West Brom 0 Swansea City 2 - Report

Albion's hopes of winning promotion this season are in tatters after they were beaten yet again - this time by Swansea.

Second-half goals from Joel Piroe and Cyrus Christie saw the Welsh side secure a deserved win at The Hawthorns.

But the result means Albion - who were fifth when Steve Bruce replaced the sacked Valerien Ismael at the start of February - have now lost eight of their last 11 games.

And that has seen them slump to 13th in the Championship table - eight points behind sixth-placed Luton with 12 games remaining.

It is their overall performances, though, that have left fans fuming with the Baggies now a shadow of the side that started the season so well.

And it means hopes of an instant return to the Premier League look as good as over - with Bruce's side looking bereft of confidence and appearing incapable of stringing a run of results together.

Bruce said in the build-up to the game he was going to stick with the 4-3-3 formation he implemented following his appointment as boss.

And that proved to be the case with the 61-year-old opting to make just one change from the team that fell to defeat at Middlesbrough.

It saw Callum Robinson replace top scorer Karlan Grant on the left flank with Grady Diangana on the right and Andy Carroll the central striker.

Despite a large number of fans hoping Taylor Gardner-Hickman would be recalled, Bruce opted to continue with Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby and Adam Reach in the middle of the park.

Swansea lined-up in a 3-4-2-1 system that saw Piroe and Jamie Paterson both deployed in a number 10 role.

Former Albion target Michael Obafemi was the lone centre-forward.

The visitors stuck to their possession-based principles early on with Russell Martin's side moving the ball well but without ever looking threatening.

Albion, meanwhile, were content to let them have it in non-dangerous areas with Bruce's men then looking to press when they felt the time was right.

Gradually, though, the Baggies began to exert more control over proceedings with Diangana producing the types of flicks and tricks that made him so effective when the team last won promotion from the Championship.

And they came a whisker away from opening the scoring when Dara O'Shea galloped down the right before sending in a wonderfully inviting cross.

That was met by Robinson who produced a cute glancing header that cannoned against the post.

The half continued in a similar pattern from that point with Swansea neat and tidy on the ball but limited in the final third.

And Albion went close again when Robinson sent in a low cross which Diangana stabbed wide.

Just before the break, though, Swansea finally managed to turn all their possession into a couple of chances.

They almost opened the scoring when Matt Grimes produced a sensational strike from 25-yards that flew inches past the post.

Ryan Manning then sent in a dangerous cross which found his fellow wing-back Cyrus Christie on the opposite side.

And he produced a powerful header which Sam Johnstone had to beat away.

Bruce made a change at the break with Darnell Furlong replacing O'Shea at right-back.

But it was Swansea who were well on top as the clock ticked past the hour mark with Hannes Wolf seeing a goal-bound strike blocked in the box.

That prompted Bruce to make a change with youngster Quevin Castro replacing Reach in the middle of the park.

Still it was Martin's men who were looking far the more dangerous of the two teams.

And they should have opened the scoring in the 70th minute when Ryan Manning sent in a dangerous cross.

That was met by an unmarked Obafemi. But he headed over when he should have done better.

Just minutes later, Albion came a whisker away from taking the lead.

Robinson rode a number of challenges to get to the edge of the box. And he then produced a lovely curling strike which hit the post. To compound the Baggies misery, Swansea took the lead just moments later.

After Diangana lost the ball, substitute Olivier Natcham led a counter-attack which Castro failed to stop with a poorly timed challenge.

And the former Celtic man then carried the ball into the box before squaring for Piroe who fired through the legs of Johnstone and into the net.

In the 84th minute, it was 2-0.

Albion failed to deal with a low cross into the box with Christie on hand to lash that ball into the back of the net.

That lead to a mass exodus inside The Hawthorns - while the fans that did remain united in a chorus of 'you're not fit to wear the shirt' towards the players.

And that was impossible to argue with - with Albion taking just one point from five games in February - and scoring just one goal in the process.

Teams

Albion (4-3-3): Johnstone, O'Shea (Furlong 46), Bartley, Ajayi, Townsend, Mowatt, Molumby (Grant 77), Reach (Castro 65), Diangana, Carroll, Robinson.

Subs not used: Button, Kipre, Clarke, Gardner-Hickman, Grant.

Swansea (3-4-2-1): Fisher, Cabango, Downes, Naughton, Manning, Grimes, Wolf, Christie, Paterson (Ntcham 77), Piroe (Joseph 90), Obafemi (Smith 83).

