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Ruslan Malinovskyi’s wife has claimed that five fire alarms went off ahead of Atalanta's clash with Manchester United as a number of furious Raddison hotel guests launched complaints on social media.

United are due to welcome Atalanta to Old Trafford for a crucial Champions League encounter on Wednesday night, with only a single point currently separating the two sides in Group F.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side are top of the pool at the moment, but will be underdogs against the Red Devils, and their bid to stage an upset has allegedly been hampered by a disrupted night's sleep.

What's been said?

Malinovskyi’s wife Roksana has taken to Instagram to claim that Gian Piero Gasperini's squad were disturbed multiple times by a fire alarm at the hotel they were staying at in Manchester.

“The alarm went off five times, since the team arrived,” she wrote in a post on her story on the popular video and photo-sharing platform.

“It was at full power. Do you think it’s just an accident? I don’t think so. Such a warm welcome from local people is terrible.

"I hope our fans will support our players and, perhaps, the same thing will suddenly happen in a hotel in Italy.”

Guest complaints

Roksana Malinovskyi’s allegations have been backed up by regular guests that had also stayed at the Raddison on Tuesday night.

One customer tagged the hotel chain in a post on Twitter that reads: "When you stay in the same hotel as the Man Utd opposition the night before a big game, of course, you are rudely woken by 04:51, 05:00, 05:36 and 06:11 Fire Alarms!"

Another guest commented underneath: "We had exactly the same thing. Not impressed."

Gasperini expecting tough test against United

Atalanta should still be prepared for a difficult battle against United in spite of a potential lack of sleep, with Gasperini having already warned his players what to expect from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

“They have many players capable of scoring, they shoot well from distance and have physicality in aerial play," the Atalanta boss told Sky Italia ahead of the contest.

“In the offensive phase they play as a team, they have technique and many players who have the inspiration that can make the difference. 

“We will have to be good at being able to play at our best. Atalanta will have to be good above all from a technical point of view.”

Further reading

Asisat Oshoala has spoken of how the Nigeria women's team are in a competitive mood for Wednesday’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.

In the first round, first leg encounter billed for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, the Super Falcons would be hoping to get an impressive result in order to make the return leg a formality.

And the Barcelona star – who is expected to lead the Nigerians’ charge for goals – claimed her teammates will put in their best towards making the fans happy.

“Good be with the girls again, everyone is in a competitive mood and we are ready for the game against Ghana [on Wednesday], hoping to give our best,” Oshoala said on Super Falcons Instagram handle.

Some fans are cynical about the chances of Randy Waldrum’s women following their poor showing at the Aisha Buhari Cup – where they crumbled against South Africa.

Nevertheless, Oshoala stated that should not be used as a yardstick to judge the team as the friendly tournament was used to try out new tactics and players.

“To be honest, I don’t really see something bad that happened because it’s a friendly tournament and also, we were preparing for this particular game [against Ghana],” she continued.

“It’s only normal for the coaches to try their patterns, try their teams and other stuff to get a good team ready for Ghana.

“I get the emotional stuff from the fans – they want us to win and all of that being at the best level it’s a process.

“You don’t get to win all your games. You lose some and that’s how to learn. If we win every game, we might not know where to make proper corrections.

“For us, the Aisha Buhari Cup was a good tournament, and we hope to make the fans happy against Ghana.”

Unlike Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo’ Black Queens who missed the biennial African showpiece in 2012 (Equatorial Guinea), the Super Falcons have not missed an edition since its inception in 1991.

Nigeria are reigning African queens having won the 2018 edition staged in Ghana. In the final, the West Africans silenced South Africa 4-3 on penalties after scores stood at 0-0 after extra time.

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin Sredojevic has refuted his sexual assault charges after he was convicted by the Gqeberha Regional Court in South Africa on Tuesday.

The Serbian tactician has made it known that he plans to appeal his conviction as he stated that it is a "well-orchestrated plot" against him after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and handed a suspended jail term. 

The man nicknamed Micho was then sentenced to three years imprisonment, which is suspended for five years, but he has since issued the following statement on his sentencing confirming his intention to appeal the court's decision:

"I issue this statement to categorically dismiss and dispel the mischievous reports alleging my arrest in South Africa. These reports are premised on a well-orchestrated plot of some devious and malicious faceless people hell-bent at tarnishing my name and using all means to set me up and cause humiliation to my image," a statement read on Wednesday. 

"Let it be known factually that upon my appearance in court for a case that was brought by means of character assassination to my name, I subjected myself to the South African justice system solely because I am a law-abiding person who fully cooperated with authorities from the very beginning even while I knew that I was simply being a target.

