AAO KHELEIN

Burnley [UK], Sep 1 (ANI): Liverpool defeated Burnley 3-0 in the ongoing Premier League on Saturday here at the Turf Moor Stadium. Liverpool came out to the park with an attacking mindset and kept on making moves to strike the first goal of the match. But Burnley was up to the task as their defenders were able to hold the Reds at bay. However, Chris Wood's own goal in the 33rd minute gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead in the match. Soon after, Liverpool went 2 nil ahead as Sadio Mane registered a thunderous goal. The striker steered the ball into the goalpost with this right foot. Burnley and Liverpool did not manage more goals in the first half, and, as a result, the Reds maintained a 2-0 lead at the halfway mark. Liverpool kept on pressing ahead in the second half, and their efforts reaped reward as Robert Firmino scored in the 80th minute to give the team a 3-0 lead. Burnley was not able to register a goal and hence they ended up losing the match 0-3. With this win, the Reds have...

London [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Chelsea and Sheffield United played out a 2-2 draw on Saturday in the ongoing Premier League at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea came out to the park in an aggressive frame of mind and the team was able to score two goals in the opening half. Tammy Abraham who scored the first goal for the club in the previous match, repeated his goal scoring form as he went on to score two goals in the first half. The 21-year-old scored the first goal in the 19th minute whereas the second goal was registered by him in the 43rd minute. Sheffield was not able to get the goals in the opening half, and as a result, the Blues had a 2-0 lead at the halfway mark. Immediately into the second half, Sheffield was able to peg one goal back as Callum Robinson scored the goal for the team in the 46th minute bringing the scoreline to 1-1. Both teams pressed ahead to register goals, but when the match looked heading towards the Blues, Sheffield got the equaliser through Kurt Zouma as he reg...

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], Aug 31 (ANI): The Sports and Youth Services Department of government of Odisha and the Delhi Soccer Private Limited (DSPL) on Saturday signed an agreement in the presence of Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik and Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera to launch the Indian Super League (ISL) club -- Odisha FC. "I congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Odisha FC and Indian Super League. It is a significant development towards the promotion of football in Odisha. I am sure this partnership would inspire our State's footballers to pursue the beautiful game of football with greater commitment," Patnaik said. As part of the club's operations in Odisha, the club's first team, youth teams, youth football development program and grassroots football development program will be based in the state of Odisha. The government of Odisha will support the club to relocate to Bhubaneswar by providing world-class infrastructure for the home matc...

Manchester [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Manchester City thrashed Brighton FC 4-0 in the ongoing Premier League on Saturday at City of Manchester Stadium. The defending champions Manchester City came out all guns blazing in the match and their attacking mindset paid a dividend as the team registered two goals in the first half. The first goal was scored by Kevin De Bruyne in the second minute whereas the second goal was registered by Argentine Sergio Aguero in the 43rd minute. Brighton was not able to register a single goal in the first half, and as a result, Manchester City went into half time with a 2-0 lead. Aguero scored his second goal of the match as he netted the ball into the goalpost in the 55th minute, giving City a 3-0 lead. City did not let the pressure relent as they kept on pressing ahead with the ball, and they got the fourth goal in the 79th minute as Bernando Silva scored for the team. No more goals were scored in the match and as a result, Manchester City ended up winnin...

Leeds [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side Delhi Dynamos on Saturday confirmed moving its base from Delhi to Odisha. The club's owners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha to facilitate the relocation of the team. "It hurts for me to move Delhi Dynamos FC away from the city of Delhi, but certain hard decisions had to be taken. I had a vision for the development of football in the country. And my vision has always made me strive for better. I feel the state of Odisha shares the same vision with me," Goal.com quoted the owner of Delhi Dynamos (GMS Group CEO Anil Sharma) as saying. "As difficult as it was for me to take the call, I am immensely happy to say that the Government of Odisha is equally committed and determined to create an environment of sporting excellence in the state," he added. Dynamos had earlier spent five seasons in Delhi as the base, but with this move, the team will be playing its home matc...

Kalyani (West Bengal) [India], Aug 31 (ANI): India defeated Nepal 7-0 on Saturday to lift the SAFF U-15 2019 Championships here at the Kalyani Stadium. Striker Sridarth Nongmeikapam scored a hat-trick for the side while Maheson Singh, Amandeep, Sibajit Singh and Himanshu Jangra scored one goal each. "This wouldn't have been possible without us sticking together as a team. I need to thank the Coach and all our staff for their guidance, and believing in us," skipper Anish Mazumdar said after the match. The first half was an electric affair right from the very start. The side took the lead through Maheson Singh Tongbram in the 15th minute. The midfielder ran into open space on the right flank and made the most of it with an excellent shot that sailed over the head of Nepal goalkeeper Manoj Dahal and nestled into the bottom corner of the goal. India recorded two quick strikes towards the end of the first half to head into the dressing room with a three-goal advantage. ...

Liverpool's Dutch defender Van Dijk won the UEFA men's Player of the Year award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at Thursday's Champions League group stage draw in Monaco. He is also expected to be a contender for the Ballon d'Or later in the year as he had played a significant role in helping Liverpool win the Champions League last season. However, the prestigious award hasn't been won by any defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. "I have always said that for me, if you have to vote for the best player of them all, you have to vote for Lionel Messi," Pique was quoted as saying by the Express. "For the last 10 years, he has by far been the best player in the world. But it's fair enough that Van Dijk has had a great season and he should be there fighting for it. It's not easy. This game is made for strikers. When they score, they are the stars and when they don't, normally nothing happens," said 32-year-old Pique. ...

In the process, the Bibiano Fernandes-coached side scored 28 goals without having conceded any in the five matches they played in the tournament, including the final.<br> <br>The victory also meant that India are now the most successful team in the tournament's history -- winning the title for a record third time after previous wins in 2013 and 2017, both of which came in Nepal.<br> <br>"I would like to thank each one of my support staff, the AIFF management and SAI for their support," Bibiano said at the post-match press conference.<br> <br>"We are happy to be champions. We came here with an aim, and we have achieved it. This was a preparation for the AFC qualifiers and it makes us confident about what we can achieve," he added.<br> <br>Captain Anish Majumdar dedicated the victory to "team effort."<br> <br>"This wouldn't have been possible without us sticking together as a team. I ne...