Subs not used: Hamer, Fulton, Latibeaudiere, Burns.

Read more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/fifa-bans-russia-from-participating-in.html

FIFA bans Russia from participating in the World Cup

Contrary to the original decision, FIFA changed and banned Russia from participating in all tournaments it organized, including the 2022 World Cup.

The Russian team and clubs were immediately suspended from tournaments organized by FIFA and UEFA due to the conflict in Ukraine. The joint announcement of FIFA and UEFA is as follows:

"Today, FIFA and UEFA jointly decided that all Russian teams, including national and club teams, will be suspended from participating in FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice. approved today by the FIFA Council Office and the UEFA Executive Committee. In this regard, football is a unified whole and is fully shared with those affected in Ukraine. I hope that the situation in Ukraine will have significant positive changes and quickly so that football can again become a mediator of unity and peace among people."

Thus, in the immediate future, the Russian men's team cannot play the semi-final play-off match for tickets to the 2022 World Cup with Poland. The Russian women's team will also not be able to attend EURO 2022 in England in the summer. The only Russian club still playing in the European Cup this season, Spartak Moscow, were eliminated from the Europa League. Their opponents - RB Leipzig - were awarded tickets to the quarterfinals. UEFA terminates cooperation with sponsor Gazprom.

The only exception is the Winter Paralympics, which kicks off in China this week. Sports tournaments within Russia are still allowed to continue.

Before that, FIFA's original ruling was: "No international matches will take place on Russian territory. The home matches of the Russian team will be held in a neutral field and without spectators. Members representing Russia will participate in tournaments under the name 'Russian Football Federation (RFU)', not the Russian team. The Russian flag or anthem may not be used in matches involving teams from RSU participation".

However, this decision of FIFA met with strong opposition from other members. For example, Poland's refusal to participate in the play-off match to win tickets to the 2022 World Cup. Two countries in the same branch, Sweden and the Czech Republic, also share the same attitude.

The English Football Federation, FA, also expressed its opinion when refusing to play against Russia at any level. Recently, the FA has announced the cancellation of the match against Russia U17 in the European U17 tournament on March 26.

It is due to this pressure that FIFA and UEFA have to make a decision to directly eliminate the presence of Russia. Not stopping there, not only football, the International Olympic Committee also followed and announced a ban on all Russian athletes from attending sporting events.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/defeating-chelsea-after-22-penalties.html

Minamino 2.0? Why Yuito Suzuki could be the next Japanese star to shine in Europe

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is impressing at Shimizu S-Pulse and has been attracting interest from clubs in Belgium and Scotland.

It’s fair to say that Japanese footballers have been making a big impression in Europe of late.

From Takumi Minamino to Takehiro Tomiyasu, the veteran Maya Yoshida at Sampdoria and the impressive Takefuso Kubo at Mallorca, to the exciting quartet of new arrivals at Celtic, the J-League is increasingly well-represented among the continent’s top leagues.

How long, one wonders, before the name Yuito Suzuki is added to the list?

The 20-year-old, who plays for Shimizu S-Pulse, has already been attracting interest from clubs in both Belgium and Scotland, and is likely to make the move to Europe at some point this year.

He has already earned his first call-up for the national team, training alongside the likes of Minamino and Kubo ahead of last month’s World Cup qualifiers against China and Saudi Arabia.

“An honour,” he called it, although he did not feature in the games as it turned out.

A skilful, versatile attacker, Suzuki idolises Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City star, and has been compared to Minamino on account of his dynamism, quick feet and eye for a pass.

Like the Liverpool man, he is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, or as the third midfielder in a 4-3-3, though he views the ‘second striker’ position as his most comfortable.

"My strength is that I can play in any [attacking] position,” he says. “What is required of me is to receive the ball in the gaps of the opponents and link it to the attack."

That much was evident during the opening game of the J-League season, Suzuki scoring a superb goal and winning the player of the match award as Shimizu drew with Consadole Sapporo.

“I've missed a lot of shots, so I still need to score more goals for the supporters to recognise me,” he said after the game. 

“It's only the first game and I want to keep working hard. I want people to see that my finishing in front of goal has improved this season.”

Born in the town of Hayama, in the Kanagawa region of Japan, Suzuki was initially on the books of Yokohama F Marinos as a youngster, but chose Shimizu, he says, because of “the atmosphere within the club” and because it has a reputation for producing good footballers.

