Champions League Review

The 2nd match-day of the Champions League came to a close earlier this week with some shocking results! Manchester United drew 1-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk away from home, Italian side Juventus also drew 2-2 at home against Galatasaray whilst in-form English side Arsenal eased past Italian giants SSC Napoli with two goals for The Gunners coming from newly signed German star Mesut Özil and Oliver Giroud (his goal assisted by the same Özil).

Arsenal celebrating their 2-0 victory over SSC Napoli

In my opinion, the most outstanding match of the night was that between Manchester City and Bayern München. An early goal from Ribéry [7'] and two successive goals from Müller [56'] and Robben [60'] were enough to secure the German side a win after a late goal for Man.City, (coming from Spanish striker Negredo [88']) was not enough to save his side from a humiliating home defeat. With this win, Bayern are sitting comfortably at the top of Group D, with a 3 point advantage over the same Manchester City.

German striker Thomas Müller scoring the 2nd goal for his side's 3-1 victory against Manchester City

The other results from the other Groups in the Champions League were as following:

Group A                                                                            

Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Real Sociedad

Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Manchester United

Group B 

Juventus 2-2 Galatasaray

Real Madrid 4-0 FC København

Group C 

Anderlecht 0-3 Olympiakos

Paris Saint Germain 3-0 Benfica

Group D 

CSKA Moscow 3-2 Viktoria Plzen

Manchester City 1-3 Bayern München

Group E 

Basel 0-1 Schalke 04

Steaua Bucuresti 0-4 Chelsea

Group F 

Arsenal 2-0 SSC Napoli

Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Marseille

Group G 

Zenit Petersburg 0-0 Austria Wien

FC Porto 1-2 Atletico Madrid

Group H 

Ajax 1-1 AC Milan

Celtic 0-1 Barcelona

"Bale is not happy" insists Carlo Ancelotti

Gareth Bale making his Real Madrid "dream" debut

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti stated that the big money signing Gareth Bale is not happy at Real Madrid as he wants playing time. Since being sidelined with a thigh injury, Bale has only featured twice for Los Blancos and netting just one goal. The Welshman is frustrated after missing his side's 4-0 Champions League win against F.C. Copenhagen in Denmark earlier this week. Continuing to his despair, Ancelotti announced that Bale will also be missing this weekend's La Liga fixture against Levante. Real's medical staff stated though that Gareth should be fully recovered in 2 weeks and therefore, will be at Ancelotti's aid.

Champions League night!

The UEFA Champions League trophy

Tonight, the UEFA Champions League will be back with heaps of must-see matches. In my opinion, the main match will be that at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal will take on SSC Napoli. Arsenal are currently at the top of the English Premier League, having won five and lost only one out of the six matches that they played so far. French boss Arsene Wenger is highly confident that his side is capable of snatching the full 3 points tonight: "If we win the second game we know we can qualify," he said. "I wouldn't say it is already a decisive game - but it is a game that will have a great bearing on who qualifies.'' On the other hand, Italian side Napoli are also in fine form in the Serie A as they are only 2 points short of current league holders, AS Roma. To their disadvantage, Rafael Benítez's side will definitely be without Christian Maggio (knee), while he is also sweating on the fitness of Raul Albiol and Gonzalo Higuain.

This match will kick-off at 20:45, alongside with the other teams battling it out for qualification:

Group E
Basel vs. Schalke 04
Steaua Bucuresti vs. Chelsea

Group F
*Arsenal vs. SSC Napoli
Borussia Dortmund vs. Marseille

Group G
Zenit Petersburg vs. Austria Wien (This match will start at 18:00 due to it being held in Russia)
FC Porto vs. Atletico Madrid

Group H
Ajax vs. AC Milan
Celtic vs. Barcelona

Barça star out for 2-3 weeks

Lionel Messi with a hamstring injury last weekend

Barcelona's 26 year-old star Lionel Messi is set to be sidelined for up to 3 weeks after the Argentinian injured his hamstring (thigh) when playing against Almería last Saturday. Due to this injury, Barcelona will have to do without Lionel for their upcoming two matches. One on Tuesday, against Celtic (Champions League) and the other, at home against Valladolid on Saturday.
Despite this drawback, Barcelona's medical staff announced that Messi will return in time for the 'El Clásico' (Barcelona vs. Real Madrid) on the 26th of October.

