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☆ Injuries and Clasico no excuse for Barca, says Xavi
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Barcelona cannot use their injury crisis and their upcoming league game against Real Madrid as excuses for a poor performance in a midweek Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, coach Xavi Hernandez warned on Tuesday. Barcelona top Champions League Group H with six points after winning their first two games without conceding a goal. Despite their more comfortable position in their Champions League group, Xavi said Wednesday's home clash with Shakhtar was vital, telling reporters: "The three points tomorrow against Shakhtar are key for our objective. "This is the Champions League, the biggest competition there is for clubs and for us getting nine points from nine is very important. "I remain optimistic that some of them will make Saturday's game (against Real)," Xavi said.

Persons: Xavi Hernandez, Portugal's Porto, Xavi, Robert Lewandowski, Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde, Frenkie De Jong, Aadi Nair, Clare Fallon Organizations: Real Madrid, League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Barcelona, Champions League Group, Shakhtar, Real, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, LaLiga, Girona, Bengaluru

☆ Napoli claim 1-0 win at strugglers Union Berlin with Raspadori goal
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The result kept Napoli in second place on six points, three behind Real Madrid who won 2-1 at Sporting Braga. "It wasn't our best game technically, but winning this kind of game is important," scorer Raspadori said. I believe we could have done better, but an away win like this in the Champions League is always good. Playing in the Champions League and scoring is fantastic," he said. Yes we lost but overall delivered a good game."

Persons: Giacomo Raspadori, Napoli's Khvicha, Napoli, Raspadori, Aaronson, David Fofana, Victor Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, Frederik Ronnow, Christopher Trimmel, Fofana, Urs Fischer, Karolos Grohmann, Christian Radnedge, Ken Ferris Organizations: Union Berlin, Champions League Group, Real Madrid, Sporting Braga, Braga, Champions League, Napoli, Union, League, Thomson Locations: Germans, Raspadori

☆ Ten Hag lays wreath on Old Trafford pitch in moving tribute to Charlton
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - Champions League - Group A - Manchester United v FC Copenhagen - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 24, 2023 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag holds a wreath in memory of former Manchester United player Bobby Charlton REUTERS/Molly Darlington Acquire Licensing RightsMANCHESTER, England, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag laid a wreath in the centre of the storied Old Trafford pitch on Tuesday in a stirring tribute to club great Bobby Charlton ahead of their Champions League group-stage match against FC Copenhagen. Charlton, an England World Cup winner and one of Manchester United's greatest players, died on Saturday at the age of 86. Supporters then broke into "There's only one Bobby Charlton!" The words "Sir Bobby Charlton, 1937-2023, Forever Loved," had been added over Old Trafford's main entrance, a wreath was placed in Charlton's seat inside the stadium and the players wore black armbands for the game. Charlton was a key figure in England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, playing alongside his brother Jack, and he made 758 appearances for United, scoring 249 goals.

Persons: Erik, Hag, Bobby Charlton REUTERS, Molly Darlington, Erik ten Hag, Bobby Charlton, Charlton, Alex Stepney, Dan Gore, Sir Bobby, George Best, Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton, Jack, Lori Ewing, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer Football, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Rights, Champions League, Charlton, Manchester United's, United, Thomson Locations: Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Rights MANCHESTER, England, Trafford, Old, Trinity

☆ Bayern survive Galatasaray pressure, score twice in second half for 3-1 win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

However, Bayern striker Harry Kane scored in the 73rd minute and Jamal Musiala added another six minutes later to snap their opponents' 23-match unbeaten run across all competitions. "It's my first time in this stadium and I'm just about getting my hearing back now," goalscorer Kane said. "In the second half we were a bit more calm, better on the ball and took our chances. Goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, however, had to come to the rescue only a minute later, spectacularly palming a Kerem Akturkoglu shot wide. In an equally pacy start to the second half, the Turks had the lion's share of chances once more with Bayern defending desperately.

