Mourinho begins quest for Real glory
Jose Mourinho makes his European bow for Real Madrid today.
MADRID:
Jose Mourinho makes his European bow for Real Madrid today when he leads his new charges out against Dutch side Ajax at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League Group G opener.
Mourinho’s last European game was at the Bernabeu in May when his Inter Milan side defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final and his new employers hope he can repeat the feat at Madrid and deliver a 10th European Cup.
“Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world and I am sure that he will end up providing attractive football,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “We try to play good football and put on a show but sometimes it isn’t possible.”
Bayern aim to bounce back against Roma
Champions League finalists Bayern Munich take on AS Roma with both sides looking to get their season back on track after a poor run of form.
Munich coach Louis van Gaal has virtually a full-strength side to choose from with only injured duo Arjen Robben and Breno definitely out. French midfielder Franck Ribery is still banned for the red card he picked up after being sent off in last season’s Champions League semi-final win over Lyon.
Roma are looking to bounce back from their crushing defeat in Cagliari. Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso was sent off after just 22 minutes as the Roma defence capitulated
Wenger not to underestimate Braga
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal must not take victory for granted when they face unfashionable Portuguese club Braga. The Gunners have been given a favourable draw for the opening stage of Europe’s elite club competition, with Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk and Partizan Belgrade their opposition in Group H.
“For us a win on Wednesday is vital because I believe the group is much more difficult than people expect it to be,” said Wenger. “Braga finished in front of Porto last year. Also, they have just kicked Sevilla out in the play-offs.”
Zilina host Chelsea in David v Goliath clash
Slovak champions MSK Zilina have relished qualifying for the Champions League and are hungry for more as they brace to face star-laden Chelsea in their debut at home.
The “yellow-greens” got a confidence boost last weekend as they swung into the lead in the Slovak league with 16 points from eight games after beating Tatran Presov 2-1 at home. But Chelsea have showed an even more impressive start to the English Premier League, winning all four opening games and scoring 17 goals against a single one conceded.
The two teams have already clashed, meeting in the Champions League third qualifying round in 2003, with Chelsea winning 2-0 in Zilina and 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2010.
Jose Mourinho makes his European bow for Real Madrid today when he leads his new charges out against Dutch side Ajax at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League Group G opener.
Mourinho’s last European game was at the Bernabeu in May when his Inter Milan side defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final and his new employers hope he can repeat the feat at Madrid and deliver a 10th European Cup.
“Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world and I am sure that he will end up providing attractive football,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “We try to play good football and put on a show but sometimes it isn’t possible.”
Bayern aim to bounce back against Roma
Champions League finalists Bayern Munich take on AS Roma with both sides looking to get their season back on track after a poor run of form.
Munich coach Louis van Gaal has virtually a full-strength side to choose from with only injured duo Arjen Robben and Breno definitely out. French midfielder Franck Ribery is still banned for the red card he picked up after being sent off in last season’s Champions League semi-final win over Lyon.
Roma are looking to bounce back from their crushing defeat in Cagliari. Argentina defender Nicolas Burdisso was sent off after just 22 minutes as the Roma defence capitulated
Wenger not to underestimate Braga
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal must not take victory for granted when they face unfashionable Portuguese club Braga. The Gunners have been given a favourable draw for the opening stage of Europe’s elite club competition, with Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk and Partizan Belgrade their opposition in Group H.
“For us a win on Wednesday is vital because I believe the group is much more difficult than people expect it to be,” said Wenger. “Braga finished in front of Porto last year. Also, they have just kicked Sevilla out in the play-offs.”
Zilina host Chelsea in David v Goliath clash
Slovak champions MSK Zilina have relished qualifying for the Champions League and are hungry for more as they brace to face star-laden Chelsea in their debut at home.
The “yellow-greens” got a confidence boost last weekend as they swung into the lead in the Slovak league with 16 points from eight games after beating Tatran Presov 2-1 at home. But Chelsea have showed an even more impressive start to the English Premier League, winning all four opening games and scoring 17 goals against a single one conceded.
The two teams have already clashed, meeting in the Champions League third qualifying round in 2003, with Chelsea winning 2-0 in Zilina and 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2010.