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Genevieve Mbeleck on target as Maccabi Kiryat Gat thrash Maccabi Emek Hefer

The Porcupine Warriors beat Bechem United to secure three points in their first game in Kumasi since 2020

Ghana Premier League side Asante Kotoko marked their return to home action in Kumasi with three points as they registered a 2-0 victory over Bechem United on Sunday.

Captain Ismail Abdul Ganiyu and Samuel Boateng left it late to score in the matchday two fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

It was the Porcupine Warriors’ first match back at their traditional home ground since leaving in 2020 to pave way for a refurbishment.

Kotoko have now made it two wins in two league matches so far this season, both triumphs secured by late goals after they similarly beat Dreams FC 2-1 on the opening day away.

It took Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side 83 minutes to open the scoring when Ghana international Ganiyu converted a penalty after Isaac Oppong was fouled in the box.

In the fourth minute of injury time, the hosts made it 2-0 when Boateng directed a close-range header into the net.

By their two wins, the Porcupine Warriors have taken over the top spot on the league table, sitting above King Faisal only due to a better goal difference as the latter sensationally beat Aduana Stars 3-1 away in Dormaa.

With Aduana going unbeaten at home throughout the whole of last season, Faisal, a relegation flirt over the same period, had to be at their best to secure the three points, thanks to goals from Osman Ibrahim (2x) and Abdul Latif. Former Kotoko man Kwame Adom Frimpong scored Aduana’s consolation.

Legon Cities and Ashanti Gold are, meanwhile, tied on four points on the third and fourth positions, respectively, on the table.

At the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, Joseph Adjei, Nathaniel Akwah and Jonah Attuquaye scored for Legon to ensure a 3-2 triumph over newly-promoted Real Tamale United, whose goals came from David Abagna Sandan (2x).

In Obuasi, Isaac Agyeman scored to cancel out Hamin Dafie’s opener for visiting Karela United as the two clubs settled for a 1-1 draw.

Also on Saturday, Hearts of Oak and 13-placed Wafa played out a 1-1 stalemate in Sogakope. Sampson Agyapong’s 59th effort levelled the score after Kofi Kordzi opened the scoring for visiting Hearts, who hold the ninth position.

On Sunday, Ghana teenage starlet Issahaku Abdul Fatawu netted his second goal of the season as Dreams registered a 3-1 away victory over Elmina Sharks. Agyenim Boateng Mensah and Kwaku Karikari were the other two scorers for the winners, with Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw registering the hosts’ consolation.

At Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea were unable to make full use of their home advantage as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Eleven Wonders. The two teams are 14th and 15th on the table, respectively.

Great Olympics and Accra Lions engage each other in a late kick-off on Sunday.

(Originally posted by Prince Narkortu Teye)

Why did Gary Lineker 'sh*t' on the pitch at World Cup 1990?

Marumo Gallants 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns: Unstoppable Masandawana go five points clear

17:22 GMT 07/11/2021

Sphelele Mkhulise, Mamelodi Sundowns & Letsie Koapeng, Marumo Gallants, November 2021

Mkhulise marked his return to the starting line-up with a superb display in midfield as the Brazilians hammered Bahlabane Ba Ntwa

MORE TO FOLLOW...

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

Matt Beard backs Liverpool to rally around Meikayla Moore after own goal hat-trick

West Ham are unchanged from the side that beat Villa last weekend, with the formidable front four of Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals and Antonio all featuring up top.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Takumi Minamino, Tyler Morton, Thiago, Neco Williams, Ibrahima Konate, Divock Origi, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Caoimmhin Kelleher, Nathaniel Phillips.

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane.

WEST HAM SUBS: Alphonse Areola, Craig Dawson, Vladimir Coufal, Issa Diop, Arthur Masuaku, Mark Noble, Alex Kral, Ryan Fredericks, Manuel Lanzini.

WEST HAM (4-2-3-1): Lukasz Fabianski; Ben Johnson, Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma, Aaron Cresswell; Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek; Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals; Michail Antonio.

Meanwhile Liverpool suffered a disappointing 2-2 draw against Brighton last weekend, despite having led 2-0 in the first half. A win today would send them back up to second in the table, just one point behind Chelsea at the top.

Just two points separate West Ham and Liverpool in the table, with Liverpool in third and West Ham fourth. The Hammers are on a three-games winning streak in the league, having beaten Aston Villa 4-1 last time out.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE match commentary of the Premier League clash between West Ham United and Liverpool at the London Stadium.

Mosimane blames Mamelodi Sundowns tactics as Kerr boasts ‘I know my job’

The Nigeria international found the back of the net in the last quarter to help his team bag maximum points at home

David Okereke scored the winner in the 74th minute to steer Venezia past AS Roma in a Serie A assignment that ended 3-2 in favour of the former on Sunday.

It was the Wolves who came into the game as favourites at Pierluigi Penzo Stadium. 

But it took the hosts just three minutes to pass the message to the visitors that it was not going to be an easy outing for them. Gianluca Mancini conceded a free kick in the danger zone which was well taken by Mattia Aramu. Mattia Caldara managed to control the ball before firing past the goalkeeper to get an early advantage.

Roma thought they had won a penalty in the 10th minute when Ridgeciano Haps was adjudged to have committed a foul in the danger zone, but after a VAR review, the referee changed his mind.

After Jordan Veretout and Tammy Abraham had missed massive chances to equalize for the visitors, Okereke had an opportunity to punish them in the 36th minute. He made a solo run, using his individual brilliance to get into the danger zone, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

A melee in the danger zone ended with the ball kindly falling to Eldor Shomurodov who did not make a mistake from close range to bring the teams onto level terms in the 43rd minute.

Former Chelsea striker Abraham then completed the comeback two minutes later, converting Shomurodov's assist ensuring his team went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Bryan Cristante won a penalty for Venezia in the 65th minute and Aramu stepped up for the occasion. He fired past Rui Patricio in the Roma goal to send the crowd into a frenzy.

In the 68th minute, Sergio Romero had to be at his best to deny Abraham who had been let loose in the danger zone.

