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UEFA Champions League: Porto 0 Zenit St Petersburg 1
23 October 2013
Zenit St Petersburg left it late as they scraped a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory at 10-man Porto on Tuesday.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov's 86th-minute header was enough for the visitors, who laboured to take advantage of Porto playing much of the game a man down.
The hosts found themselves reduced to 10 after six minutes of the Group G clash as Hector Herrera saw yellow twice in the space of a minute.
However, Zenit failed to make the extra man count for much of the game and, aside from a pair of Hulk chances in the second half, rarely threatened home goalkeeper Helton.
Porto more than held their own after the early setback, and twice hit the woodwork in a tie they arguably deserved to win. But the deadlock was finally broken four minutes from time as Kerzhakov sealed the three points for Luciano Spalletti's men.
The victory lifts Zenit to second in the pool, leapfrogging Porto in the process.
Paulo Fonseca made wholesale changes from the Porto team that triumphed over Segunda Liga basement club Trofense in the Taca de Portugal third round on Saturday.
Zenit, meanwhile, brought Cristian Ansaldi, Viktor Faizulin and Oleg Shatov in for Domenico Criscito, Konstantin Zyryanov and the suspended Axel Witsel after their 2-0 Russian top-flight win against CSKA Moscow last Friday.
The game got off to a nightmare start for the hosts at a far-from-full Estadio do Dragao, with Herrera sent off after receiving two yellow cards within six minutes.
His first for a reckless challenge on former Porto striker Hulk was immediately followed by a foolish second for encroachment on the resulting free-kick, meaning the Mexican marked his full Champions League debut with the fastest dismissal for a double booking in the competition’s history.
Despite being a man down, it was Porto who had the better of the chances early on, with Lucho Gonzalez rattling the angle between post and crossbar from 20 yards after 20 minutes and a stretching Lica unable to take advantage of the rebound.
Zenit struggled to settle and were reduced to speculative efforts from distance, with their best chance of the half being a curling Roman Shirokov effort from the edge of the area that drifted just beyond the far post.
With the match crying out for an injection of energy after the break, Porto substitute Silvestre Varela provided something of a spark as he cut in from the right, skipping past two defenders in the process, before skewing his strike wide of the left post.
Moments later at the other end, Hulk robbed Nicolas Otamendi of possession just outside the penalty area, but was denied by the outstretched foot of Helton after finding himself through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
And Helton had to be alert again in the 65th minute, as Hulk powered a thunderbolt of a free-kick in his direction from 25 yards. It was too hot to handle, but the Brazilian punched clear to deny his former team-mate.
Varela, who looked lively after replacing Lica, went close for the hosts once again with just over 10 minutes left to play. He turned on the edge of the area and fired an effort against the Zenit crossbar, with goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin beaten.
However, it was Zenit who finally opened the scoring as Kerzhakov rose highest to head home from an excellent cross from Hulk on the right wing.
UEFA Champions League: Milan 1 Barcelona 1
23 October 2013
Milan made it three games unbeaten against Barcelona at San Siro with a 1-1 draw in UEFA Champions League Group H.
The hosts took the lead early in the match with a well-worked move that saw Kaka set-up his Brazilian team-mate Robinho to slot the ball into the bottom corner.
Barca hauled themselves level midway through the first half as Lionel Messi struck his sixth goal against Milan in the Champions League. The Argentine collected a pass from Andres Iniesta and fired home on his first start since overcoming a thigh injury.
Robinho and Adriano Correia both missed excellent opportunities to secure all three points in the second half, but neither could force either goalkeeper into action.
Marco Amelia replaced Christian Abbiati in goal for the hosts, while Mario Balotelli was fit enough to take his place on the bench after recovering from thigh problem.
Messi returned to the Barcelona starting line-up after coming on a substitute in their goalless draw with Osasuna at the weekend, although Carles Puyol was rested.
Milan started well and looked threatening with Kaka and Robinho, and the latter opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
The Brazilian pair linked up well on the counter attack and, when Kaka rolled a perfect pass across the penalty area, Robinho made no mistake as he fired past Victor Valdes.
Barcelona raised their game after being stunned by the former Real Madrid striker's goal and began to control large spells of possession, Messi going close to an equaliser from a free-kick before he did level the scores midway through the first half.
Messi drifted in off the right to receive a pass from Iniesta, beat his defender and rifled the ball into the bottom corner to give Amelia no chance.
Both sides had chances to take the lead before half-time, but both Philippe Mexes and Alexis Sanchez missed from close range.
The hosts should have retaken the lead seven minutes into the second half only for Robinho to somehow miss when unmarked inside the penalty area.
Milan broke on the counter attack as Sulley Muntari was released down the left, he delivered an early cross into the penalty area that evaded Gerard Pique and left the Brazilian with the simple task of firing home, but he missed his kick and the ball rolled to safety.
