Sant Andreu 0 Atletico Madrid 1: Gelson puts Simeone's side in control

Sant Andreu 0 Atletico Madrid 1: Gelson puts Simeone's side in control
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Sant Andreu 0 Atletico Madrid 1: Gelson puts Simeone's side in control
Sant Andreu 0 Atletico Madrid 1: Gelson puts Simeone's side in control
Gelson Martins marked his full debut for Atletico Madrid with the only goal of the game as they claimed a 1-0 victory over Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey. The Portugal international had managed only 57 minutes of football for Atletico this season before Tuesday's last-32 first leg, but provided the telling moment of quality in Barcelona, while the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa, Diego Godin and Koke were all rested. Sant Andreu, who play in Spain's fourth tier, provided a solid test for Diego Simeone's side and should have snatched an equaliser through centre-back Joan Noguera late on. Atletico themselves squandered a handful of chances to make the win safe, but they will certainly be expected to complete the job at the Wanda Metropolitano on December 5. Gelson had tested goalkeeper Jose Segovia in a surprisingly even first half-hour, and it was the winger who gave Atletico the lead 33 minutes in, slotting home after just beating the offside trap to reach Vitolo's prodded pass. Atletico suddenly looked in control and should have been given the chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano was unmoved after Santiago Arias was scythed down in the box. A rather pedestrian second half was dictated by Atletico, but they failed to make the most of their opportunities, with Nikola Kalinic seeing a shot blocked and Arias dragging an effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post. Antonio Adan was forced to claw away a bouncing effort from Elhadji Bandeh in the closing stages, but it was Noguera who wasted Sant Andreu's best chance, heading the ball off the turf and against the crossbar with the goal gaping after he found space from a corner.  93' | 0-1 | ¡Final! ¡Termina el partido en el Narcís Sala! ¡Victoria del equipo gracias al tanto de @GelsonMartins_!   ¡La eliminatoria se decidirá en el Wanda @Metropolitano! #AúpaAtleti #CopaDelRey #SantAndreuAtleti pic.twitter.com/PJe6swSMoM — Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) October 30, 2018 What does it mean? Atletico in charge and Gelson up and running Having struggled for game time since moving to the club from Sporting CP, Gelson's outing in Barcelona will do a huge amount for his confidence and fitness, even if it was against modest opposition. In terms of the tie, Atletico are certainly in control of matters and it would take a monumental shock for them not to reach the last 16 of the competition following the second leg. For now, Simeone will be happy the players involved came through unscathed ahead of a gruelling run of matches in November, which includes two Champions League matches and a league fixture against Barcelona.   Signs are good for Gelson Atletico's strength in depth in attack would make it tough for most forwards to play regularly, but Gelson might have done enough here to earn more frequent playing time in LaLiga and the Champions League. He took his goal well and certainly looked sharp when drifting wide and cutting back in towards the box. With Atletico facing a serious fixture pile-up in the coming weeks, he could be a real asset. 1 - Gelson Martins has scored his first goal for @atletienglish in his first start for the club in all competitions (four apperances). Confidence. pic.twitter.com/iiO3W2nKzT — OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 30, 2018 Lemar not yet on song Thomas Lemar has not quite hit the ground running since his move to Spain, and this was another damp squib of a performance in the rain. The France winger was far from abysmal, but Simeone would be entitled to expect more from the hour Lemar had on the pitch.   What's next? There is over a month until Sant Andreu visit the capital for the return leg, and Atletico have a fearsome schedule in the intervening weeks, with games against Leganes, Borussia Dortmund, Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona and Monaco all to come in November.

Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay welcomes fresh Liverpool interest

Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay welcomes fresh Liverpool interest
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay welcomes fresh Liverpool interest
Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay welcomes fresh Liverpool interest

Hoffenheim midfielder Kerem Demirbay has welcomed fresh interest from Liverpool.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been a long-term fan of Demirbay and admitted his admiration last year.

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Manuel Pellegrini Shares What Mark Noble Said Following His Straight Red at Leicester

Manuel Pellegrini Shares What Mark Noble Said Following His Straight Red at Leicester
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Manuel Pellegrini Shares What Mark Noble Said Following His Straight Red at Leicester
Manuel Pellegrini Shares What Mark Noble Said Following His Straight Red at Leicester
​West Ham midfielder Mark Noble received a straight red from referee Michael Oliver following a late challenge on Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi this weekend, and Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has shared what the captain said following the incident. The Hammers were leading 1-0 at the King Power stadium thanks to a close-range effort from Fabian Balbuena after half an hour. However, just eight minutes later, Noble went in late on  Ndidi, catching the Nigerian high on the shin. Referee...