That was a defining moment for Venezia who started playing cautiously and relying on counter-attacks. The tactic worked with about 15 minutes to go when Ethan Ampadu found Okereke, who is on loan from Club Brugge in space.

The 24-year-old wrong-footed the goalkeeper before firing into the back of the net to hand his team maximum points at the expense of the Jose Mourinho men.

It was his third goal in 11 Serie A matches for his team.

(Originally posted by Seth Willis)

Matchday LIVE: Arsenal v Watford, West Ham v Liverpool and more Premier League action plus Milan derby in Serie A

Stay right up to date with Goal's live commentary coverage of the biggest games from around the globe

Everton 0-1 West Ham: Player ratings as Ogbonna bags deserved winner

The retired footballer used to participate in the rivalry between Amakhosi and the Buccaneers but feels this fixture is no longer the same

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has described it as a “shame” that the Soweto Derby has lost its “spark” as he slammed the Glamour Boys and Orlando Pirates for their lack of quality.

His remarks come after Chiefs edged Pirates 2-1 in Saturday’s Premier Soccer League clash at FNB Stadium.

While exonerating Keagan Dolly who grabbed a brace and Khama Billiat who provided an assist and won a penalty for Chiefs, Khanye criticises Amakhosi players, saying they “look ordinary.”

“The derby is no longer the same, it no longer has some spark because these players are not confident to take some responsibility. We need to be realistic, it’s a shame on both teams,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.

“There are only two players who complement Chiefs [Dolly and Billiat]. They are always raising their hands up. The rest look ordinary, I think Chiefs is too big for them. They were only playing well for their previous teams. The coach plays two defensive midfielders who are Nange and Ngcobo. 

“Ngcobo is not a midfielder, he was unnecessarily losing the ball. He looked ordinary there. If someone recommends him and brings a scout to watch him play, the scout would say this is a bad player yet this guy is a defender. The coach played Cardoso and they conceded." 

The ex-Chiefs star then turned his focus to Pirates as he feels they did not do enough in the transfer market to build a solid team.

Since last season, Pirates have been complaining of injuries to key players especially upfront. 

They currently have players like defender Innocent Maela, goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Thembinkosi Lorch, Frank Mhango, Vincent Pule and Zakhele Lepasa on their injury list.

“During the last transfer window, Pirates were supposed to sign three players to back up or compete against Lorch, Pule and Gabadinho Mhango. Because if these players get injured, you don’t have those that can run and are arrogant on the ball or players who score in big matches like Lorch,” Khanye said.

“Pirates have the technical team to blame because they were supposed to sign attacking players so that if Lorch or Pule gets injured, there are others who can score.”

(Originally posted by Michael Madyira)

Teddy Sheringham recalls 'mayhem' of Man Utd's 1999 Champions League win

The Egyptian forward's sparkling form has seen him earn comparisons to one of the game's greats

Diogo Jota says Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah is reaching the level of Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after a blockbuster start to the season.

Salah has scored 15 goals in 14 appearances to top Liverpool’s charts and is also their leading assist-maker with six.

His dazzling form has helped lift Jurgen Klopp’s side into early title contention in the Premier League as well as secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages with two group matches to spare.

What was said?

Speaking about the impact Salah has made this season, Jota told Sky Sports. “A great player, world class. He is showing his technique to the world this season.

“He is scoring goals for fun. Great goals, individual goals, and for us this is helpful because we have someone on the field who can decide the game, and for the opponents they know they need to be careful and we can then take the spaces that they leave because they are too worried about him.”

Jota admits he feels a sense of awe when he takes to the field alongside the Egyptian, who is among the contenders for this year’s Ballon d'Or.

The former Wolves forward says he first experienced a similar feeling when he played alongside Ronaldo for Portugal, and having seen both players a close quarters, the 24-year-old believes they are nearly on a par in terms of ability and performance level.

“I had that first feeling when I played for the national team with Ronaldo and I think I can put him (Salah) up there to the same standards, though Ronaldo has been doing it for a very long time,” he added. “When they are on the field they are dangerous and can score at any time. And for me that is very useful as I can watch and learn from them.”

Further reading

Mwendwa: It was painful to see Mathare United and Zoo FC axed but FKF had no option

The defender scored an own goal early in the first half as the Red Devils went on to lose 2-0 against Manchester City

Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly has promised to keep his head up after scoring an own goal during the Manchester Derby, when Manchester United lost 2-0 to Manchester City on Saturday.
 
Bailly's attempt to make a clearance in the seventh minute saw the ball slide into his own net and that gave Manchester City an advantage early in the game.

In the process, the Ivorian became the first Manchester United player to score an own goal in the Manchester derby in the Premier League era.
 
The own goal, coupled with Bernardo Silva's strike just before half-time, meant Manchester United are now without a clean sheet in their last 14 home games in all competitions.

They've only had one longer run in their entire history without a home clean sheet, a 21-game run between April 1958 and March 1959.
 
"Nobody is more frustrated than me. I have to keep my head up, no excuses," Bailly said on Instagram after the derby.

 
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed Manchester United played below their standard even though they faced a tough team.

"It's very difficult to talk now, of course, because we started the game off badly, passive and when they get the first goal, it was always going to be a difficult game anyway, but being 1-0 down was hard," the manager said in his post-match address
 
"David [De Gea] kept us in the game, some good stops and then they scored a goal they always score. [Joao] Cancelo cuts inside, cross [to the] back-stick that we know that’s going to happen and it shouldn’t happen. 
 
"It's disappointing, of course. It’s hard to talk at the moment. We played against a good team, don’t forget that, but we were nowhere near what our standards and levels could be and that’s something we have to get back to. 
 
"We’ve got to go back to being on the front foot, be more aggressive, maybe circumstances have made us a little bit more cautious and passive.
 
"We have to be more precise on the ball, trust ourselves on the ball, without the ball, be more aggressive, find the angles quicker and play the passes we should be doing."
 
The next Premier League match for the Red Devils will be an encounter against Watford, after the international break on November 20.

