More stories

  • in

    Shock moment Argentina legend steps in to stop chaos in Boca Juniors clash after riot police deployed tear gas

    ARGENTINIAN legend Juan Roman Riquelme has intervened to stop warring football fans during a wild stadium brawl.The Boca Juniors president stepped in as chaos broke out during his team’s Copa Argentina quarter-final against Gimnasia.Juan Roman Riquelme (left) was seen getting between ultras and police as chaos erupted at a Copa Argentina gameCredit: GettyThe Boca president raced down from his box to intervene as rival fans clashedCredit: GettyRiquelme talked down the Boca fans as they attempted to fight with Gimnasia supportersCredit: GettyThe 46-year-old’s actions appeared to prevent wider troubleCredit: GettyRiquelme spent the majority of his playing career with Boca, who are based in a district of Buenos Aires.The 46-year-old won 51 caps for Argentina and became president of the club last year. Gimnasia and Boca fans have a history of violence, with one spectator dying following an altercation in 2022. On Wednesday night, with Boca leading 1-0, fans began to clash in the stands at Rosario’s Estadio Marcelo Bielsa.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSeats were thrown from the Boca end into the Gimnasia fans before skirmishes broke out among rival supporters.The game was halted as fans attempted to break down barriers, with police firing tear gas into the crowds. Riquelme, along with board members Chicho Serna, Raul Cascini, and Marcelo Delgado, dashed from their private box to intervene. The former midfield maestro was caught on camera begging with Bocas ultras to stop, with one hugging their hero. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRiquelme’s pleas were eventually heeded by Boca fans who retreated away from the barriers, preventing further trouble. One fan gasped on X in response to the footage: “Never seen a club president do this, at least not for a big club. His actions probably prevented things from escalating.”Watch mass brawl break out and punches thrown during fiery Argentine league clash between Rosario and BocaAnother said: “Boca’s situation is already unsustainable.”While a third added: “This is actually crazy.”On the field, Boca had taken an early lead in the tie thanks to Aaron Anselmino.Riquelme became Boca president last yearCredit: GettyThe former midfielder spent a large portion of his playing career with the Buenos Aires clubCredit: AFP – GettyBut they were pegged back in the second period as Pablo De Blasis levelled up for Gimnasia.The tie eventually went to penalties, with Boca winning 2-1 after a host of misses from the visitors. More

  • in

    Mourinho sent off for throwing tantrum vs Man Utd before ‘foul-mouthed rant TNT Sports host couldn’t repeat on live TV’

    JOSE MOURINHO was SENT OFF in Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash against his old club Manchester United.The Portuguese manager was dismissed by the referee for throwing one of his infamous tantrums on the touchline after calling for a penalty.Jose Mourinho was absolutely raging on the touchlineThe referee brandished the red card to an irate MourinhoThe manager was left fuming on the touchline – leaving the referee with no other option but to send him to the standsCredit: EPAMourinho was fuming after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the boxCredit: TNT SportsMourinho, 61, moved up some steps and under a metal barrier to watch the rest of the game from the stands.His anger stayed for the rest of the game and after it, with TNT Sports host Jules Breach revealing he launched a foul-mouthed tirade in the tunnel ‘that she couldn’t repeat’. The Fenerbahce manager was raging after Manuel Ugarte appeared to bring down Bright Osayi-Samuel in the box.However, he lost his temper when neither the referee nor VAR gave the penalty.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans reacted on social media with little surprise about Mourinho’s dismissal.One posted: “Well that was coming.”A second wrote: “That was the most enviable thing to happen.”A third commented: “This is football heritage.”Most read in FootballMourinho was forced to watch the rest of the game from the standsCredit: TNT SportsThe 61-year-old was at his very best in the post-game interview reflecting on his angry night in TurkeyCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “Everything changes in football. But not Jose Mourinho.”Another added: “Jose Mourinho is pure box office.”Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ saveFurious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!”After the game, the Portuguese boss gave a very tongue-in-cheek explanation for his anger.He told TNT Sports: “He [the referee] told me something incredible, he said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.”Congratulations because this is incredible, his peripheral vision during the game.”Man United took the lead in the match through Christian Eriksen after a neat move in the 15th minute.However, Mourinho’s side equalised early in the second half through former Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri.The Red Devils were saved from conceding an earlier goal as Andre Onana was called into action to pull off a stunning double save.The Cameroonian’s heroics also brought about a brilliant reaction from Mourinho on the touchline.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.The match would finish 1-1 in Turkey as the Red Devils slumped to 21st in the Europa League table.It also meant they haven’t tasted a European win for TWELVE MONTHS.Before the game, current Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag left fans shocked by his team selection.The Dutchman named summer signing Noussair Mazraoui in the starting eleven but not in his usual position.Mourinho remains the most successful Man United boss in the post-Ferguson era.Across his time at Old Trafford, the former Chelsea boss won the Europa League and Carabao Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also guided the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the league in his final full season in charge.He was sacked from the job in 2018 and has gone on to manage Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and now Fenerbahce.Mourinho had some other brilliant reactions on the touchlineCredit: TNT SportJose Mourinho explains reason behind his Man Utd exitBy NEIL CUSTISJOSE MOURINHO says a lack of trust from the top denied him more success at Manchester United.Mourinho spent two-and-a-half years in the Old Trafford hotseat, winning two trophies, reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the Premier League.But he was sacked in  December 2018 and believes he was not backed properly in the transfer market by then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Mourinho said: “What Erik ten Hag has in his time at United I didn’t.“I didn’t have that level of support or trust.“So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process. I felt if they trusted me and believed in my experience, things could be different.” More