With 71 minutes gone, Adriano should have scored for the Liga side but wasted a fantastic opportunity. He was picked out perfectly by Messi after escaping the attentions of Kaka before he fired wide from close range.
The result leaves Barcelona top of Group H with seven points, two clear of Milan after their opening three matches.
UEFA Champions League: Schalke 0 Chelsea 3
23 October 2013
Fernando Torres marked his 100th start for Chelsea by scoring twice in a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win at Schalke.
The Spain striker opened the scoring with an early header and was on target again in the second half to take his tally to five goals in his last five Champions League games.
And Eden Hazard put the icing on the cake with a third goal three minutes from time as Schalke pressed forward.
Jose Mourinho's side did not have things all their own way in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday, but the victory ensured they are now joint top of Group E along with their German opponents.
Schalke won their opening two matches in the group and had not conceded a goal before facing Chelsea, but a lack of cutting edge in the absence of injured duo Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Jefferson Farfan was evident.
Mourinho made five changes to the Chelsea side that beat Cardiff City in the Premier League on Saturday, with Cesar Azpilicueta starting in an unfamiliar left-back role as Ryan Bertrand dropped to the bench.
Huntelaar (knee) and Farfan (groin) were sidelined for the hosts, but they did welcome back midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jermaine Jones along with goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand.
Torres was another player recalled to Chelsea's line-up and he took less than two minutes to make his presence felt, turning sharply in the box and unleashing a shot that was deflected for a corner.
And the Spain striker opened the scoring three minutes later when Frank Lampard’s corner was flicked on by Branislav Ivanovic and the former Liverpool striker stooped unmarked at the back post to head home.
Schalke started to get into their stride and marauding right-back Atsuto Uchida burst into the Chelsea penalty area but blazed high and wide at full stretch after 26 minutes.
Boateng stung Petr Cech's palms with a long-range drive seven minutes before half-time and from the resulting corner the Chelsea keeper had to be alert once again to tip over Roman Neustadter's towering header.
Torres was unfortunate not to double Chelsea's lead five minutes after the break when he met Lampard's inviting free-kick with a glancing header that struck the bar.
The 29-year-old then got on the end of another Lampard corner but headed wide at the far post from close range before Cech palmed away a shot from Benedikt Howedes at the other end.
Howedes had another great chance but headed wide after 66 minutes and he was made to pay when Chelsea extended their advantage three minutes later.
Schalke were caught in possession in midfield and Chelsea broke sharply, with Oscar racing down the right and finding Torres, who took a touch to round Hildebrand before slotting into the empty net.
And Hazard added a third three minutes from time when he raced through on goal and produced a clinical left-foot finish into the far corner.
UEFA Champions League: Marseille 1 Napoli 2
23 October 2013
Napoli kept their hopes of qualification for the UEFA Champions League knock-out stages intact with a 2-1 win at Marseille on Tuesday.
The Italian side headed into the game looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the previous round of Group F.
Marseille were without a point following losses against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, and their hopes of progression were dealt a further blow as Napoli cruised to a comfortable victory.
Former Real Madrid winger Jose Callejon and Colombian attacker Duvan Zapata put Napoli command, before Andre Ayew pulled one back for Marseille to set up a tense finish.
Napoli sit level top of the pool on six points with Arsenal and Dortmund following the German side's 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium, but Marseille are well adrift at the bottom.
Dimitri Payet returned for Marseille after serving a domestic suspension at the weekend, while defender Souleymane Diawara and midfielder Benoit Cheyrou also came in to the side.
The inclusion of striker Gonzalo Higuain was one of four changes made by Napoli manager Rafael Benitez, who also restored winger Dries Mertens to the starting XI in place of Lorenzo Insigne following Friday's Serie A defeat to Roma.
Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda was tested early when he was forced into a fine diving save to prevent winger Mertens from finding the net with a free-kick after just two minutes.
However, Napoli controlled much of the early stages and, although midfielder Cheyrou went close for Marseille, they should have taken the lead in the 13th minute when defender Pablo Armero fired wide from close range.
The hosts frustrated Benitez’s side for long periods, but they were almost caught out on the counter-attack when Higuain inexplicably fired wide with only Mandanda to beat.
But, three minutes before the break, Napoli did deservedly go ahead as Callejon displayed great control to bring down Higuain's wonderful ball over the top before cutting inside Rod Fanni and firing a half-volley beyond Mandanda.
Marseille made a quick start to the second half, and nearly drew level seven minutes after the break, only for Payet to head over the bar.
Elie Baup's side dictated the play for large periods as they looked to try and craft an equaliser, but their lack of quality in front of goal was summed up when Ayew failed to connect with a right-wing cross from Payet.
And their hopes were all but ended after 66 minutes when substitute Zapata curled a glorious right-footed effort into the top corner after latching on to a deft flick-on from Mertens.
