Casillas to Miss Madrid CL’s Clash Against Man Utd With Broken Thumb

EFT Report, Madrid: Los Blancos’ inspirational captain Iker Casillas has been ruled out for 6 weeks after breaking his thumb during the 1-1 draw Copa del Rey clash against Valencia on Jan. 24, 2013. Saint Casillas, as he is popularly known as, will eventually miss the Champions League Round of 16 clash with English giants Manchester United on Feb. 13, 2013 at Santiago Bernabeu and is also highly doubtful for the return leg in England.

"After carrying out initial X-rays at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital, it has been confirmed that the footballer Iker Casillas has suffered a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal on his left hand," a statement on Real Madrid website reads.

Iker Casillas

Continue Reading

Champions League Rd of 16 Draw Out: Real Madrid to Face Man Utd, AC Milan Against Barcelona

The draw for the knock-out phase of the UEFA Champions League 2012-13 is finally out.

Given below are the Round of 16 fixtures:

Galatasaray vs FC Schalke
Celtic vs Juventus
Arsenal FC vs Bayern Munich
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Borussia Dortmund
AC Milan vs FC Barcelona
Real Madrid vs Manchester United
Valencia vs Paris St Germain
FC Porto vs Malaga.

Continue Reading

CL: Barca Held 0-0 by Benfica at Camp Nou; CFR Cluj Beat Man Utd 1-0

Catalan giants Barcelona FC were held to a goalless 0-0 draw by Portuguese side Benfica at Camp Nou in their last Group G match. Having already booked a spot in the last 16, Tito Vilanova put up a second string side for this match even leaving Lionel Messi, who is just one strike away from equaling Gerd Muller's 85 goals in a calendar year, on the bench. Messi was introduced in the 58th minute of the match but was unable to find the net, the Argentine footballing wizard was carried from the field late on due to an injury. Barcelona and Scottish side Celtic FC qualify for the Round of 16 from Group G.

While in a Group H match played at Old Trafford on December 6, Romanian side CFR Cluj defeated Manchester United 1-0 thanks to a wonderful strike from Luis Alberto in the 56th minute. Manchester United and Greek side Galatasaray are through to the knock-out stages from Group H.

Continue Reading

Torres Brace in Chelsea 6-1 Thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland But Out of CL as Juventus Beat Shakhtar 1-0

Chelsea FC became the first reigning European Champions to be knock-out of the group stage in the history of Champions League despite thrashing Danish side FC Nordsjaelland 6-1 at Stamford Bridge as Shakhtar Donetsk went down 1-0 to Juventus at Donbass Arena in Group E Match Day 6 played on December 6.

Going into Match Day 6 the equation was simple for the Blues, they had to beat FC Nordsjaelland and hope Shakhtar beat Juventus. Chelsea held up to their end of the bargain but unfortunately Shakhtar didn’t (well, if you are Chelsea fans). At Stamford Bridge, glimpse of the old Fernando Torres was visible as he terrorizes Nordsjaelland defense through out the match. ‘El Nino’ scored a brace while David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Juan Mata and Oscar all found the net once in their 6-1 thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland. This was Rafa Benitez first win as the Blues manager. While at Donbass Arena, an own goal from Shakhtar’s defender Oleksandr Kucher settled the match 1-0 in favor of the Old Lady.

Juventus and Shakhtar qualify for the Round of 16 while Chelsea FC have to settled for the far less glamorous Europa League.

Continue Reading

CL: Chelsea FC vs FC Nordsjaelland; Shakhtar vs Juventus on Dec. 6

Reigning European Champions Chelsea FC needs a miracle to go through to the knock-out stages of the Champions league from Group E but hey… ‘never say never’ as anything is possible in the world of ‘Beautiful Game’, firstly they need to beat Danish side FC Nordsjaelland at Stamford Bridge and hope that Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk do them a BIG favor by beating Italian giants Juventus at their home ground Donbass Arena on December 6.

This will be interim manager Rafa Benitez’s first match in-charge of the Blues in Champions League, senior players Frank Lampard (calf) and John Terry (knee) won’t be available while striker Daniel Sturridge with a hamstring problem is doubtful for this crucial do-or-die encounter. While in Donbass Arena, Juventus just need a draw to qualify for the Round of 16. Shakhtar Donetsk have already qualified from Group E while Juventus are in second spot with 9 points and Chelsea FC just behind with 7 points going into this Day 6 matches. Mouth-watering games await for all football fanatics.

Indian viewers can catch Chelsea FC take on FC Nordsjaelland (Live) on Ten Action.

