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GinoBet-Frank100 S26 Betting Odds

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 13:04:04 +0100

<div class="ginobet-header">
    <h1>🎰 GinoBetFrank100 🎰</h1>
    <div class="subtitle">Season 26 Betting Odds - Post-Miracle Edition (CORRECTED)</div>
</div>

<div class="miracle-banner">
    <h2>⚡ AFTER THE MIRACLE WINS ⚡</h2>
    <p>USA beat England on penalties in World Cup Final! 🇺🇸<br>
    AC Milan SHOCK treble-winners Hellas Verona in Charity Shield! 🏆<br>
    Multiple underdog triumphs - The odds have been REVOLUTIONIZED! 📈</p>
</div>

<div class="division-section">
    <h3 class="division-header">🏆 DIVISION 1 - TITLE ODDS 🏆</h3>
    
    <div class="odds-grid">
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Elite Tier (93+ ETOT)</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds favorite">
                <span class="team-name">Hellas Verona (Treble Winners)</span>
                <span class="odds">6/5</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds favorite">
                <span class="team-name">Borussia Dortmund</span>
                <span class="odds">2/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <h4>Elite Contenders (91-93 ETOT)</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Chelsea</span>
                <span class="odds">7/2</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Barcelona</span>
                <span class="odds">4/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">FC Porto</span>
                <span class="odds">5/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Leicester City</span>
                <span class="odds">8/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Post-Miracle Stories</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">AC Milan (Charity Shield Winners!)</span>
                <span class="odds">150/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">Hamburg (D2 Champions)</span>
                <span class="odds">66/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">Stoke City (D2 Runners-up)</span>
                <span class="odds">100/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <h4>Relegation Battles</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Málaga CF (Weakest Squad)</span>
                <span class="odds">1000/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Dinamo Zagreb</span>
                <span class="odds">800/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="division-section">
    <h3 class="division-header">🥈 DIVISION 2 - PROMOTION ODDS 🥈</h3>
    
    <div class="odds-grid">
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Elite Tier - Should Dominate</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds favorite">
                <span class="team-name">Sporting CP (91.4 ETOT)</span>
                <span class="odds">1/2</span>
            </div>
            
            <h4>Strong Contenders</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Genoa CFC (89.1 ETOT)</span>
                <span class="odds">3/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Bayer Leverkusen (89.1 ETOT)</span>
                <span class="odds">7/2</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Manchester United (88.2 ETOT)</span>
                <span class="odds">4/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Real Madrid (89.0 ETOT)</span>
                <span class="odds">5/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>D3 Promoted Newcomers</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">RSC Anderlecht (D3 2nd Place)</span>
                <span class="odds">25/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">CSKA Moskva (D3 Champions)</span>
                <span class="odds">50/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">Everton (Playoff Winners)</span>
                <span class="odds">80/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">FC Augsburg (D3 3rd Place)</span>
                <span class="odds">100/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <h4>D1 Relegated Teams</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">1. FC Köln (Experienced)</span>
                <span class="odds">12/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="division-section">
    <h3 class="division-header">🥉 DIVISION 3 - PROMOTION ODDS 🥉</h3>
    
    <div class="odds-grid">
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Championship Favorites</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds favorite">
                <span class="team-name">West Bromwich Albion</span>
                <span class="odds">6/4</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Boca Juniors (Mo Salah!) ⚡</span>
                <span class="odds">2/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">CR Flamengo</span>
                <span class="odds">7/2</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Sevilla FC</span>
                <span class="odds">4/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="division-section">
    <h3 class="division-header">🎯 SPECIAL MIRACLE BETS 🎯</h3>
    
    <div class="odds-grid">
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Post-Upset Specials</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">AC Milan Win A Trophy</span>
                <span class="odds">25/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">Another Promoted Team Upsets Elite</span>
                <span class="odds">8/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds miracle-pick">
                <span class="team-name">Hamburg Top 6 Finish</span>
                <span class="odds">20/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds">
                <span class="team-name">Sporting CP Straight To D1</span>
                <span class="odds">2/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
        
        <div class="odds-column">
            <h4>Manager &amp; Player Specials</h4>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">David Marsden Manager of Season</span>
                <span class="odds">6/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">Mo Salah Top D3 Scorer</span>
                <span class="odds">3/1</span>
            </div>
            
            <div class="team-odds underdog">
                <span class="team-name">Any D3 Promoted Team Survives D2</span>
                <span class="odds">12/1</span>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="legend">
    <h3>🎲 Betting Analysis</h3>
    
    <h4>Key Insights After The Data Review:</h4>
    <ul>
        <li>

AC Milan’s Charity Shield Shock: Beat treble-winners Hellas Verona against all odds

Multiple Underdog Triumphs: USA World Cup win, Hamburg D2 title - new era of upsets

Sporting CP Dominance: 91.4 ETOT in D2 - Should cruise to promotion

Cup Competition Chaos: Traditional favorites no longer guaranteed - anyone can win

D3 Promoted Teams: Massive step up from D3 to D2 - historically 90%+ relegation rate

Tactical Evolution: Squad ratings matter less - management brilliance key factor

    <div style="margin: 20px 0">
        <span class="legend-item legend-favorite">Elite Squads (90+ ETOT)</span>
        <span class="legend-item legend-underdog">Value Bets</span>
        <span class="legend-item legend-miracle">Miracle Picks 🔥</span>
    </div>
    
    <div style="background: linear-gradient(45deg, #fff5f5, #ffe8e8);padding: 20px;border-radius: 8px;margin-top: 20px;border-left: 4px solid #ff6b6b">
        <h4 style="margin-top: 0;color: #721c24">🏆 THE MILAN SHOCK &amp; UNDERDOG REVOLUTION 🏆</h4>
        <p style="color: #721c24;margin-bottom: 10px;font-weight: 600">
            AC Milan's Charity Shield victory over treble-winners Hellas Verona has sent shockwaves through the football world! 
            Combined with Hamburg's miraculous D2 title and USA's World Cup triumph, underdogs everywhere are believing again.
        </p>
        <p style="color: #721c24;margin: 0;font-style: italic">
            Result: Cup competitions are wide open, squad ratings matter less than ever! The beautiful game embraces chaos! ⚽
        </p>
    </div>
    
    <div class="disclaimer">
        <strong>Disclaimer:</strong> All odds based on ETOT ratings, historical performance, and the chaos factor introduced by tactical innovations. 
        No real money involved - pure entertainment based on Soccer Manager Worlds Season 26 data! 
        Remember: After Milan's miracle and multiple upsets, anything is possible in football! ⚽🎰
    </div>
</div>

LIBRAS-BOAS CLAIMS TREBLE CROWN AS TOP 100 HONOURS OUTSTANDING SEASON 25 ACHIEVERS

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:36:11 +0100

Luis André leads dominant display in Manager of Season awards as David Marsden’s transformation earns recognition

The votes have been counted and the verdicts are in from Season 25’s Manager of the Season awards, with Luis André Libras-Boas of Hellas Verona claiming the Overall Manager crown in emphatic fashion after delivering the campaign’s only treble triumph.

OVERALL SUPREMACY

Libras-Boas swept to victory in the Overall category with a commanding 59% of the vote (36 from 61 cast), his treble haul of Division 1, SMFA Champions Cup, and Charity Shield proving decisive in what many considered the most competitive season in Top 100 history. The Portuguese tactician’s achievement in successfully defending his Division 1 crown whilst conquering Europe made him the standout candidate.

David Marsden of Hamburger SV claimed a respectable second place with 23% (14 votes), his extraordinary transformation from 17th-placed predictions to Division 2 champions earning widespread admiration. The Englishman’s +16 VA improvement represented the highest value addition across all divisions.

Adam of Barcelona (8.2%) rounded out the podium, his multi-generational mastery evident in capturing both World Club Cup and Youth Cup honours, whilst Scott Mckenzie (6.6%) and simon thomas (3.3%) completed the quintet of nominees.

DIVISIONAL DOMINANCE

The divisional categories showcased the depth of managerial excellence across the Top 100 pyramid:

Division 1

André Libras-Boas collected another emphatic victory with 64.5% of votes (40 from 62), underlining his complete dominance of the top flight. Scott Mckenzie’s remarkable statistical transformation from 15th prediction to 4th place finish earned him 17.7% recognition, ahead of Adam (9.7%) and Bojan H (8.1%).

Division 2

Delivered the most one-sided result of the night, with David Marsden claiming an extraordinary 96.8% of the vote (61 from 63). His championship triumph from such lowly expectations represented arguably the season’s greatest individual achievement, leaving Dave Oz Osborne’s play-off heroics with Málaga trailing with just 3.2%.

Division 3

Proved similarly decisive for Chris Meida of CSKA Moskva, who secured 81% of votes after combining league success with Youth Shield glory. Jamie ᚺ’s tactical excellence with FC Augsburg earned 15.9%, whilst Mike Scallotti’s remarkable underdog promotion story with Everton collected 3.2%.

Division 4

Provided the evening’s most competitive contest, with Stuart Monteith of Montpellier HSC edging victory with 46% following his automatic promotion charge from 14th predictions. Chris Union’s title triumph with Boca Juniors earned 22.2%, ahead of Fredrik Johansson (19%) and the statistically exceptional ruts66 (12.7%).

Division 5

Marc Ques of FK Partizan claimed 47.6% recognition for his clear championship victory, narrowly ahead of Bruno Neto^^'s exceptional statistical display with Olympique Lyonnais (31.7%). Wayne Bullough’s individual overperformance with Athletic Club rounded out the leading trio with 17.5%.

CUP COMPETITION EXCELLENCE

The Cup Competition Excellence category delivered a thrilling three-way battle, with Adam’s multi-competition mastery ultimately prevailing with 55.6% of votes. His World Club Cup and Youth Cup double demonstrated exceptional squad depth and tactical versatility across multiple age groups.

André Libras-Boas and simon thomas deadlocked on 22.2% apiece, the former’s SMFA Champions Cup triumph complementing his league success, whilst the latter’s Top 100 Cup victory from 20th predictions to 12th finish exemplified the great escape narrative that defined much of Season 25.

STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

The voting data revealed fascinating insights into the community’s priorities:

Transformation narratives proved particularly popular, with managers exceeding predictions by significant margins earning substantial recognition
Value addition statistics heavily influenced voting patterns
Trophy collection remained the ultimate arbiter of excellence
438 votes cast across seven categories demonstrated continued Top 100 community engagement

FINAL THOUGHTS

Season 25 will be remembered as the campaign where defensive champions thrived alongside transformative underdogs. Libras-Boas’s treble represents the pinnacle of sustained excellence, whilst Marsden’s Division 2 heroics epitomise the unpredictable beauty that makes the Top 100 game world so compelling.

As attention turns to Season 26, these award winners have set the benchmark for what constitutes managerial excellence in the modern era. The voting has spoken, and the message is clear: consistency, transformation, and silverware remain the holy trinity of Top 100 success.

D-Day In Every Division!

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:13:42 +0100

The Stadio Bentegodi trembles with anticipation as Luis André Libras-Boas’s Hellas Verona stand 90 minutes away from etching their names into Legend status in Top 100 folklore. With 78 points accumulated across 37 grueling matches, Verona need just a solitary point against already-relegated Tottenham Hotspur to clinch their fourth consecutive Division 1 championship and fifth title in six extraordinary seasons.

It would represent the most dominant sustained period in Top 100 history, eclipsing even Scott Mckenzie’s Barcelona dynasty that captured eight titles across 12 seasons. Under Libras-Boas’s meticulous guidance, Verona have transformed from provincial challengers into an unstoppable force, their tactical sophistication and squad depth proving insurmountable for even the most ambitious rivals.

Barcelona lurk two points behind on 76, desperately requiring both a victory over Juventus (who they just defeated in the World Club Cup Final) and a Tottenham miracle to snatch the crown on goal difference. Yet Spurs arrive at the Bentegodi already condemned to relegation, their 35 points ensuring a swift return to Division 2, and still smarting from their last-gasp Youth Cup Final defeat on Saturday to… Barcelona. Pedro’s men have nothing left to play for except professional pride—a dangerous commodity when facing champions on the cusp of history.

Division 2: Hamburg’s Homecoming Reaches Crescendo

The Volksparkstadion expects as Hamburger SV prepare for their most significant 90 minutes since promotion to this level. Having already secured promotion back to the elite, Hamburg’s focus narrows to one prize: the Division 2 championship that would crown their remarkable resurgence.

Level on 75 points with Stoke City but ahead on goal difference, Hamburg require victory at pre-season title favourites West Bromwich Albion while hoping their rivals stumble against FC Schalke 04. The mathematics remain deliciously complex—Stoke must not only win but overturn a goal difference deficit that currently favors the German giants. West Brom, meanwhile, must win to be sure they don’t suffer an ignominious and unexpected relegation.

Hamburg’s transformation from pre-season strugglers to title contenders represents tactical management at its finest. Written off by the prediction algorithms, they have methodically dismantled Division 2’s established order through shrewd recruitment and tactical evolution.

Division 3: The Godfather’s Nightmare Unfolds

In football’s most unforgiving theatre, reputations crumble overnight. The Godfather, architect of title triumphs at Dinamo Zagreb and Bayer Leverkusen, watches helplessly as Liverpool teeter on the brink of Division 4 relegation. With 39 points from 37 matches, the Merseyside giants sit perilously close to the abyss.

Their decline epitomizes football’s cruel randomness. Pre-season optimism has curdled into desperate survival calculations, with every remaining fixture carrying the weight of institutional embarrassment. Liverpool face the unthinkable prospect of tumbling into the fourth tier, their proud heritage unable to shield them from sporting gravity.

Above the relegation carnage, CSKA Moskva and RSC Anderlecht remain deadlocked on 68 points, their final-day encounters with AS Roma and Zenit Saint Petersburg respectively promising to deliver the division’s ultimate verdict. Augsburg need a draw to complete three successive promotions Jamie ᚺ’s stewardship and a return to D2 under Jamie ᚺ’s stewardship.

Division 4: Where Giants Fall and Dreams Rise

AS Monaco’s catastrophic implosion provides the division’s most sobering narrative. Thirteen points from 37 matches represents systematic failure on an unprecedented scale, their pre-season predictions rendered laughably optimistic by the sporting reality and f a second consecutive relegation. Managerial extinction awaits, perhaps, alongside Stuttgart and Celta Vigo in the bottom three.

Boca Juniors top the table with 76 points, their South American flair proving perfectly suited to Division 4’s unique challenges. Montpellier HSC shadow them on 75 points, ensuring the championship race maintains its intensity until the final whistle.

Division 5: Partizan and Lyon’s Magnificent Rebellion

The division’s twin dragons have soared beyond all reasonable expectations. FK Partizan, predicted for mid-table mediocrity in 9th place, instead command the summit with 78 points. Olympique Lyonnais, written off for 15th, trail by a solitary point, their remarkable renaissance embodying football’s capacity for transformation.

Both clubs exemplify the beautiful unpredictability that makes the Top 100 special—when dedicated managers with clear visions can transform modest expectations into title challenges. Their parallel rises from predicted obscurity to championship contention provide the season’s most heartwarming narratives.

The Managerial Guillotine Awaits

As night falls across five divisions, 15 managers face automatic dismissal from the bottom three positions. Reappointment depends on factors including squad quality, community engagement, World Club Cup participation, Youth Cup involvement, transfer activity, and long-term potential.

The bottom three of each division will discover whether their Top 100 journeys continue or reach brutal conclusions. Some will find redemption through demonstrated commitment and improvement potential. Others will learn that ten years of evolution has moved beyond their capabilities.

Tonight, as Hellas Verona chase sporting immortality and struggling giants fight for survival, the Top 100’s tenth anniversary season reaches its breathtaking climax. In 90 minutes, legends will be crowned and careers will end—such is the beautiful brutality of football’s ultimate management challenge.

Youth Cup & Shield Finals Second Legs: Barcelona Prevail in FET Heartbreak For Spurs While CSKA Make History

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 14:06:05 +0100

The beautiful game delivers its cruelest lesson

Football, in its infinite capacity for both ecstasy and agony, delivered its most profound lesson on Saturday night. At the BayArena and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, two finals reached their dramatic conclusions, one confirming methodical excellence, the other decided by the narrowest of margins in circumstances that will haunt the losers for years to come.

CSKA Moskva claimed their first trophy in the club’s history with a performance that epitomised everything they have brought to this tournament. Meanwhile, in North London, Tottenham’s impossible dream died the most agonising death imaginable, Barcelona snatching victory from the jaws of defeat through Fictional Extra Time after 180 minutes had failed to separate two evenly-matched sides.

CSKA’s professional masterclass completes historic achievement

Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 CSKA Moskva (agg: 1-3)

There was something poetic about the manner in which CSKA Moskva completed their Youth Shield triumph. Having dominated the first leg through patient build-up and clinical finishing, they travelled to Germany knowing that professionalism rather than brilliance would be required to secure the club’s first piece of silverware.

The script could not have been written more perfectly. Karim Konaté, the tournament’s leading marksman and architect of so many crucial moments, struck again in the eighth minute with a finish that encapsulated everything about CSKA’s campaign. Franco Mastantuono’s incisive pass found the striker, whose deft flick caught Jonas Urbig off balance and rolled into the net. It was Konaté’s sixth goal of the knockout rounds, a tally that speaks to both individual brilliance and collective functionality.

Leverkusen’s response was predictable but ultimately futile. Facing a three-goal deficit, they needed to score early and often, yet their approach remained curiously cautious for a team with nothing to lose. When Vanja Vlahović finally found the equaliser on 27 minutes, firing home after Ayman El Wafi’s intelligent play, it felt more like consolation than catalyst.

The statistics told the story of a team running out of ideas. Despite enjoying 56% possession and the comfort of home surroundings, Leverkusen managed just seven shots to CSKA’s fifteen. Their high-intensity pressing game, which had served them so well throughout the campaign, was systematically dismantled by opponents who had mastered the art of defensive solidity without sacrificing attacking threat.

CSKA’s tactical discipline was exemplary. They defended with the desperation of men protecting something precious, yet remained dangerous on the counter-attack throughout. Nestory Irankunda’s pace and directness constantly threatened Leverkusen’s high defensive line, while Mastantuono’s creativity ensured that the Germans could never commit men forward with complete abandon.

When the final whistle sounded, the celebrations were muted but meaningful. Chris Meida’s post-match comments captured the significance perfectly: “It may be a consolation trophy - but the youth shield is the first trophy in CSKA history.” The self-deprecating humour could not disguise the magnitude of the achievement, nor should it. As Leicester’s Doug Earle rightly observed, only those who have never won anything themselves would dare call this a consolation prize.

Tottenham’s fairytale dies in FET heartbreak

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Barcelona (agg: 3-3, Barcelona win 5-4 after FET)

If CSKA’s triumph was the reward for methodical excellence, Barcelona’s Youth Cup victory was secured through the kind of dramatic finale that football writes but rarely delivers. For 180 minutes, these two sides could not be separated. When the dust settled after Fictional Extra Time, Barcelona had prevailed 5-4 on aggregate, but the scoreline tells only a fraction of this extraordinary story.

The evening began with Barcelona carrying the weight of expectation and the burden of their first-leg deficit. They needed to score twice while keeping Tottenham out, a task that seemed well within their capabilities given their superior individual quality. Yet Pedro Vilar’s team had spent this entire campaign defying logic, and there was no reason to believe they would start bowing to convention now.

Barcelona’s early pressure finally told when Kobbie Mainoo rose highest from Lamine Yamal’s corner to power home a header that levelled the aggregate scores. The goal came in the 23rd minute, reward for sustained pressure that had seen Tottenham’s defensive resolve tested to its limits. For a moment, the natural order seemed to be reasserting itself.

But Tottenham, as they have done throughout this remarkable campaign, refused to read the script. Gabriel Vidović’s response was swift and decisive, the Croatian striker capitalising on slack marking to fire past Ander Astralaga and restore his side’s advantage. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted with the kind of noise reserved for moments when dreams seem within touching distance.

The defining moment came on the hour mark, substitute introductions coinciding with Yamal’s moment of individual brilliance. The teenage sensation, carrying the weight of Barcelona’s expectations and the burden of his £48 million valuation, found the bottom corner with a finish that combined technical excellence with psychological strength. The aggregate scores were level, Tottenham’s advantage had evaporated, and extra time beckoned.

Yet even this dramatic conclusion was insufficient to separate these evenly-matched sides. The statistics reflected the evening’s parity: possession split 51% to 49% in Tottenham’s favour, shots marginally in Barcelona’s favour at 14 to 10. This was knockout football at its purest, two teams giving everything in pursuit of glory.

Fictional Extra Time would prove Barcelona’s salvation and Tottenham’s heartbreak. The Catalans’ 2-1 victory in this decisive period gave them a 5-4 overall triumph, but the narrow margin could not disguise the epic nature of this contest. For Tottenham, the realisation that they had come so close to completing the most unlikely triumph in recent youth football history will take time to process.

Pedro Vilar’s achievement should not be diminished by the manner of its conclusion. His team’s journey from apparent elimination to within touching distance of glory represents one of the great underdog stories in recent memory. They have proven that belief, organisation, and collective spirit can bridge even the most daunting gaps in individual quality.

A tournament that delivered on every promise

These finals provided the perfect conclusion to a tournament that has consistently delivered drama, quality, and unforgettable moments. CSKA’s triumph represents the reward for sustained excellence, their systematic approach to knockout football yielding the ultimate prize. Barcelona’s victory, secured by the narrowest of margins, demonstrates that quality will eventually tell, even when faced with the most determined opposition.

The Youth Shield travels to Moscow for the first time in CSKA’s history, a tangible reward for a campaign that has established them as the tournament’s most complete side. The Youth Cup returns to Catalonia, Barcelona’s triumph secured through the kind of dramatic finale that will be discussed for years to come.

For the neutrals, these tournaments have provided everything that makes football the beautiful game. For CSKA and Barcelona, they represent the culmination of months of preparation, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For Leverkusen and Tottenham, they offer the cruel but valuable lesson that sport’s greatest rewards are reserved for those capable of seizing the finest of margins.

The 2025 Youth Cup and Shield campaigns are concluded, but their memories will endure long after the final celebrations have ended and the last tears have been shed.

Tottenham's Miracle March Continues as CSKA Seize Control

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:01:02 +0100

The impossible becomes inevitable for Vilar’s warriors

If someone had suggested at the start of this tournament that Tottenham Hotspur would leave the Camp Nou with a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a Youth Cup final first leg, they would have been dismissed as hopelessly deluded. Yet here we stand, witnesses to the continuation of the most remarkable underdog story in recent youth football history.

Pedro Vilar’s team have spent this entire campaign defying logic, overturning deficits, and making believers of the most hardened sceptics. Their latest act of sporting alchemy on Saturday night was perhaps their finest yet, a performance that combined tactical discipline with clinical finishing to leave Barcelona shell-shocked and Tottenham 90 minutes from glory.

Barcelona’s early promise evaporates in Catalan nightmare

Barcelona 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Youth Cup Final)

The script appeared to be following familiar lines when Lamine Yamal fired Barcelona ahead after just eight minutes. The teenage sensation, valued at £48 million and carrying the weight of Catalan expectations, found the bottom corner with the kind of finish that has made him the most coveted young talent in world football.

For a brief moment, order seemed restored. Barcelona, with their £162.5 million squad and galaxy of stars, had asserted their superiority over opponents valued at barely a quarter of that sum. The Camp Nou exhaled, confident that normal service would now resume.

But Tottenham, as they have done throughout this remarkable campaign, refused to read the script. Their response was swift and devastating, orchestrated by a player who has emerged as one of the tournament’s most compelling figures.

Julio Enciso’s name will be etched into Tottenham folklore after a first-half double that turned the final on its head. His 22nd-minute equaliser, a thunderous effort that flew in off the post from Fabio Miretti’s free-kick, served notice that Spurs had not travelled to Barcelona merely to make up the numbers.

The second goal, arriving just 15 minutes later, was a thing of beauty. Gabriel Vidović’s intelligent play released Enciso, who unleashed a blistering shot that left Ander Astralaga with no chance. The Camp Nou fell silent, save for the small pocket of travelling supporters who have witnessed miracle after miracle this season.

Barcelona’s response was predictable but ineffective. They enjoyed 54% possession and registered 14 shots to Tottenham’s 10, but their usual fluidity was disrupted by opponents who defended with the desperation of men protecting something precious. Three yellow cards for the hosts told the story of mounting frustration against a side that simply refused to yield.

Yamal remained Barcelona’s most potent threat, his rating of 9 reflecting a performance that deserved better support. But around him, talented players wilted under the pressure of expectation and the relentless pressing of opponents who had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

CSKA’s methodical masterclass sets up Shield triumph

CSKA Moskva 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Youth Shield Final)

While Barcelona grappled with the unexpected at the Camp Nou, CSKA Moskva were busy demonstrating why they have been the tournament’s most consistent and impressive performers. Their 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen was a masterclass in controlled aggression, patience rewarded with clinical finishing when the moments mattered most.

The Arena CSKA provided a suitably intimidating backdrop, with rain and 2°C temperatures creating the kind of conditions that separate the wheat from the chaff. Leverkusen, for all their technical ability and tactical sophistication, found themselves overwhelmed by the intensity of their hosts and the hostility of the environment.

The statistics tell the story of CSKA’s dominance more eloquently than words. Eighteen shots to seven, ten on target compared to three, and 57% possession reflected a performance that was commanding without being flashy. This was the work of a team that understands the demands of knockout football, patient enough to wait for their moments but ruthless enough to capitalise when they arrived.

Karim Konaté’s 55th-minute opener was reward for sustained pressure that had seen Jonas Urbig produce a series of spectacular saves to keep Leverkusen level. The striker’s finish, sliding the ball past the goalkeeper after excellent work from Nestory Irankunda, was the culmination of a first-half performance that had seen CSKA pepper the Leverkusen goal with efforts.

The second goal was a thing of beauty, substitute Lucas Lorran marking his entrance with a clinical finish after being teed up by the influential Franco Mastantuono. It was the kind of moment that separates good teams from great ones – the ability to find that decisive second goal that transforms a narrow advantage into a commanding one.

Leverkusen’s high-intensity pressing game, which had served them so well throughout the campaign, was nullified by CSKA’s patient build-up play and the challenging conditions. Estêvão, their £16 million star and the tournament’s most valuable player, managed a respectable performance despite the difficult circumstances, though he was unable to provide the spark his team desperately needed.

The reckoning awaits: second legs promise contrasting dramas

Youth Cup Final - Second Leg: Tottenham vs Barcelona

Tottenham’s position is as remarkable as it is precarious. They return to North London with a 2-1 advantage that puts them within touching distance of their first Youth Cup triumph, yet they face opponents who possess the quality to overturn any deficit.

The mathematics are simple but the psychology is complex. Barcelona need to score at least twice while keeping Tottenham out – a task that should be well within their capabilities given their superior individual quality. Yet doubt has crept into Catalan minds, the kind of uncertainty that can prove fatal in knockout football.

Pedro Vilar will demand more of the same from his players: disciplined defending, clinical counter-attacking, and the unshakeable belief that has carried them this far. They have already defied logic twice in knockout rounds; what is one more miracle?

For Barcelona, the challenge is as much mental as tactical. They must find a way to break down opponents who have mastered the art of defensive resilience while carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being overwhelming favourites. Adam’s team possesses the individual brilliance to hurt any opponent, but they will need to show the collective character that has so far eluded them in this final.

Youth Shield Final - Second Leg: Leverkusen vs CSKA Moskva

CSKA’s 2-0 advantage should be decisive, but football’s capacity for surprise means nothing can be taken for granted. They travel to Germany knowing that a disciplined defensive performance should be enough to claim their first Youth Shield, yet they face opponents desperate to salvage something from a campaign that promised so much.

Leverkusen must score at least three goals to lift the trophy, a task that seems beyond them based on Saturday’s evidence. Their high-tempo approach was comprehensively outmanoeuvred by CSKA’s patient game plan, and there is little to suggest that a change of venue will dramatically alter the dynamic.

For CSKA, the temptation will be to sit deep and protect their advantage. Yet this is a team that has scored freely throughout the tournament, and they may be better served continuing to play their natural game rather than adopting unfamiliar tactics.

The stage is set for sporting theatre

Two second legs, two contrasting narratives. Tottenham carry the hopes of every underdog story ever told, their impossible journey nearing its most unlikely conclusion. CSKA stand on the brink of confirming their status as the tournament’s dominant force, their systematic excellence deserving of the ultimate reward.

The beauty of knockout football lies not in its predictability but in its capacity to surprise, to elevate the ordinary and humble the mighty. Whatever unfolds in these return fixtures, we can be certain of one thing: the beautiful game will be the ultimate winner.

Tottenham's Stunning Comeback: A Night of Football Drama

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 20:07:32 +0100

Tottenham’s miraculous resurrection caps night of contrasts

If the first legs promised drama, the returns delivered something far more precious – the kind of football theatre that transforms ordinary Saturday evenings into folklore. Two competitions, four semi-finals, and a night that will be remembered for Tottenham’s stunning resurrection and Leicester City’s brave but ultimately futile last stand.

Spurs rise from the dead with stunning turnaround

Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 SC Internacional (agg: 4-1)

Football, they say, is a game of two halves. Rarely has that old cliché been given such dramatic expression as Tottenham’s extraordinary transformation at their gleaming North London stadium. Down 1-0 from the first leg and written off by many, Spurs produced the kind of performance that makes believers of the most hardened cynics.

The blueprint for this remarkable comeback was simple in its execution, devastating in its effect. Fabio Miretti’s 13th-minute free-kick gave Tottenham the platform they desperately needed, sliding under the wall to level the aggregate scores. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as Spurs systematically dismantled opponents who had arrived in London with every reason for confidence.

Ilias Akhomach’s sublime 31st-minute finish doubled the advantage, his first-time strike leaving the Internacional goalkeeper grasping at shadows. By the interval, the tie had been transformed, but Tottenham were far from finished. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya’s second-half brace – first a clinical 57th-minute finish, then a dipping effort that kissed the post before nestling in the corner – completed a rout that few could have predicted.

The statistics tell only part of this story. Tottenham’s 56% possession and 19 shots to Internacional’s 12 reflect their dominance, but cannot capture the sheer force of will that drove this performance. Internacional, so composed and organised in the first leg, simply wilted under the sustained pressure.

For manager Pedro Vilar, this was vindication of his faith in a side that had been written off after that narrow first-leg defeat. “Two outsiders in the semi,” he reflected post-match, before adding: “What a match between Tottenham and Internacional. After a defeat on first round 1-0, for Spurs was mandatory win on second leg. That happened - Spurs beat the Brazilian team for 4-0… we follow through. What a season for Spurs on Youth Cup.”

Leicester’s golden run ends in honourable defeat

Leicester City 2-2 Barcelona (agg: 4-5)

At the King Power Stadium, Leicester City’s remarkable three-year dynasty finally reached its conclusion, but not without one last defiant roar that almost rewrote the script entirely. The Foxes, chasing a 3-2 first-leg deficit, came agonisingly close to extending their unprecedented run of youth success.

Florian Wirtz, the German maestro playing his final Youth Cup match as he loses eligibility next season (though he continues with Leicester’s first team), chose the perfect stage for what proved his youth tournament farewell. His 54th-minute equaliser levelled the tie at 4-4 on aggregate, before his 69th-minute penalty sent the King Power into raptures and Leicester to within touching distance of another final.

But Barcelona, for all their early-season struggles, possess the kind of quality that separates good teams from great ones. Lamine Yamal’s 40th-minute free-kick had given them the early advantage, and when Sekou Aghehowa restored their lead just 55 minutes in – barely 60 seconds after Wirtz’s equaliser – the Catalans demonstrated the mentality that has made them perennial contenders.

Leicester manager Doug Earle was gracious in defeat, acknowledging that “the run is over” while reflecting on an extraordinary period that yielded back-to-back Youth Cups and a Shield. With Wirtz moving beyond youth eligibility, Leicester face the challenge of rebuilding their youth success around a new generation, but their legacy is secure.

Barcelona advance, but they know they have been in a battle. Their 53% possession and slight shots advantage (16 to 15) tells of a contest that could have swung either way. In Yamal, they possess a talent capable of deciding finals, and they will need every ounce of his brilliance against a Tottenham side riding the crest of an incredible wave.

CSKA complete historic annihilation

AC Milan 0-4 CSKA Moskva (agg: 0-8)

In Milan, meanwhile, CSKA Moskva completed what must rank as one of the most comprehensive demolitions in youth football history. An 8-0 aggregate victory over seven-time European champions AC Milan represents more than mere superiority – it is a statement of intent that reverberates across the continent.

The second leg followed the same merciless pattern as the first. Wilson Odobert’s 22nd-minute free-kick set the tone, Karim Konaté added his fourth goal of the tie just before half-time, and second-half strikes from Jon Martín and Franco Mastantuono completed the rout.

Milan’s Very Defensive approach was born of desperation rather than design, but even their deep block could not stem the tide. The statistics make grim reading for the Rossoneri: 39% possession, six shots to CSKA’s 20, and the kind of comprehensive outclassing that raises serious questions about their youth development.

For CSKA, this represents validation of their bold, attacking philosophy. They dominated from the first minute of the first leg to the last of the second, playing with a freedom and confidence that suggests they fear no opponent. The Shield final awaits, and on this evidence, they will take some stopping.

Leverkusen cruise past brave Sampdoria

Sampdoria 0-3 Bayer Leverkusen (agg: 2-7)

The night’s final act saw Bayer Leverkusen complete a comprehensive victory over Sampdoria that was never truly in doubt after the first leg’s entertainment. Jayden Addai’s early strike and late effort sandwiched Vanja Vlahović’s header to give the Germans a comfortable passage to the Shield final.

Sampdoria, who had shown such spirit in the first leg, found themselves chasing shadows from the moment Addai fired Leverkusen ahead after just five minutes. The Italians’ attacking approach deserved better reward than the 7-2 aggregate defeat suggests, but Leverkusen’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline proved decisive.

The contrast with their semi-final opponents could not be starker. Where CSKA have overwhelmed opponents with attacking verve, Leverkusen have combined flair with pragmatism. Their Shield final promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.

Finals Preview: David meets Goliath twice over

Youth Cup Final: Barcelona vs Tottenham Hotspur

The Youth Cup final presents a classic David versus Goliath narrative, with Barcelona’s European pedigree facing Tottenham’s remarkable journey from the brink of elimination. The Catalans possess undoubted quality in Yamal and Aghehowa, players capable of deciding any contest, but they have been tested by Leicester in a way that few expected.

Tottenham arrive with momentum, belief, and the kind of fearless approach that has already accounted for one supposed superior opponent. Their transformation from first to second leg suggests a side coming to terms with its own potential. The North Londoners will need to maintain that intensity across two legs against opponents who rarely make the same mistake twice.