Marseille laboured to try and find a way back into the game in the closing stages and, although Ayew found the net with a superb low volley four minutes from time, the 1992-93 European champions could not complete a late comeback and now face an uphill struggle to avoid finishing bottom of the group.
UEFA Champions League: Arsenal 1 Borussia Dortmund 2
23 October 2013
Borussia Dortmund ended Arsenal's unbeaten start to the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Arsene Wenger, who celebrated his 64th birthday on Tuesday, saw his Arsenal side start slowly and the Premier League leaders were quickly punished when Henrikh Mkhitaryan shot past Wojciech Szczesny.
Olivier Giroud was on hand to draw Arsenal level shortly before the break, as he took his tally for the season to nine, before Robert Lewandowski grabbed the winner for last season's beaten finalists eight minutes from time.
The hosts brought former Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky in for the injured Mathieu Flamini, while Ramsey regained his starting spot ahead of Santi Cazorla, having come off the bench to score his fifth Premier League goal of the season against Norwich City on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp served the second and final game of his touchline ban after being sent to the stands against Napoli in September and he made three changes from Saturday's 1-0 win against Hannover.
Mats Hummels returned in defence along with Marcel Schmelzer, who made his first start for the club since September following a thigh injury.
Jakub Blaszczykowski was preferred ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Assistant coach Zeljko Buvac took Klopp's place in the dugout and saw Dortmund enjoy more possession early on, but were unable to test Szczesny, with Kevin Grosskreutz and Hummels both firing well over in the opening six minutes.
Marco Reus powered an effort just past Szczesny's right-hand post before the Germany international dispossessed Ramsay well to allow Mkhitaryan a sight on goal after 16 minutes.
Robert Lewandowski then played the loose ball into the Armenia international, who fired low past a helpless Szczesny to put the visitors in front with his first Champions League goal for the club.
Arsenal's first attempt came six minutes later, with Laurent Koscielny heading a Mesut Ozil free-kick over Roman Weidenfeller's bar before Jack Wilshere almost got on the end of a clipped Rosicky throughball, only for it to get away from him and roll behind for a goal kick.
The home side continued to grow into the game and were almost rewarded when Rosicky's shot was blocked on the line by Neven Subotic, with Weidenfeller beaten, eight minutes from the break.
The Premier League leaders were level just three minutes late, however, courtesy of Giroud's close-range finish after a defensive mix-up from the visitors.
Bacary Sagna's delivery clipped Subotic, causing Weidenfeller to fumble, with Giroud on hand to level in emphatic fashion as he scored his second in as many Champions League matches.
Grosskreutz had the first chance of the second half for the visitors, but he saw his sidefooted effort saved easily by Szczesny before substitute Cazorla hit the angle of post and bar with a curled effort from outside the area.
Dortmund got the crucial goal after 82 minutes, courtesy of Lewandowski's 10th goal of the season.
The Poland international ghosted in at the far post to calmly stroke home Grosskreutz's delivery and ensure Dortmund ended Arsenal's 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid maintained their perfect start in UEFA Champions League Group G with a comfortable 3-0 win over Austria Vienna.
Diego Costa, currently the subject of a row between Brazil and Spain over his international eligibility, scored a goal in each half after Raul Garcia had given Diego Simeone's side the lead in the eighth minute.
The result leaves Atletico top of the group with maximum points and with one foot in the round of 16, while Vienna's woes continue, with just one point and no goals to their name as Nenad Bjelica's side struggle in their maiden Champions League campaign.
The hosts made three changes from the weekend's 1-1 draw with Ried as Emir Dilaver, Tomas Jun and Marko Stankovic came in for Marin Leovac, Fabian Koch and Tomas Simkovic.
For Atletico, Miranda, Tiago and Arda Turan replaced Diego Godin, Mario Suarez and David Villa from the 1-0 loss at Espanyol on Saturday, while top scorer Costa featured in the competition for the first time this season after serving a two-match suspension.
The visitors threatened first, Juanfran stinging the palms of Heinz Lindner with a fizzing drive from the corner of the box in the fourth minute.
Atletico took the lead four minutes later as Koke released Filipe Luis on the left-hand side of the box, and he squared for Garcia, who was left with the simple task of tapping home into an empty net from eight yards.
That lead was doubled in the 20th minute by Costa, who broke swiftly from halfway, beat the last defender on the edge of the box and calmly slotted the ball beyond Lindner for his 11th goal of the season.
Costa could have put the result beyond doubt 10 minutes before the break, blazing the ball over from close range following another slick combination between Luis and Koke.
Despite Atletico's domination, Vienna almost found a way back into the game two minutes later, Philipp Hosiner smashing a first-time volley against the crossbar after getting on the end of Florian Mader's raking pass.
Five minutes after the break, Mader flashed a 25-yard drive narrowly over the angle of post and bar as the hosts searched for their first ever Champions League goal.
