. 

After being dropped for City’s first four Premier League games of the season, Sane scored just two minutes into his return against Fulham and has created a goal in all three of his appearances since.

That included Bernardo Silva’s consolation against Lyon as Sane came off the bench to transform a pedestrian first-half performance that has put City under pressure to bounce back this week.

“Leroy has played really good the last few games,” said Guardiola after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brighton in which Sane created Raheem Sterling’s opening goal.

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Suso bags brace as AC Milan defeat Sassuolo to rekindle campaign

Milan (AFP) – Spanish midfielder Suso scored a brace to end his Serie A goal drought as AC Milan got back winning after three consecutive draws with a 4-1 success which thwarted Sassuolo’s bid to go second in Serie A on Sunday.

Champions Juventus had maintained their perfect start to the season on Saturday with a 3-1 win in their top-of-the-table clash with Napoli who remain in second place.

Juventus, with a maximum 21 points after seven games, are six points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s team as they target an eighth consecutive Scudetto.

AC Milan needed to win to avoid losing further ground on their rivals, with Inter Milan, in fourth, after a 2-0 win over Cagliari, and  Roma, in eighth, after a 3-1 derby win which halted the four-match winning streak of city rivals Lazio.

“This result can help us gain confidence,” said Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso.

“When you wear the Milan jersey and work at a glorious club like this, which wants to get back to the top, there is pressure. 

“People aren’t so much interested in performances as results and the table, but I knew this team had promise and just needed some time to grow.”

Despite the win Milan remain tenth in the standings, four points off Inter Milan, who occupy the final Champions League berth.

Unheralded Sassuolo — a surprise high flyer early this season — dropped to fifth, equal on 13 points but behind Fiorentina and Inter Milan on goal difference.

“We have a lot of young and talented players, so we don’t know how far we can go, but there will inevitably be setbacks like this as part of the growth process,” said Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi.

AC Milan’s victory came despite the absence of star striker Gonzalo Higuain with forwards Patrick Cutrone and Fabio Borini also out injured.

Suso scored his first league goal since February five minutes after the break in Modena after Ivorian Franck Kessie had put Milan ahead with a brilliant solo run on 39 minutes.

Samu Castillejo added a third on the hour mark before Filip Djuricic pulled one back for the hosts.

Suso got his second goal four minutes into stoppage time after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

– Fiorentina move third –

Sassuolo’s defeat allowed Fiorentina to move third with a 2-0 win over Atalanta.

Bergamo-based Atalanta travelled to Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi stadium desperate to end a five-game winless streak.

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Bamba double leads Lille to victory over Marseille

Montpellier (France) (AFP) – Jonathan Bamba hit a second-half penalty and struck at the death as Lille stunned Marseille 3-0 on Sunday to move up to second place in France’s Ligue 1.

Marseille travelled north hoping to close the 11-point gap to arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain after the capital club tightened their grip on the lead with a 3-0 win at Nice on Saturday.

But Marseille coach Rudi Garcia, who famously led Lille to a rare league and Cup double in 2011, was sent back to the drawing board after a mediocre performance by the southerners left them in sixth place.

Lille, in second, are now eight points behind PSG with Montpellier one point further behind in third after a trouble-hit 3-0 win over Nimes earlier on Sunday.

Marseille showed little attacking flair in a balanced first half in Lille.

And Garcia’s men were made to pay for their lack of creativity when Nicolas Pepe got up from a foul just after the hour mark to send ‘keeper Steve Mandanda the wrong way from the spot.

The hosts doubled their lead on 86 minutes when Bamba, from an almost carbon copy foul, got up to beat Mandanda.

Lille completed the win in some style, Fode Ballo-Toure barging Japan defender Hiroki Sakai off the ball to set up Bamba for an easy tap-in from close range in the closing minutes.

Earlier, former champions Montpellier risked losing all three points due to unruly fans who forced two stoppages in their 3-0 win over local rivals Nimes.

The first ‘Languedoc derby’ in 25 years had promised plenty of drama, but neither players nor officials were quite ready for the incidents that threatened its cancellation and the points to be awarded to struggling Nimes.

Dominant from the outset, Montpellier had taken their lead to 3-0 by the 79th minute thanks to goals from Ambroise Oyongo, Andy Delort, who scored a penalty 10 minutes into first-half stoppage time, and Gaetan Laborde.

But virtually claiming all three points wasn’t enough for some of the rowdier fans in the crowd who — following an initial seven-minute interruption when a barrier caved in — then climbed the barriers to run on to the pitch.

French riot police quickly restored order, while Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin intervened in a bid to restore calm.

The incidents could lead to sanctions for Montpellier, who are now nine points behind runaway leaders and champions Paris Saint-Germain, who saw Neymar hit a brace Saturday in a 3-0 win at Nice.

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Suso ends goal drought as AC Milan defeat Sassuolo

Milan (AFP) – Spanish midfielder Suso scored a brace to end his Serie A goal drought as AC Milan got back to winning ways after three consecutive draws with a 4-1 success which thwarted Sassuolo’s bid to go second in Serie A on Sunday.

Champions Juventus had maintained their perfect start to the season on Saturday with a 3-1 win in their top-of-the-table clash with Napoli who remain in second place.

Juventus, with a maximum 21 points after seven games, are six points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

AC Milan needed to win to avoid losing further ground on their rivals, with Inter Milan, in fourth, after a 2-0 win over Cagliari, and AS Roma, in eighth, after a 3-1 derby win over city rivals Lazio.

Sassuolo dropped to fifth, equal on 13 points with Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

AC Milan’s victory came despite the absence of star striker Gonzalo Higuain with forwards Patrick Cutrone and Fabio Borini also missing with ankle injuries.

Suso scored his first league goal since February five minutes after the break in Modena after Ivorian Franck Kessie had put Milan ahead with a brilliant solo run on 39 minutes.

Samu Castillejo added a third on the hour mark for Gennaro Gattuso’s side before Filip Djuricic pulled one back for the hosts.

Suso got his second goal four minutes into stoppage time after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

Milan remain tenth in the standings, four points off Inter Milan, who occupy the final Champions League berth.

– Fiorentina move third –

Sassuolo’s defeat allowed Fiorentina to move third with a 2-0 win over Atalanta.

Bergamo-based Atalanta travelled to Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi stadium desperate to end a five-game winless streak.

But their hopes were jolted just after the hour when referee Paolo Valeri pointed immediately to the penalty spot, refusing to consult VAR despite Federico Chiesa going down easily from Rafael Toloi’s challenge.

Jordan Veretout stepped up to slot the ball past Pierluigi Gollini after 63 minutes, and Fiorentina cemented the win when Cristiano Biraghi doubled their lead in stoppage time.