Youth Shield Final: CSKA Moskva vs Bayer Leverkusen

The Shield final offers a tantalising clash of styles between CSKA’s attacking abandon and Leverkusen’s measured brilliance. The Russians have been simply irresistible throughout this campaign, their 8-0 demolition of Milan serving notice of their credentials. Yet Leverkusen possess the tactical sophistication and individual quality to trouble any opponent.

Both teams have shown remarkable consistency – CSKA in their relentless pursuit of goals, Leverkusen in their ability to control games when required. The first leg will likely prove decisive, as neither side appears comfortable sitting on narrow advantages.

The stage is set

Two finals, four teams, and the promise of more drama to come. Tottenham and CSKA arrive as the stories of the tournament, their journeys from underdogs to finalists capturing the imagination. Barcelona and Leverkusen represent more measured progress, their quality never truly in doubt.

But as this remarkable semi-final round has proven, quality alone guarantees nothing in knockout football. The stage is set for two captivating finals that could yet produce the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

FC Porto vs Dinamo Zagreb: A Cup Final for the Ages

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:06:54 +0100

FC Porto 2-2 Dinamo Zagreb (Porto win 5-4 on penalties) Estadio Azteca, Mexico City - Attendance: 86,135

In a captivating final that lived up to its billing, FC Porto claimed their third Top 100 Shield in dramatic fashion, overcoming a resilient Dinamo Zagreb side on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

This final represented a fascinating clash of contrasting footballing journeys. Porto, the established Division 1 powerhouse, arrived as heavy favorites having built a reputation as perennial top-four finishers and cup specialists over recent seasons. Their experience in high-pressure situations and superior squad depth made them the bookmakers’ choice.

Dinamo Zagreb, however, embodied the romance of cup football. The Croatian side’s meteoric rise from Division 5 to Division 2 promotion contenders has been one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. Under the astute management of ⍟Greg Bilboaツ, they had already defied expectations by reaching their first major final, dispatching several higher-ranked opponents along the way.

First Half Drama

The match exploded into life early, with both teams showcasing the attacking intent that had carried them through the knockout rounds. Porto’s class showed immediately when Julián Álvarez, their designated penalty taker and focal point, fired them ahead in the 9th minute after some excellent build-up play involving Rafael Leão.

Zagreb’s response was swift and emphatic. Just nine minutes later, Luka Jović demonstrated why he’s been their key performer in this remarkable cup run, equalizing with a clinical finish that silenced the Porto faithful and announced Zagreb’s intention to compete on equal terms.

The Portuguese giants regained their advantage through Leão’s 22nd-minute strike, but the first half perfectly encapsulated the evening’s narrative - Porto’s superior individual quality being matched by Zagreb’s collective determination and tactical discipline.

Zagreb’s Brave Second Half

The second period belonged to the underdogs. Zagreb, showing no signs of being overawed by the occasion or their opponents’ pedigree, grew into the game. Their equalizer arrived through Riccardo Orsolini in the 57th minute, a goal that sent their traveling support into raptures and demonstrated their refusal to be intimidated by Porto’s Division 1 status.

What followed was a testament to Zagreb’s character. Rather than sitting back and hoping to reach penalties, they continued to press forward, creating several chances that could have won the tie in regular time. Amine Gouiri and Ché Adams both came close to completing what would have been a stunning upset.

Penalty Drama Decides the Destiny

As the match headed to penalties, the contrasting experiences became evident. Porto’s players had been here before - cup finals, high-pressure situations, and penalty shootouts were familiar territory. Zagreb, for all their admirable spirit, were in uncharted waters.

The shootout was a microcosm of the entire match. Porto’s penalties were taken with the confidence of players accustomed to such moments - Álvarez, Saka, Brandt, Garro, and Rodri all finding the net with varying degrees of comfort. Zagreb matched them blow for blow until the crucial moment when Mauro Arambarri’s effort was saved, handing Porto their third Shield triumph.

Post-Match Perspective

Porto manager André Guerra was magnanimous in victory, acknowledging Zagreb’s exceptional performance: “You gave us a hell of a fight mate! Amazing run from Zagreb.” His tactical decision to substitute key players at the hour mark - a luxury afforded by his squad’s depth - ultimately proved crucial in maintaining freshness for the penalty shootout while also preserving players for upcoming league commitments.

For Zagreb boss ⍟Greg Bilboaツ, the disappointment was palpable but tempered by pride: the defeat on penalties couldn’t diminish an extraordinary tournament run that has announced their arrival as a force to be reckoned with.

The Bigger Picture

This final perfectly illustrated football’s unpredictable nature. While Porto’s victory maintained their status as cup specialists and added another trophy to their impressive collection, Zagreb’s performance served notice that their rapid ascent through the divisions is built on solid foundations.

Porto’s experience ultimately told, but Zagreb’s journey from Division 5 to a major cup final - culminating in a performance that pushed the favorites all the way to penalties - represents one of the most remarkable stories in recent tournament history. Their time will surely come.

Final Verdict: Porto 2-2 Dinamo Zagreb (Porto win 5-4 on penalties) A classic cup final that showcased both the value of experience and the power of ambition.

Youth Cup & Shield Semi-Finals: First Leg Drama Sets Up Tantalising Returns

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:55:57 +0100

CSKA Moscow lay down marker with Milan mauling

CSKA Moskva 4-0 AC Milan (Youth Shield)

There are emphatic victories, and then there is what CSKA Moskva served up to AC Milan at the Arena CSKA on Saturday night. This was not merely a defeat for the Rossoneri – it was a comprehensive dismantling that has surely ended their Shield ambitions before the return leg has even been contemplated.

Karim Konaté was the chief architect of Milan’s misery, his hat-trick a masterclass in clinical finishing. The striker opened the scoring on 11 minutes with a composed finish, doubled his tally from the penalty spot ten minutes later, and completed his treble six minutes into the second half with the sort of scuffed effort that somehow finds the net when everything is going your way.

Nestory Irankunda’s sublime strike off the post in the 41st minute was merely the cherry on top of what had already become a rout. Milan, deploying a desperately defensive 4-3-3 formation, were overrun in every department. The statistics tell their own story – 60% possession to CSKA, 14 shots to seven, and a chasm in quality that the scoreline perhaps even flattered the visitors.

Milan’s ultra-defensive approach backfired spectacularly. Manager tactics of sitting deep and hoping to catch CSKA on the break proved woefully inadequate against opponents who combined pace, power and precision in equal measure. The Italians will need something approaching a miracle at San Siro to overturn this deficit.

Leverkusen edge thriller in six-goal spectacle

Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 Sampdoria (Youth Shield)

If CSKA’s victory was a statement of intent, Bayer Leverkusen’s triumph over Sampdoria was pure box office entertainment. Six goals, end-to-end action, and a result that leaves this semi-final tantalizingly poised ahead of the return fixture.

Jayden Addai and Adrian Segecic emerged as the protagonists in this breathless encounter, each claiming a brace in a match that swung back and forth like a pendulum. Addai’s early opener set the tone, only for Vanja Vlahović to double Leverkusen’s advantage before half-time. Segecic’s response was immediate and devastating – two goals in six minutes either side of the interval to level the tie and serve notice of Sampdoria’s attacking threat.

But it was Estêvão’s moment of magic that proved decisive. The Brazilian’s free-kick on 58 minutes was a thing of beauty, bending around the wall and leaving the Sampdoria goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Addai’s second, seven minutes later, should have put the tie to bed, yet with Sampdoria carrying such menace in attack, Leverkusen will know their work is far from done.

The German side’s superior possession (62%) and shot count (26 to 14) suggests they controlled proceedings, but football is rarely that simple. Sampdoria’s two away goals could prove priceless currency in the return leg.

Barcelona survive Leicester scare in Camp Nou classic

Barcelona 3-2 Leicester City (Youth Cup)

At the Camp Nou, Barcelona discovered that reputation alone does not guarantee safe passage to finals. Leicester City, those perennial overachievers, served up a performance brimming with belief and quality that has left this semi-final hanging in the balance.

Kobbie Mainoo’s early strike suggested Barcelona might cruise to victory, but Leicester’s response was immediate and impressive. Florian Wirtz’s equaliser just before half-time was reward for the visitors’ bold approach, and when Kassoum Ouattara’s delightful chip found the net with six minutes remaining, Leicester had secured the sort of away goal that can transform ties.

Djeidi Gassama and João Neves had seemingly put Barcelona in command with second-half strikes, yet Leicester’s refusal to buckle speaks volumes about their character. Their attacking approach – matching Barcelona’s adventurous formation and high tempo – was vindicated by that crucial late goal.

Barcelona’s 58% possession and slight edge in shots (16 to 14) reflected their marginal superiority, but Leicester’s away goal means the Catalans’ advantage is more fragile than the scoreline suggests. The return leg at the King Power promises to be a nervy affair for the Spanish giants.

Internacional’s slender advantage built on solid foundations

SC Internacional 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Youth Cup)

While the other semi-final produced pyrotechnics, Internacional’s victory over Tottenham was built on more pragmatic foundations. William Osula’s 14th-minute winner – a scrappy affair that saw the Tottenham goalkeeper fumble the ball over the line – proved enough to give the Brazilians a slender but significant advantage.

The game’s defining moment came four minutes into the second half when Tottenham’s Mario García saw red for a crude challenge. From that point, Spurs were fighting a rearguard action, their ultra-defensive setup becoming a necessity rather than choice.

Credit must go to Internacional for maintaining their composure against ten men. Rather than forcing the issue, they controlled proceedings intelligently, content to preserve their lead while probing for the knockout blow that never quite came.

Tottenham’s resilience in adversity was admirable – they matched their hosts for shots (10 to 11) and created several decent chances through Goran Vidović. But they now face the daunting prospect of overturning a deficit without their suspended midfielder, though the narrow margin means hope remains alive.

The reckoning awaits

Four first legs, four contrasting narratives. CSKA appear to have one foot in the Shield final, while Leverkusen hold a commanding but not unassailable advantage. The Youth Cup remains wide open, with both Barcelona and Internacional holding slender leads that their opponents will fancy overturning.

The beauty of knockout football lies in its unpredictability, and if these first legs have taught us anything, it is that nothing can be taken for granted. The return fixtures promise drama, tension, and the sort of football that reminds us why we fell in love with the beautiful game in the first place.

Underdogs Triumph: AC Milan Beat Dortmund in Cup Final

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:49:40 +0100

Cup Final Shock: Underdogs AC Milan Stun Favorites Dortmund to Claim Top 100 Cup Glory

Estadio Azteca witnessed one of the greatest upsets in Top 100 Cup history as relegation-battling AC Milan defeated heavy favorites Borussia Dortmund 2-1

In what can only be described as a David vs Goliath encounter, AC Milan produced the performance of their season to claim the Top 100 Cup in dramatic fashion, overcoming a Borussia Dortmund side that had been overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy.

Pre-season predictions had painted a stark picture — Dortmund’s star-studded squad, boasting the likes of Jude Bellingham (95 rating), Vinícius Júnior (96 rating), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (93 rating), were tipped to cruise to the Division 1 title. Meanwhile, Milan’s modest assembly of players had marked them out as prime relegation candidates, with their £160.4M squad value dwarfed by Dortmund’s £533.7M roster.

Yet football, as it so often does, delivered the most unlikely of narratives.

Early Drama Sets the Tone

The match exploded into life within the opening minute when Aleksandr Golovin, one of Milan’s few genuinely world-class operators, latched onto a pass from Gorka Guruzeta and fired past Gianluigi Donnarumma. For a team expected to fold under pressure, it was the perfect start.

Dortmund’s response was swift and predictable. With their attacking mentality and adventurous formation, they pushed forward in waves, and it took just five minutes for their quality to tell. Bellingham, justifying every penny of his £76M valuation, curled home a sublime free-kick to restore parity and seemingly put the natural order back in place.

Tactical Battle

What followed was a fascinating tactical chess match that perfectly encapsulated the gulf between the two sides’ resources and expectations. Milan manager Simon Thomas deployed an ultra-defensive setup — narrow width, very defensive mentality, and disciplined formation fluidity. It was the approach of a team that knew survival depended on keeping things tight.

Dortmund manager Dario Saviano, conversely, unleashed his galaxy of stars in an attacking formation with fast tempo and bold creativity. The statistics told the expected story — 57% possession to the Germans, 12 shots to Milan’s 9, with Camavinga and Barella pulling the strings in midfield.

Against All Odds

But Milan’s greatest weakness had been turned into their salvation. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, they played with the freedom that only comes from rock-bottom expectations. Their direct passing style and counter-attacking approach caught Dortmund off-guard repeatedly.

The decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute through substitute Thierno Barry — a 22-year-old worth £9M, facing defenders worth more than Milan’s entire starting XI. When Leandro Trossard found him in space, Barry’s finish was emphatic, sending the underdog supporters wild.

Dortmund’s Desperation

The final half-hour saw Dortmund throw everything forward. Havertz, Júnior, and Kvaratskhelia combined in waves of attack, with Alexander Nübel in the Milan goal producing several crucial saves. The closest they came was an 83rd-minute strike from Júnior that bulged the net — only for the offside flag to crush their hopes.

Miracle Complete

When the final whistle blew, it confirmed one of the most remarkable upsets in recent memory. A team predicted to finish bottom had defeated the division’s supposed champions-elect. Milan’s average squad rating of 87 had overcome Dortmund’s 89, their £37k average wages had trumped their opponents’ £79k salaries.

For Simon Thomas and his unlikely heroes, it represents vindication of their season-long battle against the odds. For Dario Saviano and his star-studded squad, it’s a painful reminder that in football, talent alone doesn’t guarantee trophies.

As Milan celebrated their greatest triumph in years, one couldn’t help but reflect on football’s enduring capacity to surprise. Sometimes, the smallest budgets can produce the biggest dreams.

Final Score: AC Milan 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
Attendance: 84,935
Goalscorers: Golovin 1’, Barry 61’ (Milan); Bellingham 6’ (Dortmund)

Match Recap: Palace Stun City & Barça's Epic Comeback

Sun, 18 May 2025 12:59:21 +0100

The S25 Youth Cup served up another electrifying round of action on Saturday, May 17th, with young talents across Europe battling for glory. Fans were treated to stunning comebacks, dominant displays by tournament favourites, and the unfortunate drama of forfeits significantly impacting group standings. Here’s your roundup of a memorable night under the lights!

HEADLINE CLASHES: GOAL-FESTS AND LAST-GASP HEROICS!

SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER SEES PALACE STUN CITY! Spiten-Nysaeter's Late Double Downs 10-Man Sky Blues

In what was arguably the match of the round and echoing yesterday's real life FA Cup Final result, Crystal Palace (78 rating) edged out three-time Youth Cup champions Manchester City (82 rating) 4-3 in a pulsating Group G encounter that had everything. The lead changed hands multiple times in a true end-to-end battle.

City's Anderson Duarte was a constant threat, opening the scoring in the 14th minute and adding a second with a dipping shot in the 31st. However, Palace hit back each time, first through Kaio César (15') who coolly side-footed home. The second half saw Ola Spiten-Nysaeter level for Palace with a dipping shot of his own (48'), before Victor Gabriel unleashed a hopeful long-range effort that sailed over City keeper Ilić to put Palace ahead 3-2 (68').

City looked to have salvaged a point when Vukašin Djukanović slotted home in the 85th minute to make it 3-3. But the drama wasn't over. Spiten-Nysaeter became the hero for the Eagles, grabbing his second and the match-winner in the 88th minute from a free-kick delivery. City's night ended in further frustration as two-goal star Duarte saw red in the 89th minute. Despite the loss, Man City remain top of Group G on goal difference ahead of Dynamo Moskva and Crystal Palace, who all sit on six points.

Manager of Crystal Palace was undoubtedly thrilled, while the City camp will rue the late red card and missed opportunity.

BARÇA ROAR BACK! Aghehowa Brace Seals Stunning Comeback Against Bayern in Youth Cup Epic

Two giants of youth football, FC Barcelona (85 rating) and Bayern München (79 rating), delivered a Group A classic, with the Catalans ultimately triumphing 4-3 to maintain their perfect start to the S25 Youth Cup. The match was a rollercoaster, with former S5 champions Barcelona having to dig deep after trailing three times.

Bayern, themselves S6 Youth Cup winners, started brightly with Bilal El Khannouss finding the top corner in just the 3rd minute. Djeidi Gassama equalised for Barça (20'), only for Fallou Diouf to restore Bayern's lead with a powerful long shot (27'). Joel Ordóñez then hit a long-range stunner for Barcelona (38') to level things again. Just before the break, Assane Diao put Bayern 3-2 ahead (44') with a well-taken dipping shot.

The second half, however, belonged to Barcelona's Samuel Aghehowa. He first smashed home a powerful strike (68') and then, with just over ten minutes remaining, fired home the winner (79'), both goals assisted by the influential Lamine Yamal. Fallou Diouf picked up a yellow card for Bayern in a match where Barcelona dominated possession and shots. The win cements Barcelona's top spot in Group A with a perfect nine points, as confirmed by their delighted manager Adam post-match, who praised the "end to end stuff" and noted it was "3 wins in a row." Bayern's manager, Bojan H, was gracious, admitting his team fought hard against a higher-rated opponent.

AROUND THE GROUNDS: DOMINANT DISPLAYS & KEY VICTORIES

Reigning Champions & Favourites Flex Their Muscles

Leicester City (84 rating), the reigning two-time Youth Cup champions, continued their imperious title defence with a crushing 5-1 victory over SC Internacional in Group D, signaling their intent for a historic third consecutive trophy.

Elsewhere, S9 Youth Cup winners and reigning S24 Youth Shield holders CR Flamengo (82 rating) were in devastating form, dispatching VfL Wolfsburg 5-1 away in Group K to maintain their perfect record. Manchester United manager Dan Wallace was in buoyant mood after his side’s 5-0 demolition of Dynamo Kyiv in Group F, humorously declaring his team had them "for dinner" as they cemented their "pole position."

Three-time Youth Cup winners Juventus (84 rating) also showcased their class, defeating Feyenoord 4-1 in Group C to keep their 100% record intact.

Former Winners Secure Important Wins

Arsenal (80 rating), S16 Youth Cup victors, overcame Olympique Lyonnais 5-3 in a high-scoring Group F affair. Manager Heath Brown was pleased with the "Great win" amidst a packed schedule for his youngsters.

Inaugural Youth Cup winners (S1) Atlético Madrid (81 rating) enjoyed a "comfortable 4-0 win" over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Group L, as per their manager Gav Harmer, who was optimistic about the club's future talents.

Former S4 champions Chelsea (82 rating) maintained their Group J lead with a solid 2-0 win at Stoke City. Pedro Vilar, manager of Tottenham Hotspur (82 rating), praised his team's "Great win" as they beat former Shield winners AC Milan 2-0, with Bahoya named Man of the Match.

S18 Youth Cup winners SL Benfica (80 rating) also recorded a comfortable 3-0 win against Olympiacos in Group B.

Forfeit Controversy Hits Round 3

Two matches on Saturday were decided by forfeits, both recorded as 3-0 victories:

In Group E, HAMBURGER SV were awarded a 3-0 win after Internazionale forfeited. This result significantly helps the former S13 Youth Shield winners.
In Group J, Celtic received a 3-0 win as five-time Youth Cup winners Levante UD forfeited. Levante manager Salvatore Zerbo publicly apologised, stating, "we forgot to field the youth team... we lost the match."

Other Notable Results from Saturday 17th May:

FC Schalke 04 0-2 Cruzeiro: A key win for Cruzeiro in the tightly contested Group I.
RSC Anderlecht 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Points shared in Group E between two teams with Youth Shield (Anderlecht S11) and Youth Cup (Leverkusen S3) history.
Sevilla 2-1 Valencia CF: Former S6 Shield winners Sevilla edged out S5 Cup champions Valencia in Group A.
Sunderland 1-2 Everton: Everton picked up a crucial win in Group I.
Dynamo Moskva 3-1 Chievo Verona: An important victory for Dynamo Moskva in the competitive Group G.
Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-3 Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund strong in Group K.
Atalanta BC 1-4 CSKA Moskva: CSKA Moskva with a convincing win in Group H.
Beşiktaş JK 0-4 Hertha BSC: Former S18 Shield winners Hertha continue their perfect run in Group L.
São Paulo FC 1-0 RCD Espanyol: A significant win for São Paulo against the highly-rated Espanyol in Group B.
Udinese Calcio 1-2 Sampdoria: A "Wow!!!" win for Sampdoria, according to their manager Sir Stephen Beddows, keeping their hopes alive in Group D.
West Bromwich Albion 1-3 Independiente: Independiente secure the points in Group C.

The S25 Youth Cup continues to deliver excitement and drama. With three rounds played, the path to the knockout stages is starting to take shape, but plenty of twists and turns surely await!

Top Performers and Underachievers in Season 25

Fri, 02 May 2025 21:38:05 +0100

Top 100 Season 25 Six Match Review

Six matches into Season 25, the highly competitive Top 100 game world is already offering plenty of intrigue. It's still early in the 38-game campaign (current in-game date Thu 1 May 2025), but comparing the action to pre-season expectations (including "Malcolm's Stats" by Sevilla manager Mister TRX, 8th historically), historical manager performance, and last season's trophy winners reveals some fascinating early narratives. Here’s an overview of who’s hitting the ground running, who’s stumbling, and potential reasons why.

Division 1: São Paulo Lead; Reigning Champs Verona Off Pace

Fittingly, the game world's top-ranked manager historically, Scott Mckenzie, has São Paulo leading (16 pts), though he acknowledged needing more despite staying unbeaten after a 2-2 draw at Sporting. Just behind are kevin mcgregor's Juventus (15 pts, 39th historically), last season's Top 100 Shield winners, who suffered their first loss 1-2 at home against Doug Earle's impressive Leicester (6th). McGregor admitted he "would of bitten your hand off if said this was the start I was going to get," showing perspective despite the setback. Adam's Barcelona (5th, 40th historically, S24 Super Cup winners) also look dangerous, spearheaded by the sensational G. Rodrygo (leading D1 with 5 goals and 6 assists). Manager Adam noted his key attackers are "getting amongst the goals more... hope they can keep it going."

The biggest divergence from Malcolm's Stats is the form of Dario Saviano's Dortmund (17th, 28th historically) and, more surprisingly, Luís André Libras-Boas's Hellas Verona (12th, 5th historically). Predicted as title contenders, their struggles are stark – especially for Verona as reigning Division 1 champions. It suggests either the pre-season analysis overrated their readiness or established managers are finding the tactical battles tougher this term. Even James Mckenzie (2nd historically, S24 SMFA Shield winner) finds Chelsea slightly off pace in 8th. Fellow S24 trophy winners André Guerra (Porto, SMFA Champions Cup - 10th) also sit mid-table.

How are last season's promoted sides adapting? Last season's D2 champions Aston Villa (David Inglis, 18th historically) are currently 14th. D2 play-off winners Tottenham (Pedro Vilar, 67th) are exceeding early expectations in 11th after beating Espanyol 3-2, a result Mullan (Espanyol) felt robbed by. Regan Thompson's Hertha BSC (44th historically), S24 Top 100 Cup winners, are currently 18th.

At the bottom, Gursimran Brar (11th historically) sees Köln last as forecast, while Espanyol and Hertha join them. Espanyol's Mullan expressed frustration after the Spurs loss, citing hitting the post multiple times and injuries.

Division 2: Leverkusen Deliver, West Brom Flounder, Schick Flies

Marco G's Leverkusen (1st, 16 pts, 59th historically) are impressively living up to their favourites tag from the predictions, dispatching Udinese 4-1 with Koopmeiners (7 goals) instrumental. Behind them are Standard Liège (2nd, 12 pts), managed by Attilio Bonnici (69th historically), who are performing well after winning the D3 title last season, despite a shock 1-0 loss at Genoa. For 3rd place Hamburger SV, manager David Marsden (41st historically) felt they "Totally dominated a strong Stoke side" but needed a late Casemiro goal for a 1-1 draw. Atlético (Gav Harmer) and Stoke (Andrew Kelly, 4th historically) are also in the mix.

The season's biggest shock remains paddy d's West Brom (16th historically). Tipped for glory by the stats, now rooted in 20th. This drastic underperformance raises questions about their high-profile recruitment strategy. Conversely, RJ Alston's Southampton (8th, 24th historically) and Jamie Alldridge's Schalke (12th, 35th) are comfortably mid-table, defying predictions of a relegation scrap. Man Utd (Dan Wallace, 25th) are struggling near the bottom (17th) as expected during their rebuild phase.

Last season's D3 play-off winners Udinese Calcio (6th), managed by Neil Frankland (23rd historically), are also competing effectively in the top half after promotion.

Individuals: Benfica's Patrik Schick is the standout scorer across all divisions with 9 goals, while Southampton's Houssem Aouar leads D2 assists with 8.

Division 3: CSKA & Flamengo Top; Dnipro Still Surprise

Newer manager Chris Meida (71st) has CSKA leading (1st, 15 pts), alongside Carl Martin's Flamengo (55th historically), though Flamengo stumbled with a shock 3-0 loss at Saint-Etienne, with Martin citing key player absences. Mike Scallotti (10th historically) has Everton (3rd, 13 pts) well-placed, fulfilling their predicted potential.

The remarkable story is Everton Luiz's Dnipro (5th, 11 pts, 81st historically). Tipped for relegation by Malcolm's Stats, their strong start suggests effective tactics or perhaps being underestimated. Fiorentina's D. Mota leads scoring (6 goals) but his team (15th) underwhelms. Predicted promotion candidates Anderlecht (Walter Gogh, 27th) and PSG (Josh McMillan, 21st) need improvement.

How are last season's promoted teams settling into D3? Zenit Saint Petersburg (4th), managed by Christian RC 1914 (82nd) after winning D4 last year, have adapted excellently. AS Saint-Etienne (13th), under Carlos Miranda (77th) and promoted via D4 play-off, showed their potential by beating Flamengo.

At the bottom, Chris Mackenzie's Basel (52nd historically) struggle as predicted, joined by Hoffenheim and Shakhtar.

Division 4: Predictions in Disarray as New Leaders Emerge

This division completely contradicts the pre-season forecast. ruts66 (7th historically) leads with Feyenoord (14 pts), alongside Stuart Monteith's Montpellier (14 pts, 56th historically). Dynamo Moskva (Paul Rimmer, 59th) are 3rd, performing as predicted for a playoff spot. Córdoba, Salah, and Blanco share the goals lead (5).

The biggest head-scratchers are Mister TRX's Sevilla (8th historically, now 17th) and Hugo Costa's Celtic (50th historically, now 14th). Despite TRX crafting the very stats predicting his team for the title, he admits "things haven't really gone to plan." Are the established managers/squads struggling tactically, or were they simply overrated? Conversely, Melvin Udall's Werder Bremen (5th, relatively new, 91st) are defying their relegation prediction admirably.

Two teams promoted from D5 last season are now competing here: Last season's D5 winners Beşiktaş JK (yamil Mc02, 74th) are finding their feet in 15th. D5 play-off winners Olympiacos (Ricardo Ferreira, 66th) have started well and sit 7th after hitting four goals last night.

At the bottom, Murilo's Celta Vigo (new, 90th) are last, as their expected struggles materialise, joined by Sassuolo and Crystal Palace.

Division 5: Partizan Lead Tight Pack Chasing Promotion

Relative newcomer Marc Ques (79th historically) has Partizan setting the early pace (15 pts), followed closely by Bruno Neto^^'s Lyon (14 pts, 83rd). The managers predicted to dominate, Gianluca Ghio (Independiente, 5th, 57th historically) and Ignazio Barraco (Marseille, 7th, 34th), find themselves in the chasing pack but haven't asserted dominance yet. Independiente possess the division's top scorer in Trincão (7 goals). Nick Wheels' Spartak Moskva (3rd, 48th) are meeting their playoff prediction, with João Mário leading assists (6).

Perhaps most interestingly, the relegation picture defies Malcolm's Stats. Predicted strugglers Atalanta (Chris Taylor, 80th), Chievo (Carlos Azevedo, 86th), and Athletic Club (Wayne Bullough, 45th) are currently safe. Instead, Santos (Paolo Everland, 84th), Bordeaux (Sheene Ralspunsky, 81st - actively signing players), and PSV (Chris East, 57th) find themselves unexpectedly in the bottom three.

Overall Conclusion (Early Stages)

After just six games, Season 25 is proving highly competitive and often unpredictable, challenging many pre-season expectations based on Malcolm's Stats and even historical manager performance. While some favourites like Leverkusen are delivering, others like West Brom, Sevilla, Dortmund, and reigning D1 champions Hellas Verona are significantly underperforming. Standout individuals like Rodrygo (D1), Schick (D2), and Trincão (D5) are lighting up their divisions. Teams like Dnipro and Werder Bremen are providing early surprise packages. With 32 games still to play, there's ample time for fortunes to change, but the initial phase has certainly provided plenty of talking points and suggests that reputation and predictions count for little once the whistle blows.

S24 - The Halfway Mark

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:53:22 +0100

We are at the halfway mark of Season 24. Let's see how the races are shaping up in the league...

We'll start in Division 5 where the spotlight rarely shines (perhaps due to D1 historically having the most active managers - though Gursi does appear to have forfeited EVERY cup match). Besiktas and Olympiacos head the table while the Italian teams in Chievo and Lazio appear to be off to a slow start. AZ should have had a "walk in the park" according to Malcolm's stats. They sit in 9th but a lot of games left to play. Chievo appears to be struggling on both sides of the ball as they have scored the fewest and conceded the most.

Division 4 appears to have a table split in two. Five points separate the top (Bremen) from 9th. And then only 8 points separate 10th from bottom of the table. If you believe in regression to the mean, Montpellier will feel hard done to be in the relegation zone given their +1 goal differential. I don't see too many outliers from Malcolm's data. It should be an interesting second half as teams jockey for position in the two groups.

Division 3 is a tight race from top to almost bottom. Southampton sit top of the table with only 11 points separating 1st from 18th (that'd be me, unfortunately - more to come on this topic!). Celta Vigo and Monaco appear to be stuck at the bottom of the table for now. This is the tightest of the divisions.

Division 2 has Aston Villa 7 points atop, which is a pretty nice achievement given the initial disparity in the beginning of the season rankings that showed Genoa, Internacional, and Stoke as favorites. Those teams remain in the hunt, though Stoke appears to be underperforming thus far. The bottom of the table is pretty tightly packed with only 10 points separating 7th (Hertha) from 20th (Anderlecht). Super Samp have given up a whopping 40 goals - might need to stick Balotelli in net.

Moving to Division 1, heading into the season it looked like a 2 man race between Dortmund and Hellas Verona. Hellas is well clear of the pack and has allegedly already booked a venue for the championship ceremony! The CL places are a close race. Moving to relegation contenders, Schalke appear doomed while Benfica and Real Madrid have their work cut out for them. Still, there are only 8 points between 10th and 17th. Espanyol as always continue to outperform. I write this as I watch their legendary manager Pochettino manage the USMNT against Costa Rica.

For CSKA, it has not been a great start to the season. We sit in the relegation zone, which is disappointing for me. Some highlights are qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Cup and the Youth Cup, where we are the 14th seed and will only see one player age out (Alvaro Carreras, who put Lamine Yamal out of the game until his little dive earned a PK, but I digress). In addition to my enthralling posts, hopefully the rest of the admin team recognizes my keen eye for talent if the season continues as it has. But we have hope in Texas....

Games of the Week

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:33:57 +0100

Boca v. Lyon
- Lyon sit bottom of top 100 but can still play spoiler as Chris Union's Boca look to secure promotion to D4.
AZ v. Independiente
- AZ could leapfrog Boca with a Boca loss (or a resounding win coupled with a Boca tie). Independiente is comfortably in the playoffs - will Gianluca look to rest his team?
Lazio v. Shakhtar
- Lazio need a point to stay out of the bottom 3. They take on runaway league leaders led by Dan Wallace. Could we see an upset with one team playing only for pride?

CSKA v, Sevilla
- A point will see CSKA promoted while Sevilla likely need a win. It should be a cagey match.
Olympiacos v. Wolfsburg
- Wolfsburg are look to climb back into the playoffs while Olympiacos have an outside chance at automatic promotion.
Zenit/Augsburg/PSV/Ajax/Torino
- None play each other, all can be relegated. The bottom of D4 is tight.

Inter v. Sunderland
- Assuming any point deductions for the Italian side will take effect next year, Inter is playing for auto promotion while Sunderland led by Alessandro look to make it into the playoffs
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
- Stuttgart look to play spoilers and keep the commish's team in the playoffs.
Gala v. Sassuolo
- Attila v. Hussain as Sassuolo look to stay above the relegation zone, which is likely barring a 2 goal defeat.

With promotion and relegation decided (!!!) the last playoff spot is the only thing up for grabs. Schalke take on Liverpool, Sporting face Manchester City, and Udinese take on a hapless Celtic team. Only one will be playoff-bound

Hellas v. Chelsea
- It's the game of the week as league leaders Hellas take on Chelsea. Chelsea need a win to secure another playoff title while Andre's Hellas side can squeak by with a draw.
Espanyol v. Sao Paolo
- Another McKenzie will be seeking a win to finish top 4. In his way is Glen's Espanyol team, which is doing a deep dive to end the season as it looks to stave off Manchester United in the final relegation spot.
Manchester United v, Bayern
- Bayern can't move much in the table but Bojan can ease Glen's worries by getting a result against Tharani's Man United side.

D1: PORTO AND ATLETI FIND FORM (Matchday 17)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:37:03 +0100

Genoa and Manchester City Draw in Thriller

When you look at the table it is quite clear what the problem is - goals. Essentially I have a LWB playing as a Left-Winger and a Right sided Midfielder playing as a Right-winger! I won't mention the striker. I've been aware of this for quite some time. . .
Alex McLean (Manchester City)

Barcelona and Arsenal Play out Boring Draw

Porto Spoil Foxes Run

Big party in portuguese team locker room, as they finally manage to win 2 league matches in a row! Goals from Salah, Kane and Ferran Torres. Important moment. Up to 9th. Hopefully we'll manage to get a proper run now and continue to climb some positions in Division 1 table.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Atlético Madrid Edge Bayer Leverkusen
4 wins on the trot for rejuvenated Harmer

D2: ESPANYOL AND SAO PAULO WIN TO KEEP PRESSURE ON LEVANTE (Matchday 17)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:37:03 +0100

Fenerbahçe Bounce Back with Emphatic Win
Thomas: "Still a long way to go to to be safe."

From bad to worse for Standard Liège
Reynolds: "Another defeat another play sent off after a long injury. Nothing really going our way."