Continue Reading

CL: Madrid Beat Ajax FC 4-1; City Beaten 1-0 by Dortmund

As expected, Jose Mourinho put up a second-string side against Ajax FC but there were no hiccup as Los Blancos’ won their last Group D match convincingly 4-1 at Santiago Bernabeu while Manchester City ended their European campaign on a sour note losing 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund at Signal-Iduna-Park on December 5.

In a match totally dominated by Real Madrid, Jose Callejon scored a brace while Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, who captained the side for this match, each found the net once. Derk Boerrigter scored a consolation for the Dutch side. While at Signal-Iduna-Park, Mancini’s men went down 1-0 to a discipline Borussia Dortmund side. German striker Julian Schieber scored the lone goal of the match from a close range in the 57th minute. Manchester City finishes bottom of Group D without a single win while Ajax FC qualifies for the Europa League round of 32 from Group D.

Madrid and Dortmund have already qualified from Group D for the Round of 16 going into their respective last matches.

Continue Reading

David Silva to Miss CL Dortmund Match; Doubtful for Manchester Derby

Bad news for Citizen’ fans, Influential Spanish playmaker David Silva will miss Manchester City’s Champions League encounter with German champs Borussia Dortmund at Signal-Iduna-Park and is also likely to miss the Manchester derby against arch rivals Manchester United on Sunday (December 9) with a back and hamstring problem.

English champs Manchester City are already out of the Champions League and currently trail United by three points in the EPL.

Continue Reading

CL: Real Madrid vs Ajax FC; Man City vs Dortmund on Dec. 5

Jose Mourinho’s men will take on Dutch side Ajax FC in their final Group D match at Santiago Bernabeu while English Champions Manchester City travel to Germany to take on Borussia Dortmund at Signal-Iduna-Park on December 5, 2012.

Having already qualified for the knock-out stages, Los Blancos’ are expected to rest some key players like Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos but would want to finish the group stage on a high note. On the other hand, Ajax FC will be going all out for a win with the Europa League spot up for grab. While at Signal-Iduna-Park, Manchester City too needs to win against Borussia Dortmund for the Europa League spot and hope Real Madrid do them a favor by beating Ajax FC. Mancini will be without Gael Clichy (ankle) and Aleksander Kolarov (groin) for this match but is expected to rest some few key players with the EPL’s Manchester derby ahead this weekend. Borussia Dortmund have already top Group D and qualified for the Round of 16 with Real Madrid.

Indian viewers can catch Real Madrid take on Ajax FC (Live) on Ten Action.

Continue Reading

CL: Shakhtar Striker Luiz Adriano Banned for 1-Match; To Miss Juventus Match

Shakhtar Donetsk Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano has been banned for one-match by UEFA and will miss his side match against Italian giants Juventus in their final Champions League encounter on December 6 for violation of the principles of conduct.

The 25-year-old scored a controversial 1-1 equalizer against Danish side FC Nordsjaelland on match Day 5. Following a dropped-ball, the ball was passed towards Nordsjaelland's goalkeeper but Adriano followed the pass and scored, resulting in heavy protests from the Danish players. Shakhtar Donetsk went on to win the match 5-2. UEFA has also ordered the striker to do 'one full day of community football service'.

Luiz Adriano has scored 3 goals in this season’s Champions League so far.

Continue Reading

CL: Gunners Put 2 Goals Past Montpellier; Qualifies for Round of 16

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal has qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League after beating French side Montpellier 2-0 at Emirates Stadium in their Group B match played on November 22.

Arsenal’s come-back kid Jack Wilshere (20) opened the score-sheet, his first goal in almost two years, in the 49th minute after former Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud perfectly knock down a header into his path much to the delight of over 59,000‎ home fans at the Emirates. Podolski sealed the match with a scorching volley in the 67th minute. Olivier Giroud had an excellent game against his former club and was involved in setting up both Arsenal goals.

At Veltins-Arena, Schalke 04 beat Olympiakos Piraeus 1-0 with Christian Fuchs scoring the lone goal of the match for the German outfit. Both Schalke 04 and Arsenal qualify for the Round of 16 from Group B.

Continue Reading

Man City Held 1-1 by Madrid at Etihad; Out of Champions League

Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City have been knock-out of the Champions League from the group-stage for the second consecutive time after they were held 1-1 by Real Madrid in their Group D match Day 5 encounter at Etihad Stadium on November 22.