Galatasaray set appoint Roberto Mancini as coach

Following the departure of Fatih Terim, Galatasaray are now looking out to assign a new coach as soon as possible. Ex. Inter Milan and Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini looks to be the right man for the job as it is reported on several football websites that the 48-year old Italian has already agreed personal terms with the Turkish side and will be soon flying out to Turkey in order to sign a three-year contract with the club.

Italian coach Roberto Mancini on Manchester City duty

Inter Milan come from behind to seal second place

Inter Milan captain Esteban Cambiasso celebrating his goal against The Viola

A few hours ago, unbeaten side Inter Milan hosted Fiorentina at home in a mid-week Serie A fixture. It took The Viola 60 minutes to open the score after Joaquín was fouled in the box by Inter's Juan. Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi stepped up to take the penalty and failed to disappoint as the Serie A top scorer handed his side the lead. After trailing by a goal, the Nerazzurri supporters were showing their disappointment by booing off their own players when having the possession. The pressure was building up as Mazzarri's men pushed forward. Their efforts came through after 72 minutes when Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso equalized with a volley after a Kovačić corner came sailing towards Neto. This goal gave Inter a boost and inspired them to snatch the winning goal at the 83rd minute thanks to a Jonathan strike. Inter Milan are now second in the Serie A table with only 2 points behind league holders A.S. Roma.

Germany's Klose doubtful for WC Qualifying matches

After suffering a foot injury in his side's [S.S. Lazio] loss to Genoa last Sunday, German striker Miroslav Klose has undergone surgery last Wednesday and could possibly miss both of Germany's World Cup Qualifying matches against the Rep. of Ireland and Sweden next month. "I have been informed about his surgery and will directly speak with him.'' Joachim Löw stated. Klose's absence is not the only problem that Löw is facing though as striker Mario Gomez is also sidelined with an injury after limping-off the pitch when playing in the Serie A with his side Fiorentina. As a replacement to both strikers, German coach has called up 25 year-old Max Kruse. 

Miroslav Klose in action at the Euro 2012 tournament

Chelsea's van Ginkel faces a six month injury blow

20 year-old Marco van Ginkel making his debut for Chelsea

Chelsea's 20 year-old Dutch International midfielder Marco van Ginkel could possibly be sidelined for a minimum of six months after undergoing knee surgery earlier today. The Dutchman suffered a damaging blow after his anterior cruciate ligament was injured during the first half of the Capital One Cup match against Swindon Town last Tuesday. Despite the seriousness of this injury, Chelsea's medical staff issued that the surgery was successful. 

Brazil coach calls up Hernanes and Maicon

South American side Brazil have looked through their squad and turned to Serie A players Hernanes (S.S. Lazio) and Maicon (A.S. Roma). These 2 players will be playing in Brazil's friendly matches against South Korea and Zambia, which means that they have to impress Luiz Felipe Scolari if they wish to participate in next summer's World Cup. 

Hernanes - S.S. Lazio

Maicon - A.S. Roma

Erick Thohir - the Indonesian billionaire set to save Inter

43-year old Indonesian multi-billionaire Erick Thohir 

The Indonesian businessman is believed to be close to purchasing an 80% share in the Italian club as the Nerazzurri are set to become one of the most powerful teams in the world. The 43 year-old Indonesian is already the co-owner of an MLS football team, DC United and also that of a basketball NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Thohir is willing to invest the vast amount of €260 million in the club, thus becoming the first ever Asian owner of an Italian team. The Indonesian has already contacted Inter Milan's president Massimo Moratti and both sides have agreed a deal. "Thohir has taken a friendly approach, and we're two groups who both want to strengthen the club – that's the main thing," said Moratti this week.

