Cesc Fabregas enjoying senior role as derby looms

Last Updated: Thursday, October 31, 2013, 09:45  

Barcelona: Cesc Fabregas has said he is enjoying his more significant role in the Barcelona side as they look to continue their storming start to the campaign with a win over Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Friday.

Fabregas was involved in all three of Barca`s goals as they moved four points clear of Atletico Madrid in second place with a convincing 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had taken the opportunity to rest a number of his stars for the game in Galicia as the likes of Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all started on the bench.

However, Fabregas was retained from the side that beat Real Madrid 2-1 on Saturday and registered his second goal of the season with Barca`s third nine minutes into the second-half.

"Right now I am playing a lot of games, I feel important and the only thing that I have to do is play well for the team," he told the club`s website.

"These rotations give life to a lot of players and they are making us all feel important."

Martino has been keen to ensure his players don`t suffer from burnout in the way they did towards the end of the last campaign when they were hammered 7-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

And with Barca in the midst of seven games in 22 days, the Argentine will rotate once more for the visit of Epsanyol.

However, despite the game being sandwiched by a series of other important matches for the hosts, Fabregas doesn`t belive the derby will lose any of its importance.

"A derby is always a derby. It will be difficult and we hope to show our best form and win the three points."

Despite much talk of Barcelona`s defensive problems, Tuesday night also saw them register their ninth clean sheet in 16 games.

And goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who is the only Barca player to start every game this season, hailed their attitude so far in what, on paper, should be their easier fixtures.

"Winning against Celta is the best possible way to prepare for a derby. We have been reinforced by the Madrid match.

"We have shown how much we want this league and everything depends on winning games like the one on Tuesday and against Espanyol."

Barca could be short of options at left-back as Adriano is a doubt after limping off against Celta with a hamstring strain, whilst Jordi Alba remains sidelined by a thigh injury so right-back Martin Montoya may start in an unfamiliar role.

Otherwise, Martino has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Gerard Pique, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta all expected to return. AFP ----------------- ZEENEWS.com

Brazilian footballer beheaded, head left on doorstep

Last Updated: Thursday, October 31, 2013, 11:41  

Zee Media Bureau

A former Brazilian professional footballer Joao Rodrigo Silva Santos has been beheaded and his severed head left on the doorstep of his house in Rio de Janiero that was found by his wife on Tuesday morning.

His policewoman wife was leaving for work early morning when she saw a rucksack with Santo’s head inside.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter without revealing who could be behind the horrific act.

According to a report, the 35-year-old Santos used to play for second tier Rio de Janeiro football teams. After retiring, he had opened his own health foods store. -------------- ZEENEWS.com

Robinho poised for Brazil recall

Last Updated: Thursday, October 31, 2013, 12:30  

Rio de Janeiro: AC Milan winger Robinho is set to replace Diego Costa in Brazil`s squad to play Honduras and Chile in international friendlies next month, according to media reports.


Brazil-born Costa has been cut from the Selecao squad after signing an official document expressing his wish to represent his adopted country Spain.


Robinho, absent from Brazil`s national team since 2011, impressed coach Luiz Felipe Scolari by scoring during Milan`s 1-1 Champions League draw with Barcelona last week, Folha de S.Paulo reported Wednesday.


Despite the Selecao`s emphatic 3-0 victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup final in June, Brazil`s dearth of central strikers has caused concern for Scolari.


Fluminense forward Fred occupied the No.9 slot during the first half of the year but has not played for more two months due to a serious thigh injury.


Scolari`s other attacking options include Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato and Internacional`s Leandro Damiao, who have both struggled for form in Brazil`s top flight.


While Robinho traditionally favours a wide role, it is understood Scolari sees the 29-year-old adapting to a central position, as he has done for AC Milan in recent weeks.


Brazil will play Honduras in Miami Nov 16 followed by a clash against Chile in Toronto three days later.
IANS ----------------- ZEENEWS.com

CSKA Moscow fans punished with `partial stadium ban` for racially abusing Yaya Toure

Last Updated: Thursday, October 31, 2013, 12:56  

Johannesburg: The fans of Russian football club CSKA Moscow have reportedly been hit with a partial stadium ban in order to punish them for racially abusing Manchester City captain Yaya Toure in a Champions League match between the two sides.


