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  The Blues boss finds his position under debate after a torrid run of results that was capped off by Pep Guardiola's side's 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge. At the start of December,  Chelsea  were considered realistic Premier League title contenders after an impressive start to the season. One month on, though, and after a run of just one win from their last six games, the Blues find themselves eighth in the table. Unsurprisingly, pressure is beginning to mount on manager Frank Lampard, and rightly so given recent results. City arrived in west London without six players due to positive Covid-19 diagnoses, but you would barely have known as they out-ran, out-thought and utterly outplayed their hosts. After a summer spending spree of £220 million ($275m), the failings of last season were supposed to disappear, but despite some encouraging early signs it is difficult to see exactly how and where the Blues have improved, particularly when they face teams who are as strong as Cit...

  Cristiano Ronaldo moved onto 20 goals for club and country for the 15th straight season as his double helped Juventus down Udinese. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Juventus bounced back from their Fiorentina loss with a  4-1 win over  Udinese  at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.  Andrea Pirlo's side suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to La Viola before the mid-season break, but they kicked off 2021 with a win that ensured the gap to Seria A leaders Milan remained at 10 points.  Ronaldo put Juve ahead in the 31st minute with a fine strike after Udinese's Rodrigo de Paul had seen an effort ruled out by VAR. 

With the rivals' respective heroics in Seville and Turin, the pair have again altered our perception of what is humanly possible on a football pitch Cristiano Ronaldo's is a career defined by firsts. He has continually done things that nobody has ever done before. Tuesday night was different, though; special, even for Ronaldo. Against Juventus, the Portuguese superstar scored a goal so spectacular, so beautiful that it prompted a round of applause from the opposition fans. Ronaldo was humbled by the experience. "It was an unbelievable moment," he told UEFA.com. "I have to say thank you, grazie, to all the supporters of Juventus. What they did for me was amazing." What he is doing for football, though, is incredible. There have already been statues sculpted in his honour – albeit some rather unflattering – but he is a living, breathing monument to the power of talent, dedication and belief, the perfect mix of technique and physique, a self-made goal-sco...

The Ballon d'Or winner has said that the experience of Tuesday's game was "amazing" after he scored a memorable double in Turin r Cr istiano Ronaldo thanked Juventus supporters for applauding his stunning overhead goal in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory in the Champions League. Two-time reigning champions Madrid put one foot in the semi-finals thanks to Ronaldo, who scored twice in a memorable first-leg performance against 10-man Juve on Tuesday. Having opened the scoring inside three minutes, Ronaldo was at it again with an unforgettable bicycle kick in the second half as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner earned a standing ovation in Turin.

RASHFORD WINS BATTLE OF THE BABIES AGAINST RECORD-BREAKER SVILAR Kris Voakes Man Utd Correspondent The England teenager outfoxed the Champions League youngest goalkeeper in history to decide the match between Benfica and Manchester United On a night when Manchester United were looking short of experienced heads to wake them from their slumber it was once again Marcus Rashford who made all the difference with a match-winning performance in the 1-0 success away to Benfica on Wednesday. But it wasn’t all good news for the teenage contingent as Rashford’s winning goal came as a result of a moment of inexperience from the Champions League’s youngest-ever goalkeeper. At 18, Mile Svilar was always likely to court some headlines, but the Benfica shot-stopper’s game-deciding error will sadly forever hang a black mark over his incredible achievement.

'IT WAS AN INSTINCTIVE PLAY' - VALVERDE DEFENDS PIQUE AFTER RED CARD Dom Farrell 23:38 SHARE Getty Images The Barca boss felt the defender was unfortunate to be sent off against Olympiacos - a decision that impacted upon Gerard Deulofeu Gerard Pique did not deserve his handball red card during Barcelona's 3-1 Champions League Group D win over Olympiacos, according to head coach Ernesto Valverde. La Liga leaders Barca made it three wins out of three in Europe's top competition this term as Lionel Messi moved on to a century of continental goals. Barca were a goal up – Dimitris Nikolaou having put through his own net – but a man down by the time Messi dispatched a 61st-minute free-kick, after Pique collected a second booking for turning in a rebound from Gerard Deulofeu's angled shot with his hand.

