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      Hayes warns Chelsea must ‘respect Wolfsburg’s history’ as WSL champs aim to conquer rivals in Europe

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      EMMA HAYES says Chelsea are not taking Wolfsburg’s threat to their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory for granted. And the Blues boss suggested memories of her side’s dramatic loss to Barcelona in last season’s finals have been well and truly put to bed.
      Emma Hayes will be looking to defeat Wolfsburg for the second time this yearCredit: Rex
      Melanie Leupolz and her team-mates are due to play the two-time Women’s Champions League winners at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
      The WSL champs will host the German giants on home turf tonight in the contest’s new group stage format introduced this season.
      And their German opponents, who have won the tournament twice in their history, have never lost on English soil despite the Blues knocking them out of the contest quarters last term.
      Hayes said: “I think you have to respect Wolfsburg’s history.
      “They have won the Champions League and they’ve competed at the top end for a lot of years.
      “They have the knowledge and the experience of being there, so I don’t feel we’re underdogs, but I don’t think we’re clear favourites either.
      “I think it’s an evenly matched game where we’ve earned the right in Europe to reach that point.
      “I think until we take that next step then quite rightfully, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.

      “We respect Wolfsburg as a team. They’re in the early stages of team development under their new coach but they’re unbelievably athletic.
      “This will be a high-intensity game.”
      Chelsea go into this game having moved to third in the WSL and three points behind Arsenal and Tottenham following a 3-1 defeat of Brighton.
      And the top-flight title-holders are playing in Europe for the first time since being beaten by frontrunners Barcelona who consigned the Gunners to a 4-1 defeat .
      But Hayes insists her Blues are fully focused on the task ahead and their battle for silverware on all fronts.
      Of course, we always want to win all of them (trophies) including the Champions League Emma Hayes
      The Kingsmeadow chief added: “Our preoccupation is on our daily practice and competing for every trophy.
      “Of course, we always want to win all of them including the Champions League
      “I just think we’re one year better because of that experience last year.”
      Blues captain Magda Eriksson believes her side are far more formidable opponents than they were last season.
      Wolfsburg are currently second in Germany’s top-flightCredit: Getty
      And the Chelsea centre-back admitted to being ‘devastated’ to hear of the sexual misconduct allegations engulfing America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
      Last week The Athletic last published a report including accusations made by players about England-born coach Paul Riley’s conduct and allegations relating to sexual coercion
      Riley, who denies the allegations, was fired from his head coach role post of NWSL club North Carolina Courage following the publication of the report.
      And games in the top-flight of women’s club football in America were suspended at the weekend with the division’s commissioner Lisa Baird quitting her role.
      Fifa has initiated a preliminary investigation into the situation.
      Magda Eriksson believes Chelsea are stronger side than they were last seasonCredit: PA
      Eriksson said: “As players, we stay updated on what’s happening in the women’s football world and we are devastated to hear about these events in the NWSL.
      “We discussed how horrifying it (the situation) is, but it’s good that players are brave enough now to step forward
      “I think there has to be a good system in place for when players speak up.”

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      Barcelona 4 Arsenal 1: Champions League queens run riot as Gunners endure first loss in Europe this season

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      BARCELONA brought Arsenal’s nine-game winning streak to a grinding halt with a ruthless attacking display.  A clinical strike from ex-Gunner Asisat Oshoala was among the goals that saw the WSL aces dispatched 4-1 in an intense Women’s Champions League duel.
      Asisat Oshoala was on target for Barcelona netting their second goal against ArsenalCredit: Avalon.red
      Caroline Graham Hansen was a constant threat down the right for last term’s Women’s Champions League winnersCredit: Getty
      The defeat leaves the Gunners third in their group and in a need of a win to aid their quest to reach the contest’s quarter-finals.
      And it sees Barca go second behind German side Hoffenheim who crushed Danish outfit HB Koge 5-0.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “Barcelona played in a way where they really denied us a lot of space and time when we win the ball double in the first half. 
      “On just on a few occasions we succeeded in playing the ball out to toward our open spaces and if you watch the second half in comparison, we did that many more times. 
      “And, of course, that’s sometimes how football is. We played a team that’s better than any other opponent we have played so far this year.
      “That will prepare us for the future, and we will learn from it, and we will need to raise our standards and hopefully do better.”

