Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash

      by

      KRASNODAR have been blasted after just four players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Chelsea.
      Some viewers were left outraged as the Blues knelt in solidarity with BLM before kick-off in south-west Russia – but the majority of their opponents failed to follow suit.

      Only four Krasnodar players took a knee before their Champions League game with ChelseaCredit: AFP

      Outraged viewers took to Twitter to express their disgust

      Just four Krasnodar men copied Chelsea’s example at the start of the game.
      Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
      And some took to Twitter to express their disgust at the majority of the Krasnodar team’s behaviour.

      One wrote: “Wow. Watching the game and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar stood.

      “Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.”
      Another said: “So at least half of the Krasnodar team didn’t take the knee for BLM.
      “Why does that not surprise me, from a Russian team?”
      One tweeted: “Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee.”

      Another added: “Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee?
      “Keep the camera on them and shame them.”
      The game itself had plenty twists and turns, with Jorginho missing a first-half penalty for the visitors.
      But Chelsea took the lead before the break thanks to a strike from winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
      The Blues went on to win 4-0 with Timo Werner scoring from the spot, Hakim Ziyech scoring on his first start and Christian Pulisic grabbing a late goal.

      Wow. Watching the UEFA champions league game between Chelsea and Krasnodar in Russia and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar team stood. Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.
      — Mark Genthner (@MarkGenthner) October 28, 2020

      Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee
      — Touchy Gooners (@TouchyGooners) October 28, 2020

      Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee? Keep the camera on them and shame them #BLM
      — Alex Hopkins (@alhop10) October 28, 2020

      Man City’s game against Marseille was also overshadowed the previous evening after the French side stood instead of taking the knee.
      According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.
      But some were left furious with them for not taking a knee in support of BLM.

      Schwarzer says that Petr Cech could quit Chelsea technical role and return to playing at another club if right offer made More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola lucky to not have been SACKED by Man City and will not win Prem or Champions League, slams Didi Hamann

      by

      PEP Guardiola is lucky not to have been SACKED by Manchester City and he will not win the Premier League or the Champions League any time soon, according to Dietmar Hamann.
      The former Liverpool midfielder had a pop at the Reds’ title rivals after their unimpressive start to the season.

      Didi Hamann spent seven years as the anchor of Liverpool’s defence Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Guardiola has faced criticism over his Champions League record with both City and Bayern Munich Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      City claimed only the League Cup last season as they crashed out in the Champions League quarter final stage and got nowhere close to Liverpool in the league.
      And despite their phenomenal success since Guardiola’s arrival, Hamann has been left unconvinced they have what it takes to challenge again – and revealed his surprise the Spaniard is still in a job.
      Hamann, 47, told Talksport: “If you look at their record in the Champions League, any other manager would’ve been in big bother.
      “Obviously he’s got some Barcelona history in the boardroom and maybe that’s why he’s still there.

      “He didn’t reach a final with Bayern Munich or Man City – and if you look at the teams who did, they don’t have the same funds.
      “It’s simply not good enough. If you look at the teams who beat them, I just wonder what has to happen for them to make a change.
      “We don’t like managers getting sacked, but I think any other manager would be in big bother.”
      Hamann’s criticism’s come despite Guardiola leading City to consecutive Premier League titles in 2018 and 2019, hauling in 100 and 98 points respectively.

      City have not looked at their domineering best so far this seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      But his record in Europe has been found wanting, with Hamann convinced that longevity at the club won’t change their fortunes.
      He added: “Historically, he was at Munich for three years and he improved the team, but the players were happy when he left because he was so demanding.
      “I think a manager like Guardiola can’t be at a club for more than four or five years.
      “He’s done that at Man City and if you see the players they bring in, there is no continuity and I don’t see them improving enough with the money they’ve spent.
      “I think they’ve peaked under Guardiola, I don’t see them winning the Premier League or the Champions League in the next few years.”
      Etihad chiefs invested heavily over the summer as the club looked to patch up their defensive shortcomings.
      Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias were brought in to shore up a back four that often looked shaky last season.
      But their new-look shield was blown apart by Jamie Vardy during Leicester’s eye-catching 5-2 win in September.

      It was the standout result in what has otherwise been a sedate season for the Cityzens.
      They’ve been held to draws by Leeds and West Ham while squeezing past Arsenal and Wolves on the opening day.
      Their Champions League form is more encouraging with comfortable wins recorded over Porto and Marseille.

      Pep Guardiola told by Richard Keys to bring in Sam Allardyce to sort out Man City defence after 1-1 draw vs Leeds More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Krasnodar vs Chelsea FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League match TONIGHT

      by

      CHELSEA face a 4000-mile round trip to Russia to take on Krasnodar in their second Champions League group game.
      The Blues played out a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla in their opening match as the two group favourites ended up deadlocked.