Toure, who is from the Ivory Coast, claimed that he was racially targeted by CSKA fans with `monkey` chants, during his club`s 2-1 win in Moscow on October 23.


According to Sport24, European football governing body UEFA stated that their disciplinary body had ordered the closure of Sector D of CSKA`s Arena Khimki for the club`s next Champions League game against German side Bayern Munich, in a bid to defend their zero tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination.


Stating that it is crucial to hit back against stadium racism, UEFA further stated that all forms of racist behaviour are considered serious offences against the disciplinary regulations and are punished with the most severe sanctions.


The body also stated that the fight against racist conduct has been stepped up a level following the entry into force of the new disciplinary regulations on June 1, which resulted in more severe sanctions to deter any such behaviour.


However, the report mentioned that the closure would not have a great effect on CSKA`s attendance or earnings as the stand that has been closed is quite small and CSKA matches rarely sell out in reality.
ANI ----------------------- ZEENEWS.com

Milan vs Lazio Player Ratings

 

Italy - Serie A

 

Milan

1 vs 1

Lazio

Played
October 30, 2013 8:45 PM WAT
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano
Referee:‬ A. Damato‎
Attendance:‬ 42000‎

 

54′ Kaká

Michael Ciani 72′

 

Player Ratings: AC Milan 1-1 Lazio

Goal took in the action at San Siro, where the Rossoneri were held to another underwhelming result as the visitors fought back from a Kaka wonder goal to claim a point

By Keeghann Sinanan

Milan

2.77

3

2

• 
  44

  5

  Gabriel

  Could not help the Lazio goal, and dealt with whatever else was flung his way, despite the potentially treacherous conditions.
• 
  37

  11

  Mattia De Sciglio

  Fared well against the dribbling threat of Candreva, and did not allow the winger much opportunity to make advances down his flank in the first half, though he was more susceptible after the break.
• 
  20

  23

  Cristian Zapata

  Had a pair of hairy moments dealing with the conditions, that nearly turned into a chance for the opposition. However, he survived those slip ups and put in an otherwise assured shift at the back.
• 
  13

  36

  Ignazio Abate

  Added virtually nothing to his side's play in either half of the field and failed to cope well with the conditions.
• 
  12

  29

  Cristian Zaccardo

  The veteran defender won virtually everything in the air despite the ominous threat of Klose on his back, but fell apart for two crucial Lazio attacks in the closing stages.
• 
  13

  36

  Sulley Ali Muntari

  Popped up everywhere in the attacking third during the Rossoneri's strong spells, and was admirable in his effort to get involved, though his end product was sorely lacking.
• 
  12

  38

  Valter Birsa

  Looked off the pace for the second game running, as he did not provide anything out of the ordinary on the flanks. Subbed in the second half.
• 
  43

  9

  Riccardo Montolivo

  The heartbeat of the Rossoneri offensive effort today, as he facilitated the attack well with a series of incisive passes, while testing Marchetti more than one with shots on target from outside the box.
• 
  139

  2

  Kaká Top of the Match

  At the end of some of Milan's better first-half attacks, but his shooting let him down time and time again. There were no such concerns in the second half though, as he ripped in an unstoppable effort into the top corner from 18 yards out.
• 
  55

  8

  Nigel De Jong

  A big reason that Lazio were not able to get much going in the opposition half of the field, as he charged about to put in a number of tackles and blocks to aid his side's defensive effort. Could have done better for Lazio's goal though.
• 
  24

  35

  Mario Balotelli

  Dropped deep to get involved in play, and set a few attacks in motion for his side with his hold up play and lay-offs. However, he lacked any real killer instinct himself, and looked rather blunted.

Substitutions

• 
  36

  4

  Andrea Poli

  Resourceful with the ball in the attacking third and nearly came close to having a late shot on goal.
• 
  10

  29

  Alessandro Matri

  One or two flicks aside, the striker did not affect the course of the game.

