PSV’s poor run against Russian sides continued as they were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Rostov in the Champions League.
Phillip Cocu’s team came into Wednesday’s encounter at Olimp-2 Stadium having failed to claim a victory from their previous four matches on Russian soil in European competition.
And the Eredivisie champions looked unlikely to buck that trend when they fell behind to Dmitry Poloz’s early strike, though they pulled level courtesy of Davy Propper’s deflected shot.
Rostov built on the lively opening, Poloz again on target as Ivan Danilyants’ side restored their advantage, only for Luuk de Jong to cancel it out in first-half stoppage time.
PSV were much improved in the second half, Propper seeing a penalty saved by Soslan Dzhanaev before being denied by the woodwork, but Rostov held firm to secure a vital point in Group D.
In the first meeting between the sides, it was Rostov who opened the scoring eight minutes in, Poloz slotting home the club’s first Champions League group-stage goal at the culmination of a well-worked move.
Rostov’s celebrations were short-lived though as PSV – on their first meaningful venture forward – restored parity courtesy of Propper’s strike, which took a wicked deflection off Vladimir Granat.
Sardar Azmoun went close as the hosts searched for an immediate response, the forward engineering some room in the box before driving a venomous effort over the crossbar.
Azmoun continued to threaten, and the 21-year-old was the architect as Rostov retook the lead in the 37th minute, his header teeing up Poloz, who duly doubled his tally with a thumping finish into the bottom-left corner.
PSV again responded well to Rostov going ahead – Propper turning provider as he teed up Luciano Narsingh – but the winger was flagged offside before he slid home the finish.
However, Cocu’s side did have another leveller on the stroke of half-time, De Jong heading in from point-blank range after Santiago Arias’ shot had rattled the crossbar.
PSV were gifted the chance to take the lead for the first time 55 minutes in, referee Clement Turpin harshly deeming that Cesar Navas had brought down De Jong in Rostov’s area.
Propper, in search of his second, stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but the Dutchman could not find the target this time round – Dzhanaev pulling off a superb stop.
Matters were made worse for the visitors just after the hour-mark, midfielder Jorrit Hendrix having to be helped off the pitch after a heavy collision with Poloz at the other end.
Cocu’s men finally had a foothold in proceedings, though, and Propper was desperately unlucky not to double his goal haul when his blistering attempt clattered off the underside of the crossbar and into the hands of Dzhanaev.
A new look for 2016, this is the Megan Rapinoe soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Morgan Brian, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Lauren Holiday and Ali Krieger. hope solo jersey usa Anthony Martial, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Juan Mata, Antonio Valencia, Marcus Rashford.
Rostov’s goalkeeper was the hosts’ hero again late on, reacting instinctively to parry away Steven Bergwijn’s strike to force PSV, who lost to Atletico Madrid on matchday one and face Bayern Munich next, to settle for a share of the spoils.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Just as in the first half
As an enthralling first half continued apace, City looked threatening with every attack and Celtic were sliced open when David Silva’s threaded pass found Sterling, who beat Tierney with instinctive skill before side-footing the ball past Gordon to equalise.
Within 72 seconds of the second half, the ball was in City’s net again when Kolarov made a terrible mess of Tierney’s cross and Dembele, with his back to goal, scored by hooking the ball over his shoulder and past Bravo.
Just as in the first half, City were quick to draw level again and it was another Silva pass that opened Celtic up before Aguero’s shot was saved and Nolito tucked home the rebound.
After an hour of end-to-end football played at a frenetic pace, Celtic put men behind the ball in the final half hour to ensure they did not let a vital point slip, and Gordon made a good save to prevent Kolarov’s cross from finding Fernandinho as it flashed across the face of goal.
Fernandinho almost gave one of the Champions League’s most entertaining encounters a final twist when he hit a dipping drive just over from 25 yards, and Gordon rescued Celtic in injury time with a fine reaction save from Ilkay Gundogan to ensure a share of the spoils.
Key Opta stats: – Since their Champions League debut in 2011-12, only three teams (BATE Borisov 65, Bayern 60, & Galatasaray 60) have conceded more goals than Manchester City (57). – Raheem Sterling has been directly involved in seven goals in his last five Champions League starts (four goals, three assists).
– Sterling has scored in three consecutive appearances (all comps) for the first time in his career. A new look for 2016, this is the Morgan Brian soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alex Morgan, Lauren Holiday, Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd. hope solo usa jersey Ashley Young, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sergio Romero, Chris Smalling, David de Gea, Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Michael Carrick. – Moussa Dembele’s opener was the quickest goal Celtic have ever scored in the Champions League (2:23).
Within 72 seconds of the second half, the ball was in City’s net again when Kolarov made a terrible mess of Tierney’s cross and Dembele, with his back to goal, scored by hooking the ball over his shoulder and past Bravo.
Just as in the first half, City were quick to draw level again and it was another Silva pass that opened Celtic up before Aguero’s shot was saved and Nolito tucked home the rebound.
After an hour of end-to-end football played at a frenetic pace, Celtic put men behind the ball in the final half hour to ensure they did not let a vital point slip, and Gordon made a good save to prevent Kolarov’s cross from finding Fernandinho as it flashed across the face of goal.
Fernandinho almost gave one of the Champions League’s most entertaining encounters a final twist when he hit a dipping drive just over from 25 yards, and Gordon rescued Celtic in injury time with a fine reaction save from Ilkay Gundogan to ensure a share of the spoils.
