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    Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/Glimt LIVE RESULT: Hojlund fires Red Devils to victory in Europa League as Amorim claims first win

    MANCHESTER UNITED have beaten Bodo/Glimt 3-2 to secure back-to-back wins in the Europa League – but it wasn’t all plain sailing.Ruben Amorim received a warm welcome as he led the Red Devils out for the first time at Old Trafford.And he was once again greeted to a fast start after Alejandro Garnacho pounced on a defensive error from the visitors to make it 1-0 after just 48 seconds.But on 19 minutes, Hakon Evjen’s screamer stunned Old Trafford and got Bodo/Glimt on level terms.Things went from bad to worse for Man Utd after Philip Zinckernagel fired the visitors ahead just four minutes later.Just before half-time, Rasmus Hojlund’s superb finish made the tie 2-2 to spare the hosts’ blushes at the interval.Minutes into the second half, the Dane doubled his tally from close range, which turned out to be the match-winner as Amorim claimed his first win as Man Utd manager.Match result: Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtMan Utd team: Onana, Malacia, Martinez, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Antony, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mount, Garnacho, HojlundBodo/Glimt team: Haikin, Wembangomo, Gundersen, Bjortuft, Bjorkan, Evjen, Berg, Fet, Zinckernagel, Helmersen, HaugeFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Match reportBy SunSport’s Neil CustisRasmus Hojlund borrowed a scene from The Gladiator as he put Bodo Glimt to the sword.When the Danish striker equalised to make it 2-2 at halftime, he ran to the legions of fans in the East Stand, put his thumb up, and then turned it down, adding a cut-throat gesture.The signal replicated that from a Roman Emperor for an opponent to be finished off.Hojlund did just that when he added his second in the 50th minute as the invaders from Norway who had been so vocal at 2-1 up found their team slain by the end.‘Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?’, Hojlund might have cried to The Stretford End at the close of a thrilling contest.It was a much-needed night for Hojlund, who could easily have been hailed as ‘Maxuimus Misses’ during his time at Old Trafford.But on night’s like this you can see why Erik ten Hag bought him, and pleaded for patience.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd fixturesUnited’s next game is at home to Everton on Sunday in the Premier League.In this competition they face an away trip to Plzen in a fortnight as part of a ridiculously, hectic festive schedule.Everton (H) – Dec 1Arsenal (A) – Dec 4Nottm Forest (H) – Dec 7Plzen (A) – Dec 12Man City (A) – Dec 15Tottenham (A) Dec 19Bournemouth (H) – Dec 22Wolves (A) – Dec 26Newcastle (H) – Dec 30Copy linkCopiedHow we standA look at the Europa League table after tonight’s results.United in 12th spot, just a point outside the automatic qualifying spots.Tottenham a few places ahead – while Rangers are the highest ranked British side…Credit: UefaCopy linkCopiedAmorim reactsRuben Amorim admits there were good and bad moments in tonight’s victory.But he was full of praise for his side for the way they stuck at the game plan and reckons they deserved the win.He told TNT Sports, per BBC: “Of course, I see what what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments.”There was some confusion in the end trying to hold the result, but the lads did a great job. They ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we have worked on in the last three days and we won!”Half of the stadium doesn’t know me, I came from Portugal and I did nothing for this club. Yet the way they make me feel at home is special.”I will keep this to the end of my career.””Like a real ride. We started well, but then suffered two goals in two transitions. I like the way the players tried to play our game.”Sometimes we won the ball and have had problems in the past giving the ball away too much – the mindset is keeping the ball.”They are really trying and I think we deserved the win.”Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim interviewed following the UEFA Europa League, league stage match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday November 28, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Man Utd. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.Copy linkCopiedCharacter shownRasmus Hojlund said it’s all about the three points and wants United’s games to be less exciting by killing teams off.He told TNT Sports: “It was a little bit of a bad start but we came back and showed character. “We want to make sure these games don’t get too exciting. But it’s all about the three points, innit?””He [Ruben Amorim] told me not to think too much about the guys behind me and just work on what I can see in front of me. We saw that with the first goal.”Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsSunsport’s Martin Blackburn was inside Old Trafford for tonight’s game.He runs the rule over tonight’s team and picks his star man.ANDRE ONANA – 6NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 7MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6  ANTONY – 5MANUEL UGARTE – 7BRUNO FERNANDES – 6TYRELL MALACIA – 5MASON MOUNT – 7ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7  RASMUS HOJLUND – 8*SUBSDALOT – 6RASHFORD – 5SHAW– 5AMAD – 5CASEMIRO – 5Read on to find out why they were rated as they were….Copy linkCopiedFull time numbersOver three times as many completed passes for United than their Norwegian opponents tonight.A cracking 20 shots at goal too for the hosts with just six on target.Three corners? That’s a low count here.Copy linkCopiedFull time view from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordThumbs up in the end – but for a while it was thumbs down. Match-winner Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to clinch the tie and unveiled his Gladiator style celebration – but the jury is still out. Norwegian champions elect Bodo Glimt turned the tie around to lead in the first half and that will be a worry for new boss Amorim. Even so it was a win in his first home game for the Portuguese.Copy linkCopiedStickyIt wasn’t pretty for much of the first half but in the end it was a rather comfortable second 45 minutes for Manchester United.That tweak at half time working wonders – maybe this manager is decent after all?Two goals for Rasmus Hojlund too, how much good will that do him?Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMERuben Amorim’s first win as Manchester United manager in his first taste of Old Trafford.Three goals and three points in the Europa League.Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtCopy linkCopied90+2 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtGREAT SAVE!It’s curled over the wall towards the top corner and Onana again gets across to keep it out well!Half-hearted appeals for a handball which are checked and cleared.Copy linkCopied90+1 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtUh oh…Casemiro gives away a free kick, just a yard outside the penalty area on the right of centre.What a chance this is for Bodo/Glimt to snatch a point.Copy linkCopied90+1 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtHogh rises highest inside the box and powers a header at goal.Onana at full stretch keeps it out superbly. But the Bodo/Glimt man was offside anyway.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtThree minutes added!Copy linkCopiedTaking the mickeySome spot from a cameraman to spot a MOUSE on the Old Trafford pitch while the game’s going on.Looks like Hojlund’s winning some stars for camp in this Bushtucker trial.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied87 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtA rare attack for the visitors, who manage to work their way into United’s half and up to the edge of the box.The shot comes in from 20 yards out but Casemiro’s frame gets in the way to block it before Hojlund wins a free kick.Copy linkCopied82 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtHe looks far more pleased at the minute, Amorim.But he knows the slender lead can disappear at any moment.As it stands, they’re dominating the ball and looking most likely to score next.Copy linkCopied80 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtGreat chance for Rashford to kill it off.Mazraoui curls a fantastic ball over the top of the Norwegian’s defence, sending Rashford clear down the right.He looks up for Garnacho in the middle but he can’t keep up, so he strikes low across goal, missing by a couple of feet in the end.Copy linkCopied76 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtWhat an incredible 30 seconds!Onana is well, well outside his area when he’s almost dispossessed and ends up on his backside.Bodo/Glimt just can’t get a shot away and United break at incredible speed.Diallo charges down the right and they’re 4v2 when he picks out Garnacho on the edge of the box. His curled attempt goes well, well over. Poor finish given the good opportunity to finish this one off.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordRasmus Hojlund launched a ‘Gladiator’ style celebration as he put his thumbs up and then down after his two goals. The Danish forward had certainly put Bodo Glimt to the sword – as the Norwegian’s dream of a historic night at Old Trafford was halted by goals either side of the break by Hojlund. He seems to be enjoying life under the new boss. Copy linkCopied66 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtBetter from Bodo/Glimt as the play completely opens up for them.A driving run through the middle comes to an end with a through-ball cut out by the retreating Garnacho putting in the hard yards.Jens Petter Hauge follows up with a shot at goal but Onana saves comfortably.Copy linkCopied66 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtMore United changes as Casemiro readies himself to come on.It looks like he’ll come on as the centre back here.OFF: De LigtON: CasemiroCopy linkCopied62 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtStop-start at the minute as the visitors go to their bench too.Bodo/Glimt haven’t really got going in an attacking sense in this second half.In truth, they haven’t actually made many passes in United’s half.Copy linkCopiedChangesJust as the clock ticks to the hour-mark, Amorim has opted to make a triple change.OFF: Mount, Antony & MartinezON: Diallo, Rashford & ShawCopy linkCopied53 – Man Utd 3-2 Bodo/GlimtNearly a fourth!Garnacho has ACRES of room as he’s sent clear down the left. He drives in towards goal, inside the defender and bends it towards the far corner but the keeper keeps it out.Hojlund can’t keep his feet for the rebound and a hat trick attempt goes begging.Copy linkCopied More

