2018
Division 4 Round 5 Review
Division 4, Round 5 Review
Morning Guys, Well the World cup sprung back into life since the last review on here. Some great games/moments. England knocking Panama for 6 without getting out of 2nd gear, Panama forgetting how to defend. The end to Group B was mental, in space of a few minutes Spain went from going out to winning the group, we had the great Kroos winner for Germany against a Sweden side who bottled it big time. Last night we had Argentina fighting for their life against Nigeria, great goal from Messi and the unexpected winner from Rojo ensured they and Maradona can continue entertaining us for another couple of days at least. Uruguay V Portugal and France V Argentina already a great start to the next round of fixtures.
Away to Division 4 now....
MARSEILLE 0 LEVANTE 3
Levante continued their fine start to the season with their 4th win on the bounce away to a crestfallen Marseille side who have now failed to score in 4 consecutive games. Marseille had already been given a scare when Gignac fired against the post before Levante took the lead just before the break, Gignac turning provider dropping the ball off to Milik who smashed a shot past Bono. Marseille briefly rallied after the break but Koubek twice saved well from Antonio and Rongier before Rafinha scored with an outrageous long range effort after Milik had headed the ball back to him. On 81 Sanchez wrapped up the points after Milik had provided his 2nd assist of the game, His low shot just out the reach of Bono. Top of the table Levante bubbling along quite nicely at the minute.
OLYMPIAKOS 0 TORINO 1
Torino kept their unbeaten start to the season going with a tidy 1-0 win away from home. The first half was an end to end affair, Tevez twice found himself in good positions for Olympiakos but after firing his first chance high and wide his second was saved by Zieler. Mandanda in the away goal was just as busy saving well from Zabaleta and Fuchs. The second half was only 25 seconds in when the only goal of the game arrived, Negredo drifted wide and curled in a fantastic ball into the box which Gomez strolled on to and curled the ball into the top corner. That's as good as it got in terms of any quality action as Torino shut up shop and were in no mood to surrender the points.
ESPANYOL 1 FC BASEL 2
Fc Basel climbed to 3rd after inflicting Espanyol's 2nd successive defeat. The Swiss side bossed the opening period and found themselves 1 up after 16 minutes, Kalou caused problems for the Espanyol defence and flicked the ball out to Jorgensen who hit an early shot past Handanovic. Aspas created the 2nd after 38 minutes with a sweeping 40 yard pass over the static defense for Susaeta to drill a shot first time past the despairing Handanovic who despite getting a hand to it was helpless to stop it. Espanyol 2-0 behind at HT for 2nd game running. Alcacer had halved the deficit just after the break, Lima provided a fantastic ball which left Alcacer with just the keeper to beat and he did that confidently, Sirigu left with little chance. Despite the goal it was Basel who continued to threaten and Natcho allowed his frustrations get the better of him launching into a two footed lunge which took Lima clean off his feet. Red card and the end of Espanyol's chances. Aspas almost made it 3 late on after smashing a free kick against the post on 88 but it wasn't stopping Basel picking up a fine 3 points.
SWANSEA 2 COLOGNE 1
Swansea rise to 4th after coming from behind to register successive wins. Santini had the Germans ahead on 12 minutes, rising highest to meet Juardo's corner and heading past Marchesin. The lead lasted just 3 minutes though as Linetty met a delicious Pizarro free kick with a sweet half volley. The comeback was complete before HT, there seemed little danger when Seferovic knocked the ball up to Kashia who then hit a stunning long range shot from 30 yards which flew past Arrizabalaga in goal.Cologne suffered a further blow on 49 minutes when Grillitsch received a straight red after a shocking knee high challenge on Adriano. It however was Cologne who created the best efforts after the red card. Santini twice denied his second of the game after good saves from Marchesin and in the end Swansea held on for a nervy 3 points.
AZ ALKMAAR 1 BOCA JUNIORS 0
AZ maintained their unbeaten start with a very drab 1-0 win over hapless Boca. The game saw very little in way of any real chances of note until late in the 2nd half when Haps received the ball from Aquino and lashed a unstoppable drive past Moya. Boca rallied after the goal but twice Burgstaller wasted golden opportunities to get Boca level, failing to test Romero in the Alkmaar goal after twice receiving fine lay off's from Mehmedi. In fact Romero didn't have a shot to save all game such was the wastefulness in front of goal from Boca.
CELTA VIGO 2 CRYSTAL PALACE 3
In the game of the day Celta suffered their first defeat of the season despite having the greater possession of the ball. Arnautovic had Vigo off to the perfect start heading home from Sissoko's whipped corner. Albrighton on 21 had Palace level and what a free kick. 25 yards out he drilled a shot under the jumping wall which left Ulreich stranded, great imagination from Albrighton. Just 3 minutes after the break and Palace were ahead, Keane brought the ball out of defence and played a decent ball to Cork who noticed Ulreich off his line and struck a lovely lobbed effort past the keeper. The lead lasted just 8 minutes though, Arnautovic holding off 3 defenders to lay a ball back to Feghouli who slotted home. Vigo continued their policy of subbing their keeper but it proved fruitless this time as Cech was caught cold just 3 minutes after replacing Ulreich, a lovely free kick was whipped in wide from Albrighton and Soldado rose to head home after Cech was caught in no mans land. Palace taking a great 3 points.
CRUZEIRO 0 DNIPRO 2
Back to back wins for Dnipro here as they recorded a comfortable win over Cruzeiro. There had been little between the teams before Dnipro took the lead on 30 minutes, Freuler went on a mazy run into the Cruzeiro box before unselfishly passing to Andre who slotted home from 6 yards out. The lead was doubled on 58 minutes after a bit pin ball in the box cabral stuck out a toe to divert the ball into Latza's path who drilled a great effort past Marinato in the home goal. Dnipro had chances to make the scoreline more convincing but will be delighted with their 3 points in the bag.
AS MONACO 1 DINAMO ZAGREB 0
Monaco picked up their 2nd win of the campaign but again will be wondering just how they didn't win by a more convincing margin. Zagreb had started the better side and Fofana had tested Reina before Eysseric and Alvarez struck efforts wide in the first 15 minutes. That was as good as it got for Zagreb as Monaco took full control over matters. Gundogan had chances to grab the opening goal in the first half but was denied by Bizot before flicking a chance wide when it seemed easier to score. Alvarez took one for the team just after the break as Higuain broke clear he cynically chopped him down from behind. No need for VAR here as the ref correctly showed him the red card. Gundogan made them pay just a few minutes later with a fine free kick which he despatched into the huge gap Bizot had left him, his 4th goal of the season. Bizot made great saves from Higuain and Palomino to prevent a more damaging defeat.
PARTIZAN 0 STOKE 0
If you left early in this match, and plenty did, you missed all the action (lol) in the last 10 minutes as both teams finally realised they had a game to win. In a completely drab affair Partizan maintained their unbeaten run but were held to a 4th successive draw. The last 10 minutes saw all the action, Viviano saving well from both Femina and Guedes to preserve the unbeaten run, whilst at the other end Quagliarella and Rosales were denied by Zoet. A game neither side deserved to win and fans were just relieved to hear the FT whistle.
ATALANTA 1 ASTON VILLA 2
Atalanta lost the battle at the bottom after a lackluster performance against a team reduced to 10 men just 47 seconds in to the game. Gnagnon receiving a straight red after elbowing debutant Zubeldia, a shocking act of violence. It was obvious to Villa's tactics as just 4 minutes in and they could of been down to 9!! Halstenberg going in strong on Guerrero which incensed the home dugout. The mood in the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia didn't improve as just 10 minutes in and Son tumbled over a leg and won a soft free kick, Teodorczyk stepped up and curled into the top corner leaving Subasic grasping thin air. Lascelles again tested the patience of the ref on 19 minutes with a fierce challenge on Merino, it was clear Villa were determined to get in the face of Atalanta. On 25 minutes more frustration as Giaccherini found himself in a great position after Merino had played him through but his effort smacked the crossbar. Only 3 minutes later and finally some relief for Atalanta as Eremenko got on the end of Rodriquez knock down to drill home. Surely the 11 men would take control?? Well no we didn't and Villa had themselves 2-1 up at HT after VAR awarded a penalty after some shirt pulling from a corner, Teodorczyk sending Subasic the wrong way for his 5th of the season. The 2nd half was played out with little action on the pitch, the only thing of not happened off the field as fans protested against manager Norman Little, 'LITTLE OUT' AND 'LITTLE SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT' were the only flags we can print in this family edition review. No win in 5 for Atalanta as Villa secure their first win of the season.
Levante hit top spot with Torino and Basel following. Villa move out the relegation zone after their first win of the season. Boca and Atalanta continue their poor start to the season.
Gundogan and Kruse leading the way in MOTM awards.
Teodorczyk and Santini leading with 5 goals in 5 games.
Gundogan just behind on 4 goals.
Atalanta got their T100 cup campaign off and running and it will be no surprise to anyone when I say we lost. A much changed side were given the run around in the first half away to fellow Division 4 side and were 3-0 at HT despite Ndiaye seeing red for the home side on 34. The 2nd half was a bit of an improvement against 10 men and goals from Matheusinho and Andone give some sort of hope but the 10 men of Vigo finished the game stronger despite their numerical disadvantage. 3-2 win for Vigo and Atalanta can look forward to increased pressure from their suffering fans.
