Month: March 2019

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Champions League 2019: Tuesday Odds, Live Stream for Round of 16 Leg 2 Fixtures

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 20: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Juventus at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 20, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)

TF-Images/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo is at risk of missing a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in nine years as Juventus look to overcome a two-goal deficit at home to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Los Rojiblancos beat Juve 2-0 in Madrid last month and hope to apply the finishing touches in Turin. Ronaldo has scored 22 goals against Atletico during his career and will cling on to the hope of sparking a round-of-16 revival.

Manchester City left it late to complete a 3-2 comeback at Schalke in their first-leg meeting and are on the brink of reaching back-to-back Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

Domenico Tedesco’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium having failed to win in six matches and losing the last four in succession, with the German visitors in need of a miracle of their own to qualify for the last eight.

         

Tuesday’s Second-Leg Fixtures

Manchester City vs. Schalke, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

         

Live Stream: BT Sport app (UK), B/R Live (U.S.)

         

Match Odds

Manchester City (1-6), Draw, (35-4), Schalke (22-1)

Juventus (8-11), Draw (14-5), Atletico Madrid (5-1)

Via Oddschecker.

                

Ronaldo’s Juventus Under Rare Pressure vs. Atletico

As impressive as Diego Simeone’s side were at the Wanda Metropolitano in February, it would be folly to count this Juventus team out of quarter-final contention just yet.

Ronaldo remained defiant in the face of the media after he was peppered with taunts in Madrid last month, reminding his critics who held the bragging rights in Europe’s recent history, via the Guardian:

Ronaldo was more respectful of his opponents in an interview with Juventus TV ahead of the second leg,  (h/t AS):

“They’re a strong team, everyone knows that. They defend well, do

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City routs Schalke 7-0, eases into Champions League quarters

City routs Schalke 7-0, eases into Champions League quarters

AP
Published 5:54 p.m. ET March 12, 2019 | Updated 7:35 p.m. ET March 12, 2019

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — A record-tying victory in the last 16 and a quarterfinal lineup lacking at least three of Europe’s top teams suggests this just might be Manchester City’s year in the Champions League.

No matter how much Pep Guardiola protests to the contrary.

With a 7-0 thrashing of Schalke on Tuesday that completed a 10-2 aggregate victory, City eased into the last eight of European soccer’s most prestigious competition for the third time in four seasons and confirmed its status as one of the favorites — whatever Guardiola might be saying in public.

Even if history is not on their side — Guardiola recently called City a “teenage” side that is “still not ready to fight for the latter stages” — the form of his players certainly is.

Make that 61 goals in 18 games in 2019, with only eight conceded. Perhaps more extraordinarily, it was the seventh time that City has scored six or more goals in a game this season.

“This club, the best success in the history (in the Champions League) is a semifinal, compared to Real Madrid with 13 (titles). Or Barcelona, Liverpool, Juventus, who have how many? Six, seven, eight?” Guardiola said. “It is why when the people say, ‘You have to win, you have to win,’ when you are out in the quarterfinals it is a disaster. It is n

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Portugal v Serbia: Cristiano Ronaldo suffers hamstring injury

Portugal v Serbia: Cristiano Ronaldo suffers hamstring injury
Portugal drew 0-0 with Ukraine in their opening European Championship qualifier on Friday

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo went off injured as Portugal drew their European Championship qualifier against Serbia.

Ronaldo was substituted after appearing to injure a hamstring after 31 minutes.

Serbia led at the time after Dusan Tadic’s early penalty but the hosts equalised through a spectacular 25-yard strike

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Joao Felix Calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Best in the World’ Amid Real Madrid Rumours

Joao Felix Calls Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Best in the World’ Amid Real Madrid Rumours
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 14: Joao Felix of SL Benfica during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 - Second Leg match between SL Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb at Estadio da Luz on March 14, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Benfica forward Joao Felix has said Cristiano Ronaldo will remain the best footballer in the world “for a long time” as speculation continues to link the Portuguese prodigy with a move to the Spanish capital.

The 19-year-old has been likened to Real legend Ronaldo—who joined Juventus last summer—and he told Marca‘s Carlos Carpio he felt his countryman has been the best “for many years.”