(Originally posted by Kiplagat Sang)

'We have been massively unlucky' - East Bengal's Robbie Fowler rues missed chances against FC Goa

'If Mane was not happy, fine' - Klopp disagrees with 'worst season' claim | Goal.com

African All Stars

08:49 GMT 07/11/2021

Sadio Mane of Liverpool and Senegal.

Klopp disagrees with Sadio Mane's assessment that last season was the Liverpool star's 'worst' of his career.

Seattle Sounders 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions

The former champions are currently unbeaten in the six matches they have played, but their coach was unimpressed by the goal conceded on Saturday
(Originally posted by Seth Willis)

‘Manchester United players not feeling Ole’ – Ambani calls for Solskjaer sacking after derby defeat

The former Harambee Star feels the time is up for the Norwegian tactician and he should leave Old Trafford after the Red Devils suffered another loss
(Originally posted by Dennis Mabuka)

Fan View: Orlando Pirates have their very own Maguire in Hlatshwayo

The former Bafana Bafana captain's performance in the Soweto Derby was one of the main talking points on social media

Orlando Pirates succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the biggest match in the South African football calendar on Saturday afternoon.

Two second-half goals from Keagan Dolly inspired Amakhosi to a victory over their Soweto rivals with Linda Mntambo scoring Bucs' goal at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

It was a match that saw Pirates vice-captain Thulani Hlatshwayo make a mistake that led to Chiefs' first goal before his central defensive partner Olisa Ndah conceded a late penalty which was converted by Dolly to seal Amakhosi's victory.

Many fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the titanic encounter with some comparing Hlatshwayo with Manchester United captain and defender Harry Maguire.

Read how Twitter reacted to Chiefs' victory over Pirates:

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

Niang opens season account as Kalu-less Bordeaux bow to PSG

The Senegal international got off the mark as the Girondins crumbled to the Parisians at home

M'Baye Niang scored his first goal of the season as Bordeaux suffered a 3-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Playing in his second game of the 2021-22 campaign, the Senegal international found the net but that could not stop the Girondins from losing before their teeming fans.

Still fresh from their 3-2 victory over Reims, Vladimir Petkovic’s men welcomed the Parisians – who were unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions – to the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

Nonetheless, they were pegged down by Neymar’s goal in the 26th minute. After he was found by Kylian Mbappe’s cross, the Brazilian beat his marker before drilling the ball past goalkeeper Benoit Costil at the near post.

Two minutes before the half time break, Mauricio Pochettino’s men doubled their advantage as Neymar and Mbappe combined again with a splendid one-two – with the Frenchman’s backheel setting up his partner to slot the ball home.

PSG’s dominance continued in the second half and they went three goals up three minutes after the hour mark through Mbappe who was assisted by Georginio Wijnaldum.

Not willing to go down without a fight, Bordeaux made some substitutions with Niang and Remi Oudin replacing Ricardo Mangas and Brazil’s Otavio respectively.

That paid off as they reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, as Honduras forward Alberth Elis capitalised on some sloppy play at the back to shoot past goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Buoyed by that, they pushed further for more goals. In stoppage time, Jimmy Briand and M’Baye linked up well to disentangle PSG’s backline as the African found the net.

A third was out of reach as Bordeaux crumbled to their fifth defeat of the ongoing campaign.  

Cameroon midfielder Jean Onana was handed a starter's role but he was subbed off for Fransergio, while Nigeria's Samuel Kalu and Algeria's Abdel Medioub were unused substitutes.

Mozambique's Mexer and Mali's Issouf Sissokho were ruled out of the game due to contrasting injury problems.

For PSG, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi was in action from start to finish with Idrissa Gueye coming on as a second-half substitute for Julian Draxler.

Thanks to the result, the Parisians lead the Ligue 1 log with 34 points from 13 matches. They host Nantes in their next match on November 20.  

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

LIVE: Man United face Villarreal in UCL

The Three Lions boss has often seen his decisions regarding Liverpool stars come under the spotlight

England manager Gareth Southgate admits he is at a loss to explain why he has become the target for Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp's venom over team selection. 

Klopp has in the past hit out at Southgate over the use of Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and other decisions involving his charges

But the Three Lions boss insists that from his perspective at least there is no conflict between the two. 

What was said? 

“I don’t quite know why he keeps having a swing, you’d have to ask him,” Southgate told reporters when asked about Klopp.

“I think we’ve always got on reasonably well. I’ve noticed quite a few articles and quite a few comments, which is always interesting to see.

“Do I form bonds with club managers? They come and go pretty quickly so it’s important to have a good relationship somewhere in the clubs, but maybe the managers [aren’t] the priority because it’s very transient.

“I don’t think that will be the case with the Liverpool manager, by the way. I’ve got no problem with Jurgen at all. You’d have to ask him why he’s made the comments he has.”

Confidence in Kane

Southgate is also hoping that the arrival of Antonio Conte at Tottenham helps get the best out of Harry Kane, whose form has been disappointing since seeing a move to Manchester City fall apart over the summer. 

“Now there’s an opportunity for Harry to be able to put everything behind him,” he added.

“He announced he wanted to stay. Now there’s a change of manager, I think there’s a fresh start for him. That will be a good stimulus for him.”

“Harry has 41 goals in 65 internationals and we need to win a game of football. There’s nobody we trust more if a chance drops to him than Harry Kane. He’s the outstanding centre-forward of his generation.

“I’m sure the whole thing has been an experience that has been difficult. He’s ended up, understandably, with an adverse reaction from some of the fans there. So he’s had to deal with a lot of unintentional consequences of the possible move in the summer.

"Antonio coming in is probably a good thing from Harry’s personal point of view. Knowing Antonio as I do – an outstanding coach, a very good man – I’m sure he’ll get a response and a reaction out of Harry very quickly.”

England take on Albania and San Marino in their final World Cup qualifiers in November, and know that four points from the two games will be sufficient to secure their place at Qatar 2022 regardless of results elsewhere in the group.

