Author: admin

Robert Lewandowski has been in red-hot form so far this season and notched his 22nd goal in all competitions this term with another strike in the Champions League as Bayern Munich eventually eased to a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday.

There was some anxiety around the Allianz Arena following the sacking of Niko Kovac, and Bayern certainly took their time in securing the victory, labouring through a particularly uninspiring first half in Bavaria.

However, Lewandowski showed his predatory instincts by flicking in Kingsley Coman’s powerful cross in the 69th minute, before substitute Ivan Perisic wrapped things up with a tap in shortly before full time.

And by scoring against the Greek giants, Lewandowski joined an exclusive group of players who have excelled in the Champions League over an extended period of time.

As revealed by Opta, his strike on Wednesday means Lewandowski became the third player to score in eight consecutive Champions League group stage appearances, after Cristiano Ronaldo (nine, 2012 to 2014) and Lionel Messi (eight, 2015 to 2017).

That’s some esteemed company for the Poland international to be keeping, and there are plenty of fans out there who believe he is now the third best player in the world, behind Juventus’ Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Messi.

But while Lewandowski has undoubtedly excelled so far this season, Bayern’s form has been a bit more patchy. Domestically, at least.

The recent 5-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt resulted in Kovac getting the boot and means Bayern are now off the pace in the Bundesliga title race, four points behind current leaders Borussia Monchengladbach.

Their Champions League campaign is still well on track, however, with the victory over Olympiacos sealing the German giants’ progression into the last 16 of the competition, boasting a more than healthy goal difference of plus 11.

They may behind other sides who have impressed in the competition like ​Liverpool, ​Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in terms of the current favourites, but ​Bayern will remain quietly confident they can claim their first ​Champions League title since 2013.

Tottenham secured a morale boosting victory on Wednesday night as they brushed aside Red Star Belgrade to significantly increase their chances of reaching the Champions League knockout stages.

Despite Spurs seeing plenty of the ball early on, it was the hosts who spurned a glorious opportunity to get their noses in front when Milan Pavkov found himself all alone in the area only for Paulo Gazzaniga to make himself big and superbly save with his feet.

The deadlock was finally broken in outrageous circumstances, as a goalmouth scramble in the Red Star box saw ​Harry Kane and ​Son Heung-min hit the post and crossbar respectively, before Giovani Lo Celso finally applied the crucial finishing touch.

The home side were then denied by the post and crossbar before the break, in another bizarre passage of play that saw Rajiv van La Parra nearly level matters before Davinson Sanchez hit his own crossbar.

The game was then put to bed within the space of four second half minutes as Son smashed home from Dele Alli’s through ball before tapping into an empty net after a sweeping team move. Substitute Christian Eriksen put gloss on the scoreline, but the result was assured as soon as Son grabbed the second on what was a solid night of ​Champions League work.

RED STAR BELGRADE

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Borjan (5); Gobeljic (6), Milunovic (5), Degenek (6), Rodic (5); Jovancic (5), Petrovic (5), Garcia (6), Marin (6), van La Parra (6); Pavkov (4).

Substitutes: Jander (5), Boakye (5), Canas (4).

TOTTENHAM​

Key Talking Point

The key contrast in this ​Spurs side that indicated we may witness a different performance to the ones who trudged their way through 11 Premier League matches was Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup. With Eriksen nowhere to be seen in the starting XI, it was summer signing Lo Celso who got the nod, showing promising signs in possession as Spurs looked comfortable.

Madness ensued at both ends in FIFA-esque moments, but it was Tottenham who grabbed the crucial goal that their performance warranted. They weren’t without their dodgy moments, however, with centre back pairing Eric Dier and Sanchez looking shaky when Red Star made a rare exertion forward.

In the second half, Spurs continued to keep hold of the ball in advanced areas, with their patience eventually telling in superb fashion with two excellent goals to lift the mood on a dreary night in Belgrade.

Granted, Red Star put in an underwhelming showing, but with their current struggles Spurs will take whatever they can get. And, as they say, you can only beat what is in front of you; something Spurs did relatively comfortably.

---

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Gazzaniga (8); Foyth (7), Sanchez (6), Dier (5), Rose (6); Sissoko (6), Ndombele (7), Lo Celso (8); Alli (6), Son (8); Kane (6).

Substitutes: Eriksen (7), Sessegnon (7), Skipp (N/A).

---

STAR PLAYER – Who would have thought that Tottenham have another creative player in their ranks other than Eriksen? You – and everyone else – can be forgiven for forgetting Giovani Lo Celso actually existed, such has been his lack of involvement so far this season.