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    Britain’s most loyal footie fan has been watching Hibernian FC for 91 YEARS

    FOOTIE-mad Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fan — having watched her beloved Hibernian FC from the stands for 91 years.Pat, 96, was first taken to their Easter Road stadium in Edinburgh as a thrilled five-year-old by her dad Angus.She feared her days watching Hibs were over when she moved into a care home.But staff arranged a VIP hospitality experience with the club, including four-course fine dining, for the Scottish Premiership clash against St Mirren on November 9.Her first question to anyone new she meets is “are you a Hibby?”And she said of her emotions at the match: “I’m crying because I am so happy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS”I never thought I would be back to watch a game.”“It brought back lots of memories of my dad, when it cost two and six to get in and we had to stand.”Aren’t I lucky to still be having adventures at 96!”Pat, who lives at Lauder Lodge in the city, was also ­presented with a new Hibs scarf and had a chat with the club’s sporting director Malky Mackay about the game.Most read in FootballBut there were no such favours from St Mirren — who beat bottom-of-the-table Hibs 2-1.Hibernian FC fan Pat Davidson is Britain’s oldest and most loyal fanBizarre moment football fans turn up to cup final with human skull of grandfather and say ‘we take him everywhere’ More

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    Ruben Amorim breaks Man Utd’s 33-year duck in just 48 SECONDS during Bodo/Glimt clash

    IT took Ruben Amorim’s side just 48 SECONDS to break Manchester United’s 33-year duck in his home debut.It was the first time since 1991 that the Red Devils have scored in the opening minute of a major European game.The Ruben Amorim Old Trafford era got off to a perfect startAlejandro Garnacho broke a 33-year record after he scored inside 48 secondsUnited face Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa LeagueAmorim picked a much changed side for his mid-week tieThe last time United put one in during the first 60 seconds of a European clash was during Sir Alex Ferguson’s fifth season.It was Brian McClair – now 60 – who opened the scoring against Montpellier in a Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup tie. Jonny Evans was just three years old. Casemiro wasn’t even born. But it was now Alejandro Garnacho, 20, who got United off to their dream start – albeit from a Bodo/Glimt goalkeeping howler.READ MORE ON MAN UTDGarnacho was the one to put the ball in the back of the net – but the goal was all about the hard work of Rasmus Hojlund.He dispossessed the Bodo/Glimt stopper, who took far too long on the ball in his own box before trying to wrestle Hojlund down.It was another fast-start under Amorim, just as we saw at Ipswich.But that quickly unravelled 19 minutes later when the visitors – from Norway’s top division – pegged one back through an absolute screamer.Most read in FootballIt was blow for Amorim, who you could see becoming frustrated that his side couldn’t capitalise on their dominance.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtAnd Bodo/Glimt incredibly turned the game on its head just four minutes later as the Norwegian outfit went 2-1 up.Forest winger Zinckernagel outpaced Tyrell Malacia, who looked every bit a player who hasn’t taken to the pitch for 550 days.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich Malacia, who was later hauled off at half-time, had a headstart but you wouldn’t have known it as Zinckernagel fired in a low effort that squirmed in under the legs of Andre Onana.Goalscorer Garnacho continued to work as part of the front three – a a shift from his wing-back position during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road.Hojlund levelled the scores on the brink of half-time with a superb right-footed volley – his best goal in a United shirt.And it took just five minutes after the break for the Dane, 21, to put the home side back in front with a sliding finish.United are up to 12th in their European league phase table, with three games remaining.Ferguson was in attendance at Old Trafford for Amorim’s first home game as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.The cinema quickly panned to the Scot, 82, after Garnacho’s opener.Meanwhile, Amorim slashed two names off his United team-sheet for their Europa League clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only named 10 players on the bench – two fewer than United’s last European game against PAOK.Teams are permitted 12 substitutes – with Bodo/Glimt opting to fill their bench.Ruben Amorim played his signature 3-4-3 More