Ex-England striker warns Sarri: Don't dare snub Chelsea kid Loftus-Cheek

Ex-England striker warns Sarri: Don't dare snub Chelsea kid Loftus-Cheek
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Ex-England striker warns Sarri: Don't dare snub Chelsea kid Loftus-Cheek
Ex-England striker warns Sarri: Don't dare snub Chelsea kid Loftus-Cheek

Former England striker Peter Crouch is convinced Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be floored if Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri ignores him for the trip to Burnley.

The Chelsea man could miss out on a start place against Burnley this weekend - despite his midweek Europa League hat-trick in the 3-1 win over BATE Borisov.

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Memphis Depay: Why the post-Man Utd rehab now almost complete

Memphis Depay: Why the post-Man Utd rehab now almost complete
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Memphis Depay: Why the post-Man Utd rehab now almost complete
Memphis Depay: Why the post-Man Utd rehab now almost complete

Memphis Depay. He's not there yet. But he's getting closer. And for those long time fans. The ones claiming there's more to him than green shoes and felt hats. The rehab is well inside it's final straight.

Jose Mourinho sent the rumour mill into overdrive last month, confirming Manchester United had a buy-back option in their deal with Olympique Lyon. The manager admitting Memphis, despite it being his decision to sell, was a player he admired.

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Could Iwobi emergence prompt Rohr to rethink Mikel's Nigeria role?

Could Iwobi emergence prompt Rohr to rethink Mikel's Nigeria role?
ESPN FC News
Could Iwobi emergence prompt Rohr to rethink Mikel's Nigeria role?
It was Alexander Iwobi scooping up Man of the Match honours as Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners over Leicester City on Monday. He may not have got on the scoresheet, or played dreamy threaded passes like teammate Mesut Ozil, but Iwobi's quick movement, economical passing and stirring all-round showing proved more than enough to win him the award ahead of the German. It was a carryover from the international break, where the young starlet warmed his way back into Nigerian hearts with commanding performances...

Bellerin amazed by 'born champion' Ozil

Bellerin amazed by 'born champion' Ozil
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Bellerin amazed by 'born champion' Ozil
Bellerin amazed by 'born champion' Ozil
Hector Bellerin says he is continually amazed by the quality of "born champion" Mesut Ozil, who inspired Arsenal's win over Leicester City on Monday. Ozil scored the Gunners' equaliser at Emirates Stadium before playing key roles in two sublime team moves that ended with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finding the net to secure a 3-1 victory. The 30-year-old, who was captain for the match, became the top-scoring German in Premier League history with his 30th goal in the competition to help his side battle back from Bellerin's first-half own goal. And the full-back later admitted he can often only stand back and admire the quality Ozil produces in training and matches. "Mesut is a player that always keeps giving his best and is always surprising everyone and he's a player that we're very grateful and very lucky to have," said Bellerin. "When the team play well with good football and he can find space he's always a killer with his passes and finishes, so for us to have a player like him in the team is very important." When asked whether his jaw ever drops while watching Ozil, he replied: "It is like that! It's like that in training and it's like that game by game. It's always a blessing to have players like that but the work comes from the whole team and it comes from the back from the goalkeeper to the striker. We're all one and when you have players with such quality it's always that little bit easier. "Mesut is a player that has been through a lot in his career through loads of ups and downs, but most of all he's a born champion and he's a player who has so many records in the world of football, so he's a player that is an example for everyone. Everyone wants to have the success that he's had on and off the pitch, so for us to have someone like him as a captain is really important." 30 - Mesut Ozil is now the highest scoring German player in @premierleague history (30 goals). Wunderbar. #ARSLEI pic.twitter.com/vlsDiOTeRg — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 22, 2018

Real Madrid's Copa del Rey match to be in African enclave of Melilla

Real Madrid's Copa del Rey match to be in African enclave of Melilla
ESPN FC News
Real Madrid's Copa del Rey match to be in African enclave of Melilla
Real Madrid will travel to Spain's African enclave of Melilla to open the Copa del Rey. Madrid were paired with third-division club UD Melilla in Friday's draw, the first to include the top two tiers of Spanish clubs. Defending champion Barcelona will face third-division side Leonesa, while Atletico Madrid drew fourth-tier club Sant Andreu. The first legs will be played at the smaller club's stadium between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The return legs will be held between Dec. 4 and 6. Melilla and Ceuta are...