Atletico ended the game as a contest in the 53rd minute as Costa netted his second of the match.
Half-time substitute Emiliano Insua cut the ball back from the left to the striker, who evaded the attentions of a defender and slotted underneath Lindner from 10 yards.
Ten minutes from time, Lindner reacted brilliantly to save Markus Suttner's inadvertent header towards his own goal as Vienna were spared any further punishment on an otherwise miserable night.
Real Madrid 2-1 Juventus: Ronaldo blasts Blancos past 10-man Bianconeri
The Portuguese star scored both of his goals before the break, on either side of Fernando Llorente's equalizer, before Giorgio Chiellini was sent off three minutes after halftime.
Cristiano Ronaldo starred as Real Madrid defeated 10-man Juventus to put one foot in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
Ronaldo scored twice in the first half - his sixth and seventh goals of the competition this season - on either side of Fernando Llorente's equalizer, before Juve saw Giorgio Chiellini sent off for an alleged elbow on the Portugal international.
Chiellini, who conceded the penalty that handed Ronaldo his second, was shown a straight red card three minutes into the second half when it looked as though he had done nothing more than fend off the forward with his arm.
Carlo Ancelotti made four changes from Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga, including the return of Iker Casillas in goal and Karim Benzema up front. For Juventus, Martin Caceres was in action for the first time since suffering a knee injury in early September. The defender was one of three changes from Sunday alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Arturo Vidal.
The visitors threatened as early as the second minute, as Claudio Marchisio stung the palms of Casillas with a rasping drive from 25 yards.
However, two minutes later Ronaldo put Madrid in front with a well-taken goal. The Portuguese forward was slipped in by Angel Di Maria, before rounding Gianluigi Buffon and slotting home.
Midway through the half, Juventus drew level as Llorente fired home a rebound from 6 yards after Casillas had kept out Paul Pogba's back-post header from Caceres' cross.
Parity lasted for just seven minutes as Ronaldo netted his second of the night from the penalty spot. Chiellini was judged to have brought down Sergio Ramos inside the area while defending a free kick and Ronaldo placed the resulting set piece high to Buffon's right.
Five minutes later, Andrea Pirlo wasted a chance to equalize for a second time, blazing over from a tight angle following a scramble in the box. Ronaldo then fired narrowly wide after being fed by Benzema four minutes before the break as the contest continued at a furious pace.
Two minutes after the interval, the visitors were dealt a cruel blow when Chiellini was shown a straight red card for what the referee deemed to be an elbow on Ronaldo, although replays suggested the decision was harsh.
Benzema should have put Madrid further ahead in the 60th minute, somehow turning the ball over from point-blank range after being picked out by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Sami Khedira was next to threaten in the 72nd minute, sending a tame chip into the arms of Buffon when clear on goal, but it did not matter as Madrid made it three wins from as many European matches this season.
Anderlecht 0-5 Paris Saint-Germain: Sublime Ibrahimovic scores four as Parisiens run rampant
The Swede made it nine goals in five games to continue his incredible form, with fellow forward Edinson Cavani bagging the other in the Belgian rout
Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the 10th player to score four goals in a single match in the Champions League as Paris Saint-Germain cruised to a 5-0 victory over Anderlecht on Wednesday.
Ibrahimovic’s hat trick goal was the pick of the bunch as the striker latched on to a loose ball 33 yards from goal and sent an unstoppable first-time strike flying into the top-left corner.
Edinson Cavani added to his side's lead early in the second half and Ibrahimovic smashed home his fourth just after the hour to wrap up PSG’s third consecutive victory in Group C.
Laurent Blanc named the same side that defeated Benfica in the last group game, meaning there were six changes from the comprehensive victory over Bastia in Ligue 1 at the weekend.
Anderlecht recalled two experienced midfielders - captain Guillaume Gillet and Sacha Kljestan - after both were rested for the league match against Mons on Friday.
A scrappy start to the game saw the hosts waste some early openings and they were punished in the 17th minute as Ibrahimovic escaped his marker to put PSG ahead. The Sweden international peeled away to the back post and ensured he was perfectly placed to meet a low cross from Gregory van der Wiel.
Five minutes later the ex-Barcelona and Juventus forward doubled his tally with Van der Wiel again providing the assist as he tormented Fabrice N’Sakala.
The Dutch full back raced down the right-hand side and fired another low cross into the penalty area, this time to the near post. Ibrahimovic got in front of his marker on the edge of the six-yard box and flicked the ball beyond Thomas Kaminski.
Ibrahimovic then completed his hat trick in the 36th minute with an outstanding long-range strike. Anderlecht cleared a left-wing cross but it dropped perfectly for the 32-year-old and he sent a powerful shot into the top-left corner - giving Kaminski no chance.