"I knew then that I was innocent on the allegations whose intention was to cast judgment upon my character, and I reiterate my innocence even today. My belief in the justice system of South Africa has not been tainted nor has it got shaken, I have lived in Africa and have respected, upheld, and mostly embraced it as part of me and South Africa is part of that Africa that warmly lives in me as I regard myself as a citizen of this beautiful continent."

"Even as the court issued a suspended sentence on the charges that were put on me, for me it was only fitting to put an application for the leave to appeal the judgment which I believe was erroneously arrived at. I had no doubt in my mind that the application is granted will restore and reawaken my strong held view that the criminal justice system of South Africa is objective and sober.

"My decision to take the matter on appeal is in total agreement with the Magistrate as she said, “Another Court May arrive at a different conclusion”, which is why my pursuit of justice cannot let the perpetuation of injustice against me go unchallenged. There are criminals who daily commit heinous and gruesome crimes to whom state resource ought to be meaningfully used to bring them to book and not make a mockery of it by aiming at innocent people."

"I wish to thank millions of my supporters and many people of South Africa, Uganda, Sudan, Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and almost all other African countries who have given me support and held my hand and encouraged me in the most trying time facing a difficult phase.

"With your love and encouragement, I wake to see another day knowing that the South Africa I cherish will never be dented by this as there are great memories that I have made in the country and its people have embraced me as one of their own.

"Respectfully yours Coach Micho."

The AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers Final Round will be played in a centralised venue as confirmed by AFC (Asian Football Confederation) on Wednesday. This is a shift from the usual home and away format to single round-robin matches. 

Why did AFC take the decision to host the qualifiers in a centralised venue? 

The Executive Committee of AFC arrived at the decision of hosting the final round of qualifiers in a centralised venue after taking into consideration the existing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and well being of the players and all stakeholders were of paramount importance while taking this decision. 

When will be the matches held? 

There will be three matchdays in the round-robin format and all of them would be played in a single window in June 2022. The dates are June 8, 11, and 14.  However, the new match schedule may be amended if and when necessary according to relevant provisions of the competition regulations. 

Which country will host the matches?

The venue has not yet been decided for the final round of qualifiers. The AFC will open a bidding process which will be open to all participating member associations. After a review of all bids, the final decision will be taken. 

What are the minimum requirements to become a host country? 

The AFC has laid down a few pointers which will be taken into consideration before finalising the host country such as the convenience of flight connections, the medical situation in that country, sufficient venues to organise the matches and most importantly, the medical infrastructure which will facilitate hassle-free mandatory COVID-19 test for all players and officials upon arrival and during the duration of the competition under the guidance of the AFC’s Infection Control Officers.

How does this decision affect India? 

India has qualified for the final round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers by virtue of finishing third in the table of the joint qualifiers of 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup. They are likely to be placed in pot 1 during the draw for the final round of qualifiers. The seeding will be based on the FIFA World Rankings as of October 21. 

As all the matches will be played in a centralised venue, India will lose its home advantage. Moreover, instead of six, there will be only three matches, which further reduces the margin of error. Nonetheless, since India are most likely to be placed in pot 1, they will have opponents who are lower-ranked than them. 

Chelsea will be eyeing a win after the 1-0 loss to Juventus, when they host Malmo at Stamford Bridge in a Group H Champions League tie, on Wednesday.

The Blues started their title defence with a 1-0 win over Zenit, while Malmo are desperate to move off the bottom spot in the group.

Here's how to watch Chelsea vs Malmo in the 2021-22 Champions League from India.

Contents

What time does the Champions League match between Chelsea and Malmo start?

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How to watch Chelsea vs Malmo on TV & live stream in India

The Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) has the rights to show UEFA Champions League matches in India.

Matches will also be available to stream via SonyLIV app and  website, besides  JioTV mobile app, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches.

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Chelsea vs Malmo: Team news & key stats

There could be a late fitness test for Antonio Rudiger who has been suffering from a back problem, with Romelu Lukaku also deemed as a doubtful starter, as well as Hakim Ziyech. Thomas Tuchel will continue to miss Christian Pulisic but will have Thiago Silva after his return from Brazil duty.

Malmo's Anel Ahmedhodzic is out suspended, while the likes of Oscar Lewicki, Jonas Knudsen, Ola Toivonen and Felix Beijmo are reportedly injured.

Key Stats:

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Barcelona are to welcome Dinamo Kiev for their matchday three fixture of the UEFA Champions League, on Wednesday.