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    Ruben Amorim slashes two names off his Man Utd team-sheet for Europa League clash vs Bodo/Glimt

    RUBEN AMORIM cut TWO names from his Manchester United squad for their Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt.The Portuguese coach, 39, took charge of his first home game as Red Devils boss on Thursday night as they claimed a 3-2 victory against the Norwegian champions.Ruben Amorim made a big decision for his first home game in chargeCredit: GettyHe lined up with a strong starting line-up as Man Utd sought a first win under their new manager following a 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday.And there was a notable change to Amorim’s side as the team sheet came out.He only named 10 players on the bench – two fewer than Man Utd’s last Europa League game against PAOK.Teams are permitted 12 substitutes – with Bodo/Glimt opting to fill their bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Amorim chose not to use his full bench.And two of those named as substitutes were goalkeepers – Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton – meaning he had just eight outfield subs to use.They were Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.The starting XI consisted of Andre Onana in goal and a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtTyrell Malacia and Antony were the wing-backs, with Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount in midfield.Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho then played more attacking roles, with Rasmus Hojlund up front.Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais More

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    Chelsea ratings: Filip Jorgensen makes claim for No1 shirt but Benoit Badiashile struggles versus Heidenheim

    CHELSEA remained at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heidenheim.Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk got on the scoreheet as the Bundesliga side gave them their toughest test so far in the Conference League.Filip Jorgensen made 11 savesCredit: RexChristopher Nkunku scored a brilliant goalCredit: RexMykhailo Mudryk wrapped up the points after good work from Jadon SanchoThe Blues were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes but were far better after a half-time team talk from Enzo Maresca.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea performances.Filip Jorgensen – 9He will feel he should be taking Robert Sanchez’s No1 shirt. Made 11 saves in the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA simply brilliant save to deny Paul Wanner at 0-0 and produced a stunning double stop as Heidenheim pushed for an equaliser.Very composed with the ball at his feet.Axel Disasi – 6One or two dodgy moments and lapses of concentration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSProduced the front-foot defending Maresca demands to win the ball back high up the pitch for Chelsea’s opener.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Made progressive passes between the lines to the midfielders excellently. Was vital to moving the ball up the pitch beyond the German side’s high press.Missed a huge chance to score from a set-piece just before half-time.’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsBenoit Badiashile – 5Yellow card in the first minute for a cynical foul set the tone for his display.Not a very convincing performance. Another who had lapses of concentration. Renato Veiga – 7Played the inverted left-back role once again. Really understands a demanding position. Has the technical ability when on the ball and the intelligence when to move back into defence.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Good performance. Picked some excellent passes and swung in dangerous crosses.Wasted a big chance to score a second for Chelsea.Cesare Casadei – 5Far too many sideways or backwards passes. Worked hard defensively to keep Wanner quiet. Was sent off for two yellows seconds from the end of the game.Jadon Sancho – 8Did not do much in the first-half but picked Nkunku out well for the goal.Then continued to be a threat down the right and set up Mudryk’s goal.Christopher Nkunku – 7 Probably tried to be too clever with a chance in the first-half, trying to unnecessarily chip goalkeeper Kevin Muller. But then showed his talent by going on a sensational run through challenges and forcing a save.He kept getting into great positions and took his goal incredibly well with a brilliant first touch and calm finish.Also missed a chance to bag another goal.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Worked incredibly hard defensively and dribbled forward with purpose.Finished brilliantly into the top corner to wrap up the points.Marc Guiu – 6Had four chances in the opening stages, scuffing the first three and rushing the fourth.But the 18-year-old worked incredibly hard and got into good positions.Subs:Joao Felix (62 minutes, for Guiu) – 6Perhaps rested for the weekend. Carney Chukwuemeka (75 minutes, Nkunku) – 6Did not do much after coming on.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrique George (90 minutes, Sancho) – N/ASamuel Rak-Sakyi (90 minutes, Dewsbury-Hall) – N/A More