The Costa Rican goalkeeper has been recently linked with a move out of Madrid to France's Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Efe news reported. Everything indicated that it would be his last training session for the Spanish club and that the international goalie would be included in the roster that is to travel to face off against Villarreal on Sunday. When an offer came to him from PSG, Navas reportedly expressed his wish to leave Madrid after five years, as he became the second-choice goalkeeper following the signing of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois last year. Meanwhile, a number of injured players at Madrid, including Marco Asensio, Isco Alarcon, James Rodriguez, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo, continued their respective recovery process. Belgium star Eden Hazard practiced alone on the sidelines, which means he is not fit yet to make his competitive debut with the team. After two games, Madrid is in third place in La Liga with four points, having bagged one win and a draw, while Vil...

Lukaku had scored 42 goals for United. However, after he netted 15 goals last season, former United defender Gary Neville had criticised his physical condition, saying that the Belgian striker weighed over 100 kg. "He (Neville) can talk about my fitness but he should never say anything about my professionalism, that I don't work hard enough," Lukaku was quoted as saying by the BBC. "That is something he cannot say. All the coaches I have had say the same thing about me. What did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer say when I was on the training ground? What did he say? That I always work hard and always do my best to try and improve myself. Same with Jose Mourinho and (Belgium and former Everton manager) Roberto Martinez. Now (Inter coach) Antonio Conte will say it," Lukaku said. "Last year was just a bad year. It happens in football. You just have to move on. I am not going to sit here and react in a negative way," he added. Lukaku was expected to bring glory fo...

Southampton [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Manchester United and Southampton FC played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday in the ongoing Premier League at St Mary's Stadium. Since the starting of the match, United was seen playing an aggressive brand of football, which paid a dividend to the team when Daniel James scored for the side in the 10th minute of the match, giving United a 1-0 lead. Southampton tried to get the equaliser in the first half, but United was able to maintain a tight defence. As a result, no more goals were possible in the first half and United maintained 1-0 lead at the half-time mark. But just eight minutes into the second half, Southampton were able to get the equalising goal as Jannik Vestergaard registered the goal in the 58th minute, bringing the scoreline to 1-1. Southampton's defender Kevin Danso was sent off in the 73rd minute as he received his second yellow card. As a result, the team's strength was brought down to just 10. In the end, neither of the team...

Leeds [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said that Eden Hazard is not fit to play right now for Belgium's upcoming matches. "He can travel with the Belgium squad; he can be seen by the Belgian team doctor; but he's not fit to play right now," Goal.com quoted Zidane as saying. "We know that he knows that and hopefully for the benefit of Belgium and everyone involved, he rests," he added. Hazard has been named in Belgium's squad for the September's Euro 2020 qualifiers. However, he has not even made his debut in the La Liga for Madrid yet due to an injury. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2Umc0xE

London [England], Aug 31 (ANI): Nacho Monreal joined Real Sociedad in a permanent deal from Arsenal on Saturday. Monreal had joined Arsenal back in 2013 and made 251 appearances for the club. With Arsenal, he won three FA Cups, three Community Shields. "We would like to thank Nacho for his contribution to the club and everyone at Arsenal wishes him the best for his future," Arsenal said in a statement. The Spanish footballer will be tied to the new club until June 30, 2021. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/34hhKgw

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Aug 31 (ANI): Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and Reliance Foundation have announced two key initiatives -- U17 Women's tournament and Children's League aimed at propelling the growth of football in the country, especially among girls. Chairperson of the FSDL Nita Ambani revealed the plan while addressing the Indian Super League (ISL) club owners' here on Saturday. Over 100 women will participate in a four-team format for U-17 women's tournament. India is hosting FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India in October 2020. The U17 tournament is aimed at providing an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent for selection to the Indian team. It is scheduled to be held in mid-November. The ISL Children's League is yet another significant initiative, which will feature over 38,000 children under 6, 8, 10 and 12-year age groups across 12 states over the next 3 years. In the first phase, the Children's League wil...

Leeds [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Jesse Lingard saying that the 26-year-old's contribution has been fantastic. "Jesse has never been the most prolific centre forward in front of goal. If you look throughout his career he has other attributes and Jesse's contribution this season has been fantastic for me, his first day in training he has shown that he is determined to stay in the team, to show me that he wants to because [of] his application in training and in games," Goal.com quoted Solskjaer as saying. Lingard has also found a spot in England's squad for Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo showing manager Gareth Southgate has confidence in Lingard. Solskjaer said: "I pick him, Gareth picks him, he knows he is a good player and we value him." (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2MLhS2D

Leeds [UK], Aug 31 (ANI): Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said that he received 'plenty' of job offers from different clubs. "Yes, I have had plenty [of offers to leave]. Plenty in five years and Daniel [Levy] knows about some - but not all!," Goal.com quoted Pochettino as saying. "[The offers were] from everywhere. Daniel knows very well how our commitment with the club is. It's massive, it's more than what is normal. But it's normal that different managers [to get offers]," he added. Pochettino further stated he is certain that other managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp also must be getting calls from different clubs. So, receiving calls or other clubs showing interest in him does not make him special. "If you ask [Pep] Guardiola, if you ask [Jurgen] Klopp, if you so ask the best managers... For sure Guardiola is working in City and receives a call from a different club. Or Klopp or a different manager," Pochettino ...