Ronald Koeman's side are placed at the bottom of Group E after back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Bayern and Benfica and another defeat can spell danger to their chances of making it through to the knockouts.

The Ukrainians, though the weakest side in the group on paper, are still capable of causing enough problems for the Catalan outfit as Dynamo Kiev look to bounce back from a 5-0 defeat to Bayern.

Here's how to watch Barcelona vs Dinamo Kiev in the 2021-22 Champions League from India.

Contents

What time does the Champions League match between Barcelona and Dinamo Kiev start?

Return to top

How to watch Barcelona vs Dinamo Kiev on TV & live stream in India

The Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) has the rights to show UEFA Champions League matches in India.

Matches will also be available to stream via SonyLIV app and website, besides JioTV mobile app, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches.

Return to top

Barcelona vs Dinamo Kiev: Team news & key stats

Ronald Koeman has named a similar squad to the one that defeated Valencia 3-1 over the weekened, with the exception of Eric Garcia who is suspended for the tie following his sending off against Benfica in the Spanish side's previous Champions League tie.

Ronald Araujo, Ousmane Dembele, Martin Braithwaite and Pedri are reported as injured, while Sergio Aguero recently made his Barcelona debut and is likely to partner Ansu Fati in attack.

The visitors are also plagued with injuries to Denys Popov, Ibrahim Kargbo, Vladyslav Kulach and Artem Besedin, with Vladyslav Supriaga doubtful.

Key Stats:

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Manchester United would find themselves in trouble if they don't pick a win in their UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta at Old Trafford, on Wednesday.

The Red Devils have suffered seven defeats in their last 12 games in the European top flight. Cristiano Ronaldo rescued United with an injury time winner against Villarreal on matchday two.

Atalanta lead Group F with four points from their opening two games against Villarreal and Young Boys.

Here's how to watch Manchester United vs Atalanta in the 2021-22 Champions League from India.

Contents

What time does the Champions League match between Man Utd and Atalanta start?

Return to top

How to watch Manchester United vs Atalanta on TV & live stream in India

The Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) has the rights to show UEFA Champions League matches in India.

Matches will also be available to stream via SonyLIV app and website, besides JioTV mobile app, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches.

Return to top

Manchester United vs Atalanta: Team news & key stats

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the unavailability of Anthony Martial, though the forward joined the team's training on Tuesday, while Fred and Edinson Cavani are likely to make the squad after returning from Brazil's  2022 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Friday morning.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has served his suspension for the red card against Young Boys and Harry Maguire was in action against Leicester City following a calf injury, but Raphael Varane missed out with the groin injury.

Atalanta may be without Rafael Toloi who was pulled out of their 4-1 victory over Empoli. Others who missed the flight to Manchester are Matteo Pessina, Robin Gosens, Hans Hateboer and Berat Djimsiti.

Key Stats:

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Antonie Greizmann was sent off in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Liverpool as the French forward made unwanted history with his red card.

Griezmann earned his marching orders for kicking Roberto Firmino in the face with a high boot as the Frenchman's red card came with Atletico Madrid and Liverpool level at two apiece.

The French forward had scored twice in the first half, helping the hosts erase a 2-0 deficit.

Unwanted history

With the dismissal, Greizmann became the first player in Champions League history to earn a red card after scoring twice.

Griezmann's goals came in the 20th and 34th minutes, with the Reds having taken the lead on early goals from Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.

The goals were Griezmann's second and third since making his return to Atletico Madrid this summer, with his only other goal coming against AC Milan in the Champions League.

Further reading

At the age of 35 years and 216 days, Edin Dzeko is the second oldest player after Didier Drogba to score a goal and provide an assist in a Champions League match.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina striker capped an impressive display to inspire Simone Inzaghi’s Black and Blues to a 3-1 triumph over FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday night.

In the entertaining encounter at Giuseppe Meazza, the former Manchester City got on the end of Arturo Vidal’s flicked header from a corner to drill past goalkeeper Dumitru Celeadnic.

Sebastien Thill levelled matters for the Moldovans in the 52nd minute before Arturo Vidal restored the Italians’ lead six minutes later after he was teed up by the veteran goal machine.

Drogba holds the record at 36 years and 259 days after he found the net plus an assist in Chelsea’s 5-0 thumping of Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena on November 11, 2014.

The 19-time Serie A winners completed the defeat of Yuriy Vernydub’s side with Stefan de Vrij’s 67th-minute strike.

Although manager Inzaghi is pleased with his team’s result, albeit, he called for improvement in subsequent matches.

