Goal by Sergio Aguero.
Goal by Sergio Aguero.
In the first minute Sergio Aguero scores a goal here is what is currently going on.
11' Real Madrid [0 - 1] Atletico Madrid
1' [0 - 1]
S. Agüero
Goal Raul 1-1
Still the same at 38 minutes
38'
Real Madrid [1 - 1] Atletico Madrid
1' [0 - 1]
S. Agüero
6'
L.A. Perea
14' [1 - 1] Raul
72' Real Madrid [1 - 1] Atletico Madrid
1' [0 - 1]
S. Agüero
6'
L.A. Perea
14' [1 - 1] Raul
35'
Pepe
48'
J.M. Guti
Once again Pepe getting cards
Nice result for Madrid too bad for Simao's old team
FT Real Madrid [2 - 1] Atletico Madrid
1' [0 - 1]
S. Agüero
6'
L.A. Perea
14' [1 - 1] Raul
35'
Pepe
48'
J.M. Guti
68'
R. Garcia
79' [2 - 1] W. Sneijder
90'
Raul
FT Real Madrid [2 - 1] Atletico Madrid
1' [0 - 1]
S. Agüero
6'
L.A. Perea
14' [1 - 1] Raul
35'
Pepe
48'
J.M. Guti
68'
R. Garcia
79' [2 - 1] W. Sneijder
90'
Raul
Sneijder Real Madrid hero after storming comeback
Real Madrid stormed back from a goal down to defeat city rivals Atletico 2-1 in their La Liga opener. Real kicked off with just three of their eight summer signings in their starting line-up - Dutch duo Royston Drenthe and Sneijder, plus Brazilian centre-back Pepe.
Atletico also had three new faces on show at the outset, with Diego Forlan, Raul Garcia and Simao Sabrosa all making their league debuts for the Rojiblancos.
The tone was set for an enthralling match when Atletico took the lead inside the opening minute through Sergio Aguero, but Real hit back to take the points through goals from Raul and Wesley Sneijder.
Chelsea try to tempt Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho was last night linked with a startling move to Chelsea after his brother was reportedly in talks with Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich.
The Russian billionaire was believed to have held two meetings with Ronaldinho's brother and adviser, Roberto de Assis Moreira, at the weekend, the second of which was held in London.
Moreira stayed at an exclusive hotel in Knightsbridge before meeting Abramovich on Saturday. It is understood that the Brazilian striker was made an offer that will make him the highest-paid player in Europe.
Come and get me: Ronaldinho wouldn't come cheap
The offer, believed to exceed Chelsea captain John Terry's £130,000 a week, would need to be considerable as there is a £85 million buy-out clause in the contract Ronaldinho signed at Barcelona in 2005.
The reports contradict Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who said at the weekend that Chelsea were not likely to sign any more players before Friday's transfer deadline.
Ronaldinho played in Barcalona's disappointing goalless draw with 10-man Racing Santander last night.
Nou Camp coach Frank Rijkaard started with last season's trusted trident of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, although Thiery Henry came off the bench and almost won it late on with an effort which came back off the post.
The hosts had their own debut striker - Ebi Smolarek - sent off for a cynical foul on Eric Abidal.
Villarreal continued from where they left off last season with a 3-0 derby win over nine-man Valencia.
Sevilla's Spanish international, Antonio Puerta, was in a "very serious" condition after collapsing and losing consciousness in the La Liga opener with Getafe.
Puerta collapsed after a reported heart attack 35 minutes into Sevilla's 4-1 victory. He walked from the pitch but collapsed in the changing rooms and was given cardiac resuscitation before going to hospital.
Wesley Sneijder scored on his debut to give new Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster a winning start over Atletico Madrid. Sergio Aguero headed Atletico in front after 56 seconds but Raul levelled before Sneijder, an £18 million recruit from Ajax, shot home nine minutes from the end. Real's two new recruits, Gabriel Heinze and Arjen Robben, did not play.
Champs Inter off to a slow start in Serie A
Inter Milan made a stuttering start to their Serie A title defence yesterday, while promoted pair Genoa and Napoli both suffered opening defeats.
Ivan Cordoba scored a last-minute own goal as Inter were held at home by Udinese, who had gone behind inside the first 10 minutes when Dejan Stankovic struck.
Inter's city rivals AC Milan made a fine start to their season with a 3-0 away victory at Genoa.
Massimo Ambrosini opened the scoring on 21 minutes for the European champions, before Kaka fired home a quickfire double.
Napoli lost at home 2-0 to Cagliari, while Fiorentina picked up three points from their opener against Empoli as they won 3-1.
Vincenzo Montella's 86th-minute strike gave Sampdoria a 2-1 away win against Siena and Parma drew 2-2 with Catania at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, with all four goals coming inside the first 45 minutes.
After a year of exile in Serie B, Claudio Ranieri's Juventus began their first campaign back in the top flight with a 5-1 win over Livorno on Saturday night.