ESPANYOL STUN CELTA VIGO!
March, Müller and Senesi on target in impressive away win

That was arguably the best we've played this season, we created a lot and took our chances. Very pleased to get back to winning ways in the league.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

SAO PAULO EDGE PAST HOFFENHEIM
Goals from Jota and Terrier

We started the game well and got our goals and took the foot of the gas which allowed them back in but we done enough over the 90 minutes to deserve the victory.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

D3: KOLN AND SCHALKE SET PACE AT TOP (Matchday 17)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:37:03 +0100

CRYSTAL PALACE ROUT GALATASARAY!
Neuhaus, Sørloth and Suárez score as Eagles run riot

CRUZEIRO SNATCH AWAY WIN AT SASSUOLO!
Thuram scores late winner as Brazilian side come from behind

Narrow 1-0 home loss is not a positive result but I am confident we can fight back in the next game
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

WEST HAM CRUSHED BY SAMPDORIA!
Thuram and Webster score as Italian side complete rout

LEADERS KÖLN DESTROY SWANSEA CITY!
Doku, Fagioli and Kalajdzic on target as German side hammer Swans

GLADBACH DRAW WITH FC TWENTE!

A game that I think on paper we should have won so a little disappointed but well done Jamie. The stat that matters “shots on target” 6 a piece so I guess a reasonable result.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

SCHALKE BEAT AJAX TO STAY IN SECOND!
Immobile scores winner again but also misses a penalty

D4: GODFATHER QUITS, PRINCE FREED! (Matchday 17)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:37:03 +0100

FEYENOORD SHOCK SAINT-ETIENNE!
Burkardt and Gil score as Dutch giants secure comfortable victory

TORINO GRIND OUT VICTORY OVER AZ!
Benrahma and Palazón on target as Italian side move up the table

STUTTGART DERAIL LOKOMOTIV!
Ribeiro and Hong score as German side continue their unbeaten run

IMPRISONED PRINCE RELEASED AFTER MONACO VICTORY OVER BORDEAUX!
Charges of Crown Jewel Theft Against Ex-Boss Dropped!

OLYMPIACOS PIP DYNAMO MOSKVA IN TENSE ENCOUNTER!
Patrick scores the only goal as Greek side claim narrow victory

Finally, two wins in a row!
Master T (Olympiacos)

NEW BOSS MARTIN SEES FLAMENGO SCRAPE PAST DNIPRO!
Silva scores the only goal as Brazilian giants claim hard-fought victory

Long term I'll not be continuing the Brazilian project, it's too restrictive for me, but I am considering seeing the season out with it.
Carl Martin (Flamengo)

SEVILLA SQUEEZE PAST ATALANTA BC!
Capoue and Trejo score late goals as Spanish side claim dramatic victory

A good win, takes us to 9th and 2 pts off the playoffs. Probably 6/7th is the best we could possibly hope for but if we keep beating numerically better teams then who knows.
Mister TRX (Sevilla)

D5: Big Wins For PSV and Chievo! (Matchday 17)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 20:37:03 +0100

CHIEVO CRUSH PARTIZAN 5-1
Paulinho and Dele Alli score braces as Italian side claim emphatic victory

BRUGGE SEE OFF SHAKHTAR 3-1
Ito, De Ketelaere and Bonifacius on target as Belgian side stay 2nd

SANTOS EDGE LYON 1-0
Dennis scores the only goal as Brazilian side claim narrow victory

PSV DEMOLISH MARSEILLE 6-2
Dutch side run riot against OM kids

NEWCASTLE EDGE RUBIN 2-1
English side claim narrow victory

D4: FIORE WIN TOP FOUR CLASH (Matchday 14)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:25:44 +0100

BUYALSKIY THE HERO AS TORINO BEAT LILLE!
Vitaliy Buyalskiy scores match-winning goal to give Torino a vital victory

DIV 4 PLAYOFF BATTLE HEATS UP!
Seven teams separated by three points as Sevilla join the fray

CÓRDOBA THE KING OF MOSKVA!
Jhon Córdoba scores brace to lead Lokomotiv Moskva to victory over Feyenoord

FIORENTINA BEAT STUTTGART 2-0!
ITALIANS LEAPFROG GERMANS INTO 2ND PLACE

D5: BRUGGE HOLD PSV, NAPOLI TRASH SHAKHTAR (Matchday 14)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:25:44 +0100

SANTOS SUFFER SHOCK DEFEAT TO LAZIO!
Wythe frustrated as team slumps to 2-0 loss

Still in the play-offs but a frustrating one. Got top of the league PSV in our next fixture too so it could be a difficult week.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

LYON AND BASEL SHARE SPOILS IN SIX GOAL THRILLER!
McMillan admits weak backline cost his side victory

Forgot to remove my first team cb's in the cup so we had a weak back line tonight and it showed still I'm glad we kept the unbeaten run going.
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

RETEGUI DOUBLE AS NAPOLI THRASH SHAKHTAR

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH ENDS 0-0
PSV DOMINATE POSSESSION, BUT FAIL TO CREATE CHANCES

D1: ROBINSON'S "PANTS DOWN" AS OLD LADY CLIMBS BACK ON TOP! (Matchday 14)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:25:43 +0100

PORTO STUN BAYERN!
Valverde's lovely goal gives Portuguese side famous victory

BENFICA SLUMP TO HEAVY DEFEAT AGAINST JUVENTUS!
Nkunku MotM and on the scoresheet for the Italian giants

Pants pulled down tonight.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

I feared the worse after losing a goal in the 1st minute, once again showed great character and patience dominating the game going forward. Back on top.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Libras-Boas hails "solid win" as Hellas beat Leverkusen
Haaland impresses and is voted Man of the Match

Atlético claim "lovely" away win over Southampton
Harmer praises team's performance

City beat Everton in hard-fought victory
Llorente voted Man of the Match

Barcelona drop points against Valencia in goalless draw
Adam rues missed opportunities but is unbeaten in 12

D2: NEW SPURS BOSS "HAPPY" WITH DEFEAT! (Matchday 14)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:25:43 +0100

FENERBAHCE BEAT PSG TO CLIMB OUT OF RELEGATION ZONE!
Thomas hails "best win of the season"

CELTA GET VITAL WIN AS HAMBURG MISS THE TARGET

LIÈGE BEAT SPURS 4-3 IN THRILLER!
Bowen, Král and En Nesyri on the scoresheet as Belgian side claim famous victory

Amazing match. Even defeated I'm happy with the result with this new Tottenham. We are expected every match to improve. We must speak with our defence, special first game for Bravo and conceded 4 goals. But in the end happy with that.
Pedro Vilar (Tottenham Hotspur)

INTERNACIONAL MOVE INTO PLAYOFF PLACES WITH WIN OVER HERTHA!
Dybala bags brace in man-of-the-match performance

ESPANYOL FIGHT OUT DRAW AGAINST FAR SUPERIOR SÃO PAULO!
Cavani on target for Spanish side as they continue their good form

That's a great point won, they are littered with quality and we had to hang on times. We've still only lost the 2 games in the league and continue to exceed expectations.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Great game between the 2 sides, possibly could have sneaked a win if we took our chances but happy to take the point after last few bad results.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

D3: SUNDERLAND AND SCHALKE WIN TO KEEP PRESSURE ON KOLN (Matchday 14)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:25:43 +0100

SUPER SAMP SUNK BY SASSUOLO!
Monkides hails "hugely significant" away victory against relegation rivals

TWENTE REMAIN UNBEATEN IN SIX MATCHES!
Alldridge delighted with team's progress

MILIK SETS STADIUM OF LIGHT ON FIRE WITH WINNING GOAL!
Sunderland beat West Ham 1-0

PALACE HOLD CRUZEIRO TO DRAW!
Sorloth misses four clear chances but Bilboa "happy" with a point

IMMOBILE SCORES AGAIN AS SCHALKE BEAT RIVER PLATE!
Italian striker nets his eighth goal of the season to secure victory

Top 100 Cup: Santos Knock Out Real Madrid! (3rd Round)

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:18:47 +0100

SASSUOLO RESERVES SHOCK ROMA!
Sassuolo manager Monkides hails young guns after historic victory

FEYENOORD CRASH OUT DESPITE VALIANT EFFORT
Ralspunsky praises players for their fighting spirit

BARCELONA SURVIVE PENALTY SHOOTOUT THRILLER
Adam delighted to keep unbeaten run alive

ZENIT'S B TEAM SHINES IN VICTORY OVER SHAKHTAR
Manager Magnanensi hints at first-team opportunities for young players

SANTOS BEAT REAL MADRID IN CUP SHOCK!
Wythe hails team's "solid" performance

AUGSBURG THROUGH AFTER 3-0 WIN
Manager paddy d delighted with the team's performance

CITY OUT AFTER CLOSE DEFEAT TO WERDER
Manager McLean praises players for their effort

FENERBAHCE THROUGH AFTER YOUTH BOOST
Manager Thomas pleased with the team's progress

BASEL EDGE PAST PALACE ON PENALTIES
McMillan hails team's resilience, Bilboa rues Illarramendi's red card

RCD ESPANYOL'S YOUNG GUNS PROGRESS DESPITE LATE RED CARD
Manager Mullan pleased with team's fighting spirit

D4: Stuttgart Up To Third (Matchday 13)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:32 +0100

OLYMPIACOS AND ATALANTA PLAY OUT SNOREFEST DRAW!

Feyenoord snatch dramatic draw against Bordeaux!
Iwobi's last minute goal rescues point

Stuttgart crush Dynamo Moskva with 3-0 victory!

Sevilla secure vital win in relegation battle!

D5: Santos and Kyiv Up To 4th And 5th (Matchday 13)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:29 +0100

BASEL BEAT BILBAO IN ANOTHER CLOSE GAME!
Soriano free-kick seals the win for the Swiss side

Another win, on good form atm, not counting the loss against psv they are just too good lol. Not much between the teams tonight just a Soriano fk.
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

KYIV BOLSTER DEFENCE TO BEAT ATALANTA!
Yarmolenko and Stepanenko on the scoresheet as Kyiv move up the table

We had to fix some things in order to start getting more points. We tightened our defence to stop conceding so many goals, knowing we got enough quality to score goals! Good victory!
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

PSV RUN RIOT IN 3-0 VICTORY OVER CHIEVO!
Unal bags a brace as PSV continue their winning run

SANTOS EDGE PAST BOCA IN THRILLER!
Santos win South American derby 3-2

D3: Super Samp On The Up As CSKA Sink (Matchday 13)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:27 +0100

Sampdoria beat Dinamo Zagreb in thriller!
Audero voted Man of the Match for impressive performance

Palace up to 7th with emphatic win over Wolfsburg!
Afif impresses in Volland's absence

Gladbach suffer narrow defeat to Schalke
Keeley praises keeper for Man of the Match performance

Zapata goal wins it for Sunderland!

Meida: CSKA "unlucky" to suffer another defeat

Sassuolo held to draw by relegation rivals Swansea!
Remain 1 point above the relegation zone

D2: Famous Victory For Liege (Matchday 13)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:24 +0100

SÃO PAULO SHOCKED BY CELTIC!
Goalkeeper keeps clean sheet as Celtic stun Brazilians

Created plenty of chances and looks like another game were the opposition goalie was man of the match so but of bad luck at present.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

STANDARD STUN UNITED!
En Nesyri scores brace as Belgian side claim famous victory

We are conceding about 3 a game but are scoring a bit more. Dropped off on the ratings a bit just looking to consolidate. Tried some different tactics works one week but total dog shite the next.
Lee Reynolds (Standard Liège)

It's just going the same way as last season, creating loads of chances and not scoring but every shot on target goes in, new Centre half's helped and a new keeper to start with, but it's been very very mixed of late, can't find the right tactics any more either I'm really struggling with that nowadays.
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

VERRATTI INSPIRES ESPANYOL TO VICTORY OVER HOFFENHEIM!
Italian midfielder scores free-kick to give Espanyol second place

We put a lot into that, Verratti right now is playing at the very top of his game, and justifying the decision to bring him in, its very pleasing to add another 3 points and another clean sheet.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

D1: Juve Knocked Off The Top, Guerra On The Brink (Matchday 13)

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:21 +0100

JUVENTUS FIGHT BACK TO DRAW WITH REAL!
McGregor praises character of his team after coming from 2-0 down

The result means more than if we ran out winners, the character shown to go 2-0 down and salvage a draw shows fighting spirit you can’t buy. Yes down to second place, but still fighting.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

CITY AND ARSENAL DRAW IN TIGHT TACTICAL CONTEST!
Llorente voted Man of the Match for his performance

BORE DRAW IN MADRID!
Benfica and Atlético Madrid fail to score in goalless draw

PORTO STRUGGLES CONTINUE!
Guerra hints at future exit after another winless match

Getting enough of this. How can it be such a struggle to get a fucking win with a team like mine? No matter the tactics, no matter the opponents. . . Still could not win 2 league matches in a row this season. . . It kinda feels like a curse really. I'll need to think about the future.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

BARCELONA BEAT VILLA IN BIG WIN!
Felix and Rodrygo on the scoresheet for boss Adam against his old team

D1: Messi For Sale! (Matchday 12)

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:25:08 +0100

CHELSEA EDGE PAST ARSENAL IN LONDON DERBY THRILLER!
Lewandowski scores the only goal in 1-0 win

Nice 1-0 win for us tonight against a good team in arsenal, Lewandowski with the goal. him and Neymar the best players on the park again tonight. We had to change a few things and it seems to have improved us a lot
James Mckenzie (Chelsea)

MANCHESTER CITY LOSE AT PORTO!
Second string very unlucky not to come away with a point

No easy matches really, specially for my Porto eheh. Despite we dominated most of the match, City never really let us confortable, it was a tough one for sure… Glad we got the 3 points, that was the goal, even if we were not brilliant. Good game Alex.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

BAGGIES HELD BY OLD LADY!
McGregor praises quality of former keeper Kobel

One of those games, threw the kitchen sink at my old club, 15 shots and 1 goal. Of course I would sign Kobel, his quality showed tonight.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

ATLÉTICO COME FROM 2-0 DOWN TO DRAW WITH REAL!
Thrilling derby match

CHELSEA SHOCK MESSI TRANSFERRABLE!
Manager McKenzie open to offers on superstar forward

D2: Bremen Shock Leaders Levante! (Matchday 12)

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:25:08 +0100

INTERNACIONAL SNATCH DRAMATIC VICTORY OVER SPORTING!
13 POINTS FROM LAST 5 LEAGUE GAMES SHOWS IMPRESSIVE FORM

SÃO PAULO GOALIE HAS SHOCKER AS UDINESE WIN 3-0 DESPITE RED CARD

Udinese went down to 10 men and ended up winning by a country mile , our goalie had a shocker and Udinese goalie was man of the match , just one of those games unfortunately.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

SPURS SNATCH DRAW AGAINST STOKE
Strakosha was the man of the match after early bath for Sarr on 20 minutes

Against the odds. The manager is happy with that.
Pedro Vilar (Tottenham Hotspur)

MANCHESTER UNITED BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH 3-0 VICTORY OVER CELTA VIGO
CELTA VIGO'S FORM FALLS OFF CLIFF AS SLIP SLIDING AWAY

After a poor run of results for us, tonight it clicked after a few tactical changes, 3-0 win at Old Trafford with Ángel Correa grabbing his first goal for the club
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

STANDARD LIÈGE AND FENERBAHÇE SK DRAW 2-2 IN THRILLER!
DÁVILA AND EDWARDS ON THE SCORESHEET

WERDER BREMEN UPSET DIV 2 LEADERS LEVANTE WITH HUGE 2-0 WIN
FOUR WINS IN THE LAST 5 NOW AS BREMEN MARCH UP THE TABLE

A huge 2-0 win away from home. Better finishing on the day proved the difference.
DouDou (Werder Bremen)

ESPANYOL MOVE UP TO 2ND WITH HARD FOUGHT 2-1 VICTORY AGAINST HERTHA
VETERANS MULLER AND CAVANI ONCE AGAIN THE GOAL HEROES

It was a close match and I'm very pleased to get another 3 points on the board. Muller and Cavani have been our main source of goals this season, and right now are key to our season.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

HOFFENHEIM STUN CELTIC AT PARKHEAD!
LERMA'S WONDERSTRIKE SEALS VICTORY

Hoffenheim put a week where they lost their unbeaten home record to Udinese and crashed out of the Sheild behind them with a dominant win over Celtic by a goal to nil. Hoffenheim were quick out the blocks and silenced Celtic Park in the 5th minute, with what turned out to be the only goal of the game; Che Adams fed the ball to Lerma who caught everyone out including Rui Silva with a speculative effort which found it's way into the top corner.

The first half drew to a scrappy close with chances at a premium. Celtic, boosted by Costa's half time team talk had an immediate chance to equalise, Galeno fed Hermoso who stung the palms of Dragowski with a long range effort. However, this turned out to be the only real opportunity Celtic calved out, Hoffenheim then dominated the ball and chances. Celtic then found themselves down to 10 men, Azmoun went two feed, studs up on Lerma, who could luckily continue on, but is a doubt for Espanyol.

With the final whistle rang boos in Celtic Park, they're used to better and now see their side drop out of the top 3. Hoffenheim walked away delighted as they get their first away win of the season and move up to 12th in the league.

D3: KOLN STAY TOP AFTER BAD-TEMPERED DERBY WIN (Matchday 12)

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:25:08 +0100

CRYSTAL PALACE CRASH TO DEFEAT AT INTER!
Volland ruled out with long-term injury, Palace in crisis

Palace not at the races tonight, losing 2-0 at Inter. No positives tonight with Volland joining Machado in the treatment room with a long term injury.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

CRUZEIRO'S WINNING STREAK OVER!
SCHALKE BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Outclassed tonight by Schalke 2-0. A disappointing effort, so it's back to the training ground as big improvements needed for the next game.
Robérto Downinho (Cruzeiro)

Strong performance from Schalke after weeks R&R for first team!
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

SUNDERLAND SOAR PAST ANDERLECHT!
Milik and Rongier on the scoresheet as Black Cats spoil ex-boss Frankland's return

CSKA ~~MOSKVA~~TEXAS SUFFER ANOTHER CRUSHING DEFEAT!
Manager Meida said to be "channeling his inner goldfish"

MÖNCHENGLADBACH FALL TO COLOGNE IN DERBY HEARTBREAK!
Keeley blames striker's red card for defeat

SASSUOLO COMFORTABLY BEATEN BY TWENTE!
MONKIDES ADMITS TWENTE WERE THE BETTER TEAM

D4: Flamengo Set New Club Record! (Matchday 12)

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:25:08 +0100

TORINO SNATCH DRAMATIC VICTORY IN RUSSIA!
PALAZÓN GRABS LATE WINNER TO SEAL ALL THREE POINTS

Augsburg's second team in shock win!
4-1 victory moves them up to third in the table

Feyenoord snatch miracle draw against Lille!
Substitutes save the day after starters tire

Flamengo set new club record of 11 games unbeaten!
Godfather celebrates incredible achievement

D5: Mayoral Hattrick, PSV March On (Matchday 12)

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 10:25:08 +0100

RUBIN HUMILIATE SHAKHTAR IN 5-0 ROUT!
Mayoral scores hat-trick as Shakhtar's playoff hopes suffer setback

Newcastle and Independiente draw in tight affair!
Magpies goalkeeper hailed as MVP, but both teams left frustrated

Basel suffer double blow in defeat to PSV!
Moreno sent off on debut and key defender ruled out for weeks

SANTOS THROW AWAY POINTS AT SPARTAK!
Wythe bemoans loss of winning spirit

Top 100 Shield: Big Wins for Independiente, West Ham, Bordeaux (2nd Round)

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:04:53 +0100

FEYENOORD CRUISE PAST CRUZEIRO!
Plata and Burkardt score the goals

ESPANYOL CRASH OUT TO D5 INDEPENDIENTE!
Manager Mullan praises his team's efforts despite the defeat

Despite playing with 10 men for 75 minutes we are very unlucky, we has most of the game, but couldn't get that equaliser to force fictional ET which would of seen us progress. Congrats to them, they had a real go and, I'm pleased with the efforts of our side.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

BARCELONA PROGRESS WITH WIN OVER SÃO PAULO!
Roque and Trincao combine for the winning goal

CITY EDGE PAST LAZIO IN THRILLER!
Gündoğan scores and is voted Man of the Match

JUVE YOUTH AND FRINGE PLAYERS IMPRESS!
McGregor pleased with progress and eager to see how far this line-up can go

D3 WEST HAM KNOCK OUT CHELSEA IN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT!

HOLDERS MILAN NEED PENALTIES TO BEAT D5 SANTOS!

PMW MASTERMINDS SMASH AND GRAB WIN OVER SCHALKE!
CHAIR ON TARGET AS BORDEAUX PROGRESS

OLYMPIACOS SNATCH DRAMATIC WIN OVER STOKE!
Cruz and Arnautovic on the scoresheet

D1: McLean Sleeps as Juve, Chelsea and Hellas March On (Matchday 11)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:29:33 +0100

BENFICA AND BARCELONA IN THRILLING DRAW!

ARSENAL CRUSH EVERTON 3-0!
MORATA MOM AND SCORES AS HIS FORM CONTINUES!

CHAMPION LIBRAS-BOAS FOUND ALIVE!
Beddows' takeover hopes dashed

Hellas legend returns to the Bentegodi for his 773th game in charge of the Gialloblù after a mysterious disappearance | Anonymous sources reveal Libras-Boas was made hostage by Saudi spies, a direct order of Prince Bin Salman to force his signing for Al-Ka$h. Yet the Portuguese resisted all kind of offers even a so-called Khashoggi: "Biny, thanks but either way my head would still be in Verona".

ATLETICO MADRID FINALLY WIN!
1-0 VICTORY OVER WBA!

JUVENTUS CRUSH DORTMUND 2-0!
McGregor delighted with the points ahead of return to West Brom

LIBRAS-BOAS RETURN IS HELLAS FOR SAINTS!
Rúben Dias, Mbappé, and MotM Haaland score the goals

It was great to feel again all the love of the gialloblù family, grazie! Think there were very good moments tonight, hopefully the boys can keep up this attitude & bring more joys to our tifosi.
André Libras-Boas (Hellas Verona)

CITY BORE DRAW WITH LEVERKUSEN
McLean: "I slept through the match!"

D2: Levante and Sao Paulo Dominant at Top (Matchday 11)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:29:33 +0100

SAO PAULO DESTROY HAMBURG 3-0!
ABRAHAM AND ZUBIMENDI ON FIRE!

Utterly Dominant display from the Bhoys tonight , we have been great this season but usually not taking our chances and unfortunately tonight for Hamburg they caught us bang on form.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

SPURS START NEW ERA WITH WIN OVER LIVERPOOL!
KOSTIC MAN OF THE MATCH, PINAMONTI OPENS SCORING ACCOUNT!

INTERNACIONAL AND PSG IN BAD-TEMPERED DRAW!
5 YELLOWS, 1 RED AND 4 GOALS!

ESPANYOL BEAT SPORTING 3-0!
VERRATTI RETURNS FROM INJURY WITH BRACE!

It was crucial to get back to winning ways after our defeat Thursday. We controlled the game and could and should of won by more.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

LIEGE THRASHED BY LEADERS LEVANTE
REYNOLDS: "What worked last game went totally pear shaped this game."

D3: CSKA STINK, SAMP SINK! (Matchday 11)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:29:33 +0100

CSKA STINK IN 2-0 LOSS TO ZSP!
Manager Meida locks team in bath after game

EAGLES SINK SAMP, SOAR TO SIXTH!
Handanovic MotM again

GLADBACH LOSE AT WEST HAM
Keeley: "I expected to lose by a single goal but the stat were in our favour so not sure what happened here."

SCHALKE SLUMP TO 3-0 DEFEAT TO COLOGNE!
Allington: "You can't win anything with kids!"

SASSUOLO HOLD LEADERS!

A 1-1 draw with the league leaders is a positive result, and we are now unbeaten in 6 league games. Unfortunately the quantity of draws means we are just 2 points clear of the relegation zone currently, we would rather win and then lose than get 2 draws.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

CRUZEIRO ON FIRE WITH FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN!
2-1 victory over Wolfsburg

A dominant display. Fortunately for us it was an own goal that decided the result for us, also Caqueret scored for the second game in a row to keep the goals coming from the midfield. We enter the top half now to stake a claim for playoff places. We march on!
Robérto Downinho (Cruzeiro)

D4: Samba Can't Save El Toro (Matchday 11)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:29:33 +0100

TORINO "UNLUCKY" TO LOSE 1-0 TO FLAMENGO!
Brice Samba awarded Man of the Match for his amazing performance

FEYENOORD FOILED BY FIORENTINA!
Ralspunsky: "Disastrous match", Feyenoord pointless in four

D5: Basel Seven Games Unbeaten (Matchday 11)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:29:33 +0100

SANTOS FRUSTRATED BY NEWCASTLE
Wythe: "Late penalty and missed chances cost us"

KYIV CRUSH KAZAN!
Dynamic duo Traore and Dovbyk misfire, Vida and Sydorchuk score in vital win

BASEL SHOCK LAZIO WITH 1-0 WIN!
Soriano scores winner

D1: LIBRAS-BOAS QUITS CHAMPIONS SHOCK! (Matchday 10)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:52:19 +0100

André Libras-Boas RESIGNS FROM Hellas Verona!
Beddows linked with move from Super Samp

Despite win over Benfica and moving up to 4th in table, popular boss ALB quits in mysterious circumstances leaving Verona fans in shock.

Manager "hasn't been seen" for ten days, according to club source.

#Pray4ALB trending on Verona Twitter.

Atlético DENIED FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON!
Late Juve equaliser frustrates under fire Harmer

Llorente FREE KICK WINS IT FOR City!
McLean: "Very tight contest"

Porto SECURE SOLID WIN OVER Everton!

Wanted to try this formation for a while already, but for fitness issues or whatever only managed to play it tonight. It worked well and I believe it may be a good fit for my players. This could be a fresh start for us, but we'll have to face Chelsea next, so it will be difficult. Let's see what we can do.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

D2: SAO PAULO UP TO 2ND (Matchday 10)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:52:19 +0100

REISS NELSON MOVES TO SPURS!
Deal believed to be around 2,800,000 for highly-rated young English winger

UNITED SIGN CORRERA FROM SPURS!

UNITED BEAT RIVALS LIVERPOOL IN DERBY

FENERBAHCE SHOCK STOKE WITH 3-0 WIN!

A much needed and somewhat surprising win, as we threw caution to the wind.
simon thomas (Fenerbahçe SK)

MILAN IN CRISIS AFTER ANOTHER DEFEAT!
Manager Bailey under pressure

Another frustrating night in the league. We edge the stats yet again but another loss see's us down in 19th and for the 2nd time this season we have 5 players unavailable for the next game
Andrew Bailey (AC Milan)

Changed system and got a win. Not our best performance, Martinez saving late penalty.
Lee Reynolds (Standard Liège)

TSG DRAW WITH HSV IN FINELY BALANCED GAME!

Bit disappointed we couldn't hold on for the win, felt we just about deserved it. Midwwek Cup exertions probably cost us in the end.
David Marsden (Hamburger SV)

INTERNACIONAL CONTINUE THEIR GOOD FORM WITH 4-2 WIN OVER ESPANYOL!

17 goals scored in last 6 games across all competitions. Great turn around in our form!
Paul Masters (SC Internacional)

It was 50-50 possession but in the end their additional quality was a bridge too far. I'm delighted with the effort and its been a fantastic first quarter of the season.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

LOCATELLI WINS IT FOR SÃO PAULO IN PARIS!

A solid performance tonight. If we took our chances it could have been a few more but Spurs' goalie was in outstanding form, Locatelli was the one who made the breakthrough for the 3 points.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

BREMEN SMASH 'N' GRAB TO BEAT PSG 1-0!

D4: FLAMENGO TOP, AUGSBURG FALL AWAY (Matchday 10)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:52:19 +0100

OLYMPIACOS UNLUCKY NOT TO BEAT MONACO!

GIRONDINS BORDEAUX BEAT AZ ALKMAAR!

FEYENOORD LOSE TO DYNAMO MOSKVA!
Ralspunsky: "The team is good but progress is slow."

TORINO GRITTY DRAW WITH SEVILLA!

We must be clinical when opportunities arise as it's important to put the game to bed at any given moment.
L H (Torino)

D5: PSV SIX POINTS CLEAR (Matchday 10)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:52:19 +0100

PSV CONTINUE WINNING RUN
6 points clear at the top after 10 games!

Another win, but this time a couple of injuries that'll mean Unal and Sabaly miss the away trip to Napoli. Plan for the season's beginning was to avoid the auto sack, and I think we're on track!
Chris East (PSV)

SANTOS OUTCLASS BEŞİKTAŞ JK
Boss Wythe: "Small margins make all the difference, very happy."

BASEL SNATCH DRAMATIC WIN AT BOCA!

Had a horrible start to the season but now 5 unbeaten. Strange game last night felt watching it boca were all over us but turns out it was just the possession they dominated. Pretty even on attempts but it all changed when Tigges came on at 60 mins we suddenly scored 2 goals both set up by the big man. Thats 3 assists in 7 for the big man he can't score to save his life mind!
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

D3: SUNDERLAND'S TURN AT THE TOP! (Matchday 10)

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:52:18 +0100

SUNDERLAND BEAT DINAMO ZAGREB 2-0!

SCHALKE BEAT WOLFSBURG 1-0!
Allington: "Another dominant display, should have been more!"

PALACE UP TO 8TH WITH 3-1 WIN AT SWANSEA!
Swansea "tired" from midweek cup game

GLADBACH UP TO 9TH WITH 2-1 WIN OVER CSKA!
Meida "hiding" from fans after another loss

I was expecting to win by a single goal and that’s how it turned out thanks to a brace from Tousart. The stats were fairly close so this match could have gone either way. This moves us up to 9th, just 7 points from the top.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

CRUZEIRO RETURN TO FORM!

After an awful start to the season where we hit rock bottom in Div 3, Cruzeiro make it 3 wins in a row to reach midtable, with a comfortable 3-1 win over Internazionale. All the attackers got in on the goal contributions, definitely our best of the season. Hopefully we can keep marching upwards to where we aim to be!
Robérto Downinho (Cruzeiro)

SASSUOLO UNBEATEN IN 5 AFTER DRAW WITH AJAX!

We had chances to take all 3 points bur we can't complain - we are one of just 3 teams in the division to be unbeaten in the last 5 games.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

World Club Cup: Torino, Dynamo and Shakhtar Shock Big Guns (1st Round)

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:51:15 +0100

D4 TORINO SHOCK STAR-STUDDED CHELSEA!
El Toro run out 1-0 winners at the Bridge

D2 ESPANYOL HELD BY D5 RUBIN KAZAN!
2-2 in normal time with Fofana and Cavani on target

We should of been out of sight, we gave a soft penalty away when on top to go behind, but responded well. We then conceded again against the run of play but thankfully grabbed an equaliser and deservedly progress. These games are a lottery, and the tie could quite easily have seen us exit, but progressed via fictional Extra Time.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

SPURS SEE OFF D1 GENOA!

LEVANTE SHOCK REAL!
D2 leaders win in Madrid

BARCELONA BEAT LEICESTER!
D1 clash ends 2-0 to hosts, Rodrygo and Felix with the goals.

A fairly comfortable win. That’s two cup wins in last two days. Hope this can be a springboard in the league where our form is patchy. I’m looking forward to the arrivals of Kolo-Muani, Kovacic, Enzo and Christensen in the next few weeks to bolster the first team squad.
Adam (Barcelona)

UNITED WIN AT VILLA!
D2 Reds dump D1 side out

INTERNAZIONALE LOSE TO D4 DNIPRO!

SHAKHTAR DONETSK BEAT CELTA VIGO!
D5 minnows shock D2 side

D1 CITY HELD BY D3 SWANSEA AT ETIHAD!
Sky Blues win in fictional Extra Time

We gave it a big go tonight away, conceding equaliser in 70th min.
andy vh (Swansea City)

ANDERLECHT BEAT WEST BROM IN EXTRA TIME!
D3 team see off D1 Baggies

D1 EVERTON LOSE TO D4 DYNAMO MOSKVA!
Toffees second string thrashed at home

Midweek Cup Special: Santos, Palace, Hammers, Samp, Sevilla all Giantkillers (2nd Round)

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:03:56 +0100

HAMMER BLOW TO HARMER HOPES
Atleti knocked out at D3 West Ham

SUAREZ INSPIRES EAGLES TO VICTORY
D3 Palace beat D1 Saints at Selhurst Park

JUVENTUS SECOND STRING PROGRESS IN CUP
3-1 win over Everton

CSKA YOUTH SHOCK INTER

SUPER SAMP CUP WIN SPARKS LEAGUE HOPE
Victory over D1 Valencia for D3 bottom club

AUGSBURG SECOND STRING BEAT CELTIC

BARCA AVOID EMBARRASSING EXIT
SECOND STRING WIN IN LILLE

ZSP THROUGH TO THIRD ROUND
HEGGHEIM LONG RANGE SHOT ENOUGH TO SEE OFF LAZIO

D5 SANTOS SHOOT DOWN D1 FOXES
BRAZILIAN MINNOWS CONTINUE CHEEKY CUP RUN WITH 3-0 WIN OVER LEICESTER

ESPANYOL DESERVED CUP WIN OVER BILBAO
MULLAN'S TEAM REMAIN UNBEATEN

SEVILLA SHOCK SPURS!
BÜLTER IMPRESSES IN 2-1 VICTORY

SCHALKE WIN DRAMATIC PENALTY SHOOTOUT AFTER 1-1 DRAW WITH LIÈGE

ARSENAL SECOND STRING PROGRESS ON PENALTIES
D4 strugglers AZ put up a brave fight

D3: Deadman Walks, Meida On Brink (Matchday 9)

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:32:20 +0100

SASSUOLO HELD TO DRAW BY ZENIT!
MONKIDES' SIDE UNBEATEN IN FOUR

PALACE HUMBLED AT HOME BY TWENTE!
HAZARD INSPIRES DUTCH SIDE TO VICTORY

CSKA TEXAS SUFFER ANOTHER LOSS!
FANS AND PANEL CALL FOR MEIDA'S RESIGNATION

SUNDERLAND BEAT GALATASARAY WITH DOUBLE FROM ZAPATA!
BLACK CATS STAY SECOND

DEADMAN QUITS WOLVES FOR D1 BATS
Marcelo Bielsa set to take over at Wolfsburg

MÖNCHENGLADBACH LOSE TO ANDERLECHT
CERVI SENT OFF

Close game, but we sneak a 2-1 home win that keeps us in touch at the top. Nice to see Andre Silva pop up with the winner.
Neil Frankland (RSC Anderlecht)

SCHALKE BEAT WEST HAM WITH SUÁREZ ON TARGET!

D4: Olympiacos Get First Win (Matchday 9)

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:32:20 +0100

FEYENOORD'S SEASON IN TURMOIL!
RALSPUNSKY'S SIDE STRUGGLE TO SCORE GOALS

SEVILLA CLOSE IN ON PLAYOFFS WITH WIN!