Dnipro and Basel next in the league for Atalanta sandwiching a youth cup game against Vigo. It could get worse before it gets better.
Gentle reminder to anyone reading to make sure if you are in the youth cup to fully set up your fixtures, if you are missing requests PM the manager to sort it.
Thanks for reading.
Norman
Season 8 Division 3 Stats and facts
Division 3 season 8 stats and facts. Current top 8 have 7/8 best attacking lines in D3 enough said or is there and alternative.
Well yes!. The top 5 are also 5 out of the 7 highest ranked teams and the top 8 only has only one side ranked lower than 9 and nothing less than 11th.
Andelecht sit a cut above the rest statistically. Strong at the back strong in defence , good midfield.
Southampton have a similar squad but with a little more depth and must look to make a long term challenge as injuries could hit home to Anderlecht. Liege have a powerful midfield and sit 3rd at the moment. CSKA also have a squad with few weaknesses at D3 level. Hellas in 4th also use the midfield to strangle other teams . You will need 220 to survive in D2 so the current top 8 must be the favourites for promotion, others have work to , as if promoted they will surely get relegated the next season.
Last season the top 3 sides all had a rating above 220 so that seems to be the cut off.
I haven't forgotten the current worthy leaders ST Etienne, shows what a potent attack can achieve, no other real strength , they are a one trick team, bnt if that trick works why not?
In addition Dynamo Kiev possible relegation bound have also got off to a good start.
As for relegation in general you are looking at 217 - 218.6 level , that means there are a broad range of teams at threat of the drop.
At least at the moment it looks like a long season for Chievo, PSV and Lyon have the strength to pull themselves away, this will also drop Fenerbarche and Shaktar into the lower reaches.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | ||
| RSC Anderlecht | 89.0 | 89.3 | 90.5 | 91.5 | 86.0 | 89.3 | 224.28 | |
| Southampton | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.8 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.0 | 222.82 | |
| Standard Liège | 89.0 | 87.8 | 90.0 | 90.5 | 87.0 | 88.9 | 222.15 | |
| CSKA Moskva | 89.0 | 88.3 | 89.3 | 89.5 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 221.30 | |
| Hellas Verona | 89.0 | 87.3 | 90.3 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.5 | 220.97 | |
| Hamburg | 89.0 | 89.0 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.3 | 220.65 | |
| Sampdoria | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.9 | 220.41 | |
| Leicester City | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.9 | 219.93 | |
| PSV | 88.0 | 87.8 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.9 | 219.93 | |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 218.97 | |
| Sunderland | 89.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.8 | 218.73 | |
| AS Saint-Etienne | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.3 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 87.5 | 218.66 | |
| São Paulo FC | 88.0 | 87.8 | 87.3 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.61 | |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 89.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.7 | 218.60 | |
| Fenerbahçe SK | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.5 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 218.21 | |
| Lokomotiv Moskva | 89.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 87.6 | 218.08 | |
| Dynamo Kyiv | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 86.5 | 86.0 | 87.1 | 217.79 | |
| Spartak Moskva | 87.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 87.0 | 217.72 | |
| Athletic Club | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 86.9 | 217.32 | |
| Chievo Verona | 87.0 | 86.0 | 88.5 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 86.8 | 217.12 |
Daily Hamburger: Winning De Ligt
Basking in the glow of a long overdue first league win of the season, The Daily Hamburger is back to shed new light on old news…
- Sunday's win in Bilbao
- Bayern Bother?
- Old UI vs New UI
- The Best Midfielder in Serie B
Three Points in the San Mames
Hamburg recorded their first win of the season, at the fifth time of asking, with a comfortable 2-1 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Abel Hernandez scored after two minutes, justifying his selection ahead of Mathieu Valbuena, and Man of the Match Artiz Aduriz made up for his 14th minute penalty miss with what proved to be the winner from substitute Valbuena's precision pass.
In truth, it could have been 5-0 after half an hour, such was der Dino's superiority.
De Ligt at the End of the Tunnel
Last week we proudly announced the loan signing of Bayern Munich starlet Enes Unal for our upcoming Youth Cup campaign.
Young Enes responded so well to training with a proper manager that he was going to be on the bench for the Athletic match.
But Bavarian spies reported back to Bayern boss ruts, who soon put a stop to that, claiming that he made a mistake and wanted Unal for his own Youth Cup challenge, after all.
'To be fair to ruts, he did offer Dominic Solanke in exchange, but with Vinicius Junior, joining Antonio Vutov and Richario Zivkovic in attack, I felt we needed a better balance for the side,' droned der Dino coach Marsden.
'I'm a bit worried about ruts.
He announced he would step down at the start of the season, and the players are playing like they know it.
He got drunk before the game on Saturday and forgot what team he picked.
Then, he's moaning this morning about only having ten of the world's best players, when last week he had ten of the world's best players!'
The week culminated with the stunning acquisition of teenage centre back Mattijs de Ligt from Arsenal.
'To be fair to ruts, he did offer Dominic Solanke in exchange, but with Vinicius Junior, joining Antonio Vutov and Richario Zivkovic in attack, I felt we needed a better balance for the side,' droned der Dino coach Marsden.
'I'm a bit worried about ruts.
He announced he would step down at the start of the season, and the players are playing like they know it.
He got drunk before the game on Saturday and forgot what team he picked.
Then, he's moaning this morning about only having ten of the world's best players, when last week he had ten of the world's best players!'
The week culminated with the stunning acquisition of teenage centre back Mattijs de Ligt from Arsenal.
Young de Ligt is likely to feature in League and Cup games with the first team squad, as well as the Youth Cup.
Out With the Old
Talking of teenagers, Manager Marsden made a schoolboy error last week.
Sick of the intrusive, stupid and unwanted attention of SM's new 'improved' page-swallowing privacy notice, and slow unresponsive new UI, he switched back to using the old UI.
Put a bid in like everyone else for Portuguese starlet Ramario Baro, went to make a cup of milky tea, and sat back flicking through some of his favourite magazines, waiting for his bid to be accepted, and the lottery of the actual signing to be completed.
He even went to the trouble of off-loading the best midfielder in Serie B, just in case.
Then, Bam! It hit him. The old UI free agent maximum transfer bug!
Gaston Brugman
It was with great sadness that Hamburg had to say goodbye to the Best Midfielder in Serie B at the weekend.
We wish Gaston all the best and hope that he can find a new club in Top 100, soon, as we are sure he has a great future, and potential to improve.
Division 2 Season 8 stats and facts
Division 2 season 8 stats and facts.
2 Italian teams lead the pack and 2 more are set to be relegated.
Official health warning.
This is a purely statistical analysis of the teams in division 2. While I may add a comment or two to make a good read, this in no way reflects on the managerial or squad building ability of any manager.
AC Milan are a point and a half above any other team, they could easily finish mid table in division 1. They have a higher rating than any promoted D2 or relegated D1 team last season. Should be a walk in the park or would be if it were not for Genoa.
Genoa with Salah and Firmino a little weaker at the back than AC but much stronger up top. These must be the top 2 .
A rating of around 223 will be needed to survive D1 so any team from Valencia up could challenge for promotion , Ajax with their strong keeper could be favourites , while Moenchengladbach who lack depth could disappoint, with Benfica also needing to reinforce between the sticks.
Zenit could be a great cup side , with their keeper backing up the capable reserve team.
With the exception of Southampton the relegated teams had a rating of 220 or less. The relegation scrap this year should be more intense with 6 or more teams at real risk of the drop.
Celtic currently well over performing must be the favourites. Little back up , weak keeper at the moment, most teams will fancy their chances, although some could risk a weakened side which would be a mistake.
Two of my old sides sit statistically in the lower 4 , both managers have a big job to do with Sporting looking especially vunerable, although they have got off to fair starts.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Epr | ||
| AC Milan | 89.0 | 91.5 | 91.8 | 92.5 | 87.0 | 90.4 | 227.85 | 1 | |
| Genoa CFC | 89.0 | 89.0 | 92.0 | 93.0 | 87.0 | 90.0 | 226.37 | 2 | |
| Atlético Madrid | 89.0 | 90.0 | 90.5 | 90.5 | 88.0 | 89.6 | 224.47 | 3 | |
| Ajax | 90.0 | 89.8 | 90.5 | 90.5 | 87.0 | 89.6 | 224.27 | 4 | |
| Wolfsburg | 89.0 | 90.3 | 90.5 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.4 | 224.22 | 5 | |
| Monchengladbach | 90.0 | 89.5 | 90.5 | 90.5 | 86.0 | 89.3 | 223.95 | 6 | |
| SL Benfica | 87.0 | 89.8 | 90.0 | 90.5 | 87.0 | 88.9 | 223.51 | 7 | |
| Valencia CF | 89.0 | 89.8 | 89.3 | 90.5 | 87.0 | 89.1 | 223.15 | 8 | |
| Villarreal CF | 88.0 | 89.5 | 90.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 88.4 | 222.01 | 9 | |
| H. Berlin | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.3 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 221.90 | 10 | |
| Sassuolo | 88.0 | 89.3 | 88.5 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 221.70 | 11 | |
| Hoffenheim | 88.0 | 88.5 | 90.0 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 88.1 | 220.88 | 12 | |
| Newcastle United | 88.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.3 | 220.85 | 13 | |
| SS Lazio | 89.0 | 87.8 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.1 | 220.05 | 14 | |
| Celtic | 85.0 | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.5 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 219.98 | 15 | |
| Zenit Saint Petersburg | 91.0 | 88.5 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 219.96 | 16 | |
| ACF Fiorentina | 88.0 | 87.3 | 89.3 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 87.6 | 219.49 | 17 | |
| Internazionale | 89.0 | 87.3 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.0 | 219.45 | 18 | |
| Sporting CP | 87.0 | 87.0 | 89.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.5 | 219.09 | 19 | |
| Galatasaray SK | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.5 | 218.48 | 20 |
Division 4, Round 4 Review
Division 4 Round 4 Review
Hey Guys, welcome to the latest rumblings of going on's in Division 4.