Hat-trick hero David Trezeguet set the wheels in motion in the 26th minute and a second-half double from substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta guaranteed the three points for the hosts.
Lazio and Torino had to settle for a point each as they drew 2-2.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid began the defence of their Primera Liga title with a deserved come-from-behind 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Atletico took the lead inside the opening minute through Sergio Aguero, but Real hit back through Raul and Wesley Sneijder.
In Saturday's other game Sevilla came from behind against nine-man Getafe. Pablo opened the scoring for Getafe inside just two minutes, but the away side then had Francisco Souza and David Cortes sent off.
Sevilla made their numerical advantage count in the second period and scored four times through Jesus Navas, Luis Fabiano, Fredi Kanoute and Alexander Kerzhakov.
Finally, Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Racing Santander.
Champs Inter off to a slow start in Serie A - Soccer, Sport - Independent.ie
La Liga Reflections: Real Madrid Making The Right Noises Saturday evening was one of those when everyone concerned with Real Madrid made just the right noise at the Santiago Bernabeu. A Real Madrid fan speaks...
Be it the players' attitutude on the pitch, the Bernabeu crowd's backing of the players, or Bernd Schuster's words after the game, it was all simply spot on!
The La Liga season got underway in perfect fashion for Los Merengues on Saturday, as they came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win over cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, and in the process gave new coach Bernd Schuster a triumphant start, and offered promises of a spectacular season for the reigning Spanish champions.
Prior to the start of the match, Madrid veteran Raul flaunted the club’s 30th league trophy in front of a sell out 80,000 crowd, to a standing ovation from the Bernabeu faithful.
The celebrations were short lived, however, as in the very first minute, unmarked Argentine forward Sergio Aguero nodded in a corner deflected by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Less than 57 seconds had passed and the first goal of the match and the La Primera season had been scored, much to the woe of the current champions. Madrid however, stormed back in style, and the Merengue fans saw much of what they had witnessed towards the end of last season.
Club captain Raul took 15 minutes to put the Spanish champions on level with their city rivals. Although Robinho played an important part, it was Madrid defender Sergio Ramos’ cross that Raul headed past Atletico keeper Leo Franco, who remained rooted to the spot.
From then on, Madrid fans witnessed their side attacking with a sense of necessity, and the first half saw both sides continue to exhibit some superb end-to-end football, though it was Madrid who dominated. The crowd responded by getting behind the team out of raw joy and passion, and without a hint of the desperation that was seen last season. A 30th La Liga title has most definitely done a lot of good to everyone!
After six defeats in pre-season warm ups and friendlies, the pressure was still on for the Whites to secure a win in their maiden game of the season, and with eight new signings of which only three were playing, it was Dutchman Wesley Sneijder who created some of the best chances for his side.
The former Ajax player, dubbed Madrid's ‘new Beckham’, showed why he would be worth every bit of the reported 27 million euro the merengues paid, especially when he scored the winner after receiving a pass from midfielder Guti off a free kick. Over the last two games, he has shown that not only have Real Madrid found someone who can play quality 'box to box' football, but also deliver into the box with pin-point accuracy. And he is still improving!
With ten minutes to spare and the home side ahead, Madrid continued to display fierce attacking football, something which the fans had missed during Fabio Capello’s reign. Don Fabio, with all due respect (and he did engineer some sensational comebacks) has always shut shop in the final ten minutes if ahead. The Whites continued to threaten, and the fans responded in glee.
Star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was denied, having a close range shot blocked by Atleti keeper Franco, and Guti fired a free kick against the woodwork. The home side secured the first three points of the season, and did so in style, and against a team that could well make it into the top four.
With the teams and the fans having done their bit, it was coach Bernd Schuster who finally chose to utter the right words, using the chance well to strike a note with their fans, and just ensure that nobody missed the way his boys approached the game - with a touch of liberation.
He also resisted the temptation to hit back at critics, and that will only do good. Those very critics, instead of feeling alienated by the success, will find it easier to embrace it. That will help when the going gets tough, as it will during the course of a season. Overall, you could say that was an evening when everything went perfectly for Los Merengues.
Goal.com - Editorial/Comment - La Liga Reflections: Real Madrid Making The Right Noises
Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1: Beckham's boots filled by capable new boy Sneijder
David who? Real Madrid began the post-Beckham era with a thrilling 2-1 derby win over Atletico Madrid and it was the England man's replacement, Wesley Sneijder, who stole the show, scored the winner, and had Real President Ramon Calderon taking a thinly-disguised post-match swipe at Beckham.
"We haven't seen 30-metre passes like that at the Bernabeu for years" said Calderon praising the debut performance of Sneijder and doing something of an injustice to Beckham's four-year stint in Spain.
Sneijder, signed for around £17m pounds in the summer, has taken the No 23 shirt at the Bernabeu and assumed the mantle of Real's new pass-master, and yesterday he won over his new fans by giving them victory over their local rivals.