At the final whistle, tensions boiled over with furious Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini confronting Fiorentina counterpart Stefano Pioli before the pair were dragged apart.

“He shouted at me that the penalty was non-existent,” said Pioli. 

“They gave a penalty against us for a fingertip against Inter, so this time they gave one in our favour for light contact,” added Pioli, whose side lost to Inter Milan midweek.

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Montpellier risk sanction after crowd trouble mars derby win

Montpellier (France) (AFP) – Former champions Montpellier risked losing all three points due to unruly fans who forced two stoppages in their 3-0 Ligue 1 win over local rivals Nimes on Sunday.

The first ‘Languedoc derby’ in 25 years had promised plenty of drama, but neither players nor officials were quite ready for the incidents that threatened its cancellation and the points to be awarded to struggling Nimes.

Dominant from the outset, Montpellier had taken their lead to 3-0 by the 79th minute thanks to goals from Ambroise Oyongo, Andy Delort, who scored a penalty 10 minutes into first-half stoppage time, and Gaetan Laborde.

But virtually claiming all three points wasn’t enough for some of the rowdier fans in the crowd who — following an initial seven-minute interruption when a barrier caved in — then climbed the barriers to run on to the pitch.

French riot police quickly restored order, while Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin intervened in a bid to restore calm.

The incidents could lead to sanctions for Montpellier, who are now nine points behind runaway leaders and champions Paris Saint-Germain, who saw Neymar hit a brace Saturday in a 3-0 win at Nice.

Marseille, in fifth, can move up to second place behind their arch-rivals from the capital with a win at Lille in Sunday’s late game.

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Vokes condemns winless Cardiff to another defeat

Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Burnley’s Sam Vokes scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory away to Cardiff City on Sunday that left the Welsh club still looking for their first Premier League win of the season.

Defeat left Cardiff second bottom in the table, above basement club Huddersfield on goal difference alone with both sides having drawn two and lost five of their opening seven league matches this term.

By contrast, victory saw Burnley climb to 12th in the table, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Vokes scoring either side of Josh Murphy’s equaliser for the Bluebirds.

It was the first time Burnley, who thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 last week, had recorded back-to-back wins in the English top-flight since April.

The one downside for Burnley was that England defender James Tarkowski went off after just 27 minutes with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

And that could prove to be a problem for England manager Gareth Southgate as well ahead of next month’s Nations League internationals against Croatia and Spain. 

Promoted Cardiff always knew they were in for a tough season and things are unlikely to get any easier for veteran manager Neil Warnock’s side, with trips to Tottenham Hotspur and high-flying Liverpool to come in October. 

A largely forgettable first half saw Murphy hit the woodwork, while Burnley’s former England goalkeeper Joe Hart then saved well from Kenneth Zohore.

Cardiff also had a penalty appeal turned down when referee Martin Atkinson decided Burnley defender Matt Lowton, who blocked a Callum Paterson overhead kick in front of his face, was so close to the Bluebirds forward that any handball could not have been deliberate.

Burnley went ahead in the 51st minute when a quick throw caught Cardiff unawares before Gudmundsson headed in a cross from Ashley Westwood.

But Cardiff were level just nine minutes later when Murphy scored his first goal for the club.

The former Norwich man then let fly from 20 yards only to be denied by Hart’s fingertip save.

It was a stop made all the more important when the Clarets regained the lead when a stooping Vokes headed home in the 70th minute.

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Touchline tension as Fiorentina add to Atalanta woes

Milan (AFP) – Tensions flared on the touchline as Fiorentina claimed a controversial 2-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday to move up to fourth in Serie A.

Elsewhere, Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek became the first Serie A debutant in 68 years to score eight goals in the opening six games when he hit a brace for Genoa in a 2-1 win over Frosinone.

Bergamo-based Atalanta travelled to Fiorentina’s Artemio Franchi stadium desperate to end a five-game winless streak.

But their hopes were compouned just after the hour when referee Paolo Valeri pointed immediately to the penalty spot, refusing to consult the video assistant referee (VAR) despite Federico Chiesa going down easily from Rafael Toloi’s challenge.

Jordan Veretout stepped up to slot past Pierluigi Gollini after 63 minutes, and Fiorentina cemented the win when Cristiano Biraghi doubled their lead in stoppage time.

At the final whistle, tensions boiled over with furious Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini confronting Fiorentina counterpart Stefano Pioli before the pair were dragged apart.

“He shouted at me that the penalty was non-existent,” said Pioli. 

“They gave a penalty against us for a fingertip against Inter, so this time they gave one in our favour for light contact,” added Pioli, whose side lost to Inter Milan midweek.

“We were tenacious, a little lucky.”

Fiorentina have 13 points from seven games, eight behind leaders Juventus, with Atalanta now six games without a win and one point above the relegation zone.

Polish new boy Piatek scored a quick-fire first-half brace to bring his tally to eight goals in six appearances as Genoa, with a game in hand, moved up to sixth.

Piatek arrived from Cracovia this season and becomes the first Serie A debutant to score eight goals in the opening six games since Karl Aage Hansen for Atalanta in 1949-50.

He got his first after 33 minutes, adding a second three minutes later.

Camillo Ciano gave promoted Frosinone their first goal of the season when he transformed a penalty four minutes before the break.

Elsewhere, Torino got back winning ways with substititue Simone Zaza sealing a late winner against Chievo, who look destined for the drop next season as they sit bottom having had three points deducted for false accounting.

Federico Santander scored one and set up substitute Riccardo Orsolini as Bologna came from behind to beat Udinese 2-1.

Champions Juventus maintained their perfect start to the season on Saturday with a 3-1 win in their top-of-the-table clash with Napoli.

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Chelsea’s Luiz loving life under Sarri

London (AFP) – David Luiz is relishing the enjoyment of playing under new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and believes the positive atmosphere at Stamford Bridge has contributed to the London club’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season. 

The Blues’ opening seven league games have yielded five wins and two draws, with only a late goal from Daniel Sturridge denying them a victory in a 1-1 share of the spoils at home to Liverpool on Saturday that also preserved the visitors’ unbeaten league record this term.

“Sarri is giving us a lot of happiness to play football. We are trying to enjoy,” Luiz told Chelsea TV.

“He gives us a lot of confidence. He shows us what he wants. He gives us the details about the game.

“He works hard in every situation. And also as a human he’s a fantastic person.”

The Brazilian defender added: “Every single day he says to us ‘you have the best job in the world, so you have to enjoy’.

“You have to try to do this with a big smile. Many people in the world don’t have this privilege.”

Luiz helped Chelsea win the 2016/17 Premier League title in former manager Antonio Conte’s first season as Blues boss.