OLYMPIACOS FINALLY WIN!
CALLERI SCORES WINNER TO BEAT STUTTGART 2-1

D1: Five Star Juve, Harmer Set For Sack (Matchday 9)

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:32:19 +0100

CITY SNATCH LATE WINNER AGAINST VILLA!
PERIŠIĆ AND WAHI ON THE SCORESHEET

ARSENAL BEAT PORTO WITH MORATA AND GÖRETZKA GOALS!

JUVENTUS THUMP LEICESTER 5-0!
MCGREGOR DELIGHT: "EXCELLENT FINISHING AND CLEAN SHEET"

ATLÉTICO SUFFER 1-0 DEFEAT TO DORTMUND
MANAGER HARMER ON THE BRINK

BARCELONA DOMINATE BUT HELD TO 1-1 DRAW BY WEST BROM

Deadman Appointed Valencia Boss
Former Manchester City, PSG, Wolfsburg and Celtic manager replaces Ash L

D2: Foden Lifts Sao Paulo To Fourth (Matchday 9)

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:32:19 +0100

SÃO PAULO STUN MANCHESTER UNITED!
AGUERD GRABS VITAL WINNER

Cracking game tonight which could have went either way with both sides having great chances, shout out to Phil Foden who made the goal & had another man of the match display.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

We have went off the boil a bit, hopefully the arrival for Correra before Thursdays game will give us a boost,
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

HOFFENHEIM HELD TO DRAW BY SPURS DESPITE DOMINANCE
GUNTER SENT OFF FOR LATE CHALLENGE

Spurs were quick out of the blocks with a tidy bottom corner finish by Correa. That early dominance turned into disappointment when Gunter saw red for a late challenge in the 28th minute. Hoffenheim saw their pressure count with a late first half strike from Adli 2 minutes before half time. Not much happened in the second half until De Thomas managed to squeeze a shot under Dragowski in the 71st minute.

However, just a minute later Hoffenheim hit back when Lerma flighted a perfect ball to Malinovskyi who finished just beyond the reach of Strakosha. Nmecha saw red in the 77th minute with a reckless studs high challenge on Malinovskyi. Hoffenheim couldn't finish the job and the spoils were shared. 2-2.

INTERNACIONAL ON FIRE!
3 WINS IN A ROW WITH 3-1 VICTORY OVER BREMEN

LIÈGE CRUSHED BY PSG!

D3: Ajax In Crisis! (Matchday 8)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:22:42 +0100

Ajax in crisis as they lose another game!
ANOTHER LATE COLLAPSE!

Something has to change as we are last.
Syed Shah (Ajax)

Sassuolo stun Gladbach with late winner!
SASSUOLO CAPTAIN SCORES INCREDIBLE CHIP TO SNATCH VICTORY AND ESCAPE RELEGATION ZONE!

Mönchengladbach 1-2 Sassuolo: With time running out, the team losing ideas, Baschirotto the captain tried an outrageous chip from outside the box with 5 minutes to play that flew over the helpless keeper and sent the away fans wild! Sassuolo out of the relegation zone and more importantly, proving the team can fight.

Very dissapointing but well done Hugos. Expecting the 3 points but messed up the tactics. Didn’t seem to be in it first half but went in 1-1 at half time. Stats were slightly even but shots on target 5/3 to them. A late 85th minute winner is always a tough one. Only 5 points from top and 1 point to play offs so early days.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Crystal Palace hold Sunderland to draw!
EAGLES EARN HARD-FOUGHT POINT AGAINST SECOND-PLACED BLACK CATS! SORLOTH AND HANDANOVIC STAR

Honours even as Palace leave The Stadium of Light with a hard fought point against 2nd placed Sunderland. The Eagles once again relying on Sorloth to come up with the goods in front of goal and another vintage performance from Handanovic between the sticks. All in all a very good point for Bilboa's men.

Schalke lose 3-2 to Inter despite dominating the game!

We dominated all the stats. Inter score 3 goals with only 3 shots on target - defensive cover cannot arrive soon enough. Well done Gyan.
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

D1: Emotional Rollercoaster (Matchday 8)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:22:41 +0100

CITY CRUSH SAINTS WITH 4-1 VICTORY!
PERIŠIĆ SCORES BRACE

Marcos LLORENTE loss will hurt us, but, my god, the relief, the sweat pouring down my cheeks, the clenched then unclenched buttocks, the PUNCHING THE AIR only to be reigned in and then PUNCHING THE AIR again, and again. This one meant a lot. Stupid I know. I'm farting 'Chariots of Fire' now!
Alex McLean (Manchester City)

ARSENAL BEAT LEVERKUSEN IN IMPORTANT AWAY WIN!
MORATA ON TARGET AGAIN

Just noticed ticked onto 440 games 2 more than longest serving manager Michael Bowes on 438. Coming up from second Division, rebuilding team 3 times now, some great achievements along the way, it has been great, I enjoy the challenge , the transfers , the trophies and the fellow managers. I make lot of mistakes but still love the buzz every game night.
Heath Brown (Arsenal)

REAL MADRID PUT BAYERN TO THE SWORD!
HORTA SCORES BRACE, GULACSI MOTM

Fantastic display from Real tonight, a ruthless performance. Absolutely chuffed to bits with this result.
Rob Ryan (Real Madrid)

BEN YEDDER MOVES TO ATLÉTICO MADRID IN SENSATIONAL DEAL!
MURIQI MOVES TO MANCHESTER CITY

ATLÉTI DRAW WITH 10 MAN LEICESTER
BEN YEDDER MISSES HATFUL OF CHANCES ON DEBUT

Another point on the board! Not happy with it as Leicester was down to 10 men in the 27th min ! Ben Yedder could easily of scored a hat trick with the amount of chances he missed on his debut.
Gav Harmer (Atlético Madrid)

VALENCIA MANAGER ASH L RESIGNS!

I have decided it’s time for another break . Struggling to find the time to fully engage with the gameworld at the moment so think it’s time for a fresh manager at the helm at Valencia . It’s been my most enjoyable time in SM over the last few years in here and Top 100 was a perfect escape during covid times . Much love and good luck for rest of the season all.
Ash L (Valencia CF)

DORTMUND HELD TO DRAW BY PORTO!
"FAVOURITES" TO WIN DIVISION 1 FACING "TOUGH MOMENT"

Dortmund 0-0 FC Porto. Decent point against a very strong team. We are used to dominate the matches but not tonight. It was balanced but Dortmund was slightly stronger. I already said they are one of my favorites to win Division 1 this season. They're facing a tough moment atm but they'll bounce back i'm sure. That team has upgraded a lot recently, they're really really strong now. . . Good game Dario. Good luck.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

JUVE BEAT BARCELONA 1-0!
CLEAN SHEET FOR THE OLD LADY DELIGHTS MCGREGOR AND KIT MAN

D2: Espanyol Go Top! (Matchday 8)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:22:41 +0100

SÃO PAULO BACK TO WINNING WAYS WITH VICTORY OVER FENERBAHCE!
AGUERD AND ABRAHAM SCORERS

After a couple of defeats we get back to winning ways tonight with a good away win.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

Tolisso sending off turned the match, was getting quite hopeful of a bit of an upset.
simon thomas (Fenerbahce)

LIÈGE SUFFER DISAPPOINTING DEFEAT TO BREMEN
EN NESYRI ON THE SCORESHEET BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PREVENT LOSS

After back to back wins we are brought back down to earth. Didn't help Teze getting sent off, plus we lose Palacios for 4 weeks.
Lee Reynolds (Standard Liège)

ESPANYOL MOVE TO TOP OF DIVISION 2!
MULLAN PRAISES MIX OF EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH AS VERRATTI AND MULLER COMBINE TO BEAT UDINESE

We got it spot on tonight tactically, and i'm very pleased to keep a clean sheet and beat a very tough opponent. Our mix of experience and youth is working right now. We made some changes bringing Sangare and Iheanacho in, whilst rotating our centre backs. It's been a real solid start to the season and we are improving with each game.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Dybala scores on his debut as Internacional beat Celtic in a 5 goal thriller!

MILAN EDGED OUT BY STOKE

A respectable 1-0 loss to Stoke City. We just edged the stats but The Potters struck early and defended their lead well.
Andrew Bailey (AC Milan)

PSG and Celta Share Spoils in Six Goal Thriller
Gogh: "Tough game against a strong team. Got a point which we were happy about."

United Sign Kepa!
Lafont follows Summerville to Hamburg

D4: Augsburg Run Riot (Matchday 8)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:22:41 +0100

FEYENOORD LOSE CRUEL LATE GOAL TO SEVILLA!

We had to rest our players so I put in pure substitutes so I see that it cost me the game.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

Sevilla happy to take the 3pts from Feyenoord who were playing their 2nd team after taking down Man Utd in the cup luck of the draw for us I suppose but 3 points in 3 points.
Mister TRX (Sevilla)

AUGSBURG RUN RIOT OVER MONACO WITH 5-0 VICTORY!
SECOND IN THE TABLE!

Impressive start to the season sitting in second. 28 shots and 17 on target should of been a lot more.
paddy d (FC Augsburg)

D5: PSV Stay Top, Santos Leapfrog Kyiv (Matchday 8)

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:22:41 +0100

SANTOS SNATCH DRAMATIC VICTORY OVER KYIV IN 5-GOAL THRILLER!
3 POINTS TO JUMP KYIV IN THE TABLE! SANTOS CLIMB TO 5TH

Important 3 points, the table is still so tight, every point is so important.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

Attacking 3 still one fire! Dovbyk MotM with a goal, Adama and Yarmolenko with assists. Igor scored the other goal! A slight change. . . . We conceded 3 goals. . . .
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

PSV ACCIDENTALLY PLAY FIRST TEAM IN SHIELD/CUP, STILL WIN 3-0 IN LEAGUE!
East: "Team seemed determined to be promoted."

Top 100 Shield 1st Round: Big Wins for Porto, Feyenoord, Hoffenheim and Hamburg

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 22:56:09 +0100

SAMPDORIA OUTCLASS MONACO IN SHIELD SHOCKER!
BALOTELLI MAKES DREAM RETURN WITH ASSIST IN SUPER SAMP VICTORY

RIVER PLATE SAFELY THROUGH TO ROUND 2 AFTER NAIL-BITING WIN

LIÈGE BOW OUT ON PENALTIES AFTER THRILLING DRAW

FEYENOORD STUN MANCHESTER UNITED
6-5 ON PENALTIES AFTER 1-1 DRAW!

A tremendous match having our great goalkeeper Bayindir again, little by little we are improving little by little, slowly we will progress and we will advance to the next round :)
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

10 MEN HOFFENHEIM PROGRESS
2-0 VICTORY OVER VALENCIA

Over thirty three thousand saw Hoffenheim progress into the next round. Evanilson joined Valencia keeper in watching the ball nestle into the back of the net in the 23rd minute. Valencia huffed and puffed but Hoffenheim doubled their lead in the 73rd minute with a wonderful strike into the top corner. Hoffenheim finished the game with 10 men but the score remained 2 - 0.

BARCA EDGE PAST AZ

10 changes to the team and Roque got the winner. A pleasing result.
Adam (Barcelona)

SASSUOLO SUFFER SHOCK DEFEAT TO LYON

Beaten 2-1 at home to Lyon in the first round, thanks to a late winner from Pierotti. We have a long way to go both in this season and where we want to take this team in the future.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

BENFICA OUT AFTER HOME DEFEAT TO PORTO
Ferran Torres (MOTM) and Theo Bongonda were the highlights for the victors

Full focus on the league this season. Out of the cup tonight, 10 changes, wasn’t expecting much. Let’s see how we get on before some changes to the first team happen in November.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

Another nice performance. Always great to win a national derby, our fans should be happy. 2nd string doing well in the Cups.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

MANCHESTER CITY CRUISE PAST ANDERLECHT

A convincing win for City reserves tonight against Neil's Anderlecht. Very happy to notch my first win back as City manager - but I'd bite yer haund aff fer a league win! Thanks for the game Neil!
Alex McLean (Manchester City)

CRYSTAL PALACE LOSE OUT ON PENALTIES
1 -1 at full time, losing out 6 - 5 on pens

Great effort by the lads against a much stronger side. Plenty of positives to take on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

Smash and grab for 10 man Hamburger
Yann Karamoh with the matchwinner late on at the Hawthorns

D2: Spurs Up And Running, Espanyol Up To Third (Matchday 7)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:31:41 +0100

ESPANYOL BEAT HAMBURG, UP TO THIRD!
Muller and Senesi were on target as Espanyol deservedly beat Hamburg 2-1

We mixed it up a little tonight showing our versatility though we should probably have won more comfortably. They attack you from the first minute, and we adjusted things to combat that, given our young defence. Pleased to put the points on the board and keep our mini unbeaten run going.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Well played, Glen. Half expected a drubbing, so not to disappointed with the scoreline.
David Marsden (Hamburger SV)

HERTHA STUN DIVISION 2 LEADERS MANCHESTER UNITED!

We have a good record against United with 1 win and 1 draw in our last 2 meetings, I thought we could surprise some people today.
Regan Thompson (Hertha BSC)

SÃO PAULO SUFFER ANOTHER DEFEAT!
LEVANTE WIN 2-1 IN BRAZIL

Another defeat but we played really well and should have at least a point from the game , Foden with the goal.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

TOTTENHAM FINALLY GET A WIN!
Three points at Sporting not enough to lift Spurs off the bottom

HOFFENHEIM LATE SHOW DENIES FENERBAHCE
MALINOVSKYI FREEKICK SAVES THE DAY IN THRILLING DRAW!

We dominated the opening exchanges but against the run of play, conceded a penalty. In the second half, Fenerbahce had the better of the game, but Malinovskyi tucked Lerma's free kick home perfectly into the corner to salvage the game.
Carl Martin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

D3: Anderlecht Top as River Lose at Home to Sunderland (Matchday 7)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:31:41 +0100

CRYSTAL PALACE SIGN JOHNSTONE!
Brighton keeper moves from Seagulls to Eagles

GLADBACH BEAT DINAMO ZAGREB!
BELOTTI BACK ON THE SCORESHEET

I was expecting a 1-3 loss however David has never had much luck against our team. Well, I was delighted to win 2-1 and the stats were in the home teams favour so maybe our win was a bit lucky.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

SCHALKE BEAT CSKA MOSKVA!
IMMOBILE MOTM PERFORMANCE

Fairly even game bot Immobile makes the difference again with the winner.
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

ANDERLECHT GO TOP OF THE TABLE
2-1 WIN OVER WEST HAM

LATE KLUIVERT GOAL SNATCHES WIN FOR PALACE
Palace snatch all 3 points in an otherwise even game against Ajax

Heartbreaking stuff that's now 4 losses in the last 5. There's no easy games in Div 3. Well done Crystal Palace
Syed Shah (Ajax)

RONGIER GIVES SUNDERLAND VICTORY
WIN AT LEADERS RIVER PLATE SEES BLACK CATS MOVE INTO SECOND

"BRAVE" SAMP HOLD INTER TO DRAW

SASSUOLO GET SOLID DRAW AGAINST KOLN

4 points from the last 2 games is a very good return for us. Hopefully we can keep it up.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

ZENIT DRAW WITH GALATASARAY
Win sees Zenit climb up to 14th

Good draw against Galatasaray, as long as we keep accumulating points against good teams we can hope for a good finish.
Arturo Magnanensi (Zenit Saint Petersburg)

D4: First Win For Feyenoord, Stuttgart Beat Leaders (Matchday 7)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:31:41 +0100

STUTTGART CRUSH AUGSBURG!
DUDU STARS WITH GOAL AND MOTM PERFORMANCE AS LEADERS LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD

FEYENOORD CRUSH DNIPRO 3-0!
BURKARDT, SALLAI, AND GIL SCORE IN "TREMENDOUS VICTORY"

First victory for the team, total victory.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

D5: Kyiv Shoot Down Leaders Brugge (Matchday 7)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:31:41 +0100

Dynamo Kyiv's attacking trident on fire!
MotM Traoré with a goal and an assist, Dovbyk with a goal, and captain Yarmolenko with an assist in 2-0 win at leaders Brugge

Lyon sell Vecino to Ajax
LYON FANS FUMING AS STAR MIDFIELDER DEPARTS

SANTOS SHOCKED BY MARSEILLE DEFEAT!

Rested a few players but still disappointed we couldn't get a point. Down to 9th.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

MARSEILLE MANAGER MAKES DESPERATE GAMBLE
Keeper Mandanda offered out in exchange for centre back

BASEL FINALLY GET OFF THE MARK WITH VICTORY OVER BESIKTAS!
EVERGREEN ASHLEY YOUNG SCORES THE WINNER

First win of the season and deserved to.
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

D1: ATLETI OFF THE MARK, LEWA FIRES BLUES INTO THIRD (Matchday 7)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:31:40 +0100

CITY SLUMP TO DEFEAT AGAINST BENFICA!
MCLEAN UNDER PRESSURE, 4 STRAIGHT DEFEATS AND NO GOALS SCORED IN THE LEAGUE SINCE REJOINING

LEWANDOWSKI SCORES FIVE IN SENSATIONAL CHELSEA PERFORMANCE!
SOUTHAMPTON CRUSHED 5-2

Still looking for that elusive first 3 points. Was never gonna get them at Chelsea. Although we made it more of a match after the break.
Jimmy Gouldie (Southampton)

ATLETI SNATCH DRAW FROM JAWS OF VICTORY!
LATE EQUALISER, BUT STILL FIRST POINT OF THE SEASON

D1: Old Lady Dreams, Harmer Nightmares Continue (Matchday 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:45:16 +0100

VALENCIA SHOCK PORTO 2-1
ASH L'S SIDE SECURE FIRST BIG SCALP OF THE SEASON

Slowball still doing the job I see. Well done Ash, gratz on the win mate. FC Porto only won once in 6 league matches this season, but it's still a great result for Valencia I André Guerraguess. I'll need to find motivation somewhere, somehow.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

JUVENTUS THUMP BAYERN 4-1
MANAGER MCGREGOR DELIGHTED WITH TEAM'S PERFORMANCE

Another strong display by the team, to be on 18 points and to only so far conceded 2 goals has been more than we could have dreamed of.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

SHAW SHOW AS BARCA SHOOT FOXES!
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC SCORES, GETS AN ASSIST, AND NAMED MOTM

ELANGA WINS THE DAY FOR REAL
A tight game at the Bernabau, Madrid 1-0 winners vs City, up to 4th

CHELSEA THRASH BENFICA!
NEYMAR HATTRICK AS EAGLES GROUNDED

CHELSEA SIGN SILVA FOR £8M PLUS PLAYERS!
Veratti, Balogun, Lopy and Lara to Espanyol

D2: McKenzie Laments Loss As United Take Top Spot (Matchday 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:45:16 +0100

UNITED GO TOP!
Sporting played reserves after Cup win over rivals Benfica on Tuesday

SÃO PAULO LOSE UNBEATEN RECORD
MCKENZIE LAMENTS MISSED CHANCES AND POOR DEFENDING IN SHOCK DEFEAT

Huge win for us, starting to get our season on track.
Andrew Bailey (AC Milan)

ESPANYOL LET WIN SLIP AT SPURS
FLEKKEN CONCEDES LATE PENALTY

We had a feeling this was a banana skin, and although not at our best we should have seen out the game once Cavani put us in front. We will put the point on the board and move on to Sunday.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Celtic go second with 2-0 win in Hamburg
Keeper Rui Silva the difference in end-to-end game

Levante smash Hoffenheim 4-1 in stunning victory
Can double lifts Zerbo's team to seventh

Soundly beaten against a strong Levante team. They overpowered us in the final 25 minutes with 2 goals and another disallowed. Motm Vlahovic was unplayable.
Carl Martin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

PSG and Liverpool share spoils in thrilling 2-2 draw
Point a-piece leaves teams in 3rd and 4th place

D3: River Top, Samp Sunk! (Matchday 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:45:16 +0100

RIVER GO TOP OF THE TABLE!
Fullkrug the hero with only goal of the game at Ajax

SUNDERLAND 'LUCKY' SAYS IOLI
Zapata wins it late on in five goal thriller against Cruzeiro

ZENIT BEAT PALACE IN TIGHT MATCH
MAGNANENSI PRAISES TEAM FOR "SUPER IMPORTANT WIN"

SCHALKE SINK SAMP
Beddows Immobilsed!

KÖLN COME FROM BEHIND WITH LATE GOALS
Kalajdzic with the winner against Zagreb

CSKA KNOCK ANDERLECHT OFF PERCH
MEIDA "GOT LUCKY" WITH LAURIENTÉ'S LATE WINNER

SASSUOLO STUN WEST HAM IN LONDON!
MONKIDES: "HUGELY IMPORTANT WIN" FOR ITALIAN SIDE

D4: Augsburg Stay Top, (Matchday 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:45:16 +0100

Dynamo thrash Lokomotiv 4-1 in Moscow derby
Awoniyi double lifts Rimmer's team out of drop zone

Flamengo thrash AZ 3-0
Richarlison brace lifts Brazilians into second

Málaga up to third with victory over Sevilla

Augsburg edge past Torino 1-0 to stay top
Llorente with the only goal

Very close game and lucky to come away with all 3 points. Nice start to the season with a couple of players to join in October this should strengthen the first team and keep us up there.
paddy d (FC Augsburg)

Fiorentina up to fifth with victory over Bordeaux

D5: Brugge Cruise, Kyiv Bruised! (Matchday 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:45:16 +0100

Brugge stay top with victory in Marseille
Ito with late winner for Belgian side

PSV up to second after robbin' Rubin
Kohr and Soteldo on target for Dutch side

Lazio edge past Athletic
Italian side move up to third in the table

Lyon move off the bottom
Wprld Club Cup heroics followed by first league win

Shakhtar up to ninth after 4-2 win at Spartak
Arthur and Golovin among the goals

Napoli up to seventh with victory over Beşiktaş
Super Slim on target

KYIV POUNDED BY THE SPECIAL ONE
4-0 DRUBBING AT HOME TO CHIEVO, PAULINHO HATTRICK

World Club Cup (Preliminary Round)

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:06:47 +0100

LEICESTER SEE OFF D5 NEWCASTLE IN EXTRA TIME

ATLETI SHOCK DEFEAT AT HOME TO D3 ZAGREB
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON HAPLESS HARMER

UNITED DOWN D1 HIGH-FLYERS BENFICA
Fekir brace downs Eagles

D4 DNIPRO BEAT D2 CELTIC IN EXTRA TIME

D3 PALACE TAKE CHELSEA TO EXTRA TIME
McKENZIE'S TWO TIMES WINNERS GO THROUGH

BARCELONA BEAT D2 LEADERS SÃO PAULO 2-0
Blaugrana book their place in the next round, Captain Laporte MotM

ARSENAL EDGE PAST FENERBAHÇE 5-4 IN TIE OF THE ROUND
TURKS COME BACK FROM 3-1 DOWN TO 4-4, MOTM OYARZABAL GRABS LATE WINNER

D5 SANTOS TAKE D3 AJAX TO EXTRA TIME
Both sides score two goals in entertaining match, Dutch team seal victory AET

D5 INDEPENDIENTE BEAT D2 HOFFENHEIM 2-0
El Rojo secure comfortable victory at home in shock result

D4 DYNAMO MOSKVA BEAT D2 STOKE CITY 2-1
Awonyo double seals victory fro Russians

BOTTOM OF D5 LYON BEAT D2 BREMEN IN EXTRA TIME
Both sides score two goals in biggest shock of the night

D4 TORINO THRASH D3 SUNDERLAND 4-1 AWAY
Bulls trample Black Cats with Morales hat-trick

Top 100 Cup Back Pages (1st Round)

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:53:01 +0100

SCHALKE HIT MARSEILLE FOR FOUR
LAMMERS DOUBLE FOR ROYAL BLUES

ATHLETIC CLUB SHOCK LIVERPOOL ON PENALTIES
AWAY TIE AGAINST ESPANYOL IN NEXT ROUND

BARCELONA BEAT BOCA JUNIORS
GARNACHO GRABS WINNER FOR BLAUGRANA

SPORTING BEAT BENFICA IN LISBON DERBY
NÚÑEZ GRABS WINNER FOR LIONS

BAYERN SUFFER SHOCK DEFEAT TO TOTTENHAM
FELIX NMECHA GRABS LATE WINNER FOR SPURS

DINAMO ZAGREB THRASH PSV
SCORER AND MOTM ARAMBARRI DICTATES GAME

LOKOMOTIV DERAIL PARTIZAN
PATRICK BRACE WINS MOUSTACHE OF THE MATCH

PORTO BEAT WEST BROMWICH ALBION
HOLDERS FACE BORDEAUX IN ROUND 2

'BORING' ARSENAL BEAT CHAMPIONS HELLAS
GORETZKA GRABS ONLY GOAL LATE ON

PALACE CRUISE PAST BIG SPENDING CELTA VIGO
EAGLES PLAY SAINTS IN 2nd ROUND

REAL MADRID THRASH SUNDERLAND
AUBAMEYANG GIVES BLACK CATS THE RUNAROUND

LEVANTE BEAT SÃO PAULO ON PENALTIES
LATE GRAVENBERCH EQUALISER IN NORMAL TIME

ATLÉTICO MADRID BEAT AJAX
FIRST WIN THIS SEASON FOR HARMER

DYNAMO BEAT SPARTAK IN MOSCOW DERBY
HOME TIE AGAINST GENOA IN ROUND 2

PSG WIN ON PENALTIES
0-0 AT ANDERLECHT

D1 Back Pages (Matchday 5)

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:41:59 +0100

De Vrij in shock Schalke move
Wimmer, Holm, and Tolkin join Foxes

Harmer in double swoop
Carrasco and Fabinho in, Phillips and Mudryk out

Barcelona list 10 players in clear-out
Mahrez, Laporte, Alba, among those on offer

Dortmund's McKennie to join Real Madrid
Odriozola and Patterson head to Germany

Porto fail to beat Aston Villa, Ederson useless
Guerra slams players for dropped points

I was hoping the struggle could be over for FC Porto after a good win past Thursday, but it's not. Failed to beat a clearly lower rated Aston Villa side at home tonight, 1-1 was the score. Conceded our opponent's only shot on target unfortunately. Ederson is being useless. On the other hand, we could only score 1 out of 7. . . So another 2 points dropped and already 10 points behind 1st place. Disappointing stuff. There's always next match. And next season. . .
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Juventus thrash Genoa 4-0
Gavi hits double

Great performance tonight, 15 points from 15, what a start.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Manchester City stunned by West Bromwich Albion
McLean almost lost for words by defeat

Dominated possession, but both sides with just the 2 shots on target. The Baggies shot went in.
Alex McLean (Manchester City)

Atlético Madrid lose to Bayern München
Grealish on the scoresheet, but 5 defeats in a row for Harmer!

Valencia earn away point at Leverkusen
A bland 0-0 draw, but away point "accepted gladly"

D4 Back Pages (Matchday 5)

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:41:59 +0100

AZ will sell Semedo, Alonso, and Minamino

Málaga CF desperate to offload non-Spanish players

Olympiacos manager shocks club by going on holiday
Will miss six pointers against fellow strugglers Saint-Etienne and Feyenoord

Saint-Etienne Give Manager Miranda First Win
Olympiacos manager sends team talk postcard "Wish you were here?"

Feyenoord draw with Montpellier
Ralspunsky praises team for fighting back from a goal down

D5 Back Pages (Matchday 5)

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:41:59 +0100

Carmo Comes to Partizan!

Kyiv Make Mincemeat Out Of Basel
Another Traore MotM, another Dovbyk goal

Great win with the known recipe! Now you know our plan! Try and stop it!
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

SANTOS CRUISE PAST KAZAN!
DENNIS INSPIRES 3-0 VICTORY

Very strong result against the Russian side, Dennis coming in and scoring once and assisting two, lovely.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

NSFW! D3 Back Pages (Matchday 5)

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:41:59 +0100

Beddows reveals all!
Super Samp boss speaks to media

Still taken from James McKenzie's VHS collection

Overall 5 points from 4 games isnt too bad but tomorrow is HUGE! We have lots of fitness concerns and a winnable cup tie on Tuesday - a cup run is something that is mega important to this clubs culture, ethos and history - as such expect wholesale changes ahead of tomorrow.
Sir Stephen Beddows (God) (Sampdoria)

Wolfsburg striker Petagna available

Twente's Mikautadze up for grabs
Alldridge open to offers, in need of CBs

Mazilu receives glowing praise from Deadman

Dinamo Zagreb's Simeone on the market
Inglis looking for CM in exchange

Bilboa previews Palace vs. Gladbach
Keeley predicts 2-0 home win

Palace welcome Mönchengladbach to Selhurst Park this evening looking to add to the point picked up in Koln on Thursday. The home side look to be at full strength, the main issue will be who starts up front, unhappy Sorloth or in form Suarez, big decision.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

Looks like a home win maybe 2-0, good luck.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Palace take all three points against Mönchengladbach
Sorloth brace wins it, Borussia manager Keeley mired in betting scandal

A game that could easily have gone either way. The 3 points take us to 10th, however a tough trip to Zenit is up next for the Eagles.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

Playing a stronger team at their gaff I was expecting a 2 goal loss and that’s how it turned out. No goals in two now with our only scorer, Belotti, off target with a few chances so that’s a worry No other players scoring is also a worry. Stats fairly equal so maybe we were a little unlucky.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Sassuolo drop to bottom of table after home defeat
CSKA Moskva notch first win of the season thanks to Wober goal

River Plate thrash Zenit
Move up to second in the table

Our easiest match so far this season, that's also 3 wins on the spin as we move up into 2nd. Our defence was outstanding as they didn't have a shot on target.
Jay Jones (River Plate)

Ajax win narrow victory over Cruzeiro
Holding red card suspension for next game

We showed remarkable composure as we soaked up all the pressure thrown our way. And when opportunities arose we were clinical up front with Zaniolo scoring the only goal of the game. A big loss for the next game however as Rob Holding gets a red card.
Syed Shah (Ajax)

Sampdoria concede late equaliser
A man down, caught out at the back

Sunderland hold Wolfsburg to draw
Ioloi: "A good point"

D2 Back Pages (Matchday 5)

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:41:58 +0100

Moreno, Fekir and Dewsbury-Hall available
Taylor looking for a AM and CF

Internacional clear out the deadwood
Eight players listed, looking for wingers or a big centre forward

Liege look to replace Reinildo Mandava
Looking for younger LB rated at least 87 and 26 and under

Espanyol in search of right back
Willing to sacrifice Sergio Gomez

CELTA VIGO THRASH INTER
Confidence boost for Spanish side, up to ninth in the table with a 3-1 victory

DER DINO COME BACK FROM BEHIND AT UDINESE
Gibbs-White's stunning free kick wins it

GOALLESS DRAW FOR ESPANYOL AND MAN UTD
Both teams show signs of fatigue in a tight match

SÃO PAULO BEAT PSG IN TOP OF THE TABLE THRILLER
Foden and Abraham secure the win

Psg drop to 2nd on goal difference after losing 3 2 at Sao Paulo. No complaints though as we gave it a go coming from 2 0 down to equalise but overall we were beaten by a better side. On to the cups next with a tough fixture against Anderlecht.
Andrew Kelly (Paris Saint-Germain)

HOFFENHEIM HELD BY MILAN IN THRILLING DRAW!
MALINOVSKY AND MOTM CASTILLEJO TRADE GOALS

D3 Back Pages (Matchday 4)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:05:44 +0100

Super Mario Goes to Galatarasary
Gyokeres goes to Sporting

Wolfsburg sign Caprari
Vanaken moves to River Plate

Attila Olah becomes new Galatasaray manager
Former Atalanta boss steps up

Dinamo Zagreb sign Watkins
Bergjwin moves to Galatasaray

Galatasaray in double swoop for Neto and Longstaff
Elmas goes to Celta Vigo

Internazionale willing to trade multiple players
Frankowski, Okumu, Lovric, Paintsil, Boloca, Bernabe, Walemark available

Willing to pack a couple or more and maybe others for one of yours. PM me if interested.
The Special Gyan (Internazionale)

Greg Bilboa becomes new Crystal Palace manager
Former Newcastle boss replaces McLean

I will be open to deals on most players after I've had chance to review the squad and see them in action, apologies for those offers rejected so far, rather than message each one of you I'll let you know on here. After Thursday and Sundays games I'd reckon I'll be in a better spot for negotiating.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

CSKA Moskva sell Skipp to Celta Vigo
Konate moves to Texas

CSKA Moskva in dead last after poor start

Borussia beaten by River Plate

I was expecting to win this one so I was very disappointed. Stats in their favour so well done Jay on a nice win. Mid table now. LEARN AND MOVE ON.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Loïc Badé joins Dinamo Zagreb
Willi Orban moves to Galatasaray

Sassuolo lose to Anderlecht

If it wasn't for one of the rarest sights in Soccer Manager - a free kick goal after a yellow card - in the first minute, perhaps the outcome could be different.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

Crystal Palace draw with Köln in Bilboa's first game

Fair result in the end, Koln had more possession, Palace more chances, everything else virtually identical. . . Pretty happy with a point away from home in the first game in charge.
⍟Greg Bilboaツ (Crystal Palace)

Jay Jones offers Guevara and Antuña
Duo bidding to become new "Vezo and de Fructos"

Sunderland stun Inter with late winner
Biraghi scored at 87th minute

Great victory against Inter… Sunderland is on fire…

D4 Back Pages (Matchday 4)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:05:44 +0100

New Atalanta manager Hickey under fire
Transfer ban after two days in charge

This will be my first game in charge since my recent return to Top 100. I have made a few alterations to the squad, too many in fact and am beginning a transfer ban as a result. I’ll put my hand up and admit I took my eye off the ball, onwards and upwards . #forzaatalanta ☘️
feargal Hickey (Atalanta BC)

Málaga looking to offload unwanted players

We are still looking to move out our last none Spanish based or Spanish nationality players in our first team, we have 5/6 players including Lang, all can leave for Spanish players in return. Would like to have all sold by end of the day. PM or put in an offer, I could give all 5/6 players for 1 or 2 of yours also, all positions considered but a CB or CM of higher rating would be nice.
Mike Scallotti (Málaga CF)

Lille OSC looking to sell Kean and Aboukhlal
89+ player wanted in return

Sevilla break their duck
Unbeaten, one point from 2nd to 13th

Feyenoord suffer another defeat

I have to look for signings for the defence because my defence is in a mess.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

D5 Back Pages (Matchday 4)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:05:44 +0100

KIWIOR SHOCKS FOXES!
Brugge POUNCE on Leicester City STAR for £4m plus Mbamba and Stroekeyens

GUIRASSY GOES BRAZILIAN!
Independiente SWOOP for Atalanta STAR in shock swap with Fernando and Diallo

5 goals in 3 Bundesliga matches, we hope he'll continue this way.
Gianluca Ghio (Independiente)

Santos suffer shock defeat to Brugge
Unbeaten start to the season ends

Down to 9th, and against 8th placed Kazan next, important game.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

Dynamo Kyiv maintain winning start
Traore was once more MoM with a goal

We could score more goals at the end.
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

D1 Back Pages (Matchday 4)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:05:43 +0100

Leicester City Land Romero in Swap Deal
Kang-in Lee, Kristjan Asllani, Raul Moro and Joel Ordonez will move to WBA

Atlético Madrid in Crisis After Third Straight Defeat
Harmer eyeing P45 and Job Centre

Valencia Hold Dortmund to Draw
Zaha with the equaliser in Germany

Borussia Dortmund Eye Quick Nunez Sale
Defender listed days after signing

Sergiño Dest Shocks Aston Villa Fans
Reunites with old boss at Barcelona

Luke Shaw Completes Move to Barcelona
Kalulu and Lewis to Villa

Gav Harmer Wants to Sell Jack Grealish
A few pints should do it

De Vrij for sale!
Leicester City open to offers for 91-rated CB

Benfica crush Arsenal!
Eagles soar to top of the table

Even match possession wise but had much more of the other stats. Great start to the season.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

Porto end winless run by thumping Saints
First league win of the season for the portuguese team!