  • in

    Watch Jose Mourinho’s hilarious reaction after Man Utd keeper Andre Onana’s ‘double worldy’ save

    MAN UTD keeper Andre Onana has done the seemingly impossible – and managed to render Jose Mourinho speechless.Mourinho’s Fenerbahce took on United in a Europa League clash at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.Jose Mourinho could hardly believe his eyes after Andre Onana’s double saveCredit: TNT SportThe Fenerbahce boss was left stunned on the sidelinesCredit: TNT SportHe burst out laughing following the incident in the first half in TurkeyCredit: TNT SportOnana somehow saved twice in a wild sequence to deny Youssef En NesyriCredit: ReutersOnana was unsurprisingly picked between the sticks by Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman continues to fight for his job.And the stopper repaid the faith of his manager with a remarkable double save midway through the first half. United took the early lead in the game thanks to a strike from Christian Eriksen. But the Turkish side worked their way back into the contest, creating several clear-cut chances.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne fell to Youssef En Nesyri, who rose highest to head a pinpoint cross towards the bottom corner.Onana leapt brilliantly to his right to athletically palm the ball away. The 28-year-old then sprung back to his feet, tipping the resulting close-range rebound from En Nesryi over the bar. He was immediately mobbed by teammates, as TNT cameras honed in on Mourinho’s stunned reaction on the touchline.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former United boss put his hands on his head, looking around with wide eyes before laughing in disbelief. One fan laughed on X: “Look at the shock in his eyes.”Dramatic moment Man Utd keeper Andre Onana is mobbed by hundreds of fans after Cameroon match changes venueAnother said: “Those saves were actually INSANE.”While a third joked: “New Jose meme template dropped.”And a fourth said: “Onana with a world-class double save, I am standing up applauding.”For others, it brought back memories of a similar Onana wonder-save in United’s visit to Crystal Palace earlier this season.But En Nesyri finally got the better of Onana as he fired what turned out to be the eventual equaliser in a 1-1 draw.Onana’s No.2 Altay Bayindir was feeling the love from the home fans during the warm-ups in Turkey. The United keeper was mobbed by his teammates after his heroicsCredit: ReutersThe 26-year-old spent four seasons with Fenerbahce before leaving for Old Trafford last summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was met with a hero’s welcome, as one fan rushed from the stands to hug him out on the field. Fenerbahce Director of Football Mario Branco also presented the keeper with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate his return.Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute. More

  • in

    Abdelaziz Barrada dead at 35: Former Marseille and Morocco star dies suddenly as tributes pour in