But he fell out of favour with Conte last season, while injuries kept him sidelined as well.

Luiz, however, is finding life under another Italian boss in the 59-year-old Sarri far more agreeable, while insisting no one at Chelsea is getting carried away by their fine start to the season.

“We’re not going to win the title in this (game, against Liverpool),” he said of a match where Eden Hazard had given Chelsea the lead.

“We tried to do our best to win the game and we continue to work hard every day. The season is long, it’s just the beginning. Let’s continue to play.”

Former Chelsea forward Sturridge’s 50th league goal for Liverpool came in the 89th minute and ensured the Reds remained undefeated in the league ahead of next weekend’s clash with Premier League champions Manchester City. 

Hazard’s sixth goal of the season had looked like giving Chelsea all three points before Sturridge’s late intervention.

“Every point counts in the Premier League,” former Chelsea striker Sturridge told Liverpool’s website. 

“It’s important for every club to try to pick up points and these games are important, but even if you drop points in these games it’s about having the consistency throughout the whole season because this is just one game in 38 anyway.”

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Injured Bale misses Champions League trip to Moscow

Madrid (AFP) – Gareth Bale has been left out of Real Madrid’s squad to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

Bale picked up a thigh injury during the goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday and had to come off at half-time. 

He will miss the reigning European champions’ Group G game in Russia, along with captain Sergio Ramos, who was also omitted from the squad announced on Sunday. 

Ramos sustained a cut above his eye against Atletico but, despite briefly leaving the field for treatment, was able to complete the match. 

Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said after the game Bale had been replaced as a “precaution” at the Santiago Bernabeu and the Welshman would be assessed on Sunday.

The club will be hoping the damage is not serious, with a crunch match against Barcelona in La Liga approaching on October 28. 

Marcelo and Isco were also absentees from Madrid’s squad to face CSKA. Marcelo has a calf problem while Isco is recovering from an appendix operation.

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Infantino has ‘support of Africa’ in FIFA re-election bid

Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) (AFP) – African nations would support Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president, the head of the continental football federation Ahmad Ahmad said on Sunday.

“I feel it is my duty… to announce this support from Africa,” Ahmad said at a special meeting of the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee, which Infantino attended, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Infantino, a former deputy head of UEFA, was first elected in 2016 to succeed Sepp Blatter, when the scandal that engulfed the governing body of world football was at its height.

The next presidential election will be held in Paris in June 2019 and Infantino has said he will stand.

Infantino expressed his gratitude for the African backing.

“It means a lot to me,” said the Swiss. “Since long before my election, I had said, and since I have done everything, to make sure that the future really is Africa.”

Infantino is believed to have supported Ahmad when he ousted the long-time CAF president Issa Hayatou in March 2017.

Infantino described the election as a “vote of change”.

“It’s about taking football forward, it’s about making progress together,” Infantino told CAF delegates, calling for “a real impact.”

According to reports, Infantino was investigated by the FIFA ethics committee for interfering in the CAF election when he removed leading members of the committee. He later sacked the chairman and members of the ethics committee, effectively ending the probe.

Ahmad said that despite the failure of African nations during the World Cup in Russia, where none of the five African nations made it to the last 16, the continent needed “regular and increased” participation.

“Deep analysis” makes it possible to “see more clearly the various problems that undermine African football,” he said.

Ahmad said that participation (in the World Cup) “stabilises some of the national teams of our continent… and gives them experience.”

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Rooney scores twice for United, Dallas clinches playoff spot

Los Angeles (AFP) – Former England captain Wayne Rooney scored two goals and had an assist as D.C. United gave their playoff push a boost with a 5-0 rout of the Montreal Impact on Saturday.

Luciano Acosta finished with a goal and three assists and Paul Arriola added two goals for United who moved a step closer to the sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. 

United are now in firm control of their destiny after coming into the game five points behind Montreal with two games in hand.

“I think the last few weeks we’ve been building momentum at the right time,” Rooney said. “We’ve put ourselves in a great position and we knew we didn’t want to let all the hard work slip tonight.”

The Impact now have to win their final three games to hold on to their postseason berth.  

Rooney got his first goal in the 48th minute on a nifty move while going one-on-one with an Impact defender to make it 2-0 in front of 20,500 fans at Audi Field in Washington.

Arriola scored again to make it 3-0 at the 61 minute mark on a dynamic passing play. 

Rooney made a no-look pass to Acosta who slid the ball over to Arriola, who got a foot on it before crashing into the back of the Montreal goal. 

The United players mobbed Arriola and celebrated inside the goal while the Impact netminder Evan Bush dejectedly looked the other way.

Rooney capped the scoring in the 81st minute with an empty netter from 40 yards out. 

“It’s obviously great to score five goals,” he said. “It’s very important because it gives us more confidence and especially it’s great tonight to have so many attacking players score goals. 

“It gives you confidence and when you do that on a regular basis, you finish teams off.”

Elsewhere, Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two goals to increase his season total to 20 as the Los Angeles Galaxy shut out the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0.

The 36-year-old Ibrahimovic extended his scoring streak to three games and now has five goals in the past five games in his first MLS season. 

First place FC Dallas clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference by playing to a 0-0 draw with the Portland Timbers.

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Rooney scores twice as United breeze past Impact

Los Angeles (AFP) – Former England captain Wayne Rooney scored two goals and an assist as D.C. United gave their playoff push a boost with a 5-0 rout of the Montreal Impact on Saturday night.

Luciano Acosta finished with a goal and three assists and Paul Arriola added two goals for United who moved a step closer to the sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. 

United are now in firm control of their destiny after coming into the game five points behind Montreal with two games in hand.

“I think the last few weeks we’ve been building momentum at the right time,” Rooney said. “We’ve put ourselves in a great position and we knew we didn’t want to let all the hard work slip tonight.”

The Impact now have to win their final three games to hold on to their postseason berth.  

Rooney got his first goal in the 48th minute on a nifty move while going one-on-one with an Impact defender to make it 2-0 in front of a crowd of 20,500 at Audi Field in Washington.

Arriola scored again to make it 3-0 at the 61 minute mark on a dynamic passing play. 

Rooney made a no-look pass to Acosta who slid the ball over to Arriola, who got a foot on it before crashing into the back of the Montreal goal. 

The United players mobbed Arriola and celebrated inside the goal while the Impact netminder Evan Bush dejectedly looked the other way.

Rooney capped the scoring in the 81st minute with an empty netter from 40 yards out. 

“It’s obviously great to score five goals,” he said. “It’s very important because it gives us more confidence and especially it’s great tonight to have so many attacking players score goals. 