      Arsenal, so dominant in domestic competition, spent much of the game chasing the ball, maintaining five at back when sitting deep.
      Their hosts, intent on getting off the mark quickly and defeating their third WSL team this year, enjoyed 70 per cent of possession.
      That dominance bore fruit with Mariona Caldentey opening the scoring moments after the half-hour mark.
      The midfielder walloped in Barca’s first after Oshoala’s bottom-left corner shot was parried by keeper Manuela Zinsberger. 
      And the ex-Arsenal ace was involved in Barcelona’s second goal of the evening minutes before half-time. 
      The Nigeria striker hovered around Arsenal’s defence, before jetting down the right and into the box and cutting a pass back for Alexia Puttellas to net from eight yards out.
      Our expectation is to be loyal to our style and to play the way we know how to play. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is.Mariona Caldentey
      The second half saw Barca extend their lead with Oshoala getting on the scoresheet for the hosts’ third.
      The scoreline prompted Eidevall to shuffle his cards in the 56th minute with Nikita Parris, Caitlin Foord and Tobin Heath coming on for Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Katie McCabe.
      And it was a tactical move that worked to great effect with Parris seeing her shot cleared off the line in the 74th minute before Frida Maanum nabbed a goal for the visitors moments later.
      A superbly placed Tobin Heath cross led to the Norway ace bundling the ball over the line.
      Barca had a couple more attempts on goal before super sub Lieke Martens wrapped up the win.
      And she did so by exploiting Arsenal’s high line with a well-timed run evading Leah Williamson to net Barca’s fourth.  
      The Catalan giants came close to increasing their goal tally to five with the ref pointing to the spot after Alex Puttellas hit the turf following a Jordan Nobbs tackle. 
      And Zinsberger pulled off an impressive save parrying the ball out of danger with the game ending 4-1.
      Mariona Caldentey says Barca will be ‘loyal’ to their style of play no matter who their opponents areCredit: Getty
      Barca midfielder midfield ace Caldentey said: “There’s a long way to go (in the competition) and there is much to do, but what we have to do is concentrate on ourselves. 
      “Our expectation is to be loyal to our style and to play the way we know how to play. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is.
      “If we play our game if we feel comfortable, and if we play the one, the way we want, I think that we’re a very difficult team to defend (against).”

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      Arsenal boss Eidevall says Gunners will not show too much respect to beatable Barcelona in Women’s Champions League

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      JONAS EIDEVALL reckons toppling Barcelona will NOT be Arsenal’s season-defining moment if his side defeats Europe’s football queens.And the Gunners boss warns his stars will not be showing the defending champions too much respect in their Champions League clash.
      Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal will need to be the ‘best versions of themselves’ against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona have scored 25 times in their three games before their clash with the GunnersCredit: Rex
      The game at the Johan Cruyff Stadium will see two sides with some of Europe’s most feared forwards go head-to-head for the first time since Arsenal’s 7-0 aggregate drubbing of Barca in 2013.
      And Eidevall is ‘confident’ his players can compete with the team that crushed Chelsea 4-0 in the contest’s finals in May.
      The Arsenal chief told reporters: “I really think Barcelona is the best team with big capital letters. The way they are playing – especially in offence – is very structured.
      “We know it’s a very, very big football team that we’re playing against, but they’re human just like we are. They will make mistakes just like we do.
      “They are a very good football team, but they are also beatable. It’s 11 humans against 11 humans. In Sweden, we say ‘a shovel is a shovel’.
      “We need to be our best version of ourselves and shouldn’t overly respect them either. It’s about us trying to be as good as possible.”