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    Heidenheim 0 Chelsea 2: Nkunku and Mudryk both score but Casadei is sent off with second last kick of game

    CHELSEA’S second string maintained their 100 per cent record in the third tier of European competition – but not without a number of scares.Top scorer Christopher Nkunku claimed his seventh goal in the Europa Conference League and on another night might have had a hat-trick.Christopher Nkunku scored a close-range opener for ChelseaCredit: RexIt is the Frenchman’s 11th goal of the season in all competitionsCredit: ReutersMykhailo Mudryk doubled Chelsea’s lead with a brilliant finishCredit: GettyIt is the Ukrainian’s third Europa Conference League goal of the campaignCredit: RexHeidenheim had the share of chances despite having less of the ballBut Heidenheim, who also went into the game with three wins from three, caused plenty of problems for the Blues.Blues goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a string of saves, the best of them after Nkunku’s goal and before Mykhailo Mudryk sealed victory with less than five minutes to go.And apart from Jadon Sancho, none of the other outfield players in the cream-coloured kit made much of a case to rise into the first 11 for Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.As usual Enzo Maresca made wholesale changes from his first 11, with only Benoit Badiashile keeping his place from the win at Leicester.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut Chelsea learned within a minute that it would not be another Thursday night stroll.Badiashile was booked for fouling Heidenheim winger Leonardo Scienza and Mikkel Kaufmann almost touched in the resulting free kick.It was an entertaining, end-to-end game in a festive atmosphere.Marc Guiu, twice, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had shots saved, while Jorgensen denied Kaufmann, Scienza and Mathias Honsak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMykhailo Mudryk wanted a penalty for a challenge on him but the referee waved it away even after going to the monitorCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s men remain the only side to have a 100 per cent record in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyAfter Nkunku spooned a finish over the bar, Chelsea were awarded a penalty when Mykhailo Mudryk went flying over a challenge by home captain Patrick Mainka.But Dutch referee Serdar Gozubuyuk went back on his decision after being summoned to the VAR monitor.Inside Frank Lampard’s superstitious routine as new Coventry boss’ success could depend on Chelsea legend’s DOGNkunku drew another save from home ‘keeper Kevin Muller, Tosin Adarabioyo shot just wide and the half somehow ended 0-0.Heidenheim had another chance before Nkunku broke the deadlock.Sancho’s cross sat up nicely and the France international found a fine finish.The home side, with their supporters keeping up constant noise behind the goal they were attacking, kept going and Scienza curled a shot just wide.Chelsea ratings vs HeidenheimChelsea remained at the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Heidenheim.Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk got on the scoresheet as the Bundesliga side gave them their toughest test so far in the Conference League.The Blues were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes but were far better after a half-time team talk from Enzo Maresca.Click here to see how SunSport’s Alex Smith rated the Chelsea performances.Wanner should have equalised, but Jorgensen made a fine save and then another from Scienza’s follow-up.Substitute Joao Felix sent Nkunku through on the break but Muller kept his team in it with another save.Home sub Maximilian Breunig had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside and Muller denied Dewsbury-Hall at the other end.READ MORE SUN STORIESMudryk finally killed the game with an emphatic shot into the top corner after more good work by Sancho.Cesare Casadei was sent off for a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, which reflected a tough but ultimately successful evening for the Blues. More

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    Heidenheim 0-2 Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Nkunku and Mudryk fire Blues to fourth straight win in Conference League – updates

