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Benfica will go to Barcelona to chase qualification, says Jorge Jesus
The 58-year-old believes that his side thoroughly deserved to beat a "lucky" Celtic side in Lisbon on Monday, and is optimistic ahead of the trip to Camp Nou
Nov 21, 2012 12:40:00 AM
By Simon Harrison
Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is hopeful that his side can seal qualification to the next stage of the Champions League on matchday 6 against Barcelona.
The Lisbon giants claimed a 2-1 victory over Celtic on Tuesday and currently sit in third play in Group G going into the final round of games.
"Our aim tonight was achieved because with this win we are still in Europe. We will not change because we have a gameplan we have worked on for years," he told reporters.
"Now we will go to Barcelona to chase qualification. They are the best team in the world, and there is one player [Messi] who makes the difference, but there are plenty of others."
Looking back on the clash with the Scottish side, Jesus stated that his side deserved to win on the night, but admitted that Neil Lennon's troops are also in a strong position to progress.
"We had a great game, carrying on our good recent form," he continued.
"Celtic have been lucky in the Champions League, and today once again they did not create anything, and could have been three or four goals behind.
"Their goal was from a set piece, which we knew they were strong on. In my opinion they can get through but Benfica and Spartak are stronger than Celtic.
"They beat Barcelona and they are in a good position because of that."
Young Manchester United side put up a 'reasonable show', argues Sir Alex Ferguson
The Red Devils boss was happy with his inexperienced team's performance despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to the Turkish giants, having already won their Champions League group
Nov 21, 2012 12:50:00 AM
By Tom Rhodes
Sir Alex Ferguson has said that his youthful Manchester United side put up a "reasonable show" despite their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
The Red Devils had already guaranteed their place in the knockout phase of the competition and the 70-year-old used the opportunity to field a young side with an average age of just 24.
Burak Yilmaz's strike sunk United in Istanbul but, though being disappointed at conceding to a set-piece, Sir Alex expressed satisfaction with his experimental team's performance.
"Their temperament was good, the crowd never affected us and I thought they put up a reasonable show," he told Sky Sports after the game.
"But when you lose a goal from a set-piece you are always going to be saying it's a bad way to lose a goal.
"They had a few strikes from outside the box, which our goalkeeper dealt with well - other than that I thought we handled it okay.
"I think if there was one part of it we were going to worry about was set-pieces because they are a more experienced, stronger, bigger side and you expect them to cause you some problems at set-pieces.
"We handled it quite well throughout the match but we have lost a goal from a corner. It is not surprising because of the strength they have there but nonetheless to lose a goal from a corner kick is never easy to take."
Juventus 3 Chelsea 0: Holders braced for new European low as Di Matteo faces chop
By MARTIN SAMUEL
PUBLISHED: 21:34 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 00:24 GMT, 21 November 2012
ELSEWHERE IN GROUP E...
Chelsea are close to crashing out of the Champions League after group rivals Shakhtar were put on their way to a vital 5-2 win over Nordsjaelland by a highly controversial goal.
A growing feeling of powerlessness may have overwhelmed Roberto Di Matteo as he stood, frozen, on the touchline in Turin.The match had long passed beyond his control, the qualification process, too. After this disaster, with Shakhtar Donetsk already through, the Ukrainians could field a reserve team in their last match against Juventus, who would only need a point to accompany them into the final 16.Chelsea's last group game, at home to Champions League whipping boys Nordsjaelland of Denmark, could be rendered an irrelevance. It was out of his hands now.
Lucky? Fabio Quagliarella turned in a strike past Petr Cech
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, David Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta (Moses 60), Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Mikel (Torres 71), Hazard Subs not used: Turnbull, Bertrand, Romeu, Marin, Piazon Booked: Ramires
Referee: Cuneyt Cakır Attendance: 40,000
In that case, the champions of Europe song the fans loved so much would have to go as well. We know what we are, they sing. And what they soon will be if third place in Group E beckons, as is likely. The most short-lived winners of the Champions League. The first to exit the following season at the group stage.A place in the last 16 should be the minimum requirement for a team that paraded the biggest prize in club football around the Allianz Arena little more than six months ago.Hell, Chelsea could be crowned world champions by FIFA next month. World champions and in the Europa League after Christmas. What part of that picture doesn't fit?And then there were Di Matteo's own prospects, his chances of seeing out the season as Chelsea manager. That was where he had least power of all. Everyone knew who called the shots at Stamford Bridge, and it wasn't him.So Di Matteo stood, dressed to kill as coach of one of the most important clubs in world football, and he had all the power over his position of a first-week apprentice.
Oh dear: Arturo Vidal doubled Juventus' lead
Now what? Juan Mata (left) and Eden Hazard wait to re-start the game
Di Matteo gambled big in Turin but the scoreline revealed a busted flush. By leaving out Fernando Torres, even with Daniel Sturridge injured, he had hoped to challenge Juventus with a fast-moving, flowing forward line, spearheaded by Eden Hazard. It failed.Chelsea did not get enough game in Juventus' half and were driven back for most of the night. The first two Juve goals had a smidgeon of good fortune but the third made Chelsea appear foolish, and merely underlined the gulf between the teams.It went deeper than simply missing John Terry, Frank Lampard or even Didier Drogba; Chelsea came up short everywhere. Petr Cech was outstanding at times to keep Chelsea in the game, but was ultimately overwhelmed by the sheer weight of Juventus attacks. He was unlucky with two deflections, but the third left him exposed.
Final nail: Sebastian Giovinco scored Juventus' third goal
Why Roman has run out of patience
Roman Abramovich was furious when Chelsea surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Juventus, drawing 2-2 on September 19. Despite an impressive 4-2 win at Tottenham on October 20, they have won just two of their eight matches since. Oct 23: Lost 2-1 away to Shakhtar Donetsk (Champions League). Oct 28: Lost 3-2 at home to Manchester United (Premier League). Oct 31: Beat United 5-4 at home after extra time (Capital One Cup). Nov 3: Drew 1-1 at Swansea (Premier League). Nov 7: Beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 (Champions League). Nov 11: Drew 1-1 at home to Liverpool (Premier League). Nov 17: Lost 2-1 away to West Bromwich Albion (Premier League). Nov 20: Lost 3-0 away to Juventus (Champions League).
Juve won the game in midfield. Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, either side of Andrea Pirlo, were the stars of the night and the Italians got far too much joy down the flanks.Chelsea threatened occasionally on the break, but no more. Their struggles are often attributed to the end of an era of hugely influential players. Drogba gone, Lampard ageing, Terry and Ashley Cole in their twilight years. Yet Cech soldiers on, captain last night, and without him the score could have been embarrassing.