The English Champions went into this match knowing only a win will keep their Champions League dream alive but Mourinho’s men took the lead as early as in the 10 minute after Benzema found himself unmarked at the far post to tap in past City keeper Joe Hart. Mancini’s 3-4-1-2 formation for this crucial encounter was very questionable as it allowed Los Blancos’s Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Luka Modric to dominate the midfield area. City were much better in the second half throwing in Carlos Tevez to join Aguero and Edin Dzeko in the attack but Madrid were up-to the tasks. Alvaro Arbeloa was sent off for his second yellow after clipping Aguero in the box with 17 minutes to go. Aguero converted from the spot to make it 1-1 for City but the dream come-back never came for Roberto Mancini.

In another Group D match played, Borussia Dortmund thrashed Ajax FC 4-1 at Amsterdam Arena. Borussia and Madrid qualify for the Round of 16 from Group D.

Continue Reading

CL: Real Madrid vs Man City; Arsenal vs Montpellier on Nov. 22

Manchester City will take on Jose Mourinho’s Madrid in a must-win game at the Etihad Stadium while Arsenal FC faces Ligue 1 side Montpellier at Emirates Stadium in Champions League Match Day 5 on November 22.

Roberto Mancini’s Citizen must literally win this match to stay alive in Group D but will be with-out first choice defenders Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott through injuries. For Mourinho, striker Gonzalo Higuain and defender Marcelo won’t be available for this match. Both teams go into this fixture after comfortable wins in their respective league matches, Manchester City thrashed Aston Villa 5-0 in the weekend while Madrid bulldogged 5-1 over Athletic Bilbao in their Primera Division match. A mouth-watering encounter awaits.

Indian and Pakistan viewers can catch Real Madrid vs Manchester City match (Live) on Ten Action and Arsenal vs Montpellier match (Live) on Ten Sports.

Continue Reading

CL: Messi’s Brace in Barcelona 3-0 Win Over Spartak; Galatasaray Beat Man Utd 1-0

As expected, Barcelona FC qualified for the Round of 16 from Group G after comfortably beating Spartak Moscow 3-0 at Olimpiyskiy stadion Luzhniki while a second string Manchester United side went down 1-0 to Turkish side Galatasaray in a Group H encounter played on November 21.

Dani Alves opened the score-sheet for the Catalan giants at Olimpiyskiy stadion Luzhniki in the 16 minute with a fine half-volley and then football wizard Lionel Messi took over the show. Messi scored his first of the night in the 27 minute and completed his brace 12 minute later, he is now just 5 goals short of Germany’s Gerd Muller's 85-goal record in a calendar year.

At Turk Telekom Arena, Galatasaray defeated Manchester United 1-0 with striker Burak Yılmaz scoring the lone goal of the match with a powerful header in the 54 minute. This is Sir Alex first Champions League loss of this season. Manchester United have already qualified for the knock-out stage from Group H with 12 points while Galatasaray and CFR Cluj are on second spot with 7 points.

Continue Reading

CL: Chelsea FC Thrashed 3-0 by Juventus at Turin; On Brink of Exit

Reigning European Champions Chelsea FC were humiliated 3-0 by Serie A leaders Juventus on match Day 5 of their Group E encounter at Juventus Stadium on November 21. Chelsea are now likely to become the first reigning champs to be knock-out from the group stage after this lost.

Roberto Di Matteo put up a very questionable starting line-up, with Daniel Sturridge out injured and Fernando Torres on the benched his attack was spearheaded by playmaker Eden Hazard. Juventus won the midfield game with Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo at the centre of all their play and restricting Chelsea to isolated counter-attacking only. Fabio Quagliarella scored the first goal of the night deflecting Andrea Pirlo shot in the 38 minute. Arturo Vidal doubled the lead for the Old Lady in the 61 minute and substitute Sebastian Giovinco completed the thrashing in the 90+1 minute.

In another Group E match played, Shakhtar Donetsk beat FC Nordsjaelland 5-2 to qualify for the knock-out stage. Shakhtar Donetsk still top Group E with 10 points followed by Juventus on 9 points and Chelsea FC on 7 points with one group-match left.

Chelsea's last group game is at home against FC Nordsjaelland but their chances of qualifying for the next stage are virtually out of their hands now.

Continue Reading

CL: Chelsea FC vs Juventus; Man Utd vs Galatasaray on Nov. 21

Roberto Di Matteo's men will resume their Champions League defense after their shocking 2-1 EPL lost to West Brom in the weekend by traveling to Juventus Stadium to take on Italian giants Juventus in their Group E Day 5 match while Manchester United faces Turkish champions Galatasaray at Turk Telekom Arena on November 21.