Real Madrid handed Africa trip in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid handed Africa trip in Copa del Rey
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Real Madrid handed Africa trip in Copa del Rey
Real Madrid handed Africa trip in Copa del Rey
Real Madrid have been drawn against Africa-based Melilla in the Copa del Rey's round of 32, while Barcelona will also face third-tier opposition. Holders Barca – who crushed Sevilla 5-0 in last season's final – get their campaign started away to Cultural Leonesa, who were relegated from LaLiga2 last term. Madrid's first-leg contest with Segunda B4 leaders Melilla will see them travel to one of Spain's two ports on the continent of Africa, though both – the other being Ceuta – are claimed by Morocco. Arguably the standout draw for the smaller clubs left in the competition is that of fourth-tier side Sant Andreu, however, as they will play Atletico Madrid. ¡Así quedan los dieciseisavos de final! #SorteoCopa pic.twitter.com/1svqN2d3LL — RFEF (@rfef) October 19, 2018 LaLiga leaders Sevilla are to face Villanovense, while Valencia were drawn with Ebro – two ties which should provide little difficulty for either of the top-tier clubs. Sergio Canales will return to Racing Santander – the club he impressed for as a teenager – with Real Betis and there are four all-LaLiga ties to look forward to, with Leganes and Rayo Vallecano set to go up against each other in a pair of Madrid derbies. The first fixtures are provisionally due to take place on October 31, with the return games on December 5. 7 - FC Barcelona won against Cultural Leonesa by an aggregate result of 7-0 in their only previous meeting in Spanish Cup (season 2009-10), with @_Pedro17_ scoring three goals. Memory. pic.twitter.com/f4ypZxny1w — OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 19, 2018   Copa del Rey draw in full: Cultural Leonesa v Barcelona Ebro v Valencia Sant Andreu v Atletico Madrid Melilla v Real Madrid Villanovense v Sevilla Racing Santander v Real Betis Almeria v Villarreal Cadiz v Espanyol Sporting Gijon v Eibar Lugo v Levante Cordoba v Getafe Athletic Bilbao v Huesca Deportivo Alaves v Girona Leganes v Rayo Vallecano Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad

Kjaer surprised by LaLiga-leading Sevilla as Machin's men remain grounded

Kjaer surprised by LaLiga-leading Sevilla as Machin's men remain grounded
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Kjaer surprised by LaLiga-leading Sevilla as Machin's men remain grounded
Kjaer surprised by LaLiga-leading Sevilla as Machin's men remain grounded
Sevilla topping LaLiga ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid has come as a surprise to defender Simon Kjaer, who warned there is a lot more to come from the Spanish leaders this season. There is a shock pacesetter in LaLiga, where Sevilla are a point clear of defending champions Barca heading into matchday nine following the international break. After opening the season with a 4-1 rout of Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla went three league games without a win – drawing at home to Villarreal before losing the Seville derby to Real Betis and going down to Getafe. Sevilla, however, have won four successive LaLiga games since, including a 6-2 demolition of Levante and a 3-0 masterclass against European champions Real Madrid last month to top the table. Tres puntos - seguimos Mucho ánimo a los heridos // 3 points vs Eibar in @LaLigaEN - and that was 4 in a row for us. My warmest thoughts go out to the injured @SevillaFC supporters. #LuchaPorLoQueAmas #VamosMiSevilla pic.twitter.com/coFff2VYoO — Simon Kjaer (@simonkjaer1989) September 30, 2018 Speaking to Omnisport, Denmark captain Kjaer – whose team will travel to Barcelona this week – said: "I am surprised, that we are top of the table right now - especially after losing two games in a row at the beginning of the season, but I am not surprised that we have developed to play so well. "It is too early to talk about that [winning the title], but no doubt that we enjoy the view from the top of the table right now. "Maybe it sounds a bit boring, but as a footballer you have to take one game at the time. Our ambitions are to have everything to play for when we approach the final weeks of the season, both in the Europa League, the Copa del Rey - and being up there with the absolute giants in LaLiga." In what could be an omen for Sevilla, they won the LaLiga title the last time they were top of the table after eight rounds of a season in 1945-46. "We have developed a lot in a very short amount of time, and there is a lot more to come, because we still have room for improvement," Kjaer said. "If we continue to keep this mentality with everybody willing to be working hard to win, we will be even more consistent and will have a great season, because we have a super, super squad for this kind of football. "The recent 3-0 win against Real Madrid was good for us as a team, and it was very well deserved, because we were definitely the better team. "Personally this amazing start of the season has felt like hitting the ground running after the incredible experience and pride of being the Denmark captain at the World Cup." Second training session of the week as we await the four internationals still to arrive. All the info  https://t.co/I8cs6ceUdf#vamosmisevilla #WeNeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/xq3q6fOsEe — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 16, 2018 Sevilla's table-topping start to the season under head coach Pablo Machin comes after a turbulent 2017-18 campaign, which saw Eduardo Berizzo replaced by Vincenzo Montella in December last year. Montella masterminded Sevilla's shock elimination of Manchester United en route to the Champions League quarter-finals before he was sacked in April – Joaquin Caparros appointed on a caretaker basis prior to Machin's arrival in May. "It was definitely a strange and turbulent season with three different managers and two sporting directors in charge - with a lack of consistency and too many disappointing results in the league," Kjaer said. "But also with some amazing highlights." Kjaer added: "[This season] he [Machin] has a completely clear vision for how he wants us to play. He has certainly changed a lot. We now play with three at the back, and while he has been implementing that very quickly, he has still been willing and able to adjust things within his system, always seeking to optimise our game plan. "We started the season with one player up front, but the coach changed it to a two-man attack, and since then we have been scoring goals for fun. His ideas have been exciting, and I love the way we now play attacking football."