Shinji Okazaki, a Premier League winner with Leicester, is among those to have emerged with S-Pa, who have also housed the likes of Freddie Ljungberg, Daniele Massaro and the great Brazilian showman Djalminha down the years.

Suzuki shares an agent with Minamino, who made the move to the Premier League with Liverpool a little over two years ago, and is keen to follow the example set by him and Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Bologna last summer.

The importance of role models, he says, is huge.

He hopes to be involved when Japan take on Australia in a huge World Cup qualifier in Sydney next month.

Victory there would secure the Samurai Blue’s place in Qatar, while defeat would leave them needing to beat Vietnam in their final match, while hoping the Socceroos fail to defeat Saudi Arabia in theirs.

In the meantime, the focus will be on performing consistently for Shimizu S-Pulse, who finished 14th in the J-League last season but have greater ambitions this time around under Hiroaki Hiraoki, who replaced Miguel Angel Lotina, the former Villarreal, Espanyol and Real Sociedad boss, in November.

Deliver there, and Europe surely beckons for Suzuki.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/defeating-chelsea-after-22-penalties.html

Defeating Chelsea after 22 penalties, Liverpool won the League Cup

Having never won a domestic cup in more than 10 years, Liverpool won the title for the first time under coach Jurgen Klopp with a breathtaking victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final with 22 penalties.

Desperate to win the 4th trophy within 9 months, Chelsea marched to Wembley Stadium on the morning of February 28 with great determination. Even the blockbuster contract Romelu Lukaku had to sit on the bench when he was not in the best form, giving up the responsibility to two young teammates Kai Havertz – Christian Pulisic on the attack "The Blues". In the back line, "spider-man" Edouard Mendy is still trusted while goalkeeper No. 2 Kepa is "saved" in case both sides have to go past extra time.

In the opposite field, coach Jurgen Klopp continued to use Caoimhin Kelleher in the wooden frame after the excellent performances of this number 2 goalkeeper in the cup front. Only a slight change when Thiago Alcantara was named in the starting line-up but due to an injury during the warm-up, he had to make room for Naby Keita. On the "Red Brigade" attack, the trio of Luis Diaz - Mo Salah - Sadio Mane started from the beginning with the explosive promises of a powerful goal-scoring team.

The scoreline was almost opened for Chelsea in the 6th minute, but after receiving a pass from Kai Havertz, Pulisic shot the ball into the range of goalkeeper Kelleher. Liverpool started a bit slow but then quickly sped up, responding to the opponent with two consecutive finishes by Naby Keita and Sadio Mane 30 minutes in. Unfortunately for "The Kop" when their chance was neutralized by Mendy's outstanding performance.

An unlucky day for the strikers of both teams when Mason Mount alone missed up to 3 opportunities at the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second half, including a situation where the ball bounced off the goal post.

On the Liverpool side, midfielder Joel Matip once put the ball into the net with a header in the 67th minute but VAR refused to recognize the goal. Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz also could not beat the Chelsea defense in close-range shots.

Forced to strengthen the attack, coach Thomas Tuchel launched the duo Lukaku and Werner into the field. The pressure increased significantly and in the 78th minute, Havertz sent the ball over the Liverpool goal line, but Werner fell into an offside position earlier.

In the last minutes of official time, the two goalkeepers alternately worked extremely hard to save the home net against the fierce acceleration from both sides.

Entering extra time, Chelsea twice brought the ball into the net of Liverpool thanks to the goals of Lukaku and Havertz, but both were disallowed for offside. In the 119th minute, coach Tuchel used the last substitution to launch "penalty-taking expert" Kepa Arrizabalaga into the field, confidently confronting the penalty shootout. This is the most remarkable turning point of the match.

22 penalty shootouts is a hard-to-break record in English football history when all players present on the field of both teams successfully completed their kicks without a single mistake. It was the turn of the goalkeepers to step in and Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool took the free-kick brilliantly like a real striker with enough danger to beat his colleague Kepa. Stepping up to the last 11mm mark, Kepa hoped to shoot the ball straight into the sky, giving Liverpool the victory and League Cup title in the most unexpected scenario.

The championship marks the first time Liverpool have won the League Cup after more than a decade of waiting and coach Jurgen Klopp's teachers and students will definitely see this as a momentum step to conquer all the remaining fronts of the season.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/highlights-napoli-2-4-barca-xavi.html

Highlights Napoli 2-4 Barca: Xavi gradually revives total football

The second leg of the Europa League play-off round between Napoli and Barca witnessed the all-out offensive football being gradually revived by coach Xavi Hernandez at the Catalan team.