Key Opta stats: – Since their Champions League debut in 2011-12, only three teams (BATE Borisov 65, Bayern 60, & Galatasaray 60) have conceded more goals than Manchester City (57). – Raheem Sterling has been directly involved in seven goals in his last five Champions League starts (four goals, three assists).
– Sterling has scored in three consecutive appearances (all comps) for the first time in his career. A new look for 2016, this is the Morgan Brian soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alex Morgan, Lauren Holiday, Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd. hope solo usa jersey Ashley Young, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Sergio Romero, Chris Smalling, David de Gea, Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Michael Carrick. – Moussa Dembele’s opener was the quickest goal Celtic have ever scored in the Champions League (2:23).
Celtic 3 Manchester City 3: Dembele at the double in six-goal thriller
Manchester City’s winning streak under Pep Guardiola came to an end in dramatic fashion as Celtic got their first Champions League point of the season from a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Guardiola’s City went behind for the first time in the Spaniard’s tenure when Moussa Dembele put Celtic ahead after just three minutes, despite appearing to have been in an offside position.
City hit back just nine minutes later through Fernandinho only for Raheem Sterling to steer Kieran Tierney’s shot into his own net, but the England winger made amends with a superb turn and finish at the other end to level the match before half-time.
Dembele put Celtic ahead for a third time shortly after the restart to keep a roaring home crowd dreaming of a memorable victory, but Nolito equalised swiftly when Craig Gordon parried Sergio Aguero’s shot into his path.
The result marks an impressive response from Celtic – hammered 7-0 by Barcelona in their Group C opener – while City will hope the blip in their immaculate record under Guardiola is nothing more than just that.
Brendan Rodgers said before the game that Celtic needed to start brightly and they did just that when a free-kick found James Forrest in space in the box and he crossed for Nir Bitton to fire in a header that beat Claudio Bravo via a touch from Dembele’s chest.
Bravo saved well from Kolo Toure soon afterwards but Celtic’s impressive start was undone when Aleksandar Kolarov’s shot found its way to Fernandinho, who controlled the ball before sliding a low shot past Gordon into the corner of the net.
But Celtic maintained their high tempo attacking football and restored their lead when Tomas Rogic broke down the middle and fed Tierney, whose angled shot hit Sterling’s outstretched leg and flew in at the near post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alex Morgan soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lauren Holiday, Ali Krieger, Amy Rodriguez, Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly. hope solo soccer jersey
As an enthralling first half continued apace, City looked threatening with every attack and Celtic were sliced open when David Silva’s threaded pass found Sterling, who beat Tierney with instinctive skill before side-footing the ball past Gordon to equalise.
Guardiola’s City went behind for the first time in the Spaniard’s tenure when Moussa Dembele put Celtic ahead after just three minutes, despite appearing to have been in an offside position.
City hit back just nine minutes later through Fernandinho only for Raheem Sterling to steer Kieran Tierney’s shot into his own net, but the England winger made amends with a superb turn and finish at the other end to level the match before half-time.
Dembele put Celtic ahead for a third time shortly after the restart to keep a roaring home crowd dreaming of a memorable victory, but Nolito equalised swiftly when Craig Gordon parried Sergio Aguero’s shot into his path.
The result marks an impressive response from Celtic – hammered 7-0 by Barcelona in their Group C opener – while City will hope the blip in their immaculate record under Guardiola is nothing more than just that.
Brendan Rodgers said before the game that Celtic needed to start brightly and they did just that when a free-kick found James Forrest in space in the box and he crossed for Nir Bitton to fire in a header that beat Claudio Bravo via a touch from Dembele’s chest.
Bravo saved well from Kolo Toure soon afterwards but Celtic’s impressive start was undone when Aleksandar Kolarov’s shot found its way to Fernandinho, who controlled the ball before sliding a low shot past Gordon into the corner of the net.
But Celtic maintained their high tempo attacking football and restored their lead when Tomas Rogic broke down the middle and fed Tierney, whose angled shot hit Sterling’s outstretched leg and flew in at the near post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alex Morgan soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lauren Holiday, Ali Krieger, Amy Rodriguez, Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly. hope solo soccer jersey
As an enthralling first half continued apace, City looked threatening with every attack and Celtic were sliced open when David Silva’s threaded pass found Sterling, who beat Tierney with instinctive skill before side-footing the ball past Gordon to equalise.
Besiktas 1 Dynamo Kiev 1: Tsygankov stuns wasteful Turks
Wasteful Besiktas failed to make the most of their superiority against Dynamo Kiev as Viktor Tsygankov secured a fortuitous 1-1 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The teenager entered the pitch with 62 minutes on the clock and made the telling contribution a few moments later, helping Dynamo to capitalise on their hosts’ inability to convert their numerous chances.
Prior to that Besiktas enjoyed complete control over their visitors throughout, particularly in the first half, and Ricardo Quaresma’s fine free-kick just before the half-hour mark was the least they deserved.
Tsygankov made them pay for not adding to that, though, and Dynamo continued to rise in prominence as a result of that equaliser. Besiktas struggled to contain their visitors towards the end, as their control of proceedings completely evaporated, but luckily for them Dynamo were unable to steal a late win in Group B.
The home side showed real attacking intent right from the start and were quick to get shots away, with Talisca and then Vincent Aboubakar forcing Artur Rudko into straightforward saves from distance in the opening 10 minutes.
Dynamo were struggling to keep Talisca on a leash and the Brazilian saw another effort deflected just wide of the right-hand post in the 13th minute after latching on to Andreas Beck’s well-placed cut-back.
