Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Borussia Dortmund 2: match report

Posted on February 14, 2013 by adminsports

Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Borussia Dortmund 2: Hummels grabs late leveller for Germans

PUBLISHED:

21:38 GMT, 13 February 2013

UPDATED:

21:47 GMT, 13 February 2013

Mats Hummels headed home a late equaliser to giver Borussia Dortmund the advantage in their last-16 clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.

Douglas Costa looked to have given the home side a narrow lead with a well-taken goal in the second half before Hummels nodded in Marcel Schmelzer's corner.

Shakhtar took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Darijo Srna whipped home a free kick from 25 yards only for Robert Lewandowski to score a crucial away goal 10 minutes later.

More to follow…

Game on: Borussia Dortmund celebrate after Mats Hummel's header earned them a draw in Ukraine

Match facts

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Rakitskiy, Chygrynskiy, Rat, Fernandinho, Hubschman, Alex Teixeira (Eduardo 83), Mkhitaryan, Taison (Douglas Costa 62),Luiz Adriano.

Subs Not Used: Kanibolotskiy, Stepanenko, Shevchuk, Devic, Ischenko.

Booked: Fernandinho.

Goals: Srna 31,Douglas Costa 68.

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Felipe Santana, Hummels, Schmelzer, Kehl, Bender, Blaszczykowski (Leitner 80), Gotze, Reus (Schieber 90), Lewandowski.

Subs Not Used: Langerak, Subotic, Sahin, Bittencourt, Halstenberg.

Goals: Lewandowski 41, Hummels 87.

Att: 52,000

Ref: Howard Webb (England).

Curler: Darijo Srna whips a free kick over the wall and into the net to give Shakthar the lead

In front: Shakhtar celebrate after taking the lead against Borussia Dortmund in Ukraine

Equaliser: Robert Lewandowski pulls the trigger to level the score for Dortmund in Ukraine

Crucial: Dortmund celebrate after grabbing a vital away goal against Shakhtar in the first leg

Cracker: Douglas Costa looked to have won the first leg for Shakhtar when he scored in the second half

Advantage Shakhtar: Douglas Costa celebrates after giving his side the lead against Dortmund

Arsenal target Barcelona outcast Dani Alves to replace Bacary Sagna

Posted on December 18, 2012 by adminsports

Wenger targets Barca outcast Alves to kick off Arsenal spree as Sagna heads for exit door

UPDATED:

10:32 GMT, 18 December 2012

Arsene Wenger is eyeing up a transfer
window swoop for Barcelona's out-of-favour right-back Dani Alves.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has
often favoured either Adriano Correia or Martin Montoya in the role this
season, pushing Alves down the pecking order.

Out of favour: Dani Alves (R) has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona

With the Catalans nine points clear at the top of La Liga, Vilanova is unlikely to change his winning set-up and the situation has put Wenger on alert, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The experienced 29-year-old Brazilian, who has won three league titles and two European Cups at Barcelona, could replace contract rebel Bacary Sagna, who has been linked with a 10m move to Paris St German.

The French right-back does not want to sign the Gunners' offer of a one-year extension to his contract, which runs out in 2014.

Contract rebel: Bacary Sagna has failed to sign a new deal

Lionel Messi scores two but Radamel Falcao shows Chelsea his class as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid

Posted on December 17, 2012 by adminsports

Messi double takes him up to 90 – that's more than Liverpool in all of 2012 – after Falcao stunner showed Chelsea his class

UPDATED:

22:44 GMT, 16 December 2012

Lionel Messi scored two goals for the seventh consecutive match he has started to help Barcelona strike a potentially decisive blow in the La Liga title race.

The Catalan giants romped to a 4-1 victory at home to second-placed Atletico Madrid to move nine points clear at the top.

Defending champions Real Madrid are 13 points behind after they were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw at home by lowly Espanyol.

Magic: Lionel Messi once again left everyone else in the shade as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid

Tito Vilanova's unbeaten leaders fought back after Radamel Falcao gave Atletico a deserved lead with the cutest of finishes.

It was the least the visitors deserved for an impressive start in which they caused problems on the break, an approach which yielded the opener, the Colombian's 17th of the season.

Five minutes later, Barca were back in the game thanks to a thunderous shot from Adriano, who cut in from the right flank and fired in off the underside of the crossbar.

Atletico were struggling to break out of the area before halftime, and when they failed to clear a corner, Busquets calmly stroked home the second.