“It gives you confidence and when you do that on a regular basis, you finish teams off.”

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Barca stay top after Real and Atletico share derby spoils

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona slipped up for the third time in a week but stay top of La Liga after Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid cancelled each other out at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Real and Atletico began a pulsating derby less than three hours after Barca had scrambled to a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, but goalkeepers reigned supreme in the capital to ensure the grudge match finished goalless.

It means Real second, level on points with Barcelona, while Atletico are just two behind in fourth. Sevilla are third. 

Gareth Bale had to be substituted at half-time with what the club confirmed was a thigh strain and is a doubt for the European champions ahead of their visit to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday. Bale will be assessed on Sunday. 

It was a scenario Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde tried to avoid before his side’s visit to Tottenham on Wednesday by resting Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou.

But the Argentine was needed in the second half after Oscar de Marcos gave Bilbao a deserved lead. Munir El Haddadi snatched Barca a point, diverting in Messi’s shot with six minutes left.

After drawing at home to Girona and being beaten by Leganes, Barcelona head to Wembley to face Spurs short of rhythm and lacking confidence.

Barcelona will be without Sergi Roberto for the Champions League Group B clash after it was confirmed he had picked up a thigh strain.

The last time Bilbao took a point at the Camp Nou in 2004, Valverde was sitting in the away team’s dugout during his first spell as Bilbao coach. 

He faced questions after his bold decision to rest Messi with Tottenham in mind, along with Sergio Busquets. 

“Leaving Messi on the bench is absolutely my responsibility,” Valverde said. “He has four games in 10 days and I think it’s good for Leo to rest, like Busquets, thinking of the Champions League. 

“I know it was the right decision. It was a risk and on this occasion, it didn’t come off.”

– ‘Intense’ match –

Lack of rotation was chief among the criticisms levelled at Valverde after Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals last season, with Luis Suarez admitting he regretted playing 90 minutes three days before the collapse against Roma. 

Valverde has certainly acted. Of the preferred 11 that started a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago, eight started at least one of the three games since on the bench. Seven of those were required to come on as substitutes.

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Real Madrid accused of ‘encouraging aggression’ by Israeli officials

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid were criticised by Israeli officials on Saturday after Ahed Tamimi, a teenager associated with Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation, was pictured being presented with a club shirt.

The 17-year-old is visiting Spain this week with her family to participate in various social and political events.

According to top Spanish sports daily Marca, she was offered a Real jersey and posed for photos with Emilio Butragueno, the club’s former striker and now director of institutional relations.

However, Real Madrid has not issued any official statement regarding her invitation on its social networks or website. When contacted by AFP, the club declined to comment.

Daniel Kutner, Israel’s ambassador to Spain, wrote on Twitter: “Ahed Tamimi does not fight for peace, she defends violence and terror, the institutions that have received and celebrated her indirectly encourage aggression and not the dialogue and understanding that we need.”

Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for the Israeli foreign minister, described the apparent welcome Real Madrid gave Tamimi as “shameful”, describing her as “a terrorist inciting to hatred and violence”.

Tamimi has become a figure of Palestinian resistance since spending eight months in prison for slapping two soldiers from the Israel Defence Forces. She was released in late July.

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Most-watched soccer games on US TV for September 18-23, 2018

September 19th’s Campeones Cup match between Toronto FC and Tigres UANL averaged a combined 1.2 million viewers, with Univision contributing 1.1 million viewers to the total and ESPN2 providing an additional 101,000 viewers. Tigres’ 3-1 victory over Toronto FC currently ranks as the second most-watched club soccer match in the United States since the conclusion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Early UEFA Champions League viewership numbers are looking great for Univision, Champions League matches on their networks are averaging 551,250 viewers through the first four broadcast windows with viewership peaking at 762,000 for the Tuesday September 18 late kickoff with 672,000 of those watching Liverpool’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Univision. TNT contributed an additional 330,000 viewers for the Liverpool-PSG match, giving it a total average viewership of just over 1 million viewers. No UEFA Champions League match outside of the final drew 1 million viewers last season.

Premier League on NBC ratings are in decline for the third consecutive week as last Saturday afternoon’s Brighton-Spurs match saw the league’s lowest viewership on the network so far this season at just 754,000 viewers. Through six matches, the Premier League on NBC is averaging 854,667 viewers, up a slight 2% from the first six matches of last season.

Here are the most-watched soccer games on US TV for September 18-23, 2018:

Rank	Date	Competition	Teams	TV1	Total
1	9/19	Campeones Cup	Toronto FC / Tigres	ESPN2: 101000 / Univision: 1100000	1,201,000
2	9/18	UEFA Champions League	Liverpool / PSG	TNT: 330000 / Univision: 672000	1,002,000
3	9/22	Premier League	Brighton / Spurs	NBC: 754000 / Unvso: 36000	790,000
4	9/18	UEFA Champions League	Barcelona / PSV Eindhoven	TNT: 164000 / Univision: 618000	782,000
5	9/19	UEFA Champions League	Real Madrid / Roma	TNT: 235000 / Univision: 491000	726,000
6	9/23	Premier League	Arsenal / Everton	NBCSN: 401000 / Telemundo: 238000	639,000
7	9/23	Liga MX	Tigres / Monterrey	UniMás: 625000	625,000
8	9/21	Liga MX	Puebla / América	UDN: 555000	555,000
9	9/22	Premier League	Liverpool / Southampton	NBCSN: 408000 / Unvso: 40000	448,000
10	9/23	Liga MX	Santos / Veracruz	UniMás: 407000	407,000
11	9/22	Liga MX	Cruz Azul / Atlas	UDN: 403000	403,000
12	9/23	Premier League	West Ham / Chelsea	NBCSN: 292000 / Telemundo: 85000	377,000
13	9/22	Liga MX	León / Lobos	UDN: 370000	370,000
14	9/23	Liga MX	Chivas / Querétaro	UniMás: 304000	304,000
15	9/22	MLS	Los Angeles FC / San Jose Earthquakes	Univision/UDN: 30300	303,000
16	9/21	Liga MX	Morelia / Pumas	UDN: 255000	255,000
17	9/19	MLS	San Jose Earthquakes / Atlanta United	UniMás: 115000 / UDN: 131000	246,000
18	9/23	MLS	LA Galaxy / Seattle Sounders	FS1: 133000 / FOXD: 78000	211,000
19	9/22	Liga MX	Toluca / Necaxa	UDN: 208000	208,000
20	9/23	MLS	Philadelphia Union / Sporting Kansas City	ESPN: 184000	184,000
21	9/22	Premier League	Fulham / Watford	NBCSN: 175000	175,000
22	9/22	Bundesliga	Schalke / Bayern	UDN: 153000	153,000
23	9/19	UEFA Champions League	Valencia / Juventus	UniMás: 136000	136,000
24	9/19	UEFA Champions League	Ajax / Athens	UniMás: 112000	112,000
25	9/22	Liga MX	Tijuana / Pachuca	FOXD: 94000	94,000
26	9/18	UEFA Champions League	Monaco / Atlético Madrid	UniMás: 80000	80,000
27	9/20	UEFA Europa League	Arsenal / Vorskla	UniMás: 68000	68,000
28	9/23	La Liga	Barcelona / Girona	beIN: 62000	62,000
29	9/20	CONCACAF League	Tauro / Motagua	UDN: 55000	55,000
30	9/20	UEFA Europa League	PAOK / Chelsea	UniMás: 51000	51,000
31	9/20	UEFA Europa League	Villarreal / Rangers	UDN: 48000	48,000
32	9/20	CONCACAF League	Herediano / Árabe Unido	UDN: 40000	40,000
33	9/19	UEFA Champions League	Man City / Lyon	Gala: 38000	38,000
34	9/20	UEFA Europa League	Dudelange / Milan	UDN: 33000	33,000
35	9/19	UEFA Champions League	Shakhtar / Hoffenheim	Gala: 28000	28,000
36	9/20	UEFA Europa League	Sevilla / Liège	Gala: 28000	28,000
37	9/22	Bundesliga	Hoffenheim / Dortmund	UDN: 27000	27,000
38	9/20	UEFA Europa League	Olympiackos Piraeus / Real Betis	Gala: 26000	26,000
39	9/18	UEFA Champions League	Inter Milan / Spurs	Gala: 20000	20,000
40	9/21	Bundesliga	Stuttgart / Düsseldorf	UDN: 19000	19,000
41	9/18	UEFA Champions League	Schalke / Porto	Gala: 10000	10,000

