Universitatea Craiova maintain their spot in the Europa League with a tight 1-0 victory over CS Otopeni.
With the match deadlocked Florin Costea found the winning touch with twelve minutes remaining as he redirected Florin Costin Şoava's effort from the left into the net from the edge of the six yard box.
Universitatea Craiova returns to action against Gloria Buzău on Saturday whilst CS Otopeni welcomes Dan Petrescu's Unirea Urziceni.
Showing posts with label Europa League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europa League. Show all posts
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Porto's chance to clinch championship
Porto welcomes Clube Desportivo Nacional Sunday evening in-front of the faithful at Estádio do Dragão. Jesualdo Ferreira's side can clinch the Liga crown should they win on Sunday or should Sporting lose to Vitória de Setúbal on Saturday.
Os Dragões will have a difficult test as Nacional is leaning towards a Europa League spot but a win could cap Manuel Machado's side remarkable year and pull them level with Benfica for a Champions League spot.
For the match Jesualdo Ferreira will be without the services of Lucho González, Nelson Benítez, Freddy Guarín and Rabiola although Hulk and former Rapid Bucureşti-man Cristian Săpunaru return.
Expressing a need to stay focused on the match Mariano González said:
"We are ready to face the match and to fight for the victory from the first whistle. We have to focus on that goal and not in the potential title celebration. The anxiety is normal since we have a major goal a short step away but we know we have to remain relaxed and work hard in order to reach that objective."
Expecting the customary fan support at home he added:
"The celebration of a victory in the championship is always unforgettable. Not only for the team and the club’ structure, but also for the fans. Last year we had the opportunity to rejoice with them at the Dragão and we hope it can happen again this year. We expect a stadium full with enthusiastic fans. It’s an important moment for the club and we rely on our supporters in the stadium."
Os Dragões will have a difficult test as Nacional is leaning towards a Europa League spot but a win could cap Manuel Machado's side remarkable year and pull them level with Benfica for a Champions League spot.
For the match Jesualdo Ferreira will be without the services of Lucho González, Nelson Benítez, Freddy Guarín and Rabiola although Hulk and former Rapid Bucureşti-man Cristian Săpunaru return.
Expressing a need to stay focused on the match Mariano González said:
"We are ready to face the match and to fight for the victory from the first whistle. We have to focus on that goal and not in the potential title celebration. The anxiety is normal since we have a major goal a short step away but we know we have to remain relaxed and work hard in order to reach that objective."
Expecting the customary fan support at home he added:
"The celebration of a victory in the championship is always unforgettable. Not only for the team and the club’ structure, but also for the fans. Last year we had the opportunity to rejoice with them at the Dragão and we hope it can happen again this year. We expect a stadium full with enthusiastic fans. It’s an important moment for the club and we rely on our supporters in the stadium."
BVB quest for a Europa League spot continues against KSC
After BVB's six consecutive victory against Frankfurt last week a packed Westfalenstadion will welcome KSC on Saturday. On three points behind Hamburg and Stuttgart Jürgen Klopp's side is poised to make a move into a Europa League spot should either side fail.
Die Schwarzgelben face a difficult day against Ede Becker's side as they are known for tough physical play and not afraid of grinding out a scoreless draw. Speaking respectfully of his former team, "his KSC", Tamás Hajnal said, "I promise to all Karlsruher that we will do everything to beat them as well. And who knows, maybe KSC avoid the drop after all."
Jürgen Klopp should have few changes to his lineup but expressed caution with the opposition:
"KSC have, for a team on this position, very few weaknesses. That´s unusual. It´s not going to be an easy game. We treat it with a lot of respect. We have to take advantage of our own strengths."
Die Schwarzgelben face a difficult day against Ede Becker's side as they are known for tough physical play and not afraid of grinding out a scoreless draw. Speaking respectfully of his former team, "his KSC", Tamás Hajnal said, "I promise to all Karlsruher that we will do everything to beat them as well. And who knows, maybe KSC avoid the drop after all."
Jürgen Klopp should have few changes to his lineup but expressed caution with the opposition:
"KSC have, for a team on this position, very few weaknesses. That´s unusual. It´s not going to be an easy game. We treat it with a lot of respect. We have to take advantage of our own strengths."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
CFR Cluj defeats Timişoara 2-0
Gabi Balint's Timişoara lost important ground in their championship race as they fell 2-0 to defending champions CFR Cluj. The result drops Timişoara six points off Dinamo Bucureşti whilst Cluj is rapidly gaining ground and only trail by four points in the final Europa League spot.