Before I get cracking just a few comments on the World Cup, It's been a strange tournament so far. Goals in every game but I feel the last few days of action has been hard viewing. I enjoyed last nights Serbia/Switzerland game and The 2nd half of Argentina's calamitous game against Croatia but in general the 2nd round of games have been poor imo. VAR is proving to be controversial to say the least, some good decisions have been made, but the ones missed have left many people wondering about the uses of it. Last night Mitrovic was wrestled to the ground by 2 defenders yet VAR wasn't even considered, much the same as the ones in the England game. The old Ronaldo/Messi debate rearing it's head again,both are unbelievable players, Ronaldo clearly in this tournament has carried Portugal better than Messi's attempts at the same which mirrors the 2014 world cup when it was role reversal, Messi taking Argentina to the final whilst Portugal went out in the group stages. For me I still prefer Messi to Ronaldo in terms of individual ability.
Anyway back to the reason for the post and Division 4's latest round of games.
DNIPRO 3 ESPANYOL 1
Defeat for the first time for Lee Reynolds at Espanyol as Dnipro secured a fine win. Falque was the star for the home side helping himself to a brace. The first coming on 10 minutes Latza swinging in a deep free kick which was hammered home by Falque giving Handanovic little chance. The two players again combined for Dnipro's second, Latza again putting an inch perfect ball on the money for Falque to drill home. 2-0 lead for Dnipro at HT and Espanyol were in trouble. Lee obviously got into his side a bit at HT as they came out firing and within 8 minutes of the restart they had one back, Alcacer played through by Pizzi and he rounded Ghore in goal to roll the ball into the empty net. However the task became a whole lot harder just a few minutes later when Ndombele lunged into Falque and was given a straight red. Lapadula almost got them level on 61 minutes but his snap shot clipped the outside of the post. That was as good as it got and on 89 Dnipro wrapped up the points when MOTM Latza got the goal of the game when he curled a delicious free kick around the wall and into the top corner. A great first win of the season for Son of Pluto.
LEVANTE 2 ATALANTA 0
Dario Saviano's Levante gained their 3rd win on the bounce at home to a dispirited Atalanta side. Just 8 minutes were on the clock when Fred whipped in a glorious free kick into the area and Milik found the top corner to give the Spanish side the lead. Atalanta briefly battled and twice before HT they had clipped the woodwork, first through Nani and then Guerrero. The second half was drifting away and devoid of any real action until Guarin swiped down Fred from behind, a cynical challenge and a straight red followed. Fred immediately made him pay as just a minute later he had scored the game settling 2nd goal, Milik laying a ball back for him to calmly side foot home past Subasic who despite getting a hand to it couldn't keep it out. 4 without a win for Atalanta now who are surely destined for another relegation battle.
AZ ALKMAAR 1 CELTA VIGO 1
Celta Vigo dropped to 3rd after this point away to Alkmaar but maintain their fine unbeaten start to the season. Raul Navas scored a goal of the season contender to get Alkmaar up and running, receiving the ball from Acuna their seemed little danger to vigo's goal, however he strode forward and unleashed an absolute rocket from 35 yards straight into the net leaving Ulreich with no chance. A minute after the break and Vigo were level however, Feghouli crossing into the box and Arnautovic nonchalantly flicking the ball with the outside of his boot past Romero. Smolov was unlucky not to give Alkmaar all 3 points when attempting a carbon copy of Arnautovic's goal on 67 minutes,however his flick smacked the post and bounced clear. In the end a point shared.
TORINO 1 PARTIZAN 1
Another unbeaten side Torino were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Partizan. The home side started the game well and had already give notice of their intentions before Valeri had them ahead on 10 minutes, Valeri receiving a fine return ball from De Arrascaeta and drilling home from 12 yards into the bottom corner. It was one way traffic and Partizan were left with little option to try and break up play, picking up 3 yellows in a desperate attempt to stem the attacks. Mark Gardiner was happy to get to HT and give his side a chance to find their focus and second half was an improvement. Zieler saving well from Chiesa and Quagliarella. However with just 10 minutes left he was finally beaten, Rosales released Quagliarella and he thundered a shot past the despairing dive of Zieler. A definite tale of two halfs here.
ASTON VILLA 0 CRUZEIRO 1
Cruzeiro continue to defy pre season predictions, and their promising start continued at Villa Park. A stereotypical smash and grab away performance here. It was unlucky 13 for villa as Masuaku give away a needless penalty, sticking out a leg for Silva to topple over. Silva picked himself up and smashed the pen straight down the middle and into the roof of the net. Villa looked stunned and struggled to impose themselves against the well drilled Brazilians. A half time gee up from Nick Justice provided an improved performance and it was a backs to the wall effort for Cruzeiro. The problem for the home side is all their best chances fell to the wrong men, Lascelles(x2), Gnagnon, Semedo and Pepe all had good chances which they failed to put away. A worrying start for Villa who remain without a win.
BASEL 2 OLYMPIAKOS 0
Basel got their first win since the opening day with a comfortable win against Olympiakos, Goals in either half sealed the win. Olympiakos goalkeeper Mandanda twice in the first 4 minutes saved well from Jorgensen and Enrich as Basel set their sites on a fast start. Aspas finally got the goal they deserved in the 34th minute, Arbilla dinked a ball over the greek defence and Aspas hit a sweet left foot volley giving Mandanda no chance this time. Carlos Tevez did his best to get Olympiakos back into the game but was left frustrated, 3 times in 20 second half minutes he found himself in good positions to level the scores but couldn't find the right connection to beat Sirigu. The one time he did the post came to the rescue of Basel. Kalou wrapped up the win with 6 minutes left, Subotic sending a 60 yard crossfield ball which kalou controlled and beat his man before firing past the keeper from a good 20 yards.
DINAMO ZAGREB 1 MARSEILLE 0
Marseille were left frustrated again and are now 274 minutes without a goal after firing another blank in Croatia. In a match they enjoyed the better possession they found Bizot in fine form in the home goal. Zagreb grabbed the only goal of the game just before the break. Maxi Gomez had seen a couple of efforts fly wide before he finally found the back of the net, Mandi played a great defense splitting ball which left Gomez free one on one with the keeper, he took a touch to compose himself before slotting past Fernandez. Second half was a end to end affair with both sides missing clear cut chances. Zagreb up to 7th after this win.
CRYSTAL PALACE 1 SWANSEA 2
Swansea are up to 8th after a fantastic come from behind win against Palace. The first half was drab affair until the 38th minute when Soldado got on the end of a teasing Andros Townsend cross, a quality ball despatched with a quality finish. Cresswell and Soldado had further chances to extend Palace's lead before the break and they were ultimately left to rue those misses. Just 3 minutes into the second half and Swansea were level, Adriano linking up with Seferovic and slotting home past Pope. Linetty then tested Pope as Swansea fancied their chances. Seferovic then grabbed the winner on 74, Jimenez played a lovely ball through to him and he finished well off the post for the winner. 2nd home defeat of the season for Mark Deadman as Joe Jordan's side pick up their first away win.
BOCA JUNIORS 0 STOKE 1
Stoke piled on the pressure for Golden Bear in Argentina with a narrow 1-0 win. Bou got the only goal of the game mid way through the first half, picking up a great pass off Guedes to beat Moya in the home goal. It was an entertaining first half with both sides creating chances. The second half was a different game entirely, Boca just never created a chance of note and Stoke missing 3 golden opportunities to seal the game, or Castillejo missing 3 chances to be precise. However Stoke were never in danger of giving up the points and return to England with their first win of the season. Big test of character for Boca now, firmly rooted to the bottom of the table.
COLOGNE 2 AS MONACO 4
It has been coming and Monaco finally found their goalscoring touch here in Germany. However they were fortunate to leave with all 3 points as Cologne were more than deserving of at least 1. Cologne were 1 up in just 6 minutes, Santini was played in by Juardo who found the bottom corner despite Reina getting a hand to it. All the goal did was get Monaco fired up. Mustafi had them level after 15 minutes, striding out of defense and playing a lovely one two with Sarabia he found the top corner from 20 yards. Just 5 minutes later it was 2-1 to Monaco, Sarabia again the provider and Palomino scored with a delightful lobbed finish past Azzizabalaga. The onslaught from Monaco continued and it was no surprise that the 3rd come before the break, Higuain did all the dirty work before squaring the ball for Benzema to tap into the empty net. 3-1 at the break. Twice in the 2nd half Reina denied Everton before he was beaten by Grillitsch on 72 minutes, left flat footed by the quick snap shot. 60 seconds later and Monaco had their 2 goal lead back and what a beauty of a free kick from Gundogan for his 3rd of the campaign. He drilled it through the wall and give Azzizabalaga no chance. A cruel defeat for Cologne but Monaco's extra quality finishing was the difference.
 |
| LEAGUE TABLE AFTER ROUND 4 |
 |
| TOP GOALSCORER TABLE |
Some good looking fixtures on sunday, Espanyol host Basel looking to hold on to top spot whilst Atalanta and Aston Villa do battle at the bottom.