Chelsea FC have won only once out of their 8 visits to Italy and will be with-out their inspirational captain John Terry while Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are doubtful. Andrea Pirlo will be available for the Old Lady after completing his suspension. Chelsea FC are just one point ahead of Juventus going into this crucial encounter.

While at Turk Telekom Arena, Sir Alex has opted to rest Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Antonio Valencia and Rio Ferdinand after having already qualified for the knockout stages from Group H. Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the attack for the Red Devils.

Indian and Pakistan viewers can catch Manchester United vs Galatasaray match (Live) on Ten Sports.

Continue Reading

Man Utd to Offer £12M for Celtic's Wanyama

Sir Alex Ferguson is going shopping come January transfer window, Manchester United will be bidding for Kenyan international Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama with a £12 million deal.

Wanyama was signed from Belgium’s Germinal Beerschot for just £900,000 in 2011 and is contracted to Celtic till 2014.

The 21-year-old scored one of the two goals for the Scottish side in their epic 2-1 win over FC Barcelona in the Champions League played at Celtic Park.

Continue Reading

CL: RvP Scores Again in Man Utd 3-1 Win Over Braga

Goals from Robin van Persie, Rooney and Chicharito in the last 10 minutes of the match gave Manchester United a 3-1 win over Braga at Estadio Axa in their Group H match on November 8 sending Sir Alex’s men into the knock-out stage of the Champions League.

Braga led the match till the 80 minute after Alan converted a penalty for the hosts in the 49 minute but were simply outplayed and outwitted by a more experience and talented English side in the latter part of the match. Van Persie started on the bench with Sir Alex opting for Danny Welbeck and Chicharito pairing up front. Braga coach Jose Peseiro selected the same side that played at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are now through to the knock-out stage from Group H with this win while Braga sits at the bottom.

Continue Reading

CL: Victor Moses Late Goal Gives Chelsea 3-2 Win Over Shakhtar

Chelsea FC’s new signing from Premier League Club Wigan, Victor Moses’s 90+4 minute header goal gave reigning champions a narrow 3-2 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in their Group E match played at Stamford Bridge on November 8.

Fernando Torres opened the score-sheet of the high-scoring match in the 6 minute after a wayward back-pass from Shakhtar’s Yaroslav Rakytiskyy but the Blues’ lead lasted only 3 minute with Brazilian playmaker Willian scoring for the Ukrainian side. Oscar gave Chelsea the lead again just before half-time but Willian completed his brace and restored parity with a sublime finished sending Petr Cech the wrong way in the 47 minute. Di Matteo introduced Victor Moses late in the game for Oscar and was rewarded with a late match-winning goal for the Blues’. John Terry was on the bench through-out the match after failing a match fitness test.

In another Group E match played, Juventus beat FC Nordsjaelland 4-0 at Juventus Stadium. Chelsea FC and Shakhtar Donetsk are now joint-topper of Group E with 7 points followed by Juventus on 6 points.

Continue Reading

CL: FC Barcelona Beaten 2-1 at Celtic Park by Celtic

Scottish side Celtic handed FC Barcelona their first Champions League defeat of this season with a famous 2-1 win at Celtic Park in their Group G encounter on November 8. This is Barcelona first Champions League group-stage defeat in three years.

Despite the Catalan giants having majority of the ball possession with their tiki-taka play during the match Celtic deserved the whole three points for their resolute game-plan. The hosts took the lead in the 21 minute through Kenyan international Victor Wanyama header much to the delight of over 55,000 home fans at ‎Celtic Park. Celtic sealed the match in the 83 minute after 18-year-old substitute Tony Watt, who was making his Champions League debut, latched on to a long ball from keeper Forster, out-paced Javier Mascherano and slotted home and make it 2-0 for the home team. Celtic keeper Fraser Forster had an excellent game, making two magnificent saves from Messi, one in each half. Messi scored a consolation goal for Barcelona in the 90+1 minute of the match.

This win over the Spanish giants will be remembered by Celtic fans and the whole of Scotland for years and years to come. FC Barcelona still top Group G with 9 points while Celtic are second with 7 points.

Continue Reading

Roberto Mancini Not to Face UEFA Probe for Outburst

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini won’t face any disciplinary action from UEFA despite his outburst against referee Peter Rasmussen and his officials at the end of City’s 2-2 draw against Ajax FC at Etihad Stadium.

Sergio Aguero’s goal was disallowed and Mario Balotelli’s penalty appeal was turned down by referee Peter Rasmussen during the match that ended in high-drama.

UEFA says the incident was not reported by either the official or their match delegate.

Continue Reading