"He is a top manager and somebody who we're familiar with," FBF spokesman Roberto Blanco on Friday said in a statement on the entity's official website. The 46-year-old replaces Eduardo Villegas, who was sacked following the team's group-stage elimination from the Copa America in Brazil in June, reports Xinhua news agency. Farias took charge of Bolivia on an interim basis last year, leading La Verde to one win, one loss and three draws before the appointment of Villegas in February. The FBF did not reveal the details of Farias' contract, stating only that his main objective would be to guide the team to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar. The South American zone's CONMEBOL qualifying tournament begins in March. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2zBuNvd

Leeds [UK], Aug 30 (ANI): After forward Alexis Sanchez's transfer from Manchester United to Inter Milan, the former club's coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said that the player needed to leave the team. "Alexis needed to go, at the moment we know he is been here for 18 months and it is not really worked out for him. For him to restart and get himself playing regularly and scoring goals that will only benefit everyone. In the end, for us, we are going to watch every weekend to see Romelu and Alexis playing together," Goal.com quoted Solskjaer as saying. Earlier this year, Romelu Lukaku had also made a switch from United to Inter Milan. Solskjaer said that Sanchez will come good for the Italian club. "He will come good for them. For us, we had a decision to make, I'm trusting Anthony [Martial], Marcus [Rashford], Mason [Greenwood] to be our centre-forwards," Solskjaer said. "We have got wingers in Chongy (Tahith Chong), Dan James, Andreas Pereira, we...

FSDL will kick off a four-team Under-17 women's tournament and organise children's leagues starting 2019-20 season. Ambani revealed the plans while addressing the Indian Super League club owners' meet in Mumbai on Thursday. Over 100 girls will participate in a four-team format for U-17 women's tournament organised under the aegis of AIFF. India is hosting FIFA U-17 women's World Cup in India in October 2020. The Under-17 women's tournament is aimed to provide an opportunity for the players to showcase their talent for selection to the Indian team. The tournament is scheduled in mid-November. It will be telecast live on Star Sports, Hotstar and Jio TV. ISL children's leagues will feature over 38,000 children under six, eight, 10 and 12-year age groups across 12 states over the next three years. In the first phase, the children's leagues will commence in three states: West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, covering 15 districts, each having its o...

The current India international put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the club, after a two-year spell with Delhi Dynamos FC and a recent trial with Norwegian top-flight club Viking FK. "Chennaiyin FC are one of the biggest clubs in India with a rich history in the Indian Super League. I am elated to join them as they celebrate the completion of five glorious years. It is my ambition to add to their success and achieve a lot in the seasons to come. Personally too, I feel Chennaiyin is the right destination for me to further my development. "The coach (John Gregory) has shown a lot of trust in me. I am keen to repay that and help the club get back to its rightful place at the top," said Chhangte from Goa, where he is currently with the India senior team, preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Qatar. Hailing from the town of Lunglei in Mizoram, Chhangte's star began shining brightly when he was picked by the DSK Shivajians Live...

"We shared the stage, me and him for 15 years. I don't know if it has ever happened in football before, it's not easy," Ronaldo told BT Sport on the sidelines of the UEFA awards night. Ronaldo, who plays for Italian giants Juventus, left Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid last summer to end nine years of intense rivalry with Messi who is a FC Barcelona icon. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk was named 2019 UEFA Men's Player of the Year, beating Messi and Ronaldo at the same stage. Ronaldo has won the Player of the Year award three times -- in 2014, 2016 and 2017 -- while Messi won the crown in 2011 and 2015. "We have a good relationship, we have not had a dinner together yet, but I hope to have in the future," said Ronaldo with a smile on his face with Messi seated beside him. Ronaldo and Messi have won the Ballon d'Or five times each. Ronaldo also admitted that he missed playing in Spain and the rivalry with Messi. "Of course I miss playing in...

Enrique had stepped down as Spain manager in June after less than a year in charge to be with his daughter. "Our daughter Xana has died this afternoon at the age of 9, after struggling for five intense months with osteosarcoma. We thank you for all the love received during these months and we appreciate the discretion and understanding," he said in a statement on Friday. "We would also like to give personal thanks to the hospitals Sant Joan de Deu and Sant Pau for their dedication and treatment and to all the volunteers, with a special mention to the palliative priests at Sant Joan de Deu. "We will miss you a lot but we will think of you every day of our lives with the hope that in the future we will meet again. You will be the star that guides our family. Rest well little Xana." A number of players and football clubs have since expressed their condolences to Enrique. A former player who has played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, Enrique was manager of Barca...

On Thursday, Gurpreet received the Award from the President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The 26-year old, who remains the sole Indian to debut in the UEFA Europa League (qualifier), dedicated his Award to the past and future generations of football in the nation. "I am very fortunate to win this Award," said Gurpreet. "I want to dedicate it to the seniors who made this possible for me for paving a way. This Award is for the future generations who are about to come in this path. I hope this will act as a catalyst to inspire them," he added. He is the fourth goalkeeper to have received the Award, his predecessors including Subrata Paul (2016), Brahmanand Sankhwalkar (1997), and the late Peter Thangaraj (1967).<br> <br>Gurpreet had been a part of the AIFF's Centre of Excellence in his formative years before he played for East Bengal and later moved to Norway's Stabaek FC, from where he switched colours to JSW Bengaluru FC in 2017....

New Delhi [India], Aug 30 (ANI): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the 26th footballer to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. Amongst goalkeepers, he is the fourth to receive the honour, following Subrata Paul (2016), Brahmanand Sankhwalkar (1997), and the late Peter Thangaraj (1967). The 26-year old, who remains the sole Indian to debut in the UEFA Europa League qualifier, dedicated his award to the past and future generations of football in the country. "I am very fortunate to win this award. I want to dedicate it to the seniors who made this possible for me for paving a way. This Award is for the future generations who are about to come in this path. I hope this will act as a catalyst to inspire them," Gurpreet said. Gurpreet, who has been at national team preparatory camp since August 20 in Goa, said that his teammates were very excited, and even demanded a party from him. "The team wanted a party. That is how they wanted to celebrate this award and I got congratu...