#1 Xavi gradually revives total football

Marching to Diego Armando Maradona's stadium with a kick from a jubilant 4-1 victory over Valencia in La Liga last weekend, Barcelona entered the game very quickly and soon decided the match after only... 13 minutes of the ball rolling when it was involved. followed by two goals to take the lead after a quick transition of attack status.

In addition to the brilliance of all three rookies who kicked the highest in attack, the highlight of Barcelona's jubilant 4-2 victory last night came from the total offensive play that coach Xavi Hernandez's team showed. The 4 goals that the away team scored were spread across the lines, in which the defense contributed to two names.

Notably, Barcelona's 4 goals came from only 6 shots on target, the conversion efficiency is quite impressive, it is in stark contrast to what the team showed under the reign of former coach Ronald Koeman .

#2 Recreate the miracle of 1959

Marching to Italy has never been easy for Barcelona. However, with a jubilant victory 4-2 last night, the Catalan team was able to equalize the feat that their predecessors have done since September 1959, when they scored 4 goals against a team. Italy on their home ground.

The last time Barcelona did this was when they beat host Inter Milan with a score of 4-2 like last night's match in the Fairs Cup in September 1959.

#3 Remembering Maradona and protesting the war

Before the match, players from both teams sent a message against the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine by standing close together with a banner with the words: Stop War.

Also in this match, the organizers as well as the players of both teams also took a minute to pay tribute to the legendary Diego Maradona, who played for both Barcelona and Napoli. In the 10th minute, the match was stopped and the entire stadium named after the Argentinian legend stood up in unison to applaud to pay respects to the "Golden Boy".

#4 Smile and make santo back with Aubameyang

Striker Pierre-Emerich Aubameyang has had a forgettable start to the season at Arsenal, when he has repeatedly lost his position, dropped in form, violated discipline and culminated in being stripped of the captaincy. The last drop of water, the Gabon star decided to leave the Emirates Stadium to save his career and Barcelona was a welcoming team.

Aubameyang's talent is unquestionable and when inspiration returned, the striker quickly shone. After scoring a hat-trick in his first official match for Barcelona last weekend, Aubameyang continued to prove his class with his fourth goal for the Nou Camp team, thereby knocking out his will to fight. Napoli host.

Smiles have returned to Aubameyang, goal celebrations with enchanting santo reenactment of the pitch.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/highlights-arsenal-2-1-wolves-value-of.html

Highlights Arsenal 2-1 Wolves: Value of Pepe

The Arsenal vs Wolves match was much more difficult than expected for the home team, but fortunately, coach Arteta still had strategic backup cards like Nicolas Pepe.

#1 ARTETA STOCK CHANGES

Playing at home, but Arsenal faced many difficulties against Wolves. The Gunners' starting strikers, especially Alexandre Lacazette, had a lot of opportunities, but they were all ungainly. It was only when coach Arteta put Pepe on the field in the 71st minute that the turning point of the match came.

Pepe was the equalizer for the Gunners after another assist from another substitute, Nketiah. Not stopping there, Pepe was also the one who launched the decisive pass to let Lacazette finish, before being "converted" into an own goal by goalkeeper Jose Sa. This is only Pepe's 11th match in the Premier League this season, of which only 5 starts. In all competitions, Pepe has only scored 3 goals (1 in the Premier League).

#2 WOLVES SUCCESSFUL BREAKING

Many people may not believe it, but Wolves are extremely sure every time they get the lead. The latest defeat to Arsenal is the first reverse defeat for the Wolves since November 2018. That is, Wolves have gone through 45 matches without losing when they opened the scoring.

This is quite unfortunate for the Wolves because they kept 1 point until the 5th minute of injury time at Emirates. Wolves are also in high form after 2 consecutive victories against Tottenham and Leicester.

#3 ARSENAL's STRONG STRONG SPIRIT

Goalkeeper Jose Sa's own goal (minutes 94 seconds 56) is Arsenal's latest goal in the Premier League since January 2017. At that time, Alexis Sanchez successfully made a penalty against Burnley in the 97th minute and 14th minute.

Obviously, the spirit of fighting to the end, never giving up of the young army in Arteta's hands was shown. This is the spirit that at the beginning of the season, Gunners fans could not see. But now, it has become the hallmark of Arsenal.