Man City boss Guardiola: My Barcelona team will not be repeated

Man City boss Guardiola: My Barcelona team will not be repeated
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Man City boss Guardiola: My Barcelona team will not be repeated
Man City boss Guardiola: My Barcelona team will not be repeated

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his Barcelona team were a one-off.

Guardiola's Barcelona won two Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, three LaLiga Santanders, two Copa del Reys and three Spanish Super Cups.

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Chelsea flop Bakayoko handed deadline by AC Milan

Chelsea flop Bakayoko handed deadline by AC Milan
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Chelsea flop Bakayoko handed deadline by AC Milan
Chelsea flop Bakayoko handed deadline by AC Milan

Tiemoue Bakayoko has six to eight matches to salvage his disastrous loan spell at AC Milan.

The Chelsea midfielder joined Milan in the hopes of relaunching his career after a difficult debut season in west London.

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Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland

Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland
ESPN FC News
Portugal atop Nations League group after away win against Poland
Poland Portugal 2 3 FT Game Details Live football odds with bet365. Bet Now » GameCast Lineups and Stats Robert Lewandowski's 100th international cap for Poland was spoiled by a come-from-behind 3-2 win by Portugal. Portugal's Bernardo Silva scored a fine individual goal as their new-look side recovered to win 3-2 away to Poland in the UEFA Nations League with an impressive performance on Thursday. Andre Silva's strike and a Kamil Glik own goal put the European champions ahead by half-time, after Krzysztof Piatek had given Poland an early lead, and Bernardo Silva then got in the act early in the second half of the League A Group 3 game. Poland substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski, making his 103rd appearance to become...

Italy 1-1 Ukraine: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gli Azzurri Frustrate Once Again

Italy 1-1 Ukraine: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gli Azzurri Frustrate Once Again
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
Italy 1-1 Ukraine: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gli Azzurri Frustrate Once Again
Italy 1-1 Ukraine: Report, Ratings & Reaction as Gli Azzurri Frustrate Once Again
gain Italy stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in Genoa, as the home side failed to build confidence ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash with Poland. Despite dominating the opening period, Italy struggled to create any clear cut chances. When the Italians did manage to find an opening, they were thwarted by Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov who made numerous important stops, and was the main reason the sides went into the break on level terms.​ After 55 minutes Pyatov undid all...

Eden Hazard to Real Madrid: 'Nothing blocking' Chelsea star from move - Alvaro Morata

Eden Hazard to Real Madrid: 'Nothing blocking' Chelsea star from move - Alvaro Morata
ESPN FC News
Eden Hazard to Real Madrid: 'Nothing blocking' Chelsea star from move - Alvaro Morata
The guys react to Eden Hazard's comments about playing for Real Madrid and wonder if Chelsea should begin to make preparations for his departure. Paul Mariner rates the sensibility of the latest transfer links, including potential comings and goings at Chelsea and Manchester United. Alvaro Morata has said Eden Hazard will not force an exit from Chelsea but would be happy to move to Real Madrid if both clubs come to an agreement. Hazard said this week it remained his "dream" to play for Madrid and he wanted to "make it happen," but made it clear he did not want to damage his relationship with Chelsea. Speculation that Madrid president Florentino Perez will move for Hazard followed, with 85 percent of fans polled by AS wanting a deal done in the January window. Marca's front...