After a scoreless half Diego Ruiz gave Cluj the lead five minutes in as he accepted Sixto Peralta short volley into the box before driving the ball in from ten metres. Cluj's Argentine connection continued to shine as with eighteen minutes left as Ruiz raced into the box before sending the ball to Sebastián Dubarbier on his left. After a touch he drove the ball into the top of the net from twelve metres to make it 2-0
After a scoreless half Diego Ruiz gave Cluj the lead five minutes in as he accepted Sixto Peralta short volley into the box before driving the ball in from ten metres. Cluj's Argentine connection continued to shine as with eighteen minutes left as Ruiz raced into the box before sending the ball to Sebastián Dubarbier on his left. After a touch he drove the ball into the top of the net from twelve metres to make it 2-0
Viorel Hizo leads Rapid Bucureşti to victory over CS Otopeni
Once again Viorel Hizo came to rescue as the sixty-two year-old manager returned to lead Rapid Bucureşti for this fifth stint. Following the dreadful loss to Gaz Metan Mediaş, the wise veteran leader took charge and in his first match in-charge Rapid responded with an emphatic 3-0 devastation of CS Otopeni. The result pulls Rapid to within three points of CFR Cluj in the final Europa League spot.
After a scoring opening half Rapid took charge with João Paulo Andrade, on-loan from Porto, sent a powerful drive into the back of the net from twenty-five plus metres. Only six minutes later superb young product Lucian Răduţă gave Mr. Hizo reason to cheer as he scooped up a rebound of a João Paulo Andrade blocked attempt and drove the ball in from just inside the area. A minute into added time Ştefan Grigorie made it 3-0 as he took advantage of a similar loose ball and drove it in from fourteen metres.
After a scoring opening half Rapid took charge with João Paulo Andrade, on-loan from Porto, sent a powerful drive into the back of the net from twenty-five plus metres. Only six minutes later superb young product Lucian Răduţă gave Mr. Hizo reason to cheer as he scooped up a rebound of a João Paulo Andrade blocked attempt and drove the ball in from just inside the area. A minute into added time Ştefan Grigorie made it 3-0 as he took advantage of a similar loose ball and drove it in from fourteen metres.
Universitatea Craiova defeats Gaz Metan Mediaş
After losing to Pandurii Târgu Jiu last week, Universitatea Craiova responded with a 2-0 victory over Gaz Metan Mediaş. The victory leaves Nicolò Napoli's side two points below Cluj in the final Europa League spot as they face CS Otopeni on Sunday.
After a tight opening period Craiova took the lead as Julius Wobay free-kick from the left was flicked on by Valerică Găman to the back post with Florin Costea nodding it in. Romanian U-21 Constantin Gângioveanu was the creator of the second goal as with twenty-one minutes remaining he sent a pinpoint cross from the bye-line into the box that Mihai Dina headed-in off the far post. Mediaş 'keeper Cosmin Vâtcă argued that he pulled the back before crossing the line but the goal stood.
After a tight opening period Craiova took the lead as Julius Wobay free-kick from the left was flicked on by Valerică Găman to the back post with Florin Costea nodding it in. Romanian U-21 Constantin Gângioveanu was the creator of the second goal as with twenty-one minutes remaining he sent a pinpoint cross from the bye-line into the box that Mihai Dina headed-in off the far post. Mediaş 'keeper Cosmin Vâtcă argued that he pulled the back before crossing the line but the goal stood.
FC Vaslui keeps Europa League hopes alive with win over Pandurii Târgu Jiu
FC Vaslui kept its slim Europa League hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over Pandurii Târgu Jiu. The victory leaves Viorel Moldovan's Vaslui side ninth in the table, six points behind Cluj in the final Europa League spot with five matches remaining. Mike Temwanjera gave Vaslui the lead eighteen minutes into the match with his sixth goal of the campaign.
FC Vaslui returns to play on Saturday against resurgent Gaz Metan Mediaş whilst Pandurii Târgu Jiu welcomes Poli Iaşi.