Further reading 

(Originally posted by Goal)

Oshoala: Red-hot Nigeria forward scores as Barcelona see off Eibar

The Nigeria international has now scored eleven league goals in nine appearances as Blaugranes subdued Ana Junyent’s women

Asisat Oshoala found the net as Barcelona secured a 3-0 away victory over Eibar in Saturday’s Spanish top-flight outing. 

The Nigeria international has been in blistering form for the Blaugranes in the 2021-22 campaign – netting 10 goals in eight league appearances.

Against Ana Junyent’s side, she increased her tally to help Barca continue their perfect start.

Still basking in the ecstasy of their 3-1 away triumph over Madrid their last time out, Eibar began the game on an impressive note and had the first chance at goal but Cata Coll saved a threatening free-kick.

That proved to be a reality check for the reigning European champions who soon took control of ball possession.

They took the lead in the 19th minute as Swiss star Ana Crnogorcevic headed past goalkeeper Noelia Garcia a Lieke Martens cross.

Five minutes later, Oshoala doubled the advantage for the visiting side after tucking the ball inside an empty net following a goalmouth scramble in Eibar’s penalty area. Although, credit must be given to Crnogorcevic for troubling the hosts’ backline.

In the goal-laden first half, Jonatan Giraldez’s went three goals up six minutes before the half time break courtesy of Jenni Hermoso who was teed up by Dutch star Maertens.

Barca came close to scoring more goals before the half time break but they wasted those opportunities.

While Maria Leon sent one over the crossbar, Claudia Pina’s powerful effort was saved by goalkeeper Noelia Garcia.

Many would have predicted a harvest of goals in the second half but Eibar put up a solid defensive display to keep the scoreline decent.

After featuring for 59 minutes, four-time African Women’s Player of the Year Oshoala was subbed off for Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen.

On the other side, Zambia international Racheal Kundananji was introduced for Ana de Teresa a minute before the hour mark. Whereas, Equatorial Guinea’s Ruth Alvarez and South Africa’s Noko Matlou were not listed for action.

Blaugranes remain at the summit of the Spanish top flight with 27 points garnered from their first nine league matches played so far.

Unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions, Barcelona welcome Levante to the Estadi Johan Cruyff in their next league outing on November 13.

Three days earlier, they will square up against German side Hoffenheim in a Champions League encounter.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

MLS Power Rankings Week 16: Portland Timbers rocket into top 10

The 41-year-old mentor was proud of his Bucs players after the team recorded its second league defeat of the season

Orlando Pirates co-interim coach Fadlu Davids felt that his side was the better team following their clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday afternoon. 

The Buccaneers suffered a narrow 2-1 loss to their Soweto rivals in a titanic Premier Soccer League match that was played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Davids disclosed what Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter told him after the Soweto Derby encounter which produced three second-half goals. 

“When the opposition coach Stuart Baxter comes to me afterwards and apologises for the penalty, saying that we should have got a penalty in the second half and for the challenge on Terrence Dzvukamanja late on, you know the story,” Davids told SuperSport TV.

Pirates dominated possession for large periods of the game, but two goals from Keagan Dolly inspired Chiefs to a victory.

Linda Mntambo scored Pirates' consolation goal in the 87th minute and Davids was disappointed to see his charges fail to take their chances in the first half. 

“We exerted total dominance from the first half until the end of the match. At half time, we told the players that they need to use the dominance to score," he continued. 

"That has been a problem for us right now as well as gifting opposition goals. We gifted them the first and the penalty that they got to score, the second was questionable.

"We dominated from start to finish so I’m proud of the players in that regard but we should not be giving opponents goals." 

Davids, who is working with Mandla Ncikazi as Pirates' co-head interim coaches, was pleased with the impact made by their substitutes.

“The substitutes made an impact and gave the cherry on the top of our attack. The best team lost today and it’s clear," he added. 

"The players performed well but we need to start scoring when we dominate. We got the equaliser when we were the only team that was pushing to get the winner.

"But we were unfortunate to have conceded the penalty." 

The defeat saw Pirates slip down to seventh place on the league standings and they will now take on Lamontville Golden Arrows in their next game on November 20.

(Originally posted by Austin Ditlhobolo)

Copyright

© ProSoccerUSA

LA’s biggest stars light up El Tráfico this Friday

The reigning Nigerian women’s queens began their continental campaign on a losing note against a solid Moroccan outfit

Rivers Angels bowed 3-0 to AS FAR on Saturday evening to commence their Caf Women Champions League campaign on a sour note.

Sanaa Massoudy was the hero as she scored all goals as Abadallah Haidamou’s women subdued the most successful Nigerian team ever.

In the game staged at the Al Salam Stadium, the Moroccans opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Massoudy.

The Port Harcourt based outfit stepped up their game in the second half, albeit, it was the North Africans who doubled their advantage through the striker in the 73rd minute.

With six minutes left on the clock, Massoudy completed her treble to become the first player in the competition’s history to score a hat-trick.

“I’m very happy to be the first player to score a hat-trick in WCL, I dedicate it to my father who passed away,” Massoudy said after the game.

“My favourite goal of the hat-trick was the second one because I showed my capabilities and skills in it. It’s all due to my team’s efforts.”

Prior to the match, coach Abadallah Haidamou had talked up his team’s chances against the Nigerian side, expressing his desire to win the competition.

“We prepared with nine friendly matches, plus two national team matches in which 12 players of our team participated with the national team,” he told Caf website.

“Our players are ready both physically and mentally. We know the first match is a statement and we work on that by studying the team as well as the other teams in the group. Each team has their own strengths, and we are prepared for this.

“We wanted a Women’s Champions league for a long time, so we are now happy we get to showcase our capabilities.

“I won the champions league with AS FAR as a player in 1985 and I want to double that achievement by winning this title with my team.”

Following this setback, Edwin Okon’s team would be aiming to bounce back to winning ways against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies on Tuesday.

The South Africans began their campaign on a positive note – defeating Kenya’s Vihiga Queens 1-0 at Al Salam Stadium.