Penning a contract extension, the 31-year-old striker from Poland has committed his future to the "Bavarians" till June 2023, Xinhua news agency reported. "Robert is for me the best striker in the world and for years a cornerstone of our team... We are very happy that he will play for Bayern for a long time," Bayern Munich's CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Thursday. Lewandowski joined Bayern in the summer of 2014 and immediately made an impact as he scored 197 goals in overall 246 competitive encounters. Since joining the defending champions, Lewandowski lifted the top-scorer trophy three times (2016, 2018, 2019). In addition, he clinched the "FCB" five Bundesliga titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) and the German Cup twice (2016, 2019). Bayern Munich started with a draw and a win into the Bundesliga season. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2L5SPFc

Nyon [Switzerland], Aug 30 (ANI): Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Friday announced the group stage fixtures for the upcoming 2019-20 season of the Champions League. The season will commence from September 17 with Napoli playing against defending champions Liverpool and Salzburg taking on Genk. The final of the league will be played at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey on May 30 next year. Fixtures of the Champions League are as follow: September 17 Group E: Napoli v Liverpool, Salzburg v Genk Group F: Inter v Slavia Praha, Dortmund v Barcelona Group G: Lyon v Zenit, Benfica v Leipzig Group H: Chelsea v Valencia, Ajax v LOSC Lille September 18 Group A: Club Brugge v Galatasaray, Paris v Real Madrid Group B: Olympiacos v Tottenham, Bayern v Crvena Zvezda Group C: Shakhtar v Manchester City, Dinamo Zagreb v Atalanta Group D: Atletico v Juventus, Leverkusen v Lokomotiv Moskva October 1 Group A: Real Madrid v Club Brugge, Galatasaray v Paris Group B: Totte...

On Thursday, the Dutch international received the trophy at the end of the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League group stage draw held at Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, reports Efe news. The 28-year-old center-back was a key player in Liverpool's 2018-2019 campaign, which saw the English club win its sixth Champions League and finish second in the Premier League with a club record 97 points. Van Dijk, the first backliner to be proclaimed Player of the Year since the award was created in 2011, also picked up the 2019 UEFA Defender of the Season prize. Ronaldo has won Player of the Year three times - 2014, 2016 and 2017 - and Messi hoisted the trophy in 2011 and 2015. Messi didn't leave the Grimaldi Forum empty-handed, receiving the Forward of the Season award for the second time in a decade. The Argentine star was the top goal scorer in the 2018-2019 Champions League. Another Liverpool man, Alisson Becker, was chosen UEFA Goalkeeper of the Season, while Frenkie de Jong, who left Ajax ...

Nyon [Switzerland], Aug 29 (ANI): Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Thursday announced the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League group stage draw. Here is a complete list: Group A: Paris, Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray Group B: Bayern Munchen, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympiacos, Crvena Zvezda Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb, Atalanta Group D: Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moskva Group E: Liverpool, Napoli, Salzburg, Genk Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Slavia Praha Group G: Zenit, Benfica, Lyon, Leipzig Group H: Chelsea, Ajax, Valencia, LOSC Lille. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/32dr8A0

Nyon [Switzerland], Aug 29 (ANI): Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won the Men's Player of the Year award for the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign on Thursday. Van Dijk competed against Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi for the honour. He had 305 points under his belt while Messi had 207 points. Ronaldo had to settle on the third spot with just 74 points. Apart from this, the 29-year-old also won the Defender of the Season award. In May, Van Dijk was named Premier League Player of the Season. By doing so, he became the first defender to win the Player of the Season award in seven seasons, after Manchester City's Vincent Kompany in 2011-12. Earlier in the year, Van Dijk had won PFA Players' Player of the Season, Liverpool Players' and Fans' Player of the Season. However, Messi managed to bag the Forward of the Season award. Messi had 285 points and interestingly, the second-placed Sadio Mane had only 109 points. The Arge...

Nyon [Switzerland], Aug 29 (ANI): Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won the Defender of the Season award for the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League campaign on Thursday. Van Dijk's brilliant performance in the last season helped his club lift the Champions League title. Moreover, the 28-year-old is a nominee for the 2018-19 UEFA 'Player of the Year Award'. He is competing against Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi. In May, the defender was named Premier League Player of the Season. By doing so, he became the first defender to win the Player of the Season award in seven seasons, after Manchester City's Vincent Kompany in 2011-12. Earlier in the year, Van Dijk had won PFA Players' Player of the Season, Liverpool Players' and Fans' Player of the Season. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/329Jvpy

New Delhi [India], Aug 29 (ANI): Footballer Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who received Arjuna Award on Thursday, is hoping that his achievement acts as a catalyst to inspire the future generations. "I am very fortunate to win this award. I want to dedicate it to the seniors who made this possible for me...This award is for the future generations who are about to come in this path. I hope this will act as a catalyst to inspire them," All India Football Federation's (AIFF) website quoted Sandhu as saying. Sandhu is the 26th footballer and fourth goalkeeper to receive the prestigious award. The 27-year-old said his teammates were very happy over his accomplishment and thanked them for their support. "The team wanted a party. That is how they wanted to celebrate this award and I got congratulated by every one of them. I am thankful to have their support," he added. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2HwX36I

With 14 goals, Hunmawia emerged as the topscorer of the tournament. "I am overwhelmed by our achievement. Defeating the last year's champions is a different feeling and that too in the final," Hunmawia said after the match. <br> <br>The winners pocketed a purse of Rs 3 lakh while the runners-up got richer by Rs 1.75 lakh.<br> <br>Individual awards:<br>Best goalkeeper: Bijando, Unique Model Academy, Manipur (Rs 50,000)<br>Best player: B. Romalsawma, Saidan Secondary School, Mizoram (Rs 50,000)<br>Best school: Saidan Secondary School, Mizoram (Rs 25,000)<br>Best coach: Lalbulliana, Saidan Secondary School, Mizoram (Rs 15,000)<br>Fairplay award: Our Lady Mount Carmel High School, Goa (Rs 50,000) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/34815vX