      Chelsea are hoping to build on successive 0-0 drawsCredit: Reuters

      But Krasnodar will be buoyed by a 1-1 draw away to Rennes in their first game and know that a shock win here would give them a reasonable chance of qualifying.
      What time does Krasnodar vs Chelsea kick off?
      Krasnodar take on Chelsea on Wednesday, October 28.
      The match kicks off at 5.55pm – 8.55pm in Krasnodar.
      It will be played at the Krasnodar Stadium.
      What TV channel is Krasnodar vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

      How do I watch Krasnodar vs Chelsea for free?
      Team news
      Chelsea are in a strong position for this game with only Kepa and Billy Gilmour injury worries.
      However, Kepa was unlikely to play after a horror show in his last appearance against Southampton.

      How Chelsea could line-up for their game vs Krasnodar
      And Edouard Mendy looks to have made the number one jersey his own with two clean sheets in the last two games and an assured display in the weekend’s 0-0 draw at Man Utd.

      Latest odds
      Krasnodar 5/1
      Draw 29/10
      Chelsea 4/9
      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Sunday, October 25 More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs RB Leipzig FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Champions League clash TONIGHT

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will look to keep up their 100 per cent start to the Champions League group stage after a thrilling win in Paris.
      The Red Devils take on Julian Nagelsmann’s dynamic and exciting RB Leipzig side, who are still bouncing from reaching the Champions League semi-finals just a couple of months ago.

      Marcus Rashford is flying high after scoring a late winner for Manchester United against group rivals Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Reuters

      The clash is Old Trafford’s first Champions League game since Barcelona snatched a 1-0 win 18 months ago.
      What time is kick-off?
      The Champions League clash is at 8pm on Wednesday, October 28
      Kick-off is at 8pm at Old Trafford.
      The two teams have never played each other in a competitive game, so this is their first meeting in European competition.
      What TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      The match is being broadcast live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage will start at 7pm.
      The clash will also be streamed online on BT Sport player at the same time.
      Alternatively, BT Sport will broadcast the UCL Goals Show at 8pm on BT Sport 1, where all the goals will be shown as they fly in across all the games at that time.
      Can I watch Man Utd vs RB Leipzig for free?
      What is the team news?
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a near full-strength team to choose from with only Eric Bailly, Phi Jones and Jesse Lingard missing.

      How Man Utd could line-up for their game with Leipzig
      It is not so straightforward for Leipzig though.
      They are missing Tyler Adams, Lukas Klosterman, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Halstenberg and Nordi Mukiele.

      Match odds
      Man Utd to win – 23/20
      Draw – 9/4
      RB Leipzig to win – 19/10
      *Odds from Ladbrokes at time of publication More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea leave Thiago Silva at home to have rest as squad take stroll to stretch legs ahead of Krasnodar clash

      by

      CHELSEA took a morning stroll without veteran Thiago Silva ahead of their Champions League clash with Krasnodar this evening.
      Boss Frank Lampard has elected to leave the 36-year-old in London to rest, as he juggles his squad with games coming thick and fast.

      Chelsea stars took a morning stroll outside their hotelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Excited fans tried to get selfies in front of their heroesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Blues took in their surroundings over 2,000 miles from homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The veteran impressed in last week’s 0-0 draws with Sevilla and Manchester United, as the Blues kept back-to-back clean sheets.
      But with Chelsea having made the 2,000-plus mile trip to Russia, the Brazilian has been given a well-earned night off.
      Kurt Zouma is likely to be selected in central defence, with Antonio Rudiger, Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen also vying for a start.

      Fans excitedly tried to get selfies in front of their favourite players, as the tracksuit-clad stars stretched their legs.

      All players were responsibly masked up as they adhere to Covid protocol.
      Krasnodar have had coronavirus issues mounting up, with eight players unavailable for tonight’s clash – although not all through Covid-19.
      Ex-Newcastle playmaker Remy Cabella tested positive, however, prior to their trip to Rennes.
      Evgeniy Markov has also contracted the virus.

      Thiago Silva, 36, has been awarded a rest after back-to-back clean sheetsCredit: Reuters

      Former Newcastle playmaker Remy Cabella will miss out after testing positive for Covid-19Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Nonetheless, Krasnodar managed to come away from France with a handy 1-1 draw, after Cristian Ramirez cancelled out Serhou Guirassy’s penalty.
      The Russians then lost on their return to domestic action at the weekend, going down 3-1 at home to Spartak Moscow.
      Chelsea’s players will have some home fans cheering against them, with Krasnodar able to admit supporters in accordance with Uefa’s 30 per cent capacity limit.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard claims he’s held to higher standard than other big six chiefs as he’s English More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Marseille players blasted for not taking knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Man City clash

      by

      MARSEILLE have been blasted for not taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Manchester City.
      As the Citizens starting XI took the knee after referee Tobias Stieler blew the whistle to start the game, the Ligue 1 side stood around the centre circle.

      Ligue 1 side Marseille didn’t take the knee ahead of their encounter against Manchester City

      Players, coaches and other staff members have all been taking the knee in England to show their support in the fight against racism.
      Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
      However, French teams have not adopted the pre-match ritual.
      According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.