    CHELSEA have beaten Heidenheim 2-0 to continue their perfect record in the Conference League.Early in the second half, Christopher Nkunku broke the deadlock with a superb finish.On 86 minutes, Mykhailo Mudryk slammed one right in the top right corner to make it 2-0 and secure a fourth straight win for Chelsea in Europe.The Blues’ win was clouded by Cesare Casadei receiving a red card for a second yellow with seconds remaining.Match result: Heidenheim 0-2 ChelseaHeidenheim starting team: Muller, Siersleben, Mainka, Scienza, Wanner, Honsak, Traore, Kaufmann, Theuerkauf, Maloney, DorschChelsea starting team: Jorgensen, Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga, Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, Nkunku, Mudryk, GuiuBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from the Voith-Arena with our live blog below…ReportChelsea’s second string maintained their 100 per cent record in the third tier of European competition – but not without a number of scares.Top scorer Christopher Nkunku claimed his seventh goal in the Europa Conference League and on another night might have had a hat-trick.But Heidenheim, who also went into the game with three wins from three, caused plenty of problems for the Blues.Blues goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen made a string of saves, the best of them after Nkunku’s goal and before Mykhailo Mudryk sealed victory with less than five minutes to go.Copy linkCopiedFull time statsThe numbers behind the 90 minutes.Chelsea well in control of the ball but Heidenheim did have their chances – actually registering more efforts on target than Chelsea.The Blues with over double the completed passes.Copy linkCopiedFull time from SunSport’s Dan King in GermanyAfter the flood of goals that overwhelmed Noah, a far more challenging night for Chelsea in the depths of southern Germany. Heidenheim will surely climb higher than the 15th place they currently occupy in the Bundesliga. And Cesare Casadei will probably not be heartbroken by his late red card because it means he misses the trip to freezing Kazahkstan next month.
    Copy linkCopiedFull time in HeidenheimHeidenheim were perhaps a touch unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet tonight.But a second string Chelsea side proved just too strong in the second half.Two assists on the night for Jadon Sancho who was heavily involved in both goals.Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk the scorers and a decent away win in Europe.Copy linkCopiedFT! Chelsea win 2-0 at Heidenheim to guarantee European football after Christmas!Copy linkCopiedRED CARDCesare Casadei is shown a second yellow card with a few seconds to go.The youngster looks absolutely devastated with that as he trudges off. It takes the shine off what was a decent night for him too.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Heidenheim 0-2 ChelseaChelsea win a corner and look quite happy to run the clock down as Joao Felix takes his time making it across.Copy linkCopiedFive minutes added onChelsea should have enough to see this one out from here.Smoke fills the air as yet more pyro is let off.Copy linkCopied90+1 – Heidenheim 0-2 ChelseaTwo late Chelsea changes:OFF: Sancho & Dewsbury-HallON: George & Rak-SakyiCopy linkCopiedGOOOO – NO!Nearly a grandstand finish.Max Breunig finds the net for the home side once again.Max Breunig is offside when doing so once again.Copy linkCopiedGOAL DETAILStunning finish from Mudryk and it’s game over in Germany.Again, Sancho is the architect. He works a really clever one-two with Dewsbury-Hall who has been bright all night.The pair work it well and Sancho darts into the box before laying it off to Mudryk on the edge of the box who smashes it into the top corner with a first time finish.Copy linkCopiedGame over now!Copy linkCopied73 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaJorgensen and Veiga both booked in the space of 90 seconds.Veiga for a foul on halfway, Jorgensen for time-wasting.That shows where this game is at the minute.Copy linkCopiedGOOO – NO!The home fans just getting excited for a few seconds there when Max Breunig found the net with a header.But he’s roughly a mile offside and it’s quickly ruled out.Chelsea living dangerously here.Copy linkCopied73 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaIt is game over – for Nkunku.He was hurt from that challenge and missed chance and signaled to the bench straight away.He makes his way to the sidelines but he’s going to be replaced. Hopefully nothing too serious.OFF: NkunkuON: ChukwuemekaCopy linkCopied73 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaShould be game over!From the edge of their own box, Chelsea play three slick passes which completely cut open the German side and Nkunku is inside his own half but is clean through.His first touch is good as he bears down on goal. The defender gets back to put him off with a slight nudge in the back but he gets his shot away and Muller keeps it out.Copy linkCopied69 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaHeidenheim just haven’t managed to get Paul Wanner on the ball enough tonight.But he’s involved here, capitalising on more strange Chelsea defending to get a strike on goal which Jorgensen saves tremendously well.The home side on top at the minute chasing a famous equaliser.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King in GermanyHeidenheim aren’t giving up, nor are their fans. Those flares just keep on coming in the home end, no matter how many times they are politely told it’s not allowed. Joao Felix has replaced Marc Guiu, Christopher Nkunku has gone up top and the game is in the balance. Fabulous double save by Filip Jorgensen keeps Chelsea ahead.Copy linkCopied62 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaNearly a stunning equaliser from Scienza – but what on earth were Chelsea doing at the back there.From a goal kick, Badiashile gives it to Jorgensen when the keeper’s not looking. So he has to scramble to try and clear it but it’s charged down.The ball looks to be headed for a Chelsea throw and Disasi kids on he’s going to get it but tries to be clever to let it run out.He’s then made to look a right mug when Kaufmann bursts his lungs to keep it in on the slide. It’s knocked to Scienza who has a go from 25 yards on the angle but dips and curls agonisingly wide.Copy linkCopiedSome statTen goals in his last 11 European games for Nkunku.Copy linkCopied56 – Heidenheim 0-1 ChelseaGood work from Sancho once again.He beats his man with good footwork before a low cross into Guiu but good defending at the back sees the home side get bodies in the way to scramble it to safety.Copy linkCopiedToo goodChristopher Nkunku has to play more.In truth, his Chelsea career would probably be much different had he not been injured early into his Stamford Bridge life.He’s wasted as just a European player in this competition.Copy linkCopiedGOAL DETAILSmashing wee goal or Chelsea and a customary European goal from Christopher Nkunku.Dewsbury-Hall feeds Sancho down the right side of the area.His pick-out for the late run of Nkunku looks to be a difficult one for the forward.But on the stretch, Nkunku brings it down with his left foot and into his path superbly before finishing coolly from close range into the top corner with his right foot.Terrific goal.Copy linkCopiedHe’s done it again!Copy linkCopied49 – Heidenheim 0-0 Chelsea’Come on Chelsea, come on Chelsea’ – the chant from the Chelsea supporters as the Blues enjoy a couple of minutes of good possession.Dewsbury-Hall almost slips a great through-ball for Guiu to be sent clean through but it’s a last-ditch interception from Scienza which cuts it out.Copy linkCopied More