Lazio

2.81

0

0

• 
  12

  5

  Federico Marchetti

  Left rooted to the spot by Kaka's strike, but made a strong save in either half to keep his side in the game.
• 
  14

  5

  Michael Ciani

  Won most of his aerial duels, and was also composed under pressure, heading a Marchetti spill back to the keeper with Balotelli breathing down his neck. Did his bit at the other end too, heading in a priceless equalizer.
• 
  3

  9

  Stefan Radu

  Picked up a careless yellow card in the first half, but did not let that affect his play as he was authoritative when going for the ball.
• 
  4

  7

  Luis Cavanda

  Had a few interesting tussles with Kaka out on the flanks, and on a few occasions, was successful in shepherding the Brazilian away from danger.
• 
  5

  16

  Hernanes Flop of the Match

  Coughed up possession with regularity in the centre of the park, and did not last beyond the interval as his coach saw him as a weak link.
• 
  3

  8

  Alvaro Gonzalez

  Sufficient in possession out wide without ever providing a killer touch. Began to get more openings to shoot as the game opened up in the closing stages.
• 
  3

  8

  Cristian Ledesma

  Though he lost sight of Montolivo on a few occasions, he was still very effective in keeping play ticking for his side when they were on the ball.
• 
  18

  4

  Lorik Cana

  The Albanian performed admirably in the heart of the Lazio defence, making several clearances and tackles when play got congested inside the 18-yard area.
• 
  10

  5

  Antonio Candreva

  His dribbling was a key factor in a few Lazio attacks, and with a pinpoint cross, he set up his team's equalizer for Ciani.
• 
  7

  11

  Miroslav Klose

  Tried his hardest to challenge for the ball, but fluffed his lines on a glorious late chance, firing straight at the keeper.
• 
  2

  9

  B. Perea

  Hardly affected the game out wide, and it was a surprise that he lasted on the pitch as long as he did.

Substitutions

• 
  11

  5

  Ogenyi Onazi

  One scintillating move in the second half helped to set Klose up for what should have been the game winner.
• 
  4

  6

  Sergio Floccari

  Comfortable on the ball in the closing stages, helping out on the break. ------------- goal.com

Newcastle United vs Manchester City Player Ratings

 

England - Capital One Cup (League Cup)

 

Newcastle United

0 vs 2

Manchester City

Played
October 30, 2013 8:45 PM WAT
St. James' Park — Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Referee:‬ N. Swarbrick‎
Attendance:‬ 33846‎

 

 

Negredo 99′

 

Edin Dzeko 105′

 

 

Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City (AET)

Goals from Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko in extra time were enough to see off a plucky Magpies outfit as Alan Pardew's men failed yet again to reach the quarter-finals

By Michael Lightfoot at St James's Park

Newcastle United

3.00

1

2

• 
  0

  1

  Tim Krul

  The Netherlands international had a quiet game as the action was all up the other end. He did well whenever he called upon, apart from a slip which eventually found James Milner - but the midfielder's curling shot went narrowly over an empty goal. Produced a fantastic save late on to keep his side in it.
• 
  0

  0

  Mike Williamson

  Stood firm at the back and won every long ball and header. Has not put a foot wrong since replacing the injured Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor.
• 
  0

  0

  Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

  Negredo had the beating of him at one point - a clever flick over his head - and was helped out by Williamson, but quickly recovered. His slip in extra time allowed the Spaniard to tap home.
• 
  0

  0

  Mathieu Debuchy

  Fast becoming a strong candidate at right-back after a slow start to his Newcastle career. Superb down the right-hand side and put his body on the line when needed. Pinpoint crossing.
• 
  1

  0

  Massadio Haidara

  Kept Navas quiet well enough and went close with a curling effort after his initial free kick was blocked. Substituted at half-time with an injury.
• 
  0

  0

  Moussa Sissoko

  Never stopped running throughout the game. If a City player had the ball, he made sure that it was not it for long.
• 
  0

