La Liga

From fancy flops to El Clasico competitors - how Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are closing the gap on Barcelona following the failures of the Galactico era


Ahead of Saturday's El Clasico, the latest exclusive extract from Graham Hunter's new book on Barcelona looks at how Real Madrid are gaining ground following a period of Catalan dominance

However irksome it has been for Real Madrid to stand with their nose to the windowpane of the world’s recent love-in with FC Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, it’s a million times more galling for Madridistas who bought into a strategy that was originally called ‘Zidanes and Pavones’. In part due to the failure of this policy, this era in Madrid's history would become known as that of 'Los Galacticos'.

BARCA: THE MAKING OF THE GREATEST TEAM IN THE WORLD
EBOOK AND HARD COPIES OUT IN JANUARY 2012, PUBLISHED BY BACKPAGE PRESS

Real Madrid started the millennium as the Daddy of La Liga. Barcelona were close to inept institutionally and football-wise. Florentino Perez had performed the astonishing feat of buying Luis Figo out of his Camp Nou contract - one of the most remarkable footballing ram-raids of all time. Immediately, we were sold a policy which then, and now, has an entrancing sound to it:‘Zidanes and Pavones’.

Real Madrid would annually buy whoever they judged to be the best and most marketable footballer in the world. After Luis Figo, it would be Zidane. This was to be complemented by their cantera, or youth system. Players developed by Madrid, who loved and understood the club, like Raul Gonzales, Guti and Iker Casillas, would stand alongside the superstars. Then, the outstanding canterano was Francisco ‘Paco’ Pavon and so Perez’s vision was christened ‘Zidanes and Pavones’. Powerful, targeted transfer market spending complemented by home-reared, Real Madrid-loyal talents – does it sound identical to another club in Spain which has recently won three Champions Leagues in the space of five years?(No clues).

Looking back across the 11 years since Luis Figo transfer, this plan has been a risible failure. The last player developed in the Madrid youth system to properly embed himself in the first team is Iker Casillas. His full Real Madrid debut was in September 1999. Since then, any Real Madrid canterano of merit has been relentlessly shipped out to succeed somewhere else. The excellent Alvaro Arbeloa was bought back from Liverpool (a parallel case to Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas at Barcelona), Jose Maria Callejon returned from Espanyol three years after being cut loose.

Meanwhile Barca, and Spain, flourished thanks to Camp Nou canteranos like Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Fabregas, Pique, Pedro, Bojan, Fernando Navarro, Sergio Busquets, Pepe Reina, Victor Valdes, Mikel Arteta, Thiago, Isaac Cuenca and others. Those who were sold, usually, had a queue of home-reared talent in front of them, rather than being edged out by expensive purchases.

In the same period,Real Madrid have developed, but failed to use properly, talents like Juan Mata, Alvaro Negredo, Borja Valero, Diego Lopez, Dani Parejo, Javi Portillo, Roberto Soldado, Javi Garcia and Jose Manuel Jurado. Set against Florentino Perez’s original electoral promise of matching the best signings in the world with canterano excellence, it’s a betrayal.

The last player developed in the Madrid youth system to properly embed himself in the first team is Iker Casillas. His full Madrid debut was in September 1999. Since then, any Real Madrid canterano has been relentlessly shipped out to succeed somewhere else

However, the apogee of Madrid’s failings came when they hosted the 2010 Champions League final – eventually won by their coach-elect, Jose Mourinho, and Inter. Beyond the potential embarrassment of Barcelona winning the Champions League at the Bernabeu, the other three teams in the tournament were driven by Madrid rejects.

Wesley Sneijder scored one goal and assisted one other for Mourinho’s Inter against Barcelona in the semi-final first leg. The Dutchman was a key figure in Madrid’s 2008 title win but was sold, at a loss, to Inter. He immediately became a dominant force in European football. Inter trampled all over Barça in that first leg at San Siro and did it with four players sold by Florentino Perez: Samuel Eto’o, Walter Samuel, Sneijder and Esteban Cambiasso.

Arjen Robben added to his tie-winning goals against both Fiorentina and Manchester United by thumping in another screamer to set Bayern Munich on the road to victory over Olympique Lyon (conquerors of Madrid) in the other semi-final. Arjen Robben had been inexplicably offloaded to Bayern Munich before he could form what would have been a terrifying wing combination with Cristiano Ronaldo under Manuel Pellegrini.

Not enough credit is being given to the Special One. The 'Zidanes' of this era are as powerful as the original 'Galacticos'; youth team players are regulary being introduced and, sweetest of all for Madridistas, there is now only a wafer-thin gap between Barca and Real Madrid

The more you investigate, the worse it looks. Since being rejected by Madrid, Eto’o has won 15 club trophies, Cambiasso 15, Samuel 14, Sneijder six. Robben won three trophies in his first two seasons after leaving Madrid while he and Sneijder were pivotal in Holland’s drive to the 2010 World Cup final.

Madrid reached the stage where they were neither capable of producing 'Pavones' nor good at keeping ‘Zidanes’ when they found them. However, given all the controversy surrounding the previous seven Clasicos since it became Guardiola v Mourinho - 21 goals, 52 bookings and nine red cards - perhaps not enough credit has gone to the Special One for the way in which he is ending that trend. The 'Zidanes' of this era are as powerful as the original 'Galacticos'; youth team players are regularly being introduced and, what is sweetest of all for Madridistas, there is now only a wafer-thin gap between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League

Manchester City bow out despite Bayern win

Manchester City FC 2-0 FC Bayern München
David Silva and Yaya Touré ensured Roberto Mancini's side fulfilled their side of the bargain but SSC Napoli's victory meant it was in vain.

Manchester City FC got the win they had to deliver but it was not enough to save their inaugural UEFA Champions League campaign.

Although David Silva and Yaya Touré scored to earn the Premier League leaders a 2-0 success against Group A winners FC Bayern München, the celebratory mood turned flat when news filtered through in the second half that SSC Napoli, who started the night a point above City, had the goal they needed at Villarreal CF, which soon became two. So The Citizen were forced to settle for a place in the UEFA Europa League last 32 on a night when the UEFA Champions League lost both its Manchester clubs.

City went into the game knowing their fate was only partly in their own hands but the sight of an under-strength Bayern Munich team was an immediate boost. With Bayern Munich already assured top spot, coach Jupp Heynckes made seven changes from their weekend victory against SV Werder Bremen, with flu victims Mario Gomez and Thomas Müller among those dropping to the bench.

Roberto Mancini's side are scoring for fun in the Premier League but they threatened little in a nervy first half-hour. Sergio Agüero put a header over the bar from Samir Nasri's cross in the sixth minute while at the other end, Ivica Olić gave City a scare when he broke on to a headed flick by Nils Pietersen but the Croatian's near-post drive was pushed behind by Joe Hart.

The subdued home crowd burst into life when Silva put City in front with a spectacular strike after 37 minutes. Edin Džeko touched on Stefan Savić's infield pass and Silva still had plenty to do but, cutting across the edge of the box, he took one touch before lashing a fierce shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

Silva's strike means Manchester City have scored against all 19 teams they have faced this season and they could have had a second before half-time. Sergio Agüero rounded Butt but was denied by Boateng's sliding clearance, then the 37-year-old keeper parried a David Silva drive, with Gareth Barry unable to keep his follow-up down.

No fear, the hosts had their second soon after the restart. A sweet flurry of passes meant Džeko's final pass left Yaya Touré free to roll the ball past Butt. Barry and Agüero kept Butt's hands warm but events in Spain ensured only the Munich fans up in the East Stand were singing with any real relish.

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UEFA Champions League

Amazing Basel hit heights to knock out United

FC Basel 1893 2-1 Manchester United FC
A goal in each half from Marco Streller and Alexander Frei secured a famous home victory and second place in Group C at their opponents' expense.