Carlo Ancelotti slams Piqué tweet as Real-Barca rivalry heats up

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at Gerard Piqué after the Barcelona defender said that the referee's decision of awarding a penalty to Real in the dying minutes of injury time was like “watching a comedy”. After Real's Wednesday night win against Elche CF, Piqué tweeted his own opinion regarding the controversial win. “Watching a comedy film on Canal+ Liga.. It’s always good at this hour of the night!” ["Viendo una película de humor por el Canal + Liga.. Siempre va bien a estas horas de la noche!"] the Barça defender posted. To this, Italian coach Ancelotti reacted with his own speculation: “He has to think more about playing than talking. He is better on the pitch than off it.” This incident may be only the beginning of the fiery rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The first leg will be played on Saturday 26th October at Camp Nou. 

Juan Mata could be returning back to Valencia

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata in Champions League action

25 year-old out-of-favour midfielder Juan Mata could be heading towards a Chelsea exit this January as his ex-team Valencia are reported to be interested in re-signing the Spaniard. Although quite a number of Premier League teams seem interested in Mata's signature, Valencia are the favourites to seal the deal. The Metro reports: “Valencia are lining up an ambitious move to re-sign Juan Mata from Chelsea during the January transfer window. Mata, who moved to Chelsea from Valencia in 2011, has been relegated down the pecking order by new Blues boss Jose Mourinho and is considering his future. Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the sides who are keeping tabs on Mata’s situation ahead of the new year.”

Carlo Ancelotti unhappy with Los Blancos performance

Last night, Real Madrid faced Elche CF away from home in the 6th day of the Primera Division where Madrid came out as winners in the final crucial minutes thanks to brace of goals from Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Real grasping full points from the match, Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti showed his disappointment with his side and stated that if the same performance is showed this weekend, Madrid will not be able to beat their rival side Atletico Madrid in the Spanish derby. Ancelotti also stated that his side has to play with more intensity and more personality as they were losing most of the control and ball possession in the second half. Ronaldo scored the winning goal from the spot-kick as Real Madrid were awarded a controversial penalty in the 96th minute. "It is difficult to talk about the penalty, because you can't see properly when you are on the bench. I talked to Pepe and he told me that it was a clear penalty." the Italian coach said in a post-match conference. 

Lewandowski to Bayern

Earlier today, Borussia Dortmund officially announced that the 25-year old Polish stiker Robert Lewandowski will be joining rival side FC Bayern Munich in the next transfer window. His agent has already formally contacted Bayern and both sides have agreed that Lewandowski will be signing a pre-contract agreement in January 2014. Bayern had already made a bid for Robert in the last transfer window but Dortmund immediately declined their offer. To this, Lewandowski showed that he was unhappy with the decision and revealed his desire to leave Borussia for Bayern. Most sports articles are stating that this is the result of Dortmund's fault as they failed to meet his salary costs and also failed to renew his contract before it expires. Altogether, Lewandowski scored 58 goals in 103 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions. 

Robert Lewandowski scoring against Spanish side Real Madrid in the Champions League

An introduction to my blog and of myself

Hi there! This is Kevin from Malta and I am 16 years old. As you can see from the title, this blog was made for all the football-lovers out there just like myself. As you may know already, football is my passion and it has become a huge part of my life. Whenever I feel down or mad for some reason or another, watching or playing football always makes me feel better! I play football on a minimum scale of once a week with my friends on a 5-aside basis. My preferred position is that of a centre back but still, sometimes playing as a striker and scoring goals gets to me! I support the Greek National team and 3 clubs: Panathinaikos FC (Greece), Manchester City FC (England) and 1. FC Nürnberg (Germany). I think that that's all you need to know about my football craze. I will be posting on a regular basis regarding news, transfers, rumours and scores from all over the football world. I hope that this blog will be an interest to all the football-lovers out there! Thank-you! :-)