The former Ajax man had impressed throughout his debut and when Real won a free-kick on the edge of Atletico's penalty area with 10 minutes left on the clock Guti, who had just hit the bar with a set-piece, rolled it to the Dutchman and his precise shot beat Leo Franco in the visitors' goal.
Real Madrid celebrated winning the title last season by sacking manager Fabio Capello and spending £80m on eight new players. The drastic overhaul looked to have backfired with a dismal pre-season and they were behind in this game inside the first minute when Sergio Aguero stole in at the back post to head in Mariano Pernia's corner.
But Real responded well and on the quarter-hour they were level when a rejuvenated Raul headed in Sergio Ramos' cross. The club captain later picked up his first booking in almost three years, for not retreating at a free-kick, but spoiling his extraordinary disciplinary record (booked just 20 times in 14 seasons) was not enough to wipe the smile off his face as Sneijder scored in the 79th minute to give Real a winning start to the season
Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1: Beckham's boots filled by capable new boy Sneijder - Independent Online Edition > European
Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1: Beckham's boots filled by capable new boy Sneijder
David who? Real Madrid began the post-Beckham era with a thrilling 2-1 derby win over Atletico Madrid and it was the England man's replacement, Wesley Sneijder, who stole the show, scored the winner, and had Real President Ramon Calderon taking a thinly-disguised post-match swipe at Beckham.
"We haven't seen 30-metre passes like that at the Bernabeu for years" said Calderon praising the debut performance of Sneijder and doing something of an injustice to Beckham's four-year stint in Spain.
Sneijder, signed for around £17m pounds in the summer, has taken the No 23 shirt at the Bernabeu and assumed the mantle of Real's new pass-master, and yesterday he won over his new fans by giving them victory over their local rivals.
The former Ajax man had impressed throughout his debut and when Real won a free-kick on the edge of Atletico's penalty area with 10 minutes left on the clock Guti, who had just hit the bar with a set-piece, rolled it to the Dutchman and his precise shot beat Leo Franco in the visitors' goal.
Real Madrid celebrated winning the title last season by sacking manager Fabio Capello and spending £80m on eight new players. The drastic overhaul looked to have backfired with a dismal pre-season and they were behind in this game inside the first minute when Sergio Aguero stole in at the back post to head in Mariano Pernia's corner.
But Real responded well and on the quarter-hour they were level when a rejuvenated Raul headed in Sergio Ramos' cross. The club captain later picked up his first booking in almost three years, for not retreating at a free-kick, but spoiling his extraordinary disciplinary record (booked just 20 times in 14 seasons) was not enough to wipe the smile off his face as Sneijder scored in the 79th minute to give Real a winning start to the season.
Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1: Beckham's boots filled by capable new boy Sneijder - Independent Online Edition > European
Atletico Madrid step up bid for Real Madrid's Javi Garcia
Atletico Madrid are ready to sign Real Madrid midfielder Javi Garcia.
Atletico will move to Javi Garcia should Peter Luccin complete his move to the Premiership today, where he is interesting Newcastle United and Birmingham City.
Atletico already have agreed personal terms with the Spain U21 international and will have to cough up £2 million to take the player from Real.
Blues target £2m Atletico ace Luccin
Aug 27 2007
By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail
The French midfielder, aged 28, is expected to hold talks with manager Steve Bruce and club officials today.
The plan was for Luccin to watch Blues at Derby County on Saturday, but there was a hitch over travel arrangements.
Blues have been in negotiation with Atletico and Luccin for several days and are confident they can persuade him to join.
Transfer fee, wages and length of contract have been agreed in principle and it's a case of Luccin being satisfied after face-to-face talks.
Blues linked with Atletico swoop
Birmingham City are reportedly close to signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Peter Luccin.
Blues manager Steve Bruce said: "We are close to one or two things. I hope by Monday we will have something done.
"We went for two midfielders in the summer. We chased Flamini for weeks and then he decided to stay with Arsenal.
"The other one was Ghaly and we all know what happened with him. The guy we hope to bring in we hope will all be done and dusted by Monday. The player we are after has got a really good pedigree.
"We have agreed his wages, a fee and the length of contract. I'd love to have a young British midfielder but you can't get them for whatever reason."
Jurardo wants more minutes at Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Manuel Jurardo has admitted frustration with his status in coach Javier Aguirre's plans.
"I know that it is difficult to play because there are many players in my position, but there also will be many games during the season and we will all be playing many minutes," said the ex-Real Madrid midfielder.
Barcelona's Marquez open to Atletico Madrid move
Atletico Madrid are moving for Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez.
Atletico coach Javier Aguirre wants his fellow Mexican to prop up his defence and negotiations are already at an advanced stage.
Marquez is behind Gaby Milito and Yaya Toure at Barca and is open to a move to the Vicente Calderon. Marquez's Barca teammate, Thiago Motta, is also interesting Atletico as they prepare to sell Peter Luccin this week.