Persons: Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Kane, Mauro Icardi, Kingsley, Sven Ulreich, Akturkoglu, Icardi, Ulreich, Karolos, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Bayern, Galatasaray, Champions League, Turks, Manchester United, Argentine, League, FC Copenhagen, Thomson Locations: ISTANBUL, Bayern Munich

☆ Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Bellingham on target in 2-1 win at Braga
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BRAGA, Portugal, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham scored in each half to secure a 2-1 win at Sporting Braga and keep their side three points clear atop Champions League Group C on Tuesday. Wasteful Real missed several chances to extend their lead mainly through Vinicius who was often caught offside playing on the shoulder of an extremely high Braga defensive line. But they managed to score again in the 61st when Rodrygo beat the offside trap and found Vinicius ghosting behind the defence on the left. "We had to suffer more than expected in the end but it's normal to suffer away from home, especially in the Champions League," Vinicius Jr told Movistar Plus. Real are top on nine points ahead of Napoli, who eked out a 1-0 win at bottom side Union Berlin with the Germans yet to earn a point.

Persons: Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo ., Vinicius Jr, Vinicius, Vinicius ghosting, Christian Karembeu, Braga, Alvaro Djalo, Kepa Arrizabalaga, " Vinicius Jr, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: BRAGA, Sporting Braga, Champions League, Rodrygo, Braga, Real Madrid, League, Movistar, Berlin, Thomson Locations: Portugal, Brazilian, Bellingham, Napoli

☆ Fans pay tribute to Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Bobby Charlton Tributes - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 22, 2023 A fan is seen with a framed Bobby Charlton picture and flowers outside Old Trafford following his passing REUTERS/Carl Recine Acquire Licensing RightsMANCHESTER, England, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Fans of all ages gathered at Old Trafford on Sunday to remember Manchester United great Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday, lining up to sign a book of condolence and laying flowers and scarves at the foot of the Trinity Statue. Someone had climbed the statue, which is now surrounded by fencing, to tie a red United scarf around Charlton's neck. Pep Guardiola, manager of city rivals Manchester City, called Charlton's death "a huge loss for his family, for Manchester United, for English football, for European football". Chants of "One Bobby Charlton" rang out from the away end after the goal. Manchester United said commemorative plans ahead of the team's Champions League group stage match against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday are being discussed.

Persons: Bobby Charlton, Carl Recine, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Diogo Dalot, Charlton, Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Rights, Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, United, Sheffield United, Sky Sports, team's Champions League, FC Copenhagen, Thomson Locations: Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Old Trafford, Rights MANCHESTER, England, Trinity

☆ Manchester United: Galatasaray piles more misery on Erik ten Hag with stunning Champions League win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Boos echoed around Old Trafford once again as Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to yet another home defeat, this time losing 3-2 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. Michael Regan/Getty ImagesTen Hag said after the match that there were “no excuses” for United’s continuing woes. Darren Staples/AFP/Getty ImagesHowever, the start of the season has surely been worse than even the most pessimistic of United fans would have predicted. Manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure after United's fifth defeat in seven games. “[There’s been] a lot of off-the-field stuff that others wouldn’t have had to contend with in the history of the game,” the 2007/08 Champions League winner added, referring to situations with Mason Greenwood, Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Persons: Erik ten Hag, Rasmus Højlund, Wilfried Zaha, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, –, Mertens, Mauro Icardi, Michael Regan, ”, “, Casemiro, Darren Staples, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, “ I’m, ” Ferdinand, Erik, Hag, Martin Rickett, they’ve, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Jadon Sancho, it’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, Galatasaray, UEFA Champions League, Theatre of, United, Champions League, Getty, League, Premier League, Former United, TNT Sports, Brentford Locations: Old Trafford, Turkish, AFP

☆ Atletico Madrid fight back to win five-goal thriller against Feyenoord
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Alvaro Morata scored a brace to help Atletico Madrid fight back and secure a frantic 3-2 win over Feyenoord in their Champions League Group E clash on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak putting in a superb second-half performance for the hosts. The hosts hit back five minutes later with Morata striking a rebound from inside the box. "This is the Champions League, there is no win without suffering and we know how to endure suffering," Morata told Movistar Plus. Atletico top Group E with four points from two games, one ahead of Feyenoord in second. Lazio, who are third on one point, face Celtic, who have no points, later on Wednesday.

