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      Chelsea boss Hayes expects Swiss rivals have learned lessons from losses to Juventus and Wolfsburg

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      EMMA HAYES reckons Chelsea’s next Champions League opponents may have to suffer to progress in the contest.But her WSL champs will not take Servette lightly.
      Emma Hayes says her side will not underestimate ServetteCredit: Alamy
      The Swiss top-flight side hope to reach the competition’s last 16 for the first time and also play an English team for the first time.
      However, they are currently rooted at the bottom of Group A following crushing 5-0 and 3-0 losses to Wolfsburg and Juventus in their opening two group games.
      Hayes, whose Blues are second in the group, said: “To become streetwise, you have to suffer, you have to experience something. Usually, that’s when you’re defeated.
      “For them, as a team, they are not going to be at our level just yet.
      “But they’re worthy of being in this competition, and they will no doubt learn from their two previous games.
      “From those learnings, I think they’ll add even more in this game.

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      “They are always a danger, unknown teams, that have lots to gain playing [at home] with a packed crowd. But competition really, really matters.”
      Blues skipper Magda Eriksson added: “We know that any team in this competition can cause a threat if you’re not on it from the start.
      “We have to be tidy at the back, we have to be ready for anything they might throw at us and be flexible tactically as well.”
      Hayes, 45, revealed spectators are unlikely to see Lauren James make her Champions League debut with Chelsea carefully managing the Blues striker’s return to action.
      Hayes says it is unlikely fans will see Lauren James in action against ServetteCredit: Getty
      The Blues starlet, 20, named in Uefa’s ‘ten to watch’ female players list this year, was included in the Blues squad that took on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
      Hayes added: “I’m probably leaning on giving her another 75 minutes on Thursday rather than the gamble for tomorrow because I think we need to just keep the long game in mind.
      “Having her available for selection is great, but I think she needs more training days and more physical work.
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      Brighton’s Powell reckons Vasseur faces a ‘big task’ with helping Everton to reach the Champions League

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      HOPE POWELL believes Jean-Luc Vasseur is facing a huge challenge in leading Everton to their dream of battling with Europe’s top sides.And the Brighton gaffer wants her players to enforce her ‘hard to beat’ mantra on the pitch with the team facing the Toffees and their new boss later.
      Hope Powell believes there will be huge expectations of Jean-Luc Vasseur with Everton’s hopes of playing in the Champions League
      The Walton Hall Park clash will see the hosts play their first WSL game under the ex-Lyon chief who took charge of Everton after Willie Kirk’s sacking following three losses from five top-flight matches.
      Powell, 54, said: “I think Jean-Luc Vasseur has a big task ahead with the expectations quite high.
      “But he has had that experience with the Champions League before and he has good quality players so I guess everyone will be assuming that he will fulfil the stuff he fulfilled with Lyon.
      “The expectation was certainly to push on and I guess the future aim is finishing in the top three.”
      Vasseur steered Lyon to their seventh Champion League crown and three major silverware wins in 2019-20 before the club dropped the axe on his reign after a trophyless run last term.
      Powell added: “They have brought somebody in with a track record. They spent a lot in the summer and brought in some bright players with a good pedigree.”
      Brighton, who are currently fifth and three points and four places above, Everton who nabbed two draws from her last three away duels with the Toffees.

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      And the latest Opta statistics reveal the club have won nine of their last 14 WSL games with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City the only teams to have won more matches.
      On Albion Vasseur, 52, said: “I have watched footage of Brighton, they’re a good side. We have to stay vigilant and prepare in the best way possible.” 
      Meanwhile, Brighton’s Lee Geum-min could be set to make a return to the Seagulls starting 11 after coming on as a sub during Albion’s loss to Arsenal in the semi-finals of last season’s delayed FA Cup.
      And the South Korea ace, who made her loan move from Manchester City to Brighton permanent this summer, has scored five times in her last six WSL appearances.
      Powell believes Lee Geum-min’s form for Brighton has improved following her permanent switch to AlbionCredit: Getty
      Powell said: “Initially when Lee came to us from Man City, she wasn’t in the best physical condition that we thought she should be in. 
      “She’s worked very, very hard, she’s a highly technical player and has just got better and better and better. 
      “We are really pleased that she chose to stay with us after her loan period. She brings so much not just on the pitch, but also off it.”
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      Man Utd ‘should be looking to win Champions League this season with Cristiano Ronaldo’, says legend Teddy Sheringham

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      MANCHESTER UNITED should be looking to win the Champions League with Cristiano Ronaldo this season, according to former striker Teddy Sheringham.The Red Devils were saved by the Portuguese superstar yet again in Europe on Tuesday as he scored a stoppage time equaliser to clinch a 2-2 draw away at Atalanta.
      Ronaldo has made a habit of netting important late goals for Man Utd in EuropeCredit: Getty
      Sheringham believes Man Utd should set their sights on the Champions League this seasonCredit: The Sun
      The late Ronaldo goal came after he already netted dramatic winners for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side against Villarreal and in the home tie against Atalanta.
      However, Man Utd’s form domestically has been erratic at best.
      They sit fifth in the Premier League table, eight points off table toppers Chelsea, having won just five of their ten games.
      And they are also already out of the Carabao Cup following a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.
      Yet despite their inconsistent displays, ex-United striker Sheringham believes his old club should be looking for Ronaldo’s magical European touch to take them to Champions League glory.
      Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: “When you’ve got Ronaldo in your team, you’re looking to win it [the Champions League].