Birmingham must up bid for Atletico Madrid's Luccin
Birmingham City must up their bid if they're to land Atletico Madrid midfielder Peter Luccin.
AS says Atletico are ready to sell the France international, but turned down Birmingham's £2.5 million offer on Monday.
Atletico directors expect Brum to return with an improved bid today.
Birmingham In For Luccin
Birmingham City coach Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in a midfielder - and it's thought to be want-away Atletico Madrid midfielder Peter Luccin...
City boss Steve Bruce claims that he could have a new midfielder in at St. Andrew's today - but won't confirm who it is.
Signs point, though, to Peter Luccin, who is struggling to find a first team berth at Atletico Madrid.
Bruce said, "We are close to one or two things. I hope by Monday we will have something done.
"We went for two midfielders in the summer. We chased Flamini for weeks and then he decided to stay with Arsenal.
"The other one was Ghaly and we all know what happened with him. The guy we hope to bring in we hope will all be done and dusted by Monday. The player we are after has got a really good pedigree.
"We have agreed his wages, a fee and the length of contract. I'd love to have a young British midfielder but you can't get them for whatever reason."
Luccin arrived at Atletico Madrid from Celta de Vigo in 2004, after having played for PSG, hometown club Marseille, Bordeaux and Cannes.
The central midfielder has been linked for some time with a switch to Serie A or the Premiership, with Fiorentina also said to be interested.
The player himself previously said, "Atletico have twice proposed a contract extension, but I prefer to wait and see what other offers there are," indicating a possible desire to leave the Vicente Calderon.
Goal.com - Atletico Madrid - Birmingham In For Luccin
Jurado: It's Tough To Play With Atleti
Jose Manuel Jurado knows more than most how tough it is to break into this season's Atletico Madrid team, even after the rojiblancos opened their season with a 2-1 defeat in the Madrid derby...
Watching from the sidelines, Jose Manuel Jurado felt that his Atletico Madrid teammates lacked "a little ambition" as they went down 2-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday - but still praised his teammates' efforts.
"Perhaps we needed a little more ambition, but the team did well and gave their all," he said.
"What's more, we had plenty of chances."
Chances are hard to come by for the man himself, though. He took part in the majority of Atletico's matches last season, starting 22 in La Liga, but his main spell in the team came mainly during injuries to Martin Petrov and Maxi.
Now, with the likes of Reyes, Simao and Luis Garcia at the club, he's having trouble finding a first team place.
Yet he knows his chance will come. He said, "I know it's tough to play because there are so many in my position, but there will be many matches over the course of the season, with many minutes of play."
Atletico are set for a European adventure, being 3-0 up on Vojvodina after their first leg tie in the final UEFA Cup qualifying round.
Jurado, though, won't take anything for granted.
He said, "In soccer there are no done deals. We'll play the next leg with the same desire and excitement."
Jurado arrived from city rivals Real Madrid at the beginning of last season.
Goal.com - Atletico Madrid - Jurado: It's Tough To Play With Atleti
CL Qualifier Preview: FC Copenhagen - SL Benfica
What: Champions League Third Qualifying Round (Second Leg)
Who: FC København (4th Danish Superliga, 12 pts) v SL Benfica (7th Bwin Liga, 2 pts)
When: Wednesday, 29th August, Kick-off: 2045 local (Copenhagen)
Where: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Background
It’s the second leg of the third round tie and the second season in a row that the Portuguese and Danish sides clash in the Champions League, this time a place in the Group Phase at stake.
The first leg ended with a slight edge for the Portuguese Águias (Eagles) Benfica thanks to a Rui Costa brace that clawed in a win.
Danish Løverne (Lions) FC København did cause the feathers to fly, however, as Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson levelled things off after the first Rui Costa strike.
The slim advantage means that the second leg is bound to be fertile ground for the Danes to plant the seeds of hope that they can make it through to the group stage instead of the UEFA Cup.
That’s assuming they are capable of drawing Benfica blood at the Parken: a repeat of last year’s goalless draw at the same venue simply won’t be enough.
With the all-important Hutchinson strike from the da Luz first leg the away goal rule will be key to a potential classification for the Champions League proper.
A 1-0 will see the hosts through although, conversely a 0-1 will see Benfica take the cake and FC Copenhagen get the booby prize: a place in the Champions League's less lucrative little brother.
The stadium is expected to be packed for tomorrow’s decider with home fans eager to egg their team on and Portuguese visitors and ex-pats wanting to voice their support too.
The Løvernes Hule (Lions' Den) holds over 42,000 spectators but, for security reasons, only 40,000 tickets are expected to be on sale according to recent reports.
Of these between 2,000 and 3,000 of the seats are expected to be occupied by Benfica supporters, a mix of those making the trip from Portugal and those working in Copenhagen.