FC Vaslui returns to play on Saturday against resurgent Gaz Metan Mediaş whilst Pandurii Târgu Jiu welcomes Poli Iaşi.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Daniel Ghindeanu the difference as Pandurii Târgu Jiu defeats Universitatea Craiova
Pandurii Târgu Jiu dealt Universitatea Craiova a massive blow in their Europa League efforts, winning 1-0. The loss sends Nicolò Napoli's Craiova side to sixth in the table, two points behind Cluj and Steaua Bucureşti.
The matches lone goal came twenty minutes in as Daniel Ghindeanu led a fast counter and after feeding the ball to Milanko Rašković on the right flank, he accepted a return pass from the bye-line and fired the winning strike from ten metres.
Universitatea Craiova returns to play against surging Gaz Metan Mediaş next Tuesday whilst Universitatea Craiova faces FC Vaslui.
The matches lone goal came twenty minutes in as Daniel Ghindeanu led a fast counter and after feeding the ball to Milanko Rašković on the right flank, he accepted a return pass from the bye-line and fired the winning strike from ten metres.
Universitatea Craiova returns to play against surging Gaz Metan Mediaş next Tuesday whilst Universitatea Craiova faces FC Vaslui.
Friday, May 1, 2009
KSC Lokeren keeps hopes for Europe League alive defeating Clubbe Brugge
With Anderlecht and Standard de Liège running away from the rest of the table, the race in Belgium is for the all-important third and four spots which come with a Europa League berth. Holding down third place, Club Brugge missed a perfect chance to add insurance points in the final three weeks of the campaign as as they fell 3-2 to KSC Lokeren.
Aleksandar Janković's Lokeren side took the lead ten minutes in as Dawid Janczyk, on-loan from CSKA Moskva, was played in alone and lifted the ball above on rushing 'keeper Stijn Stijnen. After Club Brugge missed a number of high probability scoring chances the margin was doubled nine minutes later as Killian Overmeire received a long diagonal cross on the right side of the box and after bringing the ball down with control, pounded it into the back of the net. Club Brugge's chances for a recovery were further challenged as they were forced to play a man down on the hour as Jeroen Simaeys was shown his second yellow of the day. Nine minutes later KSC Lokeren KSC Lokeren had a commanding lead as Stijn de Wilde was played in alone and sent the ball over the 'keeper into the net. Jacky Mathijssen's side came roaring back with Joseph Akpala making it 3-1 with eighteen minutes left as he pounced on a loose ball in the box and drove the ball in from eleven metres. At the eightieth minute Mohamed Dahmane slipped his man and received a well weighted through ball down the left channel before driving the ball into the opposite corner. However the match concluded without further match and KSC Lokeren kept its slim hopes for European football alive
Aleksandar Janković's Lokeren side took the lead ten minutes in as Dawid Janczyk, on-loan from CSKA Moskva, was played in alone and lifted the ball above on rushing 'keeper Stijn Stijnen. After Club Brugge missed a number of high probability scoring chances the margin was doubled nine minutes later as Killian Overmeire received a long diagonal cross on the right side of the box and after bringing the ball down with control, pounded it into the back of the net. Club Brugge's chances for a recovery were further challenged as they were forced to play a man down on the hour as Jeroen Simaeys was shown his second yellow of the day. Nine minutes later KSC Lokeren KSC Lokeren had a commanding lead as Stijn de Wilde was played in alone and sent the ball over the 'keeper into the net. Jacky Mathijssen's side came roaring back with Joseph Akpala making it 3-1 with eighteen minutes left as he pounced on a loose ball in the box and drove the ball in from eleven metres. At the eightieth minute Mohamed Dahmane slipped his man and received a well weighted through ball down the left channel before driving the ball into the opposite corner. However the match concluded without further match and KSC Lokeren kept its slim hopes for European football alive
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Man City drives to Europa League berth
Following the Citizens solid 2-1 victory over Everton, Mark Hughes et al head into the weekends clash against Blackburn with a eye towards an Europa League berth. In the oddest set of circumstances as the tumultuous season with its many peak and valleys comes to a close Man City is only three points removed three points away from the final spot and whether it is through the drone of the very modest mid-table form of the Premier League or just plain luck, the opportunity for European Football burns bright.