Persons: Alvaro Morata, Jan Oblak, Mario Hermoso, Ueda, David Hancko's, Trauner, Antoine Griezmann, Morata, Nahuel Molina, Paixao, Fernando Kallas, Pritha Sarkar, Toby Davis Organizations: Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord, Champions League, Atletico, Movistar, Lazio, Celtic, Thomson Locations: MADRID

☆ PSG and Kylian Mbappé humbled by Newcastle United in Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( John Sinnott | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé suffered a chastening defeat in the Champions League group stages, losing 4-1 at the hands of Newcastle United on Wednesday. The win put Newcastle top of Group F with four points, a point ahead of PSG. If you make mistakes you pay for that.”Mbappé is challenged for the ball by Jamaal Lascelles and Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United. Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) acquired PSG in 2011 and lavished money on bringing some of the world’s most talented players to Paris, and a Champions League title seemed inevitable. Mbappé had little effect on the game at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, with the Premier League side completely physically overpowering their French opposition.

Persons: Germain, Kylian Mbappé, Miguel Almirón, Dan Burn, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sean, Lucas Hernández, Fabian Schär, ”, Luis Enrique, Mbappé, Jamaal Lascelles, Bruno Guimarães, Richard Sellers, Enrique, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, –, Wednesday’s, James ’ Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Newcastle United, Newcastle, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, “, ” PSG, TNT Sports, Real Madrid, Mbappé, La Liga, Monaco, Qatar Sports Investment, Paris, League, St, Premier League Locations: Newcastle, Paris

It was an English player's night in the Champions League, even as both of the English teams in action lost. It was the second Champions League game in a row where Bellingham played a vital role for Madrid after scoring the winning goal against Union Berlin. United has conceded seven goals in its opening two Champions League games after losing its opener 4-3 to Bayern Munich last month. The French team last won a Champions League game back in 2002 against AC Milan and hadn't qualified for Europe's top club competition again until this season. Real Sociedad had a smoother time as it picked up its first Champions League win for 20 years, beating Salzburg 2-0 on first-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Méndez.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Alex Meret —, Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Rasmus Højlund —, Erik ten Hag, United, Casemiro, —, Mauro Icardi, Elye Wahi, Gabriel Jesus, Wahi, Adrien Thomasson, Declan Rice, “, hadn't, Bayern's Jamal Musiala, Lukas Lerager, Thomas Müller, Sven Ulreich, Bayern hasn't, André Castro, Sheraldo Becker, Castro, Mikel Oyarzabal, Méndez, Marcus Thuram, ___ Organizations: Champions League, Real Madrid, Napoli, Manchester United, Arsenal, Galatasaray, Lens, Madrid, Union Berlin, Borussia Dortmund, Turkish, United, League, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, French, AC Milan, Europe's, Bayern, Danish, Tel, Braga, Jude Bellingham ., PSV, Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Salzburg, season's, Inter Milan, Benfica, Sociedad Locations: English, England, Bellingham, Copenhagen, Madrid, Jude Bellingham . Union

☆ Mueller magic gives Bayern Munich 2-1 win over Copenhagen
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

COPENHAGEN, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Thomas Mueller came off the bench to set up the winning goal for fellow substitute Mathys Tel as Bayern Munich came from a goal down to beat Denmark's FC Copenhagen 2-1 in their Champions League Group A clash at the Parken Stadium on Tuesday. Bayern did not manage a shot on target until late in the first half as Copenhagen's compact defence neutralised the threat offered by the pace of Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane on the Munich flanks. Making his 144th appearance in the Champions League, Mueller wasted no time getting involved as he crossed for Leon Goretzka, but the midfielder's header drifted wide of the target. The victory left Bayern top of the group on six points, two ahead of Galatasaray, who beat Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford to leave United bottom. Bayern captain Joshua Kimmich paid tribute to both their squad strength and their goalkeeper as they stretched their unbeaten run away from home in the Champions League group stage to 18 games.