Besiktas eventually took a deserved lead in style after 28 minutes, as Quaresma caressed a 25-yard free-kick into the top-right corner after the rampaging Aboubakar was cynically fouled by Nikita Korzun.
The hosts’ dominance was absolute and they almost got a second shortly after as the lively Aboubakar burst past Rudko, only for Yevhen Khacheridi to produce a crucial last-ditch tackle.
Dynamo perked up slightly after the break and some slack Besiktas defending allowed Denys Garmash two attempts in quick succession in the 57th minute, but Fabricio in the hosts’ goal pushed away the initial effort and then tipped the midfielder’s rebound around the post.
The visitors’ improvement was made to tell 25 minutes from time, as Besiktas failed to deal with Sergiy Rybalka’s free-kick delivery and 18-year-old substitute Tsygankov found the net from a tight angle.
Besiktas struggled to mount much of a response to the equaliser and Dynamo’s improvement continued.
Tsygankov saw another decent attempt cause panic in the Besiktas ranks with 10 minutes go, but on this occasion his volley flew just past the left-hand post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Lauren Holiday soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Amy Rodriguez. hope solo soccer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcus Rashford, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Memphis Depay. And Andriy Yarmolenko was then denied by Fabricio in the closing stages when one-on-one, as the goalkeeper ensured his side held on for a point.
The teenager entered the pitch with 62 minutes on the clock and made the telling contribution a few moments later, helping Dynamo to capitalise on their hosts’ inability to convert their numerous chances.
Prior to that Besiktas enjoyed complete control over their visitors throughout, particularly in the first half, and Ricardo Quaresma’s fine free-kick just before the half-hour mark was the least they deserved.
Tsygankov made them pay for not adding to that, though, and Dynamo continued to rise in prominence as a result of that equaliser. Besiktas struggled to contain their visitors towards the end, as their control of proceedings completely evaporated, but luckily for them Dynamo were unable to steal a late win in Group B.
The home side showed real attacking intent right from the start and were quick to get shots away, with Talisca and then Vincent Aboubakar forcing Artur Rudko into straightforward saves from distance in the opening 10 minutes.
Dynamo were struggling to keep Talisca on a leash and the Brazilian saw another effort deflected just wide of the right-hand post in the 13th minute after latching on to Andreas Beck’s well-placed cut-back.
Besiktas eventually took a deserved lead in style after 28 minutes, as Quaresma caressed a 25-yard free-kick into the top-right corner after the rampaging Aboubakar was cynically fouled by Nikita Korzun.
The hosts’ dominance was absolute and they almost got a second shortly after as the lively Aboubakar burst past Rudko, only for Yevhen Khacheridi to produce a crucial last-ditch tackle.
Dynamo perked up slightly after the break and some slack Besiktas defending allowed Denys Garmash two attempts in quick succession in the 57th minute, but Fabricio in the hosts’ goal pushed away the initial effort and then tipped the midfielder’s rebound around the post.
The visitors’ improvement was made to tell 25 minutes from time, as Besiktas failed to deal with Sergiy Rybalka’s free-kick delivery and 18-year-old substitute Tsygankov found the net from a tight angle.
Besiktas struggled to mount much of a response to the equaliser and Dynamo’s improvement continued.
Tsygankov saw another decent attempt cause panic in the Besiktas ranks with 10 minutes go, but on this occasion his volley flew just past the left-hand post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Lauren Holiday soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Amy Rodriguez. hope solo soccer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcus Rashford, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Memphis Depay. And Andriy Yarmolenko was then denied by Fabricio in the closing stages when one-on-one, as the goalkeeper ensured his side held on for a point.
Napoli 4 Benfica 2: Mertens bags two as Napoli run riot
Napoli consolidated their position at the top of Group B as goals from Marek Hamsik, Arkadiusz Milik and a Dries Mertens double secured an impressive 4-2 victory over Benfica at Stadio San Paolo.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were allowed to run riot at the start of the second half, scoring three goals in the space of just seven minutes to turn what had been a closely-fought contest into something of a rout.
Hamsik gave the hosts the lead on 20 minutes when he nodded home a Faouzi Ghoulam corner before Mertens curled home a sublime free-kick early in the second half.
Milik then added the third from the penalty spot and Mertens bagged his second from close range, with Gonacalo Guedes and substitute Eduardo Salvio netting nothing more than a consolations for the visitors.
The victory extends Napoli’s unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions, while for Benfica, it was a first defeat of the season.
The result also maintains Napoli’s 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign, while Rui Vitoria’s men are still searching for their first win having been held at home by Besiktas on matchday one.
The tone for an entertaining first half was set in the opening minute when Milik latched on to a fine long ball from Ghoulam but Julio Cesar comfortably gathered the Pole’s toe-poke finish.
Benfica responded almost immediately as Kostas Mitroglou just failed to scramble home the loose ball after Pepe Reina could only palm away a Nelsinho cross.
And the Greece international then saw his 15-yard strike parried by the Napoli goalkeeper after excellent approach work down the left from Alejandro Grimaldo.
But it was the home side who took the lead on 20 minutes as Hamsik took advantage of the visitors’ failure to position a man on the near post by meeting Ghoulam’s pinpoint corner and glancing a header past Cesar.
Milik came close to doubling his side’s advantage just short of the half-hour, narrowly failing to slide home a low free-kick whipped into the box by Jorginho.
