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      Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech hoping to break back into Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI full-time after injury woes

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      HAKIM ZIYECH is hoping his struggles are over after showing Thomas Tuchel that he is ready to play a leading role at Chelsea again.The Moroccan international has been hampered for months by the shoulder injury suffered during the Super Cup victory at the start of the season.
      Ziyech scored the winner against MalmoCredit: Reuters
      But now he is ready to relaunch his career after scoring a crucial Champions League winner in Malmo last night.
      He said: “I have had some hard times behind me because I didn’t really fully recover from my injury and I’ve never been able to find my rhythm again.
      “Chelsea have not seen the best of me yet because I know what I can do and what my highest level is.
      “But I have always believed in myself and I have worked really hard every day even when things have not been going as they’re supposed to.
      “I am trying to be important for the team with goals and assists and I’m happy I was able to help in what was a pretty difficult match for us.”
      Tuchel admitted: “The shoulder injury cost him a lot and he is still not 100 percent right because attacking players love freedom of movement.

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      “But it always helps when a player who is stuck gets a goal like this.
      “There is still room for Hakim to improve in his decision making and for his connections on the pitch to be more consistent.
      “We rely on his work rate because his intensity in the counter pressing is a huge part of his performances.”
      Tuchel also refused to take the credit for the half-time tactical switch which led directly to Ziyech’s 56th minute winner.
      He said: “My assistant Arlo Michels came up with the idea to switch Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi at half-time and we liked that idea a lot.
      “We thought it could save an important tenth of a second if both players did not have to cut back onto their other foot when they got out wide and that is how it worked for our goal.
      “We needed and expected this result and we have got the job done.

      “We had a lot of shots but we were not clinical enough but we were always in control of the game and I’m happy that we didn’t suffer any situations in our box at all.
      “There were a lot of reasons why we could have stumbled because the pitch was not great and we have had a lot of travelling for two away games in four days.
      “But we never lost our concentration and we absolutely deserved this win.” More

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      ‘He does hardest thing in game’ – Cristiano Ronaldo defended by Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand over work rate criticism

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has defended Cristiano Ronaldo over his work rate after the 36-year-old rescued the Red Devils in the Champions League.Ronaldo scored two, including a last-gasp equaliser away at Atalanta on Tuesday to rescue a point.
      Ronaldo scored an emphatic volley to rescue a point against Atalanta in the Champions LeagueCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Ferdinand says Ronaldo ‘steps up’ at critical momentsCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      And former team-mate Ferdinand has defended Ronaldo, who has come under criticism in recent weeks for his lack of pressing.
      Ferdinand rubbished criticism of Ronaldo’s work rate, saying the Portugal captain ‘does the hardest thing’ in games – score goals.
      The former England international told BT Sport: “People say [Cristiano Ronaldo] doesn’t work hard enough but he does the hardest thing in the game – score goals.
      “At that critical moment he steps up – in any country, in any stadium, at any time. He just arrives on the biggest occasions and delivers.
      “There aren’t anymore words that we can say about this guy than the way he puts the in the back of the net.”
      Ronaldo’s brace takes his goals tally to nine across all competitions this season.

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      The forward has struck five times in the Champions League and four in the Premier League.
      Ronaldo has scored SIX more than rival Lionel Messi since their moves to United and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
      Ronaldo called on his team-mates to improve after the 2-2 draw.
      He said: “It was a difficult game. I know when we play in Bergamo it is always difficult, but we believe until the end and I am so happy.
      “We never give up, we believe until the end, it is a good result for us.
      “The beginning was tough, we knew Atalanta would do a lot of pressure, they have a fantastic coach.
      “When I played at Juventus they were always difficult to play against. We were a little bit lucky in the end but that is football.
      “We have to still improve, we have different players, different system, we have to adapt with each other, but it will take time. We have time to improve and be better.”

      Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Ronaldo is his Michael Jordan.
      Solskjaer hailed his big game player, saying: “You play for Manchester United or the Chicago Bulls because you can come up with these moments.
      “I’m sure the Chicago Bulls didn’t mind having Michael Jordan. And that’s what Cristiano is like for us.
      “If there is anyone you want a chance to fall to in the last minute – and a difficult chance – then it’s Cristiano. That technique on the volley is just incredible.
      “We all have roles and responsibilities and for us he’s a leader and scores goals. He’s getting better and better.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Rio Ferdinand slams Cristiano Ronaldo criticism since return to Man Utd as blasphemy More

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      Dynamo Kiev 0 Barcelona 1: Watch wonderkid Fati net rocket as crisis club earn crucial win for Champions League lifeline

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      ANSU FATI won Barcelona their first game since sacking Ronald Koeman with the youngster’s goal enough to beat Dynamo Kiev. Dutchman Koeman was finally axed with the Spaniards sitting ninth in LaLiga, with former Barca defender Sergi Barjuan taking over as caretaker boss.
      Ansu Fati won Barcelona their first game since sacking Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty

      His reign started with a 1-1 home draw with Alaves but their fortunes were turned around in Europe.
      Fati – who inherited Lionel Messi’s famous No10 jersey after the Argentine left for PSG – got Barca back to winning ways.
      His strike with 20 minutes to go proved enough to settle the game, and it was one to remember.
      Right-back Oscar Mingueza played a cross into the box and Mykola Shaparenko’s interception took the ball away from Ousmane Dembele.
      Instead it fell to the path of teenage sensation Fati, who fired into the roof of the net, and then wheeled off in celebration.
      The victory leaves Barcelona with six points in Group E, two more than third-place Benfica, who lost at Bayern Munich in the other group match.

      Bayern have 12 points after winning all of their matches so far, while Dynamo are last with one point.
      Barca have advanced to the knockout rounds of the Champions League every season since being eliminated in the group stage in 2000-01.
      Fati, making his first Champions League start in nearly a year, scored his third goal of the season with his late winner.
      Barca were without some key players due to injury, including striker Sergio Aguero, defender Sergino Dest and veteran Gerard Pique.
      Aguero will be sidelined for at least three months because of a heart issue.
      Midfielder Frenkie De Jong was back in the starting 11 after recovering from a muscle injury sustained in the 2-1 home loss against Real Madrid in October.
      Pep Guardiola tells Aguero not to rush back to football after Barcelona ace’s health scare More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Ruben Loftus-Cheek shines but Marcos Alonso fails to take chance in Ben Chilwell’s absence

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      CHELSEA leave Sweden with another three points in the Champions League – but Malmo took some breaking down. Hakim Ziyech’s second half winner was all that separated the pair, just weeks after the Blues won the initial fixture 4-0.
      Chelsea celebrate their winning goalCredit: AFP
      It may not have been Chelsea’s most inspiring performance but proved enough to take home the win.
      Here is how Simon Phillip’s rated Thomas Tuchel’s men.
      Edouard Mendy – 7
      Was involved a bit on the ball playing out from the back but didn’t really have any shots to make saves for.
      Andreas Christensen – 7
      Good involvement in some of our attacking build up play and defended well, in particular sniffing out a threat in the first half tackling in the box.
      Thiago Silva provided the calmness that Chelsea neededCredit: AFP
      Thiago Silva – 7
      I say it every game, but he provided the calmness that Chelsea needed in the centre of defence as Malmo did operate with a good high press. Took a cynical booking in the second half.
      Antonio Rudiger – 7
      Usual battling game from him and Malmo put him under pressure whenever he was on the ball. He was also useful with a couple of good passes over the top in attack.