Milan [Italy], Aug 29 (ANI): Cristiano Biraghi, who re-signed for Inter Milan from Fiorentina on loan with an option to make the deal permanent, on Thursday said he came back at the right time. "I think that I've come back to Inter at the right time, I've matured both in and outside of football," the club's official website quoted Biraghi as saying. "I believe that I've reached the required level to make myself of use for this great team. Now, I need to show that I can stay but I'm ready to do so," he added. After rejoining the club, the 26-year-old left-back is looking forward to fitting in with the "mechanisms of the side". "I'll look to immediately fit in with the mechanisms of the side," he added. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/32erx5n

Liverpool [UK], Aug 29 (ANI): Liverpool midfielder Fabinho expressed his excitement over Champions League and said that all teams are going to focus on them as they are the reigning champions. "The Champions League is a special competition and we're the reigning champions, so there's always going to be a lot of expectation about who we're going to come up against. We're relaxed about it," the club's official website quoted Fabinho as saying. "As we're the reigning champions, all the other teams are going to focus much more on us, they'll know more about our team," he added. However, Fabinho said they need to work hard for the league. "We're excited about this season's competition. We know how strong the team is and, as always, we have to work hard and with confidence," he said. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2Zvh6Zu

<br> <br>In an interview with IANS, Praveen said that money is no doubt a factor, but not the only one as he stressed on building a football-friendly environment. <br> <br>"The last time a club from Kerala won the trophy was 22 years ago. We were able to achieve this because of the hard work of the players and coaching staff. I am happy that the project has started to bear fruit within two years of its formation," he said. <br> <br>The team that lifted the Durand had nine Kerala players and Praveen is very proud that players from their own backyard are making their presence felt. "We were able to promote four players from our reserve team to the main squad. And we may include more players before I-League. We should be able to bring back the glorious days of Kerala football and I think we have already made a big leap," he said. <br> <br>Talking about what lies ahead for club football in wake of uncertainty over differen...

Navas has not represented Los Ticos since March and was left out of their 2019 Gold Cup squad to allow him to focus on resolving his future at club level, reports Xinhua news agency. Speculation has mounted that the 32-year-old will leave the Spanish capital in the coming days, with Paris Saint Germain (PSG) among the frontrunners to sign him.<br> <br>"Keylor is always going to be a very important player and we are happy to be able to have him with us," Costa Rica head coach Gustavo Matosas told reporters on Wednesday. "He plays for Real Madrid and is a wonderful and phenomenal goalkeeper." Of the 23 players named by Matosas, 16 are based abroad. The squad includes uncapped midfielders Randall Leal and Luis Diaz as well as veteran midfielder Bryan Ruiz, who was named despite struggling for opportunities with Brazil's Santos. Costa Rica will host Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose on September 6. It will be the first meeting between the te...

Last week, the tabloid had published pictures of Rooney getting into a lift at a hotel in Vancouver with a "mystery woman". Rooney, who plays for the MLS club DC United in the US, was reportedly partying with his teammates in the Canadian city. In a picture which went viral, he was seen dancing with a girl in a night club and was later pictured with another woman in front of his hotel's lift. Denying that he has cheated on his wife, the former Manchester United star tweeted: "Nothing happened between me and any girl on that night in Vancouver. I did not enter the lift alone with the girl pictured in the hotel foyer. The girl pictured in the club was simply one of many who innocently asked for autographs and pictures." He also claimed that he had been followed by a freelance photographer without his knowledge or permission. Terming the claims 'completely untrue,' Rooney added: "The whole story was a smear against me. It is damaging to my family an...

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], Aug 28 (ANI): Mohun Bagan coach Antonio Vicuna has stressed the need to add 'killing instinct' though his club registered a 2-1 victory against BSS Sporting Club in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday. "I am happy with the result. We have to add the killing instinct in our game. We have to close the games well and we can't waste so many chances. We could have been up 4-1 in 30 minutes," Goal.com quoted Vicuna as saying. This is Mohun Bagan's first victory in the tournament and Vicuna is happy that they have earned three points. "They scored a goal and we became a bit nervous. In the last 15 minutes, the match was pretty open. But it was important to win three points. We had to win today after wasting points in the first two games," he said. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2HvZgPH

Leeds [UK], Aug 28 (ANI): Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that the club has worked on their defence but not in the way people expected. "People spoke about our defending. We work on our defending but not in the way people probably expected," Goal.com quoted Klopp as saying. Liverpool have won all their three matches till now in the Premier League, recent being their 3-1 win over Arsenal. Klopp is of the opinion that from the defending point of view, their clash against Arsenal was the best game. "It's not about the last line; it's a common thing, defending in the Premier League doesn't work if you talk to [each individual player] and tell him, 'We have to do this and that differently," he said. "We worked really hard now on that, like we always do but this week we had the time to do it. From a defending point of view, it was for sure the best game, against an incredible threat from Arsenal," Klopp added. Liverpool will now compet...

Madrid [Spain] 28 (ANI): Real Madrid midfielder Isco has sustained a muscular injury, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The club said that the 27-year-old has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the right femoral biceps. "After the tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services, our player Isco has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the right femoral biceps. His recovery will continue to be monitored," the club said in a statement. Isco featured in the club's La Liga clash against Valladolid on August 24 which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Isco might miss the next clash which is against Villarreal on September 2. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2L38plc

According to a source-based ESPN FC report, the Chilean is set to spend the season at the San Siro. Both United and Inter reached an agreement that will see the English Premier League pay a portion of the Chilean's wages. Sanchez is set to fly to Italy to undergo a medical and will be confirmed as an Inter player before the European transfer deadline on Sept. 2, the ESPNFC report further stated. Since joining United from Arsenal January 2018, Sanchez just managed to score five goals in 45 games and is yet to feature this season after suffering a hamstring injury playing for Chile at this summer's Copa America. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2Uhqm2o