Napoli were not to be denied at the start of the second half, however, as Mertens made it 2-0 by bending home a superb free-kick after being fouled on the edge of the box by Lisandro Lopez.
Jose Callejon was then clumsily upended in the box by Julio Cesar, allowing Milik to fire home his seventh goal in eight games from the spot. And Mertens claimed his second from close range when Julio Cesar failed to deal with a cross, Milik deflected the ball back across goal and the Belgian nudged it home.
Substitute Guedes then took advantage of some sloppy home defending to pull one back for the visitors.
A new look for 2016, this is the Ali Krieger soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, Whitney Engen, Amy Rodriguez and Shannon Boxx. hope solo 1 jersey Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin. With the points in the bag, the Italian side switched off again four minutes from time, allowing Andre Almeida to pick out Salvio who chested the ball down and calmly fired past Reina, but the damage had already been done.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were allowed to run riot at the start of the second half, scoring three goals in the space of just seven minutes to turn what had been a closely-fought contest into something of a rout.
Hamsik gave the hosts the lead on 20 minutes when he nodded home a Faouzi Ghoulam corner before Mertens curled home a sublime free-kick early in the second half.
Milik then added the third from the penalty spot and Mertens bagged his second from close range, with Gonacalo Guedes and substitute Eduardo Salvio netting nothing more than a consolations for the visitors.
The victory extends Napoli’s unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions, while for Benfica, it was a first defeat of the season.
The result also maintains Napoli’s 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign, while Rui Vitoria’s men are still searching for their first win having been held at home by Besiktas on matchday one.
The tone for an entertaining first half was set in the opening minute when Milik latched on to a fine long ball from Ghoulam but Julio Cesar comfortably gathered the Pole’s toe-poke finish.
Benfica responded almost immediately as Kostas Mitroglou just failed to scramble home the loose ball after Pepe Reina could only palm away a Nelsinho cross.
And the Greece international then saw his 15-yard strike parried by the Napoli goalkeeper after excellent approach work down the left from Alejandro Grimaldo.
But it was the home side who took the lead on 20 minutes as Hamsik took advantage of the visitors’ failure to position a man on the near post by meeting Ghoulam’s pinpoint corner and glancing a header past Cesar.
Milik came close to doubling his side’s advantage just short of the half-hour, narrowly failing to slide home a low free-kick whipped into the box by Jorginho.
Napoli were not to be denied at the start of the second half, however, as Mertens made it 2-0 by bending home a superb free-kick after being fouled on the edge of the box by Lisandro Lopez.
Jose Callejon was then clumsily upended in the box by Julio Cesar, allowing Milik to fire home his seventh goal in eight games from the spot. And Mertens claimed his second from close range when Julio Cesar failed to deal with a cross, Milik deflected the ball back across goal and the Belgian nudged it home.
Substitute Guedes then took advantage of some sloppy home defending to pull one back for the visitors.
A new look for 2016, this is the Ali Krieger soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carli Lloyd, Heather O'Reilly, Whitney Engen, Amy Rodriguez and Shannon Boxx. hope solo 1 jersey Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero, Juan Mata, Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin. With the points in the bag, the Italian side switched off again four minutes from time, allowing Andre Almeida to pick out Salvio who chested the ball down and calmly fired past Reina, but the damage had already been done.
Arsenal 2 Basel 0: Walcott´s capital gains tax Swiss visitors
Share
Theo Walcott continued his hot streak with a first-half brace as in-form Arsenal eased to a 2-0 victory over Champions League rivals Basel at the Emirates Stadium.
England international Walcott headed home Alexis Sanchez’s cross to open the scoring before taking his tally to four goals in three games with a right-footed drive from a tight angle.
The final margin of victory would have been even greater had it not been for a combination of poor Arsenal finishing and the brilliance of Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclíik
Still, Arsene Wenger’s side have now gone eight matches unbeaten in all competitions and sit level with Paris Saint-Germain – who won 3-1 in Ludogorets – at the top of Group A on four points.
The result also means Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has bragging rights over his brother, Basel’s Taulant, for a second time this year. The pair also faced each other in Switzerland’s 1-0 win over Albania at Euro 2016.
Arsenal had lost 3-2 to Olympiacos in their European home opener a year ago, yet any potential for the visitors to record an upset of their own disappeared during a one-sided first half.
Full-back Nacho Monreal had already forced Vaclík into a smart save before the hosts took the lead in the seventh minute. Santi Cazorla’s lofted pass picked out the run into the left channel by Sanchez, who produced a well-weighted cross that left Walcott with the simple task of nodding the ball into the net from close range.
The same combination then ripped through Basel again to double Arsenal’s advantage in the 26th minute. Having worked a one-two with Sanchez to get beyond a high defensive line down the right, Walcott angled a low drive beyond Vaclík that found the far corner of the goal via the post.
Czech Republic international Vaclik twice blocked one-on-one opportunities for Sanchez before the break, while Mesut Ozil failed to even work the under-pressure goalkeeper by prodding wide when clean through.
Arsenal’s profligacy continued into the second half, Sanchez failing to pick out Ozil in the middle after robbing Marek Suchy of possession before Alex Iwobi fired wide at the end of a powerful run.
David Ospina – picked for the second straight Champions League game following his heroics in the 1-1 draw in Paris – had been a spectator before Birkir Bjarnason’s curling shot finally called the Colombian goalkeeper into action on the hour mark.