FC Basel 1893 reached the UEFA Champions League last 16 for only the second time as Marco Streller and Alexander Frei scored in each half to secure a famous victory over Manchester United FC to end last season's finalists' interest in the competition.

With SL Benfica already assured of progress, Basel and United met with Group C's second qualifying berth at stake. United needed only a point but Xherdan Shaqiri proved a thorn in their side; his cross led to Streller's thumping ninth-opener finish and, as the visitors pressed for an equaliser, the 20-year-old set up Alexander Frei to head a second six minutes from time.

Phil Jones halved the deficit, but Basel survived a tense finale to advance from the initial group stage for the first time since 2002/03. Manchester United, meanwhile, fail to progress from a group stage for only the third time and, though both teams will be involved in a draw on 16 December, the English club will be in the UEFA Europa League.

Although Manchester United started confidently, their early optimism was punctured after they failed to clear Markus Steinhöfer's delivery. Shaqiri collected on the left wing and whipped in a vicious cross that United goalkeeper David de Gea could only deflect into the path of Streller, who fired in convincingly.

That strike put the wind in Basel's sails and they continued to press forward as United struggled to contain Shaqiri. However, Luis Nani was becoming equally influential for the visitors and, just past the half-hour, delivered a dangerous cross that narrowly evaded Wayne Rooney and Park Ji Sung.

Nani's own effort was bravely smothered by Yann Sommer, and the Basel goalkeeper was also equal to Rooney's drive after the striker was put through by Ryan Giggs. The English side's mounting frustration was obvious, yet they started the second period positively. Rooney sent one effort wide, before the home goal had a fortunate escape when Steinhöfer's attempted volleyed clearance came back off his own crossbar.

Basel had chances of their own, Frei having one kick acrobatically saved as Heiko Vogel's charges looked to put daylight between them and United. On the break they managed to do just that; Shaqiri curled in from the right and Streller cleverly dummied for Frei to steal in at the far post and nod in.

Jones's header after Federico Macheda's shot had come back off the bar gave United hope, but Basel stood strong.

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Barclays Premier League

Liverpool - No big match winner in the match between Liverpool vs Manchester City in Anfield Stadium. Exclaimed walking along the 2 x 45 minutes, the match ending just as strong with less score 1-1.

Anfield, Manchester City advance to open the scoring through Vinceny Kompany in minutes through a header 31 which receives feedback from Silva through a corner kick, so the City winning 0-1 over host Liverpool. But less than two minutes the host managed to equalize through hard kick on the foot of Johnson and City defender Joleon Lescott to break through his own net.

The draw was not undermine the position of City at the top of the Premier League standings, with a value of 35 and five points clear of Manchester United in second place. This is the second time all season 2011/2012 English League City failed to maximum points after the fifth week ditaham Fulham 1-1.

In about six minutes of the match City were forced to play with 10 men after Mario Balotelli sent off out of the field. Super Mario can be considered a second yellow card for elbowing Martin Skrtel in the struggle for the ball.

Liverpool made an additional one point is enough to raise them one rung to sixth place standings. Points owned protégé Kenny Dalglish with proprietary Arsenal, 23, but 'The Red' still ahead in goal difference.

The game

The first chance to make goals when Samir Nasri City owned barely gets fed the ball to Jose Enrique backpass to Pepe Reina. Lucky for Liverpool, Pepe Reina was alert to catch the ball, threw himself and banish the skin round out the field.

City then had two opportunities through individual action Sergio Aguero, who then wasted because she failed to feed after passing through several Reds players in the penalty box. While well-organized cooperation between Aguero, Clichy and Nasri still Terhadang host defender in the middle of the penalty box.

In minute 31 goals finally created. Starting from a corner kick on the left side of the Liverpool defense, the ball bounced into the middle of the penalty box Kompany headlong into the far post and to produce a goal.

In less than two minutes Liverpool managed to equalize. Adam kicks distance veered direction after touching the feet Joleon Lescott. Joe Hart who is dead can not do a lot of steps and had to give up his goal conceded.

Liverpool almost reverse the situation on 36 minutes when Dirk Kuyt struck lures Adam, but the midfielder could still kick Joe Hart saved with his legs. On different sides can also muffle the kick Reina Aguero.

Eight minute second-half run Kuyt almost found the net City if he could just megarahkan ball passing in front of him by using his head. Not long ago Clichy remove dangerous cross, which flashed in front of goalkeeper Reina with no single player could be snatched City.

On the right side of the City's defense Downing penetration, he cooperating one-two with Suarez when going into the penalty box. That's where pererakan Downing stalled because Lescott carry out their duties properly.

Downing returned almost makes Liverpudlian volley cheer with joy when he let go in front of the penalty box can still be punched into the top goalkeeper Joe Hart. It is an important first rescue action because Hart's England international goalkeeper then made some scintillating action on the rest of the game.

Six minutes before the game after the City had to play with 10 men. Received a second yellow card for elbowing Marin Skrtel, Mari Balotelli sent off the field.

Excellence number of players make the Reds added incentive to build an attack. In the 88th minute Hart made another brilliant rescue when Suarez punched hard kick in the penalty box.

A minute later Liverpool goal by David Silva almost collapse. The Spain international midfielder faced with Reina in the penalty box. Despite his efforts to deceive the goalkeeper managed, Silva failed to kick a goal because Terhadang Liverpool player who has accumulated at the bottom of the goal.

Last chance to come home from Carroll powerful header in the middle of the penalty box. The ball seemed to be into the net because it is quite far from the reach of Hart. But the England goalkeeper's number one super rescue, he was flying through the air and dispel the skin bundatr who drifted into the net.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Suarez, Kuyt (Carroll '84)

Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Toure Yaya, Barry, Milner, Silva ('90 Toure), Nasri ('65 Balotelli), Aguero ('82 Dzeko) (DTC / din)

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UEFA Champions League

Roberto Mancini: Manchester City Opportunity Pass 30 Percent

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini estimate the chances of The Citizen to qualify for the knock-out phase of the Champions League, leaving only 30 percent.

City of Napoli's 2-1 defeat on Matchday five. The Citizen behind 1-0 when Napoli striker "E. Cavani" City goalkeeper at minute 17, the City had equalized through goals from Mario Balotelli at minute 33. 1-1 score lasted until the first round was completed.

Early in the second half Napoli immediately launched an attack, consequently the first 4 minutes after kick-off the second half, exactly at minute 49 E. Cavani back goalkeeper City score was changed to 2-1 for the excellence of Naples.

The game was going pretty hard, proven four City players get a yellow card each accepted by M. Balotelli at minute 54 ', D. Silva at minute 61 ', V. Kompany at minute 77' and A. Kolar at minute 86 '. The result left Napoli collected eight points, one more than the City. Champions League Matchday one else left to live.

City of Naples camp hoping to slip when they met Villarreal, who have not collected any points wins. Therefore, the City will face Bayern Munich, who had secured their first away, at Etihad Stadium.

Mancini admitted Napoli is now favored to qualify for the next round. If the City ultimately failed, Mancini assess appearing in the Europa League besutannya not a disaster for the team.

"I consider 70 percent chance of Naples, and we are 30 percent," said Mancini told reporters.

"Now it does not depend on us again. If Villarreal play normal football, they will get results. If they play seriously, we can go to the next phase. "

"But Napoli is now a favorite, and life does not end if we failed to qualify. Our target is to enter the next phase in the Champions League. We started the season with four different targets. "

"Sometimes you lose. If we do not qualify, we will be playing in the Europa League. "

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Barclays Premier League

Robin Van Persie scored a pair of Mute Norwich City

Arsenal secured three points after two goals from Robin van Persie beat Norwich City 1-2.
Arsenal was too strong for Norwich City. In a trip to Carrow Road, (19/11), Arsene Wenger claimed the full amount by defeating the host Norwich City with a thin score 1-2. All the goals the Gunners are all born of the creation of their captain and striker Robin van Persie.