When asked to define Ronaldo, Felix said: “I do not know him personally. He’s a phenomenal worker, an exemplary footballer for us all. Everyone knows his story, which was not easy. He has been the best in the world for many years and will remain so for a long time. Real Madrid are noticing his absence.”

Manu Sainz of AS wrote in February that Los Blancos were monitoring the progress of Benfica’s star prospect. He added that the Eagles want to increase the player’s €120 million (£102.2 million) release clause to €200 million (£170.3 million).

Carpio also asked the youngster whether he preferred the Spanish (La Liga) or English (Premier League) divisions, and Felix responded: “The Spanish.”

It’s been a breakout campaign for t

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Moise Kean Says He Wants to Reach Level of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

Moise Kean Says He Wants to Reach Level of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
Juventus' Italian forward Moise Kean acknowledges the public at the end of the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Empoli on March 30, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)

MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images

Juventus starlet Moise Kean spoke to reporters after scoring the winner against Empoli on Saturday, saying he has to continue working hard and that he hopes to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi one day.

The 19-year-old came off the bench to score the only goal in the win, becoming the youngest player to tally eight Serie A goals since Mario Balotelli. Manager Massimiliano Allegri has asked everyone to calm the hype surrounding the youngster, saying he’s no Ronaldo or Messi, and Kean told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) he agrees―though he hopes to get there one day:

“I’m very happy at another record. As I said, I’m always ready to beat some more records.

“Hard work is the only thing that can help me prove what I can do every single weekend.

“[…] If the coach says that, then it’s true. Of course I am not Cristiano or Messi. I hope to one day reach their level, if I work hard enough.”

Juventus' Italian forward Moise Kean shoots to open the scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Empoli on March 30, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTO

MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images

Allegri also faced reporters, saying he had no regrets about his decision to leave Kean out of his starting XI despite his scorching form: “No, because scoring two goals for Italy in as many games, having all that attention, it uses up a lot of energy both physically and mentally. He returned from international duty and looked like he barely knew where he was.”

The Bianconeri came out flat on Saturday and were second-best for large stretches of the match, but they received a boost of energy from substitutes Leonardo Spinazzola and Kean. The latt

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hat Trick Lead Juventus to Win vs. Atletico Madrid in UCL

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Hat Trick Lead Juventus to Win vs. Atletico Madrid in UCL
TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 12: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates his third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Juventus and Club de Atletico Madrid at Allianz Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick on Tuesday to fire Juventus to a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Allianz Stadium and reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Bianconeri entered the game needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg of the last-16 clash.

Giorgio Chiellini had the ball in the back of the net inside four minutes when he pounced on a loose ball, but the goal was ruled out after Ronaldo was harshly adjudged to have fouled Jan Oblak in the build-up.

The hosts continued to dominate the proceedings and scored again in the 27th minute when Ronaldo rose to head home Federico Bernardeschi’s cross.

Ronaldo pulled Juve level with another header three minutes after the break, with goal-line technology showing the ball crossed the line before Oblak clawed it out.

The Portugal international sealed his hat-trick from the spot with four minutes of normal time remaining after Angel Correa was penalised for a push on Bernardeschi.

                     

Ronaldo Makes Juve Champions League Favourites

When Juve splashed out €112 million to sign Ronaldo from Real Madrid last summer, it was clear they were determined to win the Champions League after final defeats in 2015 and 2017.

On Tuesday, his decisive performance showed exactly why they bought him.

The 34-year-old demonstrated he remains a force to be reckoned with on the biggest stage as he beat Diego Godin in the air to score his first:

He did so again for his second:

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Moise Kean Scores as Juventus Beat Empoli 1-0 Without Injured Cristiano Ronaldo

Moise Kean Scores as Juventus Beat Empoli 1-0 Without Injured Cristiano Ronaldo
Juventus' Italian forward Moise Kean celebrates after opening the scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Empoli on March 30, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)

MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images

Juventus beat Empoli in Serie A on Saturday despite the absences of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala, beating the Tuscans 1-0. Moise Kean came off the bench to bag the winner.

The Bianconeri were second-best for large stretches of the match, but Kean gave them the lead with a half-volley in the 72nd minute, three minutes after his introduction. The 19-year-old has six goals in his last eight matches including the international break.