Melinda Kgadiete’s third-minute strike separated both teams in the keenly contested affair.

(Originally posted by Shina Oludare)

Copyright

© ProSoccerUSA

Varane owns up to howlers: 'This defeat is mine'

The Nigerian icon thinks his former teammate will take Blaugrana back to the top, claiming he knows the club so well

Gbenga Okunowo claims Xavi will do everything possible to return Barcelona to their "glory days" following his announcement as the Catalans’ new manager.

The Spaniard will now take charge of the Blaugrana following the sacking of Ronald Koeman whose 14-month reign at Camp Nou came to an end following Barca's 1-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano.


During his playing days for the La Liga giants, the former Al Sadd boss enjoyed a trophy-laden career that included eight La Liga, four Champions League and six Spanish Super Cup diadems.

With his appointment, Barcelona players would look up to the club’s icon for inspiration as they hope to revive their stuttering 2021-22 campaign.

And Okunowo, who played alongside the 41-year-old at Camp Nou, claims the legend can help turn Barca's fortunes around.

“Xavi's appointment is a good one. I've known him for so long. He knows the club in and out,” the former Nigeria international told Goal.

“He could read the game when he played for Barcelona and he can still read the game very well even now.

“He's always been rated just as Pep [Guardiola] was rated at Barca. He has always been a replacement for Pep all along.

“Barcelona always think ahead with their backup plan. I'm quite confident they will not regret recruiting him as their coach. Barca just need to give him all the support.”

Xavi is one of the most decorated players in Barca's history, having won 25 trophies between 1997 and 2015 including eight Liga titles and the Champions League.

He made 767 appearances for the club, a record bettered only by Lionel Messi, and also contributed 85 goals and 185 assists.

Okunowo states his off-field personality and experience would help him achieve success in his new role.

“He's Barca through and through, so he knows that he needs to use his experience and all the skillset he has gained over the years to make his coaching tenure a successful one,” he continued.

“He knows what needs to be done to make Barcelona reach their top-notch level of performance. I know him as a calm person. 

“He will set up his management and backroom staff in such a way that all hands will be on deck to deliver good football results for Barca.

“Everyone is waiting for him to start his coaching job and hit the ground running and he will do all that is necessary to return Barcelona to its glory days.”

Video: Nivea Men Football Insight - Inter vs Real Madrid

That's all for today, goodbye! 

That win takes Madrid top of the table, but Real Sociedad and Sevilla are still yet to play this weekend. Next up for them is Granada in two weeks' time. Rayo's winless run on the road continues, but they're back at home in their next match as they host Real Mallorca.

Real Madrid hold on to beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1. The hosts dominated the first half, taking the lead through Kroos' volley which was originally ruled out for offside, minutes after the flag had denied Vinicius. Benzema added the second with a good close-range finish. Rayo pushed after the break and Falcao came off the bench to head Rayo back into it before going off injured. Valentin saw a late effort blocked on the line before Lopez's long-range shot was tipped over by Courtois.

90' + 4' FULL-TIME: REAL MADRID 2-1 RAYO VALLECANO.

90' + 1' OFF THE LINE! Rayo come so close! Valentin had an opportunity blocked by Camavinga before Kroos cleared his follow-up effort off the line. It bounces out to Lopez, who curls a great shot towards goal, but Courtois tips it over the bar.

89' The visitors are still looking to their right side as they search for a late equaliser. Alvaro Garcia dribbles past Mendy but his run is cut out by Alaba as soon as he cuts into the box.

87' Rayo are keeping Madrid penned back in their own half still, but their final ball is letting them down. Bebe drifts out to the right to get involved before playing a loose pass straight to Mendy.

85' Hazard is waiting in the box for Madrid, and Casemiro floats a cross into the middle for him. It's just too high for the substitute though and Catena clears his lines.

80' It looks like Falcao has a muscle problem here, and he doesn't look too comfortable as the referee calls the medical team on. He hasn't been on long, and it looks like his game is over.

78' Madrid are looking to quickly restore their two-goal cushion, but that Falcao goal has rattled them. They're moving it much slower than before and can't find a way past Rayo at the moment.

75' OFF THE POST! Madrid's attack breaks down and Bebe picks the ball up just outside his own box before going it alone. When he gets to Madrid's penalty area, he drills a low shot towards the near post. Courtois is beaten, but it bounces back off the woodwork.

73' Another good spell of possession leads to nothing for Rayo. Francisco Garcia's cross is deflected off Militao, but Falcao can't get in front of Alaba so he can get a shot away in the middle.

71' CHANCE! Carvajal does well to keep the ball as he's challenged on the right and he manages to touch it into Asensio. It's a tight angle for him but he gets a shot away, sending it through Dimitrievski's legs and wide of the far post.

66' Vinicius touches it into Kroos, who tees up Benzema on the edge of the box with his first touch. Unselfishly, he tries to chip it into Asensio, but he plays it over the Spaniard's head and straight to the keeper.

64' Madrid push forward again, with Camavinga driving down the right this time. There's no one up with him, so he holds it up, but by the time support arrives, Rayo have packed defenders back into their box.

62' CLOSE! Mendy dummies a shot before backheeling it to Benzema on the left of the box. The Frenchman takes the shot first time, curling it towards the far top corner, but his effort sails just over the bar.

58' SAVE! Vinicius gets in between Rayo's central defenders and Benzema picks him out with a good throughball. He's one-on-one with the keeper and Dimitrievski does well to keep him out with his feet at the near post.

56' Rayo are knocking it around well in midfield, but all of their possession is in front of Madrid still. Valentin switches it out to Alvaro Garcia down the left, but he's dispossessed by Carvajal as soon as he brings it down.

54' GOOD SAVE! Kroos threads it through for Asensio and he gets his head up when he gets to the edge of the box. Dimitrievski rushes out to him so he tries to chip the keeper, but he gets his hand to it to get it away.

53' Alaba is the first Madrid player to have three assists in his first 11 LaLiga appearances since Lucas Vazquez in 2015 (also three) and the first defender to do so for the club in the competition in the 21st century.