Touch of class: Radamel Falcao shoeed Chelsea fans what they could enjoy with a stunning chipped finish

After the break, Messi slotted a third into the corner and then pounced on an error at the end for his 25th in La Liga and 90th for club and country in 2012.

Earlier, Espanyol substitute Juan Albin stunned Real with an 88th-minute equaliser as the Barcelona-based side grabbed an unlikely draw at the Bernabeu.

The Uruguayan forward bundled the ball in after Real failed to clear a corner, and whistles rang around the ground as the teams filed off the pitch at the end.

Karim Benzema was left in the stands with an ankle injury, and Cristiano Ronaldo started in the centre-forward position, but for all their possession Real struggled in the first half.

Feeling the heat: Cristiano Ronaldo scored again for Real Madrid, but they let slip late on against Espanyol

Visiting striker Sergio Garcia, a Euro 2008 winner with Spain, sprinted clear to net past Iker Casillas in the 31st minute.

Luka Modric crashed a shot against the post, but just as the Bernabeu was getting restless Sami Khedira crossed and Ronaldo stuck out a foot to level in the 45th minute.

Ronaldo's reverse pass picked out Fabio Coentrao's driving run, and the Portugal defender put Real ahead with his first league goal for the club, soon after the re-start.

A fingertip save and the woodwork prevented a quick third for Real, but Espanyol continued to threaten and Albin made them pay for failing to finish off the job.

Chelsea relying on Shakhtar and Juventus results

Posted on December 5, 2012 by adminsports

Chelsea waiting to see how the biscotto crumbles as Juventus prepare to host Shakhtar

UPDATED:

23:57 GMT, 4 December 2012

In Italy, when a sporting outcome is fixed without money because it suits both sides of the contest, they call it a biscotto.

That's a twice-baked biscuit, one hard to swallow for the hapless third party, which here happens to be Chelsea.

A draw or an away win in the Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus game in Ukraine will put both into the last 16 of the Champions League and dump Chelsea into the Europa League.

Poised: Paul Pogba is set for Juventus' clash with Shakhtar Donetsk

When the biscotto question was put to Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu in Donetsk last night, he smiled.

Lucescu is Romanian but has spent enough of his career in Italian football to be aware of the match-fixing scandals that stalk Serie A.

'Chelsea is a long way away in London and this is a great chance for us,' he said with great diplomacy, explaining that Shakhtar owner Rinat Akhmetov would expect him to win to promote the club's good name in Europe.

Here, for some, lies the conspiracy within a conspiracy – the idea has been aired in Italy that the friendship between Akhmetov and Roman Abramovich may have had a role in the outcome of Group E.

The billionaire oligarchs shared an executive box at the Donbass Arena in June when Ukraine lost to England in Euro 2012, and the Italian media have scrutinised the games between Shakhtar and Chelsea, especially that in London, when Victor Moses scored a winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

It has been pointed out that Willian could move from Shakhtar to Chelsea. Even without the biscotto issue, Juventus are without two key players tonight.

Claudio Marchisio is suspended and Giorgio Chiellini is an injury doubt.

The Ukrainians will be without Luiz Adriano after he was banned by UEFA for scoring an unsporting goal in the last game.

Drilled: Andrea Pirlo (right) will hope to pull the strings

Hopeful: Rafa Benitez (left) and Juan Mata (right) are relying on the Shakhtar and Juventus result

Return to form Benitez will need Fernando Torres to be at his best as Chelsea face Nordsjaelland

Also, there is little love lost between Lucescu and Juve coach Antonio Conte, who sniped at each other in the media after they drew in Turin in October.

Anyway, Juventus are talking of playing to win – Gianluigi Buffon said finishing top of the group was important to secure a better draw in the next round. But everyone knows if it is a draw in Donetsk with 30 minutes to go, no risks will be taken.

The draw suits Shakhtar to win the group, and it suits Juventus to qualify from a difficult group. That, unfortunately for Chelsea, is the way the biscotto crumbles.

All smiles: Mircea Lucescu laughed off the idea both teams would settle for a draw

Barcelona 5 Bilbao 1: Lionel Messi one short of Gerd Muller"s record after 11th double of season

Posted on December 2, 2012 by adminsports

Barcelona 5 Bilbao 1: Messi one short of Muller's record after 11th double of season

UPDATED:

21:46 GMT, 1 December 2012

Lionel Messi scored twice Saturday as Barcelona made the best start in the history of the Spanish league on Saturday with a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao.

The leader's 13 wins and a draw in the opening 14 rounds surpasses Madrid's 12 wins and two draws to begin the 1991-92 campaign.