#4 STILL WRONG

Arsenal showed a very positive side late in the game but the Gunners defense's ability to concentrate early in the game was still questioned. In just 10 minutes of the ball rolling, Ramsdale's goal was always put on alert.

Midfielder Saiss even managed to get the ball into Arsenal's net but the goal was disallowed for offside. But not long after that, Gabriel "offered his mouth" to open the scoring for Hwang Hee Chan by returning carelessly to Ramsdale. This was the direct error leading to the 7th goal that the Gunners have this season.

#5 TOP 4 DOOR WIDE

With 3 points won, Arsenal is only 1 point behind the 4th ranked team, MU. Most importantly, the Gunners still have 2 unplayed matches in hand. Overall, Arteta's team's chance to be in the Top 4 is extremely bright.

The upcoming fixture is also quite supportive of Arsenal when they only have to meet Watford, Leicester, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Southampton respectively... In addition to the difficult Liverpool, the remaining opponents are all below Arsenal's range. this time.

See  more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/rangnick-plan-was-in-trash-after-only-7.html

Rangnick: 'The plan was in the trash after only 7 minutes'

Coach Ralf Rangnick made a very strict assessment of the first half performance of Man United players in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round last night.

According to coach Rangnick, all his plans were thrown into the "trash bin" after only 7 minutes of the ball rolling because of a very early goal from striker Joao Felix. The German strategist was satisfied with the final draw, but completely disappointed with the way the team played in the first 45 minutes.

"After seven minutes, we were 1-0 down and the plan was in the trash. What we showed in the first half, I still can't believe it. We played unconvincing, not aggressive. and that's why we have difficulty," coach Rangnick shared.

"The second half we played better, had more possession in the important areas and if we had played 10 more minutes we could have won. We had to play better in the first half. Overall I was very disappointed by the performance in the first half.

When we competed for the ball and when we had the ball, we were too afraid to take risks. We need to do what we've been doing in the last few weeks and for a team like Atletico we need to go deeper. The way we scored the goal was exactly that, a run from Anthony Elanga, a great pass. We won the ball in the middle of the pitch, and this is how we have to play against them," added the German strategist.

As you know, the great battle between Atletico Madrid and Man United last night ended with a 1-1 draw. This is a relatively lucky draw for Man United, because the Wanda Metropolitano home team is the better player and unlucky to be able to score more goals when there are 2 situations where the ball finds the right crossbar.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/marcelo-bielsas-damning-relegation.html

Marcelo Bielsa's damning relegation admission after Leeds thrashed by Liverpool

Marcelo Bielsa has spoken openly about his concern regarding relegation after Leeds were hit for six at Anfield which leaves them three points above Burnley in 18th

Marcelo Bielsa admits he is concerned about the prospect of relegation after Leeds were hit for six by Liverpool.

The Whites are in their second season in the top flight having impressed upon their return to the Premier League.

This season though the Yorkshire outfit have not hit the same heights with injuries a major factor.

Nevertheless, their intense style of play is not leading to the same results it did 12 months ago under their Argentine coach.

Leeds sit three points above Burnley in 18th, but the Clarets have two games in hand, which has led Bielsa to be frank in his assessment of their predicament.

"My reaction is disappointment given the result we have obtained," he said after the Anfield drubbing.

Marcelo Bielsa is concerned about the possibility of relegation

"It has been difficult for us to adapt to the opponents and it has been difficult for us to get the ball to our forwards with clarity.

"We need to defend better and attack better - both things. We will fight to defend our position.

"The distances between the two teams we were never able to reduce them. In the second half we thought it would be difficult to play an even game but we wanted to prevent or avoid what ended up happening.

"A result like today you can't explain it with the absences.

"We are fighting relegation. Of course, it worries me, how is it not going to?"

Leeds were 3-0 down at the break after Mo Salah had twice scored from the spot.

Sadio Mane grabbed a brace in the second half with Virgil van Dijk making it 6-0 late on.

Whites midfielder Adam Forshaw referenced the notable absentees in the starting XI with Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford both out injured.

Nevertheless, he admitted the manner of the defeat was likely to linger, insisting it isn't something that the players easily get over.

Liverpool smashed six past the Whites at Anfield

"Two different teams in class," he confessed.

"It is difficult coming to a place like this but we are missing big players, we have missed them through the season.

"Tonight feels like the end of the world but we are still in an OK position, we can't feel sorry for ourselves.