The game was only three minutes old when he was forced to make a brilliant save from Stephan Lichtsteiner, and it set the tone for the night. In the 15th minute, he needed to be at his best again: a short corner by Pirlo, teed up by Mirko Vucinic and struck by Marchisio, kept out by Cech, diving low.Other duties were comparatively straightforward, the odd long-range effort from Pirlo or Fabio Quagliarella, but Cech's handling was excellent. It was no surprise that when Juventus did finally break the deadlock it was as much by luck as judgment.
Helpless: Ashley Cole and his team-mates were overpowered by a well organised Juventus
Remember me? Zinedine Zidane was is the crowd watching his old club
Can Chelsea still qualify?
The only way Chelsea can go through is if they beat Nordsjaelland and Juventus lose to Shakhtar.
If Shakhtar lose and finish level with Chelsea on 10 points, the Ukrainians would progress due to a better head-to-head record.
Pirlo hit an optimistic shot from outside the area which Cech had covered until Quagliarella intervened, diverting it with a glancing blow that left the goalkeeper frantically changing direction, but in vain. He got a hand to it, but this was not enough and Juventus were ahead. Could Cech have done better? The images were not flattering. Yet given the form he was in last night it would be most out of character to err in this way. More than any Chelsea player, he deserved the benefit of the doubt.Juventus Stadium erupted. It really is a love-in here these days. The hated Stadio delle Alpi with its mood-killing running track and cavernous empty spaces is now flat, replaced by a shiny compact new arena.
Maestro: Andrea Pirlo deputised in midfield for Juventus
Jubilant: Gianluigi Buffon was ecstatic after the third goal
Judging by the atmosphere at last night's game, the club has rarely felt so at one with its fans. Raucous and close to the action, suddenly Juventus are a football club again rather than this strangely stateless institution, as popular in the south of the country as they were in their own city.Chelsea were restricted to isolated counter-attacking chances, although one at least touched the realms of the truly spectacular. It came in the ninth minute when Juan Mata fed Oscar who went on a mesmerising 60-yard run, eluding at least three Juventus players and finishing by feeding the ball to Eden Hazard who should have done more with his shot, tipped round by Gianluigi Buffon in the Juve goal.
Outclassed: Petr Cech was helpless to prevent the goals flying in
On the bench, Torres no doubt consoled himself that he could have dealt with it better, but he couldn't. That was why he was on the bench. Introduced late in the game for John Mikel Obi, he made negligible difference.A botched clearance from David Luiz - is there any other kind? - had to be cleared from the line by Cole or Chelsea could have gone in at half time two down, but Juventus did not have to wait an age for the goal that sealed victory.Kwadwo Asamoah made another powerful run down the left and cut the ball back precisely for the late-arriving Vidal, whose shot struck Ramires, diverting the ball through the legs of Cech. By the end, even Chelsea's mighty goalkeeper was rattled.
On the brink: Roberto Di Matteo suffered a devastating defeat in Turin
When substitute Sebastian Giovinco sprung the high-line defence, there really was no need for him to come chasing off his line quite so dramatically, with Cole covering. It made Giovinco's mind up and he finished first-time from 30 yards.At that moment, it became Chelsea's biggest defeat in Europe in 12 years. They weren't reigning champions then, however, and the Roman Abramovich years were still to come. So this is a big one. A landmark.Just the thought of playing Juventus cost Luiz Felipe Scolari his job in 2009 because Abramovich was not convinced his coach would beat them. The reality may do for Di Matteo now.This is a record defeat in Europe for Abramovich era Chelsea, but one man has the power to address that, and no doubt will. It's not the manager, by the way.Juventus Stadium
Match Zone, by Matt Barlow
It's a ton of trouble for Cole
Ashley Cole was back after a hamstring injury to make his 100th European appearance. His first was in Arsenal's 4-2 win over Sparta Prague in 2000 but this was never likely to be so comfortable.
With his first contribution Cole failed to clear and conceded a chance to Stephan Lichtsteiner, who, seconds later, beat him to Andrea Pirlo's pass. Both efforts were saved by Petr Cech but Cole did make a brilliant goal-line clearance before the break.
No substitute for experience
Only three players - Ashley Cole, Petr Cech and John Mikel Obi - were in the Chelsea team which drew 2-2 with Juventus in Turin in March 2009.
It underlines the team's transformation in the race to 'Be like Barca' and the absence of big-game experience when names like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are removed. For all their pace on the break, there is still some value in having know-how on the pitch.
Bendtner left out of Juventus squad
No sign of Nicklas Bendtner in the Juventus team, not even on the bench. The former Arsenal striker was left to contemplate his art collection and another coach who misunderstands him. Bendtner's chances of being involved vanished when Mirko Vucinic was declared to have recovered from his cold and Sebastian Giovinco dropped to the bench. Goals have been an issue for Juventus but Fabio Quagliarella justified his inclusion when he opened the scoring.
Spartak Moscow 0 Barcelona 3: Messi on course to surpass Muller's record as double helps Barca bounce back from Bhoys defeat
By WILLIAM GRIFFITHS PUBLISHED: 19:53 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 19:53 GMT, 20 November 2012
Lionel Messi moved to within five goals of Gerd Muller's scoring record as Barcelona qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Spartak Moscow.The Argentinian scored twice to go to 80 goals so far in 2012, just five behind Muller's record number of goals scored in a calendar year from 1972.Dani Alves gave Barcelona the lead before Messi's double strike with all the goals coming before half-time.
Majestic: Lionel Messi scored another two goals against Spartak Moscow
It was tough on Spartak who showed first but Kim Kallstrom fired over before Pedro almost put the Catalan side in front but his instant shot was superbly parried by goalkeeper Andrei Dykan who showed his quick reactions in the centre of the goal.Barcelona went ahead in the 16th minute through Dani Alves when he struck a volley cleanly past the goalkeeper after the ball was laid off by Messi at the edge of the area.The visitors then wasted a great chance to equalise when Emmanuel Emenike's cross from the right found Marek Suchy who had got ahead of his marker but he did not even get a shot on target from less than 12 yards, instead ballooning the ball over.They were left to rue that when shortly after Barca took a two-goal lead.
Now you see me... Messi rounded Andriy Dykan in Moscow
Team spirit: Barcelona navigated their way through a tricky tie in Russia
Don't forget about me: Dani Alves opened the scoring for Barca
Andres Iniesta's shot from a narrow angle brought a parry from the goalkeeper but Messi pounced on the rebound and although he half snatched at the shot the ball bounced into the bottom right-hand corner.Spartak were still creating chances, Emenike firing over although he was at full stretch.Messi scored his second of the night and Barca's third six minutes before the break when he timed his run perfectly and latched on to Pedro's superbly weighted pass, got ahead of the defence and rounded the keeper before slotting the ball home.