    ABDELAZIZ BARRADA has sadly died at the age of 35.The ex-Marseille and Morocco star suddenly passed away as it was confirmed by his former club.Abdelaziz Barrada has died at the age of 35Credit: GettyHe played 26 times for MoroccoCredit: GettyMoroccan news outlet Hespress has reported that Barrada suffered a heart attack in the afternoon.The Ligue 1 outfit announced the footballer’s death on social media with a touching tribute.It read: “Rest in peace Abdelaziz.”Olympique de Marseille learned with sadness of the death of its former player and Moroccan international, Abdelaziz Barrada.READ MORE ON SPORT”Arriving in the summer of 2014, the attacking midfielder wore the colours of OM for two seasons.”The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family and share in the grief of his loved ones.”Social media was flooded with tributes to Barrada.Morroco star Amine Harit posted: “Abdelaziz Barrada may Allah have mercy on you support his loved ones.”Most read in FootballTributes have flooded in for the star on social mediaCredit: AFPHe scored four goals for MoroccoCredit: GettyA fan wrote: “My deepest condolences.”A second commented: “My condolences to his family and loved ones, 35 is really too young, may he rest in peace.”A third said: “I am shocked to hear of his death! May he rest in peace, a player who will have left his mark on Marseille anyway.”Another added: “It hurts, we didn’t expect it, rest in peace Abdelaziz condolences to the family and loved ones.”Barrada started his professional career in France at Senart-Moissy.He went on to play for Paris Saint-Germain’s B side between 2007 and 2010.The midfielder went on to have spells at Getafe in Spain as well as Marseille, Al-Jazira, Al-Nasr, Antalyaspor, Al Shahania and Lusitanos Saint-Maur.During his two-year spell at Marseille, he made 33 league appearances and scored two goals.He played alongside the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Steven Fletcher, Brice Samba and Lassana Diarra.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarrada also starred for the Morrocan national side as he earned 26 caps between 2012 and 2015.He scored four goals for the side, including a strike against Gambia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. More

  • in

    Incredible moment Man Utd star is given flowers and rapturous applause from Fenerbahce fans as one runs on to hug him

    FENERBAHCE fans have moved one Manchester United player to tears with a hero’s welcome.Erik ten Hag’s men are in Turkey tonight as they continue their Europa League campaign. Altay Bayindir has received a hero’s welcome from Fenerbahce fansCredit: ReutersThe Turkish goalkeeper spent four seasons at the club before leaving for Utd last yearCredit: ReutersOne young fan burst onto the field to hug the goalkeeper prior to Thursday’s matchCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman continues to fight for his job after a dismal start to the new season.Ten Hag has selected Andre Onana between the sticks for the showdown in Turkey. But it was United’s backup keeper Altay Bayindir feeling the love from home fans during the warm-ups. The stopper spent four years playing for Fenerbahce before heading to the Premier League in 2023.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBayindir has struggled to break into the first team at United, where he has been backup to Onana for the past 16 months. The 26-year-old was a fan favourite during his time in Turkey, with Fenerbahce fans keen to salute him ahead of the game. The usually hostile Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is renowned as a difficult place for away players to come.But an emotional Bayindir enjoyed a huge ovation from the ultras as he strode out into familiar territory, blowing kisses to the crowd. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs he applauded the fans, a child vaulted the advertising hoardings and ran onto the field to hug him.Fenerbahce Director of Football Mario Branco also presented the keeper with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate his return.Jose Mourinho reveals he’s still holding out hope of winning Premier League title with Man UtdMan Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…Andre Onana – 7Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 5Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.Matthijs de Ligt – 6Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.Victor Lindelof – 4Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.Hauled off in the 54th minute.Lisandro Martinez – 5Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.Christian Eriksen – 7Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.Manuel Ugarte – 6Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.Marcus Rashford – 5Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.It turned out to be honours even in Turkey as United were held to a 1-1 draw.Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho saw red in a feisty encounter, just moments after being left stunned by an Onana double save. Bayindir joined Fenerbahce from Ankaragucu in July 2019.He instantly made the No. 1 shirt his own, racking up over 100 appearances for the club over the next four seasons. The goalkeeper was presented with flowers by Fenerbahce director Mario BrancoCredit: X @GurkanAkThe stopper helped Fenerbahce to the Turkish Cup in 2023, before his £4.3 million deadline day move to Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESBayindir penned a four-year deal at the Theatre of Dreams.He made his United debut in January’s 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County. More