SEE MORE: Access our archives of US TV ratings for soccer.

HT ShowBuzz Daily

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Real Madrid face anxious Champions League wait on Bale injury

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui has confirmed Gareth Bale sustained an injury to his thigh during the goalless draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Bale was substituted at half-time at the Santiago Bernabeu and is now a doubt for Real’s Champions League game against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

“Gareth had discomfort in his thigh,” Lopetegui said after the match. “He came off as a precaution and we will see tomorrow what the injury is.”

Bale has scored four goals in his last seven games for Real and any absence would be a major blow.

Real face Barcelona in La Liga on October 28 after league games against Alaves and Levante, as well as another Champions League group fixture at home to Viktoria Plzen.

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Are Man United and Mourinho nearing end of the road?

London (AFP) – Manchester United are a club in crisis and Jose Mourinho is seemingly powerless to prevent a slide into mid-table mediocrity for the 20-time English champions.

The Old Trafford hierarchy preened this week after the latest financial results showed the club had earned revenue of more than half a billion pounds for the third year running.

But United, who finished a distant second behind Manchester City last season, are going backwards on the pitch — licking their wounds after their worst start to a league campaign for 29 years.  

Mourinho’s men travelled to the London Stadium on Saturday boasting an enviable record against West Ham but came away chastened after a 3-1 defeat killed off any realistic hopes of a Premier League challenge before the end of September.

Languishing nine points behind leaders City, they now face a battle even to qualify for the lucrative Champions League, a prospect that will give the money men sleepless nights.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said the club face some “big decisions” over the manager’s future after the listless display in the capital.

“There are some big decisions to be made at United now,” he said. “There will be conversations at the top level, about the future of the manager and the squad, because the basics are not being done. There has to be something said.”

– Pogba-Mourinho rift –

United’s build-up to the match against West Ham was overshadowed by the growing rift between Mourinho and Paul Pogba, who was stripped of the vice-captaincy before their League Cup exit against Championship side Derby in midweek.

It came after the French World Cup winner implicitly criticised his manager’s tactics, imploring United to attack more and as rumours continued to swirl linking him with a move to Barcelona.

It is difficult to see how both player and manager can work together in the long term after such public displays of disunity. 

United are anxious to hang on to one of the world’s most marketable players but all the signs are that they are sticking with Mourinho for now despite their desperately poor start to the season, which has seen them muster just 10 points from seven games.

Pogba gave another under-par performance against West Ham but he was not the only player to disappoint in the late September sunshine.

United are lacking in ideas, short of inspiration and shape, with many of the players looking like square pegs in round holes.

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‘Selfish’ Lautaro pleases Inter coach Spalletti

Milan (AFP) – Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti hailed new striker Lautaro Martinez as having the right dose of “selfishness” after he scored his first Serie A goal in a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday.

Martinez, who joined Inter from Racing Club this season, got a rare start up front against the Sardinians with fellow Argentine Mauro Icardi rested ahead of next week’s Champions League trip to PSV Eindhoven.

And the 22-year-old headed in after 12 minutes in the San Siro with another new boy Matteo Politano also scoring his first goal with a powerful volley a minute from time to ensure a fourth straight win for Inter between the championship and Champions League.

“Lautaro is talented. He’s strong and has everything, quality, technique and strength,” said Spalletti. “He’s also a bit selfish, but it does not hurt to have that thread of selfishness.

“I think training with Icardi is helping him to learn something about attacking the space, but he already had everything.

“He is also a bit egotistical, such as when he went for goal and it was two against one, but that’s not a bad thing for a striker to be a little egotistical.

“Lautaro is very good friends with Icardi, they are two sensitive guys.”

Martinez said he was living “a dream” having scored in the Italian league.

“I always say that the group comes first, but I’m really happy for this goal,” said the Argentine.

Spalletti, meanwhile, said he was confident Inter had regained their form after struggling with just four points from their first four games.

“It was a deserved and important victory, which allowed us to have a correct classification for the name we carry,” said Spalletti, as Inter moved up to fourth — eight points behind champions Juventus.

“We are Inter, this is one of the most loved teams in the world and we have this mission. 

“I want to be remembered for my commitment to this club,” added the former Roma and Zenit St Petersburg coach.

Inter, fourth last season, made a host of summer signings including Radja Nainggolan, Politano, Sime Vrsaljko and Keita Balde, as they chase their first Serie A title since 2010, when they won the treble under Jose Mourinho.

“When you have a large squad with this much quality, you can choose a whole new 11 every few days and that is important,” the coach added.

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Courtois the key as Madrid derby ends goalless

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois came back to haunt Atletico Madrid as two crunch saves denied Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa on Saturday in a goalless draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Courtois spent three seasons at Atletico on loan from Chelsea but this was his first Madrid derby for Real. He made the most of it, saving when both Griezmann and Costa had only the Belgian to beat. 