Thanks for reading. Next update will be Tues/Wed.
Norman
Daily Hamburger: Winless and Wheels Off!
A quick drive-thru:
- Hamburg's 1-1 draw with Spartak last night
- Look ahead to Sunday
- Lyon's ice cream van loses its Wheels
Hamburg 1 -1 Spartak Moskva
 |
| Hamburg's line-up |
Hamburg reverted to 4-3-3 last night, as promised, but it was a slightly different and more compact shape than that formation which got a creditable draw with Anderlecht in the season opener, and then battered Sao Paulo, but couldn't find a winner.
 |
| Spartak's team |
It was only the introduction of Vargas and Hernandez for Khazri and Valbuena on the hour, and a shift to genuine wing play that changed the game in der Dino's favour.
Hernandez duly laid on the pass for Aduriz to score his first league goal for the club, and save a point.
Bilbao on Sunday
 |
| Athletic's likely starting eleven? |
Three draws and one defeat from the first four league games, and a place in the bottom four, is not what anyone around the club wanted.
On the positive side, we look hard to beat, and the goals will surely come to get some wins before too long.
Athletic Club are next, another team with an unbeaten pre-season, followed by mixed results in the league - one win, two draws and a defeat puts them tenth in the Division Three table.
Playing against five at the back, Hamburg can expect to find themselves with a lot of the ball on Sunday.
Can they find a way to break down a stubborn defence, and not get caught on the break?
Wheels' Off at Lyon
The first managerial casualty of the season is ex-Sao Paulo boss Nick Wheels.
With his new team of gelatinous geriatrics propping up the rest of Division Three, Nick felt that the honourable thing to do was to stop offering free ice creams to youngsters to come and play with his "old men".
On a more serious note, Nick was probably one of the more under-rated managers in Top 100. Yesterday I named a few of what the statistics show are the best managed clubs - clubs which improve season after season.
I would have included Sao Paulo in that list if Nick had still been there, as he is responsible for quiet and steady improvement, from Division Five to a high of ninth in Division Three, and three promotions in seven seasons.
The Spoon Army are said to be holding a vigil for the revered ex-boss and guiding light, and the whole Top 100 community wishes Wheels well in his recovery from visiting France.
Daily Hamburger: Post-Pre-Season Depression
Today’s menu:
- Preview of tonight's home game
- Ratings changes
- Best managed club
- Favourites to go down
Spartak Moskva
Hamburg are looking to get their first win of the season tonight at home to Spartak Moskva.
After and unbeaten pre-season, Spartak got off to a flyer with a 2-0 victory at Dynamo Kyiv. Two home defeats to Saint-Etienne and Hellas Verona have rather punctured their balloon, and they must be travelling to northern Germany for tonight's match feeling more than a little deflated.
Red Shorts gaffer Marsden had this to say at this morning's pre-match press conference:
'We had a good pre-season, playing a new 4-3-3 formation, but it all fell apart as soon as points were at stake. I'm going to do an analysis of pre-season games to settle the debate once and for all.
'I used to think they don't mean anything, but now I'm thinking they mean the opposite of what you might think they should mean. If you know what I mean?
 |
| Marsden prepares to post his team selection, with a 50p piece sellotaped to the back, to Gore HQ |
'Team news: Seamus Coleman's out, of course. Can I defend what he did to Gomis last Sunday? Let's just say, he was going for a ball.
'Anyway, Lassie will come in at right back. Robbie and Artie will come back in for Ramsie and Cainie.
'Cainie?
'Cain and Abel.
'Abel Hernandez.
'It's in the Bible.
'No, I don't read the Bible.
'Do you?
'Maybe you should?
'I'm disappointed with the start, just like you all are.
'Apart from last time out, when we were awful, we've been good in the first two games.
'Anderlecht are obviously a very strong side under the best manager in Top 100.
'Against Sao Paulo, we just couldn't stick our chances away. Hopefully, that will change tonight.'
Ratings Changes
'Obviously, I disagree them. Full stop.
'No way Aduriz should have gone down. But so did Kalanic. So we're no worse off.
'Yes, I know he's old enough to be Kalanic's granddad.
'Yes, Ekambi went up, but have you seen him play? I know I haven't!
'Same with Pereyra. He's miles better than Doucoure, yet they are rated the same? It's bollocks.
'Of course, they're different players.
'Mangala stayed the same, right? I should have listened to Andre [Guerra, Porto manager]!
'Best managed club is Celtic.
'Closely followed by Dynamo Kyiv.
'Chievo Verona. Very well managed. Sassuolo, too.
'Genoa, obviously. And Hertha, Villarreal, Espanyol, Juve. Internacional, of course. Standard Liege. Wolfsburg. Werder Bremen. Ajax. Hamburg.
'I'd say there are a few teams doing really well.
'But no one is better managed than Celtic.
'They are the only team who have improved their position in Top 100 every season.'
'But in terms of personnel, it's hard to look past Juve. I mean, they have just loaned out most of their youth squad.
'DP's analysis of his boys is faultless, really.'
'No way Aduriz should have gone down. But so did Kalanic. So we're no worse off.
'Yes, I know he's old enough to be Kalanic's granddad.
'Yes, Ekambi went up, but have you seen him play? I know I haven't!
'Same with Pereyra. He's miles better than Doucoure, yet they are rated the same? It's bollocks.
'Of course, they're different players.
'Mangala stayed the same, right? I should have listened to Andre [Guerra, Porto manager]!
Best Managed Club
'Best managed club is Celtic.
'Closely followed by Dynamo Kyiv.
'Chievo Verona. Very well managed. Sassuolo, too.
'Genoa, obviously. And Hertha, Villarreal, Espanyol, Juve. Internacional, of course. Standard Liege. Wolfsburg. Werder Bremen. Ajax. Hamburg.
'I'd say there are a few teams doing really well.
'But no one is better managed than Celtic.
'They are the only team who have improved their position in Top 100 every season.'
'But in terms of personnel, it's hard to look past Juve. I mean, they have just loaned out most of their youth squad.
'DP's analysis of his boys is faultless, really.'
Favourites To Go Down
'Alex is obviously a bit touchy, and so he should be after the start they've had.
'Eight goals conceded in two home games?
'It's a shame, as they had made lots of progress under Alex last season. Best ever finish.'
Season 8 Division 1 stats and facts
Top 3 closer than previous years, Everton off to a great start.
It's always hard to bet against any team that can put out an average of 95 in attack and no main stat less than 93. So let's look at the weakness of the top few sides.
Barcelona the one weakness is depth, they could realistically be fielding 87/86 rated players if they pick up a couple of injuries.
Bayern while still incredibly strong have a slight vunerability at the back if others choose to exploit it.
Chelsea are the most balanced side but also , just the weakest is midfield so could possesion be a problem.
Juve have the best depth but the poorest attack and defence of the top 4
Tottenham will struggle with the weak keeper they now have following the demise of Hart , others to look out for are Arsenal , will a one man band be enough .
Everton who should be in the relegation zone are currently up with the big boys.
Hard to see a way that Sevilla or Internacional will survive this year. Sevilla are the most vunerable at the back, and won't get the possesion needed to feed the forwards. Internacional ,while better at the back and up front seriously lack the depth to make any more progress. Man City really haven't made much progress statistically lately and they have to be amongst the favourites to go down , where as promoted Leverkeusen should be comfortable enough to stay up.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | ||
| Barcelona | 95.0 | 93.3 | 94.5 | 97.5 | 86.0 | 93.3 | 235.30 | |
| Bayern | 92.0 | 93.0 | 94.5 | 96.0 | 87.0 | 92.5 | 233.88 | |
| Chelsea | 93.0 | 93.3 | 93.0 | 95.5 | 87.0 | 92.4 | 232.68 | |
| Juventus | 94.0 | 91.8 | 93.5 | 92.5 | 90.0 | 92.4 | 230.41 | |
| Arsenal | 91.0 | 91.3 | 91.3 | 96.0 | 88.0 | 91.5 | 229.88 | |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 88.0 | 91.5 | 93.0 | 93.0 | 86.0 | 90.3 | 228.93 | |
| Real Madrid | 93.0 | 91.5 | 92.0 | 92.5 | 87.0 | 91.2 | 228.53 | |
| Manchester United | 89.0 | 91.3 | 92.5 | 92.0 | 87.0 | 90.4 | 227.92 | |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 95.0 | 91.0 | 90.5 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 90.9 | 226.19 | |
| AS Roma | 92.0 | 89.5 | 92.3 | 90.5 | 86.0 | 90.1 | 225.59 | |
| Leverkusen | 91.0 | 89.5 | 90.5 | 92.5 | 83.0 | 89.3 | 225.01 | |
| FC Porto | 91.0 | 90.8 | 90.5 | 90.0 | 88.0 | 90.1 | 224.98 | |
| Dortmund | 92.0 | 91.3 | 90.3 | 89.5 | 86.0 | 89.8 | 224.74 | |
| Liverpool | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 91.3 | 86.0 | 89.5 | 224.43 | |
| SSC Napoli | 90.0 | 90.3 | 90.5 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.6 | 224.34 | |
| Schalke | 89.0 | 89.5 | 90.3 | 89.5 | 87.0 | 89.1 | 223.10 | |
| Everton | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.5 | 90.5 | 87.0 | 89.1 | 222.95 | |
| Manchester City | 90.0 | 90.8 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 89.2 | 222.89 | |
| SC Internacional | 92.0 | 89.3 | 89.3 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 89.1 | 222.54 | |
| Sevilla | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.3 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.3 | 221.53 |
Daily Hamburger: Porro, Por Favor!