However, when given the nod from the start he showed Spurs what they had been missing with some neat technical ability and assured distribution. His goal was one that will certainly live long in the memory, for a multitude of reasons, but his showing on Wednesday should convince Pochettino he needs to be starting week-in, week-out.

---

Looking Ahead​

Spurs are back in London on the weekend when they host Sheffield United in the ​Premier League on Saturday, hoping to secure just their fourth win in the league this season.

Meanwhile, Red Star are in action on Sunday lunchtime as they travel to mid-table Javor looking to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Serbian SuperLiga.

Manchester City threw away the chance to secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League in their 1-1 draw with Atalanta following a spirited comeback from the Italian side, in a game which saw City miss a penalty and Kyle Walker play in goal.

City began the game with a full strength side, despite the fact the visitors have an enormous clash with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. But with qualification only inches away, Pep Guardiola felt it only right to field his best and brightest.

With the previous encounter between the sides seeing City hit five, it was unsurprising that ​Raheem Sterling netted within only six minutes, curling home inside the box following Gabriel Jesus’ neat flick. The current Premier League champions soon seized control of the affair, preying on Atalanta mistakes but spurning the opportunities that followed.

City were awarded a penalty just before the break when Sterling was pulled back by Rafael Toloi as he raced towards goal, but the foul was deemed to have occurred outside the box by VAR, and ended with a free kick.

The resulting free kick then struck the arm of Josip Ilicic, and the Citizens finally had their spot kick. ​Gabriel Jesus stepped up to the plate, but his pathetic effort went well wide of the Italians’ goal, leaving the visitors only one up at half time.

City supporters were left fearing the worst when star keeper Ederson was forced off at half time due to a minor injury, being replaced by Claudio Bravo. Things soon went from bad to worse when Atalanta drew level through Chelsea loanee Mario Pasalic’s fine header. The game quickly turned, and the hosts began piling pressure on the City back line.

With ten minutes to go, the drama peaked when half time substitute Bravo was sent off, and with no goalkeeper on the bench, ​Walker was forced to play between the sticks in a remarkable sequence of events.

City somehow managed to hold on for a frantic draw, as Atalanta failed to test Walker in goal.

ATALANTA

Player Ratings​

Starting XI: Gollini (5); Toloi (6), Djimsiti (5), Palomino (5); Hateboer (6), Castagne (6), Freuler (5), De Roon (6), Pasalic (7), Gomez (6); Ilicic (7).

Substitutes: Malinovsky (5) Muriel (N/A).

MANCHESTER CITY

Key Talking Point

City went into this difficult European trip knowing victory would see them achieve early qualification to the last 16. In fact, dependent on the outcome of Dinamo Zagreb vs Shakhtar Donetsk, the English side knew they could have the top spot all wrapped up in Group C come the end of the evening.

It looked as if it was going to be a stroll after six minutes, ​Sterling showing his qualities yet again in finishing off a lovely team goal. City looked eager to finish the game off early and put their feet up ahead of Sunday, keeping hold of the ball and playing through Atalanta relatively easily, with half chances coming and going.

However, similarly to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, wasted opportunities proved costly. Atalanta’s leveller after the break put Guardiola’s side in hot bother, ruing those chances that went begging in the first 45 minutes.

Suddenly, the Italian crowd erupted and City knew they had a game on their hands. Their assurance in possession slowly faded and the hosts began to assert themselves, looking for their first ever ​Champions League points.

Once again, City’s defence looked vulnerable, in particular down the right-hand side, and the lack of an out-and-out defensive midfielder made life even more difficult. Atalanta, through the help of the hostile atmosphere created by their supporters, forced their opponents into making poor decisions, giving them little time to breathe.

And then a moment of madness. Bravo, having been subbed on for Ederson at half time, saw red after flying off his line to challenge Josip Ilicic. Kyle Walker – yes, the right-back Kyle Walker – had to come on in his place, immediately making a save from the resulting free kick. A ridiculous decision from Bravo, such an experienced keeper on the European stage, almost cost Guardiola’s side a point.

An astonishing and baffling end to a feisty affair, in which City will feel grateful to have escaped with a draw despite having taken an early lead.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Ederson (6); Cancelo (5), Fernandinho (6), Otamendi (5), Mendy (7); Gundogan (5), De Bruyne (6), B. Silva (6); Mahrez (6), Jesus (5), Sterling (8*).

Substitutes: Bravo (3), Aguero (5), Walker (6).

STAR PLAYER – Sterling was far and away City’s most creative influence, scoring the opener and looking threatening every time he got on the ball. The Englishman linked up nicely with Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez, helping to offer City a flair up top.

Sterling will be hoping to replicate his display in City’s outing at his former stomping ground, Anfield, this weekend.