Of Blackburn's year, it is coming to a rather uneventful conclusion that most Rovers supporters likely welcome its conclusion. The promise of last season results quickly turned in the wrong direction and without the yeoman service of Big Sam Allardyce stepping in mid December there is no telling where the club may have ended up. Stretching now over seventeen match-days the Big Sam led Rovers have returned to fine mid-table form and showing promise for the future. Curiously as Newcastle grapples with the gallows of relegation, their loss appears Blackburn's gain and in-time many will begin to realize the oft-criticized manager knew what he was doing.
For the match Mark Hughes will go forward without the services of young gun Daniel Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Pablo Zabaleta and the complaining-one, Micah Richards.The question now looms which "City" team will show up, one capable of making a strong run in European football or the impostor that has shown up far too often.
Of Blackburn's year, it is coming to a rather uneventful conclusion that most Rovers supporters likely welcome its conclusion. The promise of last season results quickly turned in the wrong direction and without the yeoman service of Big Sam Allardyce stepping in mid December there is no telling where the club may have ended up. Stretching now over seventeen match-days the Big Sam led Rovers have returned to fine mid-table form and showing promise for the future. Curiously as Newcastle grapples with the gallows of relegation, their loss appears Blackburn's gain and in-time many will begin to realize the oft-criticized manager knew what he was doing.
For the match Mark Hughes will go forward without the services of young gun Daniel Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Pablo Zabaleta and the complaining-one, Micah Richards.The question now looms which "City" team will show up, one capable of making a strong run in European football or the impostor that has shown up far too often.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Újpest loses ground with 3-2 loss to MTK Budapest
With a opportunity to catapult over first-place Debreceni VSC, Újpest was upset by defending MTK Budapest of Hungary's Nemzeti Bajnokság I (Soproni Liga). The loss leaves Újpest in second place, ten points above Zalaegerszegi TE, with both spots earning berth in the first round of the Europa League qualifying.
Three minutes before the break Máté Pátkai gave Budapest as after playing a straight-forward one-two with Levente Horváth he drove the the ball past Újpest 'keeper Szabolcs Balajcza from fourteen metres. However only three minutes later Péter Kabát's corner from the right was nodded in by Zsolt Korcsmár to level the match. Two minutes after the re-start Újpest grabbed the lead as Péter Kabátt accepted a throw-in and sent a cross from the bye-line that a surging Tibor Tisza headed-in from the edge of the six-yard box. However with ten minutes left Budapest staged a two goal comeback first with Pátkai Máté squaring up the match as headed-in a long throw-in that had been flicked on by Bosnia and Herzegovina international Mario Božić from close range. Urbán Gábor found the winner for Budapest with two minutes remaining following a perfect linkup intiated by Zoltán Kiss' playmaking and a slike layoff by Crvena Zvezda alumni Ivan Dudić.
Three minutes before the break Máté Pátkai gave Budapest as after playing a straight-forward one-two with Levente Horváth he drove the the ball past Újpest 'keeper Szabolcs Balajcza from fourteen metres. However only three minutes later Péter Kabát's corner from the right was nodded in by Zsolt Korcsmár to level the match. Two minutes after the re-start Újpest grabbed the lead as Péter Kabátt accepted a throw-in and sent a cross from the bye-line that a surging Tibor Tisza headed-in from the edge of the six-yard box. However with ten minutes left Budapest staged a two goal comeback first with Pátkai Máté squaring up the match as headed-in a long throw-in that had been flicked on by Bosnia and Herzegovina international Mario Božić from close range. Urbán Gábor found the winner for Budapest with two minutes remaining following a perfect linkup intiated by Zoltán Kiss' playmaking and a slike layoff by Crvena Zvezda alumni Ivan Dudić.
Pirin Blagoevgrad heads to Bulgarian Cup final with 1-0 defeat of Levski Sofia
After Levski Sofia's stunning 7-1 victory over Belasitsa Petrich that included great veteran Gjorgji Hristov's four goal performance, Emil Velev's side were shocked in the Bulgarian Cup (Купа на България) semi-finals losing 1-0 to Pirin Blagoevgrad.
Following a scoreless opening half the eagles added the winner eleven minutes after the restart as Bulgarian U-21 Spas Delev intercepted a under-weighted back-pass by Levski's Zhivko Milanov, surged down the left flank and sent a low cross to Daniel Peev who drove into the right corner of the net from twelve metres out.
Petar Mihtarski's side have had a stunning run though the Cup which included a defeat of CSKA Sofia and will now face defending champions Litex Lovech in the final. A victory in the Cup would come with the added bonus of earning a berth in the Europa League.