Today’s news from the home of Nigel Farage…
- Transfer scoop
- Young 'too old'
- Youth Cup
Done Deal!
Hamburg boss Marsden was delighted to sign young Girona winger Pedro Porro, despite facing stiff competition from Juventus for his signature.
'Porro was about to sign a contract with us, literally had the pen in his hand, when in walks Old Lady boss DP!
'I couldn't believe it.
'We all know how DP can't keep his hands off young European boys for his "academy".
'Anyway, he put his "offer" on the table, and poor Porro didn't know what to do.
'He very politely said he would "think" about it.
'Anyway, he's ours, now!'
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js⚽ | GOOOOOOOLAZOOOO de @Pedroporro11!!! El juvenil sorprende al portero desde el mediocampo! 0-2 72' #2BG3 #SomPeralada 💚💪 pic.twitter.com/gYpkuW3DSq— Etern Girona (@eterngirona) May 6, 2018
Gone Deal!
After yesterday claiming a deal was on the cards for Palace flanker Ashley Young, HSV fans were disappointed to see the aging lothario sign for Southampton instead.
'At the end of the day, we just felt we couldn't match what Saints offered,' opined Marsden.
'He's a special player, but he's not getting any younger, is he?
'We felt Palace wanted a touch too much, much too young.
'But fair play to Mark Deadman. He got what he wanted.'
Youth Cup
'We're delighted to be back in the Youth Cup where we rightly belong,' said Marsden. 'We felt hard done by getting banned from last season's competition, all for signing young Christian, for Fruchtl's sake!
'I think Frank and DP were worried they were going to have to win some games.
'This season we've brought in a few players on loan.
'We're particularly happy to have one of the best young keepers around in Andriy Lunin joining us from Atletico Madrid.
'We've also brought in Enes Unal, who scored four goals for Bayern last time, and Vinicius Junior from Partizan.
'Thanks to Doug, ruts and Mark!'
Daily* Hamburger**
All the latest news, rumours and gossip coming out of HSV right into your favourite blog.
Today…
- Ashley Young
- Juan Sanchez Mino
- Left backs
- England
Hamburg are in the running to sign veteran Crystal Palace and England wide man Ashley Young.
Boss Marsden said, 'We came very close to signing Ashley last week, it was only Mark[ Deadman, Palace manager]'s scouting trip to Outer Mongolia that prevented it.
'By the time Mark found a phone signal, he reckoned Youngy had "improved" overnight, and was now worth considerably more.
'Now he wants someone "younger". Anyway, our offer is in, as are those from Rubin, Levante and Leicester.
'None of which have the Reeperbahn. I think Youngy would like the Reeperbahn.'
Juan Sanchez Mino
Hamburg completed the signing this morning of Argentine left-sided player Juan Sanchez Mino from Lanus.
Heading the other way will be defender Papy Djilobdji and Panamanian starlet Ismael Diaz.
'Papy has done well for us whenever called upon,' said Marsden.
'I didn't really want to let him go, and I could say the same for young Ismael, who has bags of potential for the future.'
'But we needed to create some room in the squad as a whole. And Juan offers us at least decent prospect of cover at left back in the future.'
Left backs
'Lots of managers have been complaining recently, again, about how difficult it is to sign full-backs, and left-backs in particular,' the Hamburg gaffer commented.
'Having been through countless left-backs - Rui, Emerson, Santos, Monreal, Laxalt, to name a few - I can assure my erstwhile colleagues that it's not that difficult.'
'Same old England, almost, wasn't it?' said Marsden after last night's win opening World Cup win against Tunisia.
'We we all rooting for our own Wabhi Khazri, obviously, and our former players Sliti and Skhiri.
'England were going to win the World Cup for ten minutes, weren't they? They should have had the game wrapped up, but all those missed chances!
'You could see the confidence draining out of the players after Tunisia equalised, and as the second half wore on. Where have we seen that before? Then it looked like panic stations towards the end, with Maguire playing on the left wing, Stones as a midfield playmaker, Walker as a libero. Barmy!
'Still, we got there in the end, which is all that matters. Bring on Panama!'
* Probably not
** Not recommended
'Having been through countless left-backs - Rui, Emerson, Santos, Monreal, Laxalt, to name a few - I can assure my erstwhile colleagues that it's not that difficult.'
England
'Same old England, almost, wasn't it?' said Marsden after last night's win opening World Cup win against Tunisia.
'We we all rooting for our own Wabhi Khazri, obviously, and our former players Sliti and Skhiri.
'England were going to win the World Cup for ten minutes, weren't they? They should have had the game wrapped up, but all those missed chances!
'You could see the confidence draining out of the players after Tunisia equalised, and as the second half wore on. Where have we seen that before? Then it looked like panic stations towards the end, with Maguire playing on the left wing, Stones as a midfield playmaker, Walker as a libero. Barmy!
'Still, we got there in the end, which is all that matters. Bring on Panama!'
* Probably not
** Not recommended
Division 4, Round 3 Review
DIVISION 4 ROUND 3 REVIEW
Well it happened, England won the world cup last night with a 2-1 win over Tunisia. Goals from Harry Kane ensuring that the world cup is indeed "coming home". All jokes aside they played well in the first half and should of been at least 3 up before Kyle Walker give away the penalty. The ref/var certainly didn't help England out and they should of had 2 pens after wwe moves on Harry Kane from corners. Second half was a bit meh, lots of sideways passing lacking the intensity of the first half but the winner came to ensure the nation could get carried away. 
Another round of games completed in T100 and only 1 team are left with a 100% record whereas 6 teams are still awaiting their first 3 point haul of the season. So on to the games we go...
ESPANYOL 2 ASTON VILLA 0
Espanyol are leading the way in Division 4 and have the leagues only perfect record but that doesn't tell the full story here. For long periods Aston Villa were the better side and created more chances, but in this game you have to capitalize or you will be left with nowt and that's exactly what Villa have to cope with. Son almost put Espanyol ahead on 30 minutes with a fine angled drive which Handanovic did superbly well to palm away to safety and Villa were made to pay as Espanyol broke on the counter and Arias played in Teixeira to put the Spanish side 1-0 ahead, his 3rd goal in successive games. Lima added the 2nd just after the break with a terrific free kick which left Strakosha with no chance. Villa once more created chances after this and can count themselves unlucky not to take anything from the game. Teixeira has been the star for Lee Reynolds so far, 3 goals in successive matches and he collected his 2nd motm award here as well.
CELTA VIGO 1 BOCA JUNIORS 1
These sides came in to the game in contrasting form, Celta winning both their opening games whereas Boca had lost both theirs so it was a surprise to all when Boca took the lead in this game on 20 minutes, a fine goal from Meite after Schurrle laid the ball into his path and he didn't hold back smashing the ball into the top corner. Boca almost got to ht with the lead intact but Vigo grabbed an equaliser just before the break, free kick out wide on the left was delivered into the box by Sissoko and Feghouli nipped past his marker to glance a finish past Moya to level the game. The second half was a non event with Boca having perhaps the better opportunities, with most of Celta Vigo's efforts from distance and not testing the keeper enough. A point apiece.
STOKE 2 TORINO 2
A ding dong battle in the potteries here as Stoke and Torino shared 4 goals. Knoche got the home side off to a perfect start just 4 minutes in after picking up the ball from Castillejo he broke into the box and curled a shot towards the far post, Zieler got a touch to it but was unable to keep it out. Valeri got the Italians back level on 25 minutes, Souza lofting a ball over the static Stoke defense and Valeri waited for Zoet to commit himself before slotting home. Chances came and went for both sides either side of half time. Stoke pushed hard to regain the lead and were rewarded when Kondogbia swung in a corner on 65 minutes and Goulart rose between 2 Torino defenders and smashed an unstoppable header home. Torino were almost level instantly but Extebarria smashed against the frame of the goal from Negredo's deep free kick. However they didn't have long to wait and they were level on 73 minutes and the goalscorer Valeri turned provider for Alessandrini to finish off a flowing move, driving the ball low and hard into the bottom corner leaving Zieler again helpless. Desmond at the Brittannia.
CRUZEIRO 0 LEVANTE 1
Levante made it back to back wins with a great victory away in Brazil. The only goal of the game coming midway through the first half following a set piece goal right off the training pitch. A corner was played back to Milik after 3 players had fooled the Cruzeiro defenders with dummy runs and he was left in acres of space to calmly slot home. Controversy followed just before the half hour when Cruzeiro thought they had levelled, Cigerci thought he had beat the offside trap and slotted home a through ball from Cristoforo but his celebrations were sharply halted. Replays show he was just played on by Ismaily though and Mr Ipswich was sent to the stands for his protests. Without their Manager on the touchline Cruzeiro struggled to find a way back into the match and didn't test Koubek at all in the Levante goal. On the other hand Marinato saved this result from being a far deal worse for the home side.