      Chelsea skipper Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: Getty
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
      He looked a bit rusty at the start of the game and reiterated why Reece James in probably ahead of him now in that position. As the game went on he settled nicely and contributed well.
      Jorginho – 7
      Was involved in most of what Chelsea did and helped them keep such a high possession number. He quietly went about his business but what he does often goes unnoticed.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a standout performanceCredit: Reuters
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 9
      Some great moments and lovely touches from him once again and he also should have had two assists with two beautiful through balls to Kai Havertz, who couldn’t finish any of them off.
      Marcos Alonso – 6
      Doesn’t provide the same effect and pace as Ben Chilwell does and ghosted a lot in the game. Tidy when he needed to be though and didn’t do a lot wrong.
      Marcos Alonso failed to take his chanceCredit: Reuters
      Callum Hudson-Odoi – 8
      Wasn’t doing enough in the first half despite trying to be that main threat. Tuchel switched him to the right in the second half and he was superb, especially his inch perfect pass for the opening goal.
      Hakim Ziyech – 7
      He looked brighter than he did at Newcastle, but that wasn’t difficult. It was good to see improvements though and he got the opening goal as well as some other good moments in the game.
      Hakim Ziyech scored the winnerCredit: AFP
      Kai Havertz – 7
      Some bright moments but again, a little inconsistent with his touches and contribution to Chelsea’s attacking play in the first half, but it was his great build up play and pass that helped set up the opening goal.
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      Ross Barkley for Ziyech (73 mins) – 8
      An instant threat with some good over the top passes and long range efforts on goal.
      Christian Pulisic for Hudson-Odoi (73 mins) – 8
      Very tidy on the ball and didn’t look like he hasn’t played for 80 days. Good attacking threat making runs in behind.
      Christian Pulisic made his Chelsea returnCredit: AFP More

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      Malmo vs Chelsea FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Champions League game

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      CHELSEA head to Malmo as they look to take a step towards Champions League qualification.The Blues are currently three points ahead of third place Zenit as they go into matchday four of the Champions League.
      Chelsea are looking for another win as they face MalmoCredit: Getty
      Malmo meanwhile have yet to pick up a point or score a goal, having been hammered in all their matches so far.
      But Thomas Tuchel has called on his team to avoid any complacency in Sweden.
      He said: “When you say, very right, Malmo needs extraordinary performance. I think they will prepare for this.
      “Any team on this kind of level is ready to create and extraordinary performance.
      “We should be prepared, be humble and respectful enough towards the game and opponent.
      “Anything can happen. These matches on Champions League level have nothing to lose.”

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      What time does Malmo vs Chelsea kick off?

      Chelsea visit Malmo on Tuesday, November 2.
      The match kicks off at 5.45pm UK time – 6.45pm in Sweden.
      It takes place at the Eleda Stadion, Malmo.
      The sides last met two weeks ago when Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge.

      What TV channel is Malmo vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

      Malmo vs Chelsea is live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 5pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Malmo vs Chelsea for free?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      Team news
      Sweden star Ola Toivonen, former Ipswich left back Jonas Knudsen and midfielder Patriot Sejdiu are all out for Malmo.
      There are also doubts over the fitness of right-back Felix Beijmo.
      Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Mateo Kovacic are all definitely out for Chelsea.
      Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount are doubts.
      Latest odds

      Malmo 16/1
      Draw 13/2
      Chelsea 2/11

      *Odds from Betfair correct at time of publication. More

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      Atalanta vs Man Utd FREE: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Champions League clash

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      MAN UTD are in Italy to face Atalanta in a crucial Champions League group match.The Red Devils are top of the group after coming from 2-0 down to beat the Italians 3-2 through a late Cristiano Ronaldo header at Old Trafford.
      Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the winner when Man Utd hosted AtalantaCredit: EPA
      However, there is still work to do with Atalanta sitting second on four points, level with third placed Villarreal, and fourth placed Young Boys still in contention on three points.
      Ahead of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a rallying cry.
      He wrote on Instagram: “Back to Italy, a country that welcomed me and my family so well, an amazing place that will be forever in my heart.
      “I know from experience that it’s never easy to play in Bergamo against a team such as Atalanta, but we will do our absolute best to keep the first place in our group.
      “This is Champions League and we are Manchester United! We are where we belong! Let’s go, Devils!”

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      What time does Atalanta vs Man Utd kick off?

      Atalanta take on Man Utd on Tuesday, November 2 – TODAY.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Italy.
      It will take place at Atalanta’s Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
      The 3-2 Man Utd win two weeks ago was the two sides’ only meeting.

      What TV channel is Atalanta vs Man Utd on and can I live stream it?