CHELSEA CONTE: DAVID LUIZ MIDFIELD EXPERIMENT FAILED Stephen Creek The Chelsea boss has acknowledged that moving the Brazilian into midfield did not work against Roma Chelsea were "improvising" tactically in the second half of their 3-3 draw with Roma according to head coach Antonio Conte, who acknowledged that playing David Luiz in midfield did not work. After goals from David Luiz, Eden Hazard and Roma's Aleksandar Kolarov had made it 2-1 to Chelsea at half-time in Wednesday's Champions League clash, Edin Dzeko's superb brace put the visitors 3-2 up with 20 minutes left to play while Conte switched from a 3-5-2 formation to a 4-3-2-1. The change seemed to work as Hazard headed the equaliser before Chelsea held out the for the final 15 minutes, although Dzeko went close to completing his hat-trick when he headed narrowly wide in the dying minutes. RELATED 'YOU MUST WIN' - HAZARD FRUSTRATED WITH CHELSEA SHOWING AFTER SECOND-HALF COLLAPSE REBEL RU...

'SE QUEDA! SE QUEDA!' – MADRID FANS MOCK PIQUE FOR NEYMAR TWEET 23:37 The Santiago Bernabeu faithful didn't miss an opportunity to remind the Barcelona defender of his ultimately incorrect prediction regarding Neymar Gerard Pique's rough night Wednesday was compounded by fans at the Santiago Bernabeu mocking him for his ultimately incorrect tweet stating Neymar was staying at Barcelona. The Barcelona centre-back set social media ablaze on July 23 by tweeting a picture of himself and Neymar with the caption "Se queda" (he's staying). Pique later admitted the tweet was more of a hope than a declaration, and Neymar did in fact depart for Paris Saint-Germain two weeks after his post. And Madrid fans predictably took the opportunity to remind Pique of his erroneous tweet during Wednesday's Spanish Super Cup second leg, chanting "Se queda! Se queda!" at Pique as he departed the field in the second half with an injury. Madrid would go o...

'HE CAN'T DO WHATEVER HE WANTS' – SOKRATIS FIRES WARNING TO DEMBELE 21:49 The Dortmund defender had strong words for his team-mate, who is currently excluded from first-team training Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has registered his frustration with suspended team-mate Ousmane Dembele. Dembele has gone on strike in an attempt to force a move to Barcelona, who have seen bids for the 20-year-old thus far rejected by Dortmund. Barca taking transfer tactics to extremes Dortmund have responded to Dembele's absence by suspending the France international until the situation is resolved. Speaking to Kicker, Sokratis has expressed his displeasure with the way Dembele is handling himself in a difficult situation. "Ousmane is a good guy. But he has to understand that no player is bigger than the team," Sokratis said. "He can't do whatever he wants and should take Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as an example. "Auba also coul...

EVERTON SIGN SWANSEA STAR SIGURDSSON FOR CLUB-RECORD £45M FEE 19:53 The Toffees have finally secured their man after a drawn-out process, with the Iceland international inking a five-year deal at the club Everton have completed the signing of Swansea City star Gylfi Sigurdsson for a reported club-record fee of £45 million. The Iceland international, 27, has inked a five-year deal at the Toffees, putting to bed a drawn-out process between the two clubs. Sigurdsson had been on Everton's radar for over a year and the Merseysiders reportedly had two bids previously knocked back by Swansea. However, Everton have now finally secured their man — increasing their summer spending to well over £100m after also signing the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney this summer. Sigurdsson — who scored nine goals and registered 13 assists in the Premier League last season — missed a large chunk of Swansea's pre-season due to the ongoing speculation surrounding him. ...

RONALDO BRANDS FIVE-MATCH BAN 'EXAGGERATED AND RIDICULOUS' 18:27 The Real Madrid star has hit out at the sanction, which was issued after he laid his hands on a match official against Barcelona Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at his five-match ban, branding the sanction "exaggerated and ridiculous" and alleging that he is being persecuted. The Real Madrid star was handed the suspension after being sent off and then shoving the referee in Real Madrid's 3-1 Supercopa de Espana first-leg victory over Barcelona on Sunday. Madrid 5/1 to retain Champions League again The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) upheld the ban on Wednesday, meaning Ronaldo will sit out Wednesday's second leg of the Supercopa, followed by Liga matches away to Deportivo La Coruna, at home to Valencia and Levante and away to Real Sociedad. Real Madrid still the team to beat in Europe And Ronaldo has since taken to Instagram to voice his disapproval, writing: "Impossible to be unaf...