"I could play easy in the Premier League, so if United needs me, I'm here," he was quoted as saying by BBC. The 37-year-old Sweden international had 28 goals in his 2016-17 debut season for United before he picked up a knee injury. "Galaxy has me, so I'm sorry," he added. "I did my job in Europe. I enjoyed it, I have 33 trophies that I brought with me here and hopefully I can get something here. "And then we will see where that adventure finishes." Ibrahimovic said he follows Manchester United's games, adding they were unlucky in their home defeat by Crystal Palace last Saturday. "I saw the last game and I think they were unlucky," he said. "If they score the penalty it's a different game, but a game in England is not finished until it's finished. "Anything can happen, especially in the last minutes where everything is in the heat of the moment." via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2ZAk3f6

"Having fully considered all available options, including a number of late expressions of interest provided to the EFL, the EFL Board has unanimously determined with enormous regret that Burys membership be withdrawn," said a statement released by EFL late on Tuesday night. Bury made history when they signed Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia in 1999. Bhutia then became the first Indian to sign for a European club. According to a BBC report, a takeover bid from C&N Sporting Risk collapsed after the club was given a deadline till Tuesday evening to complete the deal. "The EFL Board had maintained that there could be no further suspensions to the fixture list and that these ongoing concerns and the integrity of the competition were a significant factor in the decision." Bury are the first team to drop out of the EFL since Maidstone's liquidation in 1992. It was expelled after spending 125 years in the football league. It failed to be in the top flight ...

Bury, one of English football's oldest clubs, in where Bhutia played from 1999-2002, donning the club colours 37 times and scoring three goals. "It's very sad and unfortunate. They have been having financial issues for quite some time. I am not very surprised by this development. I saw this coming," Bhutia told IANS over phone. "Lot of the clubs in England are having financial issues. It's very unfortunate that Bury FC has been taken out of the league," said the iconic footballer from Sikkim. Besides Bury, fellow third-tier side Bolton Wanderers are also in acute financial crisis forcing the EFL to give them 14 days to resolve their situation or face the same outcome. Bhutia said during his time with Bury, there was financial instability also as they could not replace full time manager Neil Warnock, who brought him on board, with a new manager and asked a senior player to step in and fill the void. "When I was there, there was financial problem...

via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2UayfGT

"Barcelona wish to sincerely apologise for any offence caused to Real Betis," the club tweeted. "No disrespect was intended, but we were wrong to publish it on a night that was very special for Junior." Barca had signed Firpo from Betis in August. The 23-year-old made his debut during the win, coming on for Brazilian midfielder Rafinha in the 81st minute. Firpo featured in 29 games for Betis last season and was part of Spain's U21 European Championship-winning side in June. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/3447acI

"It was a really hard-fought match against Uzbekistan. They are a strong team but we will fight to win," Maymol mentioned, before adding: "The latest test will help us see where we stand and the whole team is looking forward to giving their 100 per cent."<br> <br>The Indian women have had continuous game time ever since the start of the year, playing international matches in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Nepal, Turkey and Spain, along with the Hero Gold Cup, and Hero Indian Women's League in India. In July 2019, the team moved up six places in the FIFA World Rankings. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2PhOPWu

Nyon [Switzerland], Aug 27 (ANI): Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona will receive the 2019 UEFA President's Award, UEFA announced on Tuesday. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said that Cantona is a man who refuses compromise and stands up for his values. "This award not only recognises his career as a player of the highest calibre, but also honours him for the person he is - a man who refuses compromise, who stands up for his values, who speaks his mind and in particular, puts his heart and his soul into supporting the causes he believes in," UEFA's official website quoted Ceferin as saying. The French international will receive the award on Thursday. Cantona has scored 64 goals in 143 appearances for Manchester United. The previous winners of this prestigious award include former players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Sir Bobby Charlton, Eusebio, Raymond Kopa, Johan Cruyff, Francesco Totti and David Beckham. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2ZpKQuR

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], Aug 27 (ANI): The city of Bhubaneswar got a provisional clearance as the first venue for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020, the Organising Committee confirmed on Tuesday. The other venues are Kolkata, Ahamadabad, Mumbai, and Goa. However, all these venues are yet to get infrastructure clearance. Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee Roma Khanna said they are happy to give a provisional clearance to the city of Bhubaneswar. "We are happy to give a provisional clearance to the city of Bhubaneswar and confirm them as the first venue for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to be provisionally selected," said Khanna. "I would like to congratulate the State of Odisha for being part of what is sure to be a cornerstone event for women's football in the country," added Khanna. "There is some work remaining, and the State government has to upgrade stadium and training sites to FIFA standards. But we are...

New Delhi [India], Aug 27 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) on Tuesday announced a new club, called Hyderabad Football Club, to compete in the league's upcoming sixth season. Vijay Madduri and Varun Tripuraneni are the owners of the Hyderabad FC.Madduri said he is looking forward to playing a significant role in developing football in the state."I am thrilled and proud to be a co-owner of the club and I look forward to playing a significant role in developing football in the state, reviving its past glory. Sports has always been in my DNA and I am extremely happy to have a chance to contribute in this field," ISL's official website quoted Madduri as saying.Meanwhile, Tripuraneni said that it is a proud moment for him to be the co-owner of Hyderabad FC."It is a proud moment for me, to be co-owner of Hyderabad FC. Hyderabad is a city with a great football culture. I look forward to working with key stakeholders and building a strong foundation for the club, which ...

Leeds [UK], Aug 27 (ANI): Former Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatovic said that Eden Hazard cannot do what Cristiano Ronaldo did as there is no player who can play like the Portuguese international. "Hazard is a very good player, for sure. He is one of the best players in Europe. But, in my opinion, we can't expect him to do what Cristiano Ronaldo did. In my opinion, it's impossible - there is no player who can play like Ronaldo," Goal.com quoted Hazard made a move from Chelsea and signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid in June this year. Mijatovic said that pressure is different at Madrid to the pressure at Chelsea. "The pressure at Madrid is different to the pressure at Chelsea and you need some time to handle that," he said. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2ztVnWZ

Dutt started playing professionally in 1983 but at the young age of 30, he became the manager at TSG Leonberg where he joined as a player-coach. However, during his stint with former Bundesliga club Stuttgarter Kickers, he led the team to victory in DFB-Pokal in 2006 and thus he rose to prominence. Besides managing Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen, Dutt previously coached SC Freiburg after taking over from Volker Finke in 2007. In 2018, he joined VfL Bochum. "I had plenty of meetings with teams between the job in Stuttgart and Bochum. The idea was to bring me there. We spoke about certain teams. But before anything could happen there, I took this job in Bochum," Dutt said when about a possibility of working in India. The former Bundesliga manager also emphasised that he doesn't want to become a football coach just for the sake of money. "In this whole world, there is a lot of money. I'm 55 and money is not a reason for me to be a football co...