Following a scoreless opening half the eagles added the winner eleven minutes after the restart as Bulgarian U-21 Spas Delev intercepted a under-weighted back-pass by Levski's Zhivko Milanov, surged down the left flank and sent a low cross to Daniel Peev who drove into the right corner of the net from twelve metres out.
Petar Mihtarski's side have had a stunning run though the Cup which included a defeat of CSKA Sofia and will now face defending champions Litex Lovech in the final. A victory in the Cup would come with the added bonus of earning a berth in the Europa League.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Ukrainian Premier League week 25
Week 25 of the Ukrainian Premier League concluded with Dynamo Kyiv racing towards the championship holding a twelve-point lead over second place Shakhtar Donetsk. With both clubs having an inside track on the Champions League, the race for spots three through five and a much-coveted spot in the Europa League is tighter than ever.
At the top of the table Dynamo Kyiv defeated Kharkiv 1-0 with Miloš Ninković scoring the matches lone goal ten minutes in. Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar Donetsk overtook Chornomorets Odessa 1-0 with Willian's strike two minutes after the break. Metalist Kharkiv lost points in its race towards a Champions League spot, playing Metalurh Zaporizhya to a 1-1 draw. Milan Obradović gave Metalist the lead four minutes past the hour but with Kozaky leveling the match with five minutes remaining Olexiy Hodin finding the mark. Metalurh Donetsk defeated Illichivets 1-0 on Ciprian Ion Tănasă goal just before the break. Vorskla Poltava maintained its pace for the final Europa League spot with a 2-1 victory over Karpaty. After former Dinamo Zagreb man Denis Glavina gave Vorskla the lead from the spot nine minutes before the break,
Ihor Khudobyak brought the match level at the fifty-fourth minute. However a minute after the hour Vorskla grabbed the lead via a Vasyl Kobin own-goal. Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk kept its hopes alive for a Europa League berth with a come from behind 2-1 victory over Arsenal Kyiv. Arsenal took the lead five minutes in with Bohdan Shershun's before Oleksiy Byelik leveling before the break. Volodymyr Homenyuk added the winner on the hour to give Dnipro the victory. Elsewhere Tavriya Simferopol defeated Zorya Luhansk 2-1 while Lviv squeezed out a 1-0 victory over Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih.
At the top of the table Dynamo Kyiv defeated Kharkiv 1-0 with Miloš Ninković scoring the matches lone goal ten minutes in. Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar Donetsk overtook Chornomorets Odessa 1-0 with Willian's strike two minutes after the break. Metalist Kharkiv lost points in its race towards a Champions League spot, playing Metalurh Zaporizhya to a 1-1 draw. Milan Obradović gave Metalist the lead four minutes past the hour but with Kozaky leveling the match with five minutes remaining Olexiy Hodin finding the mark. Metalurh Donetsk defeated Illichivets 1-0 on Ciprian Ion Tănasă goal just before the break. Vorskla Poltava maintained its pace for the final Europa League spot with a 2-1 victory over Karpaty. After former Dinamo Zagreb man Denis Glavina gave Vorskla the lead from the spot nine minutes before the break,
Ihor Khudobyak brought the match level at the fifty-fourth minute. However a minute after the hour Vorskla grabbed the lead via a Vasyl Kobin own-goal. Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk kept its hopes alive for a Europa League berth with a come from behind 2-1 victory over Arsenal Kyiv. Arsenal took the lead five minutes in with Bohdan Shershun's before Oleksiy Byelik leveling before the break. Volodymyr Homenyuk added the winner on the hour to give Dnipro the victory. Elsewhere Tavriya Simferopol defeated Zorya Luhansk 2-1 while Lviv squeezed out a 1-0 victory over Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih.