LEICESTER CONFIRM SIGNING OF IHEANACHO FROM MAN CITY FOR £25M The forward has agreed a five-year deal with the Foxes, having spent the last three years at fellow Premier League side Manchester City Leicester City have announced the signing of Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho from Manchester City. The forward has moved to the Foxes for a fee reported to be £25 million, with the 20-year-old signing a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium. Leicester 250/1 to win the Premier League In two full seasons at Man City, Iheanacho played 46 Premier League games and scored 12 goals, but found himself behind Sergio Aguero, Wilfried Bony and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order. Iheanacho is eager to get started with Craig Shakespeare's side, and is looking forward to becoming part of the Leicester first team. “It feels good and I’m happy to be part of this team," Iheanacho told the club's official website. Neymar's Barca legacy ruined forever "I know the am...

IT'S OFFICIAL! NEYMAR THE SUPERSTAR SIGNS FOR PSG FROM BARCELONA FOR €222 MILLION 20:40 The Ligue 1 giants have more than doubled the previous mark for a transfer set by Paul Pogba and Manchester United as they welcome the Brazilian Paris Saint-Germain have smashed the world transfer record by completing the €222 million signing of Neymar from Barcelona on a five-year contract. The Brazilian had been continually linked with a move away from Camp Nou over the summer, and had declined to clarify his own future as the PSG rumours grew stronger. How many goals with Neymar score this season? And after weeks of denials, mixed messages and reports, he has finally been confirmed as the Ligue 1 club's latest signing on Thursday night. "Paris Saint-Germain are very pleased to announce the arrival of Neymar Jr," the Parisiens said in a statement on their official website. "The Brazilian attacker signed a five-year contract in the presence of club and player repre...

MESSI WISHES NEYMAR GOOD LUCK AT PSG AS €222M MOVE NEARS 14:26 The Brazilian attacker said goodbye to his team-mates as he left to finalise his move to the French side, prompting a public farewell from his friend Lionel Messi has wished Neymar good luck in his new adventure as his Barcelona colleague closes in on a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain. PSG 10/1 to win Champions League Neymar's proposed €222 million switch to the French capital swiftly gathered pace on Wednesday as he was granted permission to miss training and tie up his future. The Brazil star informed the Barcelona board and his team-mates of his intention to leave and Messi, who lined up in the all-conquering "MSN" forward line alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez, paid tribute to his colleague in an Instagram post. "It was a great pleasure to have shared all these years with you, friend," Messi posted alongside a photo montage of the pair. "I wish you a lot of luck in this n...

MAN UTD TO SEAL PERISIC SIGNING Manchester United are close to completing a £48 million deal to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter, according to The Daily Star. The Red Devils have been locked in talks with the Nerazzurri over the Croatia international, who has told the club he wants to leave. United were holding off meeting Inter's £50m valuation, but it seems they have managed to talk the Italian club down. CHELSEA TO MAKE OFFER FOR SANDRO Chelsea are ready to make a deal worth up to €70 million for Alex Sandro, according to an exclusive report from Calciomercato. Antonio Conte is also willing to afford the Italian champions first refusal on midfielder Nemanja Matic, as a additional bonus, should the Blues sign the Brazilian left-back this summer. PSG TO MAKE £35M ALEXIS OFFER Paris Saint-Germain are ready to up their bid for Alexis Sanchez to £35 million, according to The Express. The Chile international had been set to leave the Gunners for Manchester City, though th...