First Leg Line-Ups
BENFICA (2): Quim; David Luiz, Luisão (Adu 37), Leo, Luis Filipe; Petit, Rui Costa, Katsouranis, Assis (Nuno Gomes 74); Cardozo, Bergessio (Fabio Coentrão 46)
FC COPENHAGEN (1): Christiansen; Silberbauer, Gravgaard, Hangeland, Jensen; Norregaard (Sionko 89), Kvist, Wurtz, Hutchinson, Gronkjaer; Allbäck (Nordstrand 78)
Team News
FC COPENHAGEN
Ex-Benfica and FC Copenhagen idol Manniche (not to be confused with Maniche the 29 year-old Atlético de Madrid and Portugal midfielder who was named after him) sees the fixture as a close-run thing, but the hosts having a good chance.
Having played for Benfica from 1983 to 1987 and FC København from 1992 to 1994 before a short pre-retirement stint as assistant manager-cum-player in 1996, Copenhagen-born Manniche is in a good position to speak about both sides.
“It’s best for us to face Benfica this time around, when things aren’t going so well for them, than last year when they were doing better in comparison”, he explained from the standpoint of his current employers.
Nevertheless the man who is considered a Benfica living legend did stress that “Benfica do have a great retrospective in Europe and for that reason could be considered favourites”, he explained to the Portuguese press.
“We don’t have a Rui Costa or a Nuno Gomes but we do have a good team”, he added, noting that Solbakken’s men “could make the difference with aerial attacks if Luisão doesn’t play.”
Manniche pointed out that Benfica "were lucky in many ways to get the win at da Luz and I really think we have an excellent chance of going through if we can avoid letting any goals in and take advantage of any nerves on the Benfica side."
Goalkeeper Christiansen will be the focus of attention as he’s charged with the complicated mission of keeping a clean sheet at all costs. After suffering twice from Rui Costa’s refined nose for goal in the first leg, he knows where the danger is.
“Benfica has many good players but Rui Costa is capable of both creating and ending a move at any time during a match”, the keeper said, praising the man whose first leg brace resulted in victory for the Portuguese giants.
“They are a good side with a solid defence, but I have faith in our capabilities and am sure that we can make it through their back four and score.” In front he can count on being shielded by Texas-born Norwegian number 5 Brede Hangeland.
The towering back has been linked with a move to the EPL yet again, Bolton and Newcastle apparently eager to sign him, but the player has denied that he has anything in mind except doing the best for The Lions – including beating Benfica.
The defence is set to be tested but has held fast in the past two matches that FC Copenhagen have played in the Danish SAS League. The opponents were two of the other top clubs in Denmark: FC Midtjylland and OB and both matches ended in 0-0 stalemates with Jesper Christiansen on good form.
Coach Ståle Solbakken told FC Copenhagen’s official website that his game-plan is ready – even a plan B and C if A doesn’t work out, and the tactician sees the home support as being a potentially decisive factor whatever the on-pitch tactics.
Last year’s face-off saw the legs reversed and Benfica were able to capitalise on their home support, but now the ball’s firmly in the Danish court and it shouldn’t be forgotten that both Manchester United and Celtic were downed at the Parken.
Jesper Gronkjaer will sit the decider out via suspension and the forward’s absence could weaken the Lions’ attack which will probably have to rely on the unproductive pairing of Allbäck and Nordstrand: the latter’s aim conspicuously off of late.
There is a possibility that Brazilian number 7 Aílton Almeida may get a starting nod as he did against Odense BK, coming off for Nordstrand in the 64th minute, but Solbakken is refusing to name names just yet. The last line up was:
FC COPENHAGEN (4-4-2): Christiansen; Kvist, Gravgaard (Captain), Hangeland, Jensen; Silberbauer, Norregaard, Würtz (Sionko) and Hutchinson; Gronkjaer and Almeida (Nordstrand)
SL BENFICA
The last two weeks have been tumultuous at the Águias, Fernando Santos being sacked after a lacklustre Bwin Liga debut. The 1-1 draw against modest minnows Leixões was the final nail in the tactician’s coffin.
Ex-Spain Coach José Antonio Camacho has been brought in to try to stop the rot before Benfica end yet another season without silverware, although the Spaniard also lucked out in his home debut this weekend with a goalless draw against Vitoria de Guimarães.
Given what he’s seen, after landing in rainy Copenhagen Camacho has little doubt that Wednesday’s match will be a watershed for Benfica. “We have the obligation to score here because the result [from the first leg] is too narrow a margin.”
“In the BWin league there’s room for error and correction but that doesn’t exist in the Champions League, especially in knockout rounds”, he warned. “The Danish have a certain style and although we drew here last year both teams are very different.”
He added that the injury that is said to be sidelining Katsouranis wasn’t a big worry and that he’s still not certain if a Luisão who’s getting back to match fitness after a recent spell in dry dock will play, but did add that “I won’t be making many changes.”