The visitors were gifted their fourth goal seven minutes into the second half as Blaise Matuidi robbed Chancel Mbemba after the defender had slipped inside the penalty area. The midfielder rolled the ball into the unmarked Cavani and the Uruguayan made no mistake from six yards.
In the 62nd minute Ibrahimovic netted his fourth as the visitors exposed Anderlecht’s rigid defending on a blistering counterattack. Marco Veratti lifted a pass into the path of the striker, who controlled the ball instantly and lashed it beyond Kaminski and in off the far post.
Ibrahimovic had a chance to grab a fifth late on but his audacious lob had just too much on it and dropped on top of the goal with Kaminski stranded.
Galatasaray 3-1 Copenhagen: Drogba, Sneijder ensure victory
The Cote d'Ivoire striker and Netherlands playmaker helped Roberto Mancini's men to a comfortable win in Turkey.
Galatasaray kept its Champions League hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Wednesday.
First-half goals from Felipe Melo, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba handed Roberto Mancini his first victory in Europe with the Turkish side, despite Claudemir's late strike.
It keeps Galatasaray within a shout of qualifying from Group B - which is led by Real Madrid and also includes Juventus - while its Danish opponents are rock-bottom with one point from three matches.
Galatasaray coach Mancini opted to make three changes from the 2-1 Super Lig win over Karabukspor on Saturday, with a double switch in the back seeing Dany Nounkeu and Emmanuel Eboue inserted. There was also a return to the starting lineup for 18-year-old attacker Bruma, who was preferred to his more senior counterpart Ceyhun Gulselam for the encounter.
There were two changes for Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken following the 3-0 league win over AAB: Pierre Bengtsson came in for Christoffer Remmer, and Daniel Braaten was also given the nod in a more experienced lineup.
It was the home side that was quickly on top, though, with Melo putting his men ahead after just 10 minutes, heading home a stunning cross from Nounkeu that left goalkeeper Johan Wiland with little chance.
The strong start clearly fired Mancini's men up as Drogba went close to doubling the tally only minutes later, but after holding off Ragnar Sigurdsson he saw his shot blocked by Wiland.
Sneijder was on hand to fire home the second in the 38th minute, though, converting from the edge of the box after collecting a pass from Eboue.
And Galatasaray practically wrapped up the points on the stroke of halftime when Drogba added the third from inside the area.
It was little surprise that Solbakken changed things around at halftime, adding Christian Bolanos and Fanendo Adi to the mix. It looked to have paid off soon after as Nicolai Jorgensen flicked on a fine ball, only to see Aurelien Chedjou cut it out.
The visitors did get their consolation with four minutes left, but Claudemir's measured finish past Fernando Muslera was too little, too late.
UEFA Champions League: Manchester United 1 Real Sociedad 0
24 October 2013
Manchester United handed manager David Moyes a timely boost with a deserved 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Real Sociedad.
Coming into the match on the back of one point from two Premier League home games against West Brom and Southampton, United turned in a largely impressive performance - with the exception of a nervy period after half-time - to retain top spot in Group A.
A spell of uncertainty at the back from the hosts was nothing compared to the defensive horror show with which Sociedad opened the contest, ultimately ensuring a third successive defeat of the group stage.
The decisive moment came in the second minute via Inigo Martinez's own goal after the impressive Wayne Rooney had struck the post.
Antonio Valencia came closest to extending United’s lead when he also struck the upright, but only after David De Gea saw his crossbar prevent Antoine Griezmann and Alberto de la Bella from bringing Sociedad level.
The big news before kick-off was United resting star striker Robin van Persie due to niggling toe and groin complaints and his absence from the squad meant a start for Javier Hernandez alongside the recalled Ryan Giggs and Shinji Kagawa.
Experienced midfielder Xabi Prieto earned his first Sociedad start for a month at the expense of Ruben Pardo.
Any tension around Old Trafford was blown away when Martinez put through his own goal to lauch a frantic opening period.
Patrice Evra tenaciously won possession on the left flank before Rooney bamboozled Sociedad's defence and unleashed a fierce strike against the upright. Martinez made the worst possible job of attempting to clear, instead diverting the ball home.
Rooney was at the heart of much of United's good work and he drew an excellent reaction save from Claudio Bravo when he met Rafael's 14th-minute cross
Sociedad finally threatened as the half-hour mark approached – De Gea clawing Haris Seferovic's deflected effort out of the top corner
They came closer still in the 42nd minute when Griezmann's 25-yard free-kick cannoned back off the underside of the crossbar.
The visitors displayed plenty of intent after the break and when a bout of penalty box pinball almost resulted in Jonny Evans putting through his own goal, the game's defensive anxiety had clearly shifted.
Phil Jones powered an unmarked header from another well-worked short corner to draw a sharp stop from Bravo but, in an increasingly stretched contest, De Gea's crossbar came to his rescue when Sociedad full-back De la Bella skewed a left-wing cross just before the hour.