      Marseille’s Twitter account suggested the players showed their support through “unity and respect”.

      Olympique de Marseille is the club of anti-racism.The OM players join the approach of the Manchester City players, demonstrating unity and respect for this fight. pic.twitter.com/LHGteYOcho
      — Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) October 27, 2020

      However, some fans were left furious with Andre Villas-Boas’ side for not taking a knee in support towards the Black Lives Matter movement.
      One fan tweeted: “Marseille players refused to take a knee in tonight’s game vs Man City. Absolutely disgraceful.”
      Another commented: “Marseille refuse to take the knee. Poor show!”

      A third added: “Marseille should be ashamed for not taking the knee.”

      Meanwhile one stated: “F*** Marseille not taking the knee.”
      Manchester City emerged as 3-0 victors away at Marseille to make it two wins out of two in Group C.
      Summer signing Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling finding the back of the net late on.

      Bayern Munich physio slips and falls over during Champions League tie with Locomotiv Moscow More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Leon Goretzka’s arms so big they RIPPED Bayern Munich shirt in Lokomotiv Moscow game after amazing body transformation

      by

      BAYERN MUNICH midfielder Leon Goretzka’s arms are so big they ripped through his shirt last night.
      Pictures from Bayern’s Champions League victory at Lokomotiv Moscow show the muscle-bound star with a torn sleeve as he celebrated scoring the opener after 13 minutes.

      Leon Goretzka ripped his shirt during Bayern’s win at Lokomotiv MoscowCredit: EPA

      The German used lockdown to get hench

      The Bavarians went on to win 2-1 in Russia to stay top of Group A.
      But attention was on Goretzka after the images surfaced online.
      The German was famously slender but used lockdown to transform his body.

      And fans are still fixated on the 25-year-old’s physique months down the line.
      After Goretzka put his side 1-0 up in Moscow, pictures showed him celebrating with his team-mates with a huge rip along the seam of his shirt by his left tricep.
      And the images sent Twitter into meltdown.
      Liam wrote: “Leon Goretzka’s triceps are so immense his shirt can no longer contain them.”

      Tombo quipped: “Goretzka is too strong for his shirt now.”

      Goretzka is hulking. Mans has a ripped shirt in the first 15 mins.
      — Mr.Barnez (@JackBarnez) October 27, 2020

      And Mr Barnez joked: “Goretzka is hulking. Mans has a ripped shirt in the first 15 mins.”
      Patrik added: “Is Goretzka seriously so ripped that he has torn his shirt sleeve at the seam?”
      And Aaron wrote: “Did Leon Goretzka flex out of his shirt lmao.”
      Elsewhere, yesterday SunSport exclusively revealed Tariq Lamptey will be offered a new Brighton contract to ward off interest from Bayern.

      Did Leon Goretzka flex out of his shirt lmaaaaooooooo
      — Aaron West (@oeste) October 27, 2020

      Is Goretzka seriously so ripped that he has torn his shirt sleeve at the seam?
      — Patrik, Not a Man of Mystery (@ShutUpPatrik) October 27, 2020

      Bayern Munich physio slips and falls over during Champions League tie with Locomotiv Moscow More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona, and when will the Juventus ace’s coronavirus test happen?

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S return for Juventus will not happen against Barcelona after the results of a THIRD Covid-19 test.
      Ronaldo sat out the 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona on Sunday after being told to self isolate because of a positive coronavirus test while on international duty.

      Cristiano Ronaldo missed the 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev in Juventus’ opening Champions League tieCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was also unable to face Dynamo Kiev last Tuesday.
      Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Juventus?
      Ronaldo played for Portugal in their draw with France during the international break and was expected to feature against Sweden.
      But the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star returned a positive test for Covid-19 and left Portugal’s training camp.
      He is currently self isolating and has reportedly displayed no symptoms.

      It has also been revealed Ronaldo has been sleeping separately from partner Georgina Rodriguez and his four children while isolating.

      Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram of him relaxing by his pool during isolationCredit: instagram.com/cristiano
      Ronaldo travelled from Portugal to Turin on a private air ambulance – but hit back at suggestions he’s broken protocol in the process.
      CR7 said: “I did not break any protocol.
      “They’re saying that I broke Italian laws but it’s all a lie.

      “I spoke with my team and we have the responsibility to do things right.
      “Everything was done with authorisation. Principally for the Italian man (Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadaforo) whose name I’m not going to say, it’s a lie, I abided by all the protocols.”

      When will he return to action?
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-awaited reunion with Barcelona and Lionel Messi will not take place after his third coronavirus test came back positive on Tuesday night – 24 hours before the match.
      After testing positive again, he is now likely to make his Juventus return at Spezia on November 1.
      Juve boss Andrea Pirlo said on Saturday: “As far as Cristiano Ronaldo is concerned, there has been no news. We await the results of the swabs.
      “We did them this morning. He underwent the test at his home and if there is new news it will be communicated.”

      Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Italy after testing positive for coronavirus More