  • in

    Chelsea ratings: Mudryk delivers star showing with goal and two assists but Badiashile caught out for Panathinaikos goal

    CHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos. Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Chelsea eased to a routine win over PanathinaikosCredit: EPAJoao Felix got the goals flowing with a neat finishCredit: ReutersBefore kick-off, the Greek side paid tribute to former defender George Baldock in their first home match since his tragic death.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku. However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation. Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…READ MORE ON CHELSEAFilip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start. Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet. Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts. Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBenoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede. Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central. Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskFilip Jorgensen’s biggest challenge was dealing with the laserCredit: TNT SportsRenato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post. Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession. Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance. Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal. Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband. Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure. Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner. Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix. Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all. Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again – brilliant performance, best man on the pitch and one of his best performances for Chelsea.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in at the back postCredit: APChristopher Nkunku made no mistake from the spotCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home. Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on. Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.READ MORE SUN STORIESCesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday. Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had bags of energy in midfieldCredit: APJoao Felix found the net twice and won a penaltyCredit: AP More

  • in

    Panathinaikos 1 Chelsea 4: Joao Felix gives Enzo Maresca selection headache with double as Blues go top of table

    ON this evidence Enzo Maresca should win his first Chelsea trophy at a canter this season.His Blues strolled past Panathinaikos without much need to engage their brains, let alone work up a sweat.Chelsea run riot in AthensCredit: RexThe biggest resistance offered in Athens was a crafty supporter armed with a green laser pen – trying but failing to put off the Chelsea players.Given how much of a stroll some of these games should be, they offer a chance for those in need of a confidence boost.Two of those did just that, Joao Felix scoring twice having struggled for minutes since his before and Mykhailo Mudryk netting one and setting up two.Mudryk, desperately needing a statement performance, skied an early chance and looked to be heading for another frustrating night.READ MORE IN footballBut soon he started to make things happen.The Ukrainian, whose potential is undoubted but rarely looks like being fulfilled, was causing constant trouble down the left and teed up the opener.After Felix flicked on a header into his path, Mudryk raced forward and picked his moment to slide the ball back to his Portuguese teammate, allowing him a first time finish past Bartlomiej Drągowski.He could have had another assist minutes later too, squaring well for Enzo Fernandez to strike – though it was just tipped over.Most read in FootballJoao Felix opened the scoringCredit: ReutersFelix started the rout in GreeceCredit: GettyMykhailo Mudryk got himself a much needed goalCredit: APMudryk has another positive performance in EuropeCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter a couple of early scares – including Filip Jorgensen needing to save from Tin Jedvaj’s second minute header – Chelsea were in full control.They may have had a rough couple of years but they are clearly too good for Europe’s third tier competition.Roberto Mancini brutally sacked from job as highest-paid manager in the world just days after clashing with fansThat was made more than clear inside ten second half minutes as Chelsea bagged another three.First Mudryk added to his first assist with a maiden goal of the season, heading in at the far post from Pedro Neto’s cross.He then set Felix up for his second of the night, taking advantage of the hosts’ failure to clear a Neto cross, laying the ball back before the shot deflected in off Serbian Nemanja Maksimovic.Within moments of putting the game beyond doubt, Felix won a penalty – his cross striking the hand of Daniel Mancini. Chelsea ratings vs Panathinaikos: Mudryk gives rare glimpse of his talent but one defender strugglesCHELSEA maintained their 100 per cent start to their Conference League campaign with a 4-1 win at Panathinaikos.Joao Felix turned in the opening goal of an emotional night in Athens midway through the first half.Mykhailo Mudryk headed in from close range after the break – before another for Felix, who then won a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.However, Chelsea did not head back with a clean sheet as ex-Manchester United man Facundo Pellistri grabbed a consolation.Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Enzo Maresca’s men…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made a fine flying save inside the opening two minutes, flying across to prevent a nightmare start.Had to deal with a laser being shone in his face – will be disappointed not to get a clean sheet.Axel Disasi – 5Gave away the early free-kick that almost resulted in a shock early lead for the hosts.Dragged slightly out of position before Panathinaikos’ goal then got booked for cynical tug in injury time – but made big block from resulting free-kick.Benoit Badiashile – 5Will have plenty of sterner tests this season – but would have been desperate not to concede.Was the man who should have been picking up Pellistri at the back post when Disasi came central.Renato Veiga – 6Played as the left-sided centre-back and looked pretty relaxed about his evening’s work – understandably so.Except for when he almost scored a comedic own goal but the ball looped just wide of the post.Marc Cucurella – 6Enjoying his role as the left-back who is given orders to help out in attack – leaving a back three behind when in possession.Routine stuff for the Spaniard – although critics may say he was out of position in build-up to Pellistri goal.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Former Leicester man showed plenty of energy – just as he promises to do in every appearance.Played a neat long pass to Felix in the build-up to the opening goal.Enzo Fernandez – 6Back in the starting XI after his surprise exclusion against Liverpool, and given the captain’s armband.Had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but ran on to his shot but it was rising and tipped over to make sure.Pedro Neto – 7A constant livewire and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mudryk’s goal.May well get the nod against Newcastle ahead of Jadon Sancho and/or Noni Madueke.Christopher Nkunku – 7Despite the home fans’ best attempts with their lasers, the forward made no mistake from the penalty spot in his only notable contribution.Cool as you like from 12 yards, firing low into the bottom corner.Mykhailo Mudryk – 9Left his team-mates frustrated when he went solo and blasted off target but made amends minutes later with a lovely sliding pass for Felix.Then turned from assist provider to goalscorer with his header at the back post, just about nodding it in, and the smile said it all.Went back to setting up, though, as he teed up Felix again.Joao Felix – 8Scored the opening goal – and did so in style with a lovely, cushioned header to flick the ball on then getting in the six-yard box to deftly turn home.Got Chelsea’s third thanks to a fortunate deflection then won the penalty.SUBSTyrique George (for Neto, 61 mins) – 7Stung the palms with a late effort and looked very bright when he came on.Marc Guiu (for Nkunku, 61 mins) – 5Spent half an hour up top but was largely anonymous.Cesare Casadei (for Fernandez, 71 mins) – 5Extra minutes in midfield as Fernandez’s legs saved for Newcastle on Sunday.Carney Chukwuemeka (for Dewsbury-Hall, 77 mins) – 5Got the final stages but game all over by then.The winger was denied the chance to wrap up his hat-trick as Christopher Nkunku converted from the spot, despite having to deal with a laser pen constantly in his eye.From there Chelsea slowed, a number of changes and chances for youngsters: Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Cesare Casadei.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Chelsea’s guard down a touch, the hosts grabbed a consolation.Sub Georgios Vagiannidis found space down the right and crossed for former Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri to tap in at the far post.Christopher Nkunku scored from the spotCredit: GettyHe pulled off his trademark celebrationCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd fans shocked with manager Erik ten Hag set to play Noussair Mazraoui in bizarre new position