It was United’s turn to test the Old Trafford furniture in the 64th minute as Rooney's delightful pass released Valencia down the right channel and he drilled against the base of the far post.
Kagawa saw his follow-up blocked and the ex-Borussia Dortmund player was then denied by a last-ditch tackle from Carlos Martinez having errantly chosen not to strike first time.
Valencia returned the favour to Rooney in the 71st minute with a flick-on that his team-mate blasted over.
Substitute Ashley Young and Rooney passed up late opportunities to add gloss to the scoreline as United all but ended Sociedad's qualification hopes.
UEFA Champions League: Bayer Leverkusen 4 Shakhtar Donetsk 0
24 October 2013
Stefan Kiessling's brace helped rampant Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive 4-0 UEFA Champions League Group A win at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Kiessling had been at the centre of controversy with a 'ghost goal' in his side's Bundesliga win over Hoffenheim last week, but there was no doubt about his strikes on Wednesday as he headed the Germans in front midway through the first half, before Simon Rolfes slotted home from the spot just after the break.
Sidney Sam added a third with a well-taken finish, before Kiessling poked home his second of the night with 18 minutes left to confirm the win.
The result extends Leverkusen's unbeaten run at home in the Champions League group stages to eight games, and leaves them just a point behind Group A leaders Manchester United.
Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia made four changes to the side that beat Hoffenheim, with Emir Spahic, Giulio Donati, Emre Can and Son Heung-Min all handed starts. Lars Bender missed out with a thigh injury.
The visitors, who travelled to Germany on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, made two changes, welcoming back captain Darijo Srna while Tomas Hubschman was preferred to Taras Stepanenko.
Leverkusen made the more encouraging start, with first Rolfes and then Sam testing Andriy Pyatov within the opening 10 minutes.
Much had been made of Shakhtar's attacking threat, but the visitors struggled to find to find any sort of rhythm during the early exchanges, although the hosts breathed a sigh of relief when Yaroslav Rakitsky sent an early free-kick just wide of the post.
Leverkusen continued to have the upper hand in the centre of the park, and they were rewarded for their efforts after 23 minutes when Kiessling rose brilliantly to meet Donati's whipped cross and head his side into the lead.
The in-form striker should have doubled his tally just before half-time, but could he not keep his header down this time.
Shakhtar were nearly level just a few seconds later when Alex Teixeira raced away from the defence before lashing his shot into the side-netting.
Leverkusen continued to press, though, and they increased their lead six minutes after the break when captain Rolfes slotted home from the spot, after Kiessling had been brought down by Srna.
Things soon got even better for the hosts when some slack defending allowed Sam to beat the offside trap and calmly slot home for his 11th goal in 15 games.
Shakhtar substitute Bernard should have found the net 10 minutes later, but he could not connect with Douglas Costa's low cross.
Kiessling continued to cause problems, and he was soon rewarded again for his fine performance 18 minutes from time, pouncing on a mistake by Pyatov to score from close range.
The hosts could have had a fifth late on, with both Can and Sam missing good opportunities, on what was otherwise a fantastic night for Hyypia's men.
UEFA Champions League: Benfica 1 Olympiacos 1
24 October 2013
Oscar Cardozo rescued a late point for Benfica in a rain-soaked 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw against Olympiacos.
Alejandro Dominguez put the visitors ahead after 29 minutes, before a torrential downpour and the resulting water-logged pitch killed the pace of the game in the second period.
However, with hope fading for the Portuguese side, Cardozo was in the right place at the right time to prod home from close range seven minutes from time.
The shared points keep Olympiacos above Benfica in Group C on goal difference, both five points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Jorge Jesus rung the changes after an under-strength Benfica outfit scraped past third-tier Cinfaes 1-0 in the Taca de Portugal third round on Saturday.
Olympiacos, meanwhile, made four alterations to the side that started last weekend’s 4-1 Greek Superleague win over Platanias, with Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas, Dimitris Siovas and Dominguez coming in for Avraam Papadopoulos, Anastasios Papazoglou, Delvin N’Dinga and former Benfica man Javier Saviola.
Visiting goalkeeper Roberto was called into action in the opening minutes of the rain-drenched encounter as Oscar Cardozo curled a low free-kick around the wall from 20 yards, only to see the Spanish stopper push the effort to safety.
With both sides looking to attack from the off at the Estadio da Luz, the venue for this season's final, Kostas Mitroglou got ahead of his man in the penalty area after 10 minutes to meet a David Fuster cross from the right, but he failed to find the target with a close-range header.
An end-to-end first half continued to throw up chances for both teams – Benfica's Lima firing straight at Roberto after being sent through one on one, although the Brazilian had already been flagged for offside.
But it was Olympiacos who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Dominguez received the ball from Mitroglou 20 yards out, cut inside to beat an already committed Ezequiel Garay and curled an effort beyond Artur into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.