Looking Ahead

City face another trip to a hostile atmosphere this weekend, when they take on ​Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. The current ​Premier League champions will want to take a step towards defending their crown in their final fixture before the international break.

Meanwhile, Atalanta travel to Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria this ​Sunday in an attempt to get back to winning ways in ​Serie A.

Atletico Madrid blew their chance to put Champions League knockout stage qualification to bed on Wednesday evening, slumping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen were by far the better team in the first half and finally made their dominance count in the 41st minute, courtesy of Thomas Partey’s comical own goal. As a cleared corner was sent back into the penalty area, the Ghanaian got his header completely wrong and watched it sail beyond Jan Oblak to gift Leverkusen a deserved lead.

The warning signs should have been there for a below-par Atletico defence, Felipe turning one of many Leverkusen corners onto his own bar just minutes earlier.

Diego Simeone made a bold change on 52 minutes, bringing the attacking Thomas Lemar on for left-back Renan Lodi.

Ironically, it led to Leverkusen doubling their lead just minutes later. Koke temporarily dropped into defence but got his positioning all wrong, offering Karim Bellarabi all the time and space in the world to cross for Kevin Volland’s finish.

Leverkusen almost had a third – Atletico yet again gifting corners and failing to deal with them – when an inswinger from Kerem Demirbay was flicked on and Oblak clawed it off his line. A melee between the players ensued and the referee issued four yellow cards once it died down. He was forced to reach for a red card on 84 minutes as Nadiem Amiri recklessly slid through Santiago Arias on the touchline.

Alvaro Morata pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time, controlling Partey’s through ball and striking beyond Lukáš Hrádecký, before drawing a fine save from the Leverkusen goalkeeper less than a minute later. An equaliser would have been undeserved and flattered an abject Atleti’s blushes.

Bayer Leverkusen

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Hradecky (7); Weiser (7), Tah (7), Bender (8), Wendell (7); Demirbay (8*), Aranguiz (7); Bellarabi (7), Havertz (8), Amiri (6); Volland (7).

Substitutes: Baumgartlinger (7), Retsos (5), Dragovic (5).

ATLETICO MADRID

Key Talking Point

Despite winning their previous two Champions League fixtures, ​Atleti had drawn five of their previous six La Liga games as their goalscoring woes continue – Los Rojiblancos have scored just 12 goals in as many domestic matches thus far.

It’s easy to see why, as Atleti showed very little attacking intent in the first half at the BayArena. They sat deep, allowed Leverkusen 64% of possession and tried to play on the counter attack. What actually played out was a failure to link their defence with attack and they invited plenty of Leverkusen pressure on the edge of their own penalty box.

The corner stats said it all, Bayer winning seven and their opponents zero. Each set piece seemed to be a little more effective, Atleti failed to get the hint and they deservedly headed in for half time a goal behind.

The decision to replace Lodi with Lemar – as opposed to either Saul or Koke who were miles from their best – unsettled the Atleti defence just long enough for Volland to score and Simeone has to take the lion’s share of the blame. After conceding just three goals in ten previous games in all competitions, Los Rojiblancos had shipped two in just 55 minutes.

This bizarre tactical switch also failed to change the course of the game and Simeone had no answer to Leverkusen’s energy, dominance or speed of play. It left many questioning his team selection, game management and even whether he’d taken Atleti as far as he could.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Oblak (6); Arias (7), Felipe (6), Hermoso (6), Lodi (5); Correa (6), Thomas (6), Saul (5), Koke (5); Morata (6), Costa (5)

Substitutes: Lemar (7*), Vitolo (6), Herrera (5)

STAR PLAYER – It wasn’t difficult to be Los Rojiblancos’ best player on Wednesday evening. It was an abject performance from a team whose defenders played poorly, midfielders overrun and strikers starved of service.

Thomas Lemar might have played for less than 45 minutes, but he provided some movement off the ball and tried to get Atleti passing the ball with a little more tempo.

He adopted a free role and dropped into whichever space was available to create attacking moves, but sadly none of them came to anything. A smart free-kick and floated ball over the top for Angel Correa were the highlights for a player who will be confident of retaining his place for the weekend’s fixture with Espanyol.

Looking Ahead

Diego Simeone’s side are about to enter a tricky run of fixtures, resuming La Liga action by welcoming Espanyol to Wanda Metropolitano before an away fixture with surprise package Granada. Atletico then face Juventus away in the Champions League ahead of a home clash with title rivals ​Barcelona.

Bayer Leverkusen face Wolfsburg and Freiburg in the Bundesliga, before an away Champions League tie with Lokomotiv Moscow.