Karim Benzema's Nomination Proves the Ballon d'Or Is Nothing More Than a Popularity Contest

Karim Benzema's Nomination Proves the Ballon d'Or Is Nothing More Than a Popularity Contest
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
Karim Benzema's Nomination Proves the Ballon d'Or Is Nothing More Than a Popularity Contest
Karim Benzema's Nomination Proves the Ballon d'Or Is Nothing More Than a Popularity Contest
​Karim Benzema has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or after a disastrous 2017/18 season at Real Madrid, in what is a blatant reminder of everything wrong with the award: it's a massive popularity contest. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have the highest Facebook followings among football players, according to ​Statisca. These three stars were on the podium for the Ballon d'Or last year.  Messi and Ronaldo have won ten Ballon d'Or prizes between them. It is a shame that even if it...

Lampard follows Beckham and Gerrard into Legends of Football Hall of Fame

Lampard follows Beckham and Gerrard into Legends of Football Hall of Fame
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Lampard follows Beckham and Gerrard into Legends of Football Hall of Fame
Lampard follows Beckham and Gerrard into Legends of Football Hall of Fame
Frank Lampard has followed former England team-mates David Beckham and Steven Gerrard into the Legends of Football Hall of Fame. The Chelsea great, now in charge of Derby County, collected the annual award at an event in London on Monday, becoming the latest high-profile star to receive the honour. Beckham, Gerrard, Alex Ferguson, and Alan Shearer, as well as Brazil great Pele, are among those to have been inducted in past years and Lampard was delighted to join an exclusive group. "It's a real honour for me to receive the Legends of Football award this year," Lampard said. "Just seeing my name mentioned among those past winners is something to cherish." Frank Lampard and Roger Daltrey on the red carpet at tonight's @LoFootball award! #LOF pic.twitter.com/SQFeGCp0CG — Legends of Football (@LoFootball) October 8, 2018 Lampard enjoyed a distinguished playing career, primarily with Chelsea, where he won several honours including the three Premier League titles and the Champions League. The ex-Blues star has made a promising start to his managerial career, defeating former boss Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in the EFL Cup to set up a return to Stamford Bridge in the next round, while the Rams are just one point adrift of the play-off places in the Championship.

Barcelona signings Ronald Araujo and Moussa Wague edge closer to being cleared to play

Barcelona signings Ronald Araujo and Moussa Wague edge closer to being cleared to play
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Barcelona signings Ronald Araujo and Moussa Wague edge closer to being cleared to play
Barcelona signings Ronald Araujo and Moussa Wague edge closer to being cleared to play

Ronald Araujo and Moussa Wague are closer to being clear to play for Barcelona B.

Sport reports the two summer signings now have their paperwork from their respective countries in order.

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Pogba claims he was barred from media duties after Man Utd stalemate

Pogba claims he was barred from media duties after Man Utd stalemate
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Pogba claims he was barred from media duties after Man Utd stalemate
Pogba claims he was barred from media duties after Man Utd stalemate
Paul Pogba claimed he was banned from talking to the media after Manchester United's stalemate against Valencia in the Champions League. France midfielder Pogba has not been far from the back pages in the British press this season amid a widely reported deteriorating relationship with manager Jose Mourinho. The former Juventus star has made several comments that have been taken as veiled digs at Mourinho, including when he implored United to "attack, attack, attack" following a 1-1 draw against Wolves last month. United's goalless draw against Valencia made it four games without a win and represented the first time Mourinho has gone four home games without a victory in his career as a manager. Let’s keep fighting United #mufc pic.twitter.com/b2Cu682OAc — Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 2, 2018 Pogba walked through the mixed zone at Old Trafford following the game and was asked for his thoughts on the performance. However, he merely replied: "I've been told I'm not allowed [to talk]." Pogba was earlier this season stripped of United's vice-captaincy, while he asked "[do] you want me dead?" when asked for his opinion after a 3-1 defeat at West Ham. Sky Sports News cameras also caught a frosty exchange between Mourinho and Pogba in training last week.