“We produced the sort of performance that we needed,” he told Inter Milan website.

“They came here on a high and we knew it would be a tough game, but we played as a team and created so much, hitting the post twice and bar once in addition to scoring three goals.

“We played some great football and we just need to understand when it’s not the time to make mistakes because we were on the wrong end of a few too many counter-attacks.

“There’s so much work to do, but it’s a pleasure to watch this team play. It was the same when we lost against Real Madrid and Lazio. It’s a joy to have so many fans back at the stadium. They’re an extra weapon for us, particularly considering we’ve played so many away games so far. 

“We’re getting all of our players back and that’s key because you need everyone when you’re playing every three days.

“We must improve in terms of letting other teams have so many dangerous counter-attacks against us.”

Even at the loss, Sheriff lead Group D with six points. They host the Italians in the reverse fixture billed for November 3.

Sebastien Haller’s goal for Ajax in Tuesday’s Champions League 4-0 triumph over Borussia Dortmund means that the Cote d’Ivoire international has matched Didier Drogba’s record that has stood for 18 years.

In netting against the Bundesliga giants, the 27-year-old became only the second African player to score in his first three appearances in the tournament.

According to Opta, Chelsea legend Drogba was the first African to achieve this feat in 2003.

Former West Ham United man Haller began his scoring run with four goals in the Dutch side’s 5-1 obliteration of Sporting CP.

That saw him become just the second player after Marco van Basten to score four goals on his maiden appearance in the competition’s history.

Overall, he joined Simone Inzaghi, Dado Prso, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andriy Shevchenko, Lionel Messi, Bafetimbi Gomis, Mario Gomez, Robert Lewandowski, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Josip Ilicic and Olivier Giroud in the ranks of players who have scored at least four goals in a match in the European elite club tournament.

In his second game against Besiktas, he was on target in the 2-0 triumph to become the first player in Champions League history to score five goals in his first two appearances.

Thus, he matched the feat attained by Jari Litmanen (1994), Rafael van der Vaart (2002), Quincy Promes (2019) and Berghuis (2021) as the fifth player to score in his first two Champions League appearances for Ajax.

Apart from his goal against Dortmund, Haller provided two assists as Daley Blind and Anthony completed the defeat. As it stands, he boasts six goals and two assists in his three games so far for the Sons of the Gods.

Notwithstanding his commanding display, he was subbed off for Denmark international Mohamed Daramy with seven minutes left on the clock.

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus and Morocco’s Zakaria Labyad were unused substitutes, whereas, Noussair Mazraoui was replaced by Devyne Rensch in the 83rd minute.

Thanks to this result, Erik ten Hag’s team maintained their perfect start in the 2021-22 tournament to lead Group C with nine points.

The Dutch side are guests of Dortmund in the reverse fixture billed for Westfalenstadion on November 3.

Diego Simeone opted not to shake Jurgen Klopp's hand after Liverpool's Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, with the Rojiblancos boss darting down the tunnel as soon as the final whistle sounded.

The Reds escaped their trip to Spain with a 3-2 victory, taking advantage of Antoine Greizmann's red card before Mohamed Salah converted from the spot in the second half to break the deadlock.

Atleti, meanwhile, were denied a penalty of their own moments later and, as the match ended, Simeone opted to head straight to the dressing room, leaving Klopp without a postgame handshake and the German yelling down the tunnel.

What was said?

"We don't like that, but yes, the situation is clear," Klopp told BT Sport. "I want to shake his hand. His reaction for sure, like mine, was not so cool.

"The next time we see each other we will definitely shake hands. It's nothing. He was obviously angry, not with me but with the game. There is nothing else."

Controversial calls

Tuesday's clash was fairly controversial, with both teams on differing sides of the penalty process across two separate incidents.

Liverpool, of course, were awarded a spot-kick after Mario Hermoso brought down Diogo Jota in the box, paving the way for Salah's game-winner.

But, in the 82nd minute, Jose Maria Gimenez was bumped down in the box by Jota, prompting the referee to award a penalty. However, after a VAR review, that call was changed as no foul was given.

Atleti with decade-worst defensive performance

Atletico Madrid conceded two goals in the opening minutes, with Salah and Naby Keita firing Liverpool into the lead within 13 minutes.

The two goals sealed an unfortunate record for Atleti, who had never conceded twice so quickly in the Champions League.

In fact, Tuesday was the first time Atleti had conceded more than twice in a Champions League home game under Diego Simeone, having last done so in December 2009 against Porto under Quique Sanchez Flores.

Further reading