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    Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game

    BARCELONA legend Ronaldinho rolled back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico exhibition match.The 44-year-old shared the pitch with Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista and Rivaldo in Qatar on Thursday.Ronaldinho showed he still has it with a sleek free-kickThe Barca legend doubled the lead in an El Clasico exhibition match on ThursdayThe Samba legend couldn’t help but celebrateBarca went 1-0 up early on through Juan Pablo Sorin, before winning a free-kick from around 22 yards out.Naturally, Ronaldinho stepped up and curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the top left corner past ex-keeper Francisco Buyo.The former Madrid stopper – who is, it must be said, 66 years old – had no hope of reaching it.The Brazilian World Cup winner doubled Barca’s lead inside 15 minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the Catalans couldn’t replicate the 4-0 pasting the current flock imposed on Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid last month.The Madrid Legends eventually found a way back into the game, which went on to end 2-2 in Qatar.Former Portugal winger and Ballon d’Or winner Figo, who played for both sides in his prime, brought one back for Madrid in the second half.And Edwin Congo’s low finish in the 63rd minute levelled the score.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was Jose Mourinho’s old foe Frank De Boer who fumbled the pass to put Congo in a one-on-one with the keeper.Barca had a chance to win the game late on from the penalty spot, but Kluivert’s effort was saved by substitute keeper Pedro Contreras.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou But Ronaldinho went onto score in the penalty shootout afterwards.As did Figo, Congo and Sorin as the Catalan’s edged the shootout 4-2.Ronaldinho’s most famous free-kick was the effort he floated over England’s David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley’s under-21 squad this summer.The 19-year-old midfielder had previously been at Barca’s La Masia youth academy.Mendes most recently featured in Burnley’s 5-0 win over Luton Town’s under-21s last Friday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis father won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2005.The legends will play in another El Clasico before the end of the year, with the halves lasting a slightly shortened 40 minutes each.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley after coming through the ranks at BarcaCredit: FC Barcelona via InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More