Clinical: Lionel Messi scores his first goal

No stopping him: The goal was awarded to Messi despite the defender slicing the ball into his own net

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona scores his team's second goal past Gorka Iraizoz

Messi's 11th double of the season leaves him one goal shy of Gerd Muller's record of 85 for club and country in one year, set in 1972.

Barcelona led 3-0 by halftime thanks to goals by Gerard Pique, Messi and Adriano. Cesc Fabregas and Messi scored after halftime.

Valencia sacked coach Mauricio Pellegrino after Saturday's 5-2 defeat at home to Real Sociedad left them languishing in 12th place in La Liga, club president Manuel Llorente said.

'We have been exchanging opinions, debating and we have taken the decision to sack Pellegrino,' Llorente was quoted as saying on the Spanish club's official Twitter feed.

Goal machine: Messi is just one short of equaling record

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi

Argentine Pellegrino, a former Valencia player, took over from Unai Emery at the end of last season and has guided the club into the last 16 of the Champions League.

They still have a chance to top Group F ahead of Bayern Munich depending on the results of next week's games.

However, a poor start to their domestic campaign and nine goals conceded in their last two La Liga outings was too much to take for Llorente and his board of directors.

Mauricio Pellegrino has been sacked as coach of Valencia, the club have confirmed on their Twitter feed.

Pellegrino only took up the reins in May, but Los Che – currently 11th in the Primera Division standings but just four points off a Champions League place – decided to dispense with his services after this evening's 5-2 defeat against Real Sociedad at the Mestalla.

'We have been exchanging views, and we made the decision to dismiss Mauricio Pellegrino,' president Manuel Llorente said.

Luis Adriano suspended for Champions League game v Juventus after unsporting goal

Posted on November 27, 2012 by adminsports

Chelsea's Champions League hopes hit by suspension for Shakhtar striker Adriano after unsporting goal

UPDATED:

19:13 GMT, 27 November 2012

Chelsea's slim chance of qualifying from their Champions League group has been reduced further still as Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luis Adriano has been banned for the final match against Juventus.

The striker scored a goal against Nordsjaelland when an opponent was injured, racing on to the end of a ball which Willian intended to kick off the pitch.

Confrontation: Luiz Adriano argues with a Nordjaelland player after scoring his unsporting goal

Rafael Benitez's side need Shakhtar to
beat Juventus in the final match of the group and overcome Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge
themselves if they are to qualify.

His ban is only for one game and has been prescribed for 'violation of the principles of conduct'.

UEFA also ordered the striker to do 'one full day of community football service'.

The goal came as part of a hat-trick as Shakhtar earned a 5-2 victory to book their place in the knockout stage.

Adriano's side must still avoid defeat against the Italian giants at home if they want to top the group.

If Chelsea are to get their season back on track after sacking Roberto Di Matteo following the 3-0 defeat to Juventus in Italy, they will need to find a solution up front.

With Daniel Sturridge injured it is
down to 50million man Fernando Torres to lead the line and he has been
in poor form all season.

Benitez was brought in as interim head coach with the aim of reinvigorating the 28-year-old striker.

Hope: Benitez is trying to revive Fernando Torres' (second left) goalscoring form

The Spanish manager was in charge of his compatriot at Liverpool and got the best out of him.

Benitez said: 'He’s not exactly the same player now, because he was at maximum level at this time [at Liverpool].

'But I think he can come back. How
close I don’t know. It depends on the rest of the team. I’m sure he can
improve, but the team has to help him.'

Torres also has to help himself, as does Benitez, following a run of just 19 goals in 88 games for the European champions.

A slim possibility: Chelsea need Shakhtar to topple Juventus in the final match

He continued: 'The first thing is to give him some confidence, instructions as to how he can do things in a different way, improve him a little bit physically.'

'You need to be stronger in defence, regain the ball easier and then you can create your own chances. That will benefit Torres. Players with mobility, quality… we can improve all these things.'

Luiz Adriano charged by UEFA over unsporting goal for Shakhtar Donetsk v Nordsjaelland

Posted on November 21, 2012 by adminsports

Charged! Shakhtar striker Adriano hit by UEFA rap over unsporting goal in Denmark

UPDATED:

17:46 GMT, 21 November 2012

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano has been charged by UEFA for 'violation of the principles of conduct' after scoring one of the most controversial
goals the Champions League has seen on Tuesday night.

Adriano prompted widespread condemnation and boos from
the FC Nordsjaelland crowd by netting after an injury to an
opponent as Shakhtar Donetsk reached the last 16 on Tuesday.