RAMOS: I HOPE NEYMAR LEAVES BARCELONA FOR PSG 07:16 The World Cup winning-defender admits that a record-breaking transfer for the Brazilian would make life easier for the reigning La Liga champions Sergio Ramos wants Neymar to leave Barcelona as it would be "less of a problem" for Real Madrid, amid talk of interest from Paris Saint-Germain. Neymar's future at Barca is in serious doubt, with Ligue 1 side PSG ready to meet the Brazilian's €222 million release clause . The 25-year-old showed why he is the subject of interest after dazzling against bitter rivals Madrid at the International Champions Cup on Saturday, setting up two goals in a 3-2 triumph . Asked about Neymar's future after the game, Madrid captain Ramos said: "I do not know, everyone is free to choose their future. Zidane wants 'no changes' at Madrid "I hope [he leaves]. It would be less of a problem for us." Ramos, who made his first pre-season appearance for M...

MESSI, SUAREZ AND NEYMAR MAKE GOLF LEGEND TIGER WOODS’ DAY AFTER MIAMI CLASICO 09:30 The Barcelona trio took the opportunity to pose for photos with the golfing superstar after beating Real Madrid The appeal of Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez appears to know no bounds, with even golf legend Tiger Woods a huge fan. The 14-time major championship winner was among those in attendance at Saturday’s International Champions Cup clash between Barca and Real Madrid in Miami. The Florida-based superstar made no secret of where his allegiances lie, with his family all donning Barcelona jerseys. They had plenty to celebrate  as Barca secured a 3-2 victory , and Woods was all smiles afterwards as he got to mingle with iconic figures from another sporting field. While Messi and Suarez were the biggest draw for the Woods clan, the 41-year-old also met up with fellow ‘MSN’ member Neymar amid ongoing talk of a possible record-breaking transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for th...

'YOU HAVE TO BE SELFISH' - DANI ALVES URGES NEYMAR TO JOIN PSG 06:12 The French side is still in pursuit of the Brazilian superstar, with his international team-mate pushing for him to make the move to Ligue 1 Paris Saint-Germain full-back Dani Alves has called on Barcelona star Neymar to be selfish and move to the Ligue 1 side. Neymar could be set to leave Barca, with French giants PSG ready to meet the 25-year-old's €222 million release clause. PSG's pursuit of Neymar has dominated headlines and former Barca defender Alves urged the Brazil international to be brave in his decision. "I speak with him every day, but not always about football," Alves said after scoring in PSG's 2-1 Trophee des Champions win over Monaco on Saturday, "I try to keep him calm because in these times when you listen to people from all over you can go crazy. "You have to be selfish because the clubs don't think of you once you don't produce result...

DI MARIA LINED UP AS NEYMAR REPLACEMENT Paris Saint-Germain winger Angel Di Maria has been identified as a potential new signing for Barcelona should they lose Neymar to the Ligue 1 side, according to RMC. Rumours of a blockbuster €222 million move continue to circulate around the Brazilian, despite claims by Gerard Pique that he is staying put. And while Paulo Dybala and Philippe Coutinho also appear on the Barca shortlist, the Argentine is similarly seen as a possibility to fill the attacking vacancy that would be left by Neymar's exit. MONACO NAME MBAPPE PRICE Monaco would be willing to sell Kylian Mbappe if they were to receive a bid of €180 million, according to L'Equipe. The Ligue 1 champions are continuing talks over a contract extension with the teenage forward amid interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid. And they are now set to consider selling, but only if their demands are met financially. ARSENAL FAIL IN €50M LEMAR BID Monaco have rejected ...

MENDY MAKES WORLD RECORD MANCHESTER CITY SWITCH 13:05 The France international defender has become the most expensive player of all time in his role as he becomes Pep Guardiola's fourth big buy Benjamin Mendy has completed his switch from Monaco to Manchester City, with the English side paying £52 million for the left-back. Man City favourites to win Premier League With the deal, Mendy, who turned 23 on July 17, has become the most expensive defender in football history and eclipses the £45m fee City paid for Kyle Walker last week that made the England star the game’s most expensive full-back. The France international has signed a five-year deal with the Etihad Stadium outfit, becoming their fourth major signing of a window that has also seen them sign Benfica goalkeeper Ederson as well as Mendy’s Monaco team-mate Bernardo Silva. Manager Pep Guardiola is focussing on the long term with City, explaining on Thursday that the players he is targeting this summer “are you...