Gareth Bale could have won a pulsating encounter for Real too but he sidefooted wide from close range towards the end of the first half. 

Bale did not emerge for the second period, substituted with a thigh injury, which will be a major concern for coach Julen Lopetegui. Real play CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday. 

In the end, both teams could have claimed victory but neither was perhaps too disappointed with a point. 

Atletico maintain their resurgence after a miserable start while Real steady the ship following their hammering at Sevilla on Wednesday. 

Lopetegui’s side move back level with Barcelona on points. Atletico sit just two behind. 

“We have not won because we didn’t score but overall we have been very superior,” Lopetegui said.

“The match was intense,” added Diego Simeone. “We had chances through Griezmann and Costa but they were saved by Courtois.

“It’s a pity because we wanted to win but we leave with a good result.”

This match was not lacking for sub-plots. Courtois had played seven Madrid derbies for Atletico but now he was in the other team’s goal. 

It was Julen Lopetegui’s first derby as Real coach, although he was the fifth Real manager Diego Simeone had stood opposite. 

And Griezmann was up against Sergio Ramos, who very publicly slapped down the Frenchman’s Ballon d’Or ambitions earlier this month. Perhaps Real took added satisfaction in presenting Luka Modric with his FIFA Best Men’s Player award before kick-off. 

Front and centre, however, was the battle at the top of the table. Only one of the last six La Liga matches played by Real and Barca had ended with them winning, which had pulled Atleti back in the race. 

A blistering opening period was a blur of scuffles, mistakes and missed chances, with Atletico shading the start and Real the finish. 

Griezmann attempted an audacious volley that flew over and then came his team’s best chance when he only had Courtois to beat. His chipped finish met the goalkeeper’s forehead. 

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Three things we learned from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool

London (AFP) – Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge struck a spectacular late equaliser as two of the Premier League’s top three shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday.

Both sides remain unbeaten in the league with Liverpool second behind champions Manchester City only on goal difference and Chelsea just two points adrift in third.

Here, AFP Sports looks at three things we learned from an entertainingencounter at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard shows up Salah

Mohamed Salah was named ahead of Eden Hazard as the third best player in the world for the last year by FIFA on Monday to go with his Premier League Player of the Year awards for last season.

But there is no doubt who on current form is the best in the league as Hazard scored his seventh goal of the season, while Salah passed up three good chances before being hooked by Jurgen Klopp 25 minutes from time as Liverpool chased an equaliser.

Replacing the Egyptian would have been unthinkable just a few months ago, but Klopp admitted Salah looked a little short of confidence as after missing two early chances when well-placed on the edge of the area, he tried to pass to Roberto Firmino instead of going for goal at the third time of asking.

By contrast, Hazard is on the top of his game, but Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has challenged the Belgian to match Salah’s achievements of last season and score 40 goals for the first time in his career.

“I think he is able to score 40 goals, so he has to score another 33,” said a smiling Sarri.

Kepa, Alisson prove their worth

The clash also pitted the world’s two most expensive goalkeepers against one another and both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alisson Becker showed why so many millions were invested in their services.

Alisson’s world record £67 million fee for a goalkeeper lasted barely a couple of weeks before Chelsea splurged £72 million on Kepa.

The Brazilian produced the most telling save with a brilliant block as Hazard bore down on goal just after the hour mark with the chance to double Chelsea’s advantage.

However, minutes earlier Kepa also showed smart reflexes to turn Sadio Mane’s near post drive behind and was faultless for Sturridge’s sensational dipping effort.

Chelsea a contender

Sarri has insisted all season his side will lag behind City and Liverpool in their third full campaigns under Pep Guardiola and Klopp as Chelsea adjust to the Italian’s style.

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Dutch goalkeeper stars as coach McCarthy wins first trophy

Johannesburg (AFP) – Penalty shootout heroics from Dutch goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh ensured UEFA Champions League winner Benni McCarthy won his first South African trophy as a coach Saturday.

McCarthy’s Cape Town City dominated Supersports in an MTN8 final in Indian Ocean city Durban that ended 0-0 after extra time.

Leeuwenburgh then saved two shootout kicks to help his club win 4-1 on penalties. 

The 24-year-old Dutch shot-stopper, who moved to South Africa this year from Ajax Amsterdam reserves, also saved two shootout kicks in a semi-finals victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I am so happy because my family and girlfriend were able to watch the match in the Netherlands,” said Leeuwenburgh.

“My confidence was high ahead of the shootout — I did my homework and knew where the SuperSport players like to place their kicks.

“The match should not have gone to penalties, though, as we could have wrapped it up by half-time during the 90 minutes.”

Success was particularly sweet for Cape Town as they lost 4-2 on penalties to SuperSport in the final of the same competition last year.

McCarthy, who helped Jose Mourinho-managed Porto win the 2004 Champions League and scored a record 31 goals for South Africa, admitted he feared the worst as the shootout began.

“I thought to myself: here we go again, it is going to be a repeat of last year when we dominated SuperSport and they won on penalties.

“Our dominance this year was much greater, but we could not find a way past (SuperSport goalkeeper) Ronwen Williams.

“Peter (Leeuwenburgh) made the difference. He is a quality goalkeeper and I believed he was capable of making a couple of shootout saves.”

City chairman John Comitis said the triumph justified placing then 39-year-old McCarthy in charge last season even though he had no head coach experience.  

Cape Town pair Thabo Nodada and Gift Links were foiled by the woodwork in a match City should have wrapped up by the end of regular time against disappointing SuperSport.

The MTN8 is contested by the top eight league finishers from the previous season and offers an eight million rand ($565,000/485,000 euros) winners-take-all prize.

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Juventus CEO Marotta confirms departure after eight years

Milan (AFP) – Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta confirmed on Saturday he is leaving the reigning Serie A champions next month after eight years in Turin.

“The club is carrying out an extensive renewal. My mandate as chief executive comes to an end on October 25 and the list of board members, which will be presented on Monday, will not contain my name,” Marotta said in a statement.

Marotta, 61, was one of the architects of the club’s recent successes, with seven Serie A titles, four Italian Cups and two runners-up finishes in the Champions League.

“I will assess my position along with the club president in the coming days. I’ve had eight wonderful years here, full of success, and Juventus will always remain in my heart.”

Marotta, meanwhile, ruled out he was a candidate for the Italian FA presidency.

“I can categorically exclude the report I will be a candidate for the FIGC Presidency. That is not an experience that interests me,” the told Italian television.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri said he was shocked at hearing of Marotta’s departure after the club beat Napoli 3-1 on Saturday to extend their led to six points at the top of Serie A.