| Ukrainian Premier League | P | W | D | L | GS | GA | Pts |
| Dynamo Kyiv | 25 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 61 | 16 | 64 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 25 | 15 | 7 | 3 | 38 | 15 | 52 |
| Metalist Kharkiv | 25 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 38 | 22 | 49 |
| Metalurh Donetsk | 25 | 13 | 4 | 8 | 31 | 22 | 43 |
| Vorskla Poltava | 25 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 26 | 22 | 40 |
| Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 24 | 20 | 38 |
| Metalurh Zaporizhya | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 25 | 25 | 38 |
| Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih | 25 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 21 | 29 | 32 |
| Tavriya Simferopol | 25 | 8 | 6 | 11 | 33 | 36 | 30 |
| Karpaty | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 30 | 29 | 30 |
| Zorya Luhansk | 25 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 26 | 37 | 28 |
| Arsenal Kyiv | 25 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 20 | 30 | 25 |
| Chornomorets Odessa | 25 | 9 | 2 | 14 | 26 | 33 | 23 |
| Lviv | 25 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 15 | 31 | 19 |
| Illichivets | 25 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 22 | 47 | 17 |
| Kharkiv | 25 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 14 | 36 | 15 |
Pantelis Kapetanos gives Steaua Bucureşti 1-0 victory over CS Otopeni
Steaua Bucureşti grabbed a last gasp 1-0 victory over CS Otopeni with Pantelis Kapetanos finding the mark a minute into added time. With the victory Steaua are level with Rapid and only a point behind Universitatea Craiova for the final Europa League spot.
With the match seemingly destined for a scoreless draw former AEK Athens-man Pantelis Kapetanos rescued the three points as accepted George Ogăraru's long cross at the top of the box and after chesting the ball down, turned and fired into the bottom right corner.
Steaua return to play next Saturday against Oţelul Galaţi whilst CS Otopeni faces
Gloria Buzău.
With the match seemingly destined for a scoreless draw former AEK Athens-man Pantelis Kapetanos rescued the three points as accepted George Ogăraru's long cross at the top of the box and after chesting the ball down, turned and fired into the bottom right corner.
Steaua return to play next Saturday against Oţelul Galaţi whilst CS Otopeni faces
Gloria Buzău.
Universitatea Craiova defeats Argeş Piteşti 1-0
Universitatea Craiova continued its pursuit of European football with a 1-0 victory over Argeş Piteşti. With the victory Nicolò Napoli's side squeezes above Steaua Bucureşti in the final Europa league spot.
After a tightly played match Jérémie N'Jock scored the winner with fourteen minutes remaining as from seven metres he headed-in Romanian international Dorel Stoica's free-kick from the left. Although having a quality chance to add to their margin late, the match concluded without further incident.
Universitatea Craiova returns to play next Sunday against Pandurii Târgu Jiu whilst the embattled Argeş Piteşti side face Vaslui.
After a tightly played match Jérémie N'Jock scored the winner with fourteen minutes remaining as from seven metres he headed-in Romanian international Dorel Stoica's free-kick from the left. Although having a quality chance to add to their margin late, the match concluded without further incident.
Universitatea Craiova returns to play next Sunday against Pandurii Târgu Jiu whilst the embattled Argeş Piteşti side face Vaslui.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Man City keeps Europa League hopes alive
Man City extended their Europa League hopes with a 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. The victory marked the Citizens first away from home since the hazy days of August and leaves them only three points behind Fulham in seventh place.
Without the services of Pablo Zabaleta and Shaun Wright-Phillips, Mark Hughes' side took the lead with ten minutes remaining in the half as Elano's long ball through the left channel to Robinho, was topped off with the Brazilian driving the ball past Tim Howard from a tight angle. The Samba was alive and well as smiles returned on the day and after Shay Given robbed Marouane Fellaini from point-blank range, Man City doubled the margin nine minutes into the new half. In an uncharacteristic defensive lapse by Everton, Felipe Caicedo provided the ball to Robinho on the left with the virtual right side open for Stephen Ireland to wander free and volley in the Brazilian's deft chip. Unfortunately for David Moyes side Phil Jagielka suffered a season ending knee injury and with an extended injury time Everton's superb young midfielder Dan Gosling accepted Steven Pienaar's provision and drove the ball to the right corner from the centre of the box.
Man City returns to action next Saturday as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Eastlands.
Without the services of Pablo Zabaleta and Shaun Wright-Phillips, Mark Hughes' side took the lead with ten minutes remaining in the half as Elano's long ball through the left channel to Robinho, was topped off with the Brazilian driving the ball past Tim Howard from a tight angle. The Samba was alive and well as smiles returned on the day and after Shay Given robbed Marouane Fellaini from point-blank range, Man City doubled the margin nine minutes into the new half. In an uncharacteristic defensive lapse by Everton, Felipe Caicedo provided the ball to Robinho on the left with the virtual right side open for Stephen Ireland to wander free and volley in the Brazilian's deft chip. Unfortunately for David Moyes side Phil Jagielka suffered a season ending knee injury and with an extended injury time Everton's superb young midfielder Dan Gosling accepted Steven Pienaar's provision and drove the ball to the right corner from the centre of the box.