However, Ospina was fortunate not to concede shortly after, his failure to deal with a swinging corner going unpunished by a sliding Bjarnason at the back post.
Vaclik continued to be busy though to the final whistle at the other end – denying both substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanchez again – as Arsenal coasted to a fifth victory in as many meetings against Swiss opposition.
Key Opta stats: – Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in 11 of Arsenal’s last 16 Champions League goals (four goals, seven assists). – Since the start of last season, only Neymar (nine) has provided more Champions League assists than Sanchez.
– Basel are winless in their last seven Champions League away games (D2 L5), scoring just three goals in that run. A new look for 2016, this is the Carli Lloyd soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Heather O'Reilly, Amy Rodriguez, Kelley O'Hara, Shannon Boxx and Whitney Engen. hope solo jerseys Marcus Rashford, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, David de Gea, Ashley Young, Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial, Sam Johnstone, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian. – No Arsenal player made more passes (94), had more touches (118) or made more tackles (4) than Santi Cazorla.
England international Walcott headed home Alexis Sanchez’s cross to open the scoring before taking his tally to four goals in three games with a right-footed drive from a tight angle.
The final margin of victory would have been even greater had it not been for a combination of poor Arsenal finishing and the brilliance of Basel goalkeeper Tomas Vaclíik
Still, Arsene Wenger’s side have now gone eight matches unbeaten in all competitions and sit level with Paris Saint-Germain – who won 3-1 in Ludogorets – at the top of Group A on four points.
The result also means Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has bragging rights over his brother, Basel’s Taulant, for a second time this year. The pair also faced each other in Switzerland’s 1-0 win over Albania at Euro 2016.
Arsenal had lost 3-2 to Olympiacos in their European home opener a year ago, yet any potential for the visitors to record an upset of their own disappeared during a one-sided first half.
Full-back Nacho Monreal had already forced Vaclík into a smart save before the hosts took the lead in the seventh minute. Santi Cazorla’s lofted pass picked out the run into the left channel by Sanchez, who produced a well-weighted cross that left Walcott with the simple task of nodding the ball into the net from close range.
The same combination then ripped through Basel again to double Arsenal’s advantage in the 26th minute. Having worked a one-two with Sanchez to get beyond a high defensive line down the right, Walcott angled a low drive beyond Vaclík that found the far corner of the goal via the post.
Czech Republic international Vaclik twice blocked one-on-one opportunities for Sanchez before the break, while Mesut Ozil failed to even work the under-pressure goalkeeper by prodding wide when clean through.
Arsenal’s profligacy continued into the second half, Sanchez failing to pick out Ozil in the middle after robbing Marek Suchy of possession before Alex Iwobi fired wide at the end of a powerful run.
David Ospina – picked for the second straight Champions League game following his heroics in the 1-1 draw in Paris – had been a spectator before Birkir Bjarnason’s curling shot finally called the Colombian goalkeeper into action on the hour mark.
However, Ospina was fortunate not to concede shortly after, his failure to deal with a swinging corner going unpunished by a sliding Bjarnason at the back post.
Vaclik continued to be busy though to the final whistle at the other end – denying both substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sanchez again – as Arsenal coasted to a fifth victory in as many meetings against Swiss opposition.
Key Opta stats: – Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in 11 of Arsenal’s last 16 Champions League goals (four goals, seven assists). – Since the start of last season, only Neymar (nine) has provided more Champions League assists than Sanchez.
– Basel are winless in their last seven Champions League away games (D2 L5), scoring just three goals in that run. A new look for 2016, this is the Carli Lloyd soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Heather O'Reilly, Amy Rodriguez, Kelley O'Hara, Shannon Boxx and Whitney Engen. hope solo jerseys Marcus Rashford, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, David de Gea, Ashley Young, Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial, Sam Johnstone, Jesse Lingard, Matteo Darmian. – No Arsenal player made more passes (94), had more touches (118) or made more tackles (4) than Santi Cazorla.
Borussia Monchengladbach 1 Barcelona 2: Pique grabs the winner
Gerard Pique netted a second-half winner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 in the Champions League after Arda Turan cancelled out Thorgan Hazard’s opener.
Gladbach were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in their Group C opener earlier this month, while Barca hammered Celtic 7-0 on matchday one, but the Bundesliga side appeared to be on their way to a shock win following Hazard’s goal after a quick counterattack at Borussia-Park.
However, Arda restored parity with a powerful volley just minutes after coming off the bench, before Pique took advantage of some poor goalkeeping from Yann Sommer to make the difference, thus ending a three-game winless streak for the Liga champions in Germany.
Barca made it two wins from two games without injured star player Lionel Messi after previously seeing off Sporting Gijon 5-0.
Luis Enrique opted to give Rafinha the nod at the weekend, but Paco Alcacer had the chance to prove his worth this time around. The former Valencia star failed to impress, though, and was taken off after the break.
The away side could have gone a goal up via Neymar early on after a sublime team move. Luis Suarez reached Jordi Alba down the left, who immediately set up Neymar with a low cross after an intelligent dummy from Alcacer, only for the Brazil international to fire his attempt straight at Sommer.
Suarez was next to threaten for the Catalans when he made the most of some poor defending from Nico Elvedi after a long ball from Pique, but the former Liverpool star’s wild volley went just wide of the far top corner.
Gladbach seemed to be happy to sit back and try to hit Barcelona on the break and that tactic paid off in the 34th minute when Hazard opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play.