Playing at home did not make the Norwich City Arsenal players mentally shriveled. They first took the initiative to attack. Theo Walcott who sent a cross to Robin van Persie can not be put to good use by the Dutch striker. His shot wide off from Norwich City goalkeeper, Marc Tierney.

The Gunners go back to apply pressure. This time through the action of Theo Walcott, but the shot still can be anticipated by Marc Tierney.

The visitors had another chance to enter a good 11 minutes. Walcott returned to spread threats through his kick, which in essence is the opponent's goalie could not be intercepted. Fortunately for Norwich still have Russell Martin who swept the ball into the net near-empty.

Continues to be attacked in the early days to make Norwich jerk. In the 17th minute, Morrison successfully outwit Szczesny after he took advantage of mistakes made defender Per Mertesacker. Score 1-0 for the host.

Arsenal, who rely on speed Walcott really use it for intimidating opponents. Three minutes before half-hour match, Arsenal returned. Starting from crossing Walcott who settled firmly by van Persie. Equally strong score 1-1 until the first half finished game.

Entering the second interval, the more confident Arsenal. Gervinho got a chance, but his shot was easy to read Ruddy.

After that many times Gervinho and Walcott spread prickling sensation that if when both are cold in the finish can be fruitful goal opportunities.

But a movement of van Persie in the 59th minute managed to silence the public host. Counter attack raised Alex Song can be forwarded to perfection by the Dutch striker's turn to make Arsenal a 1-2 lead.

Norwich actually has a chance that could have made the same score again tough. But after getting a touch of Pilkington's cross did not meet target

In the remaining time, Walcott almost widens the notch. Unfortunately, his shot just ran down the goalposts. Norwich is trying to find a gap to equalize through Johnson never able to change the score.

Until the game completely, a score of 1-2 to Arsenal's. This makes an additional three points Arsenal climbed to the seventh position the points standings with 22. Norwich City itself behind in ninth with 13 points.

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UEFA Champions League 2011

Group stage approaches sharp end on matchday five

Matters of footballing life and death will be resolved on UEFA Champions League matchday five, with Manchester City FC and APOEL FC eager to prove their last-16 credentials. Real Madrid CF, AC Milan and FC Barcelona are already certain of their place in the round of 16 draw, to be staged in Nyon on 16 December, and fellow European heavyweights Arsenal FC, Manchester United FC, FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano can all confirm their places on matchday five. However, footballing romantics will be hoping that the likes of APOEL FC and Trabzonspor AŞ can hang on to their dream, too.

City's Naples dream
In the big game in Group A, Roberto Mancini's Manchester City FC visit SSC Napoli in what looks to be a straight knockout tie. Napoli can draw strength from not just their 1-1 draw in Manchester on matchday one, but their formidable recent home record in Europe; since returning to continental competition after 13 years in 2008, they are unbeaten in ten matches. The last foreign team to prevail in Naples were Eintracht Frankfurt in December 1994.

Trabzponspor rematch for Internazionale Milan
Internazionale Milan lost 1-0 to Trabzonspor on matchday one, with Ondřej Čelůstka hitting a late goal for the Turkish side, but will look to make amends away from home. The Serie A outfit can take some comfort from the history books; the teams met in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup first round, with Internazionale Milan losing the first leg in Trabzon 1-0 but progressing with a 2-0 win at home. Trabzonspor boss Şenol Güneş played in goal for the Black Sea club in both legs.

Red Devils close
Manchester United will look to book their passage to the knockout stage for the sixth season running at home against SL Benfica, who held them to a 1-1 draw in Lisbon on matchday one. Benfica come to Old Trafford with some ominous cards stacked against them; United's home record in ten games against Portuguese sides reads W8 D2 L0. The visitors, however, have yet to lose on their travels in Europe this season, and Óscar Cardozo – their scorer against United last time out – scored six further goals in four matches against English sides in the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League.

Ballack v Chelsea
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will look to deny Chelsea FC progress to the last 16 for a ninth successive season. The focus will once more be on midfielder Michael Ballack, who won a league title and three FA Cups in a four-year spell at Stamford Bridge, which ended with his return to the BayArena in summer 2010. "Emotionally this will certainly be a special match for me," said the midfielder before his side lost 2-0 at his old stamping ground on matchday one. He would love to make this next meeting even more special with a win.

APOEL's Zenit summit
FC Zenit St Petersburg lost 2-1 in Nicosia on matchday one and will look to avoid an even more freakish result when Ivan Jovanović's APOEL come to the Petrovsky Stadium for the rematch. It looks like a mismatch on paper, but the Cypriot club are the only unbeaten side in Group G, and could potentially become the first side from the Mediterranean island
to reach the UEFA Champions League knockout phase with a draw in Russia. Sure, Zenit have won their last nine continental home games, but who says there will not be magic in the air?

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UEFA EURO 2012

EURO finals draw seedings unveiled

Spain and the Netherlands will join co-hosts Poland and Ukraine in Pot 1 after the seedings for the UEFA EURO 2012 finals draw at 18.00CET on 2 December in Kyiv were announced.

UEFA has announced the seedings for the UEFA EURO 2012 finals draw at the Palace of Arts in Kyiv, Ukraine at 18.00CET (19.00 local time) on Friday 2 December.

The 16 teams will been drawn into four groups of four teams each (Groups A to D). Four seeding pots will be created, with the host associations Poland and Ukraine being top seeds. Poland will be automatically placed in Group A as A1, Ukraine in Group D as D1.

The reigning champions Spain will be placed in Pot 1, together with the Netherlands, the team with the highest national team coefficient, as established at the conclusion of the play-off matches.

The other 12 qualifiers have been allocated to the remaining three pots according to their respective coefficients.

Pot 1: Spain, Netherlands
Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia
Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden
Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland

The draw will start with Pot 1 in order to fill position one in Groups B and C. The draw will continue with Pot 4, from which a team will be allocated to each group consecutively, from Group A to Group D. This procedure will then be repeated for Pot 3 and finally for Pot 2.

The position of each team within its group (2, 3 or 4) will also be determined during the draw.

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino will conduct the draw, and the ceremony will be hosted by Olga Freimut and Piotr Sobczynski – two renowned TV presenters in the UEFA EURO 2012 host countries. The show will include three entertainment acts: the P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble, Ukrainian singer Jamala and a surprise international artist.

Furthermore, and supporting the motto 'Creating History Together', UEFA has invited legendary players from all previous editions of the tournament to participate in the show. In addition, the official match ball of UEFA EURO 2012 will be unveiled during the ceremony.

The draw will be shown live by more than 70 broadcast partners, covering more than 150 territories around the world.

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Portugal Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Portugal 6-2 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Agg. 6-2): Cristiano Ronaldo & Helder Postiga both net doubles as Seleccao romp to Euro 2012 qualification

Portugal sealed their passage to the Euro 2012 finals after thrashing Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-2 at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.

The hosts looked lively from the first whistle and took an early lead, with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani in the first 25 minutes, before Zvjezdan Misimovic reduced the deficit for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the second half, Emir Spahic gave the visitors a lifeline after Ronaldo (CR7) had scored his second of the night, but the Seleccao responded in convincing fashion with a Miguel Veloso strike either side of an Helder Postiga brace.

Portugal got off to a bright start and had the first sight on goal in the sixth minute. Fabio Coentrao sent in a low cross from the left flank which Luis Nani left for Cristiano Ronaldo, who tried his luck from inside the box. Asmir Begovic made the save, but he could only parry the ball into the path of Raul Meireles, who missed the rebound when he was already in an offside position.