The Bianconeri were without Ronaldo after he suffered a thigh injury on international duty for Portugal, and Dybala joined him on the sidelines after dropping out of the warm-ups.

   

Allegri Needs to Find a Plan B During Ronaldo Absence

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical plan for Saturday’s contest was ruined before the opening whistle, as Dybala went down with what is being reported as a thigh injury during warm-ups:

The Bianconeri had planned on starting in a 4-3-3, with Dybala and Federico Bernardeschi playing off Mario Mandzukic. The formation promised movement and creativity, but Allegri opted against sticking with it after Dybala’s withdrawal. Instead, he introduced central midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and pushed Bernardeschi further up the pitch in a 4-4-2.

The results were not good. Juventus were stale

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3 managers Real Madrid could sign to replace Santiago Solari – Sportskeeda

3 managers Real Madrid could sign to replace Santiago Solari – Sportskeeda

Feature





7.21K   //   

04 Mar 2019, 12:41 IST

Korea Republic v Germany: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Korea Republic v Germany: Group F – 2018 FIFA world cup Russia

Not long after Santiago Solari’s appointment as head coach, Real Madrid are now going back to crisis. Los Blancos have three defeats in their latest 4 matches, including 2 consecutive losses against arch-rival Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Champions League now seems to be Solari’s only chance to defend his position at the club.

However, several reports recently mentioning that Madrid are already looking for a replacement for their under-fire boss. It is understandable that Florentino Perez would look for a manager who could take back Real Madrid to domestic glory. Fortunately, some serial-winning managers are capable of putting Barcelona’s La Liga dominance to an end.

Here are 3 high-profile managers who Madrid could sign to replace Solari.

#1 Joachim Low

Joachim Low has been one of the best national team coaches in the recent decade. Despite his disappointing result in the 2018 world cup, Low’s reputation as one of the world’s most respected coach is still there.

The German coach has inherited arguably the worst Germany national team from Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006 and has since been transforming them as one of the most feared teams in the world.

The 59-year-old won the 2014 world cup and received many individual awards including IFFHS World’s Best National Coach in 2014 and 2017. He has been managing well-known superstars such as Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller for years. This managerial skills would surely help him in managing star-studded Real Madrid.

#2 Jurgen Klopp

Everton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Everton FC v Liverpool FC – Premier League

Many reports had touted Jurgen Klopp as Zinedine Zidane’s successor when the Frenchman resigned last year. Now Real Madrid are reportedly still monitoring the German’s progress in Liverpool.

Despite their slip in the Premier League, the Reds are still pretty much in the title contention while their chances to win the Champions League are also open. The 51-year-old is known by many for his managerial prowess that has transformed Liverpool to become one of the deadliest teams in Europe.

Klopp could make the best out of Mohamed Salah and, he could do the same to Vinicius Junior. Klopp had bee


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Cristiano Ronaldo abre en España una clínica de trasplantes capilares

Cristiano Ronaldo abre en España una clínica de trasplantes capilares

Cristiano Ronaldo ha regresado a España, concretamente a Madrid. El motivo ha sido la inauguración de una clínica, del grupo Isparya, especializada en hacer trasplantes capilares, y de la que el futbolista portugués es propietario al 50%. Al acto fue acompañado de su pareja Georgina.

Es la primera clínica que el grupo Isparya abre en nuestro país, aunque ya cuenta con una amplia experiencia en Portugal. Tras 10 años tratando problemas de alopecia en el país vecino, ha realizado más de 35.000 operaciones a lo largo de este tiempo. La duración de las mismas es de unas seis horas y el precio de cada una oscila entre los 4.000 y los 7.000 euros.

Cristiano aprovechó la ocasión para publicar el evento en sus redes sociales. Además, hizo referencia al asunto de la alopecia: “La alopecia es un problema muy grande en Europa y en t

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Portugal 0-0 Ukraine: Ronaldo’s return ends in frustrating draw

Portugal 0-0 Ukraine: Ronaldo’s return ends in frustrating draw
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 85 goals in 155 international games

European champions Portugal were held to a frustrating goalless draw in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Ukraine as Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the side.

Ronaldo had missed the past six internationals after Portugal were knocked out in the World

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