Sergio Busquets recklessly lost possession in midfield and the hosts immediately charged forward with three men, Raffael setting up Mahmoud Dahoud down the left, who in turn laid the ball off for Hazard and the Belgian winger coolly slotted home from close range to beat former Gladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on his homecoming.
It was Hazard’s seventh goal in 10 appearances in all competitions, already one more than in 36 outings last term.
Shot-stopper Sommer showed his class minutes later to maintain his side’s lead with a brilliant save to keep out Suarez’s volley from close range after a fine pass from Rakitic, with Andreas Christensen clearing the rebound before a Barcelona attacker could get to it.
Luis Enrique opted to bring on Arda for Rakitic after the interval and his decision immediately paid off as the Turkey international levelled the scoring in the 65th minute. Neymar opened up the Gladbach defence with a clever ball over the top and Arda blasted a volley past the helpless Sommer to make it 1-1.
Barcelona immediately started pushing forward and Pique netted the winner eight minutes later after some unconvincing goalkeeping from Sommer.
A new look for 2016, this is the Heather O'Reilly soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Amy Rodriguez, Shannon Boxx, Becky Sauerbrunn, Whitney Engen and Kelley O'Hara. hope solo jersey Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young. The Switzerland international failed to hold on to Suarez’s shot after a corner and Pique was on hand to dispatch the rebound, Barca holding firm in the closing stages to secure all three points.
Gladbach were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in their Group C opener earlier this month, while Barca hammered Celtic 7-0 on matchday one, but the Bundesliga side appeared to be on their way to a shock win following Hazard’s goal after a quick counterattack at Borussia-Park.
However, Arda restored parity with a powerful volley just minutes after coming off the bench, before Pique took advantage of some poor goalkeeping from Yann Sommer to make the difference, thus ending a three-game winless streak for the Liga champions in Germany.
Barca made it two wins from two games without injured star player Lionel Messi after previously seeing off Sporting Gijon 5-0.
Luis Enrique opted to give Rafinha the nod at the weekend, but Paco Alcacer had the chance to prove his worth this time around. The former Valencia star failed to impress, though, and was taken off after the break.
The away side could have gone a goal up via Neymar early on after a sublime team move. Luis Suarez reached Jordi Alba down the left, who immediately set up Neymar with a low cross after an intelligent dummy from Alcacer, only for the Brazil international to fire his attempt straight at Sommer.
Suarez was next to threaten for the Catalans when he made the most of some poor defending from Nico Elvedi after a long ball from Pique, but the former Liverpool star’s wild volley went just wide of the far top corner.
Gladbach seemed to be happy to sit back and try to hit Barcelona on the break and that tactic paid off in the 34th minute when Hazard opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play.
Sergio Busquets recklessly lost possession in midfield and the hosts immediately charged forward with three men, Raffael setting up Mahmoud Dahoud down the left, who in turn laid the ball off for Hazard and the Belgian winger coolly slotted home from close range to beat former Gladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on his homecoming.
It was Hazard’s seventh goal in 10 appearances in all competitions, already one more than in 36 outings last term.
Shot-stopper Sommer showed his class minutes later to maintain his side’s lead with a brilliant save to keep out Suarez’s volley from close range after a fine pass from Rakitic, with Andreas Christensen clearing the rebound before a Barcelona attacker could get to it.
Luis Enrique opted to bring on Arda for Rakitic after the interval and his decision immediately paid off as the Turkey international levelled the scoring in the 65th minute. Neymar opened up the Gladbach defence with a clever ball over the top and Arda blasted a volley past the helpless Sommer to make it 1-1.
Barcelona immediately started pushing forward and Pique netted the winner eight minutes later after some unconvincing goalkeeping from Sommer.
A new look for 2016, this is the Heather O'Reilly soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Amy Rodriguez, Shannon Boxx, Becky Sauerbrunn, Whitney Engen and Kelley O'Hara. hope solo jersey Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young. The Switzerland international failed to hold on to Suarez’s shot after a corner and Pique was on hand to dispatch the rebound, Barca holding firm in the closing stages to secure all three points.
Atleti got the lead they deserved after 35 minutes.
Torres missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock after 22 minutes, heading against the post from just three yards out following Saul Niguez’s flick, and Robert Lewandowski nodded a presentable opening into Oblak’s grasp at the other end.
But Atleti got the lead they deserved after 35 minutes. Sloppy play from Xabi Alonso saw the ball break into Carrasco’s path, and he drilled a low finish past Neuer and in off the base of the post from 20 yards.
Ribery scuffed a shot past the near corner after finding a rare pocket of space in the Atleti area, and Muller headed wide when unmarked at a corner just after half-time as Bayern looked for a decisive response.
Ancelotti introduced Arjen Robben just before the hour mark in a bid to inject some attacking verve, but Neuer was called upon to keep his side in the match when he dived to his left to parry Carrasco’s drive from distance.
Bayern set up camp in Atleti’s half in the closing stages, Lewandowski glancing a header just past Oblak’s right-hand post, before Robben arrowed a low shot narrowly wide, but their attacking efforts remained largely laboured against a home defence brilliantly marshalled by Diego Godin.
Griezmann then squandered the chance to make the last few minutes comfortable, crashing his spot-kick off the woodwork after Arturo Vidal had barged Filipe Luis to ground, but Atleti held firm to extend their run to 26 wins in 31 European games on home turf.
Key Opta stats: – Carrasco is the first player to score from outside the box against Bayern this season (all competitions). – Ancelotti has lost five of his last eight meetings against Atletico in all competitions (W1 D2).