The home side were in the driving seat and they broke the deadlock just one minute later. Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down 25 yards out and, from the resulting free-kick, the Real Madrid man sent the ball over and wall and straight into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo tested Begovic's reflexes in the 21st minute, forcing the keeper to deny the 26-year-old his second of the game. However, the Bosnian goalkeeper was helpless just minutes later, as Luis Nani unleashed an unstoppable shot which nestled into the top corner.

Bosnia and Herzegovina created a chance for the first time 32 minutes into the game, as Dzeko’s header bounced off the ground before hitting the bar, but the Manchester City forward was offside. But four minutes before the break, the visitors managed to pull one back, as Coentrao was penalised for a handball inside the box. Misimovic made no mistake from the spot and gave his side a considerable boost as the teams returned to the dressing rooms.

Portugal restored their two-goal lead just eight minutes into the second half. The Seleccao hit Bosnia on the break as Joao Moutinho sent a through ball to Ronaldo, who rounded the keeper before slotting into an empty net.

Bosnia's task became more difficult moments later, when Senad Lulic picked up a needless second yellow card for arguing with the referee.

In the 60th minute, the hosts had penalty claims waved away by the referee as Sasa Papac appeared to have handled the ball after Cristiano Ronaldo had tried to lift it over the defender.

Paulo Bento’s men went close to scoring their fourth of the night just moments later, but Begovic denied Coentrao's header with a stunning save. Bosnia then cut into the lead on 65 minutes through Emir Spahic, who slotted home from close range after a Darko Maletic pass from the left.

In the 72nd minute, Portugal extended their lead once again, as Postiga drilled a powerful finish into the lower left corner of the goal after being picked out by Ruben Micael.

The home crowd wanted more goals before the end of the match, and the team managed to find them. In the 80th minute, Veloso sent a free-kick into the upper right corner of the goal, and just two minutes later, Postiga emulated Ronaldo's actions and clinched his own brace as he headed home Coentrao's cross.

The result sees Portugal book their ticket to next year's tournament thanks to the 6-2 aggregate win, while Bosnia are left to lick their wounds after the Seleccao deny them entry into another major tournament.

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Serbia Montenegro Vs Czech Republic Preview

Montenegro plotting Czech Republic upset


Defender Stefan Savić has vowed that Montenegro's play-off tie with the Czech Republic "is not over at all" as the Balkan side set out to overturn their 2-0 deficit on home soil.

Montenegro defender Stefan Savić feels his side must summon the spirit that propelled them into the play-offs if they are to overturn their first-leg deficit and pip the Czech Republic to a place at UEFA EURO 2012.

Beaten 2-0 in Prague on Friday, the Balkan side's dreams of reaching a first major tournament now hang by a thread ahead of Tuesday's return in Podgorica. Moreover, their cause has hardly been helped by injuries to Simon Vukčević and Milorad Peković in training on Monday, with the former breaking his nose and the latter cracking a rib.

However, Branko Brnović's men can draw confidence from their solid home form in qualifying Group G, having gone four games unbeaten – including a rollercoaster 2-2 draw with England which clinched their play-off place.

Two goals down just after the half-hour mark, Montenegro rallied to claim the point they needed to finish as runners-up, and Savić told UEFA.com that the resilience he and his team-mates showed in that match bodes well for their hopes of bouncing back against the Czech Republic.

"We're disappointed with the defeat, but it's not over at all," said the centre-back, whose cross was headed home by Andrija Delibašić to equalise in added time against England. "There's still 90 minutes to play, and I think we can beat them in our stadium. It's going to be very hard, but we have hope.

""We were losing 2-0 to England and we came back, and we had less time than we do now". We have a whole game. I think we can do it. We need to give 200% as it's going to be very hard."

It was a late header from Czech defender Tomáš Sivok at Stadion Letná that left Montenegro requiring another comeback mission, after Václav Pilař's spectacular drive had initially darkened their horizons just after the hour mark. "That was our worst display in qualifying," forward Dejan Damjanović explained. "I'm really sorry for our supporters as they put on a tremendous show. But we won't collapse – we're a totally different team at home.

"We have to be a lot more attacking in the second leg. Having lost the first game 2-0, we can't simply wait for a mistake from the Czech defence. We need a quick goal, and if we get that it'll be an open game, and everything is possible. If we start well, things will go our way, and maybe we can get an unbelievable result."

Their healthy first-leg advantage means the Czechs will nonetheless start as clear favourites to clinch a finals berth when the teams are reunited at Stadion Podgorica. They head to the Montenegrin capital knowing the home fans will give their team feverish backing, but Michal Bílek's squad plan to silence the crowd with a positive approach as they close in on a fifth successive appearance at a UEFA European Championship finals.

""The approach is very simple: we want to score there"," Czech Republic captain Tomáš Rosický told UEFA.com. "If we do that, it'll be very difficult for them to catch us. We can expect a passionate crowd. We're looking forward to it as it'll be a great atmosphere. We know it'll be very tough for us, so we have to be patient and disciplined just as we were in the first leg, but obviously we feel confident."


We were losing 2-0 to England and we came back, and we had less time than we do now
-Stefan Savić


The approach is very simple: we want to score there
-Tomáš Rosický

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Portugal Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Preview

Portugal fans the key says Alves

Two years on from his play-off winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Lisbon, Portugal defender Bruno Alves has urged home fans to roar his side on to a repeat victory on Tuesday.

Portugal defender Bruno Alves has urged his country's fans to help Paulo Bento's men beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in Lisbon on Tuesday as they try to book a place in the UEFA European Championship for the fifth time in a row.

After the 0-0 draw in Zenica on Friday, the experienced FC Zenit St Petersburg central defender, who turns 30 later this month, hopes that a full Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will witness Portugal's qualification for UEFA EURO 2012. ""I ask everyone to come and help to create a difficult atmosphere for them, just like they did for us"," said Alves." We will certainly feel that support."

In his 46 caps, Alves has scored five goals, including the FIFA World Cup play-off first-leg strike at the same stadium against the same opposition two years ago to the day that clinched a 1-0 win, which Portugal then matched in the return. "There are no two identical matches but I would like to score again," Bruno Alves said.

"I believed that the Bosnians could lose the ball so I stayed in attack following a corner and scored at the far post. Deco won the ball, passed it to Nani and he delivered a perfect cross. I believe that it will be a difficult match as it was two years ago."

Bruno Alves continued: "We are expecting them to play a similar game to the one they did [in the first leg], playing on the counterattack but perhaps with more circulation of the ball. They defend well and make good transitions. We are prepared for every scenario, we don't want to concede and we want to score. That is our main goal: to win. It will be difficult but our team have enough quality to go through."

Talking about his central defender partner Pepe, who returned to the team after injury with a fantastic display in Zenica, Alves said: "Pepe is a world class player. The team was united and had a fantastic attitude." Apart from third-choice goalkeeper Beto, who sustained an abductor injury in his right leg in Sunday's training session, the entire Portugal squad is fit.


I ask everyone to come and help to create a difficult atmosphere for them, just like they did for us - Bruno Alves

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UEFA EURO 2012 England 1 - 0 Spain

Lampard heads England to victory against Spain


England 1-0 Spain

Frank Lampard, England captain for the night, headed the only goal to condemn the world and European champions to a rare defeat.

Captain Frank Lampard's second-half header was enough to earn England victory against world and European champions Spain in a friendly at Wembley.

Lampard, skippering his country in the absence of Chelsea FC club-mate John Terry, stooped to head in one of the simplest goals of his career on 49 minutes. As was expected considering their recent pedigree, Spain, perfect throughout UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying, often offered the greater poise on the ball. They predictably pressed for an equaliser, Cesc Fàbregas spurning their clearest opening, but England stood firm.

Though Lampard's long-range shot was all that Iker Casillas – winning his 126th cap to equal Andoni Zubizarreta's national record – could warm his palms with throughout the opening period, England's Joe Hart was no more frequently employed. Sergio Busquets had the best opening prior to the interval, flicking Xabi Alonso's cross over from close range.