Whoops: Kim Kallstrom (left) bundles over Cesc Fabregas (right)
No chance: Messi is closing in on Gerd Muller's record of 85 goals in a calendar year
Emenike shot over at the start of the second half but Barca were weaving the ball around. Yevgeni Makeev completely miscontrolled the ball when well-positioned and the game was clearly beyond the hosts who had failed to take any of their chances.Dykan thwarted Messi and Pedro as the game played itself out without further score as Barca breezed through.
Just like that: The Argentinian is Barcelona's all-time top goalscorer, aged just 25
Controversy! Shakhtar striker Luiz Adriano accused over unsporting goal in Denmark
By MATT FORTUNE PUBLISHED: 21:35 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 23:22 GMT, 20 November 2012
Luiz Adriano prompted widespread condemnation and cacophonous boos from the FC Nordsjaelland crowd after scoring one of the most controversial goals the Champions League has seen, netting after an injury to an opponent, as Shakhtar Donetsk reached the last 16 on Tuesday.The Brazilian bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 Group E win in the Danish capital but the game turned on an unsavoury episode after 26 minutes.Seemingly unaware that his team-mate Willian was attempting to pass the ball back to Nordsjaelland's goalkeeper after Morten Nordstrand had receieved treatment, Luiz Adriano raced clear of the bemused defence, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.
What did I do? Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano sparked a furious reaction from FC Nordsjaelland players after he raced onto an uncontested bounce ball back pass to score in their Champions League match
An attempt for Nordsjaelland to walk the ball into Shakhtar's net to cancel out the goal was stopped by a visiting defender, further enraging the hosts and crowd.
'Their striker didn't get it,' Nordsjaelland captain Nicolai Stokholm said. 'I looked down at my armband, and there's something about respect - it has to be said we didn't see much of that.'We thought that they would give us a goal. Half their team seemed to think so too, but the other half didn't.' The club's sporting director Jan Laursen, added: 'I hope my boy was in bed by the time Shakhtar scored a goal of that character - that sort of thing doesn't belong anywhere.'
That settles it: Shakhtar went on to win 5-2 and secure their place in the last 16
Luiz Adriano did little to suggest he was aware of his wrongdoing, and the whole episode drew comparisons with an FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Sheffield United in 1999. Then, newly-signed Nwankwo Kanu was at the centre of a storm after setting up Marc Overmars when the rest of the players had stopped to allow a throw-in to be played sportingly back to the Blades' goalkeeper, Alan Kelly.The goal proved to be the match-winner, though Arsenal offered to replay the fixture, a game they promptly won 2-1.
Previous: Marc Overmars and Nwankwo Kanu caused controversy with a similar incident in 1999
In Denmark, after the controversy Kasper Lorentzen put the men in red ahead again on the half-hour to the delight of the local supporters. But the lead didn't last for long - Willian scored either side of half-time, while Adriano completed his hat-trick in the 53rd and 81st minute.The result means Shakhtar have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions Lague, and a draw in their final group game against Juventus will also see the Italians through at Chelsea's expense.
Benfica 2 Celtic 1: Hoops Euro future out of their hands after narrow defeat in Portugal
By MICHAEL WALKER PUBLISHED: 21:38 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 01:51 GMT, 21 November 2012
On arrival in Lisbon, Neil Lennon had warned how quickly the landscape of a group can change. Celtic discovered that not once but twice on a night when Barcelona’s early victory in Moscow ensured Celtic are in the Europa League after Christmas. A place in the Champions League last 16 is still possible though, and Celtic know that against Spartak in Glasgow in a fortnight, if they better Benfica’s result in Barcelona, then it is the Scottish champions who will go through. Such permutations were instantly top of the agenda on the final whistle in saturated Lisbon.
All smiles: Garay (centre) is mobbed after scoring the winning goal in Benfica's Group G clash with Celtic
MATCH FACTS
Benfica: Artur Moraes, Almeida, Luisao, Garay, Melgarejo, John, Matic (Maxi Pereira 78), Lima (Gaitan 75), Perez, Cardozo, Salvio (Jardel 90). Subs Not Used: Paulo Lopes, Bruno Cesar, Nolito, Rodrigo. Booked: Melgarejo, Almeida. Goals: John 7, Garay 71.
Attendance: 49,000 Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).
Celtic had held their own against last season’s quarter-finalists in the first half – Giorgos Samaras equalising Ola John’s 7th minute opener – but in the second half, Lennon’s men were pushed back and Fraser Forster once again grew in significance.Celtic’s keeper made two fine saves after the break, and Adam Matthews provided a goalline clearance in the 53rd minute when Forster was beaten, but 20 minutes from time the Hoops had no response to Ezequiel Garay’s thumped close-range volley.
'I’m disappointed with the manner of the goals we conceded,” Lennon said, “it was probably our most disappointing performance in the group. There was a lack of composure, nervousness. 'But we still have a chance in this competition. What we must do is win at home against Spartak and make Benfica win in the Nou Camp, which is no easy feat.”But injuries are mounting and Lennon said that his captain, Scott Brown, is set for hip surgery having 'run his course'. The Celtic manager said the same of Charlie Mulgrew, who came off at half-time having supplied the 32nd minute corner that Samaras nodded in at the far post unmarked. There were shades of Victor Wanyama’s goal against Barcelona in that.
Heartbreak: The Scottish side will now be relying on other results after losing in Portugal
On target: Garay scores for the hosts after 71 minutes to break Celtic hearts
Rallying the troops: Celtic manager Neil Lennon barks instructions at his players during the Champions league tie
It was Celtic’s first corner and at that stage the visitors had weathered Benfica’s storm. But in the 44th minute Forster had made a good block with his left foot to thwart John and the second half was too one-way for Celtic’s comfort.Centre-halves, Efe Ambrose and Kelvin Wilson, both did what they could as Benfica pressed, but it was the returning home captain Luisao who won the header from which Garay, another centre-half, belted in the winner. Young Tony Watt, the hero-sub against Barcelona, was sent on and had two chances. Another substitute, Beram Kayal, also had one, but that composure Lennon mentioned, was missing.
Head boy: Samaras scored from a corner before sliding on his knees in celebration (below)
Dutch of class: Ola John opened the scoring for the hosts with just seven minutes on the clock
Jumping for joy: Benfica's hopes of progressing remain alive after they beat Celtic
Galatasaray 1 Manchester United 0: Ferguson's kids fall on a Gala night
By CHRIS WHEELER PUBLISHED: 21:35 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 02:09 GMT, 21 November 2012
Who said this game didn't matter? It may have been a dead rubber as far as Manchester United were concerned but try telling that to the 43,000 screaming Turks who packed into the old Ali Sami Yen Stadium.Make no mistake, this is about as hostile as it gets. Even considering that United were already assured of first place in Group H, it was a bold move by Sir Alex Ferguson to name the third youngest starting line-up he had selected for a Champions League game. In the week that we lost Kenny Morgans, the youngest of the Busby Babes, it was perhaps appropriate.