– Atletico have taken three penalties in their last four CL games, failing to score any of them (two by Griezmann, one by Torres). A new look for 2016, this is the Amy Rodriguez soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon Boxx, Whitney Engen, Christie Rampone, Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn. hope solo shirt Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, David de Gea, Memphis Depay, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah. – Only Sevilla (5) have won more penalties than Atletico (4) in the Champions League since last season.
But Atleti got the lead they deserved after 35 minutes. Sloppy play from Xabi Alonso saw the ball break into Carrasco’s path, and he drilled a low finish past Neuer and in off the base of the post from 20 yards.
Ribery scuffed a shot past the near corner after finding a rare pocket of space in the Atleti area, and Muller headed wide when unmarked at a corner just after half-time as Bayern looked for a decisive response.
Ancelotti introduced Arjen Robben just before the hour mark in a bid to inject some attacking verve, but Neuer was called upon to keep his side in the match when he dived to his left to parry Carrasco’s drive from distance.
Bayern set up camp in Atleti’s half in the closing stages, Lewandowski glancing a header just past Oblak’s right-hand post, before Robben arrowed a low shot narrowly wide, but their attacking efforts remained largely laboured against a home defence brilliantly marshalled by Diego Godin.
Griezmann then squandered the chance to make the last few minutes comfortable, crashing his spot-kick off the woodwork after Arturo Vidal had barged Filipe Luis to ground, but Atleti held firm to extend their run to 26 wins in 31 European games on home turf.
Key Opta stats: – Carrasco is the first player to score from outside the box against Bayern this season (all competitions). – Ancelotti has lost five of his last eight meetings against Atletico in all competitions (W1 D2).
– Atletico have taken three penalties in their last four CL games, failing to score any of them (two by Griezmann, one by Torres). A new look for 2016, this is the Amy Rodriguez soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon Boxx, Whitney Engen, Christie Rampone, Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn. hope solo shirt Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Sam Johnstone, Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, David de Gea, Memphis Depay, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah. – Only Sevilla (5) have won more penalties than Atletico (4) in the Champions League since last season.
Atletico Madrid 1 Bayern Munich 0: Carrasco gives Ancelotti first taste of defeat
Atletico Madrid took control of Champions League Group D with a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon, as Carlo Ancelotti suffered his first defeat in charge of the club.
Diego Simeone’s side beat the German champions by the same scoreline in the first leg of last season’s semi-final clash in April, and they followed that up with a deserved victory thanks to Yannick Ferreira Carrasco’s pinpoint finish.
Bayern went into the game off the back of eight wins in a row in all competitions, but struggled to find any attacking cohesion despite enjoying the majority of possession.
Indeed, Atletico could have led by more before Carrasco’s 35th-minute strike, with Fernando Torres twice spurning good opportunities and Manuel Neuer saving well to deny the goalscorer again.
Franck Ribery dragged a shot wide from close range and Thomas Muller missed a good chance from a header, but Bayern rarely had goalkeeper Jan Oblak concerned during what proved to be a fourth successive defeat in the competition on Spanish soil.
Antoine Griezmann spurned the chance to make it 2-0 when he blazed an 84th-minute penalty against the crossbar, but Atletico now top the group on six points, three ahead of Bayern, who sit in second place above Rostov and PSV following their 2-2 draw.
Atletico’s defensive masterclass kept Bayern at bay in the last-four clash at the Calderon earlier this year, but Simeone’s side had plenty of early pressure and only a smart block from Javi Martinez – following a loose touch – stopped Torres from opening the scoring from close range.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon Boxx soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Whitney Engen, Kelley O'Hara, Sydney Leroux, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christie Rampone. hope solo soccer kits Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young, Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Sam Johnstone, Phil Jones. Oblak made a stunning reaction save to deny Muller on the volley after the Germany forward beat the offside trap, before Neuer sprung low to his left to block Carrasco’s effort from the edge of the area.
Diego Simeone’s side beat the German champions by the same scoreline in the first leg of last season’s semi-final clash in April, and they followed that up with a deserved victory thanks to Yannick Ferreira Carrasco’s pinpoint finish.
Bayern went into the game off the back of eight wins in a row in all competitions, but struggled to find any attacking cohesion despite enjoying the majority of possession.
Indeed, Atletico could have led by more before Carrasco’s 35th-minute strike, with Fernando Torres twice spurning good opportunities and Manuel Neuer saving well to deny the goalscorer again.
Franck Ribery dragged a shot wide from close range and Thomas Muller missed a good chance from a header, but Bayern rarely had goalkeeper Jan Oblak concerned during what proved to be a fourth successive defeat in the competition on Spanish soil.
Antoine Griezmann spurned the chance to make it 2-0 when he blazed an 84th-minute penalty against the crossbar, but Atletico now top the group on six points, three ahead of Bayern, who sit in second place above Rostov and PSV following their 2-2 draw.
Atletico’s defensive masterclass kept Bayern at bay in the last-four clash at the Calderon earlier this year, but Simeone’s side had plenty of early pressure and only a smart block from Javi Martinez – following a loose touch – stopped Torres from opening the scoring from close range.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon Boxx soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Whitney Engen, Kelley O'Hara, Sydney Leroux, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christie Rampone. hope solo soccer kits Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young, Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Sam Johnstone, Phil Jones. Oblak made a stunning reaction save to deny Muller on the volley after the Germany forward beat the offside trap, before Neuer sprung low to his left to block Carrasco’s effort from the edge of the area.