The torrential downpour continued through the half-time break and the amount of standing water on the pitch at the start of the second 45 minutes made for a treacherous playing surface.
Lima sent a free-kick narrowly wide of the right post four minutes into the half as conditions deteriorated quickly, with the ball barely moving along the sodden turf.
The hosts had a shout for a penalty after 56 minutes as Guilherme Siqueira felt he was obstructed by N’Dinga, but the referee waved play on.
Moments later at the other end, Fuster slotted the ball beyond Artur, only to be denied by a puddle in the penalty area, which brought his effort to a premature halt.
But it was Cardozo who would have the last word two minutes later – prodding home from just a couple of yards in the aftermath of a Rodrigo corner.
UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich 5 Viktoria Plzen 0
24 October 2013
Bayern Munich maintained their 100 per cent record in UEFA Champions League Group D by thrashing Viktoria Plzen 5-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Franck Ribery scored twice to take his tally to three goals in his last two Champions League games as the European champions sent out another message of intent.
Pep Guardiola's side dominated from start to finish, with David Alaba, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze also on target as Czech champions Plzen were totally outclassed.
Free-scoring Bayern have scored 11 goals in their first three Group D matches and they will take some stopping on this evidence, while Plzen are yet to pick up a point.
Ribery (ankle) was passed fit to return to Bayern's starting line-up as Thomas Muller dropped to the bench.
Guardiola drafted in left-back Diego Contento to partner Daniel van Buyten at the heart of the Bayern defence in the absence of Dante (ankle) and Jerome Boateng (suspension).
Plzen, meanwhile, were boosted by the return of defender David Limbersky from a calf injury after a month on the sidelines.
The Germans wasted no time in putting the Czech champions on the back foot and Arjen Robben should have scored just five minutes in, when Mario Mandzukic nodded the ball into the Dutch winger's path, but he failed to hit the target from six yards out.
Plzen were struggling to contain the European champions and they fell behind after 26 minutes, when Robben waltzed into the penalty area and was upended by Roman Hubnik.
Ribery cooly placed the resulting spot-kick into the bottom-right corner of the net for his second Champions League goal of the season.
It was one-way traffic, and Bayern and could have had a second goal two minutes later as the lively Robben released Mandzukic and the Croatia striker dragged the ball back inside, only for goalkeeper Matus Kozacik to come out to narrow the angle and deny him.
Kozacik then kept out a Van Buyten header from close range, but he could do nothing to prevent Alaba doubling Bayern's lead eight minutes before half-time when the Austrian full-back cut inside and found the bottom corner.
Plzen looked mesmerised by Bayern's slick movement and another fine spell resulted in Ribery crossing for Mandzukic to slot home from close range, but the striker was adjudged to be offside.
France winger Ribery then opted to go it alone after 61 minutes, when he turned his marker inside out on the edge of the box before dinking the ball over the advancing Kozacik and into the net.
Three minutes later, Gotze made an instant impact after coming off the bench as he laid on a fourth goal for Schweinsteiger, who turned sharply and produced a clinical finish.
Gotze then got his name on the scoresheet in time added on when he converted Robben's inviting cross to seal the win.
UEFA Champions League: CSKA Moscow 1 Manchester City 2
24 October 2013
Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 at CSKA Moscow in UEFA Champions League Group D.
Former Manchester United midfielder Zoran Tosic put CSKA ahead in the first half, but Aguero levelled less than two minutes later.
And the Argentina striker added a second before half-time on a difficult pitch at the Arena Khimki to put City back on track to qualify for the knockout stages following their home defeat to Bayern Munich last time out.
The victory leaves Manuel Pellegrini's side second and three points ahead of their Russian opponents, who are on a poor run of form after picking up only one point from their last five Russian Premier League games.
Pablo Zabaleta, Aleksandar Kolarov and Jesus Navas were restored to the City starting line-up at the expense of Micah Richards, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.
CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev (knee) was passed fit to start, but Alan Dzagoev (hamstring) and Aleksandrs Cauna (toe) were not ready to return.
Pellegrini expressed his concerns over the pitch ahead of the game and CSKA had been forced to play their last Champions League fixture against Viktoria Plzen in St Petersburg due to the condition of the playing surface.
But City made a positive start and should have been in front in the third minute when Aguero flicked on David Silva's corner but Yaya Toure failed to apply the finish at the back post.
CSKA coach Leonid Slutsky made a change after just six minutes, with Aleksei Berezutski replacing his twin brother Vasili despite no apparent injury.
Aguero and Alvaro Negredo but had further chances to put City in front, but the visitors were caught cold after 32 minutes when Keisuke Honda headed on and Tosic nipped in to lift the ball over Joe Hart and into the back of the net.
CSKA's joy was short-lived, though, as the away side were back on level terms within two minutes as Silva crossed the ball in from the left and Aguero was on hand to finish from six yards after Sergei Ignashevich failed to clear.