The three recent South American signings (Uruguayans Cristian Rodríguez and Maxi Pereira and Brazilian Edcarlos) won’t be present in Camacho’s squad for the clash and are expected to stay in Portugal to tie up the loose ends on their respective contracts.
Recent Argentine signing Angel Di María has shrugged off the injury hassles he picked up in the pre-Camacho pre-season and is ready to muck in – if given a chance. “I’m ready and willing and will do whatever the Coach wants to help Benfica.”
Camacho has changed his list from the weekend game against Guimarães by including Luisão, Di María and Dabao and cutting Andrés Díaz:
Goalkeepers: Quim and Butt
Defenders: Luís Filipe, Nélson, Luisão, Miguel Vítor, Léo and Miguelito
Midfielders: Katsouranis, Petit, Rui Costa, Nuno Assis, Freddy Adu, Romeu Ribeiro and Fábio Coentrão
Forwards: Cardozo, Bergessio, Nuno Gomes, Di María and Dabao.
It remains to be seen how Camacho will play it as the tactician is holding his cards close to his chest, but the smart money will be on a counter-attacking game that aims to use speed to unravel the Danish defence and bring the bacon home for Benfica.
The most recent line-up – and the only one used by Camacho so far – is shown below but both Katsouranis and Luisão are borderline. The only training session is scheduled for 19:00 tonight and should clarify both players' states as well as Camacho's ideas.
BENFICA (4-4-2): Quim, Nelson, Katsouranis, Miguel Vítor and Léo; Petit, Rui Costa, Fábio Coentrão (Luís Filipe, 72), Nuno Assis (Romeu Ribeiro, 70), Nuno Gomes and Cardozo (Bergessio, 80).
Goal.com - Champions League - CL Qualifier Preview: FC Copenhagen - SL Benfica
CL Qualifier Preview: FC Copenhagen - SL Benfica
What: Champions League Third Qualifying Round (Second Leg)
Who: FC København (4th Danish Superliga, 12 pts) v SL Benfica (7th Bwin Liga, 2 pts)
When: Wednesday, 29th August, Kick-off: 2045 local (Copenhagen)
Where: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Background
It’s the second leg of the third round tie and the second season in a row that the Portuguese and Danish sides clash in the Champions League, this time a place in the Group Phase at stake.
The first leg ended with a slight edge for the Portuguese Águias (Eagles) Benfica thanks to a Rui Costa brace that clawed in a win.
Danish Løverne (Lions) FC København did cause the feathers to fly, however, as Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson levelled things off after the first Rui Costa strike.
The slim advantage means that the second leg is bound to be fertile ground for the Danes to plant the seeds of hope that they can make it through to the group stage instead of the UEFA Cup.
That’s assuming they are capable of drawing Benfica blood at the Parken: a repeat of last year’s goalless draw at the same venue simply won’t be enough.
With the all-important Hutchinson strike from the da Luz first leg the away goal rule will be key to a potential classification for the Champions League proper.
A 1-0 will see the hosts through although, conversely a 0-1 will see Benfica take the cake and FC Copenhagen get the booby prize: a place in the Champions League's less lucrative little brother.
The stadium is expected to be packed for tomorrow’s decider with home fans eager to egg their team on and Portuguese visitors and ex-pats wanting to voice their support too.
The Løvernes Hule (Lions' Den) holds over 42,000 spectators but, for security reasons, only 40,000 tickets are expected to be on sale according to recent reports.
Of these between 2,000 and 3,000 of the seats are expected to be occupied by Benfica supporters, a mix of those making the trip from Portugal and those working in Copenhagen.
First Leg Line-Ups
BENFICA (2): Quim; David Luiz, Luisão (Adu 37), Leo, Luis Filipe; Petit, Rui Costa, Katsouranis, Assis (Nuno Gomes 74); Cardozo, Bergessio (Fabio Coentrão 46)
FC COPENHAGEN (1): Christiansen; Silberbauer, Gravgaard, Hangeland, Jensen; Norregaard (Sionko 89), Kvist, Wurtz, Hutchinson, Gronkjaer; Allbäck (Nordstrand 78)
Team News
FC COPENHAGEN
Ex-Benfica and FC Copenhagen idol Manniche (not to be confused with Maniche the 29 year-old Atlético de Madrid and Portugal midfielder who was named after him) sees the fixture as a close-run thing, but the hosts having a good chance.
Having played for Benfica from 1983 to 1987 and FC København from 1992 to 1994 before a short pre-retirement stint as assistant manager-cum-player in 1996, Copenhagen-born Manniche is in a good position to speak about both sides.
“It’s best for us to face Benfica this time around, when things aren’t going so well for them, than last year when they were doing better in comparison”, he explained from the standpoint of his current employers.
Nevertheless the man who is considered a Benfica living legend did stress that “Benfica do have a great retrospective in Europe and for that reason could be considered favourites”, he explained to the Portuguese press.