Man City returns to action next Saturday as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Eastlands.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Argeş Piteşti undeafted at home defeating Rapid Bucureşti 1-0
Coming off a 3-1 victory over Braşov, Rapid Bucureşti manager Marian Rada had his sights set on the closing the gap for a Europa League berth as his side traveled to face Argeş Piteşti on Tuesday. However the Alb-Violeţii, enveloped within a sea of controversy regarding allegations that their owner Cornel Penescu has attempted to bribe officials, have still yet to lose at home this year defeated Rapid lost 1-0 with the matches only goal coming from Adrian Iordache a half-hour into the match. With Rapid exposed at the back Elias Bazzi, a product of the Boca Juniors system, sent a perfect long ball from his own end to Iordache who drove the ball with his left foot past goalkeeper Andrei Marinescu from ten metres. Two minutes into the new half Rapid had a chance to level the match when Florian Lăcustă was adjudged to bringing down Radomir Đalović in the area and the spot was pointed to. However Juliano Spadacio could not connect from the spot and Argeş Piteşti kept their home record intact winning 1-0.
Rapid Bucureşti returns to action this Friday as they welcome Pandurii Târgu Jiu while Argeş Piteşti faces a difficult trip to Universitatea Craiova.
Rapid Bucureşti returns to action this Friday as they welcome Pandurii Târgu Jiu while Argeş Piteşti faces a difficult trip to Universitatea Craiova.
Werkself heads to DFB Pokal final
With the only route to the Europa League through a victory in the DFB Pokal, Werkself overcame the never-say-die Bundesliga 2 side Mainz 4-2 in extra-time. The victory now books a date at the Olmypiastadion in the capital on 30 May against the winner of Wednesday's clash between Bremen and HSV.
After a tightly played match Greek international Angelos Charisteas broke the deadlock with eight minutes remaining as he pounced on a rebound and sent it in from a few metres out. With Werkself supporters anxious for Berlin, the celebration was delayed as two minutes before the whistle Montenegro international Milorad Peković's cross was headed-in by Aristide Bancé. Mainz was tiring quickly and only two minutes into extra-time Arturo Vidal gave Bayer 04 the goal they needed as he sent in a rebound from close range. Werkself added to the lead as Simon Rolfes headed-in Angelos Charisteas' corner to back of the net thirteen minutes into extra-time.
Michal Kadlec made it 4-1 as he completely split the opposition defenders, rounded the 'keeper to the right before scoring as supporters sung out "Berlin, Berlin, wir fahren nach Berlin!"
After a tightly played match Greek international Angelos Charisteas broke the deadlock with eight minutes remaining as he pounced on a rebound and sent it in from a few metres out. With Werkself supporters anxious for Berlin, the celebration was delayed as two minutes before the whistle Montenegro international Milorad Peković's cross was headed-in by Aristide Bancé. Mainz was tiring quickly and only two minutes into extra-time Arturo Vidal gave Bayer 04 the goal they needed as he sent in a rebound from close range. Werkself added to the lead as Simon Rolfes headed-in Angelos Charisteas' corner to back of the net thirteen minutes into extra-time.
Michal Kadlec made it 4-1 as he completely split the opposition defenders, rounded the 'keeper to the right before scoring as supporters sung out "Berlin, Berlin, wir fahren nach Berlin!"
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Werder gives away points
Following the Green-Whites advance in the UEFA Cup against Italian side Udinese, many thought a let-up might be in the horizon domestically. With Thomas Schaaf preparing for the DFB Pokal against HSV on Wednesday, it was unclear how the club would respond against in the capital on Sunday. Sporting a near full lineup of regulars Werder lost a narrow 2-1 decision at the Olympiastadion, dotted with a series of costly errors. Given the Green-Whites chances to win a Europa League berth are limited to winning the UEFA Cup or the Pokal, some might not be so critical with the loss however these points were given away with poor defending errors.