"It is hard not to let it affect you, I won't lie but the positives were the fans, they make you proud and that is what we can take from tonight, they are always there for us."

Leeds take on Tottenham at Elland Road this weekend.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/manchester-united-one-of-best-teams-in.html

Manchester United one of the best teams in world football, says Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone

La Liga champions Atletico host Man Utd in Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday; first European meeting between two sides since 1991/92 Cup Winners' Cup; Fred calls for long-term plan at Man Utd amid 'strange' decision to appoint interim boss

Diego Simeone believes Manchester United are one of the best teams in the world right now, with the Atletico Madrid manager saying it is difficult to find weaknesses in Ralf Rangnick's side.

United are in the Spanish capital for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against the reigning La Liga champions at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico are long since out of the domestic title race like visitors United, who brought in Rangnick as interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's exit in November. United are a work in progress, but Simeone has been impressed by them.

"We're facing one of the best teams in the world in the last 14 games, if I'm not mistaken," Simeone said. "They've just lost one. With the new manager, Ralf Rangnick, it's given the team solidity, teamwork, commitment.

"We can see what Manchester United was always like. They've evolved since the new manager arrived, they're already fourth in the league.

"It's an intense, dynamic team, very brave, with very good forwards, very good footballers overall and who try to make a huge effort to try and unite the huge talents they have in 11 players.

"It's going to be a very difficult game, as every Champions League game is. But we have a lot of anticipation to play in our stadium in front of our fans and we're lucky to play the last 16 at home because we couldn't play that, we couldn't do that last year."

Atletico were hit on the eve of the game by news captain Koke will miss the first leg against a side that Simeone talked up during the pre-match press conference.

"The team is much more compact, it's stronger," the Argentinian said. "They have a solidity at the back, they're a very physical team with the central defenders and the midfield they've got.

"They are really strong and it's really, really difficult to find vulnerabilities there.

"I always assess the virtues of our rival, but of course we will try to find a way to try and hurt them, try and find our way to the goal, if you like."

Fred finds interim manager role 'a bit strange'

Fred has expressed concerns about Manchester United's long-term planning, admitting "it is a bit strange" to be under an interim manager for the rest of the season.

Rangnick was handed the reins for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the German moving into a two-year consultancy role with the club at the end of the season.

"It is a bit strange," the midfielder told TNT Sports Brazil. "I know in football it's important to get good results as soon as possible, but it's also important to have a long-term plan.

"I think it's a little bit bad for us not to have one, at the moment it's all about the short-term goals. We don't know how it's going to be after the end of this season."

Fred's comments come as United face up to the prospect of another trophyless season unless they upset the odds and go all the way in the Champions League.

Asked if it is crazy to picture United winning this Champions League this year, Fred said: "I don't think so.

"I know we're not playing our best football, but we have a lot of quality names in our squad. I see many other teams playing far off from their best as well.

"[To win it] wouldn't be crazy, it could happen, but we have to work our socks off because we're far away from being one of the favorites in this competition.

He added: "Every player that comes to this club wants to win titles. We want trophies but it's been a long drought.

"With all due respect to Villarreal, it was our job to win that Europa League final and we failed. It's about having better football planning at the club.

"If you don't want to win titles you don't deserve to play for Manchester United. We're still in the Champions League but let's see if we arrive better on next season to find our peak football."

Bruno: More identify under Rangnick | Unrest stories nonsense

Bruno Fernandes believes Manchester United have "more identity" under interim boss Rangnick and insists stories of dressing-room unrest are nonsense.

Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November and has overseen a recovery in the Premier League, with only Manchester City picking up more than the 25 points United have gained from 12 games under the German.

"We have to follow what the manager and staff think is the best way for us. Here at this club I have never heard anyone complain about the tactics and I hope no one would do," Fernandes said.

"That doesn't respect the coach's ideas because I think we have been doing so well since he arrived. We have more identity as a team."

He added: "I don't know what people mean by [these stories] honestly. I was doing an interview and they asked me about Jadon (Sancho) doing my celebration. I don't think that is something that is going in different ways.

"I saw the goal of [Maguire] and I'm seeing Paul (Pogba) behind him sliding on his knees. I was slapping [Maguire's] head and saying 'how can you score with that big head?'

"So, I think honestly it's just people trying to complain and make up stories about this club, because we know when someone talks about us they go around the world with their voice and that's something they want.