PARTIZAN 1 BASEL 1
Partizan maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard earned point against Dr. Martinez's well drilled outfit. In a poor first half the only action seen was the 3 yellow cards dished out by the referee with Enrich perhaps lucky his card was only yellow after a late challenge on Fejsa. The second half was a slight improvement with both sides having chances, Enrich twice testing Viviano in the home goal and Bruma and Inui both denied by Sirigu. However Sirigu was left to blame for Partizan taking the lead as Kruse spotted him out of position from a free kick and beat him before he had a chance to reposition himself from all of 35 yards, a great piece of quick thinking. Aspas got a late leveller for Basel with a picture book finish into the top corner after great work from Kalou and a point was a fair result here.
SWANSEA 0 AZ ALKMAAR 1
Az Alkmaar moved up to 6th with a narrow win in wales against Swansea. Janssen was the scorer of the only goal on just 7 minutes Lifting a fine free kick over the wall and into the top corner from the left hand side of the box leaving Marchesin grasping thin air. That was the only shot mustered on target by Alkmaar as their defence stepped up to protect the 3 points. Romero walking off with the man of the match award after a fine display of goalkeeping topped off with an unbelievable penalty save just past the hour point, Linetty going for power over placement but Romero was equal to it, saving with his feet and then nabbing the rebound effort as well. After 2 draws to start the season it was the first victory for Warren Livesey's side who maintain their unbeaten start.
OLYMPIAKOS 2 DNIPRO 1
Both sides came into the game looking for their first win of the season and it was Dale Bowers who was celebrating at the full time whistle thanks to a brace from Mexican Carlos Vela either side of half time. In the last action of the first half Vela got on the end of Tevez's teasing free kick to prod past Grohe for his first goal of the season. Falque almost had the away side level right after the restart, cleverly dinking home Freuler's through ball but he was correctly judged just offside. After getting his first of the season Vela only had 8 minutes to wait for his second, Thomasson linking up with him and Vela found the top corner despite the best efforts of Grohe in goal. Dnipro weathered the staorm after the second goal and give themselves a late lifeline on 82 minutes, Freuler getting the finest of touches to Falque's drivin cross-shot. However Olympiakos held firm and deservedly took the 3 points here.
AS MONACO 1 CRYSTAL PALACE 2
A familiar story is emerging at Monaco as again in a match they dominated they failed to win, a second home defeat in a row putting the favourites for promotion under fierce pressure from their demanding fans. Lanzini was the star for Palace with a goal and an assist to give Mark Deadman his first win as Palace manager. Monaco had already tested Pope twice early on before King give Palace a shock lead, Lanzini going on a mazy run leaving Monaco defenders in his trail before squaring to the unmarked King who dinked the ball over the despairing dive of Reina. That combination of Lanzini and King were causing havoc for Monaco and twice more they threatened Reina, who twice saved well from King. The host's got themselves level on 52 minutes after Pope was left exposed from a quickly taken free kick from Gundogan. The expected onslaught from Monaco didn't materialise and Palace again were in front soon after, Lanzini winning and converting a penalty after Mustafi couldn't cope with his direct running stuck out a tired foot and over Lanzini went. He promptly dispatched the penalty with no problems. Pope then denied Higuain with a simply world class save, Higuain cutting in and unleashing a drive which had top corner written all over it yet somehow pope got a finger to it tipping it over. Monaco need to find their goal scoring touch and find it fast. However take nothing away from a fine away performance from Palace.
MARSEILLE 0 COLOGNE 2
Cologne shocked their french opponents with their best display of the season, outplaying Walter Gogh's men who for the 2nd game in succession failed to test the keeper with 0 shots on target, something surely Walter will be looking to address when his Transfer window reopens. Santini was the star of the show for Cologne and his first was a worldie, Juardo did the hard work coming inside and beating 2 men before laying it back for Santini who with the outside of his boot curled a shot into the top corner leaving Fernandez rooted to the spot. It capped off a fine first half performance for Neil Frankland's men. Marseille did improve after the break but efforts from Valencia and Mbemba wasteful when in good positions. The win was sealed in the last minute when Santini got his second, arriving late into the box to get on the end of Van Ginkel's free kick. A fine display and a deserved first win of the season.
ATALANTA 0 DINAMO ZAGREB 1
Atalanta are still searching for their first win of the season after Zagreb emerged with 3 points here. Atalanta had plenty of the ball but created little with it and their only effort on target was after 12 minutes when Propper burst from midfield but fired straight at the keeper, a propper let off for Zagreb. Dinamo took advantage and Eysseric continued his fine start to the season by scoring what proved to be the winner on 19 minutes after Alvarez worked his way into the box and unselfishly laid the ball on a plate for Eysseric to tap home. Propper was unlucky just after the half hour mark when hs dipping shot crashed back off the woodwork but Atalanta couldn't step it up after the break and Zagreb almost had a second but were denied by the assistant's flag after Gomez failed to beat the Atalanta offside trap. Subasic in the home goal was in fine form denying Gomez and Hodzic from extending the lead.
So there we have the review of round 3 complete and well done to Lee Reynolds who maintains his fine start to life at Espanyol. Nathan Price and Nick Justice will both be hoping to turn things around quickly after poor starts.
Thanks for reading and lets hope for more excitement in the world cup to keep us entertained.
Division 4 round 2 round up
DIVISION 4 ROUND 2 ROUND UP
Afternoon lads, hope you all enjoying the start to the world cup, that match last night between Spain and Ronaldo was fantastic. Everything a world cup match needs. Just finished watching a poor French side who rode their luck against a spirited Australia.
Anyway on to the real football and the latest round up of the Division 4 action...SWANSEA 5 BOCA JUNIORS 1
The biggest win of thursday night was at the Liberty Stadium where Swansea ran riot against Boca. Adriano bagged the first of his brace after 12 minutes and there was no looking back after that. Just on 30 minutes Jimenez fired the swans 2 up after unselfish work from Seferovic. Jimenez was obviously eager to repay the assist and he only had to wait 5 minutes to square his debt, playing in Seferovic to fire past Moya into the top corner. The 2nd half continued in the same form, Radoja getting in on the scoring action just before the hour point of the game, firing home from a free kick just outside the box. Adriano then completed his brace flicking home from a Jimenez cross. That was Swansea done for the night and they allowed Boca a consolation goal through Mehmedi. A heavy defeat against their fellow relegated side will be a bitter pill to swallow for Golden Bear.
ESPANYOL 3 DINAMO ZAGREB 1
Espanyol continued their 100% winning start to the season with a comfortable win against Dinamo Zagreb. Lee Reynolds side needed just 4 minutes to take the lead through Teixeira from the spot after a harsh hand ball decision against Hallfredsson. The Croatians were clearly riled by the decision and took just 6 minutes to level things up, Alvarez firing home after great work from Mayoral. That was as good as it got for Jess Jobe's side and Espanyol stepped up through the gears and were ahead 10 minutes from the break after a sublime Lima free kick. Dinamo's task became harder after the break when Hallfredsson flew into a two footed challenge and was promptly shown a red card after 47 minutes. Arias completed the scoring in a one sided 2nd half playing a fine 1-2 with Teixeira and smashing home.
MONACO 0 CELTA VIGO 1
Arguably the shock of the round came here as Celta Vigo maintained their own 100% record against Monaco. In a game that was evenly match for long periods Monaco, same as in week 1, found finishing their chances a real problem. Higuain had a fine match but again snatched at his chances that came his way. The game turned after a triple substitution on 75 minutes for Vigo, and a switch of formation which pushed Monaco deeper and came to fruition with 2 minutes left on the clock when Arnautovic cheekily finished Niederlechner's wicked cross. A fine start to Division 4 for last season's Division 5 champions.
TORINO 1 BASEL 0
The only other 100% record left resides with Tom Parfitt's Torino who many claim rode their luck in this win against Basel. In a match devoid of any real quality Torino snatched the 3 points with 11 minutes to go with their only shot on target, Extebarria doing all the hard work bringing the ball out of his own half and playing a devine ball through for Valeri who strode on to the ball and hit a quick snap shot at the near post which left Sirigu off balance and unable to shift his feet.
OLYMPIAKOS 1 LEVANTE 2
Levante got their opening win of the season away in Greece. In a match which the Spanish side controlled the ball well they took the lead on 13 minutes and what a goal it was, Gignac dropped his shoulder and beat 2 men before laying the ball to Rafinha who smashed home from 30 yards out. Goal of the season contender for sure. Olympiakos were not without their chances though and were level through big Andy Carroll who showed he is just as good on the floor with a deft flick of his left foot finishing a Vela cross at the near post. The winner for Levante came on 67, Musa hitting a fierce dipping shot from just outside the box which left Mandanda grasping thin air. Chances came and went for both sides after but Levante held on for a fine away win.