Persons: Thomas Mueller, Mueller, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, Viktor Claesson's, Lukas Lerager, Jamal Musiala jinked, Kamil Grabara, Leon Goretzka, Harry Kane's, Jordan Larsson, Eric Choupo, Sven Ulreich, Joshua Kimmich, Kimmich, Philip O'Connor, Toby Davis Organizations: Tel, Bayern Munich, Denmark's FC Copenhagen, Champions League, Danish, Bayern, Galatasaray, Manchester United, Thomson Locations: COPENHAGEN, Tel, Munich, Copenhagen, Old Trafford, United, Ulreich

☆ Man United misery continues as Galatasaray win 3-2 at Old Trafford
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Peter Hall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A mistake from United goalkeeper Andre Onana forced Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to conceded a penalty, which saw him sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Bayern Munich are top on six points from two games after a 2-1 win at FC Copenhagen, who are third with one point. "Our opponents are maybe not very successful on the outside but they are a good team," Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said. United coach Erik ten Hag added: "The mental errors we make, you cannot allow them at this level. The final whistle was greeted by wild scenes of celebration at Galatasaray's first Champions League away win in a decade.

Persons: Casemiro, Mauro Icardi, United, Rasmus Hojlund, Wilfried Zaha, Davinson Sanchez, Kerem Akturkoglu, Andre Onana, Okan Buruk, Erik ten Hag, Marcus Rashford, Zaha, capitalising, Diogo Dalot, Hojlund, Sanchez, Peter Hall, Ken Ferris Organizations: Galatasaray, Champions League, Premier League, Crystal, Denmark, Old, Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen, Turkish, Bayern, Crystal Palace, United, League, Thomson Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Manchester, Argentine, Munich, Turkish

☆ Oyarzabal and Mendez on target as Real Sociedad win 2-0 at Salzburg
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SALZBURG, Austria, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez scored first-half goals to give Real Sociedad a comfortable 2-0 win at Salzburg in their Champions League Group D clash on Tuesday. Mendez extended their lead 20 minutes later beating the goalkeeper with a tidy finish after a quick counter-attack. Oyarzabal missed a sitter two minutes later and Salzburg complained vociferously to the referee after they had a penalty award overturned following a lengthy VAR review early in the second half. Real Sociedad are top of Group D on four points from two games, one ahead Salzburg in second. Inter Milan, who are third on one point, host Benfica, who have no points, later on Tuesday.

Persons: Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez, Oyarzabal, Mendez, vociferously, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Real Sociedad, Salzburg, Champions League Group, Inter Milan, Benfica, Thomson Locations: SALZBURG, Austria, Basque, Salzburg, Madrid

☆ Real Madrid fight back to win five-goal thriller at Napoli
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Real are top of Group C on six points from two games, three ahead Napoli and Braga. While there were frazzled nerves at the end, Real started the game strongly with the Vinicius and Bellingham creating all kinds of trouble for the hosts' defence. However, veteran midfielder Luka Modric climbed off the bench to liven up Real Madrid late in the game. He first put it on a plate for Bellingham, who missed a sitter from close range in the 75th minute. Reporting by Fernando Kallas in Madrid Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Alex Meret, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Leo, Piotr Zielinski, Federico Valverde cannoned, Real, Vinicius, Bellingham, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Nacho, Carlo Ancelotti, vociferously, Clement Turpin, It's, Ancelotti, Diego, Arrizabalaga, Victor Osimhen's, Luka Modric, Valverde, Modric, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Real Madrid, Napoli, Champions League Group, Real, Braga, Union, Movistar, Diego Maradona, Thomson Locations: NAPLES, Italy, Real, Union Berlin, Bellingham, Vinicius, Madrid

☆ Unstoppable Martinez scores four as Inter cruise past Salernitana
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Inter captain Martinez has now scored nine goals in seven Serie A matches and holds a clear lead as the league's top scorer. While Inter dominated the match's early stages, Salernitana gradually found their footing and managed to control the tempo in a goalless first half. Martinez opened the scoring for Inter in the 62nd minute when he expertly collected Marcus Thuram's low cross into the box and delicately chipped the ball over Salernitana keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Martinez completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining, after a foul by defender Matteo Lovato, who had pulled Thuram's shirt. Inter host a Champions League group-stage match against Benfica on Tuesday, followed by a Serie A home game against Bologna next Saturday.