Vicente del Bosque made three half-time substitutions but for one, Pepe Reina, the first task was to pick the ball out of his net, Lampard nodding in the rebound from less than a metre out after Darren Bent had headed James Milner's free-kick against a post.

David Villa nearly delivered a swift riposte but, having rounded Hart, shot into the side netting. The FC Barcelona man went closer still on 73 minutes, showing superb technique to control on his chest and shoot from the edge of the penalty area; Hart was again beaten but this time the woodwork came to his rescue.

Though Spain kept coming, England, through a mix of defiance and good fortune, most notably when Fàbregas side-footed wide late on, held on for a victory few would have forecast.

England: Hart, G Johnson, Lescott, Jagielka, Cole, Walcott (Downing 46), Jones (Rodwell 56), Parker (Walker 85), Milner (A Johnson 76), Lampard (Barry 56), Bent (Welbeck 64).

Spain: Casillas (Reina 46), Arbeloa, Piqué, Ramos (Puyol 74), Jordi Alba, Busquets (Torres 64), Alonso, Xavi (Fàbregas 46), Iniesta (Cazorla 74), Silva (Mata 46), Villa.

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UEFA EURO 2012: Bosnia and Herzegovina 0 - 0 Portugal

Ronaldo satisfied despite Portugal's blank

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo said it is all to play for going into Tuesday's play-off second leg against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the sides missed good chances to forge ahead in Zenica.

After a tense UEFA EURO 2012 play-off at the Stadium Bilino Polje in Zenica, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo emphasised that his side still have plenty of work to do if they are to progress to next summer's finals at the expense of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As is often the case, the Real Madrid CF forward was his country's biggest attacking threat, and he came close to snatching a winner soon after the break. Yet Cristiano Ronaldo said after Bosnia and Herzegovina's strong second-half showing that Paulo Bento's side would take nothing for granted in Tuesday's return at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.

"It's pretty much equal," he said. "Of course we'll be playing in better conditions, with our fans behind us, at home, but it'll be just as difficult. Today we got a good result away from home and we have to finish things in our home game." said CR-7

Despite an encouraging display, Ronaldo underlined Portugal would need to make home advantage count. "We played well and we had four good chances to score, while they only had one," said the 26-year-old. "We have to take on the mantle of favourites because we're a team that always has a chance of winning. So we have to prove why we're favourites on the pitch. There's no point in just talking about it and not proving it in matches."

Ronaldo was also pleased with the way his side recovered from the disappointment of losing out on a direct qualifying spot in the final round of group games. "All national teams have difficult moments," he said. "We had a good qualifying campaign, but we needed a draw in Denmark and didn't manage it."

Substitute Vedad Ibišević rued his own missed chance for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final stages, with superiority still up for grabs. "I had the chance but unfortunately the ball bobbled," said the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim forward. "That goal would have meant a lot to us, but still this result is not to be sniffed at.

"In Lisbon the atmosphere will be different, but I'm sure there will be a lot of our fans there, as at every away game. The time has come for this generation to go to a major competition and I sincerely hope that we will achieve our goal."

Senad Lulić also expressed his satisfaction at a result which leaves the tie hanging in the balance. "As we expected, the decisive moment will be Lisbon," said the S.S. Lazio midfielder. "Secretly, we hoped to win but when all things are considered, we have to be satisfied with a draw. We showed we can cope with Portugal. They had a few chances, but we threatened on several occasions, so the result is deserved."

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UEFA EURO 2012 - Czech Republic 2 - 0 Serbia Montenegro

Two-goal Czech Republic lead Montenegro
Czech Republic 2-0 Montenegro

Václav Pilař's first senior international goal and an added-time Tomáš Sivok header gave Michal Bílek's charges a decent lead to take to Podgorica.

Tomáš Rosický did not get on the scoresheet, but the creative Czech Republic captain played a starring role as his nation edged towards the UEFA EURO 2012 finals with a 2-0 first-leg defeat of Montenegro.

The visitors had pinpointed Tomas Rosický as the man most likely to undermine their hopes of reaching a first major tournament, and so it proved in a wintry Prague. The Arsenal FC midfielder undid an organised Montenegro defence on 63 minutes with a delightful pass that allowed Václav Pilař to register his first senior international goal. Tomáš Sivok then headed in a flighted Rosický free-kick in added time to give the Czechs a two-goal advantage ahead of Tuesday's second leg.

Mirko Vučinić had highlighted the visitors' desire for a first-leg goal, and the Juventus striker will have been disappointed not to have given his team the souvenir they wanted from their visit to the Czech capital shortly after the quarter-hour mark. Having darted in front of Sivok to reach Savo Pavičević's cross, Mirko Vučinić could not keep his first-time shot down from close range.

With the visitors content to play on the break, the Czechs enjoyed the majority of possession, and with Rosický bubbling over with creativity, they came close to making something of it before the break. The 31-year-old's pass set up Tomáš Pekhart, who dragged his shot wide. The rangy forward then extended himself to nod a Tomas Rosický ball into Petr Jiráček's path but with time and space just inside the penalty area, he failed to find the target.

Seemingly content to soak up pressure in the first half, Montenegro emerged after the break with greater ambition. Czech coach Michal Bílek was keen Petr Čech should start wearing a custom-made mask to protect his broken nose, and a brilliant one-handed save from Simon Vukčević's curling effort showed why. With Rosický in sparkling form, however, the hosts made the breakthrough.

After picking out Jiráček only to see the FC Viktoria Plzeň man fire wide, Rosický quickly produced another intelligent ball from wide that allowed Pilař to fire low into the left-hand corner. With fireworks going off over central Prague, the unmarked Sivok enhanced the party mood, nodding Rosický's set piece beyond Mladen Božović to leave Bílek's men well placed for Tuesday's trip to Podgorica.

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Barclays Premier League News

Suarez loving life at Liverpool


Striker Luis Suarez wants to stay at Liverpool beyond his current five-year contract.

Luis Suarez has proved to be a smash hit on Merseyside since arriving from Ajax last January, with the striker establishing himself as one of the best players in the Barclays Premier League.

The Uruguayan's stellar performances have alerted a number of top clubs across Europe, but the 24-year-old, who signed a five-year deal when he joined Liverpool, admits he loves life at Anfield and he would be happy to extend his stay at the club.

"I've just started a phase of my career which I always dreamed about and wanted to do, which is to play for Liverpool," Luis Suarez said.

"I have five years left on my contract and I think beyond that, I'm already thinking about staying many more years at Liverpool.

"It's a club I like. I feel very good about being here, about being in the city.

"I feel very pleased. It would be difficult to match the atmosphere, hunger for success and glory that this club has at another team."

very difficult

Luis Suarez also praised Reds boss Kenny Dalglish for giving him the confidence to produce his best on the pitch.

"The truth is there's not much conversation with Kenny because of the language barrier, which makes it hard for me," added Suarez.

"But he is the one who has given me confidence. He was the one who had confidence in me. He was the one who said 'I want Suarez'. That sort of belief is something you repay when you play.

"When a coach gives you confidence, you can give your very best back.

"If you don't have faith in your manager, it's very difficult to play well and I think Kenny has a lot of confidence in me."



"I feel very good about being here, about being in the city"

- Luis Suarez

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UEFA EURO 2012 - Turkey Vs Croatia

Turkey and Croatia up for Istanbul tussle


"We are ready to give them a very hard night," said coach Guus Hiddink as Turkey host Croatia, with visiting boss Slaven Bilić promising his side will give as good as they get.

Guus Hiddink is inclined to play the long game as his Turkey team host Croatia in the first leg of their UEFA EURO 2012 play-off, explaining: "We shouldn't forget that it's a two-legged tie."