The match was packed with scoring chances and numerous efforts on the goal but finishing was well off the mark and both goalkeepers weren't forced into many saves. After a series of misses Werder took the lead with two minutes left in the half when Torsten Frings' corner fell into the box and in the scrum Per Mertesacker was credited with pushing it over the line. The Berliners leveled the match with twenty minutes remaining as Hungarian international Pál Dárdai cross from the left was somehow turned-in by Josip Šimunić to the far corner. Werder was definitely low on petrol as with three minutes left a defensive miscue led to Naldo feeding the ball to Raffael who scored from just outside the box to make it 2-1.
Manager Klaus Allofs said of the loss:
"I am really mad. I do not like to lose. And this game meant a lot to me. We had not lost in Berlin in a long time. And we wanted to collect some points again in the Bundesliga and continue our streak."
The match was packed with scoring chances and numerous efforts on the goal but finishing was well off the mark and both goalkeepers weren't forced into many saves. After a series of misses Werder took the lead with two minutes left in the half when Torsten Frings' corner fell into the box and in the scrum Per Mertesacker was credited with pushing it over the line. The Berliners leveled the match with twenty minutes remaining as Hungarian international Pál Dárdai cross from the left was somehow turned-in by Josip Šimunić to the far corner. Werder was definitely low on petrol as with three minutes left a defensive miscue led to Naldo feeding the ball to Raffael who scored from just outside the box to make it 2-1.
Manager Klaus Allofs said of the loss:
"I am really mad. I do not like to lose. And this game meant a lot to me. We had not lost in Berlin in a long time. And we wanted to collect some points again in the Bundesliga and continue our streak."
PSV pounds Ajax senseless
While the Dwight Lodeweges-led PSV era is coming to a close, his leadership will be remembered well by supporters. Adding to his fine curriculum vitae is a brilliant 6-2 devastation of Ajax at Philips Stadion on Sunday evening. The victory edges the defending champions back into a Europa League spot and will leave many wondering how things could have been different under a full year of Dwight Lodeweges leadership.
After Timmy Simons could not convert from the spot nineteen minutes in Edison Méndez started the celebration midway of the half as he sent a rocket against the right post in from twenty-five metres. The fun continued just past the half hour mark when Ibrahim Afelley volleyed in a rebound from Balázs Dzsudzsák powerful drive. PSV pressured Ajax constantly and ten minutes later Nordin Amrabat intercepted Jan Vertonghen's nonchalant back pass before toying with the 'keeper and sending to the back of the net. Luis Suárez brought one back just before the half with a nice volley from the right side of the six-yard box to make in 3-1. After the break, PSV continued to pour it on as Jason Culina, soon to join Gold Coast United of the A-League, came in from the right flank before powering in the ball with his left foot from twelve metres. Nine minutes later Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák curling free-kick filled the net as PSV supporters were thrilled with a 5-1 margin. Serbian international Miralem Sulejmani brought one back for Ajax with fourteen minutes remaining via a beautiful chip through ball from Ismaïl Aissati. Finally to crown the celebration Otman Bakkal completed romp in the final moments of the match to send Ajax back to Amsterdam with a 6-2 humiliation, as well as thwart their efforts to overtake Twente in the Champions League race.
After Timmy Simons could not convert from the spot nineteen minutes in Edison Méndez started the celebration midway of the half as he sent a rocket against the right post in from twenty-five metres. The fun continued just past the half hour mark when Ibrahim Afelley volleyed in a rebound from Balázs Dzsudzsák powerful drive. PSV pressured Ajax constantly and ten minutes later Nordin Amrabat intercepted Jan Vertonghen's nonchalant back pass before toying with the 'keeper and sending to the back of the net. Luis Suárez brought one back just before the half with a nice volley from the right side of the six-yard box to make in 3-1. After the break, PSV continued to pour it on as Jason Culina, soon to join Gold Coast United of the A-League, came in from the right flank before powering in the ball with his left foot from twelve metres. Nine minutes later Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák curling free-kick filled the net as PSV supporters were thrilled with a 5-1 margin. Serbian international Miralem Sulejmani brought one back for Ajax with fourteen minutes remaining via a beautiful chip through ball from Ismaïl Aissati. Finally to crown the celebration Otman Bakkal completed romp in the final moments of the match to send Ajax back to Amsterdam with a 6-2 humiliation, as well as thwart their efforts to overtake Twente in the Champions League race.
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