Persons: Stadio, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, Alberto Lingria, Lautaro Martinez, Martinez, Marcus Thuram's, Guillermo Ochoa, Mateusz Legowski's, Nicolo Barella, Matteo Lovato, Carlos Augusto's, Simone Inzaghi, Tommy Lund, Toby Davis, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer, Salernitana, Inter Milan, Stadio Arechi, Inter Milan's, Rights, Serie, Inter, Milan, Lazio, Sky Sport Italia, Champions League, Benfica, Bologna, Thomson Locations: Salerno, Italy, San Siro, Gdansk

☆ Milan fight back to beat promoted Cagliari 3-1
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CAGLIARI, Italy, Sept 27 (Reuters) - English duo Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were on target as AC Milan fought back after falling behind at promoted Cagliari to secure a 3-1 Serie A victory on Wednesday. "We did well to turn it around with our principles and win a game that was certainly not easy. Shortly before halftime, Loftus-Cheek went close to securing Milan's third goal, but Radunovic denied his attempt with an outstretched foot. Cagliari went close to a consolation goal in the final minutes when Gaetano Oristanio volleyed Luvumbo's cross, only to be denied by Milan goalkeeper Marco Sportiello. Milan host Lazio on Saturday in Serie A before they travel to Borussia Dortmund on Oct. 4 for their second Champions League group stage match.

Persons: Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus, Cheek, Tomori, Noah Okafor, Stefano Pioli's, Sassuolo, Tijani Reijnders, Pioli, Zito Luvumbo, Okafor, Boris Radunovic, Loftus, Radunovic, they’d, DAZN, Cagliari, Gaetano Oristanio volleyed, Marco Sportiello, Tommy Lund, Toby Davis Organizations: Milan, Cagliari, Loftus, Serie, Inter Milan, Sky Sports, Lazio, Serie A, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Thomson Locations: CAGLIARI, Italy, Cagliari, Sardinian, Milan, Gdansk

☆ Inter's perfect start ended by Sassuolo
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Serie A - Inter Milan v U.S. Sassuolo - San Siro, Milan, Italy - September 27, 2023 U.S. Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi in action with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni REUTERS/Massimo Pinca Acquire Licensing RightsMILAN, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's perfect start to the Serie A season ended as Sassuolo mounted a fine comeback to secure a shock 2-1 victory on Wednesday. Inter led through a first-half goal by Denzel Dumfries but Sassuolo, coming off Saturday's 4-2 home victory over Juventus, secured all three points with goals from Nedim Bajrami and Domenico Berardi. For what we created, we should’ve scored more than one goal," Inter manager Simone Inzaghi told DAZN. If you lose your shape against a team like Sassuolo, it becomes very difficult." Inter visit Salernitana on Saturday in Serie A before hosting Benfica on Oct. 3 in the Champions League group stage.

Persons: Sassuolo's Domenico Berardi, Alessandro Bastoni, Massimo Pinca, Denzel Dumfries, Nedim Bajrami, Domenico Berardi, Stefano Pioli's, should’ve, Simone Inzaghi, DAZN, Dumfries, Sassuolo, Bajrami, Yann Sommer, Berardi, Inzaghi, Victor Osimhen, Matias Vecino, Mattia Zaccagni, Tommy Lund, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer, Inter Milan, Inter, Alessandro Bastoni REUTERS, Serie, Wednesday, Juventus, Milan, Cagliari, Salernitana, Serie A, Benfica, Champions League, Napoli, Udinese, Lazio, Torino, Thomson Locations: San Siro, Milan, Italy, U.S, Sassuolo, Gdansk

☆ Injured De Jong out until international break, says Barca's Xavi
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong will not return to action until after the next international break at the earliest after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend, manager Xavi said. The 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder had played every minute of Barcelona's LaLiga matches so far this season before being substituted in the first half against Celta Vigo on Saturday. They visit Granada in the league on Oct. 8 before the break. Xavi said he will have to rotate his squad for upcoming matches, with midfielder Pedri also nursing a thigh injury. "We will rotate not just for the Champions League, but also for the next LaLiga game," he added.