    ERIK TEN HAG left Manchester United fans shocked with Noussair Mazraoui to play in a new role.United travel to Turkey to face ex-manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side.Follow all the action from Man Utd vs Fenerbahce hereErik ten Hag fans shocked with Noussair Mazraoui to play in a new roleCredit: GettyMazraoui was handed a new roleCredit: GettyAnd they did so with a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation – but with a twist. As full-back Mazraoui did not start on the right side of defence, with Diogo Dalot instead preferred. Instead, eyebrows were raised with the defender in line to play in an attacking midfield role despite Amad Diallo sitting on the bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne said: “Ten hag has fully lost the plot.” Another added: If the rumours are true and Ten Hag is playing Mazraoui as a 10 instead of Amad, I’m actually going to lose it. “Best attacker this season hasn’t seen the pitch in hours but the fullback gets the 10 spot. I’m speechless.” One fumed: “He’d rather play Mazraoui #10 than the other attacking players we have, this guy is a sicko.”Most read in FootballBut another argued: “Mazraoui playing as a number 10 is wild! Didn’t see that coming. Let’s see how this experiment works out!” CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTen Hag confirmed Mazraoui’s advanced role – something they tried out while both at Ajax. He said: “Mazraoui will play in the 10 position tonight. I know him from before at Ajax I played him there.”Also as a full back he plays in the half spaces. So he’s capable to do this job.”The game ended 1-1 with Christian Eriksen opening the score for United but Youssef En-Nesyri levelled five minutes after the break. More