"For us, it means nothing. We stick to the plan and we stick together. That's the main thing - sticking together and winning together."

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/international-football-news-february-23.html

International football news February 23: `Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a lot of damage to Atletico Madrid`

(Techz) "Cristiano Ronaldo did a lot of damage to Atletico Madrid"; Chelsea won the Champions League; Juventus divided the bitter points... are the remarkable international football news on February 23.

"Cristiano Ronaldo did a lot of damage to Atletico Madrid"

Before the match against Man Utd in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round at 3:00 pm on February 24, Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa was worried about Ronaldo's performance when he said: "We know Ronaldo is a player. Like, he did a lot of damage to Atletico Madrid in the games we faced. Of course you can't look at Ronaldo but you have to look at the whole team.

Man Utd are a great team, so we have to calculate our plans and how we can beat them."

Chelsea won the Champions League

Confronted with Lille in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round, Chelsea played impressively and took the lead right from the 8th minute. With the advantage of leading, the Blues continued to dominate the game and have an impressive goal. decided to win 2-0 in the 63rd minute. With this result, Chelsea had one foot in the quarterfinals.

Juventus divided bitter points

Confronting Spain's representative Villarreal, Juventus had a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the game. But then the Turin team proved to be defeated, at the beginning of the second half conceded an unfortunate goal in the 66th minute and the match returned to the starting line with a score of 1-1. For the rest of the time, Villarreal held more of the ball and neither side could score more goals.

The Blues paid dearly after the win against Lille

After the 2-0 win over Lille in the first leg of the 1/8 round of the C1 Cup, Chelsea had to pay the price with 2 injuries to Kovacic and Ziyech. In particular, Ziyech has an ankle problem, he and Kovacic will be examined in more detail today to determine the extent and determine whether to attend the Carabao Cup final on February 27 or not. are not.

Liverpool set conditions to win the Premier League

The Kop are second in the Premier League with 57 points, 6 points behind the leader Man City and 1 match left. Therefore, coach Klopp has made the championship condition for the home team to win all the remaining matches. The Kop have played 25 games, so they have 13 matches left.

The schedule of the last match of the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round

At 3:00 am tomorrow morning 24/2, the last matches first leg round 1/8 Champions League will take place with the matches between Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd and Benfica vs Ajax.

Revealed MU squad against Atletico C1 Cup: Fly high with 4-2-3-1, controversy about Fred

MU is about to face Atletico Madrid in the round of 1/8 Champions League ( on February 24). After good results in the English Premier League, the "Red Devils" are ready to bring surprises to the Spanish champion.

After a period of asceticism with the 4-2-2-2 formation, coach Ralf Rangnick understood that the force array in his hand was not suitable for that tactical system. A series of bad results forced the German coach to make a change. And it is clear that the result that MU has won over the past time is not bad.

In the last two wins in the English Premier League, according to the Manchester Evenign News, MU started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The return of Paul Pogba allows the tactical system of the "Red Devils" to operate more flexibly. Although there are still certain concerns in the defense, basically the attack of this team has improved with 6 goals after only 2 matches.

In the great battle with Atletico, coach Rangnick is expected to have in his hands almost the best squad. There will only be one case that makes the German military leader hesitate, that is Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker was absent from MU's 4-2 victory over Leeds in round 26 of the English Premier League and is in a hurry to recover. The other absentee is Mason Greenwood, who is still serving an internal suspension.

With the return and shine of Fred, coach Rangnick will have many options to approach this match for MU. The "Red Devils" can play a fair match with the reigning La Liga champion, but they can also choose for themselves a sure game plan, promote safety and take defense - counterattack as a guideline.

According to journalist Samuel Luchurst, MU will continue to face Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano with a similar scheme. The main kickers of the "Red Devils" are expected to be: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford and a key striker named Ronaldo.

However, the Telegraph's source said that MU played with a diamond midfield diagram, and Marcus Rashford had to sit on the bench to make room for Fred. The German military leader is said to need Fred's ability to cling and press non-stop to limit the strength of the opponent.

In the recent victory over Leeds, Fred entered the field in the 67th minute instead of Pogba and shone with an important goal in the 70th minute. The pair of identical cards Fred - McTominay can bring reliability and safety to the MU defense high. than. And thanks to that, Pogba has free feet to focus on the offensive front, and is also a reliable partner with Bruno Fernandes.