Persons: de Jong, Xavi, it's, Pedri, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Celta Vigo, Real Mallorca, Sevilla, Champions League, Porto, Granada, Thomson Locations: Netherlands, Barcelona, Bengaluru

☆ Leipzig's Sesko uncomfortable with Haaland comparisons
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BERLIN, Sept 26 (Reuters) - New RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is not comfortable being compared with Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland and while they have some things in common he says he has his own style. Haaland is already a treble winner with City after his first season there, while Sesko, who joined Leipzig this season, still needs to prove his worth on the big stage. He will get the chance next week when he will face off with Haaland in their Champions League group match. "If we do the same performance it could be possible but if it is not full power (against Bayern) then it will be hard," Sesko said. The Bavarians are chasing a record-extending 12th consecutive league crown but Leipzig could given them a run for their money, Sesko said.

Persons: Benjamin Sesko, Erling Haaland, Sesko, Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai, Andre Silva, Karolos Grohmann, Christian Schmollingr Organizations: Leipzig, Manchester City, Red Bull Salzburg, Bundesliga, City, Haaland, Champions League, League, Young Boys, France, Bayern Munich, Bayern, Thomson Locations: Slovenia, Germany, Munich, Leipzig

☆ Barcelona held to 2-2 draw at Mallorca
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona twice fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at Mallorca on Tuesday, maintaining their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season. We are giving too many chances," Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu told DAZN. Mallorca took their foot off the gas in the second half and Barca substitute Fermin Lopez tapped home Raphinha's low cross from the right to make it 2-2 in the 75th minute. "The problem was our defensive errors, these are improper mistakes that shouldn't happen, especially in this type of tight, intense match," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said. Barcelona host Sevilla on Friday, before travelling to Porto for their second Champions League group stage match.

Persons: We've, Oriol Romeu, DAZN, Vedat Muriqi, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Raphinha, Abdon Prats, Mallorca's, Predrag Rajkovic's, Fermin Lopez, Xavi Hernandez, Janina Nuno Rios, Toby Davis Organizations: PALMA DE MALLORCA, Mallorca, Barca, Wednesday, Villarreal, Real Madrid, Las Palmas, Barcelona, Sevilla, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Girona, Real, Porto, Mexico

☆ Leao scores as AC Milan beat Verona 1-0
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 23 (Reuters) - AC Milan returned to winning ways when Rafael Leao scored in a 1-0 home win over Hellas Verona in Saturday's Serie A game that was delayed by 25 minutes due to a hailstorm. Leao gave Milan the lead in the eighth minute when Olivier Giroud pinched the ball from Verona near the halfway line and released the winger, who sprinted past two defenders scrambling to track back before slipping his shot past the goalkeeper. At the other end, Milan were rarely threatened by Verona who remain in ninth place, five points behind Stefano Pioli's side. Milan keeper Marco Sportiello pulled off a fine save from a Michael Folorunsho header in the 20th minute, but he was rarely troubled after that. Milan forward Christian Pulisic also got away from his marker in the 72nd minute but his curling shot was pushed away by Verona keeper Lorenzo Montipo.

