Mohammedan SC Stuns Chennaiyin FC in ISL Debut

Mohammedan SC Stuns Chennaiyin FC in ISL Debut

Mohammedan Sporting Club, a storied legacy club with a 133-year history, made its mark in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.

The match began with Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC showcasing their aerial dominance, but it was Mohammedan who struck first in the 39th minute. A miscommunication between Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra and defender P.C. Laldinpuia allowed Mohammedan midfielder F. Lalremsanga to capitalize on a loose ball and slot it into an open net.

Despite making five changes to his attacking lineup, Coyle’s efforts to equalize proved futile. Mohammedan’s Cesar Manzoki Lobi had a golden opportunity to seal the victory with a penalty in injury time, but his spot-kick went wide.

Chennaiyin came alive in the dying minutes, with a shot cleared off the line by Gaurav Bora and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak. However, their inability to fire a shot on target until the 82nd minute ultimately cost them the match.

Mohammedan’s victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which has long been a force in Indian football. The win also highlights the growing competitiveness of the ISL, where even newly promoted teams can challenge established powerhouses.

Manchester United Held to Draw by Former Manager's FC Twente in Europa League

Manchester United Held to Draw by Former Manager’s FC Twente in Europa League

Manchester United’s struggles continued as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by their former manager Erik ten Hag’s old club FC Twente in the Europa League. The result leaves United with just three wins from seven games in all competitions this season.

Ten Hag, who spent two years at Twente as a player and manager, was visibly frustrated after the match. He criticized his team’s lack of killer instinct, saying, “You have to kill the game. You have to finish it off.”

United took the lead in the first half through a stunning strike from Christian Eriksen. However, Twente equalized in the second half through Sam Lammers, who capitalized on a mistake by Eriksen.

Ten Hag admitted that his team was not at their best. “We didn’t fight for every yard,” he said. “99% is not enough. You have to give 100%.”

The draw was a setback for United, who are looking to improve on their disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season. Ten Hag has made several changes to the squad, but the team has yet to find its rhythm.

United’s next match is a Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday. Ten Hag will be hoping for a much-improved performance from his team.

Cassano Slams Ronaldo: “Doesn’t Know How to Play Football”

Former Real Madrid and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has launched a scathing attack on Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that despite his prolific goalscoring record, Ronaldo lacks the fundamental skills of the game.

Cassano, who played for Real Madrid from 2006 to 2008, a year before Ronaldo’s arrival, believes that Ronaldo’s obsession with scoring goals has come at the expense of his overall contribution to the team.

“Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t know how to play football,” Cassano asserted on the Viva El Futbol podcast. “He could score 3000 goals, I don’t give a fk. [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Sergio] Aguero, [Karim] Benzema, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, and [Luis] Suarez knew how to link-up with the team. They knew how to do a lot of things, unlike Ronaldo whose only objective has always been to score.”

Cassano’s criticism stems from his belief that Ronaldo’s individualistic style of play hinders his ability to effectively collaborate with his teammates. He argues that players like Aguero, Lewandowski, and Benzema possess a more well-rounded skillset that allows them to contribute to the team’s overall performance.

Despite his criticism, Cassano acknowledges Ronaldo’s remarkable goalscoring prowess. Ronaldo recently scored his 900th goal for club and country, a testament to his exceptional finishing ability. However, Cassano maintains that Ronaldo’s goalscoring exploits do not compensate for his perceived deficiencies in other areas of the game.

Ronaldo’s recent move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has sparked debate about his motivations and the twilight of his career. Cassano’s comments add fuel to the fire, suggesting that Ronaldo’s legacy may be tarnished by his perceived lack of all-around ability.

India's U20 Football Team Triumphs in AFC Qualifiers Opener

India’s U20 Football Team Triumphs in AFC Qualifiers Opener

India’s U20 football team made a triumphant start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers campaign, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Mongolia on Wednesday. The Blue Colts dominated the match from the outset, relentlessly attacking the Mongolian defense.

Kelvin Singh Taorem opened the scoring for India in the 20th minute with a curling corner that eluded the goalkeeper. Despite Mongolia’s captain being sent off in the 28th minute, they managed to equalize just before halftime through Temulen Uuganbat.

Undeterred, India stepped up their assault in the second half. Manglenthang Kipgen scored two quick goals in the 51st and 54th minutes, restoring India’s lead. Korou Singh Thingujam sealed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute.