Looking to the skies: Galatasaray's Burak Yilmaz celebrates his goal
Man Utd: Lindegaard, Da Silva, Jones, Carrick, Buttner, Anderson (Young 74), Fletcher, Cleverley, Powell (Macheda 74), Welbeck (King 85), Hernandez. Subs Not Used: Johnstone, Wootton, Cole, Vermijl. Booked: Da Silva.
Attendance: 43,000 Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)
United were beaten by a second-half header from Galatasaray dangerman Burak Yilmaz that keeps alive the Turks' hopes of qualifying in second place. But there were positives in the way United handled the occasion, even though Ferguson's side surrendered their 100 per cent record in Europe this season and failed to test goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. For long periods United kept possession well and restricted their opponents to long-range efforts, much to the annoyance of the home fans who roared and whistled their frustration.It spread to the fired-up Galatasaray players, who were guilty of a spate of questionable challenges. Two in the first half, by Felipe Melo on Nick Powell and Semih Kaya on Alex Buttner, could easily have resulted in red cards. Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo produced one yellow, for Kaya. Ferguson was as unhappy about that as he was about the decision to only add on three minutes at the end.
Sneaking in: Yilmaz sees his header go in the goal
Turkish delight: Galatasaray's Felipe Melo celebrates the goal against United
'They were lucky to remain with 11 men on the pitch,' said the United boss. 'They were two shocking challenges, but being so early in the match you perhaps get away with these kind of things. 'I thought there should have been much more than three minutes added on. Players were going down and it's up to the referee to control that.' If Ferguson was looking to throw his youngsters in at the deep end, this was certainly the way to do it. As the teams lined up to a cacophony of noise and red flares, huge flags were unfurled on two sides of the stadium, and a red and orange mosaic featuring a lion and the message 'No Mercy Will Be Shown' dominated another.
Battle for the ball: Phil Jones and Nordin Amrabat fight it out for possession of the ball
It would have been a difficult environment for the internationals Ferguson had left at home, never mind the inexperienced squad he brought here. Powell, who was playing for Crewe Alexandra this time last year, made his first start for United. Take away Ashley Young, and the substitutes had an average age of 20.'I think the first thing is they handled the atmosphere,' said Ferguson. Although Powell performed well, he should have converted United's best chance just before half-time. Tom Cleverley curled over a corner from the left and Powell, unmarked, rattled the bar with a firm header.
Intimidating: The home fans provided a testing atmosphere for the United youngsters
Welcome to hell: Galatasary fans light flares before kick off
Before that Anders Lindegaard had twice been called upon to parry from Yilmaz and Hamit Altintop. But he was beaten eight minutes into the second half, after producing a fine reflex save to turn Melo's header over from close range when the Brazilian had beaten Michael Carrick to Emmanuel Eboue's cross.United were second best at the resulting corner from Selcuk Inan as well, Yilmaz rising above Darren Fletcher and Powell to guide a header into the top corner that gave Rafael, standing on the line, no chance of keeping it out. It was the striker's fifth goal in five games. It was also the 12th time in 19 matches this season that United had conceded the first goal, although this young side could be forgiven far more than their senior counterparts.
Flat out: Galatasaray's Dany Nounkeu and Danny Welbeck race for the ball
'The area we were worried about is where we suffered, and that was set-pieces,' admitted Ferguson. 'That was always going to be a problem considering the lack of experience and height.' The noise level went up another notch after the goal and it was almost 2-0 when Altintop sent a thunderous effort against the bar from 25 yards. Ferguson will be disappointed at United's lack of attacking threat, but it was a big improvement on the 3-0 defeat in Istanbul eight years ago when he put out a weakened team against Fenerbahce.Defeat then meant United finished second in the group and they went out in the first knockout round to AC Milan. This one will not be nearly so costly.
Chance: Nick Powell watches as his header hits the crossbar
Sorry City, but you are going out for the second year in a row! Jose ups the anti ahead of Champions League clash
By ANDY HAMPSON, Press Association
PUBLISHED: 19:22 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 19:58 GMT, 20 November 2012
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has told Manchester City their Champions League bid is already over - and that it must hurt.The Premier League winners must beat the Spanish giants in their Group D clash at the Etihad Stadium to retain just a slim hope of reaching the knockout stages. Even then they would need to follow up by beating Borussia Dortmund in Germany in a fortnight and still hope other results went in their favour to progress.
Bold prediction: Jose Mourinho says Manchester City will fail to make it past the group stages
Mourinho says that is not going to happen and feels that must be damaging for a team that should be capable of winning the Champions League.The former Chelsea boss said: 'I think they are a team to win the competition - one of the teams to win the competition. 'I think it is normal if a big team doesn't win the competition because there are other teams with the same power, desire and responsibility, and only one can win. 'I don't think it is normal when you are out of the competition at the very early stage.
Keeping it fresh: Mourinho hands a packet of mints to Pepe during a press conference at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium
'I speak for myself. If Real Madrid loses a final or semi-final, or even a quarter-final, that is football. 'When you are out at the group phase it is more difficult to accept and understand. 'Last season they are out, and I think this season they will be out again. 'I think they can win tomorrow, of course they can, and they can also win in Dortmund, why not, but eight points is not enough. 'So I think they are out for the second consecutive time and that must be difficult for them.'
Back in England: Mourinho hopes to see Real Madrid win to help them progress
Real are well placed to qualify themselves even though it is Dortmund that top the group with eight points. Mourinho's side have seven with Ajax on four and City two in a tough group comprised of domestic champions. Mourinho, for whom the game will be his 100th in the Champions League, said: "This is a very difficult group. Since the beginning we knew a big team is out, probably two. 'We know every mistake costs and we have known since the beginning everything in this group is in risk.
Not keeping quiet: Mourinho predicted that City would crash out of the competition
'Other teams are playing easy groups and have known from day one they would qualify easily. 'City, Real Madrid and Borussia all want to win the competition, we all can but we all know we can be out in the group stage, especially as Ajax are also taking points and have some ambitions." Real got their campaign off to a winning start when they came from behind to beat City 3-2 in the latter stages of their opening game at the Bernabeu two months ago. Mourinho, a twice winner of the Champions League, said: 'That game was crucial, for sure.
Century man: Mourinho is set to take charge of his 100th Champions League game
'If City had won that match the history would be different. 'We had a fantastic reaction in that match and those three points are crucial for us to be in a position where, I'm not saying were are completely safe but, we depend on ourselves." Given his past successes with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and now Real, coupled with the notoriously short shelf-life of the coach's job at the Bernabeu, Mourinho's future is often the subject of speculation. The 49-year-old, who has regularly spoken of his love for England, has been linked with a return to the Premier League and again teased journalists by suggesting he could come back.