The midfielder from Kerala has racked up 53 goals in 203 career appearances and has earned seven caps for the national football team. Vineeth has won two I-League titles (2014, 2016) and two Federation Cup crowns (2015, 2017) with Bengaluru FC. He was instrumental in Bengaluru FC's 2016 AFC Cup campaign where they ended runners-up. "It's an exciting opportunity for me to play for Jamshedpur. I have been here twice while playing for Kerala Blasters in the last two seasons and the atmosphere at The Furnace was absolutely brilliant. It's a highly challenging ground for any opposition and it will be exciting to be on the other side this season," he said in a statement. rkm/arm via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2ZvGPAJ

Leeds [UK], Aug 26 (ANI): Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that they managed to break Arsenal physically during his club's 3-1 win against the team in Premier League. "The intention was to be us - just be us. Our identity is intensity, and the intensity we put into the game was really incredible. An opponent of the quality of Arsenal, you have to break somehow. Break them physically, yes. And we did," Goal.com quoted Klopp as saying. Liverpool's Joel Matip, on Saturday, scored the opening goal of the match in the 41st minute followed by Mohamed Salah's incredible two goals in the 49 and 58 minute. Arsenal's only goal came from Lucas Torreira in the 85th minute. Klopp said that the first half was very intense as they had no time to breathe. "I said at half-time to the boys, 'How do you think they feel?' It was such an intense first half there was no time to breathe," he said. Liverpool will now face Burnley on Aug 31. (ANI) via Sif...

New Delhi [India], Aug 26: After reaching semi-finals of the recently concluded Hero Indian Women's League (IWL), SSB Women FC's midfielder Sangita Basfore said that she feels like a transformed player after her continuous exposure with the women's national team. "The months we spent with the national team, and the exposure we gained helped us to improve a lot. From my movement to passing range, to decision making, to off the ball movement, I feel I have come up a long way," All India Football Federation (AIFF) quoted Sangita as saying. "The coach always says to me -- 'dusro ko saath leke khelna hai.' I feel the urge to improve my game and inspire the players around me. It is a great feeling to be given such a responsibility. I am already seeing the newcomers learning from us, and pushing hard," she added. Under head coach Maymol Rocky, the national Team picked up four straight wins in Hong Kong, and Indonesia at the start of 2019, and in the...

Leeds [UK], Aug 26 (ANI): Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is satisfied with Antoine Griezmann's performance during club's 5-2 win over Real Betis in La Liga on Monday saying that the 28-year-old made an impact in the game. "I have to recognise that it was an important day for him due to the injuries we had. He reacted perfectly. He dropped into the midfield to help and he made an impact. We know that if attacking players track back, we have a better chance of winning," Goal.com quoted Valverde as saying. Griezmann scored twice in the match followed by strikes of Carles Perez, Jordi Alba, Arturo Vidal each, helping Barcelona win the match. "It is essential that more players score goals. The fact that Griezmann scores give him some security," he said. Valverde also chose to bring 16-year-old Anssumane Fati in the match, who became the youngest debutant since 1941. "He has a lot of self-confidence, goes to space, faces one-on-one. He is the youngest...

Leeds [UK], Aug 26 (ANI): Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has heaped praised on his teammate Joao Felix saying that the Portugal international has the potential of becoming 'one of the best'. "I knew he had great talent, great potential. The club has made a lot of effort to bring him here and we all agree that they have brought a high-quality player and that he can become one of the best, for sure. At the moment he is playing very well and hopefully he continues like this, giving us joy," Goal.com quoted Oblak as saying. Atletico Madrid registered a 1-0 win over Leganes during their La Liga clash on Sunday. Vitolo scored the winning goal of the match. "It was a complicated game. Any team will have problems here against Leganes. Vitolo came on and scored the winning goal but in general the whole team played in the best possible way," he said. "We have defended well, we have suffered. It is important to know how to suffer because you cannot domi...

Milan [Italy], Aug 26 (ANI): After losing to Udinese by 1-0 in Serie A clash on Sunday, AC Milan coach Marco Giampaolo is seeking improvement in team's attacking department. "The match speaks for itself and it's not good when AC Milan lose. I picked up on many things today beyond that of just the result. The team tried to do what I asked of them, looking to impose themselves and take the game to the opposition. We must work on our offensive play because we struggled in that department," the club's official website quoted Giampaolo as saying. Giampaolo said he will go beyond the result in understanding how they can be at their best. "It's not just the lads' responsibility but more a matter of specific characteristics. I must go beyond the result in understanding how we can be at our best," he said. "Maybe I asked them certain things but they have different characteristics. Up until now, the lads have shown me great willingness. I must no...

It was the second win in as many outings this season for Diego Simeone's side, having downed Getafe last weekend, although this time he opted for a five-man defence, Efe news reported. The first half was a desultory affair, with neither team looking very good and Madrid's Alvaro Morata the only player on either squad to get close to the opposing goal, taking a low cross from Koke in the third minute but firing wide. The second half started out with a little more life than the first, with Joao Felix muffing a great opportunity in the 50th minute when he tried an unnecessary scissor-kick from about 12 yards with an open goal ahead of him. Atletico managed to get on board for the lone goal of the match when Vitolo found the back of the net in the 71st minute. via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2Nwi7y4

Leeds [UK], Aug 26 (ANI): Chelsea's midfielder Mateo Kovacic said that team's coach Frank Lampard gives players more freedom to take the ball and play in an attacking manner. "Lampard gives me more freedom and I can take the ball and go forward. I feel good. I have a good connection with the coach and all the team. We can change positions. We are aggressive. We are doing well but it is only one month with the coach so we can improve," Goal.com quoted Kovacic as saying. "Last season was also a good connection with the coach. It was also a good year last year. The connection is good with Lampard. The fans love him and so do the players. He is young and he understands us. We have a good connection with the coach," he added. Kovacic had joined Chelsea last year on a loan transfer from Real Madrid. But the player officially joined the club this season. "I am a Chelsea player now so I feel better about that. Last year was only a loan. I feel better and m...