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      Both sides come into this game unbeaten in their domestic divisions with the Catalan giants having scored 25 goals in their last three top-flight encounters.
      These include 8-0 thrashings of Valencia and Villarreal in Spain’s top division in September.
      And Arsenal have scored more away goals in England’s top tier than any other Women’s Super League side.
      However, Eidevall says the Gunners will not get carried away should they defeat their rivals on their home turf.
      If we win, it’s not like the season is going to end. We have another game coming up against EvertonJonas Eidevall
      Arsenal will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run across all competitions so far this termCredit: Getty
      The Meadow Park boss added: “This is one game out of many. It’s a really, really nice challenge and we’re looking forward to it.
      “But if we win tomorrow, it’s not like the season is going to end. We have another game coming up against Everton.
      “If we draw tomorrow the season is going to continue, if we lose the season is going to continue. It’s all about us having a good performance.”
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      Solskjaer slams Premier League schedule with Saturday lunch kick-off hot on heels of Villarreal win

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has blasted Premier League schedulers with Manchester United forced to play Saturday lunch time after a Champions League match on Wednesday night.The Norwegian’s side needed a late Cristiano Ronaldo winner to beat Villarreal and will host Everton just three days later in the day’s early kick-off.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not happy Man Utd are playing on Saturday lunch time after a Champions League match on WednesdayCredit: Rex
      The same thing happened to United last season in November.
      They returned from a 2-1 away defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey on a Wednesday and had to play the Toffees at Goodison on the Saturday lunch time.
      Solskjaer was fuming then and is just as angry now.
      Speaking ahead of Rafa Benitez’s side’s visit, Solskjaer said: “We had no explanation, but it’s TV of course.
      “There’s no common sense at all.
      “We had the same scenario last season when we were in Turkey and came back and played (on Saturday lunchtime).

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      “Us and Chelsea both played on Wednesday and could have easily played on Sunday while City-Liverpool could have been on Saturday.
      “Common sense might not be so common.”
      Leicester and West Ham both face similar turnarounds this week having played in the Europe League on Thursday.
      The Foxes lost 1-0 at Legia Warsaw and travel to Crystal Palace at 2pm on Sunday.
      And the Hammers made it two wins from two in their maiden Europa League group stage campaign with a 2-0 home win over Rapid Vienna.
      ‘NOT GOING TO GET CAUGHT OUT’
      David Moyes’ men welcome Prem new boys Brentford to London Stadium on Sunday at 2pm also.
      United actually beat the Toffees 3-1 in the game in question last season and Solskjaer has called on his players to produce the same again.
      He added: “The boost and energy you get in the group after a win like this has to be built on.
      “It’s a very very quick turnaround, Wednesday night and Saturday morning, but the players are not going to get caught out by it and we need to start as we finished on Wednesday night.”
      His team had David De Gea’s heroics to thank for still being in Wednesday’s game.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      The Spaniard was outstanding in the first-half and couldn’t do anything as Paco Alcacer gave Villarreal a deserved lead eight minutes into the second-half.
      Alex Telles’ stunning Paul Scholes-esque volley got the Reds on level terms.
      Before Ronaldo stole the headlines with just seconds remaining to drill home the winner at the back post.

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      Michael Dawson told to ‘calm down’ live on Sky Sports after hilarious reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner for Man Utd

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      MICHAEL DAWSON was hilariously told to ‘calm down’ when reacting to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Fergie-time winner against Villarreal on Wednesday.The former Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Hull defender was providing updates on the game that was taking place at Old Trafford on Sky Sports News.
      Ronaldo ripped off his shirt to celebrateCredit: GETTY IMAGES

      The game was all tied up at 1-1 in added time.
      But the inevitable Ronaldo popped up, with help from Jesse Lingard, and steered the late winner into the back of the net.
      Dawson couldn’t contain his excitement as the goal went in.
      He shouted: “Ronaldooooooo! The shirt is off, it’s going crazy.
      “It’s Jesse Lingard who breaks his neck, he gets in the box, it falls to Ronaldo down the right-hand side, it’s a tight angle – he puts it in the back of the net.
      “It’s what he does, he hasn’t had a kick all night.