CRUZEIRO 2 COLOGNE 0
A fine 2-0 win for Cruzeiro maintained their promising start to the season under new boss Mr Ipswich, A great captains performance from Lucas Silva who led by example and was rewarded with 2 goals to boot. All the damage for Cologne was done early doors, Lodeiro playing in Silva after just 5 minutes who confidently finished well past Arrizabalaga. Just 17 minutes on the clock and it was 2, a foul from Vogt on the edge of the box was fully punished by Silva for his 2nd goal of the game as he blasted through a pitiful german wall to send the Brazilian crowd wild. A stunned Cologne only really threatened in the 2nd half but it was a comfortable win in the end for Cruzeiro.
STOKE 1 DNIPRO 1
Both sides picked up their 1st point of the season in an even match at the Britannia Stadium. A dull first half provided little to warm the 26,321 fans on a cold thursday night. The match finally got going in the 2nd half and Stoke took the lead on 58 through Bou who was awarded far too much space by the Dnipro defenders in the box to take the ball down and finish Castillejo's fine cross. It looked like that would be enough to see the home side take all 3 points until 2 minutes from time when the unlikely hero Javier Manquillo strode forward and spotted Zoet slightly off his line and expertly chipped him from 25 yards out. A fair point in the end.
PARTIZAN 0 ASTON VILLA 0
Aston villa will be the happier of the two sides taking a point home. A fine goalkeeping performance from Villa's Strakosha helped keep Partizan at bay in the first half, saving well from Inui twice and Quagliarella before the break. Gray thought he had given villa the lead just after half time but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant's flag and his misery was compounded on 65 minutes when he inexplicably elbowed Quagliarella right in front of the referee and received a straight red. The red actually fired Villa on though and 3 times Teodorczyk was denied late on. Both sides maintain their unbeaten record.
MARSEILLE 0 AZ ALKMAAR 0
Warren Livesey will be wondering just how his Alkmaar side failed to win this game. From start to finish the dutch side showed more desire and imagination to win but were foiled by Fernandez in the home goal. Walter Gogh's side were jeered from the pitch at the end of the game after failing to muster a shot on target in the whole match. However both sides maintain their unbeaten start to the season and will quickly, like the 40,000 in the Veledrome, want to move on from this game.
ATALANTA 0 CRYSTAL PALACE 0
The 3rd 0-0 draw of the round saw Mark Deadman pick up his 1st point as manager of Palace. In an even game both sides created chances but struggled to get many on target. The only real controversy came mid way through a tepid 2nd half when Ibisevic found the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, A furious Ibisevic had to be restrained from confronting the assistant by his manager. Atalanta held for their 2nd successive draw to start the season.
So there we have it, round 2 all completed which leaves 9 teams still unbeaten and Espanyol leading the table on goal scored from Torino. Boca Juniors the side at the bottom without a point so far this season.
Thanks for reading and will update round 3 hopefully monday/tuesday.
Proposed Youth Cup and Shield Format Season 8
Thank you to all 42 managers who have registered their teams or their interest in entering the Youth Cup and Shield this season. That’s another 14 in less than a week.
With my team Hamburg, too, that makes 43 in total. One more would make 44, of course, which would set up the possibility of having one Group Stage followed by two separate knockout competitions:
- Youth Cup comprising the top 22 teams in the Group Stage
- Youth Shield comprising the other 22 teams
Unless there's a huge outcry in protest, this is how I propose to run it this season....
Each competition would start on 30 June with matches played for 16 consecutive weeks until the end of the season and the Finals completed on 13 October.
Group Stage
- All 44 teams in 11 Groups of 4
- Matches played home and away, 6 in total
- Groups seeded like last season to give weaker teams a fighting chance of qualifying and the bigger teams something to play for.
- Top two in each Group qualify for the Youth Cup
- Everyone else goes into the Youth Shield
Knockout Stage
- Best 10 Group Winners get a bye into the 2nd Knockout Round
- Leaving the remaining 12 to play in Round 1
- 6 winners from R1, plus 10 byes leaves 16 in R2
- Losers are out - not entry into the Shield
- All Rounds will be over two legs, home and away
- Same format for Cup and Shield
Don't forget to read the rules.
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And update your teams if you have new signings, loans, or player ratings changes since you first registered. You can do this yourself with the Google Form - either edit your original form, or submit a new one, or PM me in game, please.
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Teams Registered
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How Many Points Do You Need To Avoid The Sack?
Final issue of the ‘How Many Points Do You Need To…?’ series.
This time, how to keep your job (bottom two, positions 19 and 20, get sacked)!
Division One - 34 points
34 points to keep your job in D1.
33 might be good enough.
32 isn’t.
Simples!
Division Two - 37 points
Ted Powell got sacked by Saint-Etienne last season despite amassing a truly valiant 41 points.
Sunderland finished 18th in Season 2 with a measly 29 points.
You've got a chance with 36 points, but 37 looks like the minimum to aim for in D2.
Division Three - 38 points
Leicester finished 19th in Season 5 with 41 points.
Sassuolo and Internacional did likewise with 40 and 39 points respectively, in the first two seasons.
Marseille finished 18th in Season 6 with just 35 points.
38 points seems to be the magic number to aim for in D3.
Division Four - 42 points
Stuttgart's 36 points last season is the lowest points total to finish outside of the bottom two in D4 history.
The next lowest is Santos in Season 5, who got 38.
Hertha and Olympiacos sacked their managers at the end of Season 1, after they achieved 41 points apiece.
West Brom, Dynamo Moskva and Montpellier all sacked their managers for getting 40 points, but finishing in the bottom two.
40 points might be enough, or it might not. 41 probably is enough, but 42 almost certainly keep you in a job.
Division Five - 40 points
33 points was enough to keep the Partizan manager in his job in Season 2.
36 kept him in post in Season 3.
38 kept the Twente boss in a job in Season 4.
39 wasn't enough to save the Koln manager in Season 6.
38 or 39 points will probably be enough, but 40 is the minimum number to aim for in D5.
How Many Points Do You Need To Win The Title?
Some all season stats on how many points you will likely need to guarantee winning your division…
Also perhaps worthy of note, is that D1 aside, no team has won the same division title more than once. Obviously that will change as the seasons go on, but gives hope to all those trophyless teams that maybe, just maybe, THIS is the one.
Division One - 91 points
In a division utterly dominated by Barcelona and Bayern, a haul of 95 points would seem to be enough to ‘guarantee’ the title, while most seasons 91 would be enough.
It has been won with less, of course. In Season 1, Manchester United won with just 73 points, although that seems like an anomaly now.
The next lowest is Bayern’s Season 5 tally of 88, which I think is a more realistic ‘minimum’.
Division Two - 72 points
A notoriously tight and highly competitive division. 79 points would guarantee the title, while 72 points would be enough in most seasons.
Last season, though, Internacional won the title with the lowest ever points tally - 68.
Last season, though, Internacional won the title with the lowest ever points tally - 68.
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Division Three - 70 points
Another famously tight division, last season was something of an exception, with record points hauls for the top three Hertha, Lazio and Newcastle.
Prior to that, 70 points would have been enough to secure the D3 title.
The lowest points tally ever to be enough to win D3 was 63, when CSKA won it in Season 5.
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Division Four - 69 points
In an average season, 69 points should be enough to be crowned D4 champions.
Villarreal won it with even fewer - 61 - in Season 3.
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Division Five - 75 points
Villarreal smashed it in Season 2 with 85 points, but a much more achievable 76 points will almost 'guarantee' the D5 title, if history is anything to go by. In fact, 75 points should win the title most times.
Dnipro, who finished second last season with 75 points, actually won D5 in Season 1 with just 66 points, the lowest recorded.
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How Many Points Do You Need To Avoid Relegation?
Yet another one in the ‘How Many Points Do You Need To…?’ series….
This time, how to avoid the dreaded drop (positions 17-20) in Divisions 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Division One - 40 points
In Season 1, PSG were relegated with 43 points, and Dortmund with 42. Six seasons later, that looks a bit of an outlier, though.
The next highest points total not good enough to survive is Wolfsburg’s 39 last season.
Manchester City’s 35 point haul in Season 4 is the fewest any team has accumulated and still survived.
So it looks like 37 points may be enough, 38 is probably enough, while 40 almost guarantees safety.
So it looks like 37 points may be enough, 38 is probably enough, while 40 almost guarantees safety.
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Division Two - 43 points
Sporting Lisbon stayed up in Season 2 with just 37 points. Boca did likewise with 38. Both appear to be outliers.
Lyon stayed up in Season 3 with 41 points, the nest lowest survival total.
On the other hand, Swansea were extremely unfortunate to go down in Season 5 despite accumulating a whopping 45 points.
Otherwise, 43 points will secure safety in D2, and 42 will likely be enough - only Southampton last season got relegated with so many points.
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Division Three - 44 points
45 points wasn't enough to save Southampton in Season 1. Likewise Dynamo Moskva with 44.
43 points relegated Monaco in Season 3, and Boca went down with 42 in Season 5.
Crystal Palace survived with 41 points in Season 4, while Fenerbahce went one better last season, staying up with just 40 points.
42 points is therefore the minimum to aim for to have a reasonable chance of survival. 43 would be better, of course, while 44 pretty much guarantees it.
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Division Four - 44 points
No team has survived the drop in D4 with fewer than 42 points, but realistically, 44 will be needed to stay up. Although even that wasn't enough for Koln on Season 3.