“To be honest, I don’t know what to say, because this is news to me as well,” said Allegri.

“He built Juve along with all the other directors to create a winning team. 

“The director will be missed, but we’ll have to cover his absence.”

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Valverde accepts blame for Barca draw after Messi rested

Barcelona (AFP) – Ernesto Valverde admitted his gamble to rest Lionel Messi backfired on Saturday as Barcelona drew 1-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao to make it three games without a victory.

Messi came on in the 55th minute at the Camp Nou and it was the Argentinian’s shot that was turned in by another substitute, Munir El Haddadi, with six minutes left to play. 

By then, however, Oscar de Marcos had given Bilbao a deserved first-half lead and despite a late rally, Messi and Barca could not find a winner. 

After drawing at home to Girona and being beaten by Leganes, Barca will head to Wembley to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday short of rhythm and lacking confidence.

They will also be without Sergi Roberto. Barcelona confirmed after the game he had picked up a thigh strain.

The last time Bilbao took a point at the Camp Nou, Valverde was sitting in the away team’s dug-out, in 2004, during his first spell as Bilbao coach. 

Now in charge at Barca, he will have questions to answer, having made the bold decision to rest Messi with Spurs in mind, along with Sergio Busquets. 

Barca will surrender top spot in La Liga if Real Madrid beat Atletico in the city derby later on Saturday. Bilbao move up to 14th. 

“Leaving Messi on the bench is absolutely my responsibility,” Valverde said. “He has four games in 10 days and I think it’s good for Leo to rest, like Busquets, thinking of the Champions League. 

“I know it was the right decision. It was a risk and on this occasion, it didn’t come off.”

Lack of rotation was chief among the criticisms levelled at Valverde after they crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals last season, with Luis Suarez admitting he regrets playing 90 minutes against Leganes, three days before the collapse against Roma. 

Valverde has certainly acted. Of the preferred 11 that started a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven two weeks ago, eight have started at least one of the three games since on the bench. The trouble is that seven of those have been required to come on as substitutes.

“We can’t expect Messi just to come on and fix things,” Suarez said. “We should have won the game before he came on, that’s why we are Barca.”

Bilbao took the lead in the 41st minute and could have scored earlier. Inaki Williams’ attempted lob had Marc-Andre ter Stegen beaten but drifted wide. Ter Stegen had to push Raul Garcia’s effort over and was then rounded by Williams but the angle proved too tight. 

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Super sub Sturridge salvages Liverpool’s unbeaten run at Chelsea

London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp praised Daniel Sturridge’s ability to make a difference off the bench after his sensational strike a minute from time preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday.

Sturridge has endured an injury-ravaged three years since Klopp took charge at Anfield and was loaned out to relegated West Brom for the second half of last season.

But despite playing a reserve role to Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Sturridge has now scored four goals in seven appearances this season.

“The whole dressing room was pretty much dancing. He had such a difficult time but now he has a wonderful time,” said Klopp.

“Coming in and being fresh and making decisions is so important. It was a fantastic goal.

“He had a full pre-season and is in best shape since I know him.”

For the second time in four days Eden Hazard seemed set to haunt Liverpool as, after deciding a League Cup tie between the pair on Wednesday, the Belgian fired Chelsea in front on 25 minutes.

But Sturridge’s late intervention means Liverpool move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table ahead of a huge clash between the two at Anfield next weekend.

Chelsea are just two points back in third and showed their own title credentials by continuing an unbeaten start under Maurizio Sarri with an impressive defensive display complemented by Hazard’s class at the other end of the field.

Sarri has routinely insisted Chelsea can’t challenge Liverpool or City for the title, but admitted he his side are closer than he thought after two meetings with Liverpool.

“No, I think they are further forward,” said the Italian when asked if Chelsea are title contenders. “But I think also we are more close than I thought one week ago.”

– Salah struggles –

Salah was back for Liverpool after being crowned the third best player in the world for the past year by FIFA on Monday.

But the dead eye for goal the Egyptian showed last season to earn that accolade ahead of the likes of Lionel Messi and Hazard, was missing before he was replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri 25 minutes from time.

“It was not Mo’s best game of his career for sure,” added Klopp.

“It’s like riding a bike and it’s not that you wake up in the morning and cannot ride a bike anymore. He just has to work.”

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Dortmund go top as Alcacer brace seals stunning fight-back

Berlin (AFP) – New signing Paco Alcacer came off the bench to score two late goals and seal Borussia Dortmund’s stunning 4-2 win as they fought back from two goals down at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday to knock Bayern Munich from top spot in the Bundesliga.

Alcacer, on loan from Barcelona until June, came on after 63 minutes with his team 2-0 down, but tucked away goals on 85 and 94 minutes to cap the fight back after Dortmund had drawn level.

After Bayern crashed to a shock 2-0 defeat at Hertha Berlin on Friday, Dortmund left it late to top the table in dramatic style and build on their 7-0 rout of Nuremberg on Wednesday.

Leverkusen went ahead at their BayArena after just nine minutes when midfielder Mitchell Weiser hit the net with a spectacular shot from outside the area — reminiscent of Benjamin Pavard’s goal of the 2018 World Cup for France. 

Burly defender Jonathan Tah doubled Leverkusen’s lead by tapping home six minutes from the break.

Dortmund drew level with two goals in four minutes.

Danish midfielder Jacob Bruun Larsen, 20, drilled home the first  on 64 minutes.

England junior international Jadon Sancho came off the Dortmund bench and a minute later provided the final pass for Dortmund captain Marco Reus to smash home a second on 68 minutes.

– Zieler howler –

Dortmund went ahead for the first time on 85 minutes when Alcacer lunged to guide a cross by defender Achraf Hakimi, on loan from Real Madrid, into the Leverkusen net.

Alcacer completed the Roy of the Rovers-style finish on 94 minutes.

He tapped into an empty net after Dortmund attacked from their own box with Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky well out of his own penalty area as the hosts pushed for an unlikely late equaliser.

Dortmund are the only unbeaten team in Germany’s top flight after Werder Bremen earlier blew the chance to knock Bayern from top spot by losing 2-1 at Stuttgart, even though the host’s goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler conceded a howler of an own goal.

Bremen made a bad start when Greece striker Anastasios Donis dribbled through the visitors’ defence and chipped into an open net on 19 minutes.

Then Bremen had key defender Milos Veljkovic sent off eight minutes from half time for pulling back Daniel Didavi, his second foul on the Stuttgart striker.

But then Zieler’s blunder gave Werder an equaliser.