51' BLOCK! Vinicius picks up the ball deep and rides a few challenges from the Rayo defenders in the box. He takes it past Francisco Garcia as Dimitrievski rushes off his line, but his low shot is blocked just in front of the line by Balliu.

50' Asensio makes another good run down the right for Madrid and he does well to hold off Alvaro Garcia, who is trying to shove him off the ball. He pulls it back from the byline, but Benzema can't get there ahead of Catena.

48' Rayo almost make a lightning-quick start to the second half with Alvaro Garcia having two great chances. His first volley was blocked by Carvajal at the far post before Militao stood his ground to block his low effort a minute later.

46' Rayo get us back underway for the second half! 

Madrid have ended their run without a goal at home and Ancelotti will be pleased with the performance so far. As things stand, they're going top of the table if they see this out. As for Rayo, they haven't really got going yet and Iraola will be trying to rally his side to take more risks after the break.

Madrid take a 2-0 lead over Rayo into half-time. The hosts thought they'd taken the lead just five minutes in when Vinicius tapped it in, but Benzema was offside in the build-up. Their opening goal was also initially chalked off for offside, but a VAR check meant that Kroos' volley stood. Benzema then doubled their advantage with a close-range finish after a brilliant cross from Alaba.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: REAL MADRID 2-0 RAYO VALLECANO.

44' Benzema has scored 10+ goals in 11 of his 13 seasons in LaLiga (10 in 2021-22 so far); only Lionel Messi (15) has scored 10 or more goals in more LaLiga campaigns in the 21st century.

42' Madrid almost play themselves into trouble as Carvajal clears his line with a switch out to Mendy on the far side. It's cut out by Palazon, but it's a poor first touch from him that bounces straight back to Courtois.

40' MISS! Vinicius cuts inside from the left before drilling a powerful shot across goal from the edge of the box. Dimitrievski gets down to push it away, but Benzema is following in. He dives in to get his head to it but sends his effort looping high over the bar.

37' GREAT SAVE! Kroos floats it out to Militao, who is furthest forward down the right for Madrid. He volleys a cross into the middle, which hits Catena and Dimitrievski pulls off a brilliant save to tip it over the bar and prevent the own goal.

35' Asensio is sprinting into the box, so Carvajal lifts an early cross into the far post. It's too high for him, but Benzema reaches it at the back and tries to volley it back across goal. He gets his angles wrong though and it lands on the roof of the net.

33' Madrid are still keeping possession well here, but it's all in front of Rayo. They're trying to find a way in behind, but the visitors are staying compact at the back.

31' Rayo go for the direct route to goal again with Catena going long for Alvaro Garcia. He tries to catch Madrid out by putting an early cross into the box, but none of his team-mates are there so Courtois collects it.

28' Camavinga is caught on the ball by Comesana and he gets his head up before threading a throughball into Trejo. He's driving through the middle when Kroos tugs him back.

26' Rayo are starting to put the pressure on again here as Valentin lifts a cross into the middle this time. He's looking for Nteka in the middle, but Militao gets in front of him to nod it away.

24' GOOD SAVE! Dimitrievski's throw is cut out by Casemiro and Rayo are in trouble. Benzema squares it to Asensio, who drags it into the box before drilling a low shot across goal, but the keeper punches it away at his near post.

23' Alaba is allowed to carry the ball a long way to the edge of the box before he pokes it out to Mendy before continuing his run. The cross is fizzed into the near post, but he can't get a touch and Dimitrievski holds it.

21' SAVE! Again, Rayo switch it from right to left to open up some space and this time, Francisco Garcia whips in a good cross. He picks out Nteka in the middle, but his thumping header is straight down the middle at Courtois.

19' It's a good run from Trejo as he turns away from Casemiro before riding a challenge from Kroos. Casemiro gets back quickly though and dispossesses him with a perfectly-timed tackle to end the attack.

17' Madrid are pushing to try and add to their advantage with Asensio switching out to the left. He takes it around Balliu and tries to square it to Benzema in the middle, but Saveljich gets across to cut it out.

15' The linesman's flag went up against Vinicius in the build-up to the goal, but the VAR check showed that the forward was actually well onside due to Francisco Garcia on the far side of the pitch.

13' It's a better spell of possession for Rayo now, but it's all in front of Madrid. They're trying to find a way through, but Palazon's run down the right is cut out by Mendy.

11' BENZEMA! Madrid break quickly with Asensio driving forward down the right. He gets ahead of Francisco Garcia to pull the ball back towards the far post and Benzema hits it first time. He leans back though, firing it high over the bar and into the stands.

9' Madrid have drawn their last two LaLiga home games (both 0-0) against Villarreal and Osasuna - they've never had three consecutive goalless draws at home in the top-flight.

7' Madrid are finding their rhythm now and keeping Rayo penned back in their own half. They're switching it from side to side to open up some space but can't find any just yet.

5' OFFSIDE! Madrid's initial corner is cleared by Catena, but Carvajal lifts it back into the box. Benzema heads it back into the middle from the far post with Vinicius tapping it past Dimitrievski, but the Frenchman set off early and the flag goes up.

3' Madrid just haven't been able to get going so far in this game, with Rayo causing them problems with a high press. The visitors are pushing forward through Valentin down the left, but he's stopped by Camavinga.

1' Just 30 seconds on the clock and Rayo have already had their first chance. Alvaro Garcia breaks forward down the left with Carvajal just behind him. He tries to whip his shot behind the right-back but sends it well wide of the far post.

1' Benzema gets the game underway for Madrid! 

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away!

At home, Madrid have only lost one of their last 15 LaLiga games against Rayo (W15 D2) - 1-2 in January 1996.

Andoni Iraola makes three changes to the side that drew with Celta Vigo on Monday. Saveljich returns from injury, with Trejo and Nteka also coming in. Maras, Lopez and Falcao all drop to the bench.

Carlo Ancelotti makes just two changes from the team that beat Shakhtar Donetsk last time out, with Camavinga and Asensio both coming in. Vazquez starts on the bench, while Luka Modric misses out due to illness.