Liverpool [UK], Aug 25 (ANI): Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson is elated over his club's 3-1 win against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, saying that "it was a really good performance' from the side. It was Arsenal's first defeat in this season's Premier League. Liverpool have till now won all their three matches in the tournament. "Yes, of course. Another three points against a good side, a good performance - so, overall, delighted with the game. They started really well and won both their games so we knew it would be difficult," the club's official website quoted Henderson as saying when asked if he was satisfied with the display. "But we knew if we did the right things, played to our strengths, defended really well and were clinical in front of goal, then we'd hurt them. We managed to do that, so overall it was a really good performance," he added. Liverpool's Joel Matip scored the opening goal of the match ...

London [UK], Aug 25 (ANI): After registering two goals against Norwich City in the ongoing Premier League, Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has said that he was over the moon after scoring his first two goals for the club. This effort by Abraham helped Chelsea defeat Norwich 3-2. "I was over the moon, it is something I always dreamed about as a young kid going to Stamford Bridge. I did not really know how to celebrate, I just ran over to the manager to thank him and the staff," Chelsea's official website quoted Abraham as saying. "I know I have had a bit of a sticky time at the start of the season, but I am someone who does not let that affect me. It drives me on. Now I have scored two good goals and hopefully I can keep scoring for Chelsea," he added. Abraham also thanked coach Frank Lampard for constant support. He credited the coach for the confidence he has shown towards each individual player. "It is always nice to have that support behind you, espe...

Leeds [UK], Aug 25 (ANI): Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos praised Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Neymar saying that the Brazil international is 'among the top three in the world'. "Neymar is a top player, among the top three in the world," Goal.com quoted Ramos as saying. Neymar joined PSG back in 2017 but is now speculated to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Ramos said that his club will move forward with those already in the team. "We're going to move forward with those that we have. We all need to be connected. Reactivating players like [Gareth] Bale or James [Rodriguez] is another solution," he said. Real Madrid's La Liga clash against Valladolid ended on a 1-1 tie on Saturday and the club will now face Villarreal on September 2. (ANI) via Sify.com https://ift.tt/30Hshjf

Leeds [UK], Aug 25 (ANI): Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is not at all concerned about his club's draw against Tottenham and is of the belief that his club can do even better than last season. Manchester City, after having a winning start in the Premier League, witnessed a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on August 17. The club won Premier League last season along with FA and Carabao Cup victories. "I don't believe in statistics. I believe in the spirit, in what I can smell, and the way we are playing and after the way we played against Tottenham I think we can do it. Even though we drew, that game showed we can do even better than last season," Goal.com quoted Guardiola as saying. Guardiola said that if they want to do better then they need to maintain the way they are training. "If we maintain the way we are training and the competitive feeling between the players then we can try to be better," he said. Manchester City will face Bournemouth in Premi...

Leeds [UK], Aug 25 (ANI): Former Argentine footballer Diego Simeone has hailed Spain's Fernando Torres, saying "the striker is an absolute legend of football". His remarks come after Torres' last professional football match. The 35-year-old Torres had announced his retirement from football in June this year. "I think Fernando is very intelligent, an absolute legend of football, he has earned his place in football for his work, commitment and respect for others. He has always had great respect, as a person and footballer," Goal.com quoted Simone as saying. "I imagine he will take his time to prepare and decide in the best way where he wants his career to take him after retirement and respond to that responsibility. Hopefully, that's not in so many years, because then we could meet again," he added. Torres played his last game for Japanese club Sagan Tosu against Vissel Kob. His team-mates Davia Villa and Andres Iniesta were also a part of t...

via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2Nue992

By Aakash Kumar via Sify.com https://ift.tt/2ZfVjJW

Two scores by Mohammed Salah following a tremendous header by Joel Matip on Saturday finished off Arsenal that early on seemed to be on par with Liverpool, Efe news reported. The first chance for the Gunners came when Adrian, who continues in the starting line-up in the absence of Alisson Backer, had a misunderstanding with Virgil Van Dijk and gave the ball away to Aubameyang, who attempted a chip shot that went erratically wide of the post. Shots from the sidelines by Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold found no striker to finish off the chances they created, then Arsenal seemed set to score thanks to Nicolas Pepe in his first game as a starter. The former Lille player, the most expensive acquisition in the history of the Highbury club, had two opportunities to put Arsenal in the lead. First, he got around Henderson but Adrian blocked his shot. Second, his shot from outside the area was headed for the upper corner of the net but just missed. After Arsenal failed to take adva...

Barcelona will seek redemption after a disappointing first league match of the season at the San Mames stadium, where it was handed a last-minute 1-0 defeat, reports Efe news. But it will do so with barely any forwards with Uruguay's Luis Suarez and Frenchman Ousmane Dembele on the sidelines due to respective injuries. Thus, the comeback of Argentine star Lionel Messi is much needed. Having trained normally with his teammates, Messi is expected to get the medical green light and be included in the squad ahead of Sunday's game. The question, however, remains whether or not he will start against Real Betis. In case he decided to leave Messi on the bench, coach Ernesto Valverde will resort to the Barcelona B team to find a partner to Antoine Griezmann in the front line, awaiting the evolution of Rafinha, who missed Friday's training session with gastroenteritis. After his experiment did not work out at the San Mames, Valverde is expected to line Sergio Busquets alongside D...