Turkey knocked out Slaven Bilić's Croatia in the UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-finals, prevailing 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Vienna, but coach Hiddink is eager to keep emotions under wraps as the sides meet again in Istanbul. "Not conceding a goal is a major priority for us," the Dutchman said. "Therefore it's important to cut the passing traffic. I expect an even game. Both teams have talented players and emotion is high for the two sides. It's very hard to predict the score in such games."

While some pundits have singled out Croatia as favourites to proceed to Poland and Ukraine, Turkey will not give up the chance of competing at a fourth UEFA European Championship easily. "We are ready to give them a very hard night," continued Hiddink.

Croatia's toughest adversary may be on-song Trabzonspor AŞ striker Burak Yılmaz, who has scored 13 goals in eight Süper Lig appearances this season. "If everyone plays as they can against Croatia, I could be one of the most dangerous footballers in the team," Burak said. ""Playing at a EURO is a dream for any player and we all have a chance to make this come true"."

A hamstring problem means Galatasaray AŞ forward Colin Kazım-Richards will miss Friday's opener, while Croatia defender Vedran Ćorluka picked up a knock in their final training session before heading to Turkey. "We have had a special boot made for him for protection," said team doctor Jurica Rakić. "We are all hoping it's not that serious."

Bilić is already without defender Ivan Strinić, midfielder Niko Kranjčar and forward Mladen Petrić through injury, but with FC Bayern Munchen left-back Danijel Pranjić back in the frame, Gordon Schildenfeld should cover for Ćorluka if he is not fit to play.

"I know Turkey are a good team, but we will do our talking on the pitch on Friday," said Bilić. "We will go into it as if we were playing one decisive match, not two. The atmosphere in the camp is very positive and I have a good feeling."

With the first leg taking place on 11 November (11/11/11), Croatia's No11, captain Darijo Srna, has come in for some attention, though the FC Shakhtar Donetsk man said: "I don't believe in numerology. "We are up against the wall and must give more than 100% so we can look our fans, friends and families in the eye after the match". If we give it everything we've got, we will win the play-off."

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UEFA EURO 2012 - Czech Republic Vs Serbia Montenegro

Čech vow as Czech Republic welcome Montenegro

Despite a broken nose, Petr Čech is determined to start for the Czech Republic in Friday's play-off first leg against a Montenegro side who want a score draw from their biggest fixture.

Petr Čech's new face mask, in addition to his customary headgear, should shore him up to feature in the Czech Republic's UEFA EURO 2012 play-off first leg at home to Montenegro.

Čech suffered a broken nose in Chelsea FC's meeting with Blackburn Rovers FC last Saturday. However, having missed just three competitive matches for his country in four years, he is determined to be on the pitch in Prague as the Czechs look to avoid missing out on a UEFA European Championship for the first time since the 1993 split with Slovakia.

"I would not play if I was anything less than 90% as the game is a very important one," said the 29-year-old, who has been capped 86 times. ""I am not nervous about the injury. I have 70 stitches in my head already, so I am used to it"."

Defensive midfielder Tomáš Hübschman is suspended for both legs and centre-back Roman Hubník is banned on Friday, while striker Milan Baroš is a doubt having been out for almost three weeks with a calf injury.

His nation have never had to enter a EURO play-off before, but captain Tomáš Rosický – who was involved when the Czech Republic were beaten to the 2002 FIFA World Cup over two legs by Belgium but qualified at Norway's expense four years later – knows what to expect. "It is totally different from the group stage," Rosický said. "Discipline and team spirit will count for more than just skills."

In contrast to the Czech record, Montenegro are yet to reach a major tournament since independence in 2006 but having drawn twice with England to get to these play-offs, they are targeting an away draw ahead of Tuesday's home return in Podgorica. Midfielder Milorad Peković said: "It would be difficult for us if we lost, because the Czechs are brilliant when they defend. If they come to Montenegro with an advantage, we would have a mountain to climb."

With defenders Miodrag Džudović and Marko Baša and midfielder Nikola Drinčić back from injury, Montenegro are at full strength. "I am sure we will have a lot of space up front," Peković added. "We have quick players, very good technicians like Mirko Vučinić and Stevan Jovetić. We will have a chance to score, I am sure we can do it at least once."

However, while Montenegro began qualifying with four clean sheets, in the second half of the campaign they conceded seven. "We had a lot of injuries in defence for the last four matches," goalkeeper Mladen Božović said. "Now it is different and I hope we will be strong at the back."

Defender Milan Jovanović added: "We will not make the mistake of playing not to concede, but everything will be built from the back. We must defend well and wait for a chance to counterattack. The first leg is not decisive, but it is very important. We must try to score. "We feel this is a special moment for us, for the whole nation, and we are ready to put everything we have into these 180 minutes"."

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UEFA Champions League

Champions League 'harder to win' says Ancelotti



Monday 7 November 2011,
Carlo Ancelotti tells UEFA.com his hopes for SSC Napoli, dissects the secret of FC Barcelona's success and explains why the UEFA Champions League is harder than ever to win.

As one of only six men to have lifted the European Champion Clubs' Cup as both player and coach, Carlo Ancelotti knows a thing or two about the continent's premier competition – and the former AC Milan and Chelsea FC boss told UEFA.com he considers the UEFA Champions League to be harder than ever to win.

Carlo Ancelotti was part of the famous AC Milan side crowned European champions in 1989 and 1990 and he landed the trophy twice as Rossoneri coach in 2003 and 2007. Last season was a lean year in comparison for Italian teams, with only FC Internazionale Milano getting as far as the quarter-finals, and Ancelotti feels making the grade in Europe is not getting any easier.

"I played in the Champions League [final] in 1989 and 1990 and it was different then," he told UEFA.com. "There were less games [to play], because to reach the final you needed to play maybe nine games, but now it's very difficult. Twenty years ago you played against the first teams from other countries; now there's more competition – four teams [from] England, four teams [from] Italy, and so on. "It's more difficult to win the Champions League now and this is why I consider the Champions League the best competition in the world"."

This term, after four group stage matches, Italy's three UEFA Champions League representatives are all still hopeful of reaching the round of 16, and Milan's next challenge will be to host FC Barcelona, whom Massimiliano Allegri's men held to a 2-2 draw on matchday one.

"The strength of [Barcelona] is the philosophy of the club," said former Parma FC and Juventus trainer Carlo Ancelotti. "They have a lot of players [who have graduated from] their academy. When they put on the Barcelona shirt they feel something special because they were born in the academy. So this is the reason [they are so strong]. And the philosophy for one club, their idea of football, is the best at this moment."

Of the Serie A sides, Napoli have perhaps the hardest task to qualify, but despite facing FC Bayern München, Manchester City FC and Villarreal CF, the knockout phase remains a realistic prospect for a team who have taken points off all three group rivals.

"Napoli is a very exciting place," said Carlo Ancelotti. "The people there show great passion for the team. Twenty years ago they had the best player in the world, Maradona, playing for Napoli. After that they went down, but they much better now and everyone is following them because they are playing good football and have fantastic support."

For Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, it is a return to England's Premier League that interests him as a manager, although the man who left Chelsea last summer is by no means certain of what the future holds.

"Short term, I don't know," he said. "I would like to be a manager again. I'm not afraid, I want to wait and see what happens. "I would like to find an ambitious club that has a good project for the future. I am sure that I will come back to manage another club soon"."

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MotoGP Valencia

Stoner powers to Valencia victory

Sunday, 6 November 2011
Casey Stoner closed the 800cc era with his tenth victory of the season by a margin of one hundredth of a second over Ben Spies, with Dovizioso claiming the third podium spot and third in the Championship.

The Repsol Honda rider launched from pole position and into the lead off the start of the Gran Premio Gernerali de la Comunitat Valenciana, the final race of the season and of the 800cc machines. Although the race was declared wet, the field all sported slicks tyres in the difficult conditions that claimed the first casualties in the very first corner.

Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) lost the front just tipping into the first turn of the race, taking out Pramac Racing’s Randy de Puniet along with both Ducati Team riders, Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. The crash was the Rossi’s third race in succession to conclude with a fall, marking the end of a difficult season for the seven times MotoGP World Champion.

Andrea Dovizioso and Dani Pedrosa managed to avoid the incident, and with Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing) already holding first and second in the Championship, the campaign for third between the teammates remained to be decided this weekend. Neither of the Repsol Honda riders showed any sign of deferring to the other as the two fought for the second spot on the podium, as well as the final Championship position, until the final laps of the race when the Spaniard slowed slightly as the slight rain fall picked up.

Ben Spies rode behind the Honda men as they battle for second, until on lap 23 the Texas Tornado made his move on Dani Pedrosa for third, then put on the afterburners and closed in on Casey Stoner, passing Dovizioso on the way to the front.

With three laps left, Stoner ran it wide, letting the American through to take over the head of the race and who then pulled an immediate one second gap at the front. The Yamaha man looked set to take the win, until in the very last corner of the race when the World Champion rocketed past the Texan at the line to claim his tenth win of the season and in the final race of the 800cc era.

The chase for the Rookie of the Year award between Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) and Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) also went down to the very last lap, with the Czech rider poised to take the title until he fell in the final corner, handing Crutchlow the title and fourth place in the race. Abraham was able to rejoin the race to finish in eighth, ahead of Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing), who concluded the final race of his career with a ninth place.

Fifth place went to Dani Pedrosa, with Lorenzo’s replacement rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha Factory Racing) claiming sixth ahead of Colin Edwards’ replacement on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team, Josh Hayes. Toni Elías (LCR Honda) completed the top ten finishers, with Héctor Barberá (Mapfre Aspar) and Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini) the final race finishers.

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Real Madrid 7-1 Osasuna

Madrid - Real Madrid increasingly consolidating its position atop the Spanish league standings after subvert the 10-man Osasuna 7-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this afternoon. Cristiano Ronaldo in this match record fourth hat-trick at the same time of acquisition equal Barcelona striker Lionel Messi scored a 13 goals this season.

Fully supported by fanatical supporters, Los Blancos dominated the game. The result, Ronaldo opened the scoring after receiving feedback from the left wing Angel Di Maria at minute 23.

Ibrahima Balde equalized for Osasuna 1-1 free kick. Referee Alfonso Alvarez Izquierdo reward after Alvaro Arbeloa dropping Nino in the forbidden box in the 30th minute. Interval of three minutes turn Pepe managed to turn things around to 2-1.

Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez continues to be the butt. Gonzalo Higuain scored a third package plus two others from Cristino Ronaldo (the 54th minute from the penalty spot and 58) and two others from Karim Benzema (minutes 63 and 81).

Ronaldo's performance deserved thumbs up. After the end goal drought in the previous three games, Portugal star was immediately step on the gas when the package the third hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Malaga 4-0 on Oct. 23. Previously, single men are a successful hat-trick against Real Zaragoza, and Rayo Vallecano. Osasuna bertamah nightmare after beknya Eneko Satrustegui sent off in the 54th minute.

The victory of Osasuna Real Madrid's victory adds to the treasury to seven consecutive wins. Total, army Jose Mourinho could be mine 29 goals and conceded only three goals. White could also wipe out all home games this season, which stood at an average of 4.25 goals scored per game.

Real Madrid stay on top of the standings, which stood at 28 points from 11 games. Capital squad while emapt points ahead of Barcelona's eternal rival. Azulgrana can attenuate the difference to a point if able to win over Athletic Bilbao at away games.

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Spanish League

Derby win, one after another Levante Valencia

Levante surprises coming to an end after suffering their second defeat at the hands of Valencia team shirts.

Valencia go three huge success after conquering team Levante townsmen thanks to Javi Venta own goal in the 31st minute which was then added Tino Costa in the ninth minute second half.

Levante could be a surprise at the beginning of this season after being in power at the top of the standings thanks to the seven-game winning streak that began with victory over Real Madrid and ended with the defeat of Osasuna last week.

For the first time since 1964, farm team Juan Ignacio Martinez was featured in the derby with a higher position in the standings, and with four wins from four games at the stadium Ciutat de Valencia, Levante have the confidence was worth more.

Unfortunately, this confidence fail to be utilized by the children of Juan Ignacio Martínez care to score early in the first half, although Gomez Juanlu and Arouna Kone had a chance to goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

In contrast, the first opportunity directly Valencia scored fruitful, as bait breakthrough for Jordi Alba Costa Javi Venta is deflected into the goal itself.

Levante have not had time to rise, Costa Valencia ensure victory over his free-kick, which goalkeeper Gustavo Munua one anticipated.

Levante difficulty seemed to rise and two-game losing streak makes them knocked out of the big three and within two points of league leaders Real Madrid who will perform Sunday (6 / 11).

While Valencia is now one point ahead of their derby team ranked third.

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MotoGP Valencia

Stoner leads Pedrosa and Rossi in Valencia FP1

Friday, 4 November 2011
Stoner set a last minute fast lap to jump to the front of the pack in the first practice session of the Gran Premio Generali de la Comunitat Valenciana, ahead of team mate Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi.

The MotoGP class took to a drying track for the first practice outing of the 2011 season closer, with several tributes to Marco Simoncelli revealed as the bikes hit the asphalt. Loris Capirossi's Ducati displayed Marco Simoncelli's number 58 on his Pramac Racing machine and Hiroshi Aoyama's bike ran unbranded, instead featuring a message to his fallen team mate.

As the riders gingerly made their way around the slippery Ricardo Tormo circuit, various riders took turns at the top of the times, including Toni Elías (LCR Honda), Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team), Nicky Hayden and Loris Capirossi. It wasn’t until the final three minutes that World Champion Casey Stoner claimed the top spot with a time of 1’45.513, with Dani Pedrosa jumping into second, two tenths behind his Repsol Honda team mate.

The Ducati Team duo of Rossi and Hayden posted the third and fourth quickest laps, the Italian just 0.092s off Pedrosa’s pace and Hayden two tenths off his team mate.

For the first practice of his final GP,Loris Capirossi was fifth in the field with a time of 1’46.108, ahead of Factory Yamaha’s Ben Spies. Randy de Puniet (Pramac Racing) was seventh ahead of Elias in eighth and Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) ninth. Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) completed the top ten times with a lap one second off the lead time of Casey Stoner.

As Colin Edwards continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in Malaysia, his replacement American superbike champion Josh Hayes made an impressive debut on a MotoGP machine, climbing as high as 13th position for not only his first experience in a GP field but also his first time at the Valencian circuit. Hayes concluded the session in – position, ahead of Jorge Lorenzo’s replacement on the Factory Yamaha team, Japanese rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga.

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Paul Ince: Manchester City is now more intense Instead Manchester United

Long under the shadow of the success of Manchester United, Manchester City this season has been really able to take off semenjana status.

Having overthrown the neighbor 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals before strolling 2010/11 as champions, in the ninth week the Premier League 2011/12, about two weeks ago, The Citizens returning show of force, this time in front of their loyal supporter of the red devils United's embarrassing, unmitigated, the red devil humiliated by a score of 6-1 at Old Trafford!

These results widen the distance between two points on the clubs into five figures that have survived until now with the City at the top. All that can not be separated from the injection of money without limit from the Abu Dhabi United Group Investment leadership of Sheikh Mansour proved futile. Gradually The Citizens were able to obtain satisfactory results, the pemainnyapun has found his best performance.


Commenting on the lunge City is so strong this season, one of United's living legend, Paul Ince, recognizes the balance of power in the City of Manchester has indeed been changed. According to him, the blue is now more superior than the red.