Results have not been great so far but we kept fighting, changing some tactics and some players and even offering some new contracts this week to boost our players moral, shake things up and change our luck! Glad we could bounce back tonight with a solid win, hopefully we can pick up some form now. Vamos Porto!
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Juventus demolish Manchester City

Not a lot in it regarding stats and chances, Juventus were just more clinical, delighted with the start, 12 points, 4 wins, 9 goals scored and 1 against. Roll on to the next tuff game.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Real edge Everton thanks to early red card
Madrid continue unbeaten start thanks to Horta winner

D2 Back Pages (Matchday 4)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:05:43 +0100

Udinese Win at Spurs
Promotion Bid Gathers Pace

Big win for us as we beat Spurs away 3-2, squad down to 43, no internal transfers done since taking over & we wont do any unless we like the deals, a great start to the season and promotion is our aim.
mark stewart (Udinese Calcio)

São Paulo Held by Bremen
Jota goal extends unbeaten start

Looking back on some of the attempts we probably deserved the win but couldn’t get a 2nd to kill of the game , keeps us unbeaten for the season.
Scott Mckenzie (São Paulo FC)

Espanyol Stun Fenerbahce to Keep Up Title Charge
Muller leads way as Catalans come from behind to win thriller 4-2

This was a tough match, when you see Casemiro and Paqueta lining up against you, you know you are in for a battle. We weathered the early storm and our big players produced. It's been an excellent start to the season, and I'm pleased with the progress the squad is making.
Glen Mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Hertha Berlin Sign Ramsey
Days after signing for Celta, English youngster swaps with Roca and Sulemana

Manchester United Unveil Milner and Mertens
Will face their former club at some point tonight and make their United debuts

Milners adaptability may prove crucial in the long season ahead,

Various talks regarding Moreno and more so Fekir over the past 24 hours but nothing more to report.
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

Viktor Gyökeres Joins Sporting
Swap Deal for João Mário

Levante uses new player prize pick for Cvetkovic

AC Milan pick up first points of the season
The win lifts Milan off the bottom of the table

Left back Fran Garcia will miss half the season though after breaking his ankle and Sinisterra joins Grifo on the injured list also.
Andrew Bailey (AC Milan)

D1 Back Pages (Matchday 3)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:49:50 +0100

Old Lady Squeezes McKenzie in Close Encounter

A game that in reality could of went anyway, a draw would of been a fairer result but happy with the 3 points.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Madrid Come From Behind At Arsenal
Lukaku bags brace to continue Real's unbeaten start to the season

Valencia See Off Villa With Wilf Magic
Zaha with a goal and two assists

Could he be our star man this season?
Ash L (Valencia CF)

Benfica Snatch Late Win In Classico
Pedro with the late winner

We were second best, so delighted to take the points home.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

it's been a very frustrating start, decent performances but poor results, and more so as this seems to happen every single season. I'll keep trying and making some adjustments.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Nine Man Atleti Lose At City
Harmer: "Ever Get the Feeling You've Been Cheated?"

Not the best start to the season, especially against managerless City! We certainly didn’t help ourselves by having two players sent off in the first half!
Gav Harmer (Atletico Madrid)

Adam gets Barca off to winning start
First game in charge and a big win 3-2 over Bayern

Rodrygo scored twice but it was Mahrez who was most impressive with a goal, assist and motm. Happy with that!
Adam (Barcelona)

Valencia boss plays down Barca links
Manager was bookies' favourite to take over at Camp Nou

Yes there was some brief contact with Barcelona but I am here today and will be here for this season at least. The fans have welcomed me here from day one and I will continue to do my best for this great club.
Ash L (Valencia CF)

D2 Back Pages (Matchday 3)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:49:46 +0100

New Internacional Manager Loses Debut in Humiliating Defeat
Fans not happy getting thrashed 3-0 by Stoke

My worse result for some time. Squad will now be assessed, but certainly Costa and Szobo are not for sale.
Paul Masters (SC Internacional)

Standard Liège Suffer Heavy Defeat to São Paulo
Tammy Abraham Hat-Trick

Hoffenheim Win With Only Shot on Target
Clear chances were at a premium

Thanks to MotM Drągowski for keeping us in the game
Carl Martin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

Espanyol Edge Levante In Tight Game
Cavani bagged both goals to justify the clubs decision to bring him in

Age is just a number, and the likes of Cavani are critical to our young players developing. It was important to get back to winning ways after our defeat to PSG and send our home support home happy.
glen mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Pedro Vilar (Tottenham Hotspur)

Draxler, Pulgar and Gunter Available at Spurs
Part exchange only

Milan Pointless and Bottom of the Table

Think this seasons gonna be a rough one.
Andrew Bailey (AC Milan)

D3 Back Pages (Matchday 3)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:49:38 +0100

New CSKA Signing Blasts Teammates
Losses Pile Up

I can’t believe I have to play with this shit.
Marcelo Brozovic (CSKA Moskva)

Ten Man Sassuolo Stun Schalke With Late Win
Gyasi the hero

We can fight! Got our first points of the season with a vital win.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

Awful result for Schalke in a game that they dominated and against ten men. Early season optimism hopefully not misplaced.
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

Sampdoria Hold Sunderland to Draw
Milik scores in first minute

A red card for Zapata destroyed our possibilities to win the match.
Alessandro Ioli (Sunderland)

Ajax Denied by Red Card
Played with a man down for an hour at Inter

A valiant effort against one of the stronger sides in the division. Happy with the performance. On to the next one where Sancho comes back from injury.
Syed Shah (Ajax)

Twente Draw With Swansea to Keep Up Good Start
Pasalic rescues a point

After going one nil down we managed to get a second half penalty and end the game with a point … very happy with 4 points after the first 3 games.
Jamie Alldridge (FC Twente)

Gladbach Stun Cruzeiro in Brazil!
Gladbach unbeaten in their opening two away games, fifth in the table

A game I was expecting to lose by a couple of goals so i was pleased with the point. The stats were close so probably a fair result. A good start to the season for us.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

D4 Back Pages (Matchday 3)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:49:34 +0100

Augsburg Top Of The Table!
Augsburg 2 - 0 winners at Saint-Etienne

Wallace the hero with 2 goals and then manages to get him self sent off.
paddy d (FC Augsburg)

Olympiacos Star Juanmi Available for Transfer

Attilio Bonicci Earns Transfer Ban with Cektovič Signing
Squad Cap violation blamed on club admin failure

Olympiacos Draw 3-3 Thriller With AZ Alkmaar
Patrick and Calleri were amongst the goalscorers

First point of the season, I am not satisfied so far at all.
Master T (Olympiacos)

Feyenoord Denied By Late Equaliser
1 - 1 against Monaco in a great game

We almost took the victory if it weren't for Rousillon's last minute goal.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

Sevilla Unbeaten in Division 4

Not a bad start to D4, 3 games unbeaten, need to pick up a few wins though while we wait for the potential rises (and falls) to happen.
Mister TRX (Sevilla)

D5 Back Pages (Matchday 3)

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:49:26 +0100

Beşiktaş Get First Win Over Pointless Lyon
Beşiktaş Struggling in D5 After Slow Start

Bailly Joins Lazio in £3.8m Transfer

Santos FC Draw to Bottom of the League

Drawing to bottom of the league isn't ideal, but still 7 points from 9 is solid/
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

Dynamo Kyiv Denied by Partizan
Penalty, red card and Sergio Rico with 4 fantastic saves were enough for the 3 points

We focus on our next game to avoid the same mistakes.
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

Club Brugge Maintain Perfect Start
Big Sim was the player of the match

D1 Back Pages (Matchday 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:24:04 +0100

Barcelona in Crisis as Manager Walks Out
Wallace Leaves but Denies Corruption

Atleti's Title Hopes Dashed by Everton
Harmer - "Ever Get the Feeling You've Been Cheated?"

Delighted with our first 3 points in what promises to be a tough top division as always. Secured a great 2-1 victory over Gav's Atletico.
RJ Alston (Everton)

Real on Fire as Payet Nets Wonder Free Kick
Madrid make it two wins out of two with a clinical performance against Leverkusen

0-0 upto 60 minutes until Payet, fresh off the bench and with his first touch, curls in a beauty of a free kick. Lukaku adds the cherry late on for a 2-0 victory.
Rob Ryan (Real Madrid)

Juventus Shoot Down Gunners
2-0 winners over arsenal away from home

Another solid performance, early days but 6 points out of 6, 4 goals for and 0 against.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Real Madrid Complete Sanches Transfer
Lemar goes to Stoke

Valencia Exposed by Benfica
2-0 home defeat

Stats quite close but Benfica’s prowess upfront was too much for the home side.
Ash L (Valencia)

Benzema and Ronny started despite reports that Atletico Madrid have been trying to unsettle them for the past 4 days.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

Porto's Title Challenge in Shambles
Draw with Baggies brings first point

A goal conceded in the 1st minute and a monstrous performance from opponent's goalkeeper Kobel screwd things up for us tonight. Still looking for the 1st win, hopefully soon enough. It sucks to always struggle to get results in the first matches of the season, it kinda kills the hope.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Valencia Reinforce Defence
Pedraza Signs from Inter

D2 Back Pages (Matchday 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:23:59 +0100

Internacional Boss Disappears
"One day he was there, the next he was gone"

Several hundred retired goalkeepers expressed their gratitude for the opportinity of playing under the former manager.

Chris Mackenzie (Liverpool)

Mancini potentially available
Attacking midfielder/forward wanted as a replacement

United Beat Spurs to Stay Top
Hard fought 1-0 win

Certainly creating chances now and seem to me much more solid at the back, reinforcements at the back have certainly helped so far.
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

Luka Jovic Signs for Celtic!
Grillitsch and de Jong got to Lazio

Liverpool Bring in Danjuma and Otamendi
Depay and Plea move to Inter

Stoke Seal Lemar Move
Sanches switches to Saints

First Win for Favourites Levante
Wirtz and Vlahovic on target

Good performance from Adeyemi who will have a lot of space this season.
Salvatore Zerbo (Levante UD)

Celta and TSG Share Spoils
A closely fought 1-1 draw

A crazy 2 minute spell.
Carl Martin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

Espanyol Beaten by PSG
Gaffer "happy with the performance"

We put a shift in, dominated the ball but was just not clinical in front of goal. We are progressing nicely and have more options this season than last, since in a good place in terms of optimism.
glen mullan (RCD Espanyol)

Palacios "unhappy" at Liege
"Going nowhere" says boss Reynolds

D3 Back Pages (Matchday 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:23:53 +0100

River Plate Drop More Points in Frustrating Draw
Jones Moans as Plate Falls Down Table

We lost first match when we should of got a point & dropped 2pts tonight. Could be a long season of missed opportunities. Their GK had a great game in a MOTM performance
Jay Jones (River Plate)

Sassuolo Held by Galatasaray
Monkides Not Concerned

We held Galatasaray at 1-1 until the 72nd minute, but in the end we didn't have enough. I am not concerned about our performances so far but hopefully we can pick up some points soon.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

Twente Two Good!
Barrow Brace Beats Black Cats

A better performance this week.
Jamie Alldridge (FC Twente)

Schalke Draw With Dinamo Zagreb
Immobile Scores Again

Good battle with Dinamo. Maybe should have capitalised on man advantage but would take a draw.
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

Eagles Brought Down To Earth
Palace Beaten 3 - 0 by Anderlecht

Well beaten tonight. Couldn't get a sniff despite 8 corners.
Alex McLean (Crystal Palace)

Internazionale Swoop for Depay in Blockbuster Deal
Plea Also Joins as does Tadic from Valencia.
Danjuma, Otamendi and Vasquez to Liverpool.

Inter Open to Selling Politano or Anderson
for Youth Player

D4 Back Pages (Matchday 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:23:48 +0100

Torino Thrash Feyenoord in Convincing Win
Palazon and Morales star

Torino left with all 3 points in a convincing performance against Feyenoord as the game ended 3-0. All of Il Toro's men in the final third were involved in the goals.
L H (Torino)

Second consecutive defeat, we will have to change the team.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

Málaga Willing to Trade Noa Lang
Looking for a higher rated player. Any position considered.

D5 Back Pages (Matchday 2)

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:23:44 +0100

Santos Beat Napoli to Maintain Perfect Start
Late Cornelius double wins it for Wythe

Very happy with 2 wins from 2, long may it continue.
Daniel Wythe (Santos FC)

Dynamo Kyiv Cruise Past Lyon
Ukrainians unbeaten, OL pointless

A clean victory (0-2) tonight as Adama Traore did what we all expected from him! One goal, one assist and Mom! Dovbyk scored again! Very pleased to see the team working as planned!
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv)

Basel Beaten By Brugge
Malcom brilliance wins it for visitors

Nothing between the teams on stats.
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

Partizan Appoint New Manager Ricardo Alexandre
Former Brighton boss steps up from Top 120

Wahbi Khazri Moves to Marseille
Veteran adds depth to league leaders

Independiente open to every offer
Willing to swap James Tavernier and Will Hughes

D2 Back Pages (Matchday 1)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:47:08 +0100

Manager Reactions

Muller Delight!
Mullan masterminds win in Milan

A Crucial 1-0 away win. This is a tough place to come to get a result, but in the end we probably did enough to deserve the win and put an early 3 points on the board. It was pleasing to keep a clean sheet with our youthful defence, whilst creating plenty of chances at the other end.
glen mullan (RCD Espanyol)

United Start with a Bang
Hamburger Thrashed

4-1 home win over Hamburg, a big surprise, as we start the season with a win, much more attacking style this season with, hopefully we can keep scoring goals as last season that was a disappointment, up next Spurs.
Niall Taylor (Manchester United)

Our performance wasn't too bad, just outclassed.
David Marsden (Hamburger SV)

Levante Suffer Disappointing Defeat to Celtic
Hoops come back from two goals down with last minute winner

As a game and match stats I am very satisfied, we dominated but we were not lucky… we have time.
Salvatore Zerbo (Levante UD)

Standard Liege Languish in Relegation Zone
Shocking performance and start - Reynolds

Always good to get 3 points on the board, we overcame a strong Liege side with a brace from Che Adams and a goal from El Shaarawy in a 3 - 1 away win. I wasn't expecting it, I think it's the most shots on target I've had since I joined.
Carl Martin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

We were shite.
Lee Reynolds (Standard Liege)

Werder Win Under New Manager
DouDou's Bremen Start With Lucky Win

Transfer News

Celtic Strengthen Defence with Bednarek Signing
Aaron Martin moves to Fenerbahce

Finally we have signed a left back. . . . Cheers for the deal Hugo.
simon thomas (Fenerbahçe SK)

Espanyol Sign Zabarnyi from Leicester City
Manager Mullan "delighted to bring in a very long term target"

Crysencio Summerville Joins Hamburger
Lafont will follow with Kepa going to United

Sule and Manadava both available
looking for younger replacements

2 players for Sule. PM me if interested.
Lee Reynolds (Standard Liège)

Draxler and Pulgar both available
to pre-deal

Can be sold individual or together.
Pedro Vilar (Tottenham Hotspur)

D5 Back Pages (Matchday 1)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:47:08 +0100

Transfer News

Jesús Navas joins Lazio
Veteran leaves Rotterdam for Rome

Sergi Roberto to Brugge!
Versatile Valencia midfielder signs for Belgians

Newcastle sign Santi Mina
Club hopes new prisoner can play on day release

Manager Reactions

Kyiv attacks Donetsk
Derby deadlock in Ukraine

Derby tonight! New season with first match against Shakhtar!

Not a result we wanted but a fair one. Dovbyk did the job we brought him for! Diaz with the assist as a substitution!

We expect more from Traore as he made a lot of effort in the pitch but he had some sloppy decisions on last actions! When he is 100% ready he should be a key player for us!
Chris Baggio (Dynamo Kyiv manager)

Brugge bounce back
Flying Donkeys grounded

After the 4-0 loss in the friendly game against Chievo Verona, we take back our pride with a 3-0 victory against the same Chievo.

No Sweat/No Glory
Davy Vandendriessche (Club Brugge KV)

Club News

Basel bolster squad
Boss hails new signings

Not many changes going into the first team apart from Terans 87 and Balde 86.

Timber joined towards end of last season and so did Bard so they are like new signings.

A massive external scouting operation has been happening this summer for the youth side.
Josh McMillan (FC Basel)

Party's off for Partizan
Wynne loss leaves club in disarray

Fans sing "Who ate all the pies?!" as new manager Wynne loses first game in charge, then quits.

Independiente seeking winger
Must be young, fit and ready for action

Pedrinho, Jesus Ferreira and Cajuste available in exchange.
Gianluca Ghio (Independiente)

D1 Back Pages (Matchday 1)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:47:07 +0100

Porto Beat Champions in Charity Shield
After a balanced match and a 1-1 draw, the Cup Winners won on penalties

Porto did not miss and ended up lifting the trophy, adding one more title to the cabinet! That's the start we were looking for!

Very happy to win this tittle! Hellas went full force on this, which makes our win even more worthy! And more so as we still saved some players tonight in order to also field a competitive team in 2 days against Real Madrid in Division 1 opener!

Hopefully we can enjoy a good start this time.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Porto Lose to Madrid
Gulacsi the Hero for Real

Not the start we were looking for, but we're used to it. Goalkeepers made the difference really, Ederson was very poor, Gulacsi was very good and MOTM. . . Charity Shield match 2 days ago also did not help us. . . Anyway, good game Rob and congratz on the win. We'll try to bounce back next match.

We have improved our defence massively, but we're still missing a stronger left-side attacking midfielder, a key position in my view. Additionally, competition is insanely strong, Hellas, Chelsea and Dortmund should be the main runners I believe.
André Guerra (FC Porto)

Benfica Stun Leverkusen
Evergreen Ronaldo shines

Even match settled by 2 CR7 goals. The guy is a legend.

Delighted with the start, long road ahead tho.

It’s been tough so far. Transfers hard, really hard. When you get offered under 75 rated players for CR7 it’s tough to read. But hey ho. We look like we go for one season with the ratings, but never say never that they won’t be sold.
Gregg Robinson (SL Benfica)

Dortmund Thrash Aston Villa
Vinicius Impresses as "false nine"

Nice start of the season with Vinicius getting MOTM in his new position as falso nueve.
Dario Saviano (Borussia Dortmund)

The gulf in class was far too great for us to compete really. Lost some big ratings in the pursuit of longer term success, it showed in this result. Lots of work to be done at Villa. Well done Dario.
Adam (Aston Villa)

Barcelona Beat Genoa
Mahrez steps up despite transfer specualtion

Despite intense speculation about Mahrez's future at Barca, he stepped up with two goals to help us secure an opening-day victory! A lovely start against strong opposition sent the Barca fans home happy.

It's back to basics now for Barca. D1 is packed at the top with high-rated squads, so we know, realistically, we won't be dining there this campaign. However, we will look to have fun, maybe push for a cup run if the wind is behind us, and seek one or two more players to come in at La Masia.
Dan Wallace (Barcelona)

Juventus Cruise Past Everton
Comfortable win in the end

At 1-0 for such a long time I was fearing a draw on cards. Happy with a 3 points start.
kevin mcgregor (Juventus)

Valencia Draw with Southampton
Zaha impresses on debut

Valencia took a point away to Southampton with the match finishing 2-2 in a very even game. Zaha scored and assisted on debut and was awarded MOM. Will take a point in any game in Div 1 so happy with the start.
Ash L (Valencia CF)

Harmer: "Bruno G Came Back to Haunt Us"
Atleti lose 2-1 to Chelsea

Bruno G came back to haunt us with a winning goal , Pickford had a nightmare in goal with a 4 rating!
Gav Harmer (Atlético Madrid)

Transfer News

West Bromwich Albion sign Riquelme
Youngster Novoa also joins, Doekhi goes to Olympiacos

Firmino available
2 players wanted

Open to different options. PMs preferred.
Marco G (Bayer Leverkusen)

D3 Back Pages (Matchday 1)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:47:07 +0100

Manager Reactions

Schalke Smash Four Past Twente
Immobile brace on debut

Immobile nearly scored as many goals in one game as En-Nesyri did all season!
Steven Allington (FC Schalke 04)

Black Cats Sink Swans
Opening day win for new Sunderland boss Ioli

22 total shots (like Swansea) and 54 percent ball possession… Zappa and Dunk gave 3 important points to us.
Alessandro Ioli (Sunderland)

Narrow defeat first game of the season, even game, their keeper MOTM but was very even all except the 2-1 scoreline. We go again and we got the red card! Not much changed from last season then!
andy vh (Swansea City)

Crystal Palace Beat CSKA in Thriller
McLean sticks it to "Putin's Army"

Kevin Volland with the 2 assists marks the wisdom of selling Biraghi! Great win for Palace!
Alex McLean (Crystal Palace)

Palace had too much firepower.
Chris Meida (CSKA Moskva)

Ajax Start New Season with Comfortable Win
"A great way to start" - Syed Shah

A great way to start the tenure at Ajax as we've beat the gatekeepers of Div 3 in a comfortable 3-1 win. Scouting was done well as all the goals were scored by the new boys. Debuts: Casco, Diaz, Darmian, Vieira and finally Sancho.
Syed Shah (Ajax)

Keeley "Glad to be Bach"
Belotti brace keeps The Wolves at bay

A narrow win in my first game in charge. Stats marginally in our favour but shots on target 5 each.
⭐️Ken Keeley⭐️ (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Sassuolo Slump
Start with a 2-0 loss at home to Dinamo Zagreb

Not ideal but we can improve.
Hugos Monkides (Sassuolo)

Transfer News

Köln Sign Free Agent Kellyman
Gaffer Gursi signs highly thought of new player as his Youth Shield prize pick

Galatasaray Open to Offers
Part exchange only

Please look at squad and make a DECENT offer or pm me.
King Kev the Daddy (Galatasaray SK)

D4 Back Pages (Matchday 1)

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:47:07 +0100

Around the Grounds

Feyenoord say goodbye to key players

Regarding the signings, we brought young players to contribute something to the team but unfortunately we had to say goodbye to very good players from the team
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

Mister TRX: We'll prove the doubters wrong
Sevilla return to Division 4, favourites to go straight back down

It is likely to be a tough season.

Ospina will be under pressure from a talent trio of understudies at least 2 should get a big rise this season and will likely replace him.

A new look defence will have to prove themselves this season. The midfield is more settled with no changes from last season with Caputo leading the line upfront.

The youth team sees a number of talents perhaps none more so than Bryan Zaragoza. He may well pick up some 1st team game time here towards the end of the season.
Mister TRX (Sevilla)

Division of Death
Division 4 will prove to be very entertaining this season

Torino start their season at home against fellow Italian side AS Roma, a side that was relegated from D3 last season - providing a stern test for their manager upon his return to Top 100.

The media keep asking questions about predictions for the season, but the only answer they've been met with is: "We will see."
L H (Torino)

Manager Reactions

Il Toro off to a winning start
Morales stars as Torino beat Roma 2 - 1 on opening day

An encounter that proved to be very close with little differences - including the most important one. José Luis Morales picks up the MOTM award; Captain Brice Samba is the unsung hero!
L H (Torino)

Stuttgart edge out Feyenoord
Isco turns back the clock!

Narrow win. 37 games to go. One game at a time :)
Tharanidharan (VfB Stuttgart)

We started the season on the wrong foot but I know very well that we will recover in the next games.
Sheene Ralspunsky (Feyenoord)

Augsburg hold favourites Malaga

Will take that for the first game given they are favourite to go up.
paddy d (FC Augsburg)

Transfer News

Olympiacos bring in Rakitic and Doekhi
Albiol moves to Manchester United, Riquelme to WBA in exchange

Rodrigo Moreno joins Málaga
Bebou moves to Southampton in exchange

For Sale/Wanted

Juanmi for sale
Centre back wanted in exchange

Juanmi (88 rated) is for sale. I need a 88+ CB as a replacement. I am ready to throw in few of my squad players to help the deal if needed
Master T (Olympiacos)

Stuttgart eye defensive midfielder and winger
Maycon available

Happy to give 3 or 4 players for 1. U24 - 86 and above rated.
Tharanidharan (VfB Stuttgart)

Top 100 Talk Podcast S15 E2 - Barca Boss

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:39:42 +0100

https://anchor.fm/david-marsden/episodes/Barca-Boss-e10o5og

Top 100 Talk S15 E1 - SOS for SES

Mon, 10 May 2021 16:55:31 +0100

https://anchor.fm/david-marsden/episodes/SOS-for-SES-e10jt1t

Top 100 Talk Podcast

Fri, 07 May 2021 16:13:22 +0100

https://anchor.fm/david-marsden/episodes/Top-100-Talk-Trailer-e10eev2

I put together a few general questions managers can use or adapt to produce their own audio messages to send in via the Anchor podcast app.

T100 Mag. Final edition.

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 20:44:42 +0100

It's with a heavy heart I've decided to call time on the T100 mag. In truth I decided to run with it in the hope it would generate more activity within the T100 community but that hasn't worked the way I hoped. The manager interviews I truly loved the effort managers went to in response to the questions I put to them, I genuinely enjoyed reading all the answers and felt like I got to know each of the managers ideas for the game and their own clubs a bit better. In regards to the drum I've been banging for the last few months about activity in the GW I may have overstepped the boundaries with the posts on the newsfeed calling out managers, I stand by my feelings and opinions on the matter but it's not my place to go in all guns blazing, my inbox has been full of managers in agreement but as pointed out no rules have been broken by the lack of activity and as it's not my game world I will remove the posts and slide quietly into the background in T100, I'll still post my results and transfer activity, but I shan't be going controversial. In terms of why I'm calling a day with this it's simply time consuming, I spend at least 4 hours putting up the posts trying to jazz up the mediocre match reports SM generate and trying to find content to fill the mag but it just seems it's flogging a dead horse already. I appreciate all the views I've had, and the comments which thankfully have all been positive, but I've recently rejoiced the workforce and have found myself a job which means the time I have spare needs to be spent doing things that don't take as much time. So this is the final edition which will only consist of James McKenzie in the hot seat as again, I owe it to James to print his interview after the time he spent answering the questions.

In The Hot seat with...

Today we welcome Chelsea manager James McKenzie in to the final 'in the Hot seat'

Do you think Scott already has one hand on another title despite us not being at the half way stage of the season yet? After last nights results dropping 2 points was the last thing I wanted.......were 7 behind now and if the truth be told yeh it’s gonna be hard to claw back these points as scott has got a perfect balance to his team atm......even missing Messi and pique he’s still relentless .....but we will keep going the first team is looking good ,I’d still like to improve my midfield more but I’m happy with the progress we have made.but to answer your question truthfully scotts Barca are running all of us ragged atm....

You have an impressive pool of youth talent at your disposal, are you always focused on finding the next generation of talent in T100? theres nothing better than finding youth in this game who go far and yeh it’s one thing I love about this game......very seldom you will find me buying one from the free transfer list that’s not my bag.....I love to get into the Unknown’s of trolling the externals and finding raw talent that are getting regular or good minutes on the field of play.....one prime example is Darwin nunez who was doing well at penerol and playing un20 international football.....well recently he made his move to Almeria in Liga2 for 3.6mill and made his debut last week for uruguay and scored the equaliser against Peru .....there’s nothing better than finding this kid and watching him do well.....most of my youth though I have picked up through deals....I’m ruthless when it comes to deals andnask anyone most will tell u I ask for a youth on top of every deal lol I just feel that if someone wants my player that bad I can get that extra youth who could thenIn turn make another deal happen in the future......we have acquired mount Reece James Tammy Abraham who are the future of chelsea we have got guendouzi Colin Dagba bakayo saka Dwight McNeil Gabriel of Lille and most of the other good youth I have acquired through selling players I got on the external list ie I got saka through remiro who I got on the external and used my powers to do a trade.....maybe the next step to trying to bridge the gap with Scott means I may need to let these top talents go with midfielders to get better ones in we shall see

2-2 draw with Arsenal last night, a game you probably were looking to win to keep pressure on Barcelona, after being 2-0 down was it a good point in the end? Last nights result was a good point in a way because arsenal did well and it was a tricky game .....they missed a few chances aswell as us having some good chances but our lads kept going and showed a great attitude to get a draw.....we missed Ramos last night through not being fit maybe he might have helped but great teams win no matter what the circumstances and that’s were we need to get to.....Barca did it last night and we need to also.....but in other seasons we would have lost that game so the progress is there we just need to keep going and hopefully we will reap the rewards......

What are your targets for rest of the season? Our target for the rest of the season is to win the league......just need to keep at it and hope scott hits the skids at some point .....need to be ready for him slipping up.....our other target is to get the rises when they come and swap accordingly for the benifit of the club.....gonna be interesting few months rise wise and I’m not scared to swap big players so we will see how that develops.....a lot of people in here don’t get the just of the game .....u need to continuesly swap to get the team in a better state ......albeit the deal needs to be right and it’s a two way street on one hand people don’t sell for silly reasons and on the other some offers are piss poor

As with everyone else who are your Real life club and hopes for them this season? Real life club is Celtic ....me
And Scott were brought up to support Celtic by my dad and always will support them we live 10 mins away from parkhead it’s our local club also......hopes for them is to keep winning the league and cups they have done amazing last few years and the team look unplayable at home we just need to sort the away form and we will hopefully win the league again......rangers are stronger than last term but there’s still something missing in there play when they play away from home ....that is where the league will be won and lost on the road this season.......

what would you do to improve T100? I’d love to improve the match engine like everyone it’s very basic in commentary and easily predictable when it comes to cards and missed penalties and so on......I’d love to improve the times of response to pms also as it’s can get frustrating when someone doesn’t respond ......the game is class but if they spent more time with it then it could be anything u want it to be it’s got massive potential to do even better than what we have atm......

Thanks to James for his time and answers.

So there we have it, the final curtain has come down, I won't apologise for being passionate about non active members but my attempt at gaining traction on the newsfeed and fb page has had some small success, the videos on the fb page, and alex's on the blog are examples of what could be achieved by a fully active gameworld, I will still be a part of T100 but it's a back seat job for me

Thanks for your time again.

T100 Mag. Issue 9

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:19:04 +0100

Hey guys, welcome to issue 9 of the T100 mag. Time isn't my friend today so I'm gonna get right on it and get the reports up from Sunday.

Division 1

Barcelona v Arsenal

The champions welcomed Arsenal to the Camp Nou looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. The game started slow with both sides figuring each other out a bit, On 20 minutes the first real chance and the first goal of the game. Arthur worked himself into the box before flashing the ball across the goalmouth, Lionel Messi got in front of Gomez to apply a delicate flick of his left foot on the ball which diverted it past Patricio, 1-0. That goal set up a bit of an onslaught from Barcelona, Patricio forced into saves from Neymar, Alaba and Messi before half time as the hosts took control. The only chance Arsenal mustered in the 1st half was a self made chance from Rashford, He cut in from the left beating Carvajal before firing just over the bar. HT 1-0. The visitors improved somewhat after the break, Harry Kane's knockdown for Sancho who drove the ball towards goal but it lacked any real threat and was a comfortable save for De Gea. Kane himself then worked himself in to a great position before getting a shot away which again didn't really trouble De Gea. Those chances were punished as on 70 minutes De Bruyne and Hazard linked well before Hazard unleashed a drive from the edge of the box which flew past the keeper into the roof of the net, 2-0. The hosts weren't troubled after and saw out another victory, thats just 3 defeats in 53 league games now for Barcelona.

Match Review

The Mckenzies taking control of Division 1, Atletico and Liverpool making moves. At the other end AcMilan, Roma and Hellas Verona are making it worrying times for Italian clubs

Division 2

Sassuolo V Hamburg

Table toppers Sassuolo were looking to put an end to 4 successive draws when Hamburg rolled into town, themselves on the back of 2 successive defeats. The match started in great fashion with both sides looking to start on the front front. Smolov for the hosts and Gabbiadini for Hamburg both twice denied goals in the first 12 minutes as the game flowed from one end to the other. The visitors started to take control with Willian dictating play. The Brazilian had already passed up a few chances before on 37 minutes he broke the deadlock, Meza creating the opportunity before Willian struck a low effort beyond the outstretched dive of Consigli, 0-1. The lead lasted less than a minute as straight from kick off Sassuolo responded, Pedro went down the right flank before crossing for Smolov who smashed a half volley into the top corner, 1-1 and it stayed that way till HT. The second half started slow, a couple of efforts off target from both before Hamburg were reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute, Stepanenko lunged into Marchisio with a dangerous challenge, catching Marchisio just above the knee, and there was no question what colour card was coming. The red card actually galvanised Hamburg and on 81 minutes that man Willian was at it again, receiving Gabbiadini's lay off he struck a fantastic curling effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, 1-2. Sassuolo were unable to mount any fightback and Hamburg leave with the 3 points, Sassuolo lose top spot as their winless run extends to 5 games.

Valencia take top spot in a very tight league, 6 points separating 4th and 16th! Man City still just 8 points off the play offs at the bottom of the table.

Division 3

Celta Vigo V Southampton

2 sides with eyes firmly on promotion met at The Balaidos as Celta and Southampton battled it out, Celta looking to keep track with the leaders in Division 3 whilst Southampton holding the last play off spot. In truth the game was a poor affair, a stop start match where the referee was kept busy. 35 minutes in before the first effort on target, Falcao firing at the keeper from 15 yards out when he should off hit the back off the net, yellow cards outnumbered shots on target in the first half, 0-0 HT. The home side started better in the second period Gotze feeding Llorente who forced Cragno into the save of the match, going full length to tip the ball to safety. The game fell back into mediocrity soon after as the home side continued to put the challenges in to stop any chance of the game breaking into anything resembling a football match. Gotze produced the games real talking point with 5 minutes left when he took Gago from behind with a vicious challenge, he could of had 2 red cards it was that filthy. The game played out with no further action and the drab affair came to an end to everyone's relief. FT 0-0 Celta stay 3rd whilst Southampton hold on to their 7th place spot.