      “Ronaldo will be looking to win it – he has done it before on many occasions and he will want to win it again.
      “Things change very quickly and all United need to do is get to the next level and after that result [vs Atalanta], United are in a good position to get to the next level.
      “That is why when the chance to sign a player of Ronaldo’s calibre comes up, you have to snap them up.
      “For me, he is one of the two best players in the world and has been for the last twelve years – he’s phenomenal.
      “He is deadly, he knows how to score goals, he’s so focused, he’s so professional. He is unbelievable. Where would they be without him? I’m not sure.”

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      Man Utd currently sit top of their Champions League group, level on points with Villarreal but above them due to their superior head-to-head record.
      Atalanta are just two points below the Red Devils, with Young Boys a further two behind.
      Still to come for Solskjaer’s side in Europe is a trip to Villarreal on November 23 before they host Young Boys at Old Trafford on December 8. More

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      Suspended Antoine Griezmann’s cryptic tweet after another controversial Atletico red card vs Liverpool

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      SUSPENDED Antoine Griezmann sent a cheeky cryptic tweet after watching his team-mate pick up another red card against Liverpool. Felipe was sent off for Atletico Madrid in a fiery first half of Champions League football for hacking down Sadio Mane.
      Felipe looks shocked as he sees red from the referee at AnfieldCredit: PA
      Antoine Griezmann, a lonely figure, walks into the tunnel following his red card at the Wanda Metropolitano vs Liverpool two weeks ago
      Griezmann posted this tweet over the decision
      Griezmann, who was watching on from home due to suspension, tweeted his displeasure following his own red card at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the reverse fixture two weeks ago.
      The French international’s tweet translates in English to “Yellow in Anfield…” followed by a ‘raised eyebrow’ emoji.
      There was little doubt Griezmann, 30, deserved a red card for kicking Roberto Firmino in the face during Atleti’s 3-2 loss to the Reds – a classic European encounter.
      Last night’s red card shown to Felipe was more controversial.
      However Uefa have explained that it was for the kick to Mane when the ball was not within playing distance.
      According to the governing laws, that is violent conduct and therefore a red.

      Antoine Griezmann shows Firmino the boot in a Champions League loss to Liverpool
      Felipe hacks down Sadio Mane at Anfield before receiving his red cardCredit: Alamy
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      After the kick, Felipe was also seen to make an insulting gesture to the referee, Danny Makkelie.
      Liverpool powered to the win, cementing their qualification from the group stage with 12 points from a possible 12 so far.
      Madrid in contrast were lost. Down to 10 men and losing 2-0 by half time.
      They fought back slightly, even coming close to scoring themselves a couple of times in the second period.
      Luis Suarez scored towards the end but the goal was disallowed – ruled offside by VAR. More

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      ‘I have to censor for TV’ – Atalanta boss reveals what he told Cristiano Ronaldo after last-minute Man Utd goal

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      ATALANTA boss Gian Piero Gasperini has declared he wishes Cristiano Ronaldo leaves him alone after he rescued Manchester United once again in the Champions League.The 36-year-old, who has scored five European Cup goals from his four outings this season, banged in a double against the Serie A outfit on Tuesday night.
      Atalanta gaffer Gian Piero Gasperini has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo following the 2-2 draw against Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      His dramatic volley in second half stoppage time earned the Red Devils a vital point in Group F to leave them top with two games to play.
      Ronaldo broke Atalanta fans’ hearts two weeks ago when he again got on the score sheet at the death as United came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
      And speaking after the draw at the Gewiss Stadium, Gasperini lauded the Portugal international, who has come under criticism in recent weeks.
      But he failed to divulge what he exactly said as he joked it wasn’t suitable for television.
      Quoted by AS, he remarked: “I heard [some] say that Ronaldo was a problem, imagine!
      “He rarely misses the target, nine out of ten shots he hits the target.

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      “Half of the time he shoots it is a goal, the other half are saved by the goalkeeper.
      “I said something to him in Italian, but I have to censor it here on television.
      “I can’t say it here. Basically, I told him ‘come on, go for a walk’. Let me be left alone.”
      Ronaldo, who has fired in six goals against Atalanta in his career, has admitted that United were lucky to come away with a point.
      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.”
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      Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for PSG against RB Leipzig and when will he return?

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      PSG are looking to take a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout stages as they visit RB Leipzig.But they’ll have to do it without six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
      Lionel Messi will miss PSG’s match against RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
      Messi netted two penalties in the Parisians’ 3-2 win over the Germans in France two weeks ago but will play no part in tonight’s return fixture.
      Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for PSG against RB Leipzig?
      Lionel Messi is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the match in Germany.
      This is because he has picked up a hamstring injury.
      Messi had the issue, along with a pain in his knee, going into PSG’s 2-1 win over Lille.
      During that game, the Argentine put in a horror display which saw him given a rating of just three out of ten by L’Equipe.
      PSG were trailing 1-0 when Messi was taken off, but Mauricio Pochettino labelled the decision “a precaution”.
      He commented: “We have to wait. We were with the doctors at half-time, it’s a precaution, he couldn’t continue.
      “We hope that’s not a big deal.”

      When will Lionel Messi return?
      Despite Lionel Messi’s injury woes being described as minor, the face he is not in the squad at all could be an ominous sign.
      Paris Saint-Germain face Bordeaux away this weekend and it is not known whether he will be fit for that game.
      Messi will certainly hope to be fit to captain Argentina in their crucial World Cup qualifiers away at Uruguay and at home to Brazil next week. More

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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.”
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