“We don’t have a Rui Costa or a Nuno Gomes but we do have a good team”, he added, noting that Solbakken’s men “could make the difference with aerial attacks if Luisão doesn’t play.”
Manniche pointed out that Benfica "were lucky in many ways to get the win at da Luz and I really think we have an excellent chance of going through if we can avoid letting any goals in and take advantage of any nerves on the Benfica side."
Goalkeeper Christiansen will be the focus of attention as he’s charged with the complicated mission of keeping a clean sheet at all costs. After suffering twice from Rui Costa’s refined nose for goal in the first leg, he knows where the danger is.
“Benfica has many good players but Rui Costa is capable of both creating and ending a move at any time during a match”, the keeper said, praising the man whose first leg brace resulted in victory for the Portuguese giants.
“They are a good side with a solid defence, but I have faith in our capabilities and am sure that we can make it through their back four and score.” In front he can count on being shielded by Texas-born Norwegian number 5 Brede Hangeland.
The towering back has been linked with a move to the EPL yet again, Bolton and Newcastle apparently eager to sign him, but the player has denied that he has anything in mind except doing the best for The Lions – including beating Benfica.
The defence is set to be tested but has held fast in the past two matches that FC Copenhagen have played in the Danish SAS League. The opponents were two of the other top clubs in Denmark: FC Midtjylland and OB and both matches ended in 0-0 stalemates with Jesper Christiansen on good form.
Coach Ståle Solbakken told FC Copenhagen’s official website that his game-plan is ready – even a plan B and C if A doesn’t work out, and the tactician sees the home support as being a potentially decisive factor whatever the on-pitch tactics.
Last year’s face-off saw the legs reversed and Benfica were able to capitalise on their home support, but now the ball’s firmly in the Danish court and it shouldn’t be forgotten that both Manchester United and Celtic were downed at the Parken.
Jesper Gronkjaer will sit the decider out via suspension and the forward’s absence could weaken the Lions’ attack which will probably have to rely on the unproductive pairing of Allbäck and Nordstrand: the latter’s aim conspicuously off of late.
There is a possibility that Brazilian number 7 Aílton Almeida may get a starting nod as he did against Odense BK, coming off for Nordstrand in the 64th minute, but Solbakken is refusing to name names just yet. The last line up was:
FC COPENHAGEN (4-4-2): Christiansen; Kvist, Gravgaard (Captain), Hangeland, Jensen; Silberbauer, Norregaard, Würtz (Sionko) and Hutchinson; Gronkjaer and Almeida (Nordstrand)
SL BENFICA
The last two weeks have been tumultuous at the Águias, Fernando Santos being sacked after a lacklustre Bwin Liga debut. The 1-1 draw against modest minnows Leixões was the final nail in the tactician’s coffin.
Ex-Spain Coach José Antonio Camacho has been brought in to try to stop the rot before Benfica end yet another season without silverware, although the Spaniard also lucked out in his home debut this weekend with a goalless draw against Vitoria de Guimarães.
Given what he’s seen, after landing in rainy Copenhagen Camacho has little doubt that Wednesday’s match will be a watershed for Benfica. “We have the obligation to score here because the result [from the first leg] is too narrow a margin.”
“In the BWin league there’s room for error and correction but that doesn’t exist in the Champions League, especially in knockout rounds”, he warned. “The Danish have a certain style and although we drew here last year both teams are very different.”
He added that the injury that is said to be sidelining Katsouranis wasn’t a big worry and that he’s still not certain if a Luisão who’s getting back to match fitness after a recent spell in dry dock will play, but did add that “I won’t be making many changes.”
The three recent South American signings (Uruguayans Cristian Rodríguez and Maxi Pereira and Brazilian Edcarlos) won’t be present in Camacho’s squad for the clash and are expected to stay in Portugal to tie up the loose ends on their respective contracts.
Recent Argentine signing Angel Di María has shrugged off the injury hassles he picked up in the pre-Camacho pre-season and is ready to muck in – if given a chance. “I’m ready and willing and will do whatever the Coach wants to help Benfica.”
Camacho has changed his list from the weekend game against Guimarães by including Luisão, Di María and Dabao and cutting Andrés Díaz:
Goalkeepers: Quim and Butt
Defenders: Luís Filipe, Nélson, Luisão, Miguel Vítor, Léo and Miguelito
Midfielders: Katsouranis, Petit, Rui Costa, Nuno Assis, Freddy Adu, Romeu Ribeiro and Fábio Coentrão
Forwards: Cardozo, Bergessio, Nuno Gomes, Di María and Dabao.
It remains to be seen how Camacho will play it as the tactician is holding his cards close to his chest, but the smart money will be on a counter-attacking game that aims to use speed to unravel the Danish defence and bring the bacon home for Benfica.
The most recent line-up – and the only one used by Camacho so far – is shown below but both Katsouranis and Luisão are borderline. The only training session is scheduled for 19:00 tonight and should clarify both players' states as well as Camacho's ideas.