India’s victory was a testament to their superior skill and determination. They controlled possession throughout the match and created numerous scoring opportunities. Mongolia, despite their numerical disadvantage, showed resilience and managed to score a consolation goal.

The Blue Colts will now face Iran and hosts Laos in their remaining Group G matches. A win against either team will secure their place in the knockout stage.

Punjab FC Extends Winning Streak to Three with Dominant Victory over Hyderabad FC

Punjab FC Extends Winning Streak to Three with Dominant Victory over Hyderabad FC

Punjab FC continued its impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. This marks the first time Punjab has won three consecutive games in ISL history, showcasing the team’s determination to overcome the absence of their talismanic skipper Luka Majcen.

With an unchanged line-up and a clean sheet for the first time this season, Punjab started the match on the front foot. Mushaga Bakenga missed an early chance, hitting the upright in the seventh minute. Hyderabad’s Ramhlunchhunga had a shot saved by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar in the 12th minute, but the visitors struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.

Ezequiel Vidal broke the deadlock for Punjab in the 35th minute with a well-placed free kick into the bottom left corner. The second goal came in the 71st minute when Filip Mrzjlak tapped into an empty net after a through ball from Bakenga. Mrzjlak could have scored more but missed the target, while Bakenga also had a few wide shots.

Hyderabad’s night worsened when Leander D’Cunha received a second yellow card in the final 15 minutes, reducing them to 10 men. The result leaves Hyderabad with only one win from the entire last season, while Punjab FC now sits atop the ISL table.

Punjab’s coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, praised his team’s performance, saying, “We are very happy with the result. We played well and deserved to win. We have a good team spirit and we are working hard to improve.”

Hyderabad’s coach, Thangboi Singto, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, “We had a difficult game today. Punjab played very well and we couldn’t match their pace. We need to work on our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match.”

Mbappe Injury Blow for Real Madrid Ahead of Atletico Derby

Mbappe Injury Blow for Real Madrid Ahead of Atletico Derby

Real Madrid’s star striker Kylian Mbappe has suffered a thigh injury that will sideline him for approximately three weeks, casting a shadow over the club’s upcoming La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid. The injury occurred during Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Alaves on Tuesday, with Mbappe being substituted off due to discomfort.

Medical tests conducted by Real Madrid’s medical team confirmed the injury to Mbappe’s left thigh, specifically the biceps femoris muscle. The injury is expected to keep the French superstar out of action for the next three weeks, meaning he will miss the highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Mbappe’s absence is a significant blow to Real Madrid, who are currently one point behind league leaders Barcelona. The striker has been in impressive form this season, scoring five goals in seven La Liga appearances. His superb goal against Alaves showcased his exceptional talent and underlined his importance to the team.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti initially downplayed the severity of Mbappe’s injury, stating that it was merely an overload. However, the subsequent medical tests revealed the extent of the damage, confirming that Mbappe will be out for an extended period.

The injury also means that Mbappe will miss Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Lille next week. Additionally, he is likely to be unavailable for France’s upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium in October.

Mbappe’s injury is a setback for both Real Madrid and France, who rely heavily on his goalscoring prowess. The striker joined Real Madrid this summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, fulfilling a long-held dream. He has quickly established himself as a key player for the Spanish giants, scoring seven goals in nine appearances across all competitions.

Real Madrid will now have to find a way to cope without Mbappe for the next few weeks. The club has a talented squad, but Mbappe’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The derby against Atletico Madrid will be a major test for Real Madrid, who will be determined to maintain their unbeaten run in La Liga.

Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31

Raphael Varane Retires from Football at 31

Raphael Varane, the former French international and Real Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31. The announcement comes after a glittering career that saw him win a World Cup title with France in 2018 and numerous club trophies with Real Madrid.

Varane began his career at Lens in France before moving to Real Madrid in 2011. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Spanish giants, forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos at the heart of the defense. During his time at Real Madrid, Varane won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other domestic and international trophies.

In 2018, Varane played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph in Russia. He was named the tournament’s best defender after helping France keep clean sheets in four of their seven matches. Varane’s performances at the World Cup further cemented his reputation as one of the best defenders in the world.

After the World Cup, Varane moved to Manchester United in 2021. However, his time in England was hampered by injuries, and he was restricted to just 95 appearances in three seasons. Despite his injury struggles, Varane remained a key figure in the Manchester United dressing room, providing guidance and support to his younger teammates.