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Fans injured after stand collapses in Spain

Eibar (Spain) (AFP) – At least two people were injured after a barrier at Ipurua football stadium in Eibar collapsed as Sevilla supporters celebrated a goal, according to Spanish television footage on Saturday. 

After a penalty scored by Ever Banega in the 59th minute, Sevilla fans rushed to the bottom of the away stand. 

A protective barrier gave way under the pressure and several supporters fell through. 

Two of them had to be carried away on a stretcher by medics, according to images on the television, while the match was stopped for around 10 minutes.

The majority of fans in the stand were able to retake their seats as Eibar were beaten by Sevilla 3-1.

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Chelsea end Liverpool’s perfect start as United suffer Hammer blow

London (AFP) – Chelsea ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season as the title contenders drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Liverpool had won all six of their previous league matches this term but, having lost to Chelsea in the League Cup in midweek, they fell behind on Saturday when Eden Hazard gave the hosts a 25th-minute lead at Stamford Bridge.

But Daniel Sturridge’s brilliant long-range strike a minute from full-time preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten league run.

This result left Liverpool in second place, with champions Manchester City, who beat Brighton 2-0 earlier on Saturday, top on goal difference.

City showed the gulf in class between the two sides of Manchester as Brighton, who beat United earlier this season, were comfortably seen off at the Etihad thanks to goals either side of half-time from Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero.

United’s worst league start in 29 years means they are also five points adrift of Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for a place in the top four, with the North London clubs 2-0 victors over Huddersfield and Watford respectively.

– Miserable week –

Defeat at the London Stadium compounded a miserable week for United manager Jose Mourinho, whose side were also dumped out of the League Cup by Derby on penalties and held at home by Wolves last weekend.

Mourinho’s switch to a three-man defence backfired as Felipe Anderson and Victor Lindelof’s own goal gave West Ham 2-0 half-time lead.

“After the result on Tuesday the team obviously needs positive things, positive feelings and to start losing after five minutes is not that positive start that you need,” said Mourinho.

Paul Pogba was also under the spotlight after being stripped of the vice-captaincy by Mourinho in midweek and a frosty training ground exchange between the pair on Wednesday.

However, the French World Cup winner failed to make an impact before he was substituted 20 minutes from time.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to briefly give United hope by pulling a goal back, but just three minutes later Marko Arnautovic exposed more poor United defending to seal West Ham’s first home league win of the season.

– City slickers –

City face a big trip to Hoffenheim in the Champions League in midweek having lost at home to Lyon to open their campaign, but they have suffered no such domestic struggles in defence of their title.

Leroy Sane’s pace again made a big impact as the German’s low cross was tapped home by Sterling at the back post for his fourth goal of the season.

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‘Extraordinary’ Ronaldo helps Juventus stretch perfect start with Napoli win

Milan (AFP) – Mario Mandzukic scored in either half as Juventus came from behind to beat ten-man Napoli 3-1 and open up a six-point lead on Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the top of the Serie A table.

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo played a role in all three goals as Massimiliano Allegri’s side have a maximum 21 points after seven games.

Napoli are now on 15 points, after falling to their second defeat of the season. 

“Ronaldo is enjoying his football, he has integrated very well,” said Allegri.

“He’s an extraordinary player, the passing is exceptional, and tonight was the best Ronaldo of the season, along with the high-level half-hour in Valencia.”

Ancelotti’s first trip to his former club got off to a promising start when Jose Callejon volleyed for Dries Mertens to open the scoring after ten minutes.

But Ronaldo set up Mandzukic to head in the equaliser after 26 minutes.

The momentum then swung to Juventus with Ronaldo looking destined to score but the ball bounced off the left post and into the path of the onrushing Croat who tapped in the second four minutes after the break.

Napoli were a man down after Portuguese left-back Mario Rui was sent off after 58 minutes for a second bookable offence.

Napoli missed a chance to equalise when Arkadiusz Milik set up Callejon but the Spanish winger fired straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

But centre-back Leonardo Bonucci got the hosts’ third after 76 minutes when Ronaldo headed towards goal off a corner.

Both teams are in Champions League action next week with Juventus hosting Swiss club Young Boys without Ronaldo who has a one-match ban after he was controversially sent off against Valencia.

Napoli play at home against last year’s runners-up Liverpool.

– Pellegrini revives Roma –

Earlier Lorenzo Pellegrini came off the bench and lifted Roma to a 3-1 win over bitter city rivals Lazio to revive his side’s stumbling start to the season.

Eusebio Di Francesco’s team had plunged into crisis after a 2-0 defeat to Bologna, but have now claimed consecutive wins for the first time this season after their 4-0 victory over Frosinone in midweek.

The win ended Lazio’s four-match winning streak in Serie A and lifts Di Francesco’s side into fifth just behind their city rivals with 11 points from seven games.

“We reacted as men today, which was what I had asked for,” said Di Francesco.

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Lokomotiv end winless streak with two late goals

Moscow (AFP) – Champions Lokomotiv Moscow scored twice in the last nine minutes to beat visiting Akhmat Grozny 2-0 on Saturday and end a winless streak which had dropped them into the bottom half of the Russian Premier League.

The goals by Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes, after 81 minutes, and forward Rifat Zhemaletdinov, in added time, gave Lokomotiv a morale-boosting win ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with German Bundesliga side Schalke 04.

While Lokomotiv beat second-tier Balktika Kaliningrad in the Russian Cup in midweek, the previous four matches had brought a draw and two defeats in the league and a loss in the Champions League.

Saturday’s victory lifted the Muscovites to sixth, but they are still 10 points behind league leaders Zenit St Petersburg, who visit lowly Anzhi Makhachkala on Sunday.

“Today we’ve played well-balanced football both in defence and in attack,” Lokomotiv boss Yury Syomin said. “We’ve exerted tough pressure on Akhmat and it paid off in the late stages.”

“Hopefully this win will help us to prepare for the Champions League match with Schalke.”

Lokomotiv started in a lively fashion, pinning the visitors back but they created few clear chances as Akhmat defended stoutly.

The pattern continued in the second half with Lokomotiv missing the cutting edge normally provided by Russian international forward Fyodor Smolov, who injured a shoulder against Baltika on Wednesday.

The hosts’ persistence paid off with nine minutes remaining as Fernandes netted a rebound after Akhmat goalkeeper Yevgeny Gorodov saved Eder’s close-range attempt.

Second-half substitute striker Zhemaletdinov added his goal in injury time.

In the other Saturday games, Ural Yekaterinburg battled back from a goal down to beat the visiting Arsenal Tula 2-1 courtesy of a brace by forward Andrei Panyukov. 

Ufa beat Yenisei Krasnoyarsk 2-1 in a battle of the two teams that started the weekend at the foot of the table.

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