Match Statistics

Top 7 stay as they were pre game, PSV fall to the bottom of the league.

Division 4

Stuttgart V Crystal Palace

Stuttgart welcomed Palace in this Division 4 encounter looking for their 4th successive win, Palace with 1 win in their last 5 games. The game was a tactical affair, the best effort of the first half on 40 minutes when Cabaye curled a fantastic effort from 20 yards out which Asenjo went full length to tip it on to the post before quickly collecting at the 2nd attempt. HT 0-0. The second half followed the same pattern, shit for those watching, with the game springing into life on 67 minutes, Arao split the defence with a peach of a ball which Santini latched on to , took a touch before slotting past the keeper however celebrations were cut short by a snide offside flag. Crystal Palace's best effort almost won the game for them, 76 minutes in when a deep cross was nodded down by Babacar to Sansone who smashed it towards goal, it looked destined to burst the net before Pope showed all his reflexes to get a hand to it, Divine intervention from Pope. That was it basically for the game, bored me to death watching it and I'm feeling the pain writing about it. 0-0 FT. Stuttgart stay 4th, Palace remain 10th. Thank Christ that is over with.

Snore fest

Villa continue at the top, the only side unbeaten in 6 games. Udinese the big movers in the top 7. Celtic and Boca drop into the bottom 4

Division 5

Augsburg V Atalanta

Finally we get to Division 5 as Augsburg looking to continue making moves towards promotion entertain Atalanta who have suffered 3 straight defeats after being top themselves only a few weeks back. Ivan Anic's side took just 9 minutes to take the lead when Ramirez played a high ball over the static Atalanta defence which wionderkid Felix met with a delightful lobbed effort which dipped over the stranded keeper and went in off the post, unbelievable finish, 1-0. The visitors were almost level when Guendouzi fed a wonderful ball through to Cornet who struck the ball first time but unfortunately the well struck effort was straight at Masip in the home goal. HT 1-1. Guendouzi provided Unal with another great opportunity in the early stages of the second half, the striker flashing in an effort at the near post which the keeper got down well to save. on 59 the Italians were so close to levelling, Cornet feeding Theo Hernandez who hit a low drive which had Masip beaten before it smashed against the outside of the post. On 65 minutes the hosts went 2-0 up as Ramirez again providing the assist, this time linking up with Mendez who's quick shot caught out Berisha who was unable to get down to it in time and the ball sneaked past him, 2-0. That knocked the stuffing out of the visitors as Felix, Jordan and Esgaio threatened to make it a more convincing scoreline. FT 2-0 and Augsburg are up to 2nd as Atalanta drop to 7th after their 4th straight defeat.

Dynamo Moscow continue to lead the way, Augsburg up to 2nd, Atalanta slipping badly atm. Besiktas still adrift at the bottom.

In the Hot Seat with....

Today we welcome Arsenal manager Michael Bowes to the hot seat, He's been at the gunners since season 2.

You've been at Arsenal since season 2 of T100, do you feel you should of won something by now? tough question Norman. I came in the second season so missed the first season's transfer but was left with relatively a untouched Arsenal side apart from Ramsey. If this was an English Championship i would say 100%, but realistically Arsenal are probably around 10th in terms of the team in division 1 so i feel like I've done well to keep them in the division every season. We never gone far in the cups as I'm always a manager who concentrates on the league but i agree, we certainly should have won or came close to winning something by now.

You've built a very talented young squad, have you ever been tempted to sway away from the youth build for a couple of higher rated older players to push you on to that next level? i have swayed away to a degree at times although it all depends on what's available. Deals in T100 are extremely tough as i feel everyone over values their players, its also been hard for me as I've built a team where 80% of the players im more than happy to keep and they kend to be the players which everyone asks for.

Your scouting, here and in other GW's is outstanding work, how long do you spend checking out players? kind words Norman - every weekend i have a look around the real life results using the Flash Scores app on my phone. You can see lineups etc on there which tends to point me to potential risers etc. I would say i scout a couple of hours a week so probably not much more than the standard manager in here.

You've just lost at Barcelona last night, is there anyone who can stop Scott again this year? honest answer Norman. No. Scott has proved season on season how good of a manager he is. I would love to see how well he would do without Messi but to be fair to Scott he has kept a core team pretty much season on season and he's reaping the rewards.

14th in the table, what are you're objectives this season? Is it just staying up? my season objectives are always to better the season before. I've let my eye of the ball over the last couple of seasons as I've concentrated on more social active game worlds and more just used T100 for the competitiveness in trying to muscle together transfers

Real life club and aims for the season? Manchester United is my real life club - aims for this season has got to be top 6, i really think we should stick will Ole. We're in a transition period and he has only been given 1 transfer window, we need in invest heavily in packing the midfield out, untill that is rectified then we can begin to think we can challenge the top 4.

What would you do to improve T100? it needs to become more active, myself included. Whether thats through Facebook, news feed or the blog. My pet hate is managers letting bids rot though, i dont agree with it one bit and shouldn't be happening in a GW like T100, i would give out stern punishment for proof that a bid has been left for a certain amount of days. If managers haven't logged in for 3/4 days then T100 also shouldn't be for them

Thanks to Michael for his time, and good luck for the rest of the season.

The T100 Gossip Column

Norman Little was left disappointed his efforts to land Yacine Adli were to no avail, he is looking to revist the situation after the next review. Its believed Ajax were also strong rivals {Bild}

Augsburg are tracking Atletico defender Rick Van Drongelen, their inital enquiry was knocked back but its believed they are preparing another bid [ Augsburger Allgemeine]

Augsburg looking to steal Xaver Schlager away from Man City! {Daily Mirror]

Man City are beginning to get frustrated in their efforts to sign Caglar Soyuncu, their bids have been met with a wall of silence so far. [Manchester Evening News]

Misfiring Internacional striker Wissam Ben Yedder has been given 5 games to score at least 2 goals to save himself from the axe. [FourFourTwo]

That is all for this issue, time is getting the better of me here, as always my inbox is open for gossip of any kind for the mag, Seen a bit increase in news feed posts which is great lets keep it going.

T100 Mag. Issue 8

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:52:42 +0100

Hey guys, welcome to Issue 8 of the T100 blog, I'm gonna sound like a broken record but I want to hammer home a plea to all managers in T100, Can we all try to at least answer internal bids asap? I've had a few messages after last weeks issue confirming I wasn't alone in being slightly miffed at the time it takes for managers to respond to some bids. I must stress that this is only the minority of clubs but it does seem like we have a lot of sleepy managers here, In such a way they log on pick a team but don't really do much else. I would love to see some increased posts on the feed, FB page or even a few taking the time to throw up an update post on the blog, How's your season going etc? In terms of a full GW we are great, 100 managers in here all sticking to rules and getting along mostly but having joined another GW recently the content of managers on here compared to that is strikingly obvious. That's not to say all GW's must be massively hands on but there's a few guys in here who we simply don't here from, would it kill people to really spend 5 minutes writing a update on how there team are doing? Anyway what started as a plea has turned into a mini rant so on to this weeks issue..

Division 1

Bayern V Anderlecht

Two of the GW's top managers met at the Allianz Arena as Mike Scallotti's Bayern welcomed Gursimran Brar's Anderlecht in this Division 1 fixture. The match itself didn't take long to get going just 9 minutes were on the clock when Bayern were ahead, Coutinho was the driving force behind the goal, his silky movement took him beyond the Anderlecht back line before he squared a ball across the area for Insigne to slot past the keeper in off the post to give Bayern the advantage, 1-0. The lead lasted just 4 minutes as Anderlecht hit back quickly, Martial floated a cross into the box which Griezmann chested off to Dembele who hit a sweet right footed volley which flew in to the top corner of Ter Stegen's goal, 1-1 and just 13 minutes on the clock. The game continued in a fashion which reminded me of a tennis match, both sides having a shot then the other as Insigne and Icardi had efforts for the home side either side of Ter Stegen saving from Ndombele and Martial. Then the matches big taking point on 34 minutes, Griezmann was attempting to break free of Ngolo Kante who had a few nibbles at his international team mates ankles when Griezmann swung a elbow at Kante, it caught the midfielder plum in the face and it was an instant red card, the next international break will be interesting for sure when they next meet up. HT 1-1. Bayern were again straight out the blocks at the start of the second half, just 3 minutes had gone when Eriksen won a free kick out wide, he took it himself and crossed in to the area where it was met by Icardi who glanced a header past the despairing dive of Onana, 2-1 and the 10 men had a battle to get back into the game here. Bayern played it slow after that, moving Anderlecht around whilst keepeing the ball and it was over 30 minutes before they had the next shot on target, Onana saving easily from Fabinho's effort. The host's survived a huge scare on 84 minutes when from a corner Dias found Christensen unmarked at the back post but he inexplicably missed when it seemed easier to score and that was Anderlecht's chance gone of a draw. FT 2-1 and Bayern get their first league win in 4 games whilst it's now 6 without a win for Anderlecht who have no problem scoring but can't keep it out at the other end. Good game.

Match Stats

Barcelona continue on their way to what looks another title whilst the bottom 5 all have to start picking up some wins.

Division 2

Manchester United V Standard Liege

Manchester United, just as in real life haha, were looking to pull away from the relegation zone after their 4 match unbeaten run was sure to be tested by Standard Liege looking to take top spot in Division 2. The hosts started well and just 6 minutes had been played when Caleta-Car launched a long ball wide to Tsyyankov who ran at his man, he cut inside Ordiozola before letting fly from 20 yards, the ball flew in at the near post leaving the keeper with no chance, 1-0. 20 minutes passed with little action on either goal before a moment of genius levelled the game up, Jankto played the ball to Paqueta who dropped a shoulder and glided past 2 challenges before lifting his head, he noticed Areola slightly off his line and with a magic touch of his right boot chipped the keeper from 22 yards out sensational goal, 1-1. 2 goals of sublime quality in an otherwise drab first half. HT 1-1. The second half was a slow burner too, 58 minutes had passed before the first shot of note, Diagne letting fly with a powerful effort before Audero got across well to save it. On 63 minutes the visitors led and it was another tidy finish. Jankto again with the assist as he lofted a ball into the box Lemar took it on his chest before lobbing the ball over the top of the out rushing Areola, 1-2. Standard were taking control of the match and Areola was becoming overworked in the home goal and was forced into saves from Jankto and Lemar just after the 2nd Liege goal. Man United's final effort of the game came on 75 minutes just as Liege were making a triple sub, the confusion allowed Man United to break and Doucoure almost beat Audero with a low drive but the keeper got down well to save. Liege had further chances to see off the game but Areola earned his wages by saving from Dahoud and Under to keep the scoreline respectable. FT 1-2 and Liege had hit the summit, Man United will be looking to bounce back and maintain their recent good form to drag themselves away from the bottom end of the table.

Match Statsa

Liege hit top spot on Goal difference from Sassuolo while at the other end Everton continue their mini revival and Man City are dropping quickly.

Division 3

Sevilla V Chievo

Both sides came into this game on 13 points and looking to move away from the bottom end of the table, The result however led to the resignation of one manager. Chievo took the game to their opponents and took the lead on 8 minutes after a defensive mix up. Boufal taking advantage of a poor clearance to lay the ball into Elyounoussi who slipped the ball beyond the keeper who had no chance, 0-1. The host's were in disarray and were almost 2-0 down immediately after as Elyounoussi found Wilshere in space and he let fly with an effort which just went wide. The warning wasn't heeded though and on 18 it was 2-0, Wilshere was fouled on the edge of the D on the 18 yard box, he stepped up and drove an unstoppable effort which almost broke the net, 0-2 and the home fans were not happy at all. Neto in the home goal then saved from Mitrovic and Hojbjerg as the Italians looked to finish this game off before half time. De Jong managed to get a shot away for Sevilla on 39 minutes in a rare break from defending but it wasn't really threatening a goal. On 43 minutes it was 3-0 as Iheanacho held the ball up well before squaring to Willems who spotting Neto just off the line curled a lovely effort over and above the keeper into the top corner of the goal. This prompted a mass walk out by the home fans, whether that was for a half time San Miquel or an early exit who knows. HT 0-3. The second half started and the majority of fans had returned but there were noticeable gaps in the crowd that weren't there before HT, the home side straight back defending as Hojbjerg forcing Neto in to a save which took two attempts, the confidence draining from the home side. It was all one way again in the second half as Hojbjerg, schullp and Maddox all tested Neto. The away side had taken the foot off the pedal and played within themselves for the remainder of the game, not trying to embarrass the home side no more, it finished 0-3 with Sevilla manager Tony Harman called to the Stadium Monday morning for an emergency meeting. It was announced to the waiting press that Tony Harman tendered his resignation after failing to convince the owners he was the man to take the club forward, A search for his replacement is underway.

Match Stats

Levante take over as leaders, Celta and Fenerbache pushing hard, Managerless Sevilla drop into the relegation zone and PSV continue to struggle, Sampdoria continue at the bottom.

Division 4

Celtic V Udinese

Celtic and Udinese both came into the game in Division 4 in form, Celtic unbeaten in 3 whilst the visitors were unbeaten in 5. Celtic Park was almost at capacity. The first half was genuinely awful, just 1 shot and a yellow card was all we had to show for 45 drab minutes, Firpo with the shot on 15 minutes which just drifted over the bar and Bamba with the yellow card, 0-0 HT and we all needed a drink after that. The second half was a much better affair, just 5 minutes in and Celtic had the lead, a free kick on the edge of the box was superbly hit under the jumping wall by Paulinho and it went in off the post, 1-0. The Italians responded well and Viera had the home keeper worried on 57 minutes but his optimistic effort just went wide. Just after the hour mark it was all square Bamba controlled the ball and slipped a lovely ball around the corner to Haberer who drove a first time shot past the dive of Ochoa in the home goal, 1-1. The home side went back up the other end and twice James Forrest on his debut almost made the dream return to Celtic Park, Firstly linking up with Paulinho his effort looked goal bound before a great stop from Benitez forcing it on to a post and it was cleared to safety by Darmian and secondly after good work from Alario he made benitez scramble across his goal to save the hosts going 2-1 ahead. With 6 minutes left on the clock the away side won it when Zobnin treated us to a second great free kick of the game, he hit it with swerve and dip and it flew over the wall and dipped just under the bar to give the Italians all 3 points. FT 1-2 and a good win for udinese who extend their unbeaten run to 6 games.

Match Stats

Villa hit the top after 5 successive wins, River Plate continue their poor form whilst at the bottom Dynamo Kyiv get their first win and move up to 17th, malaga replacing them at the bottom.

Division 5

West Ham V Torino

West Ham and Torino faced off at The London Stadium with both sides sitting just outside the play off spots in Division 5. The home side made a superb start after just 3 minutes they were ahead, a lovely mazy run by Kalu on the left was follwed by a driven cross which was met emphatically by Kramaric with an unstoppable volley which was beyond Zieler before he could even move, no sweeter sight than a volley rifled into the net, 1-0. The hammers continued to press and Zieler saved well from Walcott and Kramaric to prevent it being 2-0.The away side stunned the home side on 24 minutes scoring from their first shot of the game, Quaison found Loic Remy who curled a effort in to the top corner from 15 yards out, 1-1. That give Torino more hope and twice Ruddy was forced into saves before half time from Mena and Giovinco to prevent the Italians taking a ht lead, HT 1-1. On 57 minutes the stadium erupted after a strong challenge from Mevlja on Quaison, a huge melee followed with handbags all over the shop how the referee ended up showing just the one yellow card is anyone's guess. The dust up over the challenge seemed to end up with both sides holding what they had for the remainder of the game until the 84th minute when Carlos Tevez linked up with Kramaric and got off a scuffed effort which somehow Zieler failed to get over and stop as the ball trickled over the line, 2-1 and the hosts had snatched the win. FT 2-1 and both sides are now level on 18 points, a decent win for the hammers to make it 4 wins out of 6 whilst Torino have failed to pick up maximum points in their last two games, however its been a good start to the season for them.

Match Stats

The top two fail to win as the gap shortens, incredibly tight as just 7 points separate Atalanta in 2nd and Fiorentina in17th.

In the Hot Seat with...

Today we welcome the PSG manager Malcom( MisterTRX) to the latest in the hot seat feature..

You have had real success at PSG after replacing previous manager Gary Naylor, how pleased are you with how things have gone? Thanks Norman, Gary left a decent squad and not all the fans were happy with my appointment however I promised promotion back to the big time and that's what happened. This meant some hard decisions to build a squad capable not only of promotion but then challenging in D1. This season we have broken into the top 4 so couldn't be more pleased.

Just how far can you take PSG after your impressive start to this season, was this start what you expected? To be honest I thought that we would have a sticky start. Anyone who has looked at my sides in the past , know that I always hope to use squad depth to come on strong in the second half of the season. Having beaten 2 of the big 5 from last season we fear nobody but we still have to face Barcelona twice so top 3 has to be our aim.

As PSG are your 5th club in T100 have you found your home now? Without boring you with a history lesson, I never really wanted to leave any of the clubs that I did and mostly they have suffered greatly following my exit. Fiorentina I got into D1 and it was always going to be tough but they were then run into the ground and no one has got to grips with them since. I did a good job with Sporting Lisbon and after promotion left them as promoted and promotion candidates again , however Valencia was a club in need . They remain my only disappointment in T100. I had built a great squad but should have played to my strengths to keep them up .. Then onto Celta, this time a slow burn followed by back to back promotions. Sad to leave but Dale is doing a great job with them now.
PSG is the club I have been waiting for a big side with big ambitions. I will stay as long as they want me.

A lot of your higher rated players are now the wrong side of 30, how do you plan for the future? Good question: I've never been youth obsessed and see the value in an older head. We have some great young talent coming through in Weigl Coman Harit Bruma and some great youth prospects. When I see how we finish this season I will decide if I need to cash in one or 2 golden oldies to attract in a younger player who wants to start at a top club

If you could improve one thing in T100 what would it be? This may seem radical but I think maybe in a years time, we need to reboot the game world with every manager swapping teams. I would put the highest ranked manager with the lowest ranked team unless the lower ranked manager wishes to stay . I think this would stir things up and freshen up the challenge for the old timers. But people would need plenty of notice. Thanks for all your hard work and best wishes to all my friends in this great GW.

Thanks for your time Malcom

T100 Gossip Column

Juve are preparing a big money deal for City's Ajax star player Lisandro Martinez! [Manchester evening News}

That is all the gossip for this issue as it's the one thing I need a bit help with, I ask for it to be sent through each week as its a bit which I feel could be great if you all send me the bits of transfer news you all are involved in, as much as I wish I could see into peoples minds I can't, This week i received 2 bits of gossip through my inbox so Alex's is in, the other was covered in the mini rant at the top, the Reports and Interview takes a few hours of my time to write up and If i had your gossip I could just copy and paste in to the mag to save time.

That's all for this issue, hope you all enjoy it, cheers lads.

T100 Magazine Issue 7

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:36:36 +0100

Hey guys, here is the slightly delayed issue 7 of the T100 mag. I'm going to start by getting something off my chest regarding inactive managers in here. I'm finding an increasing amount of managers listing players yet not responding to bids, Send them a PM and fail to get a response. It's not becoming of this GW, maybe it's managers that just have a problem with me but we need to keep this GW active. Before i start the match reports please if you have a chance have a look at Paul Thompson's vlog on the facebook page, brilliant stuff and hopefully a few more may do a couple, Not sure if there is a way of getting them on the blog page but any technical minded people could possibly let us know.

Division 1

Barcelona V Chelsea

Two of the best sides in T100 met at the Camp Nou as brothers Scott and James McKenzie went head to head. The champions have again started like a steam train in Division 1 and led the table with Chelsea sitting 3rd. The host's started well and forced Courtois into the early save when Messi fed Eden Hazard on the left flank, he cut inside and drilled a low shot which the big Belgium keeper got down well to. Dele Alli saw yellow for a mistimed challenge on De Bruyne as frustrations crept into their game after a slow start. Arthur was the creator of the opening goal as he skipped past Matuidi with ease before slotting a through ball into Hazards path who took a touch before firing beyond his international team mate at the near post, Courtois will be disappointed to be beaten at the near post like that, 1-0. 30 minutes were on the clock before Chelsea had their first shot of note, a long range drive from Alcantara just going wide. Messi then had a chance from a free kick after a foul on Hazard by Chiellini, his effort from 25 yards just crept wide with Courtois looking beat. HT and the champions held a deserved 1-0 lead. Matuidi had an early chance in the 2nd half for Chelsea but De Gea was equal to it before we had some controversy as Messi got on the end of a truly scrumptious first time De Bruyne ball before smashing the ball into the roof of the net, the celebrations were halted when the offside flag was raised, VAR confirming that Messi was just offside. That decision seemed to be the motivation for Chelsea as forward they came, both Alli and Manolas having shots saved by De Gea. The blues were level on 64 minutes as Matuidi found Ronaldo who skipped past a challenge before rifling a shot which flew beyond De Gea, 1-1 and Chelsea deserved it on their improved start to the 2nd half. With 5 minutes to go the host's thought they had won it as Arthur played it wide to the onrushing Carvajal who came inside and unleashed a fantastic shot from 25 yards which took all of Courtois 6ft 5in frame to dive full length and tip the ball to safety. FT 1-1 and no upcoming family parties will be spoilt by this result.

Full match Stats from Barcelona V Chelsea

Barcelona continue to fly high at the top, impressive starts from PSG and Tottenham also. Dortmund and Milan have problems at the other end of the table.

Division 2

Shakhtar V Hamburg

Shakhtar welcomed David Marsden and his Hamburg side in this clash of mid table sides at the Metalist Stadium( unconfirmed reports suggesting Broony has started a petition to change the name of the stadium to the Mentalist Stadium). Shakhtar were on the back of 2 successive wins whilst Hamburg had taken 4 points from their last 2 games. Hamburg started the game on the front foot and took the game to their opponents, the 1st chance of the game came from a lovely Willian set piece when he whipped a great ball into the box which was met by Meza who sent a header straight at Adan when he surely should of burst the net. Shahktar's let off last 3 minutes as on 16 minutes Hamburg had the lead. Meza played a lovely chipped ball to Gabbiadini who caught Adan flat footed with an early shot from the edge of the box, slow reactions from keeper, 0-1. Meza almost doubled the lead on 28 minutes as he was proving to be too hot to handle for Donetsk as he kept finding space, this time he latched on to Stepanenko long ball, he brought it under control and sent the ball towards goal, it had pace and dip on it and looked to be heading in but Adan just managed to get a touch on it. The host's only chance of the half was a long range strike from Capoue which caught the outside of the post. HT 0-1. The 2nd half was a poor affair, on 52 Inui played in Oyongo who hit a curling effort towards the bottom corner but Hradecky was equal to it. Willian tested the home side from a free kick on 72, his drilled effort just kept out by Adan. Substitute Malinovskiy almost scored with his first touch on 75 minutes but his header went just wide. The last chance came the way of Soares, he was found by Inui but with the goal at his mercy he fluffed his lines and dragged his effort wide. FT 0-1 and a great away win for Hamburg, they won't mind that the game was low on quality when the 3 points are tucked up and on the way back to Germany.

Full Match Statistics

Sassuolo lead the way with Standard and Valencia hot on their heel, Leverkusen drop out the top 3 after 3 defeats. Everton and Montpellier pick up vital wins at the bottom with Man City struggling without a win in 5 now.

Division 3

Dnipro V Monchengladbach

In the battle of the stupidly long football team names Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk welcomed Borrusia Monchengladbach. Both sides were in good form coming into the game, both unbeaten in 5 games with Monchengladbach heading the table. The game started in niggly fashion with Lanzini booked inside 54 seconds after pulling the jersey of Bebou who looked like he could burst through on goal. Bebou looked riled after the incident and found himself in the ref's notebook on 13 miuntes after giving the ref some verbal. 10 minutes later Bebou lost his mind and lunged from behind on Deulofeu, the earlier yellow made no difference as the red card was pulled out, Bebou was already walking off. Manager 'Son of Pluto' had words as he passed on the touchline, furious with the lack of discipline. The 1st chance of the game came Dnipro's way, Andre sending a shot from the edge of the box which Lecomte saved comfortably. The half ended the same as it begun with a yellow card for Toure for shirt pulling, HT 0-0 and everyone was happy to see the back of that half. Despite the man advantage Monchengladbach were struggling to get on top here, Batshuayi forced Grohe in to his first real save of the game on 64 minutes. The home side were not just holding on though and forced Lecomte in to saves from both Toure and Andre as they looked for the 3 points. A late rally from Monchengladbach almost paid off as Lanzini tested Grohe from distance on 85minutes before the chance of the game in the last minute, Deulofeu done Djene like a kipper on the left before finding Batshuayi who skipped past his marker before smashing a shot which looked like it was destined for the back of the net until Grohe somehow got a touch on it, fantastic save to preserve the point for Dnipro. FT 0-0 And both sides are now 6 unbeaten. Monchengladbach will be disappointed not to have made more of teh man advantage though.

Full Match Statistics

Monchengladbach continue at the top with Levante chasing hard. Newcastle the form side with 4 straight wins. PSV struggling whilst Sampdoria's recent revival give them hope to avoid the drop.

Division 4

Athletic Club V Lille

New Athletic manager Gordon Kinnear had dispensed of the Spanish only policy of the previous manager which had led to an impressive start to his tenure in Bilbao, 7 points from the 1st 4 games. Lille came into the game 5th in the table despite losing 2 of their last 4 games. The away side had the only chance of a poor opening 30 minutes when Pereyra smashed the crossbar on 12 minutes after letting fly from 30 yards. The home side went ahead with their first attack, Morelos bullied his way through the Lille defence before laying the ball back from the by line to Semenov who took a touch and drove the ball home from 12 yards. The away side bounced back from conceding the goal and Iglesias twice forced Sels into saves before the break but in truth they were comfortable saves. HT 1-0. Just 20 seconds after the restart and Lille were almost level, Topal got on to a knockdown from Pizzi and burst into the box and got a shot away which Sels saved with his feet. The away side continued to press and Pizzi drilled a shot from the edge of the box on 56 minutes which again forced Sels into a smart save. Bustinza then twice had good chances for Athletic Club but scuffed his lines on both occasions. Lille continued to press hard for an equaliser and from a corner on 78 minutes Iglesias bulleted a header which Sels parried wide. The leveller finally came on 84 when Pereyra dribbled into the area before side stepping Sels wide of the net before simply laying the ball on a plate to Dabbur who slotted into the empty net, 1-1 and that's how it finished. Athletic Club will take this and continue to climb the table. Lille remain in 5th.

Full Match Statistics

Partizan continue to lead the way from Villa. Stuttgart drop to 11th after 3 successive defeats. Too many draws for the sides at the bottom, an incredible 8 draws for bottom side Kyiv.

Division 5

Bordeaux V Feyenoord

Just like last week, the game of the day came in Division 5. Bordeaux having a very productive start to the season after finishing rock bottom the past 2 years played host to Feyenoord who started well this season but came into the game without a win in last 3 games. The game stuttered into life, a chance apiece blazed over in the 1st 24 minutes didn't tell of the story to follow. On 29 minutes Feyenoord took the lead Benedetto floated a corner deep which was headed down to Valdez who drove a fine finish past the despairing Didillon from 12 yards. That lead lasted 37 seconds as straight from kick off Bordeaux responded. Nkoudou struck a ball forward which was part cleared by the goalscorer Valdez only to the boot of Zajc who let fly on the half volley from 22 yards which whistled past Bono who would of needed the rest of U2 to help save that shot, unstoppable 1-1. Feyenoord again pressed as the half wore on, Denney and Yazici forcing Didillon into good saves before the break. HT 1-1. The 2nd half started the same as the 1st, a couple of efforts wide by both before Bordeaux took the lead on 62 minutes, golascorer turned provider as Zajc found Terrier from a corner who volleyed the French side into the lead, 2-1. The lead lasted a bit longer this time, 9 minutes in fact, before the Dutch side were level on 71 and provider turned goalscorer this time, Arter found space in midfield before finding Benedetto with a deft chipped ball, Benedetto took the ball in his stride before finishing well from 18 yards, 2-2. Again just 9 minutes went by before the 5th goal of the game, and the visitors had the lead. De Arrascaeta lofted a long diagonal ball to Deeney who took it on his chest before drilling it high past Didillon, 2-3. 180 seconds later and we were level again Laborde played a smart 1-2 with Terrier before flashing a shot beyond Bono who was perhaps a bit slow to react. 3-3 and thats how we finish here at the Stade Bordeaux-Atlantique. A dramatic match where the lead changed hands before Bordeaux maintain their 8 game unbeaten run with a late equaliser. Feyenoord can perhaps feel aggrieved they didn't take maximum points as its now 4 without a win.

Full Match Statistics

Atalanta continue to lead the table whilst Torino and Bordeaux continue their excellent seasons, Flamengo and Bremen also in great form. Indepeniente prop up the table whilst Dinamo Zagreb, Swansea, WBA and Besiktas will be looking to halt their poor form.

In The Hot Seat With.....

Today we welcome Manchester City manager Alex McLean to the hotseat, and lets be honest Alex is never without a word or two to say...

After joining City in 2017 you have managed to put together a very talented squad, is patience the key in T100 in squad building? It is certainly one aspect amongst many. Awareness of when to approach other managers for their players and keeping up to date with real life player/team news is of similar value. As is a good dose of hard work and luck.
My approach with City is not for everyone. I'm committed to avoiding bringing in players over 26 and that can leave you missing out on older, higher rated players that can win you matches.
Right now I like the aesthetics of the team I'm building. I want a full squad of players that other managers want to buy, and in the final analysis I ultimately want a core of 22-25 players that I am comfortable will rise to at least 91-92 overall rating. And that will require a deal of patience.

What are your aims for this season with City? This season I want promotion and another good run in the Youth Cup. I also want to bring in some new players, especially in CM. Any transfers will have to wait until Nov-Jan as I expect some rises for my players that will hopefully give me the depth I've been craving, such that I can pair one or 2 for a higher rated or similar rated player with prospects.

Is getting City's first silverware in T100 realistic this season? City are former Youth Cup Champions so we do have some silverware, and a runners-up in the T100 Cup and the SMFA Shield. But genuine in-game winners Cups/titles is sadly beyond us at the moment. I still hope to win the league - that is still a possibility. But it is an unlikely possibility as things stand. 2nd or 3rd is more achievable. I just need to hang in there until the next major league rises in Nov-Jan.
I've had some injuries/suspensions of late and this has affected results, as has using tried and tested tactics against opponents line-ups which have disappointingly not come off.
I will be very disappointed to have to endure another middling season. I am keenly aware of this and am trying everything I can to keep my hand in, but really, I need to start pushing on and up the table.
I will say that last season we were tipped for near relegation but finished well clear and really smashed our 'PVA'.
We all want to win titles, and I especially want to do it at City. But you do need good ratings and depth to have a real good chance, and that is still an ongoing progress here at City.
But we're getting there.

Best transfer at City? Best transfer - it's a tie. I sold Dembele to Anderlecht for Chucky Lozano, Sander Berge and Exequiel Palacios (still to come). I also sold Anthony Lopes and Mehdi Benatia to PSG for Mike Maignan, Hakim Ziyech and Rony Lopes.

If you could change one thing in SM what would it be? Any changes I'd like to see are all entirely within the hands of the SM developers and are therefore moot. In terms of the rules and regs that we uniquely have here in TOP 100, I am quite comfortable with how things are.

Real life club and aims for the season? City have been found out defensively this season due to Laporte's injury, so I'd like them to address that in January.
i'd love for us to threepeat in the League. That would be AMAZING!
As for Champs League i'm not really fussed. Naturally it'd be great to win it, and it's the 'big one', but I'd take winning the League again over the Champs League.
I think we'll fail on both counts, but it won't be for lack of trying. Still plenty of time to overtake Liverpool and our squad is stronger than theirs - but they look very hard to beat right now.

T100 Gossip Column

Manchester City are believed to have made a huge bid for Nathan Ake, Alex McLean is a big fan of the CB [Manchester Evening News]

At Athletic meanwhile, the arrival of Colombians Quinones, Moreno and Morelos, the half time refreshment has been changed from Capri sun to coke. The club are confident that coke will give the players a second half boost and a much improved performance. World Anti doping agency is watching with interest. [El Correro]

Joel Matip has been the subject of some huge bids in recent days with clubs sniffing around the 91 rated CB, Rob Ryan is believed to be chasing hard at Southampton, whilst Tottenham, Valencia and Porto are looking to make a deal [Marca]

Stuttgart have failed to turn Ruben Vargas's loan deal into a permanent deal, It's believed they may re look at the situation at the end of the season [Bild]

4 games are in danger of not being played in the last round of the World Club Cup, The SMFA are urgently trying to arrange Real Madrid vs. RCD Espanyol, SC Internacional vs. River Plate, Levante UD vs. Cruzeiro, and AC Milan vs. Atalanta BC. It's believed Sanctions maybe taken against clubs who fail to arrange the games. [SMFA Website]

That's it for this issue, apologies for the slight delay in getting this up on the blog but you know personal life sometimes needs seeing to. Again any suggestions/feedback or improvements people want to see here let me know, and I would love managers to keep sending me some Gossip through.

Cheers Lads

T100 Magazine Issue 6

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:16:15 +0100

Welcome to Issue 6 of the T100 mag, I will start on a serious note that needs addressing, Squad cap breeches again come to life twice in the last week, 2 managers over the limit. We really need to take control of our own squad sizes, This is supposed to be the best set up on SM with the best managers yet the disrespect showing by going over the limits imo needs to have tougher sanctions. Michael Bowes suggested selling your best rated or Highest value player and I'm in agreement, the current punishment isn't distracting people from breaking the cap. A more serious outcome would certainly make managers think twice in future. Anyway on to the latest round of match reports.

Division 1

AS Roma V Hellas Verona

This clash of the Italians in Rome between two sides enjoying contrasting fortunes in form, Roma after failing to win in opening 6 games came in to this game with back to back league wins whilst Hellas were winless in their last 5. The started in predictably slow fashion and the only shot of note in the first 15 minutes was a scuffed effort from Martinez for the visitors which Navas saved comfortably in the home goal. The save sparked Roma into life and just 120 seconds later they were ahead, Nainggolan worked himself into a decent space and laid the back square to Gagliardini who with no options ahead of him decided to chance his arm from distance, he let fly with a stunning right footed strike from a good 25 yards out which flew past Becker. The game fell back into mediocrity for the rest of the half with only a header from Allan from Naiggolan's teasing free kick of any note. HT 1-0. A huge chance came Hellas way just 7 minutes into the second half when Pavard launched a sweet 60 yard ball over the top of the high Roma back line which left Martinez free on goal, he composed himself and drew Navas off his line before slotting the ball under the keeper, despair for the striker though as he shot drifted inches wide of the left hand post. A huge let off for Roma. That again spurred on the home side who tested Becker twice in 60 seconds on the hour mark, firstly Becker saved from Gaya with his feet before a slightly more comfortable save from Ocampos from the resulting corner. The final chance of the game came the way of the visitors but again they fluffed their lines, Gnarby jinked past 2 players before firing a ball across the 6 ayrd box which Tagliafico met well but directed his effort straight at the keeper, anywhere else it was in. The game finished in the same fashion it started with both sides cancelling each other out. FT 1-0 win for Roma, A deserved win but a poor game if truth be told. Heath Brown won't be bothered as that's now 3 on the spin whilst its now 6 winless for Andre Libras-Boas and his Hellas side.