Ludogorets 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3: Cavani inspires comeback win
Edinson Cavani put his woes from Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League opener with Arsenal behind him with a double in a 3-1 win over Ludogorets on Wednesday.
Cavani netted in the opening minute of PSG’s first Group A game this month but became the scapegoat for fluffing a simple finish later in the game as Arsenal equalised late on to claim a point.
And it looked for long periods as if PSG would have to settle for another disappointing result at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, Ludogorets opening the scoring in the 15th minute through full-back Natanael’s free-kick.
Unai Emery’s men offered little in way of a reply in the first half until they levelled shortly before the interval thanks to Blaise Matuidi’s first goal of the season.
PSG were then rewarded for an improved start to the second half, Cavani completing the turnaround 10 minutes after the restart, but survived a major scare when Cosmin Moti’s penalty was saved by Alphonse Areola soon afterwards.
The visitors then ensured their would be no way back for Ludogorets as Lucas Moura set up Cavani for a close-range second goal. Cavani was presented with an excellent chance to break the deadlock in the fifth minute as Ludogorets conceded possession deep inside their own half, however, he only succeeded in lashing the ball well wide of the right-hand post.
PSG struggled to break down the hosts in the early stages, though, and fell behind against the run of play as they were caught on the counter from a corner.
Thiago Motta hacked down Svetoslav Dyakov on the edge of the area, allowing Natanael to curl the free-kick through a hole in the wall and beyond Areola.
The initial response from PSG was meek, though Thiago Silva did waste a golden opportunity to level on the half-hour mark, heading Angel Di Maria’s corner wide from point-blank range. PSG had a huge appeal for a penalty then waved away by referee Pavel Kralovec when Cavani went down after being shoved in the back off the ball by Moti.
But PSG did draw level in the 41st minute as Matuidi latched on to an incisive pass from Marco Verratti and slotted home with a cool left-footed finish. Di Maria curled wide on the turn after the break and then hit a weak finish straight at Vladislav Stoyanov from Cavani’s lay-off following more sloppy play in possession from Ludogorets.
But the Argenintian atoned for those misses as Cavani met his free-kick with a header that proved too powerful for Stoyanov to handle. Ludogorets were handed a lifeline two minutes later when Motta gave away a penalty, bundling over Marcelinho in the area, however, Moti failed from 12 yards as his tame spot-kick was easily saved by Areola.
Cavani immediately punished Moti’s profligacy with his second on the hour mark, converting at the near post from Lucas’ cut-back.
A new look for 2016, this is the Whitney Engen soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone and Sydney Leroux. Where can I buy a hope solo jersey? Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, David de Gea, Marcus Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Uruguayan almost turned provider as PSG pushed for a fourth, but his cross with the outside of the boot was turned wide by Matuidi with the goal at his mercy.
Cavani netted in the opening minute of PSG’s first Group A game this month but became the scapegoat for fluffing a simple finish later in the game as Arsenal equalised late on to claim a point.
And it looked for long periods as if PSG would have to settle for another disappointing result at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, Ludogorets opening the scoring in the 15th minute through full-back Natanael’s free-kick.
Unai Emery’s men offered little in way of a reply in the first half until they levelled shortly before the interval thanks to Blaise Matuidi’s first goal of the season.
PSG were then rewarded for an improved start to the second half, Cavani completing the turnaround 10 minutes after the restart, but survived a major scare when Cosmin Moti’s penalty was saved by Alphonse Areola soon afterwards.
The visitors then ensured their would be no way back for Ludogorets as Lucas Moura set up Cavani for a close-range second goal. Cavani was presented with an excellent chance to break the deadlock in the fifth minute as Ludogorets conceded possession deep inside their own half, however, he only succeeded in lashing the ball well wide of the right-hand post.
PSG struggled to break down the hosts in the early stages, though, and fell behind against the run of play as they were caught on the counter from a corner.
Thiago Motta hacked down Svetoslav Dyakov on the edge of the area, allowing Natanael to curl the free-kick through a hole in the wall and beyond Areola.
The initial response from PSG was meek, though Thiago Silva did waste a golden opportunity to level on the half-hour mark, heading Angel Di Maria’s corner wide from point-blank range. PSG had a huge appeal for a penalty then waved away by referee Pavel Kralovec when Cavani went down after being shoved in the back off the ball by Moti.
But PSG did draw level in the 41st minute as Matuidi latched on to an incisive pass from Marco Verratti and slotted home with a cool left-footed finish. Di Maria curled wide on the turn after the break and then hit a weak finish straight at Vladislav Stoyanov from Cavani’s lay-off following more sloppy play in possession from Ludogorets.
But the Argenintian atoned for those misses as Cavani met his free-kick with a header that proved too powerful for Stoyanov to handle. Ludogorets were handed a lifeline two minutes later when Motta gave away a penalty, bundling over Marcelinho in the area, however, Moti failed from 12 yards as his tame spot-kick was easily saved by Areola.
Cavani immediately punished Moti’s profligacy with his second on the hour mark, converting at the near post from Lucas’ cut-back.
A new look for 2016, this is the Whitney Engen soccer jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone and Sydney Leroux. Where can I buy a hope solo jersey? Marouane Fellaini, Sergio Romero, David de Gea, Marcus Rashford, Axel Tuanzebe, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Uruguayan almost turned provider as PSG pushed for a fourth, but his cross with the outside of the boot was turned wide by Matuidi with the goal at his mercy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)