Touching down: Mourinho waves to the awaiting crowd at Manchester airport
He said: "If I can speak of the beauty of my experience - the chance I had to leave my country to make the lap, to go around England, Italy, Spain and to get the best and worst of these experiences to make me a better manager. 'After that, when you have the experience of the most important countries, I think the normal thing is to evaluate, decide where you are happier and make the choice for the future.' When asked if that specifically meant England, he said: 'I don't think it is interesting to talk about my career and my future.
Job to do: Mourinho has landed in England to knock out Manchester City
'We are here to talk about a Champions League game. That is what we are here for and that is what we are going to talk about.' In terms of coming back to the country with Real, however, he said: "I never hide my feelings, even if that makes some people not so happy, but I always said how much I loved my time here and I always like to be back. 'I know when you play in England you have difficult matches, difficult opponents, difficult atmospheres because the crowd is always very strong behind the team. 'But I like that, I enjoy that. Also my players are happy to play.' Real will be without the injured Michael Essien, Gonzalo Higuain, Marcelo and Alvaro Morata at Eastlands.
Call the police! Mancini ready to resort to desperate measures as his City side prepare to tackle Ronaldo
By JOHN EDWARDS PUBLISHED: 09:18 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 09:18 GMT, 20 November 2012
Cristiano Ronaldo makes an eagerly-awaited return to Manchester on Wednesday night, and Roberto Mancini is threatening to adopt an unorthodox approach to stopping him wreaking havoc at the Etihad Stadium. Asked how he intended shackling the Real Madrid dangerman's threat, and preventing him finishing off Manchester City's slender Champions' League hopes, Mancini paused for a moment before saying, with a deadpan look: 'We'll call the police.'
Dangerman: Mancini is all too aware of the threat that Ronaldo will pose
A smile soon followed, but he was adamant it would be a crime if Real's former Manchester United forward missed out on FIFA's backing him for the Ballon D'Or award, even though Lionel Messi appears to be the overwhelming favourite. The Etihad may not be Ronaldo's happiest hunting ground, after just one goal in five games there and two red cards in his last three appearances, but Mancini summed up the task facing City by saying: 'I just hope he can have a bad night on Wednesday because, when you come up against a player who can score one or two goals every game, it is difficult,' he said. 'Ronaldo is a top player and he deserves to win the Ballon d'Or. He scored so many goals last year, and that helped Real finish above Barcelona in La Liga. He and Messi are the best players in the world, but what he did to make Real champions has to count in his favour.
Peerless: Mancini believes Ronaldo deserves the Ballon D'Or over Messi
'I hope he can have a bad night on Wednesday, but when you come up against a player who can score one or two goals every game, it is difficult. 'For him, it will be a big occasion, returning to Manchester, but it is an important night for Real as well, because they want to keep progressing towards the second stage.' Ronaldo scored a late winner when City lost 3-2 at the Bernabeu in the opening game of this season's Champions League, and Mancini believes that loss was the catalyst for City's poor form in their next three group games.
All smiles: Mancini was in a jovial mood as he spoke to the press
'If we had come back from the Bernabeu with a good result it would have probably changed this group for us,' he said. 'It was really disappointing. It's not easy to play there and in the first half they played better than us, but the match totally changed in the second half and, when you are 2-1 up with three minutes to go, you should be very strong to close the game. 'I think that we don't have any chance to go to the second stage, but football is strange. I think for the fans it's an important game because, three or four years ago, City supporters would want this game and to play in the Champions League against Real and Barcelona. Now it's an important game and we want to do a good job.'
We know how to stop Giroud from scoring, claims the Arsenal striker's former boss
By JIM VAN WIJK, Press Association PUBLISHED: 19:12 GMT, 20 November 2012 | UPDATED: 19:12 GMT, 20 November 2012
Montpellier manager Rene Girard remains full of admiration for former striker Olivier Giroud, but will be all out to stop the Arsenal forward netting against his old club. Giroud scored 21 goals to help fire Montpellier to the Ligue One title for the first time in their history last season, before joining Arsenal in a £12million summer transfer.After a slow start, the France international has slowly grown into his new side, scoring five goals as many appearances.
French fancy: Giroud will face his former employers on Wednesday night
Girard said: 'Olivier worked very hard for us and we almost sculpted him into the player he is today. We made history at the club and had great times. 'Unfortunately for us, he is rediscovering his best form and starting to score goals, but we have tactics to try to stop him. 'We know how good he is, but there are also lots of attacking threats here at Arsenal.'Captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is looking forward to taking on his old team-mate.
The centre-half said: 'I know him and he knows me very well. 'We will see how we get on tomorrow, and I will work hard.'Montpellier lost at home to Arsenal on matchday one and their hopes of making it out of Group B are now all but over, sitting bottom with just one point. Girard said: 'I have told the team qualification for the knockout stages is over, but we still have a slight hope of qualification for the Europa League. "We need to look forward now and build for our Ligue 1 campaign.
'We need to be very solid, to try to get back to our usual form, and up the Ligue 1 table.'The Montpellier manager added: 'It is a privilege to play in the Champions League, all of the team dreamt of this and fought for it all of last season. 'It has been quite liberating at times, but we just lacked a touch of experience at certain times in the games. 'We are just trying to find a bit more consistency in our results and a balance in our play.'
SACKED! Di Matteo pays price for Chelsea's Euro woes as Abramovich targets Guardiola (with Benitez also in frame)
By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 09:09 GMT, 21 November 2012 | UPDATED: 09:19 GMT, 21 November 2012
Roman Abramovich fired Roberto Di Matteo this morning after an ‘unacceptable’ run of results.The Chelsea owner, furious with the club’s disastrous Champions League campaign, sacked him this morning just hours after their 3-0 defeat at Juventus.Chelsea executives met at Stamford Bridge to tell Di Matteo that his reign was over just six months after leading them to glory in the European Cup.
Game over: Di Matteo has been sacked, six months after landing the Champions League
Abramovich was furious that the team, who started the season with the chance to win seven trophies, are already in freefall.Although he was prepared to overlook the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City, he was furious with the 4-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup.Abramovich’s circle made it clear that they had to play seven games to ‘qualify’ for the Commuiuty shield and that it should be treated seriously.
Twitter reaction to Di Matteo sacking
Gary Lineker - @GaryLineker: Roberto Di Matteo has been fired by Chelsea. The Roman emporer puts the thumbs down yet again
Ray Parlour - @RealRomfordPele: Redknapp for Chelsea?
Likewise the 4-1 defeat against Atletico in Monaco came after they won the FA Cup against Liverpool and they wanted to win it.Chelsea need a miracle to qualify from Group E of the Champions League and are in danger of becoming the first holders in the history of the competition to go out in the group phase.They are four points behind this weekend’s opponents Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League and cannot afford another defeat after last week’s 2-1 loss at West Bromwich.A Chelsea spokesman said: ‘Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Who's next? The search now begins for a new manager
‘The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season.‘The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.‘The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.‘The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.’