"I hate to say this, but Manchester City are currently more powerful," said former quarterback that strengthens the Red Devils in the period 1989-1995 was told talkSPORT.

"At the beginning of the season, Man United featuring scintillating performance, really play good football. Now they seem to have slightly lost its way, but Man City had indeed been successful in increasing levels."

"I watched them play against Villarreal [in the Champions League], and the City totally devastated them."

"If you compare it with Manchester United who had trouble beating Otelul Galati, then Manchester City really are on top now," said Ince, who also played for Inter Milan and Liverpool during play.

In the match Champions League Matchday 4, Wednesday (2 / 11) night, City bulldoze host Villarreal 3-0 at El Madrigal in the continued provision of Group A, while the United in Group C Galati 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

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MotoGP Valencia

Respect Simoncelli, Capirossi Wear 58 in Last Racing

Valencia - Valencia MotoGP series will be the last race for Loris Capirossi. Instead of wearing No.. 65 which have become his trademark, he chose to wear No.. 58 belong to the late Marco Simoncelli.

Valencia is the last series for Loris Capirosi, after the race in Valencia, Capirossi will retire. He would close his long journey for about 22 years in MotoGP racing already made ​​his name.

However, in his last race, he would likely abandon its flagship number, 65. As a tribute to Simoncelli - yangtewas on the series and exact series Sepang, Malaysia. The Italian rider will wear the number 58 belongs to Simoncelli.

"The situation is peculiar to all people. We are all here and we try to never forget Marco - this is really important because it is part of our life and always try to do my best," said Capirossi cited Crash.

"For that, I wanted to keep his honor and I want to wear his number 58 on my bike for this race. I really hope he is happy with this and hopefully I can achieve the same results with him," he added.

"I will do my best for him and after this race I of course will retire as planned. I am happy, because after 22 seasons, this is a good time to quit. There are many great riders and great for doing anything else," beber Capirex.


Rossi Will Wear 'Special Simoncelli Helmet'

Valencia - Valentino Rossi will dedicate the race in Valencia this weekend for the late Marco Simoncelli. He will be wearing a helmet with a special design Simoncelli.

It was submitted by the manager Rossi, Davide Brivio, in his twitter account. "Vale will wear a special helmet that is dedicated to Sic," writes Brivio.

"We will see him start from Saturday," he wrote later.

Rossi does have a fairly close relationship with Simoncelli. In fact he was considered deceased San Carlo Gresini Honda rider was like a brother.

"Sic like a sister to me. Very strong on the track and very sweet in normal life. I will miss him very much," said Rossi, a day after the death of Simoncelli.

Simoncelli died after suffering a severe accident on lap two series MotoGP Sepang, Malaysia on October 23 tangggal ago. He fell when his bike skidded when cornering and was hit by Colin Edwards and Valencia - Valentino Rossi will dedicate the race in Valencia this weekend for the late Marco Simoncelli. Rossi will wear a helmet with a special design Simoncelli.

It was submitted by the manager Rossi, Davide Brivio, in his twitter account. "Vale will wear a special helmet that is dedicated to Sic," writes Brivio.

"We will see him start from Saturday," he wrote later.

Rossi does have a fairly close relationship with Simoncelli. In fact he was considered deceased San Carlo Gresini Honda rider was like a brother.

"Sic like a sister to me. Very strong on the track and very sweet in normal life. I will miss him very much," said Rossi, a day after the death of Simoncelli.

Simoncelli died after suffering a severe accident on lap two series MotoGP Sepang, Malaysia on October 23 last. He fell when his bike skidded when cornering and was hit by Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, who rode behind him which resulted in Simoncelli helmet off. He suffered serious injuries section head, chest and shoulders.

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Predictions Match Lyon Vs Real Madrid

Prediction Lyon vs. Real Madrid, Champions League, Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 8:45 pm. Olympique Lyon host was determined to avenge the humiliating defeat at the first meeting at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and at the same time secure the three points to keep their chances to qualify for the phase 16.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is so far able to keep kesempurnaanya with a clean sweep by winning three previous games are also eager to reap the full amount at once locked a ticket to the phase 16. So what would happen if these two different interests will collide, fierce and loud Duel course that will happen ...!
Although materially players still below the camp host Real Madrid, but Lyon have a good history of the Spanish representative at this conference, This is what made valuable capital for Gourcuff and his friends.
And the most be taken into account is the possibility of Mourinho to keep some stars are very likely to occur, with calculations of their current position is not impossible that El Real is only targeting one point only dipertandingan this time. We predicted 2-2 to Lyon vs. Real Madrid.

Data and facts about the match Lyon vs Real Madrid

* Lyon have lost only once in 14 matches in Europe and the cage was undefeated in his own headquarters in the last seven parties opposed to the Spanish team, since the 2-3 defeat to Barcelona in the group phase 2001-02.

* Lyon, who scored the next goal will be to-300 in Europe, generally has a good record against Real Madrid, but now Lyon have not even been able to win over his opponent in the last four parties.

* Madrid has managed to overcome the "curse" versus Lyon, with a convincing victory over Lyon in the last two meetings, also without conceding a goal.

* Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who is also a former Lyon player, has scored in three consecutive opponent party's former club.

Odds: Lyon 1: 1 Real Madrid
Percentage of victory: Lyon 50: 50 Real Madrid
Predicted final score: Lyon 2-2 Real Madrid

Head 2 Head Lyon vs. Real Madrid: 
November 19, 2011: Real Madrid 4-0 Lyon (Champions League) 
March 17, 2011: Real Madrid 3-0 Lyon (Champions League) 
February 23, 2011: Lyon 1-1 Real Madrid (Champions League)
March 11, 2010: Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon (Champions League) 
February 17, 2010: Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Lyon last five games:  
October 30, 2011: Lyon Saint-Etienne 2-0 (Ligue 1) 
October 27, 2011: Saint-Etienne 1-2 Lyon (CL)
October 24, 2011: Lille 3-1 Lyon (Ligue 1) 
October 19, 2011: Real Madrid 4-0 Lyon (Champions League) 
October 16, 2011: Nancy 3-1 Lyon (Ligue 1)

Real Madrid's last five games:
October 30, 2011: Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (La Liga) 
October 27, 2011: Real Madrid 3-0 Villarreal (La Liga) 
October 23, 2011: Malaga 0-4 Real Madrid (La Liga) 
October 19, 2011Real Madrid 4-0 O. Lyon(Champions League)
October 15, 2011: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Betis (La Liga)
Predicted line-ups Lyon vs. Real Madrid: 
Lyon: Lloris, Cris, Reveillere, Cissokho, Lovren, Kallstrom, Gourcuff, Gonalons, Gomis, Briand, Lacazette.
Absent: Vercoutre, M. Bastos (injury). Doubtful: Lisandro Lopez.

Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Angel Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mezut Ozil, Benzema.
Absent: Sahin, Carvalho (injured). 
Thus Prediction Lyon vs. Real Madrid, Champions League.

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Rest in Peace Marco Simoncelli

MotoGP Sepang Malaysia to take its toll, one of the Honda Gresini team rider, Marco Simoncelli died of a deadly collision that occurred at the circuit on Sunday (23/10).

The collision occurred at the corner of 12 second lap. The Italian rider slipped and hit Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi, who also could not avoid the accident.

Helmet 24-year-old driver was released when the collision occurred. Finally, Malaysia Sepang MotoGP series was discontinued following the incident.

Edwards and Valentino Rossi survived the crash, but unfortunately not the case with Simoncelli. The whole world was saddened by the departure of the talented racer.

Marco Simoncelli became the most talked about topics on twitter. Utterance grief will departure Bad Boy in the MotoGP world is summed up in a continuous flow hashtag Race in Peace and Marco Simontelli.

Rest in peace Marco Simoncelli. "The MotoGP will never be the same without Marco Simoncelli," Valentino Rossi.

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