  0

  Vurnon Anita

  Never won a header all game, no surprise given his height. His sidefooted volley probably should have tested Pantilimon.
• 
  0

  0

  Cheikh Tiote

  The stand-in captain was booked, which looked a little harsh. He broke up play and sprayed the ball around with ease. Back to his first-season best.
• 
  0

  1

  Papiss Cissé

  A much-improved display from the out-of-sorts striker. His first-half shot was helped in by Shola Ameobi but he was in an offside position. Really should have scored in extra time but Pantilimon produced a fine save at his feet.
• 
  0

  0

  Yoan Gouffran

  Tried in vain to make something happen and went close with a first-half header. Grafted all night and should have netted with a late header, though he was offside anyway.
• 
  1

  0

  Shola Ameobi

  Newcastle's longest-serving player had a goal ruled out for offside and a volley tipped around the post by Pantilimon in a typical grafting display before he was subbed.

Substitutions

• 
  0

  0

  Paul Dummett

  His first involvement in the game was to cross straight at the goalkeeper as he came on as a substitute. Later replaced by Hatem Ben Arfa as Alan Pardew looked for the win.
• 
  0

  1

  Hatem Ben Arfa

  Came on in place of another substitute as Pardew looked to go for the win. His dink over the defence found Cisse he could only shoot at Pantilimon, while his volley is superbly cleared off the line by Joleon Lescott.
• 
  0

  1

  Yohan Cabaye

  The midfielder steadied the ship after coming off the bench.

Manchester City

3.00

2

1

• 
  15

  0

  Costel Pantilimon Top of the Match

  Joe Hart's understudy played his part in the game and produced a great save to keep out Shola Ameobi's volley. Claimed verything from the air and did not put a foot wrong as he looked to impress Manuel Pellegrini.
• 
  7

  1

  Micah Richards

  The right-back had City's two best chances. The first was on the stroke of half-time, bursting through the middle of the park before shooting wide, and the second a header that went over the bar.
• 
  7

  2

  Joleon Lescott

  The centre-back had a lively Papiss Cisse with which to contend and just about did enough. Produced a fantastic clearance off the line, scooping Ben Arfa's volley over the bar.
• 
  3

  3

  Aleksandar Kolarov

  Performed well at left-back and put some great crosses in. Could have had an assist but Richards headed over.
• 
  7

  1

  D. Boyata

  The centre-back was relieved to see the lively Shola Ameobi substitued after a tough test.
• 
  6

  0

  James Milner

  The former Newcastle man went close without scoring after Tim Krul's slip as his curling effort went just over an empty goal. Later in the game, he played a one-two with Silva and released Dzeko, who duly dispatched the second goal.
• 
  2

  4

  Javi García Flop of the Match

  Had a very quiet game in front of the defence, when he really should have dug in and helped the centre-backs out. Looked a little out-of-sorts.
• 
  6

  0

  Jesús Navas González

  Almost imperceptible in the first half. A better showing the second but struggled to get the better of both Haidara and Dummett.
• 
  6

  0

  Jack Rodwell

  Had one chance of note, a rising shot over the top of the bar, but never really got going as Tiote and Anita controlled the midfield.
• 
  8

  1

  Edin Dzeko

  The striker plugged away but found Williamson in fine form. Finally got the better of the defence when he was found by Milner in space, nipped the ball around an outstretched Krul and slotted home.
• 
  6

  2

  Stevan Jovetic

  The striker went off injured early doors and was replaced by Alvaro Negredo.

Substitutions

• 
  6

  0

  Pablo Zabaleta

  Industrious as always and slotted in well when Richards went off injured. He also took over as captain.
• 
  5

  1

  David Silva

  His appearance from the bench rejuvenated City and he put in a better perfomance than the man he replaced.
• 
  4

  2

  Negredo

  The striker came on a lot earlier than he would have imagined, replacing Jovetic after an injury. His wayward first-half volley and a chip which Krul tipped away for a corner was a warning to the defence and he nipped in behind a floored Yanga-Mbiwa to tap home in extra time. ------------------ goal.com