UEFA Champions League Group A wrap: PSG, Porto cruise
22 November 2012
Paris Saint-Germain booked their passage through to the last 16 of the Champions League after a routine 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev.
Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had not previously scored for PSG, grabbed both of the goals for Carlo Ancelotti's men in the Group A clash in the Ukraine.
The first arrived on the stroke of half-time and was largely due to an excellent pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, though the ex-Napoli star's finish was also of the highest order.
After the break, he put the game out of reach for the hosts with a tap-in following a horrendous defensive lapse.
Neither side was able to assert themselves early on but Ibrahimovic helped carve Dynamo Kiev apart just before the break.
A counter-attack orchestrated by Ibrahimovic, who provided a superb through ball to Lavezzi to finish expertly.
Oleg Blokhin's side started the second half with purpose.
Lukman Haruna had a well-struck shot from range, but it proved a routine hold for Salvatore Sirigu, and at the other end the hosts were about to be punished for a huge error.
Yevhen Khacheridi was hopelessly short with a back pass under only moderate pressure, and Blaise Matuidi leapt on the error to square for Lavezzi, who was left with a simple finish.
Although the fight was not out of the hosts, Sirigu was in such form that they would not fight their way back into contention.
The Italy international made a marvellous save from a Dudu shot that seemed destined to loop over him and into the net, while he was also alert enough to stop any other threatening moments.
PSG have set up a Group A decider in a fortnight against Porto at the Parc des Princes, in which three points will be enough to secure top spot.
Porto enjoyed almost total domination over Dinamo Zagreb at the Estadio do Dragao, running out as 3-0 winners after a convincing performance.
Despite some nervous moments for the home side, goals from Lucho Gonzalez, Joao Moutinho and Silvestre Varela wrapped up the victory for the Portuguese giants, who had already secured qualification from their group before kick-off.
UEFA Champions League Group B wrap: Arsenal, Schalke advance
22 November 2012
Jack Wilshere scored as Arsenal booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Montpellier.
Over a year of injury-ravaged frustration was etched on Wilshere's face as he celebrated poking Arsenal ahead in the 49th minute before Lukas Podolski sealed the win with a stunning volley on 63 minutes.
Schalke's win over Olympiakos on Wednesday means Arsenal are guaranteed a place in the second round ahead of their final Group B fixture in Athens on December 5.
Arsene Wenger's side dominated from the outset and nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute, only for Laurent Koscielny's header to rattle against the crossbar.
The only other half-chances of note in the first half at Emirates Stadium fell to Podolski, who scuffed an effort wide.
Arsenal responded to Wenger's half-time team talk after the break as they came out with far more verve and creativity, with Santi Cazorla and Wilshere looking dangerous.
In the 49th minute, the hosts broke the deadlock as Wilshere scored for the first time since his strike in the 4-2 victory over Aston Villa on November 27, 2010.
Thomas Vermaelen floated in a dangerous right-footed cross that former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud headed down perfectly for Wilshere's run.
The midfielder made the finish look simple as he flicked the ball over Montpellier goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren.
Jourdren would have been forgiven for diving out of the way of the strike that sealed the result in the 63rd minute.
Podolski worked a clever one-two with Giroud and struck a scorching volley from 12 yards that left Jourdren with no chance.
The impressive Giroud almost made it three against the club for whom he scored 25 goals last season late on, but the Frenchman's low right-footed strike was saved by Jourdren.
Arsenal got the job done easily but tougher challenges will await as they progress to the knockout rounds for the 13th consecutive season.
Schalke defeated Olympiakos 1-0 at Veltins Arena, securing their passage to the last 16.
A long-range Christian Fuchs strike was enough for the hosts, who now sit in first place in the group with one match to go.
UEFA Champions League Group C wrap: Milan battle through
22 November 2012
AC Milan advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League after labouring to a 3-1 win over Anderlecht on Wednesday.
Anderlecht started the game impressively but were unable to make the most of their superior possession due to a lack of creativity.
They were punished early in the second half when Stephan El Shaarawy put the Serie A giants ahead at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
After Bram Nuytinck was shown a red card, Philippe Mexes netted one of the goals of the competition so far to secure the points.
Tom De Sutter did pull one back for the Belgian outfit but Alexandre Pato restored the two-goal cushion in stoppage time.
Milan put a poor opening period behind them as they found the net two minutes after the restart.
Mattia De Sciglio's deep cross was controlled exquisitely by El Shaarawy and with his second touch he curled a superbly-placed shot past Silvio Proto.
The hosts were regularly hitting a brick wall as they looked to find a route to goal, and any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the space of one minute.
Nuytinck was dismissed in the 70th minute as he took away Pato's legs with the Brazilian ready to go through on goal, but the real blow came from the resultant free-kick.
With his back to goal, Mexes controlled the delivery on his chest and improvised magnificently to loop a stunning overhead kick past an idle Proto from the edge of the area.
John van den Brom brought on De Sutter in the 75th minute and the change proved beneficial as the striker poked in from close range moments later.
Milan took full advantage of an Anderlecht desperate for an equaliser as El Shaarawy burst past the defence before sliding the ball across to Pato for a simple finish in stoppage time.
Zenit St Petersburg came from two goals down to seal a 2-2 draw at home to Malaga.
The visitors shocked the hosts to race into a two-goal lead inside nine minutes, with Diego Buonanotte and Sebastian Fernandez handing their side an early advantage.
A romping start to the second half from the hosts saw them grab a deserved lifeline courtesy of a Danny finish, and the St Petersburg side completed a deserved comeback late on when Viktor Fayzulin emphatically rifled home.
UEFA Champions League Group D wrap: City sent packing
22 November 2012
Manchester City staged another late recovery but were eliminated from the Champions League after a 1-1 draw against 10-man Real Madrid.
A late Sergio Aguero penalty gave the scoreline some respectability for Roberto Mancini's team but a sober evening showed how far they have to go to compete on the highest club stage with a team of Real's calibre.
Jose Mourinho's side took an early grip of Wednesday's match through a 10th-minute Karim Benzema volley that they never looked like relinquishing until City threw caution to the wind late on.
Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off after conceding a soft penalty when he clipped Aguero with 17 minutes left and the Argentine stepped up to level the scores.
But it was not enough to stop City exiting the competition with one match to play, as Real joined Group D leaders Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages.
Real Madrid dominated the opening 20 minutes at Etihad Stadium as they carved open City's leaky defence at will.
The visitors only had Benzema's early goal to show for their initial excellence.