BENFICA (4-4-2): Quim, Nelson, Katsouranis, Miguel Vítor and Léo; Petit, Rui Costa, Fábio Coentrão (Luís Filipe, 72), Nuno Assis (Romeu Ribeiro, 70), Nuno Gomes and Cardozo (Bergessio, 80).
Goal.com - Champions League - CL Qualifier Preview: FC Copenhagen - SL Benfica
Atlético vs Mallorca
La Liga 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 2
Atlético
Mallorca
Date
2007-09-02 16h00City
MadridStadium
Vicente CalderónReferee
Last Matches
League Home Result Away Tournament Atlético 1-1 Mallorca La Liga 2006/2007 Atlético 0-1 Mallorca La Liga 2005/2006 Atlético 4-0 Mallorca La Liga 2004/2005 Atlético 2-1 Mallorca La Liga 2003/2004 Atlético 2-1 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 2002/03 Atlético 1-0 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 1999/00 Atlético 1-2 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 1998/99 Atlético 2-3 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 1997/98 Atlético 3-0 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 1991/92 Atlético 0-1 Mallorca Liga Espanhola 1990/91
Ateltico will want to bounce back after such a tough game and an unfortunate defeat to rivals Real last week. I see a draw here.
On the final day of the summer transfer market, three Inter Primavera players have completed loan and co-ownership moves to Serie B teams.
Sebastian Cesar Helios Ribas (pictured), who holds a European Union passport, joins Spezia on a loan deal. The Uruguayan Under-20 international striker, born in Montevideo on 11 March 1988, won the 58th Carnival Cup with Club Atletico Juventud before signing for Inter's academy last summer. Part of Vincenzo Esposito's title-winning side in 2006/07, Ribas made his debut for the first team against Empoli in the Coppa Italia on 17 January 2007.
Italian Under-19 international defender Andrea Mei, born in Urbino on 18 May 1989, will play on loan at Chievo next season. He joined Inter's academy from Vis Pesaro last season and played for the Scudetto-winning Primavera team.
French player Nicolas Desenclos, born in 1989, joins Triestina on a co-ownership deal. The defender, who joined Inter from Montpellier this summer, played for Mancini's team in the pre-season friendly against Manchester United.
Tottenham heading for Cyprus in Uefa Cup
Tottenham Hotspur received the most appealling tie for the British clubs drawn in the first round of the Uefa Cup. The north London team take on Anorthosis Famagusta from Cyprus.
Blackburn Rovers will also travel to the Mediterranean to take on Larissa, of Greece.
Bolton Wanderers, Everton and Aberdeen will journey to Eastern Europe in their ties, taking on FK Rabotnicki (Macedonia), Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine) and Dnipro (Ukraine) respectively.
First round draw:
FC Midtjylland v Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Groningen v Fiorentina
Rabotnicki Kometal v Bolton Wanderers
AEK Athens/Seville v SV Red Bull
Nurnberg v Rapid Bucuresti
Everton v FC Metalist Kharkiv
Zenit St Petersburg v Standard Liege
Bayer Leverkusen v Uniao Leiria
Villarreal v BATE
FC Sion v Galatasaray
Atletico Madrid v Kayseri Erciye
Bordeaux v Tampere United
Panathinaikos v Artmedia Bratisl
Sparta Prague v Odense BK
FC Zurich v Empoli
Sochaux v Panionios
Rapid Vienna v Anderlecht
Pacos Ferreira v AZ
Sampdoria v AaB Alborg
Spartak Moscow v BK Hacken
Hammarby v Braga
Larissa v Blackburn Rovers
Mlada Boleslav v Palermo
Dinamo Zagreb v Ajax
Rennes v Lokomotiv Sofia
SK Brann v Club Brugge
Bayern Munich v Belenenses
Aberdeen v Dnipro
Heerenveen v Helsingborgs IF
Toulouse v CSKA Sofia
Hamburg v Litex Lovech
FK Sarajevo v Basle
FK Austria Magna v Valerenga
AIK Solna v Hapoel Tel Aviv
Aris Salonika v Real Zaragoza
Dinamo Bucuresti v IF Elfsborg
Tottenham Hotspur v Anorthosis Famagusta
Lens v FC Copenhagen
Getafe v FC Twente
Groclin Dyskobolia v Crvena Zvez
Everton fail to bag Riquelme
01/09/2007
Everton failed in a last-ditch bid to sign Argentine World Cup star Juan Roman Riquelme.
David Moyes was ready to land him for £5million from Villarreal and even organised a work permit, but the player opted to stay in Spain and join Atletico Madrid.
Everton fail to bag Riquelme - Football - Sport - Mirror.co.uk
Come on Simao can't you give your team some life?
Atletico Madrid 0 - 0 Mallorca
Funny eh I write that and about a minute later Mallorca scores lol
Atletico Madrid [0 - 1] Mallorca
18' [0 - 1]
D. Guiza
Posting Permissions