Persons: Rafael Leao, Leao, Olivier Giroud, Stefano Pioli's, Pioli, DAZN, Marco Sportiello, Michael, Christian Pulisic, Lorenzo Montipo, Marco Baroni, Rohith Nair, Trevor Stynes, Christian Radnedge, Clare Fallon Organizations: Milan, Hellas Verona, Saturday's Serie, Inter, Champions League, Newcastle United, Empoli, Portugal, Verona, Thomson Locations: Saturday's, Milan, Verona

☆ Silva latest to join Man City's growing injury list
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Silva was forced off before halftime of City's 3-1 home win over the Serbian side in their Champions League group opener on Tuesday. Guardiola said Grealish (thigh injury) has trained and could play a few minutes while Kovacic (back) is still on the mend. "He always has good behaviour, when he's playing or not playing, being a world champion or not. Right now with the injuries, he's had minutes and he gives us a lot of good things. That's why he's playing, but he has to continue."

Persons: Bernardo Silva, Manchester City's, Pep Guardiola, Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Guardiola, We've, it's, Jack, Julian Alvarez, It's, he's, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Manchester, Champions League, Red Star Belgrade, Serbian, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Bengaluru

☆ Arsenal do not need extra motivation against Spurs, says Arteta
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 22 (Reuters) - Arsenal's Champions League group stage win this week was a confidence boost ahead of Sunday's game against rivals Tottenham Hotspur but the team does not need any extra motivation before a north London derby, manager Mikel Arteta said. Spurs are also on 13 points after four successive wins, with new coach Ange Postecoglou leading them to their best start to a top-flight season for 57 years. This game doesn't need any motivation, it's the most special game of the season," Arteta told reporters on Friday. Winger Gabriel Martinelli is still being assessed and has not been ruled out for Sunday's game, Arteta said. "He's loved by everybody, respected by everybody and he fully deserves what he's doing," Arteta said.

Persons: Mikel Arteta, Ange Postecoglou, Arteta, It's, he's, Winger Gabriel Martinelli, Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya, Martin Odegaard's, He's, Hritika Sharma, Toby Davis Organizations: League, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Premier League, Champions League, PSV Eindhoven, Spurs, Everton, PSV, Thomson Locations: London, Spanish, Hyderabad

☆ André Onana: Goalkeeper says he ‘let the team down’ during Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Bayern Munich defeated Manchester United 4-3 in a chaotic Champions League game at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, after which Untied goalkeeper André Onana said that he was to blame for the loss. “It’s a difficult situation for us, for me especially because I’m the one who let the team down … We just have to move on,” Onana said on TNT Sports. “This is the life of a goalkeeper and, if we didn’t win today, it’s because of me.”He added: “The team went down because of that mistake. Thomas Müller hit the post with Bayern looking to increase its lead, before 18-year-old forward Mathys Tel scored his first Champions League goal moments later to make it 4-2. “It was a crazy finish,” Kane, who has now scored five goals from his first six appearances in Germany, told TNT Sports.

Persons: André Onana, Onana, Leroy Sané’s, Serge Gnabry’s, ” Onana, Erik ten Hag, Harry Kane, Sané, Gnabry, Jamal Musiala’s, Rasmus Højlund’s, United –, Kane, Matthias Hangst, Christian, Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Bruno Fernandes ’, ” Kane, it’s, “, they’ve, ”, Rio Ferdinand Organizations: CNN — Bayern Munich, Manchester United, League, Allianz Arena, United, Inter Milan, Bayern, TNT Sports, Champions League, Mathys, Brighton, ” United, Burnley, Premier League, VfL Bochum, Bundesliga Locations: Real Madrid, Germany, United

☆ Saudi soccer clubs to play in Iran for the first time in seven years
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Mostafa Salem | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Iranian and Saudi soccer clubs will be facing off on a home-and-away basis for the first time since 2016, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement Monday. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is set to play Iranian giant Persepolis FC in Tehran on September 19. Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia. But both countries agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties in March after seven years of hostility, in a landmark deal mediated by China. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in sport in recent times, with teams in the Saudi Pro League – the professional men’s league in the country – signing a slew of global stars.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s, Benzema’s Al, Neymar’s Al, Hilal, It’s Organizations: CNN, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Asian Champions League, Persepolis FC, Sepahan SC, football, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Football Federation Islamic, Saudi, Saudi Pro League Locations: Saudi, Iran, Tehran, Ittihad, Isfahan, Mazandaran, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Asia, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Riyadh, China

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