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      “All night he’s been – he not been out there!
      “He is now, 2-1 Manchester United and we’re about 20 seconds before the full-time whistle goes. The place erupts.”
      A voice – not from fellow pundits Darren Bent and Tim Sherwood, or host Julian Warren – then says: “Calm down Daws.”
      Ronaldo wasn’t the only Man Utd star who excited him that night as he also sang the praises of goalkeeper David de Gea.
      Dawson added: “Ronaldo’s a hero, but they need to De Gea because in the first half he made four big saves.
      “Sensational scenes, this is Manchester United down to a tee.”
      Ultimately, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils got three points on the board, somewhat making up for their blunder in Bern against Young Boys.
      On the Ronaldo effect, Solskjaer said: “Seriously, he’s so good in front of goal.
      “He has an impact on everyone – the crowd, the players, the whole club. He’s done that so many times.
      “You saw him against Ireland a month ago and he missed a penalty early, didn’t touch the ball much but scores two great headers in the last two minutes.
      “That is just what he has done throughout his career. He is so strong mentally. He just stays in the game.
      “I have seen him all day today; the way he has built himself up for this game, how focused he has been and, when he gets that one chance, it is a goal.
      “He had a couple of half-decent headers in the first half that could have ended with chances but the true mark of a very, very good finisher is that he keeps calm when the chance arrives.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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      Cristiano Ronaldo calls on Old Trafford crowd to keep roaring and ‘motivating’ Man Utd to victory after Villarreal win

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has called on the Old Trafford crowd to keep pushing Manchester United to victory.There was a thunderous reception for Ronaldo’s winning goal against Villarreal in the last minute of injury-time of their Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
      Ronaldo was the match-winner for Manchester United against Villarreal on Wednesday
      For much of the game the crowd remained quiet as United were largely outplayed by their Spanish opponents — but after Alex Telles’ 60th-minute leveller the atmosphere drove them to a winner.
      Now Ronaldo has called on Red Devils supporters to back them throughout games.
      He said: “Sometimes the players, we try to do our job, to play good and score goals – but sometimes it is not possible.
      “The fans have this role as well when the team is in a difficult moment. They need to push us. This is why I say and ask them if they can do that.
      “They give us motivation to keep going and to keep running and keep believing.
      “So this is what we felt. We are so happy. A very important win and we are in a good way now.”

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      Ronaldo admitted his goal was “another beautiful chapter” in his career after celebrating a Champions League milestone on the same night.
      It was the Portugal star’s 178th appearance in the competition, a record which surpassed his former Real Madrid team-mate keeper Iker Casillas.
      And his goal was his fifth in as many games since returning to United from Juventus in the summer.
      Ronaldo added: “Unbelievable! Another chapter, another beautiful chapter, so I’m so happy to score the winning goal and the way I did it.
      “The most appearances in history and to score a goal. A great night.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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      Usain Bolt thanks Sir Alex Ferguson for ‘bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back’ as legend watches Man Utd vs Villarreal

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      USAIN BOLT personally thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return as the sprint legend watched Manchester United comeback to beat Villarreal.Huge Red Devils’ fan Bolt was back at Old Trafford after a lengthy absence and made a beeline for Fergie.
      The Red Devils were quick to mark to mark Usain Bolt’s latest appearance at Old Trafford, for Wednesday night’s Champions League tie vs Villarreal
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning late winner as Man Utd completed a comeback to winCredit: EPA
      Usain Bolt watched on nervously during United’s ding-dong tie with Villarreal
      Legendary ex-United boss Ferguson helped secure 36-year-old Ron’s shock re-signing from Juventus on deadline.day.
      And eight-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt was thrilled to finally see a United game as he is excited by Ron’s return.
      He told United’s media team before kick-off: “He helped to build the club and it was wonderful when he was here, the energy. So I’m happy he’s back. 
      “I just saw Alex Ferguson inside and I thanked him for bringing Cristiano back, so I’m happy about it.
      “I’m happy to be here, I haven’t been back to Old Trafford in a while.
      “So I’m just happy to be here in the stands with everybody to watch the game.”