AS Roma v Hellas Match Statistics

LEAGUE TABLE AFTER GAME 9

Division 2

Leverkusen V Standard Liege

A battle of two sides in form at the BayArena as Leverkusen welcomed Standard in their Division 2 match, Both sides with an eye on promotion. The match started with the away side firmly on the front foot as Anth Maddison's side started brightly. 3 times in the first 10 minutes they could of been ahead but chances were squandered by Lemar and twice by Cutrone, all efforts off target as the home side struggled to stem the flow. Riyad Mahrez started to pull the strings for Stephen Partington's table toppers, a mazy run down the right as he breezed past 3 defenders before he played in the overlapping Bender who crossed for Brandt who forced Audero into a reflex save at his near post. Mahrez then floated a quickly taken free kick into the box which was met by the head of Costa but Audero was equal to it. The visitors took the lead after 26 minutes however as Lemar fed the ball to Jankto who sidefooted the ball home off the post to put Liege in front, 0-1. Costa almost had Leverkusen level 5 minutes later but after bullying his way into the box he smashed his effort off the crossbar. However that man Mahrez had them level on 35 minutes as Brandt played a ball to Mahrez who whipped a ball into the top corner from 20 yards. 1-1 and that's how it stayed till HT. The second half was only 16 seconds old when the visitors were back ahead, the kick off was played back to Dahoud who lofted a ball forward, Lemar nodded it down and Paqueta volleyed it from 20 yards over the head of Leno, 1-2. Costa had a great chance on 66 minutes to again level things up but he drilled a shot against Audero. That chance was to prove a big moment as Liege went staright up the pitch and made it 3-1 as Cutrone headed the ball down for Lemar who drilled the ball past Leno, 1-3. The host's were stunned. It got worse as well as on 81 minutes after a bit pin ball from a corner Vargas touched the ball to Dahoud who finished past a static Leno, 1-4. A remarkable scoreline in a even game. Leverkusen maintain top spot but Liege are now up to 4th.

Leverkusen V Stardard Statistics

League table after game 9

Division 3

Newcastle V Leicester

Two sides struggling to get going met at a rainy St James Park as Newcastle and Leicester attempted to start climbling the table. The host's struggling since relegation whilst Leicester struggling to match last season's mid table finish both started the game on 8 points from the first 8 games. The foxes struck first as only 8 minutes in and they capitalised on some slack defending from Newcastle as Luis Gustavo nodded the ball down to Elneny who struck an unstoppable drive into the top corner. 0-1. Schneiderlin almost made it 2-0 not long after Ulreich had rushed out of his goal clearing a long ball the ball dropped to the frenchman who attempted to lob the keeper from 40 yards out, the relief was visible on Ulreich's face when the ball landed on top of the netting. The best the home side managed in the first half was two efforts from Taison which were both comfortable saves for Akinfeev. HT 0-1 and boo's rang round St James Park. Jimmy Gouldie must of ripped into his side at half time as they looked a different animal shooting towards the Gallowgate in the second half. Just 3 minutes in to the 2nd half Tosun bundled his way into the box before finding Tadic in space, he took a touch before firing low past Akinfeev, 1-1. Ulreich then saved the home side on the hour mark, again from a speculative Schneiderlin effort. The magpies went ahead on 63 minutes as Taison delivered a cross from deep which Tosun rose well to bullet a header past the despairing dive of Akinfeev, 2-1 and the game had turned. Tadic and Tosun both had chances saved from Akinfeev before the game was made safe on 83 minutes and again it was Tadic on the scoresheet, and again from Tosun's assist, this time Tadic's shot should of been a routine save for Akinfeev but he somehow allowed the ball to slip under his body and it trickled over the line, 3-1 and that was how it stayed till FT. The Bigg Market will be a happier place as Newcastle climb to 12th whilst Leicester drop to 2nd bottom after their dismal second half showing. An unhappy return for former manager Kevin Mcgregor.

Newcastle v Leicester Statistics

League Table after Game 9

Division 4

River Plate V FK Partizan

The Estadio Monumental was absolutely bubbling with anticipation as top of the table FK Partizan travelled to 2nd place River Plate. Partizan started the brighter creating a couple of half chances but Sabitzer fluffed his lines on both occasions. The home side started to play their way into the game and had the best 2 chances of the half, firstly Sportiello went full length to deny Callum Wilson and then just on the stroke of HT Xeka split the Partizan defence and set Wilson away, he tried to dink the ball over the diving Sportiello but the ball clipped off the keeper's head, 0-0 HT. The first real chance of the second half was almost 15 minutes in coming, but what a move. 29 passes had been made before Schone found Quagliarella with a lofted ball, the big striker twisted in mid air and scored with an unbelievable overhead scissor kick,0-1. The Estadio Monumental rose to applaud the goal, they had witnessed a fine strike and showed great respect. Their mood somewhat changed 4 minutes later when Quagliarella turned provider, his scuffed shot falling in to Sabitzer's path and he slotted past Fabianski with ease, the home fans baying for offside but the flag never come, VAR confirming the decision was correct, 0-2. River did briefly rally with substitute Glenn Murray forcing Sportiello into action again but the real onslaught never arrived and Partizan extend their lead at the top of the table to 4 points.

River V FK Partizan Statistics

League table after game 9

Division 5

Besiktas V Augsburg

Besiktas were hoping to put their mini slump in form behind them as they welcomed high flying Augsburg to the Vodafone stadium. And what followed was simply the game of the day. The game was 8 minutes old when the drama started, Declan Rice was allowed far too much room and time as he strode forward unopposed, he took advantage of the situation by burying a fantastic long range strike which Armani got nowhere near, 0-1. The home side roared back however and on the 15 minute mark they were level, Gradel played a lovely one-two with Medel before running in on goal and beating Masip with a low drive. 1-1 15 minutes gone and still the drama was to continue. Ryan Giggs was furious on the touchline on 21 minutes when Rice lunged in from behind on Moreno, the Englishman received just a yellow card and he was extremely lucky. That was the start of referee Mohamed Benouza losing control of the game. 5 minutes before half time a soft free kick was awarded to Augsburg outside the box, Joao Felix stepped up and curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, 1-2 and the home crowd were turning. Their mood was off the scale just 3 minutes later as Felix won a penalty after going over easily under little challenge from Mbodji who was booked after the ref give the pen. Justice however was done as Felix stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, however the ball sailed wide of the left hand post. HT 1-2 and the ref needed escorting off the pitch. The second half was just 7 minutes old when perhaps looking to readdress the balance another soft penalty decision was given, this time to the home side. A dubious hand ball was spotted and Hodzic stepped forward and blasted the ball high and wide. It remained 1-2. With 12 minutes to go Augsburg won a free kick out wide which again was hotly disputed, Felix floated a ball into the middle which Rice met with a deft header into the corner of the net, 1-3 and the man lucky to be on the pitch had made the points safe, or so he thought. 4 minutes later and unbelievably we had our 3rd penalty of the game, again to Besiktas. This time Hodzic made no mistake, blasting the ball straight down the middle, 2-3. That was how it stayed as despite Besiktas throwing everything at Augsburg they couldn't find an equaliser. FT 2-3 and what a game.

Besiktas v Augsburg Statistics

Division 5 after game 9

In The Hot Seat with...

Today we welcome to the Hot Seat the most successful manager in T100 history...Scott Mckenzie. The ever conquering Barcelona manager has won 6 league titles, 1 Champions Cup, 1 super cup and 5 charity shields. He also has 1 runner up medal in the league and 3 times runners up in the Champions Cup.

It goes without saying you are the most successful manager in T100 with 6 league titles in 10 seasons, what's the secret behind you're success?

Success can be measured in so many ways, winning titles and cups , i set my stall out very early in top 100 and that was that the title takes priority over all others , Ive sacrificed the other trophy's for the big one and by the looks of it has paid off more times than not . others have built good squads that can compete for other trophy's but when you look deep down they haven't been able to compete for the title and that is down to having the big squads , im a big believer that if you have a small high rated squad you have a better chance of winning the title however it comes with an added pressure as injury's and suspensions can sometimes make it harder.

What's the challenge left at Barcelona now?

the Challenge for me is to be able to keep this team challenging for the title , Ive seen so many big teams be there or there about 1 year and the next year fall from grace , Ive been lucky enough that Ive always been in the mix for winning things but when i feel that i cant keep competing anymore i will move on to smaller but bigger things in the future and hope to build on what i have already achieved , also another challenge will be to start bleeding in my younger players like Jovic , Militao and Arthur with others that will hopefully start coming through behind those boys.

Best transfer you have done in T100?

Best Transfer in my tenure as Barcelona boss difficult one because i have 3 and il put them in order, there have been a lot of deals done during my time as manager but the one that sticks out for me as the best would be when i got Kevin De Bruyne for Rakitic and Adam Traore , back when the deal was done de Bruyne was a rating less than Rakitic but i seen the potential and i think by the end of the 1st season in top 100 De Bruyne rose to same as Rakitic and eventually surpassed him and now if you look at that deal would look like a great piece of business. 2nd one Aguero for Busquets was a no brainier for me goalscorer beats a defensive mid any day for me so was delighted to get him . last one was Neuer for Iniesta and Alba , people might look at that back then and think it looked like i got the worse end of the deal but without Neuer i wouldn't have half of those trophy's.

What is the sibling rivalry like with James?

Haha theirs no rivalry , well at least until he can mount a serious title challenge . . . seriously though he has built a great team there and i believe with a few tweaks here and there he will defo be in the mix going forward , its good to see some of the long term projects like Chelsea and even Juventus start paying off , they have spent a lot of time and effort on these teams and both can be applauded for that as seen with some other teams that have had changes in management and been ripped apart . that is my biggest fear if and when i do finally leave the Barcelona Hot seat.

Real life team and hopes for the season?

Haha again i think most people in Top 100 know my first love is Glasgow Celtic ,Hopes for season is a hard one because with us winning the treble treble last year i think it would be out of the question to even ask for the quadruple treble . if i was to be honest i would happily forfeit the scottish cup and league cup this year and next to secure 10 in a row that would be the pinnacle for all Hoops supporters , also if we can get a good run in Europa league this year and push on next year hopefully in the champions league i would be happy with that.

If you could improve one thing on SM what would it be?

to improve the game i would love to get the chat message system back , the amount of deals i got from just chancing my arm when online and seeing people online at same time was unreal , i reckon every time i was on and chanced it must have got a deal done near enough weekly and it was due to being able to get hold of someone instantly and thrashing out a deal , nowadays its murder waiting on people replying due to how busy everyone is and also different time zones etc . i just reckon having the simple feature would help so many people get more deals done quicker

T100 Gossip Column

Real Madrid are losing patience with Stephen Beddows, The spanish side are already making a shortlist for potential replacements, Gursimran Brar and Andrew Kelly have friends in high places at Madrid [MARCA]

Fernandinho is set to see out his career at Tottenham after slotting in at CB recently [TIMES]

Romelu Lukaku was sold by Tottenham after a bust up with manager Gregg Robinson, it's believed blows were traded in the dressing room after Spurs defeat to Arsenal on Sunday [EVENING STANDARD]

After being under pressure at Roma it's believed Heath Brown has regained the trust of his employers at the club. 3 wins on the bounce have saved his job. [LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT]

Luis Suarez is fighting for his future at Dortmund, [BILD]

Dominik Szoboszlai is considering asking for a transfer at Sampdoria, he has become unhappy at repeated bids being rejected without negotiations. [TUTTOSPORT]

14 year old Youssoufa Moukoko is believed to be at a major tug of war battle between T100 clubs, the free agent is thought to be deciding his future in the next 24 hours [DIE WELT]

That's all for this issue, hopefully it is still keeping you all entertained. Please send any ideas my way to improve this, and your gossip please.

T100 magazine Issue 5

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:07:29 +0100

Welcome to the latest issue of the T100 mag, again I will start by thanking all those who have taken the time to read the previous issues, almost 200 views. This issue will again cover 1 match from all 5 divisions, an interview with the man behind T100 and another gossip column. Lets get on to it then..

DIVISION 1

Dortmund V Genoa

Dortmund welcomed Genoa in this Division 1 clash with both sides looking to kick start their disappointing league campaigns, Dortmund winless since game 1 and Genoa slowly recovering after losing their 1st 4 league games. Dortmund had also failed to find the back of the net in their previous 3 league games. The match was barely 20 seconds old when Jorginho was lucky to stay on the field after a wild lunge at De Jong, perhaps because of how early the incident happened was Jorginho's escape however he now had another 89 minutes of trying not to get himself another yellow. The host's goalless run was ended on 11 minutes as after winning himself a dubious free kick Suarez stepped up and cleverly struck a drilled shot under the jumping wall which left Perin beaten, 1-0. They failed to capitalise on their advantage though and slowly Genoa clawed their way back in to the match, Florenzi firing wide and then Pickford saving well from Salah's deft flick. Just 5 minutes to HT and the game was back level, Oxlade-Chamberlaine beat his man before squaring the ball off to Salah who blasted an unstoppable shot high past Pickford, 1-1. The same two players almost give the visitors the lead just before HT when Salah again forced Pickford in to another fine stop. HT 1-1. The second half was a bit of a forgettable affair if truth be told, the only chances of note were both half chances the way of the home side, Sule trying his luck from range and with 6 minutes left Suarez getting on the end of a lofted pass from Pogba but he snatched at the chance and the save was a comfortable one for Perin. FT 1-1 A fair result. and it's now 6 without a win for Dortmund, although they at least troubled the scoreboard at long last, Genoa now unbeaten in 3 after their poor start.

League table after game 7

Division 2

Shakhtar V Zenit

Shakhtar were looking to get their season back on track after a poor run of 3 games without a win, strangely since I did them a featured club in a previous issue, sorry Broon haha. Their visitors Zenit had just suffered back to back defeats as well as Gareth Crisp's men travelled across the Ukrainian border for this match. Away fans had been banned due to the ongoing political issues between the 2 countries, a decision which almost forced Zenit to refuse to play. The home side had the first real chance, Capoue forcing Lopes into a smart save after he burst into the penalty area. The home side were then stunned on 11 minutes when Fuego let fly from 30 yards out, it should of been a comfortable save for Adan but he inexplicably allowed the shot to slip under his body, the stadium was silenced bar the shouts from the away dugout. 0-1. The host's were level within 8 minutes and what a truly fantastic goal it was, Zapata had received the ball on his chest before taking it past Fuego he then rolled the ball back to Inui who whipped it in to the top corner from a good 25 yards out, the ball swerved then dipped at the final moment to nestle in to the top corner. You could of had 2 keepers and you still wouldn't of stopped it. 1-1. On 35 minutes Shelvey launched a superb ball 60 yards up to Petersen who controlled the ball, knocked it a couple yards in front of himself before smashing a shot against the outside of the post with Adan looking beat. Then Fuego, who had only ever scored 2 goals in a season before, had his 2nd goal in half an hour, this time Adan could do nothing at all. Again Fuego struck from distance but this time it was a sweetly struck half volley which almost took the net off, Adan was helpless as the ball flashed past him. 1-2 and it stayed that way till HT. The host's came out firing in the 2nd half and Caligiuri should of had them level on 52 minutes after Soares played the ball across the 6 yard box and Caligiuri somehow hit the keeper with his shot when it looked harder to miss. Nordtveit then made the game harder for Shakhtar when he smashed Shelvey from behind, the 2 had already had words in the first half when the Norwegian took out Shelvey with the ball nowhere near, straight red. on 73 minutes and Zenit had their 3rd, from a wide free kick Torres delivered a fantastic ball which was begging to be finished, and Petersen obliged, Rising highest to bullet a header beyond Adan who despite getting a touch to it couldn't prevent it crossing the line, 1-3. Zenit began to coast through the game, playing keep ball and making the home side chase. The game was wrapped up on 87 minutes and it was a cheeky finish from Torres, Tardelli split the tired home defence with a lovely through ball which Torres ran on to, he drew the keeper off his line before dinking the ball over the top of him, 1-4. FT. The drama wasn't done after the whistle either, Zenit players and staff were celebrating wildly in the dressing room when a note was slipped under the door " you have 10 minutes to leave before broon comes in swinging" The gangster taking the defeat badly.

Division 2 after game 7

Division 3

PSV V Lazio

Ross Falconer's PSV side welcomed Lazio on the back of a 4 game unbeaten run in the league whilst Bogdan Danciu's inconsistent Lazio were looking to push on after their 1-0 win against Sevilla last time out. The game itself started slowly as both sides struggled to put their stamp on the game, Vermaelen's shot which flew over the bar the only shot of note in the 1st 15 minutes. The home side made the break through on 18 minutes when Jorgensen swung a outswinging corner into the box which evaded everyone bar Souza, who from the left hand side of the box struck a sweet half volley which flew past Ruffier, 1-0. The lead lasted less than 5 minutes though as again set pieces proved vital. A free kick just outside the box was drifted into the far post and Berghuis rose to glance a header in to the back of Fabri's net, 1-1. The match settled down after the goals to again become a stalemate, Guerrero having perhaps the best chance before ht, when Musa worked himself a good position and drilled a ball across the box whch the sliding in Guerrero slid the ball just wide, 1-1 HT. Guerrero again had a chance to put PSV back in front on the hour mark as he saw Ruffier off his line and tried to chip him from 20 yards but the ball just failed to drop in time and clipped the top of the net. The Peruvian was having a fine game and Lopez was slightly fortunate to just receive a yellow card for a challenge from behind on Guerrero. on 70 minutes Guerrero had the last laugh as he grabbed the winner, Musa finding him with a floated cross which Guerrero flicked home at the near post, 2-1. Lopez almost had Lazio level again as he took a touch from Samaris's knock down before curling a shot which Fabri did well to gather. Lazio also had the final chance of the match, Samaris flashed a ball across the box which took a deflection off Vermaelen which landed at Gignac's feet, he smashed a shot goalwards which Fabri, wrong footed, saved well with his legs. FT 2-1 win for PSV who continue their fine run.

Division 3 after game 7

DIVISION 4

Twente V Malaga

Walter Gogh had continued Twente's rise with an impressive start in Division 4 after their title winning campaign last season under Paul Thompson, although the side looks a bit different after the radical overhauling of the squad under the new manager. Malaga came in to the match with 1 win from their first 6 games under Sebastian Campillo. The visitors started well, Trebel forcing Reynet in to a smart save just 3 minutes in after good work from Buss Henrique in creating the chance. The host's were struggling to impose themselves and after Perreira fired over on 17 minutes had to defend for long periods of the half. On 23 minutes Reynet produced a simply stunning reflex save from Ahmedov, tipping his shot on to the post when it looked destined for the net. Reynet was certainly earning his wages as before the half was out he saved well again from Ahmedov and Isla. HT 0-0 and the host's were thankful for their keeper in getting in with a clean sheet. The 2nd half was a role reversal to the 1st, Twente this time controlling large periods of the game, Cunha should of had the home side ahead on the hour, Khedira doing well before finding Cunha in space, however he rushed his shot and it was a comfortable stop for Vanderlei. That chance was to be punished as on 76 minutes Malaga scored with their only shot of the 2nd half, an absolute peach of a strike from Hofler who smashed a shot from the edge of the box which left Reynet beaten. 0-1. Borini then had 2 chances for Twente to grab an equaliser but after he blazed wildly over with his first chance, he found Vanderlei equal to his 2nd, a decent effort from distance which the keeper got down and tipped the ball behind. FT 0-1 and a fine away win for Malaga.

Division 4 after game 7

DIVISION 5

Fiorentina V Swansea

Two sides looked on 9 points from their first 6 games met as Fiorentina welcomed Swansea for this division 5 clash. Both sides had a decent start under new managers with Fiorentina suffering their first defeat of the season last game at Torino whilst Swansea have 3 wins, 3 defeats as Jay Jones looks for some consistency. The home side under Syed Shah started well with Dzeko twice having good chances in the 1st 10 minutes, the first he fired well wide before Romero saved well, tipping the ball behind from a snap shot after Toornstra found the big striker. The home keeper was then called into action as Moron jinked into the box before drilling a low shot which looked as it was going in before Marchesin got down well and tipped wide. Nolito fired the home side ahead on 29 minutes as he controlled a Hilton knock down following a corner to rifle in a volley which flew in off the post, unstoppable, 1-0. It was almost 2 before HT as from a Herrmann free kick Dzeko headed right against the crossbar with Romero nowhere near it. HT 1-0. The sides exchanged yellow cards in an otherwise forgettable first 20 minutes of the 2nd half before Nolito added a 2nd goal for Fiorentina on 66, a lovely well worked goal with 27 passes before Toornstra provided a deft flick which the striker finished well beyond Romero. Swansea failed to get going here, their only real effort of the 2nd half was a Taider free kick on 87 minutes which Marchesin got down well to tip the ball around the post. FT 2-0 and Fiorentina's fine start continues, Swansea now with 3 defeats from their last 4 games need to respond before their good start is a thing of the past.

Division 5 after game 7

In the Hot Seat with....

The latest of our In the hot seat interviews is with the creator of T100, The man who put all the effort in before passing it on to the present owner...Frank Hirst.

After promotion to the top flight in season 8, you've enjoyed mixed fortunes in your 2 full seasons since, following a sluggish start this season are you confident you can move Genoa back up the table? I feel we have enough to survive the drop once again this season, but will continue our philosophy of bringing in great young players for the future to compete for top honours.

As one of a handful of single club managers in t100 are you ever tempted to move elsewhere? Within T100, Genoa is my home and I couldn’t ever see me moving to another club. The work and effort that has gone into this transition since season 1 is too much to ever pass on.

As the founder of t100 how much pride do you have with it still going strong 11 seasons in and does it feel any different now you are no longer the owner? I’m very proud that T100 is where it is. There’s a great community behind it and although there’s been dips, it seems to be pretty stable right now with David in charge. It’s a tough feat to keep 99 other managers happy.

Pet hate on the game? My pet hates on the game are that i know that if a card is brandished before a free kick or pen, then there’s no goal. Also, the time regents to review is sometimes infuriating.

Real life club/clubs and what are your hopes for this season?

Well, I’m a realist, so I know it’s going to be a tough race once again, but I’m loving the style of football that Liverpool play nowadays, we’ve every chance of chasing that elusive title, but the strength in the Prem is pretty high.

Regarding Genoa (the team I support coz of my Grandad’s birthplace), I’m confident of a much better season than last season. A top 10 finish wouldn’t be unrealistic.

The T100 Gossip Column

FC Porto Goalkeeper Ederson has come under fire from his manager Andre Guerra after a poor start to the season, The keeper told he has to shape up or get out! [PORTO TIMES]

Daniel James is set for show down talks after being told the club will listen to offers for him just weeks after signing for Hellas Verona, It's believed the club are unhappy with James lack of application since joining. [VERONA MAIL]

Cruzeiro manager Josh McMillan has found himself under pressure following their poor start to the season, it's believed he has the support of the board but fans are demanding an improvement quickly. [CRUZEIRO CHRONICLE]

Gordon Kinnear has enraged Bilbao officials within a week of his T100 return by doing away with the spanish only signing policy of the previous manager [BASQUE TIMES]

Stuttgart manager Norman Little is believed to be ready to commit his long term future to the club after undertaking an overhaul of the youth side, a new 2 year contract is in the offering [BILD]

Santos are believed to be looking to offload Karim Benzema, manager Terry Morrison is believed to be looking to reshape his squad and is looking for 2/3 players in return. [BLYTH SPORTING CHRONICLE]

Arturo Vidal has instructed his agent to find another club, he is unhappy with just 2 starts in the league so far this season and has already had a bust up with manager Gregg Robinson over the issue. [EVENING STANDARD]

That's it for this issue, again anything you wanna see added drop me a message, Gossip column I would love some gossip from managers sent to me. Hope you enjoy reading this. Cheers lads.

T100 Magazine, Issue 4

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:54:21 +0100

Welcome to the latest issue of the T100 mag, In this issue we have the usual reports from one game per division, an interview with the Schalke manager Mike T and a juicy gossip column to feast you're eyes over. So straight into it we go.

Division 1

TOTTENHAM V CHELSEA

These two London rivals met for the 2nd time in less than a week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Chelsea's 3-1 World club cup win on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge. Gregg Robinson was hoping for swift revenge in the league match as he settles in to the hot-seat at the lane. The game started with James Mckenzie's blues straight on the front foot, Aubameyang almost give them a dream start on 6 minutes as he collected Thiago Alcantara's delightful lofted ball and struck a sublime volley which whistled past the despairing dive of Lloris but thankfully for the home fans it also beat the outside of the post as it flew inches wide. The let off lasted just a further 6 minutes as Dele Alli, returning to his former club, split the home defence with a deft flick through to the feet of Robert Lewandowski who drew Lloris off his line before applying the deftest of chips beyond the keeper. 0-1. Tottenham responded well to going behind and with Jordan Amavi twice causing problems down Chelsea's right hand side he played in Walker and Ozil who both tested Courtois with decent efforts. The last chance of the half also went the home sides way, Luka Modric jigged between Can and Alli before playing in Perisic who tried to catch out Courtois at the near post, but the big keeper read it well and made another decent stop. HT and it's a 1-0 lead for the away side. The 2nd half had barely begun and the home side were rocked further as Aubameyang cut in from the left hand side and left Walker for dead before drilling a ball across the box which Lewandowski beat Vertonghen to flick the ball past the helpless Lloris, 0-2 and Tottenham were in trouble. Lewandowski had the sniff of a hat trick and within 10 minutes of his 2nd goal twice Lloris had to deny the polish striker his 3rd, the 2nd chance a miraculous save following good work again by Alli. Spurs were struggling to hold on in the game. Aubameyang again flashed one wide before Walker tested Courtois again from distance. The game had one final chance for Lewandowski to get the match ball, Ronaldo created the chance, stealing the ball from Vidal before setting off on a lung bursting sprint down the right flank before supplying a terrific ball which Lewandowski rose to bullet a header down but Lloris again somehow denied him. A great win for Chelsea and James McKenzie who have responded wel to their opening day defeat to move up to 4th, Tottenham continue to be inconsistent and currently sit a point above the relegation zone in 13th position.

League Table after week 5

DIVISION 2

EVERTON V WOLFSBURG

Two sides looking to move up the table met at a rainy Goodsion Park on Sunday night as Everton looking for their 1st win of the season welcomed German side Wolfsburg who had picked up 4 points from their previous 2 games after suffering back to back defeats at the start of the season. The game was just 6 minutes old when the home side made the breakthrough, a long ball from San Jose was controlled by Moreno who then laid the ball back to Darder who fired low and hard past Karius from 20 yards out, 1-0 just the start RJ Alston was looking for. What he wasn't so keen on was that lead lasting just 5 minutes as Wolfsburg fired immediately back. Danny Welbeck worked his way into the box before pulling the ball back into the path of Lars Stindl who drilled the ball across the wet surface into the bottom corner of the goal. 1-1 with just 11 minutes gone. The home side were almost ahead again on 20 minutes when Oscar found Moreno who flashed an instinctive shot towards goal and Karius pulled off an incredible save. Moreno tested Karius again on 28 minutes before the home sides dominance was rewarded on 40 minutes, Moreno again the provider as he crossed well for Oscar to volley emphatically beyond Karius. 2-1 and no more than Everton deserved at HT. Evan Hart clearly had words at HT as his Wolfsburg side came out fighting 2nd half, Piszczek lucky to see just yellow on 50 minutes after a wild late challenge on Oscar but that was probably what Hart was looking for in his side who stood off Everton in the 1st half. Trapp denied Stindl again on 62 before Piszczek let fly from distance on 65 minutes forcing Trapp into a flying save. The balance had shifted and the equalising goal followed as Ashley Barnes on for the ineffective Eder delivered a great dinked ball for Kucka to half volley right in to the top corner, 2-2. Everton rallied well in the last 10 minutes but Moreno was denied twice by Karius as they failed to grab that winning goal. FT 2-2 and it will feel like 2 points dropped for Everton after their dominance in the first half.

League Table after Game 5

DIVISION 3

SOUTHAMPTON V FENERBACHE

Top of the table Southampton welcomed Fenerbache to St Mary's hoping to continue their fine start to the season. Rob Ryan, who took over towards the end of last season at Southampton was looking for an instant return to Division 2 after their relegation last season whereas Ash Lupton will be hoping it doesn't take Fenerbache until the last game of the season to ensure survival again. The game itself started in dramatic fashion as just 17 seconds were on the clock when Van Aanholt lashed home from all of 30 yards, his shot swerving and dipping leaving Jarstein well beaten in goal. Fenerbache however were back on level terms on 6 minutes when Marega held the ball up well and passed to Funes Mori who seeking inspiration from Van Aanholt no doubt, let fly from 25 yards out and the ball flew into the top corner with Cragno nowhere near it. 6 minutes gone and already 2 goal of the month contenders. That didn't stop Fenerbache either, buoyed by their immediate response they again tested Cragno with Marega forcing the home keeper into a fantastic save on 9 minutes before Krunic tested him from range again on 14. Falcao then should of had the home side back in front before he made amends on 28 minutes. Caprari found the Columbian in acres of space before he smashed the ball beyond Jarstein, 2-1. Falcao again had further chances to extend the lead before HT but couldn't make the most of his chances. HT 2-1. Unfortunately the 2nd half was somewhat of an anti-climax after what we witnessed in the 1st, the only chance of note came the visitors way on 82 minutes, Cheryshev playing a lovely one-two with Poli before drilling low and hard however Cragno was equal to it and his save preserved the 3 points for the league leaders. Fenerbache will be hoping to pick up their first win of the season asap.

League Table after week 5

DIVISION 4

SUNDERLAND V CELTIC

Sunderland welcomed Glasgow Celtic to Wearside for their division 4 game. Warren Livesey's black cats had won 2 and lost 2 of their opening league games whilst Garry Crawford's side had recovered somewhat from their opening defeat to draw 3 consecutive league games. The game was barely a minute old when the visitors took the lead, a silly foul given away by Zanka was punished by an absolute stupendous free kick from the Brazilian Paulinho who let fly with an unstoppable free kick from 30 yards which left Costil in the home goal standing in awe. Alario almost made it 2-0 on 13 minutes but Costil stood big and spread himself well to deny Celtic. The south american connection almost paid dividends for Celtic again as Alario slipped through Paulinho who really should of done better with his chance but he slotted wide. That miss seemed to galvanise Sunderland and Rondon almost had them level before Kranevitter made it 1-1 on the scoreboard and on great free kicks. Ayala had tugged Rondon's shirt right on the edge of the box and Kranevitter showed great ability to stroke the ball up and over the Celtic wall and into the back of the net, 1-1. Rondon was proving a handful and he had the final chance of the first half, bullying his way through a couple of poor attempted challenges before firing wide. 1-1 HT. Sunderland again threatened from a set piece on 53 minutes as a well worked free kick out wide led to Kranevitter delivering a great ball which Kalou got on the end of, his header forcing Ochoa into a smart stop. The game didn't really get going after that save with both sides cancelling each other out a touch. Celtic were probably the more determined to find a winner, Ayala forcing a save from costil froma corner before Lavezzi created a great chance on 89 minutes for Alario who strode on to Lavezzi's pass before side stepping Holbaes then trying to curl the ball into the top corner, however the strike lacked any accuracy and drifted well wide of Costil's post. 1-1 FT and its a 4th successive draw for Celtic.

League Table after game 5

DIVISION 5

FLAMENGO V TORINO

Both sides came into this game looking for their first win of the campaign, Flamengo had the solitary point and 3 defeats under Mark Phelps whilst Torino had 2 draws under the wily new management of David Senior who had the task of trying to rebuild the club after the efforts of it's previous incumbent. Just like the previous games this one got off to a flying start and the fans in the Maracana were celebrating just 3 minutes in, Otavio firing an unstoppable free kick from 20 yards which whistled past the stranded keeper. Gelin had the away sides first real chance of the game on 15 minutes as he tried his luck from range however it was a comfortable save for Alves. Just before the half hour mark and Torino's golden oldies had themselves level, Loic Remy fed the ball through to Giovinco, who dropped his shoulder and breezed past Thiago Silva before curling a shot in off the far post with Alves beaten. 1-1. The home side were shocked and Torino had further chances before HT to get themselves in front, Alves saving from Hnrique befor Giovinco fired wide. 1-1 HT. Mark Phelps clearly wasn't happy and had his side out 5 minutes before the second half kick off, that had no effect though and he was forced into a triple change on the hour mark to drum some life into his side. Richarlison tested Zieler on 68 minutes as the Brazilians finally took the game to their visitors, Mendes should of done better on 71 minutes after great work by Everton Soares before the 2nd goal arrived on 72 minutes. Scorer of the first Otavio turned provider as he played a square ball to Richarlison who found space before firing home off the post to give the home side the lead. 2-1. Otavio wasn't done for the day yet and just 6 minutes late he again was the provider as he whipped a ball into the box from a wide free kick, the ball was flicked home by Augusto to give the home side some breathing space. 3-1. Maffeo had a chance to pull one back for Torino on 82 minutes but he fired way over the bar when presented with a good chance. FT and 3-1 to Flamengo who move up to 17th whilst Torino hover just above the bottom position.

League Table after week 5

In The Hot-Seat with.....

Today we welcome Mike T to answer some questions, the newly appointed Schalke 04 manager.

After spells at Atletico Club and Marseille you landed the job at schalke this summer, how's the early days gone?

So far so good. Got some points from the early fixtures which takes some of the immediate pressure off, unlucky against Ajax not to claim a point as well. Finding your feet and then facing Division 1 football is as challenging as anything I have done as a manager

What are you're immediate and long term goals in Germany?

The immediate goal is to have one more point than the third last (and relegated) team in Division 1 at the end of 38 matches! Long term, building up the squad, a little younger and a little deeper. We have already turned over a lot of the youth team. If a couple of these come on over the next season or two, then that will help in some future negotiations.

Klass Jan Huntelaar has been very vocal about his lack of games at schalke recently, do you see any future for the long time servant?

It is a tough one. He is our third choice striker, second choice front man behind Kevin (Gameiro), who has had a great start to the season. I know he wants to be out their each week, but if the first team is fit and healthy, then that is not likely. He will get matches this season, no question about that. Will it be enough for him to want to stay, or will he want to force his way out, you will need to talk to his agent, Leear and Deschonk.