RAYO VALLECANO SUBS: Nikola Maras, Mario Suarez, Sergi Guardiola, Bebe, Kevin Rodrigues, Mario Hernandez, Andres Martin, Radamel Falcao, Unai Lopez, Pathe Ciss, Luca Zidane, Jose Pozo.

RAYO VALLECANO STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Stole Dimitrievski; Ivan Balliu, Esteban Saveljich, Alejandro Catena, Francisco Garcia; Santiago Comesana, Oscar Valentin; Isi Palazon, Oscar Trejo, Alvaro Garcia; Randy Nteka.

REAL MADRID SUBS: Antonio Blanco, Eden Hazard, Andriy Lunin, Jesus Vallejo, Miguel Gutierrez, Toni Fuidias, Marcelo, Nacho, Luke Jovic, Isco, Lucas Vazquez. 

REAL MADRID STARTING XI (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Casemiro, Toni Kroos; Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior.

Since losing to Espanyol in the league at the start of October, Madrid are unbeaten in five games across all competitions, winning four and drawing one, though that draw did come at home when they were held 0-0 by Osasuna. A win today though would take them top of LaLiga. As for Rayo, they've lost just two of their last 10 matches (W6 D2). However, both of those have come on the road, with today's visitors only winning one of their away games so far this season when they beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the LaLiga meeting between Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernanbeu!

(Originally posted by Goal)

LIVE: Bordeaux vs PSG

That concludes our commentary of the Ligue 1 fixture between Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain! We hope you’ve enjoyed it!

Club football comes to a two-week break as international fixtures once again take precedence. Bordeaux will be back on November 21 when they travel to face Metz, while PSG host Nantes on the 20th.

PSG manage to escape from the Stade Matmut-Atlantique with a 3-2 victory despite a nervy final 15 minutes which almost saw Pochettino’s side capitulate. Neymar’s first-half double looked to put the visitors in an unassailable position, before Mbappe managed to add a goal to his two assists in the second half, tapping the ball into an empty net after Wijnaldum’s unselfish pass. Bordeaux wouldn’t lie down however and after a change of shape, Petkovic’s side grew into the match late on and began testing Navas. Elis’ goal with 12 minutes remaining was added to deep in injury time after two substitutes - Briand and Niang - linked up in the penalty area, with the latter finishing from close range. A comeback was not on the cards however, as the hosts ran out of time and saw their efforts go for naught. PSG go 10 points clear at the top of the table while Bordeaux remain 16th.

90' + 4' FULL-TIME: BORDEAUX 2-3 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN.

90' The fourth official indicates three minutes will be added at the end of the 90 for stoppages. 

85' PSG still look like they want more as Mbappe and Neymar are quick to move the ball up the pitch and test the Bordeaux defence. It’s allowing the hosts chances from the counter-attack though as they throw players forward in an attempt to cut the deficit in half.

83' Gregersen does extremely well to keep pace with Mbappe, using his strength to push the forward off with his shoulder before a sliding clearance gets the ball away from the penalty area.

81' Following his brace last weekend against Reims, Briand has two goals scored in 116 minutes of play in Ligue 1 this season. With a goal every 58 minutes in the top-flight in 2021/22, the Bordeaux striker has the best ratio of any player currently in Ligue 1 this season.

77' Niang does well to come across and get to an aerial ball ahead of Marquinhos, but his header is poor which allows Navas to make an easy save.

72' Niang is brought down on the edge of the penalty area by Kehrer, but the referee is not convinced of the contact as he allows play to continue.

70' Bordeaux are the only team who have not scored a single headed goal in Ligue 1 this season while Paris have scored seven such goals in the top-flight this season, the highest total.

66' Play comes to a stop after a collision between Navas and Onana in the PSG penalty area leaves the Bordeaux midfielder down requiring some treatment. It was a heavy aerial clash - but Onana should be okay to continue.

62' A long-distance strike from Otavio is hit with confidence, but the bouncing shot is scooped up by Navas outside the frame of his goal - allowing the keeper to let a little time run off the clock before progressing play.

60' Bordeaux look to have switched to a 4-4-1-1 in an attempt to get themselves back in the match. Dilrosun has gone out to the left wing while Otavio and Onana sit behind Adli - who is tasked with providing sole striker Elis with service.

58' Mensah plays a lovely cross to the far post for Elis, who gets ahead of Bernat but miscues his flying volley - as the striker is only able to prod the ball easily to a grateful Navas.

56' Neymar takes a PSG corner from the left but it’s a disappointing delivery that allows Elis to clear the cross at the near post.

54' Dilrosun's corner is sent into the six-yard box, which allows Navas a chance to easily pluck the ball out of the air. 

52' Adli cuts inside and refuses the overlapping run, instead curling an effort to the far post which forces Navas into a good diving save which puts it behind for a corner.

50' Neymar sprays a lovely left-footed pass towards Draxler near the Bordeaux penalty area which prompts Gregersen to come across and sort out the danger before Costil could be called into action.

48' Mbappe charges into the penalty area and opens his body to curl a low shot into the far corner but Koscienly makes himself just big enough to block the shot!

46' Bordeaux get the match restarted from the kick-off!

Despite injuries to many key players, PSG still have a strong bench to call upon should they look to make a change. The promising on-loan Mendes could do a job should Pochettino want some dynamism down the flank, while Pereira and Gueye are more than capable of commanding the middle of the park. With nothing left to lose Petkovic will surely attempt to bring on a couple of forwards, with the experienced Briand as well as former Milan striker Niang available for introduction.

The first half comes to a close at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique, with the hosts behind 2-0 thanks to Neymar’s double, with both goals coming from Mbappe assists. The Brazil international opened the scoring after 26 minutes, beating the goalkeeper at the near post after lovely control brought the ball down comfortably. He would double his side’s lead just 17 minutes later after a fantastic give and go on the edge of the area which left the Bordeaux defence helpless. Petkovic’s side had chances to test Navas, but poor control at the crucial moment often let the hosts down - with Elis the culprit on a couple of occasions. The late second goal will trouble the Girondins, who looked to be headed into the interval just a goal down.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: BORDEAUX 0-2 PSG. 

