Group Game

Posted by betensured02 on November 4th, 2017

Barcelona goalless in a group game for first time in five years.

Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Olympiakos as they failed to score in a Champions League group stage game for the first time in five years.

Luis Suarez hit the crossbar as Barcelona sought to secure the win that would qualify them for the knock-out stage with two games remaining.

The striker then unselfishly tried to tee up Lionel Messi instead of going for goal himself after an hour.

Barca top Group D by three points after Juventus drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon.

Ernesto Valverde, who was making a return to his former club, has guided his Barca side to 10 points from four games.

Only a point is required from their last two games against Juventus and Sporting to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Juventus, who have two wins, a draw and one defeat, are still three points clear of Sporting in third.

Gonzalo Higuaín equalised with 11 minutes remaining after Bruno César had given Sporting a half-time lead.

The late equaliser ensures Juve remain in a strong position to progress through to the knock-out stage.

Alvaro Morata clarifies London comments

Alvaro Morata has denied he dislikes living in London, saying he would “probably” sign a 10-year deal at Chelsea if he could.

The striker had told a newspaper in Italy he did not see himself living in London “for very long”.

Asked about the quotes before Tuesday’s Champions League game at Roma, he clarified he meant he will not remain in London when he retires.

“I’m really happy here and enjoying London with my wife,” he said.

“When I finish my career, I prefer to come back to my country. I prefer the place where I was born, that’s normal. When I say London is a stressful city, I’m talking about the traffic and a lot of people. It’s an incredible city.”

Morata, 25, has scored seven goals in 13 games since his club record £60m move from hometown club Real Madrid on a five-year deal in the summer.

“If Chelsea proposed 10 years, I’d probably sign it,” he said. “I’m happy with everything. If I make good and improve, I can stay here more than five years.”

Everton sacks Ronald Koeman

Everton have sacked Ronald Koeman after their 5-2 loss at home to Arsenal on Super Sunday saw them slip into the relegation zone.

The club spent heavily in the summer on Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Jordan Pickford, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney, but now lie 18th in the table having made their third-worst start to a Premier League campaign.

The loss at Goodison Park on Sunday was Everton’s fifth consecutive match without a victory, with the Toffees having won just two league games this season, while they are also bottom of their Europa League group after two defeats and a draw in their first three matches.

Koeman said before the Arsenal game that Everton’s owners had faith in him to turn his side’s poor form around. However, the club’s hierarchy released a statement on Monday announcing that the Dutchman had left his position.