Varane’s retirement marks the end of an era for French football. He was part of a golden generation of players that included Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba. Together, they helped France win the World Cup in 2018 and reach the final of the 2022 World Cup.

Varane’s legacy as a defender is secure. He was a world-class player who combined physical strength with technical ability. He was also a leader on and off the pitch, and his retirement will be a significant loss for the football world.

Mbappé Extends Scoring Streak as Real Madrid Edge Alaves

Mbappé Extends Scoring Streak as Real Madrid Edge Alaves

Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to 39 matches with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive form, scoring his seventh goal in nine matches for Madrid in all competitions.

Mbappé’s goal in the 40th minute was a thing of beauty. The French forward started a give-and-go with Jude Bellingham with a heel flick, then picked up the pass inside the area and used a nifty move to clear a defender before finding the net.

Lucas Vázquez and Rodrygo also scored for Madrid, while Carlos Benavídez and Kike García netted for Alaves in the final minutes. Despite the late surge, Alaves couldn’t find the equalizer and Madrid moved within one point of league leader Barcelona.

Mbappé’s goal was his fifth in La Liga, one behind leading scorer Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona. The France star, who signed as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 22nd minute.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti used most of his regular starters and did not immediately rotate his squad despite a congested schedule. Vázquez started as a right back in place of regular starter Dani Carvajal, who was rested with fitness issues.

Teenage Brazil forward Endrick replaced Rodrygo in the 69th minute, his earliest appearance off the bench, and a couple of minutes later struck the post from inside the area.

Madrid’s next match is the city derby against Atletico Madrid at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium.

Chennaiyin FC Eyes Home Advantage in ISL Opener

Chennaiyin FC Eyes Home Advantage in ISL Opener

Chennaiyin FC Aims for Home Advantage in Indian Super League

As the Indian Super League (ISL) season kicks off, Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has emphasized the importance of home support for his team. With seven of their first 10 matches scheduled away from home, CFC is eager to make a strong impression in front of their passionate fans.

“The scheduling is what it is. We prepare for the games and we know we can win. We are at home now, one of the few games here in the first 10 for us,” Coyle said. “We want to make sure we do our very best here.”

Last season, Chennaiyin had a difficult start but rallied to qualify for the playoffs. Coyle is aiming for a better beginning this time around. “Hopefully, if we are really strong in the second half like last year, we will be in a really good position. We have to also gather points away from home to capitalize on those run of home games when they come about.”

Coyle also stressed the importance of building a team that can “do justice” to its loyal fans. “I want to provide a team the fans enjoy watching, and that is (when we) win/lose/draw. Hopefully, we can give them a team that’s representative of them.”

Chennaiyin’s home opener against Mohammedan SC on Tuesday will be a crucial test. The team will be looking to establish a winning rhythm and create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the season.

Manchester City, Chelsea Advance in League Cup with Rotated Squads

Manchester City, Chelsea Advance in League Cup with Rotated Squads

Manchester City’s heavily rotated squad cruised to a 2-1 victory over second-tier Watford in the English League Cup third round, extending their dominance in the competition. Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes scored first-half goals to secure the win for City, who fielded a team with only two players starting both the Premier League match against Arsenal and the League Cup tie.

Chelsea also advanced with a resounding 5-0 triumph over fourth-division Barrow. Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick, while Pedro Neto and an own-goal completed the rout. Aston Villa and Leicester City also progressed, with Villa defeating third-tier Wycombe 2-1 and Leicester winning 3-0 on penalties after a goalless draw with fourth-tier Walsall.

Despite City’s success in the League Cup, manager Pep Guardiola has downplayed its importance this season, stating that he will use the matches to provide playing time for fringe players. “We are not going to waste energy on this competition, for sure,” he said.

Doku opened the scoring for City in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a misplaced back-pass. Nunes doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a low shot. Watford pulled one back through Tom Ince in the 86th minute, but it was too little too late.

Chelsea made 11 changes to their lineup from the weekend’s Premier League victory, but Nkunku’s early goals set the tone for a comfortable win. Villa’s Jhon Durán continued his impressive start to the season with a penalty goal, while Leicester converted all three of their spot-kicks in the shootout to overcome Walsall.

The last 32 of the League Cup is being spread over two midweeks to accommodate the expanded Champions League and Europa League. Manchester United and Tottenham were among those to advance last week, while Liverpool and Arsenal play their games on Wednesday.

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