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How Many Points Do You Need To Get Into The Play-Offs?
Another in the ‘How Many Points Do You Need To…?’ series.
This time, what does it take to make the Play-offs?
Division One - 52 points
No Play-off places to play for in D1, of course, but there is the kudos (and a SMFA Shield qualification place) of a top ten finish.
No team has finished in the top ten without amassing at least 47 points like Porto did in Season 6.
Fenerbahce and Milan managed 3 more points between them in Seasons 1 and 2, and Juventus another two all by themselves in Season 5. Usually, though, 53 points is the minimum required to finish tenth.
Division Two - 58 points
Not since Season 2 has a team achieved 58 points in D2 and not got into the promotion play-offs (positions 4 to 7 in the table) as a result.
But even 57 points should usually be enough (although even then it can come down to goal difference like last season).
62 points would guarantee it. 56 is usually not enough.
Division Three - 57 points
Until last season, no team had failed to get into the D3 play-offs after securing 58 points or more, so both Lyon and Kyiv were unlucky to miss out last time.
Indeed, 57 points are usually enough to qualify, with only PSV in Season 2 missing out with that total.
Division Four - 56 points
58 points guarantees a play-off place in D4, and 57 would usually do the same - but see Espanyol last time.
Realistically, even just 56 points ought to be enough.
Division Five - 57 points
No team has got 57 points in D5 and failed to qualify for the play-offs.
56 points is unlikely to be enough, however. It's really that close.
How Many Points Do You Need For Automatic Promotion?
Following on from ‘How Many Points Do You Need To Win The Title?’ - the second in the ‘How Many Points Do You Need To…?’ series.
Division One - 70 points
No promotion places in D1, of course, but let’s just see what it takes to get a spot in the top four…
70 points should guarantee a top four finish in D1, although Barcelona managed it with just 64 in Season 1, and Chelsea with 65 last season.
It’s hard to see past Juventus and Chelsea filling third and fourth this time around.
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Division Two - 66 points
There's a huge range in D2 for the two additional automatic promotion places, historically.
The minimum required to 'guarantee' promotion, however, is 66 points.
It should be noted, though, that Bayer Leverkusen got third place last season with a record low 60 point total.
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Division Three - 66 points
In any other season than last season, 66 points would be enough to guarantee an automatic promotion place in D3.
Sampdoria got promoted with just 61 points in Season 5.
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Division Four - 64 points
Every point is crucial, especially in D4, where 64 of them should be enough to win automatic promotion.
It seems like it's often the tightest of all five divisions, though, so Chievo, Hamburger and Sao Paulo have all finished in second or third with just 60 points, while Sampdoria, Malaga and Liege have all missed out with more than that.
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Division Five - 69 points
69 points is enough to win promotion in D5.
Liege managed it with just 62 in Season 3, but eight teams have finished with more than that total only to miss out.
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Division 4 Round 1 Review
Division 4 Opening Day Review
The opening day saw plenty of drama in Division 4, and that was before a ball had been kicked in anger. The late night ramblings of The Linder saw him sensationally walk out of Selhurst Park just hours before their opening fixture, Crystal Palace board quickly appointed Mark Deadman to the role of Manager, Deadman leaving Montpellier after 121 games in charge of the Division 5 side. CRYSTAL PALACE 0 MARSEILLE 2
Crystal Palace under their new manager had little time to adjust to the crazy going on's and not surprisingly stumbled to defeat at home to Walter Gogh's Marseille,who took full advantage of the off field drama and leaving South London with a fine 2-0 win Bolasie and Marin scoring in both half's to secure the points.
CELTA VIGO 2 SWANSEA 0
Newly promoted Vigo took on Relegated Swansea and it was the home side who used the momentum gained from promotion with a fine 2-0 win against Swansea. Denilson was the unlikely goalscoring hero, pouncing twice to finish off sweet moves. Swansea unable to cope with Vigo's attacking prowess took to trying to get stuck in to their opponents, however all that achieved was to pick up 6 yellow cards. Not a great start to life in the forth tier for Joe Jordan's side.
FC BASEL 2 STOKE 1
Another battle of a newly promoted team taking on a relegated side at St Jacob Park saw another side fresh from promotion taking the 3 points, however this was a more even affair. Stoke took the lead just after the hour mark, Goulart channeling his inner Roberto Carlos with a fantastic swerving free kick which left Sirigu helpless. Basel responded well and were level within 10 minutes through Natcho who found the net after great work from Jorgensen. Neustadter then came off the bench to fire the winner for the swiss side with just 3 minutes left. Disappointment for Stoke which they need to pick themselves up from quickly to kick off the hangover of relegation.
DNIPRO DNIPROPETROVSK 1 FK PARTIZAN 2
All the action came in the 1st half here, with Partizan benefiting from a terrible performance between the sticks for home goalkeeper Grohe. He was guilty of allowing the only 2 shots on target from Partizan both find the net, Bruma netted first with a shot which squirmed under Grohe from distance. Bebou got the home side back into the game on 32 with a great goal, samshing home after a great touch to control. However it wasn't to last long as just on half time Fejsa caught out Grohe again, there looked little danger when he received the ball but he caught the keeper dreaming of his half time orange and stunned the home crowd. Inui almost made the game safe in the 2nd half but his fierce drive caught the post before going wide.
BOCA JUNIORS 1 TORINO 2
Tom Parfitt's debut as Torino got off to a great start in Argentina, coming from a goal down to beat Boca. Burgstaller got his 1st of the season just before half time to give boca a well earned half time lead, firing past the keeper after good work from Schurrle. Parfitt must of laid into his side as they emerged after the break with more focus and were level within 10 minutes of the restart, Extebarria smashing home. De Arrascaeta was the hero for the Italians with a winner after Diouf had played him through on goal, again power was the beating of Moya.
LEVANTE 0 ESPANYOL 1
In the all spanish affair the points went to Espanyol after they took advantage of a controversial penalty decision midway through the first half. The decision to award the penalty came after a tumble in the box from Drinkwater who was attempting to get on the end of a Pizzi pass. Contact was minimal though and Dario Saviano can feel rightly aggrieved. Teixeira stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way and that goal was enough to give Lee Reynolds a winning start. Levante can take the positives of a fine performance and hope to build on that going forward.
ASTON VILLA 3 OLYMPIAKOS 3
It was goals galore at Villa Park in the game of the day, Villa twice ahead but having to come from behind for the point. Teodorczyk got the game off to a flier, wrong footing mandanda after good work from Son. The lead lasted 6 minutes though as Andy Carroll nodded down for Vela to punish some slack defending. Against the run of play Villa regained the led and again Teodorczyk finished well after Son flashed a cross in from the left. Again the lead only lasted 6 minutes and Olympiakos were level again this time Tevez delicately finishing at the near post. Early in the second half Andy Carroll put the greeks ahead, bullying his way through after being played in by Vela. The scoring wasn't done though and Teodorczyk was the hat trick hero after another fine assist from Son. Both sides pushed for a winner but the game ended with a point each.
COLOGNE 2 ATALANTA 2
Another fine game ended with a point apiece in Germany. Atalanta fresh from their last day escape last season started well and were ahead within 3 minutes. Giaccherini going down the left and lofting a ball into the box, Nani took the ball down and finished in one moment of genius. Atalanta enjoyed the best of the first half but were restricted to long range efforts as the Germans picked up 3 yellows in quick succession trying to stem the attacks. It worked though and Van Ginkle had Cologne level from a free kick just before the break absolutely belting it home. That goal fired up Cologne and just past the hour mark they went ahead, Santini scuffing home after a mazy run from Cerci. The drama wasn't over though and Guerrero scored after more fine work from Giaccherini. A point well earned for both sides.
DINAMO ZAGREB 2 CRUZEIRO 2
In a ding dong battle in Zagreb the points were shared as the early season relegation contenders clashed. In a game full of energy the lead swapped hands after Gomez fired the home side ahead on 21 minutes, his shot going in off the post after Essyeric laid him off. Cruzeiro responded immediately and were level less than 2 minutes later, Haas floating in a free kick which Derdiyok flashed a header home. Just after the break and the Brazilians were ahead in almost a carbon copy of the first goal. A great free kick from Haas and Duarte beat the offside trap and finished past Rafael. The lead lasted a few more minutes before Zagreb were level and Padoin was fortunate Marniato couldn't get a stronger hand to his shot. The last 30 minutes came and went without either side making a breakthrough and the point was more benefit for Cruzeiro.
AZ ALKMAAR 1 AS MONACO 1
Pre season favourites Monaco left Holland wondering just how the three points weren't coming with them. In a dominant display they created plenty of chances but finishing them was a different story. Higuain had the ball in the net early on but his celebrations were cut short when he saw the assistant referees flag raised. Alkmaar shocked monaco on the stroke of Half time by taking the lead, Acuna smashing past Reina. The second half was barely 3 minutes in when Gundogan fired Monaco level from a free kick 25 yards out. One way traffic followed but the finishing of his players will leave Nathan Prince scratching his head, his mood will be worsened by the needless red card for Zielinski who flew into a two footed challenge on Ndong.
Thanks for the read, hopefully I will continue these when time allows.
Top 100 Roll of Honour
A complete list of all Top 100 trophy winners by season and competition, for teams and managers.
Thank me in the comments ;)
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