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      Bolt has already predicted Portugal and ex-Real Madrid frontman Ronaldo will play another six years.
      The Jamaican told the BBC: “Cristiano demands a lot, so he will demand a lot from these players and it will only make them better. 
      “He’s on a different level, he is a machine.
      “I think he will play until he’s 42 because he will always be so fit and on a higher level to a lot of the younger players because of the work he puts in and the dedication he has.”
      Bolt won’t have been disappointed by what he saw.

      After Paco Alcacer gave Villarreal a deserved lead, Alex Telles equalised with a stunning volley.
      As United pushed and pushed for a winner, it looked like they would have to settle for a point.
      But then Ronaldo popped up in the 95th minute to fire home and send Old Trafford crazy.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer thanks ‘best goalkeeper in the world’ De Gea after Villarreal masterclass as pundits change tune

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      DAVID DE GEA was the ‘best goalkeeper in the world’ as Manchester United beat Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday.That is according to Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who heaped praise on the Spaniard after the dramatic late win at Old Trafford.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on David De Gea after his stunning showing against Villarreal
      The Spaniard’s saves kept United in the game and provided a platform for them to win 2-1
      SunSport’s reporter gave the stopper a 9/10 after his heroics kept United in the game until the death.
      Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines with his winner in the final seconds but Solskjaer admitted his goalkeeper was the real hero.
      The Norwegian said: “Thankfully we had the best goalkeeper in the world tonight.
      “David was fantastic and deserved to be man of the match. He saved us, we have to be realistic and say that.”
      The 30-year-old came in for criticism last season after several high profile mistakes and pressure from Dean Henderson.
      But most pundits seemed to have changed their tune after De Gea’s rapid turnaround.

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      Owen Hargreaves said in the BT Sport studio on Wednesday: “He made so many big saves.
      “De Gea was one of the most important players and he’s been fabulous this season, obviously taking over from Henderson.
      “They can rely on him, he’s back to his best.”
      And Michael Owen added: “He (De Gea) relied on his defence in the second-half, but first-half it was save after save and that’s when he really did earn his corn.”

      United had De Gea and Villarreal’s awful finishing to thank for being level at half-time in what was a worrying first 45 for the Red Devils.
      De Gea made a phenomenal one handed save on nine minutes from former Bournemouth man Arnaut Danjuma.
      He showed superb reflexes seven minutes later to tip a Paco Alcacer header over the bar.
      Alcacer finally got the goal the visitors deserved – stabbing a Danjuma cross home at the near post barely ten minutes after half-time.
      De Gea couldn’t do anything with Villarreal’s goal.
      And he capped of an excellent night with an awkward double stop in the closing stages to keep it at 1-1 before Ronnie’s winner.
      MOBBED AT FULL TIME
      Ronaldo and his United team-mates mobbed De Gea at full time to show their appreciation.
      After praising his goalie for keeping United in the game, Solskjaer also admitted he never gave up hope with Ronaldo on the pitch.
      He added: “We all know the Champions League at Old Trafford is magic, and sometimes that history can help us.
      “Sometimes it is not about passes here or there, it is about the crowd and the Stretford End has sucked a few in before, I know that. That is probably what happened.
      “That is what happens here at Old Trafford, it’s happened so many times before. We have to throw caution to the wind and we got lucky in the end.
      ‘YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE’
      “They are very tough to beat, but when you have Cristiano on the pitch you always have a chance.”
      Ronaldo tore his shirt off when celebrating his goal and revealed a pair of his own brand pants.
      But eagle-eyed fans noticed an error in the stitching.
      The Portuguese forward had endured an off night on his Champions League return to Old Trafford.
      He broke Iker Casillas’ record for Champions League appearances – 178.
      And the late strike was his 136th in the competition.
      He also texted his old team-mate Rio Ferdinand after the match.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ferdinand revealed what his old pal Ronaldo wrote to him in the immediate aftermath.
      The BT Sport pundit said: “He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying ‘I didn’t play well but I knew I’d score’.
      “That’s the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It’s a great place to be.”

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