Schalke fans were very disappointed with the club not entering the youth cup and world club cup this season, do you have any plans to enter in future?

Yes, I asked the chairman and he supported skipping a season with a campaign in Division One, and a new manager at the helm. The focus this season is securing Division One status for next season. If we can do that (and if I am still employed next season), we will be participating in both competitions.

Who is your real life club? And what are your aims for this season with them?

The mighty Eagles ... Crystal Palace. After another snore inducing first 90% of the summer transfer window, they got a little active and added some depth in the midfield, and a leader at the back, Cahill, who despite his advanced years should provide some of the tight well drilled organization that Woy relies upon in his system.

Another season in the Premier League is always the goal.
Some of my London club supporting buddies asked me after the Manchester United win 'how great was that'. They got my standard response 'just three points closer to forty'.

If they manage to survive this season, hopefully having got Benteke to score several and set up another half dozen, they can sell him to China and get some coin back, and look to reinvest a little more into the club.

Best case, some crazy angel investor decides that SE25 is to be the centre of his universe, and plops down a billion pounds, buys the club, brings in four or five top shelf players and agrees to build a new stadium within the next 3-4 seasons.

SM T100 The Gossip Column...

Drama at the Bernabeu on Saturday night as managers Sir Stephen Beddows and Dr Martinez had to be separated after their youth cup match, Dr Martinez was furious after Beddows fielded a full strength side against Athletic Club, speaking to re[porters after the game Beddows was quoted as saying "I needed to find some form and couldn't risk another defeat" [MARCA]

Beddows is also in trouble with the SMFA after his World Club Cup match with city rivals Atletico still hasn't been arranged, Cruzeiro v Internacional and Napoli v Juventus also not arranged as yet. Marsden is thought to be frantically trying to get the games organised. [SMFA WEBSITE]

AZ Alkmaar v Olympiacos and Aston Villa v Augsburg in the youth cup at risk as fixtures not yet arranged. [SMFA WEBSITE]

Santos manager Terry Morrison is frantically trying to push through a deal for Schalke Midfielder Wylan Cyprien, however he hasn't got near to Mike T's asking price as yet. The player is considering handing in a transfer request to force through a move. [MIRROR]

Kai Havertz is considering leaving Juventus. The germany star is said to be unhappy at being loaned out the last few seasons and is considering his future. His solo start this season in the champions cup hasn't appeased him so far [BILD]

Cristian Lema is believed to have pre agreed a deal to join FC Twente once registration procedures are followed. Lema barely played under Norman Little despite him being one of the first players brought to the club. [STAR]

Thats all for today's issue, its a bit longer than previous issues so hopefully you all stay awake reading it all. Thanks for your time again lads and again if anything you want to be in future issues let me know. Looking for my next manager to interview so drop me a PM if interested.

T100 Magazine Issue 3

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 12:38:36 +0100

Welcome to Issue 3 of the T100 mag, I'll start by saying thanks to all those who have taken the time out to read the previous 2 issues, 115 views between the 2 issues so I'm well happy with those numbers, as ever if you feel I can add to this get in touch and I'll see if I can work something out. Before getting in to this issue however I feel I need to address the burning issue at the moment in T100 and that is the new player rule/lack of rule/oversight however anyone wants to address it. I called Gurismran out yesterday on the feed after incorrectly believing a rule had been broken after his bid for Pedri Gonzalez was withdrawn and re bid at an amount over and beyond what the rest of the managers had disclosed. I thought all players entering the database were subject to the same rule as free agents, max bid disclosed and no rebidding when value increases, and following the many comments I wasn't alone in thinking this way, It was however clarified that no rule was broken as the gentleman agreement only applies to free agents and not players added to external clubs. Whilst Gurismran broke no rules, I believe it was in poor taste and exploited the loophole we as a community were trying to block. I agree it would be hard to police but I'm sure we could give it a try, and I'm not saying thats on David Marsden to police either. It should be us as a group keeping a check on it, if you believe a manager is in the wrong soccerwiki has the dates players are added for us to quickly check. A new vote should at least be an option imo. That's my two pennies worth on that subject.

DIVISION 1

HELLAS VERONA V REAL MADRID

Hellas welcomed fallen spanish giants Real Madrid to the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium determined to bounce back after their defeat at home to Anderlecht in their previous outing, Real coming in to the game still undefeated this season and on a high after a great 1-0 away win at Arsenal in their last game. Real started in positive fashion and nearly worked an opening with just 3 minutes on the clock, Alexis Sanchez just firing wide after Casemiro found him in space. It took a while for Hellas to make an impact on the game, their only 2 chances of note both coming from set pieces in the first half. Gnarby was denied by a superb full length diving save from Olbak following his wicked swerving free kick, and just on the stroke of half time Guzman found space following Gnarby's corner but again Olbak was there to deny him. 0-0 H-T. Gnarby was beginning to take a hold on the game and on 51 minutes he took down Grujic's lofted pass and expertly controlled and volleyed in one movement but his dipping shot clipped the crossbar with Olbak beaten. Di Maria then played in Sanchez who again failed to find the scoring touch, Becker keeping the striker out. With 76 mins gone the decisive goal arrived and it was the home side who got it, Gnarby again was the man behind it, his mazy run beat the hapless Madrid defence before he laid the ball in to Politano's path who smacked it beyond the despairing Olbak. Real Madrid responded well and twice in the final 5 minutes they had chances to equalise but that man Sanchez was twice denied by the brilliance of Becker in the home goal, Real had their chances but unfortunately they fell to Sanchez and not Beddow's talisman Balotelli. Why never him? 1-0 and Hellas have their 1st home win in the top flight, the name of Andre Libras-Boas boomed around the stadium as the home fans revelled in their success.

DIVISION 2

SC INTERNACIONAL V ESPANYOL

Internacional took their unbeaten start to the season into their game with 100% starters Espanyol in a game which has already set the benchmark for the quality in the 2nd tier. This was a simply fantastic game of football. Internacional came out flying and it was only the heroics of Handanovic which prevented Son from putting the home side ahead after 2 minutes, Espanyol were not level for much longer though as just 60 seconds later Ben Yedder had the home fans bouncing. Rekik strolled forward before nutmegging Pellegrini and sliding a great ball to Ben Yedder who took a touch before drilling an unstoppable drive beyond Handanovic 1-0. The old saying you can score too early was proved here as for the next 30 minutes The home side were pinned back by wave after wave of Spanish attacks. It took just 11 more minutes before Espanyol had restored parity, Alcacer finishing well after great work from Quincy Promes 1-1. 2 more chances came and went for Espanyol before Pellegrini put the visitors ahead, striding through the non existent Internacional midfield before firing home low past the outstretched hand of Cillessen 1-2. Alcacer missed another chance on 29 minutes after Cillessen denied him with a smart reflex save before the keeper was left helpless on 33 minutes when the aforementioned Alcacer got the most delicate of flicks to a superb cross from Pellegrini to make it 1-3. The home side were rocking at this point but they had hope just 4 minutes later when Rekik again turned provider, playing a lovely ball over the top of a static back line leaving Draxler with all the time in the world before finishing under the despairing dive of Handanovic 2-3 and the goalscoring was done for the 1st half. 2-3 HT and we've all earned that half time sit down. Just 8 minutes in to the 2nd half and away we go again, Quincy Promes grabbing his 2nd assist of the game as his jinking run left defenders trailing in his wake before calmly pulling the ball back for Pellegrini to notch his 2nd. That was unfortunately the end of the scoring but not the end of the drama. Draxler should really of done better on 56 minutes but his tame shot rolled in to the grateful arms of Handanovic. The main talking point after that was the substitution of Ben Yedder on 75 mins, The striker not taking the decision well, ripping off his jersey in an act of petulance and booting a water bottle into the crowd, Roberto Downinho will not be happy at the outburst and was seen ordering Ben Yedder down the tunnel. 2-4 FT and Espanyol still have their 100% record intact. A fine away win.

DIVISION 3

CSKA MOSCOW V SPARTAK MOSCOW

The 1st Moscow derby of the season was quickly upon us in division 3 as Cska hosted their city neighbours Spartak, who came into the game with a perfect record this season. The game itself was full of passion but lacking in real quality, not that any of the 60,000 fans inside the ground seemed to care. The first real chance came on 14 minutes when Ayoze Perez played a lovely defence splitting pass through to Poloz who tried to slot the ball under the out-rushing Ospina but the keeper stood tall and blocked well. The home side were struggling to make much impression on the game and only sporadically threatened from set pieces. Sigurdsson twice delivering good balls into the area from wide free kicks which firstly Dudu and then Luan brought comfortable saves from Soria in the Spartak goal. HT 0-0. The second half started tentatively, almost as both sides were scared to make a mistake which would lead to the 1st goal. Spartak were the first to blink and Feargal Hickey made a bold double change, bringing both central midfielders of as they tried to take control of the midfield. It didn't have the desired effect. CSKA kept coming and twice Soria saved again before Sigurdsson provided the breakthrough, he cleverly beat his man before playing in Ake who stepped on to the ball and let fly, the ball fizzing through the air before crashing in off the bar. 1-0. Again the game went into a lull after the goal as Cska defended deep, protecting what they had. The two Subs almost pulled it level for Spartak as Sanches played a neat 1-2 with Fer before drilling in a shot from the edge of the box but Ospina was equal to it and the points belong to Lee Adams and his CSKA outfit. Both sides however can be pleased with their start to the season 2 wins from 3 for both.

DIVISION 4

SAO PAULO V LILLE

Two unbeaten sides went head to head here as Sao Paulo entertained Lille. The match was a little over 10 mins in when Lille were awarded a penalty after a brain dead decision by Cook to pull Pizzi back by his shirt as he broke into the box. There seemed little immediate danger when Pizzi had the ball, he had his back to the goal and was going away from the danger zone when Cook pulled his shirt. Pizzi took the kick and Lunev in the home goal didn't get near it, 0-1. Carzola almost added an instant 2nd but this time Lunev was equal to the shot. The hosts were level on 22 minutes though as Mario Gomez controlled a lofted ball into the box on his chest before rolling the ball back to Gregoritsch to smash beyond the despairing dive of Mirante, 1-1. The home side finished the stronger, Cueva firing over from the edge of the box before Jese forced Mirante into a fine stop. HT 1-1. The 2nd half belonged to Lille as Lunev earned his wage. Three fine saves from Pizzi and twice from Iglesias kept the sides level. Cueva was probing for the home side and had already seen a shot deflected wide when on 77 minutes he tried to catch Mirante out at his near post however the keeper was wise to the chance and saved well with his feet. Then the game turned ugly, Pereyra was becoming frustrated and he lashed out with a disgusting elbow on the tricky Cueva which left him stricken on the floor, a full on 22 man brawl followed as the ref lost control. Both benches were at it and how the ref decided just to send off the wild Pereyra is anyones guess. The powers that be at SMFA will be looking in to video footage with further sanctions a possibility. The game played out time with no further incidents and both sides maintain their unbeaten records. 1-1 FT.

DIVISION 5

WEST BROM V SPORTING CP

The long awaited battle of Nuno Bento and Joao Alves arrived as the Portuguese managers battled it off at the Hawthornes. Sporting on the back of back to back relegation's and West Brom rebuilding from the bottom up. The game started with Sporting on the front foot, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Jhon Cordoba having their own personal battle for the first half hour. 4 times the big striker had good chances and 4 times the big keeper saved well, it was already starting to feel like these were the kind of chances that needed to be taken. Both sides were unbeaten going in to the game but Sporting were already on the back of 2 draws and their lack of cutting edge was glaringly obvious on this viewing. West Brom finally awakened to briefly threaten at the end of the 1st half, however their best two chances fell to the young full back Nuno Tavares, 1st he fired over from the edge of the box after good work from Pires and then he found space from an inswinging free kick from Malcom to force Koubek in to a save which looked easier than perhaps it was. HT 0-0. The 2nd half started just as the 1st had, kepa saving from Cordoba and that was it from a Sporting point of view, West Brom had a couple of half chances through Malcom and Pires but in truth this game was dying on its feet. The game erupted however with 4 minutes remaining as Llorente, seemingly eager to hit the showers 1st lunged from behind with both feet against Malcom, Bento and Alves traded insults on the bench as Llorente walked before the card was shown but as they were in Portuguese I couldn't tell you what was said. There was no handshake on the full time whistle as the game finished 0-0.

A CLUB IN FOCUS.....SHAKHTAR DONETSK

Every now and again I will be compiling a club in focus section and today it's has it's debut in the T100 mag. The honour of its first airing is the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.

The current manager is the original gangster himself, Scott Broon keyboard gangster living in a gangsters paradise. He took charge on the 30th December 2018 and spent the new year partying it up in Donetsk, unfortunately the partying had to stop and the hard work had to start but its been nothing but good since the Scotsman took charge. He survived a tough start at Shakhtar and finished 5th bottom in his first season, a season which included the great escape. Season 10 was Scott's time to shine and he took Donetsk up as runners up in division 3, losing out on the title by just 1 point. And Division 2 has already been impacted by the tidy outfit Scott has moulded with 7 points from the first 3 games. Club records held by Scott include, Most league games unbeaten at 15 (10/2/19-14/4/19) and he is already attempting to beat that as their current unbeaten run is at 10 league games, that is 2 fine unbeaten runs in the same calendar year which given the competitive nature of T100 shouldn't go unnoticed. He also holds the record for biggest away cup win in their history, a 0-6 demolishing of Udinese (28/5/2019). Consistency is the key to Donetsk's performances and its a rarity to see a squad with no transfer banned players. Why change a working formula seems to be the key message and he has recently cameout and said no players will be leaving Ukraine in the near future.

That's all I have time for for this issue, I was trying to fit a bit in about the youth cup but time has beaten me for now. Once again thanks for reading.

T100 Magazine..Issue 2

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:09:48 +0100

Welcome to issue 2 of the T100 magazine. The first round of fixtures of season 11 have now been played and managers will be looking to hit the ground running. Before I get into this issue I'll make a plea if not already done so to make your intentions clear to David Marsden about participation for both the youth cup and club world cup. Both friendly tournaments add to the GW massively imo and should be entered by as many clubs possible, even if your youth side is crap (like my Stuttgart) its just about contributing to the GW. Imo the last few seasons there seems to be a few managers who don't contribute to the GW fully, just pick their teams and the odd transfer. I know Real life can get in the way at times but we need to keep this GW as the best. Now on to the match reviews..

DIVISION 1

BARCELONA V JUVENTUS.

Juventus were given the task no one in Division 1 wanted, away to the champions 1st game of the season. A season where DP is surely looking to make an impression on the league title race but walking in to Scott Mckenzie's back yard is no easy feat for any side, just the 1 side managed to leave the Nou Camp with 3 points last season. The game started in ominous fashion with Messi putting over a great ball which Carvajal really should of done better with on 10 minutes. The let off didn't last very long as 2 minutes later Messi cut inside the static Juve defence beating 2 men with a drop of that magical left shoulder and played a defence splitting ball to Neymar who drew Schmeichal off his line before dinking the ball over the stranded keeper, 1-0 Barca. Juventus responded well with chances for Mane and Jesus which De Gea was equal to. Messi also had a chance to extend Barcelona's lead but Schmeichal saved well. The rest of the 1st half played out with both sides cancelling each other out but the game was evenly balanced at half time despite Neymar's 1st half strike. The 2nd half started as the 1st finished and on the hour mark DP had seen enough and made a triple sub to try and ignite some life into his attack and those changes had an instant impact. Leroy Sane came in off the right flank and laid the ball square to the newly arrived Pepe who sent an absoulute screamer into the top corner from the edge of the box, 1-1 and no more than Juve deserve it has to be said. Sterling and Neymar both had chances to put either side in front before the 1st VAR controversy of the season, Messi and Neymar played a scrumptious 1-2 before Messi slotted between Schmeichal's legs to send the Nou Camp wild..until the big screen flashed to show VAR were checking for offside...And offside it was by the tightest of margins..2.7cm. Mckenzie was fuming at the officials. He would of been inconsolable if Alonso had managed to connect properly with his chance in the last minute from Sterling's free kick but he fluffed at the chance and the ball flew wide. 1-1 it finished and it was a fair result.

DIVISION 2

MANCHESTER UNITED V VALENCIA

Manchester United started the campaign desperately trying to bounce back from their disappointing relegation from Division 1, on the back of 10 straight defeats. The board had given their backing to Nathan Prince and they welcomed Valencia to Old Trafford under the guidance of Paul Thompson who moved from Twente after a highly impressive Division 5 title last season. The game started brightly for the home side with just 6 minutes on the clock when Maier played in Toko Ekambi 1 on 1 with sommer in the valencia goal, Toko Ekambi hit a scuffed effort which deceived the keeper who probably expected a cleaner strike and the ball bounced over the keepers dangling leg and trickled over the line, 1-0 and just the start Nathan would of wanted. Maybe it was the run of defeats last season which had the effect but Manchester United didn't know how to deal with their early lead stuck between pushing on for a 2nd or holding on to what they held but Valencia came back into the game strongly. Areola in the home goal saved 4 times in the first half from Demiray, Poulsen, Ghoulam and Brahimi as the Spanish side fought to get back on equal terms. United had just the 1 other chance and again Toko Ekambi scuffed at it. Half time and Man United had managed to get in with their advantage. The 2nd half lacked the intensity of the 1st and both sides struggled to get a foothold in the game. That was the case until the 71st minute when Brahimi played a deft touch trough to the on running Poulsen who took the ball on and drilled his finish beyond the outstretched hand of the diving Areola, 1-1 and now the gane was anybody's. Toko Ekambi again had a chance for Man United before Brahimi again turned provider for Valencia with his neat lay off for Elvedi who strode on to the ball 25 yards out and picked out the top corner as Areola watched on, the force of the shot left the keeper flat footed and he was unable to move across the goal as it nestled in the net 1-2 and Man United were again staring defeat in the face. One final chance was to come the home sides way and again it fell to that man Toko Ekambi who forced Sommer into a decent save to prevent United stealing a late share of the points. FT 1-2 and a fantastic turnaround for Paul Thompson's men. Nathan Prince will be hoping Man United can kick this losing habit asap.

DIVISION 3

LEVANTE V STOKE CITY

Levante welcomed newly promoted Stoke City hoping to step up from their 12th place finish last season, only 2 points off the play off spots but a disappointing season for a talented squad. Stoke having finished 2nd in Division 4 on GD were looking to make steady progress in the 3rd tier with their young squad, only 3 of which are 30 years and older. Goulart had the 1st chance of the game for the visitors but his blistering shot whistled past the right post with the home keeper stranded. The home side then took control of the game with Milik twice forcing Zoet in to decent stops before Delaney narrowly fired over from a free kick on the edge of the box following a clumsy challenge from Castillejo, a challenge which earned him a yellow card. Then one of Stoke's golden oldies stunned the home crowd with a finely taken goal. Hugo Mallo did much of the donkey work before playing the ball acroos the box to Kagawa who hit a fantastically struck shot which curled in to the top corner, Pacheco in the home goal was full length but he couldn't reach the shot and the newly promoted side had the lead 0-1. the 1st half drew to a close with Stoke defending what they had. The 2nd half will leave questions being asked of Dario Saviano's side as despite having the majority of the ball they failed to test Zoet apart from a couple of long range efforts which barely registered as a shot in truth, Stoke on the other hand defended majestically depriving the home side any space but they looked dangerous on the counter, Pacheco was beaten all ends up from El Haddadi but his shot just went past the post. To add to Levante's misery they will be missing Milik for a game after his wild lunge at Castillejo with 5 minutes remaining, how he receives just a 1 game ban for such a challenge is beyond me. A superb win for Stoke. 0-1.

Division 4

ASTON VILLA V RIVER PLATE

Aston Villa welcomed last season's play off losers River Plate to Villa Park in a battle of 2 sides both looking for promotion. Villa have the youthful side put together very well by Nick Justice whereas River have the more experienced legs and will be looking to bounce back from their devastating end to the season where they narrowly missed out on a 2nd promotion in 2 seasons, firstly missing out on an automatic promotion spot having looked assured of one at one point, then losing the play off final to add to their misery. The game started in an hesitant fashion, both sides feeling each other out and sharing a yellow card each before the only goal of the game came in the 22nd minute. Allan Saint-Maximin, sporting his new gucci headband, skipped past a couple of challenges down the left hand side before cutting in to the box, a swift nutmeg of Clyne followed before he laid the ball into Kahveci's path who calmly rolled the ball into the bottom corner. River responded well to falling behind and wilson should of made more of his effort when presented well by Lemina before Lemina himself got off a decent effort which Strakosha did well to see off. Xeca then played a lofted ball over the top of the defence which was cleared by Strakosha but with the keeper stranded after the clearance Ismaily really should of done better but his chipped effort went well over the bar. HT 1-0 to the Villa. The second half was a scrappy affair, another 3 bookings in a niggly match. Bernard and Lemina both putting wide when in good positions either side of a great save from Fabianski from Saint-Maximin. In to the final minute of the match and River carved open Villa, subsitute Ruiz delivered an inch perfect ball into Callum Wilson who took an immaculate 1st touch before sending his shot just wide of Strakosha's post. FT 1-0 and a good start to the season for Villa.

DIVISION 5

BREMEN V CRUZEIRO

Last season was one to forget for Wayne Bullough and his Bremen side, they finished 4th in season 9 before suffering relegation in season 10 and he hopes for an instant return to Division 4. Cruzeiro under Josh Mcmillan had made some progress after a big turnover of players and finished 15th last season, they will be hoping for some of their players to push on again this season. The game was only 6 minutes old when Bremen delivered a message of intent for the season, an out swinging corner found Barbosa just inside the box and he unleashed a fine half volley which flew past the helpless Casillas in the Cruzeiro goal. A fine start for the Germans. Cruzeiro managed to compose themselves and matched their counterparts for the remainder of the first half, chances of note for both sides from Pereiro and Patrick but the score remained 1-0 at half time. The second half was one way traffic, whatever was said at half time worked a treat for the home side as they took apart the Brazilians at ease. Tameze played in Dost who with a clear run at goal took his time, composed himself before finishing under the despairing dive of Casillas. 2-0 and the floodgates were being breached here. Casillas was being over worked here and despite saving from Pereiro just moments before he was left wrong footed by the same player on 64 minutes as the Germans went 3-0 ahead. Dost then hit the post on 70 minutes with a superb deft flick which had Casillas beaten all ends up, Dost was denied again 10 minutes later as Casillas blocked well with his body before he was beaten for the final time on 81 minutes from a superb free kick from MOTM Pereiro, who smashed the ball through the poorly organised wall to grab his second of the game. FT 4-0 and Bremen will take some stopping on this performance.

In The Hot Seat With...

Next up in the Hot Seat series of interviews with managers of T100 is...well me!! Stuttgart's well travelled manager Norman Little.

What is with all the moves in T100? Well what can you say, Technically I've been in charge of 8 clubs over 9 changes of managers (West Ham twice, once for 1 game) and for all but 2 of the clubs I never really found my feet. The full list of clubs I've managed are West Ham, West Brom, Twente, Newcastle, Fenerbache, Atalanta, River Plate and finally Stuttgart. Some moves were enforced after failing with Newcastle and West Brom, and I had a couple spells away from T100 when I've needed time for personal issues. I'm back for the duration now though as mentally I'm in the best place I've been for years. Who's to say that will be sorely at Stuttgart though?

Biggest regret in T100? Well I've two, firstly failing with Newcastle. I know it's just a game but when managing your club it means just a bit more, I've always been a lover of doing deals but sometimes I do far too many and I think that was the problem at Newcastle. The second is the one I regret even more, River Plate. After they had finished bottom in Division 5 season 8 I left a good Atalanta side to take on the challenge of rebuilding the Argentinian giants, 1st season we won the title, my finest achievement in SM let alone T100. second season hadn't long started when I wasn't in a good place and needed a break from a few things, I needed to take a step back and just relax so I quit all SM and took a few months break from this and some forms of other things. Before long however I was wanting back in and I'm slowly loving the game again.

Aims for Stuttgart this season? To improve the squad and maybe a run at the play offs. I inherited a decent squad, but an ageing squad. I want to cut numbers down to around 42-44 players ideally but that's not always possible with the amount of youngsters everyone chases. The 1st team squad will be a maximum of 22 players by the end of the season.

Best player at Stuttgart? Well I would have to say Miggy Almiron, I love the little fella. I know IRL stats aren't helping him at Newcastle but believe me the kid is tremendous. He doesn't stop running and once that 1st goal comes he will maybe relax a touch. I also have another favourite of mine in Ben Arfa, a magician. No one in 10 years has come close to getting me as excited at a game than him, everytime he got the ball you knew something special could happen. Witnessed some absolute great goals by him.

Real life club and hopes for the season? Everyone knows its Newcastle, and the aim is simply to see the back of Mike Ashley. League position is irrelevant. Steve Bruce isn't anyone choice as a premier league manager but it isnt his fault he got offered the job, Great win at spurs yesterday on the back of the worst performance in 3 years at Norwich last week, I get the feeling inconsistency will be the key word for us this season.

That's all for this issue, hope you all enjoy the read and if you have any suggestions feel free to get in touch, the magazine will be weekly, I don't have the time to do one every game. Some issues will have manager interviews(be ready for questions falling into your message box), some will have features on youth cup/club world cup, some may have other features dependant on time etc.

T100 Magazine. Issue 1

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 10:47:28 +0100

Welcome to the first issue of the new T100 magazine where we will be reviewing all of season 10 winners and losers and have an interview with David Marsden, manager of Hamburg and the current owner of the set up. The magazine will be weekly starting next season with a review of a game from each division, a quick round up of some youth cup business and every other week will feature manager interviews and maybe a bit of fun regarding the 'T100 Gossip column'

Division 1

Well what can you say, Scott Mckenzie and his Barcelona team absolutely ran away with this season's title finishing a highly impressive 22 points clear at the top. That's 6 Division 1 titles for Scott now and he keeps setting the standard for us all to try and get close to. Only 3 times has division 1 been won with a 10+ point gap and Scott did it on all 3 occasions. Lionel Messi as per real life was the driving force behind the success at the nou camp with an astonishing 28 goals, 24 assists and 30 man of the match awards. It was a McKenzie 1-2 as James finished 2nd with his Chelsea team, Liverpool and Juventus rounding off the top 4 places. At the other end of the table it was a rude introduction to the old trafford hot seat for Nathan Prince as his mid season move to Manchester United failed to stop the drop into Division 2, no wins in the final 12 league games for Nathan with the last 10 all defeats, work to do for the former Monaco chief. Napoli, Inter Milan and Standard Liege all follow Man United in to division 2 with work to be done. Of the 4 clubs relegated 3 have a new manager starting the season for the first time at their respective clubs, Nathan has had time to feel his squad out but it will be a quick transaction for Sir Steven Gerrard(Inter) and Jamie Alldridge (Napoli)

Division 2

Bouncebackability was the key word in terms of Division 2 as 3 of the 4 relegated from division 1 the previous season were promoted at the 1st attempt. Dortmund ran away with the league title with a 10 point gap to 2nd place Paris St-Germain. Dortmund's faith in James Foster was restored after relegation the previous season and for PSG it was 1st season success for Malcom. completing the promotion places were Hellas Verona who completed their 3rd promotion in 4 seasons, an unbelievable job being done by Andre,truly an inspiration for all of us to follow. The Play off winners were Schalke who won the final against their german counterparts Leverkusen, 2-1 with goals from Buffarini and Muniain after Diego costa had given Leverkusen a 3rd minute lead. However Schalke have lost Doc as their manager close season so celebrations were cut short with that shock news. Dropping from the 2nd tier were Villarreal, Newcastle, Southampton and Monchengladbach. Again 3 of the clubs will need to hit the ground running with new managers next season. Player honours in Division 2 are headed to Luis Suarez with an amazing 8.82 average rating, 18 goals, 17 assists and 22 MOTM awards for the champions Dortmund.

Division 3

It was a tight finish in the 3rd tier with just 3 points separating the top 4 clubs, it was however justice that all 4 clubs won promotion as they were consistently the best sides over the season. All other clubs lost at least a 1/3 of their games in the league so can have no complaints at the outcome. It was fitting as well that Rahul left the set up as champion of Hertha Berlin, real life commitments left him short of time for the game but he ends as a champion,again, I'm hoping we see him back in t100 some day. Finishing off the top 3 were Shakhtar Doneskt and Basel, great campaigns from Broon and Bojan. Montpellier finished just a point off the top 3 but saw off the play offs with a narrow 1-0 win over Lazio in the final, the winning goal from Gomis sealing promotion. At the other end Sunderland finished bottom(heard that somewhere before aye) with Lyon and Celtic just ahead. Lokomotiv Moscow were the other team to fall after Fenerbache's last day win away to Sampdoria ensuring they edged ahead of the Russians on GD. Fine margins and all that. Caligiuli was Division 3 player of the season with 18 goals, 36 assists(unbelievable jeff) and 13 MOTM awards finishing with an impressive 8.05 average rating for Shakhtar.

Division 4

GD settled the title race as Cologne and Stoke finished tied on 69 points. Cologne securing the title by way of having a better GD of 4. Fantastic season for both Neil and Ruts. Dnipro finished the season in 3rd after a fantastic run at the business end of the season pipped River Plate for the final automatic spot. 5 successive wins for Dnipro coupled with River only winning 1 of the last 4 meant Dnipro stole final spot on the last day after River drew 2-2 away to Spartak whilst Dnipro romped to a 3-0 away win at Lille. River Plate were to suffer more heartache at the hands of Spartak in the play offs as despite being the better side they succumbed 2-1 to the Russians in the final. Dropping out of the trapdoor into the bottom division were Sporting and Fiorentina who both suffered the shame of a double drop after falling into division 4 the previous season they have continued straight to division 5 without making much of an inpact on the league. Saint-Ettiene also dropped but the real surprise was the previous years 4th place team, who missed out on promotion by 1 point, Bremen finished 4th bottom this time. I'm sure Wayne will be determined to bounce straight back. player of the season will be Bakambu with an impressive 7.67 average rating after 17 goals and 11 MOTM awards for Cologne.

Division 5

FC Twente were Division 5 champions after a fine campaign by Paul Thompson's men. Paul only joined Twente a few month back but settled into the job and got stuck right in. His title winning campaign was enough to see him poached by Valencia after the resignation of Greg Bilbao and the master wheeler dealer Walter Gogh has the task of carrying on Paul's fantastic work. The other promotion spots went to Marseille and Udinese after fine seasons for managers Mike T and Ignazio Barraco. The play offs saw David Inglis and Jess Jobe go head to head as 4th place Rubin met 6th place Dinamo Zagreb in the final. A fast start by Rubin however blew Zagreb away as 2 goals in the first 18 minutes by Meite and Amadou set Rubin on the way to a fine 3-0 win, with the final goal being scored from the spot by Charles with 10 minutes left on the clock. Bordeaux again propped up the t100 league by finishing bottom, but if there is any comfort for the french side is that the team who finished above them in season 9 was this season champions Twente, and Season 8's bottom side was River Plate, and they won the league in season 9. It can change very quickly with just a few key signings. Marseilles Ryad Boudeboux takes the individual honours for Division 5 with an average rating of 7.76 with 19 goals, 13 assists and 12 MOTM awards.

The Cups

The T100 cup was won by Juventus despite the best efforts of Division 4 runners up Stoke City, Onyekuru give the 4th tier side a half time lead after he cut inside and beat Buffon at the near post. DP give his Juve side a kick up the back side and they were a different outfit second half. Paulo Dybala drew the Italian side level after fine approach play by Raheem Sterling, the Argentinian hit a quick snap shot which Zoet got a hand to it but couldn't prevent it crawling over the line. Marquinhos was the unlikely match winner with just 4 minutes left on the clock, taking a ball from Sane he strode forward unchallenged before letting fly from a full 35 yards out, Zoet again got a hand to it but the sheer force of the shot beat him as it nestled into the far corner of the net.

The T100 shield was won by Doug Earle's Atletico Madrid, the match wasn't for the purists though as Atletico and Porto struggled to stamp any sort of quality on to the pitch and the sound of the final whistle was of a relief after 90 minutes of two sides cancelling each other out. At least with a penalty shoot out we would see some goals yeah? well not for the Porto fans as they inexplicably missed all 3 penalties, Madrid comfortably saw their penalties hit the back of the net and It was over in 6 penalties. 3 missed 3 scored and a 3-0 penalty shoot out victory for Atletico.

In The Hot seat With...

First up in the manager interview series is the Hamburg manager and T100 boss man David Marsden. Here we get the lowdown on the stresses if running the best set up on SM and his plans for the new season.

As GW owner what is the challenge like of keeping the set up running smoothly? No idea, the GW has been running smoothly since Frank started it and I hope just to continue in his footsteps. Obviously any GW with 100 managers will have some sort of issues, new rules brought a few teething problems around last season and there will always be a few managers looking to take the piss at times but thankfully the majority have been supportive and I now have a group of managers to turn to when problems arise. At the end of the day we all want the same thing, a fun,well run GW where all managers contribute. Youth cup and the World club cup take some planning and forward thinking and organising. Spreadsheets are my friend in these situations.

What are your ambitions for Hamburg this season? Survival and then who knows after that. Last season we started really well and were 6 points clear of eventual champions Dortmund after 12 games, but the wheels fell off and a 2 month winless run against managed sides ensured. A bit of tinkering with the team didn't work out as expected either as Chiriches was moved on, he was my rock at cb and his replacement Iborra just didn't settle and the defence suffered as a result. This season I have more of a younger squad which will grow hopefully in the next season or 2, transfers will be here and there as I prefer to hang about for the right moment for deals and I hope the stability will help Hamburg over the next few seasons as my younger players progress.

Who is your star player (SM) ? Lucas Vazquez, 33 goals 33 assists in 74 games is serious going. I'm hoping he continues in this vein of form this season. The target is 15 goals 15 assists for Lucas this season.

Worst transfer you've done on the game? Well what can I say, we've all done some deals where the benefit of hindsight would of been helpful but I have to say swapping Seamus Coleman for Victor Moses with my mate Mick at Ajax is up there. Moses was linked with Man United IRL and I knew mick was after Ireland's captain, deal was done and then Moses was dropped to Chelseas reserves before heading to Turkey. Best transfer on the game? Back to my star player Vazquez for that honour, his stats have been up with the best since he arrived and I hope he will continue this in the new season.

Real life club and hopes for this season for them? Manchester United, with Ole at the wheel I'm hoping for a return to some United values, more younger players and a return of some entertaining football. I'm not bothered on where we finish(??) I just want to be entertained for the first time since Fergie left. I hope young Tuanzebe pushes on this season as well.

Time spent on SM a day? Like most far too long but I love it.

That's all for Issue 1, next issue will be after the first round of games with a report from 1 game per league, some update on T100 in general and an interview with the biggest journeyman manager in T100 history...Me haha.