The hosts were struggling to contain City and it was no surprise when Aguero struck again just four minutes before the break with a brave close-range header after he was picked out by Negredo.
Negredo thought he had extended City's lead in the first minute of the second half but he was adjudged to have handled the ball as he applied the finish from close range and was booked.
Hart had to be alert to keep out a headed effort from striker Seydou Doumbia just six minutes after the break.
Ahmed Musa did have the ball in the back of the City net nine minutes from time, but the whistle had already gone for a foul on Toure. Edin Dzeko could have sealed it when he was off target from close range and Honda was denied by Hart right at the death, but City held on for three precious points.
By Shane Callaghan1
Oct 23, 2013 8:53:00 PM
The Dutch champions face disciplinary sanctions following the incidents at Parkhead where travelling fans threw objects at law enforcement officials
Uefa has charged Ajax for the behaviour of their supporters during the club's 2-1 defeat away to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.
A number of travelling fans were photographed ripping out seats before hurling them at police officers stationed inside Parkhead.
One steward reportedly sustained injuries after being struck by a plastic chair thrown from the Ajax section and a Uefa spokesperson announced on Wednesday that disciplinary proceedings had already begun.
"Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Ajax for crowd disturbances and throwing of objects [article 16 of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations] at last night's Champions League match in Glasgow against Celtic.
"The case will be dealt with by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on November 21."
Police Scotland confirmed that no arrests had been made following the incidents, but took to Twitter to announce that they would also launch an investigation into the scenes.
They wrote: "A full investigation is being carried out into the behaviour of a number of Dutch supporters.
"Our officers are reviewing CCTV images. Any info gleaned will be shared with our Dutch counterparts to identify those involved."
Some 3,000 Ajax supporters were estimated to have made the journey to Glasgow.
Both teams will meet again in Amsterdam for the return fixture on November 6.
Manuel Pellegrini's side travelled to Russia to face CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night, with the Premier League outfit's players, particularly the Ivorian, singled out for abuse
Manchester City's Yaya Toure has urged Uefa to act after confirming he received racist abuse in the Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.
The Cote d'Ivoire midfielder appeared to be the target of chants from some sections of the home crowd during the 2-1 victory at the Arena Khimki on Wednesday.
Former Barcelona midfielder Toure believes Europe's governing body should take decisive action and possibly impose a stadium ban on CSKA if their fans are found guilty of abusing him.
He added: "I told the ref, I think it was unbelievable and very sad. We want to stop that. Uefa need to do something.
"Maybe close the stadium for a couple of games. As an African player, it is always sad when you hear something like that."
City boss Manuel Pellegrini also called for Uefa to act if they find that his player was subjected to abuse: "It's a pity and I hope Uefa have the right measures," he said.
Moyes hails Kagawa performance in Real Sociedad victory
By Matt Hill40
Oct 24, 2013 7:38:00 AM
The Japan international has found it difficult to break into the side but took his chance on Wednesday night with an impressive performance at Old Trafford
David Moyes has hailed Shinji Kagawa's performance against Real Sociedad as his best since the Scot took charge at Manchester United.
Kagawa, who has struggled to break into the United team under Moyes, was instrumental is most of his side's forays forward, although he was culpable for missing one clear-cut chance which would have eased the tension at Old Trafford late on.
"I thought it was Shinji's best game in my time here," Moyes told the club's official website.
"He hadn't really found his feet yet but I saw something from Shinji which I hadn't seen in other games, so I was really pleased.
"His effort when we didn't have the ball was fantastic. With Shinji, everybody tells me about his ability and what he has got, but tonight is the first time I’ve really seen Shinji.
"I thought when we put him into the No.10 role, and even after it, he was good with Wayne. His attitude and energy were excellent and I was pleased for him."
The 29-year-old put the controversy of his 'phantom goal' behind him to score twice in the win over the Ukranians, much to the delight of the Bayer Leverkusen sporting director
Bayer Leverkusen's sporting director Rudi Voller has praised the character of striker Stefan Kiessling in the 4-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
The German marksman bagged a double in the emphatic victory over the Ukrainian giants, with Sidney Sam and Simon Rolfes also among the goalscorers.
The 29-year-old has endured a mixed time of it recently, having come in for some criticism for failing to own up to his 'phantom goal' against Hoffenheim on Friday, but Voller believes Wednesday's display was the perfect riposte to his detractors of recent days.
"I was very happy for Stefan. The last few days have been very difficult for him and he was confronted with a lot from all angles," the 53-year-old told Sky Deutschland.
"But he is a tough guy and handled the situation well. He showed a lot of character."
Victory over the Eastern Europeans means that Leverkusen extended their seven-game unbeaten run at home in Europe's elite competition.
Sami Hyypia's men sit second in Group A, just one point adrift of leaders Manchester United.