In what has been a familiar theme this season, City played Angel Di Maria onside, the Argentine swung in a ball that found Benzema in oceans of space on the edge of the six-yard box and the Frenchman gleefully belted in the opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo went close doubling Real’s advantage five minutes later but Matija Nastasic made a rare invaluable contribution by clearing off the line.
Mancini threw caution to the wind after the break, sending on Carlos Tevez after an hour to join Aguero and Edin Dzeko in attack.
After 73 minutes, Aguero burst into the box and was clipped from behind by Arbeloa, who received his second yellow card, and the forward stepped up to coolly finish from the spot.
It proved to be too little and too late, as City were once again left to reflect on their shortcomings in Europe.
In Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund recorded a 4-1 win over Ajax in the other Group D fixture.
The visitors needed only eight minutes to open the scoring via Marco Reus, before Mario Goetze doubled their lead with a fine finish.
A somewhat fortunate Robert Lewandowski strike then put the match to bed shortly before the interval, and the Polish striker made it four after the break.
Substitute Danny Hoesen pegged one back for the hosts in the closing stages.
Mourinho: I have seen worse refereeing
The trainer has revealed that he is not too upset that some of the decisions on Wednesday night did not go his team's way as he has been on the receiving end of harsher calls
Juventus are doing very well this season, says Giovinco
The Bianconeri forward has brushed aside criticism directed at the reigning Italian champions, claiming that everything is going in a positive direction for his team
Benitez: I'm at Chelsea to win trophies
The former Liverpool manager has taken on the role at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season after Roberto Di Matteo's dismissal, and insists he is hungry for silverware
Leonardo: Lavezzi is extraordinary
Paris Saint-Germain's sporting director is delighted with the Argentine's performances and was impressed by the two goals he scored against Dynamo Kiev
Luiz Adriano: I am very sorry about my goal
The forward has apologised for his act of gamesmanship in his side's Champions League encounter and promised the incident will never happen again
Agent set for AC Milan talks over Pato exit
The Brazil international reportedly threatened to quit the club after their 3-1 victory over Anderlecht and his representative will now try and resolve the situation
Reus: Gotze is an exceptional player
The Germany international has hailed his team-mate following his sparkling performance in Borussia Dortmund's 4-1 Champions League win over Ajax on Wednesday night
Conte: Juventus' best game is yet to come
The suspended coach believes that the Turin powerhouse can still get better, and added that they must keep on developing to keep up with their biggest European rivals
Arbeloa furious with referee after Manchester City draw
The Spain international, who was sent off in Wednesday's encounter, feels the referee made the wrong decision in awarding the current holders City a spot kick
Mexes: You only score a goal like that once in your career
The France international thoroughly enjoyed his stunning overhead kick in the San Siro side's important away win over the Belgian champions
Gotze: Borussia Dortmund rose to the occasion
The German champions recorded a comfortable win over Ajax on Wednesday, and the Germany international was very pleased with his side's progress since last year
Pepe: Qualification from tough group a good performance
The Portugal international is quite satisfied with his side's Champions League progress from a difficult group, and admitted that Madrid struggled after the break against City
Modric signing has failed to aid Real Madrid's misfiring midfield
Sami Khedira missed several excellent chances in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City and his side's inability to score from deeper may hurt Mourinho's men later in the competition
AC Milan must improve in Champions League, says Allegri
The San Siro side have booked their ticket for the knockout stages of European club football's elite competition, but their coach feels they must do better in the future
Casillas: We should have put the match to bed before the break
The Spain international was not impressed with his side's finishing in the first half, but was pleased that the Blancos eventually secured second spot in their section
Ancelotti: PSG must transfer European form to Ligue 1
The Italian is happy with his side's performances in the Champions League, but warned them that they must do the same on the domestic front
'Mexes goal one of the most beautiful of my AC Milan reign' - Galliani
The defender netted an acrobatic strike from the edge of the box against Anderlecht, and the Rossoneri CEO struggled for superlatives to describe the effort
Klopp: Dortmund are more clinical now
The former Mainz coach has claimed his side have become ruthless finishers this season after watching his side record a 4-1 win over Ajax on Wednesday
Hart rues sloppy defending and poor refereeing for Manchester City's Champions League exit
The England goalkeeper was left to rue slack marking and bemoaned Real's time-wasting tactics as Roberto Mancini's side remain without a win in European competition this season
Neustadter: Schalke relieved to progress
The midfielder has admitted to widespread anxiety ahead of a victory that secured a third successive qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League
Manchester City crash out again as Mancini's identity crisis continues
The Italian continues to give the impression that he does not know how he wants his team to play as a defensive horror show should have been punished even more by Real Madrid
Arsenal boss Wenger delighted with Champions League qualification
Having seen his Gunners side beat Montpellier 2-0 to secure their progress to the knockout stage, the Frenchman has expressed his pleasure in his side and Jack Wilshere's strike
Wilshere: Arsenal weren't good enough against Montpellier
The England international scored his first goal since returning from injury this season, and says his team need to step up their performances ahead of the knockout stages
Uefa confirms Luiz Adriano charges
The Brazilian striker, who scored a hat-trick, is to face disciplinary action after his opening goal was seen by many as going directly against the spirit of fair play
Cristiano Ronaldo: My dream is to win the Champions League again
Los Blancos superstar admits winning Europe’s premier competition for a second time is a personal goal of his while he also claims La Liga is the best league in the world
Montpellier keen to help Arsenal in Champions League, says Girard
The 58-year-old boss insists his team will be doing all they can to aid the Gunners' bid to finish top of their Champions League group by getting a result against Schalke
Nov 22, 2012 11:20:00 AM
By James Vause
Rene Girard insists his Montpellier side will be doing their utmost to beat Schalke in their final Champions League Group B encounter, despite failing to qualify for the knockout stages themselves.
Despite Arsenal and the German side already guaranteeing a safe passage into the last 16, top spot – and the subsequent favourable seeding in the next draw – is still undecided.
Eliminated pair Montpellier and Olympiakos now having a big say in who claims first place, and Girard insists he will be doing all he can to help Arsenal.
"This game [Arsenal] was perhaps beyond our possibilities due to the injuries and the absence of important players." he told reporters.
"But I'm very proud of my players. We play Schalke next and if we can help our friends of Arsenal, we will."
La Paillade's exit from the competition was confirmed on Wednesday night after goals from Jack Wilshere and Lucas Podolski saw Arsenal cruise to a 2-0 victory over the French Champions, leaving the manager to bemoan a lack of consistency.
He added: "On the 90 minutes of the game, we lacked consistency. We made a good first half in playing and in being agressive even if we lacked presence upfront.
'I won the Champions League twice after finishing second' - Mourinho defiant after Real Madrid draw
Dortmund's win over Ajax means los Blancos qualify from Group D as runners-up, but the Portuguese has played down their failure to win the pool, citing his past European successes
Nov 21, 2012 11:30:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Jose Mourinho has refused to read too much into Real Madrid's second-placed standing in the Champions League group stage, stating that his previous successes in the competition with Porto and Inter came after finishing as runners-up.