The Brazilian bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 Group E win in the Danish capital but the game turned on an unsavoury episode after 26 minutes.

Seemingly unaware that his team-mate Willian was attempting to pass the ball back to Nordsjaelland's goalkeeper after Morten Nordstrand had receieved treatment, Luiz Adriano raced
clear of the bemused defence, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the
ball home to make it 1-1.

What did I do Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano sparked a furious reaction from FC Nordsjaelland players after he raced onto an uncontested bounce ball back pass to score in their Champions League match

An attempt by Nordsjaelland to walk the ball into Shakhtar's net to cancel out the goal was stopped by a visiting defender, further enraging the hosts and crowd.

Adriano is accused by UEFA of breaching Article Five of UEFA's disciplinary regulations. His case will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Tuesday 27 November.

After the match, Nordsjaelland captain Nicolai Stokholm
said: 'Their striker didn't get it. I looked down at my armband, and there's something about respect -
it has to be said we didn't see much of that.

'We thought that they would give us a goal. Half their team seemed to think so too, but the other half didn't.'

The club's sporting director Jan Laursen, added: 'I hope my boy was in
bed by the time Shakhtar scored a goal of that character – that sort of
thing doesn't belong anywhere.'

That settles it: Shakhtar went on to win 5-2 and secure their place in the last 16

Adriano did little to suggest he was aware of his wrongdoing, and the whole episode drew comparisons with an FA Cup clash between Arsenal and Sheffield United in 1999.

Then, newly-signed Nwankwo Kanu was at the centre of a storm after setting up Marc Overmars when the rest of the players had stopped to allow a throw-in to be played sportingly back to the Blades' goalkeeper, Alan Kelly.

The goal proved to be the match-winner, though Arsenal offered to replay the fixture, a game they promptly won 2-1.

Previous: Marc Overmars and Nwankwo Kanu caused controversy with a similar incident in 1999

In Denmark, after the controversy
Kasper Lorentzen put the men in red ahead again on the half-hour to the
delight of the local supporters.

But the lead didn't last for long –
Willian scored either side of half-time, while Adriano completed his
hat-trick in the 53rd and 81st minute.

The result means Shakhtar have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions Lague, and a draw in their final group game against Juventus will also see the Italians through at Chelsea's expense.

What are you playing at Nordsjaelland's Michael Parkhurst makes his feelings clear to Adriano after the goal

AC Milan deny Pep Guardiola talks

Posted on November 7, 2012 by adminsports

Milan deny holding talks with Guardiola team as pressure increases on boss Allegri

UPDATED:

14:23 GMT, 7 November 2012

AC Milan have denied that Pep Guardiola is set to end his self-imposed break from football to replace their under-fire manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The former Barcelona boss is taking a year's sabbatical but Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Tuesday that Guardiola's brother, Pere, and former Barcelona assistant coach Manuel Estiarte were seen with Milan chief Adriano Galliani.

Milan have endured their worst ever start to a Serie A season and could only manage a draw with Malaga in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Reeling: AC Milan have suffered their worst start to a Serie A season

Under pressure: Massimiliano Allegri (right)

The Spanish team have now qualified for the knockout phase of the competition, while Allegri was left hoping his side can join them by holding off Anderlecht and Zenit St Petersburg.

Allegri, however, may not survive long enough to find out, with his position coming under increasing scrutiny. But Milan have moved to deny the meeting with Guardiola's representatives took place.

'AC Milan deny recently released media stories of a meeting between club officials, in particular club CEO Adriano Galliani, and Mr. Guardiola or his agent,' a statement on the club’s official website read.

Big catch: Barcelona hero Pep Guardiola is on a year's break from football

It was also reported in Italy that Guardiola's pals watched the match against Malaga from the stands in the San Siro.

Asked after the match about Guardiola, Allegri told Mediaset: 'The presence of Guardiola's entourage in the stands doesn't bother me.

'I've heard a million names being bandied about, I'm a bit bored of this story, also because it's up to the club to deal with this situation.

'Our problems lie elsewhere: moving back up the table and making up ground in the Champions League. These are my objectives and as long as I'm in this post I have to do the best I can.'

AC Milan chief"s profound love for Mario Balotelli

Posted on November 5, 2012 by adminsports

Milan's 'profound love' for Balotelli! Italians turn on the charm in pursuit of City star

UPDATED:

12:57 GMT, 5 November 2012

AC Milan have subtly reopened their pursuit of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli after the striker's latest public spat with Roberto Mancini.