      Atalanta vs Man Utd is live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 7.45pm, following the conclusion of Malmo vs Chelsea.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Atalanta vs Man Utd free?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.

      Team news
      Atalanta have a number of injuries to contend with.
      Centre-backs Berat Djimisti and Rafael Toloi are both out, along with left-back Robin Gosens, right-back Hans Hateboer and midfielder Matteo Pessina.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no real injury worries, with only Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof doubtful.
      Ahead of this match, Solskjaer will need to decide whether to continue with the 3-5-2 that worked so well at Spurs or revert to a 4-2-3-1.
      Under the 3-5-2, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani would be likely to start together again after both netting in North London.
      Latest odds

      Atalanta 17/10
      Draw 3/1
      Man Utd 7/5

      *All odds from Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Lionel Messi ruled out of PSG’s Champions League clash at RB Leipzig due to injury after being subbed against Lille

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      LIONEL MESSI has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash against RB Leipzig after picking up a hamstring injury.The 34-year-old hasn’t even been named in Mauricio Pochettino’s 21-man-squad to face Leipzig on Wednesday due to the niggling hamstring issue along with a pain in his knee, PSG revealed.
      Messi will miss PSG’s Champions League tie against Leipzig due to injuryCredit: Getty
      Messi’s injury woes were first realised before his horror performance in PSG’s 2-1 win over Lille last week.
      However, the ex-Barca attacker was given the all-clear to start in the game which saw L’Equipe give him a rating of three out of ten for his poor display.
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner was practically invisible in the first half before Pochettino subbed him, although the PSG boss claimed he only removed Messi from action as a ‘precaution.’
      The Ligue 1 giants were even trailing 1-0 when Messi was on the pitch, but when he was taken off, they found their groove and mounted a comeback, ending the game as 2-1 winners.
      The Argentine’s now gone five games without scoring or setting up a goal, making it the worst start to a season he’s had in 15 years.
      But in contrast, Messi’s been in fine form in Europe in this campaign, scoring three goals in as many games.

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      Two of those strikes came in PSG’s 3-2 win over Leipzig when they met a few weeks ago, which included a perfect Paneka penalty effort.
      Messi was also a menace against Manchester City in the top-tier European competition last month.
      He broke his scoring duck in the game with a wonder-strike that was reminiscent of his form in Spain with Barca.
      PSG will also be without crocked star Sergio Ramos for the Champions League game.
      The ex-Real Madrid star is yet to make his debut for the club who are reportedly losing patience with the defender.
      The 36-year-old is back in training and PSG hope he’ll be fit again soon, but if that’s not the case, it’s been reported that they’re considering pulling the plug on his contract despite only signing him in the summer.
      Football fans convinced Lionel Messi played with an injury as PSG star spotted massaging hamstring More

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      Man Utd fans attacked by bat-wielding Atalanta Ultras in bar brawl which sees injured waitress rushed to hospital

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were attacked by Atalanta thugs wielding bats ahead of the Champions League clash.Footage showed a group of fans being attacked at a bar on Monday evening in Bergamo, northern Italy.
      Manchester United fans were attacked at a bar in Bergamo, northern Italy
      Atalanta thugs attacked the supporters at an Irish bar on Monday night
      La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that one United fan and a waitress were injured.
      Reports say Atalanta supporters dressed in black hoods and scarves and launched their attack with bats at an Irish pub called The Ritual.
      A 24-year-old waitress was injured from an object being thrown and was take to hospital in an ambulance.
      But the report adds that her condition is not serious and the group of fans fled before police arrived at the scene.
      Manchester United face Atalanta on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
      The city of Bergamo has introduced a 24-hour ban on selling alcohol more than five per cent volume from Tuesday morning.

      The ban applies to shops, restaurants and bars in the centre of the city and in areas surrounding the stadium.
      Atalanta play at the 21,000-seat Gewiss Stadium in the north east of Bergamo, which is down the road from Milan.
      Man Utd are top of their Champions League group having come from 2-0 down to beat Atalanta last time out.
      They’ll be without the injured Victor Lindelof for the trip after he picked up a knock in training. More