Los Blancos had to beat Manchester City on Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the knock-out rounds as pool winners, but Sergio Aguero's late penalty extinguished any hopes of them pipping Borussia Dortmund, who ran out 4-1 winners over Ajax, to the post.
"On two occasions I finished second in the group stage, I won the Champions League," he told Sky Sports.
"I finished behind Real Madrid with Porto and we won, and with Inter I finished behind Barcelona and won.
"The other times I finished first, I never won the competition. My experience proves that it doesn't mean so much.
"I think the teams that finished first did well, but after that they are waiting for an opponent who, in principle, are easier for them to overcome, only to discover that they get Real Madrid in the draw."
Mourinho then reflected on Madrid's 1-1 draw against the English champions and was disappointed not to have come away from the match with more than a point, despite a dominant performance.
"I think [we deserved to win], because we had plenty of chances to score the second goal, and if you do that in the first half, the match should be over early on," he continued.
"But we didn't score. They reacted and got the penalty that you on television are in a better position to judge.
"Arbeloa was shown a red card. Again, you are on TV and in a better position to analyse the situation. After that, we were in no position to win and we played for the point to progress to the next round."
The 49-year-old's previous club Chelsea sacked Champions League-winning coach Roberto Di Matteo earlier in the day, but while he sympathises with the Italian, he will offer his unrequited backing to former rival Rafa Benitez.
"That's football," he admitted. "I'm never happy when a manager is sacked because it can happen to me and it's a feeling that nobody wants to have.
"At the same time, everybody knows I like Chelsea and I'll support any Chelsea manager, the same way I supported Roberto and I wished him to do well. I'll do the same for the next manager."
Mourinho also had his say on the position of Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, and stressed that the Italian coach deserves his club's backing.
"Important clubs support coach until the end. I'm happy for him. If this was Madrid, the press wouldn't let him return to the city."
Manchester City owners did not expect Champions League progression, insists Mancini
The Premier League champions were eliminated from the competition at the first hurdle for a second consecutive season after drawing 1-1 with Real Madrid on Wednesday night
Nov 21, 2012 10:37:00 PM
By Alex Young
Roberto Mancini has insisted that Manchester City’s owners did not expect the team to progress from their "difficult" Champions League group.
The Premier League champions’ second consecutive group-stage exit was confirmed on Wednesday night thanks to a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid – only City’s third point from five games in the competition.
And the 47-year-old, despite the claim, admitted he is disappointed with the failure to advance given the talent in the squad and is now keen to right the wrongs domestically.
When asked by Sky Sports if the club’s owners would be aggrieved with the team’s failures in Europe, Mancini replied: "No. We knew it was a difficult group. But we had a good team, when you lose against Madrid and Dortmund you are disappointed.
"I am disappointed like everyone here but also when we started this group we knew it'd be a difficult group. We are a good team and we went out and we made some mistakes.
"The fans are fantastic. They understand we are disappointed like them. They are really important because the season isn't finished. We are top of the league, we have the FA Cup. Now it's finished we can do nothing."
Unlike last season, when they snatched 10 points before being knocked out, City are yet to register a win in the competition this term, and Mancini rued mistakes in previous games – namely the two late goals conceded against Real Madrid on matchday one.
He continued: "I think that we didn't lose tonight, we lost in the first few days. Madrid, and Dortmund at home. It was a different game but 2-1 with five minutes to go.
"In Amsterdam, we scored, but we were missing one or two chances to close the game."
Better than Ibrahimovic? Mexes scores incredible overhead kick for AC Milan and he's a DEFENDER!
By MARK STANIFORTH, Press Association PUBLISHED: 23:09 GMT, 21 November 2012 | UPDATED: 12:33 GMT, 22 November 2012
Could this goal be as good as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ingenious propeller-kick against England? Phillipe Mexes scored AC Milan's second goal against Anderlecht as they beat the Belgian side 3-1 in Champions League Group C.In sensational style, the French defender chested a lofty set-piece on the edge of the area before launching himself in pursuit of the ball and connecting with a sweet overhead kick.
What a goal: Phillippe Mexes fired a wonder goal in for AC Milan
Over it goes: Mexes' goal is similar to the masterful propeller kick scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic some weeks ago
Did you see that? Mexes, a centre half, looked in disbelief after he scored the second goal for Milan
The centre half's volley looped across the box, over the helpless goalkeeper and into the top corner.Mexes' wonderful goal comes soon after Ibrahimovic scored four goals for Sweden against England in Stockholm.The giant Swede latched onto an errant Joe Hart header from 25 yards out for his masterful fourth goal.
Before the ball could hit the ground Ibrahimovic had thrown himself into the air, swung his boot at the ball and fired it over Hart and into the empty England goal, being dubbed one of the greatest goals ever in the process.Milan's win at Anderlecht meant they will join Malaga in the knockout stages. Stephan El Shaarawy put the Italians in front before Bram Nuytinck was sent off for Anderlecht.
After Mexes scored the Ibrahimovic Mark II goal, Tom De Sutter clawed one back for the Belgians before Alexandre Pato fired home the third.
As good as mine? Ibrahimovic (centre) and his Paris Saint-Germain side won elsewhere
In on it: Ezequiel Lavezzi opened the scoring against Dynamo Kiev
Malaga went through as Group C winners despite blowing an early 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Zenit St Petersburg in Russia. Diego Buonanotte and Sebastian Fernandez put the Spaniards in front with just nine minutes gone, before Danny and Viktor Fayzulin rescued a point. Manchester City went out of the competition after drawing 1-1 at home to Real Madrid in Group D.Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund guaranteed progression as group winners with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice in a 4-1 thrashing of Ajax at the Amsterdam ArenA. Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Lewandowski put the in-form Germans out of sight by half-time, and after Lewandowski had added his second of the night, Danny Hoesen grabbed a consolation for the home side with four minutes left.
No sweat: Borussia Dortmund progressed as group winners over Manchester City and Real Madrid
Battling it out: Porto's Lucho Gonzalez scores against Dinamo Zagreb
Porto and Paris St Germain will play off in Paris next month to determine the winners of Group A after both sides underlined their progression to the knockout stages with easy wins tonight.Porto remain a point clear at the top of the group after a 3-0 home win over pointless Dinamo Zagreb, Lucho Gonzalez putting them ahead in the 20th minute before second-half strikes from Joao Moutinho and Silvestre Varela. And the French side also rubber-stamped their qualification with a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine, with Ezequiel Lavezzi opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time and adding a second soon after the break.Christian Fuchs scored the only goal of the game in the 77th minute as Schalke 04 beat Olympiakos to ensure qualification from Group B and give them a one-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.