The Italian was hauled off after 70 uninspiring minutes of the champions' snore draw with West Ham on Saturday, and was noticeably frustrated as he stormed back to his seat, mouthing his angry feelings towards the manager.

City slicker: Mario Balotelli is continuing to attract attention from his homeland

Mancini pulled no punches after the match, hitting out at his 25million man.

The Italian said: 'I think that a player like Balotelli, when he has a chance like to today, he should score.

'Because when you are a top player, if you have a chance, you should score this – but I don't think he didn't want to score.'

On the player's reaction to being substituted, Mancini added: 'It's normal. A player is never happy to leave the pitch, but if Mario had scored he'd have stayed on the pitch.

'I'm the manager, I decide. I cannot play with four strikers.

'He should be disappointed with the chance he missed, not leaving the pitch in the last 25 minutes. It was a bad chance he missed.'

Balotelli moved to the Premier League from Inter in 2010 and has made several trips back to Milan, most recently to watch the city's big football derby.

Despite his connections to Inter, Balotelli left the club under a cloud and would have little concern joining their fierce rivals.

And it seems AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani is warming to the idea despite admitting it would be difficult.

Speaking on Monday, he said: 'I have a profound love for Mario Balotelli, but many loves in life don't always end well.'

Strop: Balotelli was unhappy with Roberto Mancini's decision to sub him after a poor show at West Ham

Galliani also took the opportunity to dismiss rumours in his homeland that AC Milan's star turn this season, Stephen El Shaarawy, would be making a move to the Premier League.

The Italy international, nicknamed 'The Pharaoh', has enjoyed a stellar campaign to date, scoring 10 times in 17 Serie A games.

Hot property: Stephan El Shaarawy has been in fabulous form for AC Milan

But Galliani insists any talk of a switch for the 20-year-old is wide of the mark.

He added: 'Manchester City are interested in signing El Shaarawy Enough of this talk. He has contract with Milan until 2017, and soon he will sign an extension until 2018. He’s an enchanting player.'

Barcelona 1 Valencia 0: Adriano thunderbolt keeps 100 per cent record

Posted on September 3, 2012 by adminsports

Barcelona 1 Valencia 0: Adriano thunderbolt keeps 100 per cent record for La Liga giants

UPDATED:

23:03 GMT, 2 September 2012

Barcelona edged out Valencia thanks to Adriano's first-half screamer which leaves them with three wins from three in La Liga.

They started well with Lionel Messi forcing goalkeeper Diego Alves into a diving parry to keep his early header out. But Diego Alves could do nothing to stop Adriano 22 minutes in.

Take that: Adriano (left) celebrates his goal

The Brazilian left back took a short pass from a corner, used one touch to gather momentum, and rocketed a right-footed shot from outside the area past the goalkeeper.

Fabregas wasted two excellent opportunities to double the lead on either side of half-time.

Messi drew the defence in and laid off for the unmarked Fabregas to send his chip shot floating past the upright. Then, Fabregas fired over after Alexis Sanchez had found him inside the box.

Wrong boots on: Cesc Fabregas could not hit the target and Lionel Messi (below) was not at his ridiculous best

Chase: Messi tries to escape from Adil Rami

'We didn't play an excellent game, but we got a good result against an important team,' said Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who defended Fabregas.

'Cesc is important for this team. He will make a difference and score goals for us this season.'

Barcelona assistant Jordi Roura, on the
sidelines with coach Tito Vilanova serving the first of a two-game ban,
sent on Iniesta for Fabregas in the 64th minute.

Proud: Andres Iniesta with his UEFA Best Player in Europe award

Valencia, who created little in the first half, made a nervy finish at Camp Nou as they turned up the heat.

Valencia defender Victor Ruiz came inches away from scoring the equaliser when his header just missed in the 90th.

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Tag Archives: adriano

Shakhtar Donetsk 2 Borussia Dortmund 2: match report

Arsenal target Barcelona outcast Dani Alves to replace Bacary Sagna

Lionel Messi scores two but Radamel Falcao shows Chelsea his class as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid

Chelsea relying on Shakhtar and Juventus results

Barcelona 5 Bilbao 1: Lionel Messi one short of Gerd Muller"s record after 11th double of season

Luis Adriano suspended for Champions League game v Juventus after unsporting goal

Luiz Adriano charged by UEFA over unsporting goal for Shakhtar Donetsk v Nordsjaelland

AC Milan deny Pep Guardiola talks

AC Milan chief"s profound love for Mario Balotelli

Barcelona 1 Valencia 0: Adriano thunderbolt keeps 100 per cent record