45' The fourth official indicates two minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages. 

41' Pembele fires well over the crossbar from just outside the penalty area after Bordeaux’s corner-kick to the near post is cleared by a PSG defender.

39' Adli’s corner-kick is taken too close to Navas, who makes a clean catch at the first time of asking.

38' Great idea from Mangas who plays a one-two pass with Dilrosun which allows the wing-back to get into PSG’s penalty area. Hakimi is there to prevent the return ball though as it’s put behind for a corner.

36' Neymar plays a beautiful pass into the penalty area for Draxler, who gets onto the end of it just ahead of the byline before cutting a cross back. It’s a dangerous pass for Mbappe, whose unable to finish the chance as Koscielny gets to the pass first.

34' Neymar looks to chip a pass through the heart of Bordeaux’s defence for the run of Mbappe but Koscielny uses his experience to read the danger and clear it away.

32' Bordeaux have only won one of their last six Ligue 1 matches at home, though they’ve managed at least a goal in every game but one. It should take more than one goal for PSG to secure the three points, though the hosts have looked woefully short in front of Navas’ net.

30' Bernat teases a cross back towards the edge of the Bordeaux penalty area, but it’s put just too far ahead of the late run of Wijnaldum as the hosts clear their lines.

25' Pembele finds Elis well inside PSG’s half but once again a poor touch from the forward allows an opposition defender to come across and win back possession. It’s been a sloppy first 30 minutes from the forward who hasn’t been able to find his control.

23' Neymar drives forward dragging two defenders towards him before playing a clever pass through for Mbappe. Again however a PSG attack breaks down as the France international forward is caught offside for the third time in just 23 minutes.

21' PSG have lost only one of their last 19 Ligue 1 games (W16 D2), against Rennes on 3 October (0-2).

19' Draxler looks to play Mbappe into the penalty area from deep in midfield but Costil is quick off of his line and out of his box to clear the danger - putting it out for a throw-in. Upon further review however the PSG forward was unable to hold onside as Bordeaux get a free-kick 25 yards from goal.

17' Neymar loses possession ahead of his own penalty area but a poor first touch from Elis allows first Navas and then Marquinhos to scramble away the danger as PSG continue to live on the edge.

15' Bernat does well to keep possession near his corner flag under pressure from three pressing Bordeaux players - winning a free-kick with which to clear his lines.

13' Adli whips the free-kick with intent looking to bend his effort back in towards the near corner but his accuracy is off as the midfielder fails to hit the target.

11' Herrera takes Adli down outside the 18-yard box after stepping through late to win the loose ball. It’s another free-kick for Bordeaux, who are piling on the pressure.

10' Dilrosun takes the free-kick from just under 30 yards out and catches the top of the wall as the forward wins his side another early corner.

9' Elis holds off Kehrer and draws a foul as the centre-back dives into a challenge. It’s a free-kick for the hosts in a good position to test Navas.

7' Dilrosun steps inside and wins space ahead of Herrera before firing a shot that’s deflected behind for a corner by Marquinhos.

5' Bordeaux’s first corner of the match is swung from the right but Navas steps to the edge of his six-yard box confidently to punch away the danger.

3' Mangas puts a strong challenge on Hakimi right on the edge of the penalty area after a throughball played from defence splits the Bordeaux midfield. It’s just a corner for PSG despite protests for a free-kick.

1' Paris Saint-Germain get the match underway from the kick-off!

PSG make six changes from their narrow 2-1 win over Lille last weekend. Goalkeeper rotation sees Navas come in for Donnarumma, while Hakimi returns to the right side of defence displacing Kimpembe and pushing Kehrer inside. Herrera and Ebimbe replace Gueye and Pereira in midfield while the absence of Messi and Di Maria let Draxler and Mbappe get into the starting XI.

Bordeaux change their formation which brings about three changes from the XI that beat Reims 3-2 last time out. Petkovic has gone with three at the back, meaning Kwateng comes in for midfielder Tom Lacoux. Jean Onana and Otavio are the other two entrants, with Fransergio and Oudin making way as the hosts pack the centre of the park.

PSG SUBS: Danilo Pereira, Nuno Mendes, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mauro Icardi, Idrissa Gueye, Colin Dagba, Ismael Gharbi, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Angel Di Maria.

PSG XI (4-2-3-1): Keylor Navas; Juan Bernat, Marquinhos, Thilo Kehrer, Achraf Hakimi; Ander Herrera, Eric Ebimbe; Neymar, Georginio Wijnaldum, Julian Draxler; Kylian Mbappe.

BORDEAUX SUBS: Remi Oudin, Fransergio, M’Baye Niang, Gideon Mensah, Abdel Medioub, Sekou Mara, Jimmy Briand, Samuel Kalu, Gaetan Poussin.

BORDEAUX XI (3-5-2): Benoit Costil; Enock Kwateng, Laurent Koscielny, Stian Gregersen; Timothee Pembele, Jean Onana, Otavio, Yacine Adli, Ricardo Mangas; Alberth Elis, Javairo Dilrosun.

With 20 minutes to go before kick-off, let's take a look at how the two sides are lining up - starting with our hosts! 

Seven points clear of Lens in second place having played a match fewer, PSG responded well to their first domestic loss of the season, beating Angers and Lille either side of a draw with Marseille. Performances haven’t been especially convincing as Pochettino searches for his optimal formation, though his side will be without a host of injured first-team players including Lionel Messi, Marco Verratti and Presnel Kimpembe.

Bordeaux’s nervy last-minute win against Reims last week - courtesy of a 95th minute Jimmy Briand penalty - saw Vladimir Petkovic’s side earn a victory for the first time since mid-September. 16th in Ligue 1 and just three points above the drop zone, the hosts are looking to beat PSG for the first time since 2015.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Ligue 1 fixture between Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain!

(Originally posted by Goal)

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