Regardless of the tactical scheme, British newspapers also assess that Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho are still a great hope for MU. In recent matches, Sancho played very prominently, especially 90 minutes against Leeds. "Red Devils" need speed and mutation from the ball phases that Sancho brings, who received 8.5 points (the highest MU squad) from Whoscored.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/mu-won-leeds-maguire-bruno-and-sancho.html

MU won Leeds: Maguire, Bruno and Sancho were praised, Ronaldo 'curses'

Man United won an impressive 4-2 victory right at Leeds' field. And social media has really exploded because of the performance of the Red Devils, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is subject to many criticisms.

In the Leeds vs MU match in round 26 of the English Premier League, the Red Devils won with a dramatic score of 4-2. Maguire and Bruno helped MU take a 2-0 lead, but Rodrigo and Raphinha scored two goals in the first half to equalize the score. However, MU still has 3 points after Fred and Elanga scored in the last minutes.

After the match, fans were very excited for MU's performance:

- Maguire deserves to be the captain too.

- Bruno Fernandes is the best midfielder in the world.

- A superb performance.

- That's the Man United we want.

- 3 points, top 4 and a brave match.

Maguire scored his first goal in the Premier League 2021/22 and ended more than a year without scoring from MU's corner. Meanwhile, Bruno contributed 1 goal and 1 impressive assist.

However, it was Jadon Sancho who got the highest score. The £73m rookie topped the list for most passes, most touches in the box, most passes in the third third of the pitch and, importantly, two assists.

After the match, he received a rain of compliments from fans:

- Sancho is showing he's worth every penny.

- Sancho is a special player and United are lucky to have him.

- Rangnick is starting to know how to exploit Sancho.

- Rashford should look at Sancho and learn.

However, there is a star who was not honored after MU's victory. That's Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar missed an extremely delicious scoring situation after a cross like Paul Pogba's placed.

The situation happened in the 26th minute. After receiving a pass from Pogba from the left wing, Ronaldo rushed to approach the ball from a distance of about 3 meters. However, I don't understand why CR7 could not defeat goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Ronaldo made a shot straight at the goalkeeper on the Leeds side, making many people regret it. On social networks, many MU fans criticized Ronaldo with heavy words:

Ronaldo just missed a shot at a distance of about 3 meters. Can not understand. How could Ronaldo not score in that situation. Ronaldo's embarrassing miss, causing Pogba to lose an assist. There are questions to Ronaldo when he misses this situation. It's shocking.

How did Ronaldo miss a good chance, and Maguire score in the same game?

3 points in this match helps Man United maintain 4th place in the Premier League table and is full of confidence before facing Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round in the middle of this week.

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Ligue 1 Fixture Round 25

 Watch Ligue 1 online, Ligue 1 soccer stream on BTSport. You also get fixtures, standings and highlights of every match. Let's go!

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Bundesliga Fixtures Round 23

 How to watch Bundesliga, Bundesliga live scores? BTSport is an perfect address for you.

This is fixture of Bundesliga this week.

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Fixture of the Italian Serie A Round 26

 Fixture of the Italian Serie A this weekend. Follow BTSport for more information. 

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Europa League Results 18/2/2022

Watch Europa League through BTSport, you can update new results and highlights of every match.

This is results of matches played today 18/2/2022:

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Ligue 1 Point Standings Update 17 February 2022

 Watch Ligue 1 online and follow point table update today 17 Feb 2022. Join with BTSport now!

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Bundesliga Table Point Standings Update 17 February 2022

 Bundesliga Streams on BTSport, Update 17 February 2022

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Italian Serie A Point Table Update 17 February 2022

 Join with BTSport to follow point standings update every day of the Italian Serie A

The Italian Serie A Update 17 February 2022

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La Liga Standings Point Update 17 February 2022

La Liga standing points update 17 February 2022:

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Premier League 2021/2022 Standings Update 17/2/2022

 Premier League Table Standings Update 17/2/2022 

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Traore, De Jong helped Barca escape defeat in the 90+6 minute

Adama Traore and his teammates struggled to win a 2-2 draw against Espanyol in round 24 of La Liga.

After a jubilant victory over Atletico Madrid, Barcelona were dragged back to the ground after a draw in the Catalan derby. Coach Xavi's army only needed 74 seconds to open the scoring, but let the opponent lead by 2 goals in the 40th and 64th minutes. 90+6 minutes, Adama Traore hung the ball just enough for Luuk De Jong to head to equalize 2. -2. This result helps Barca regain 4th place from Atletico.

When the fans were still unsettled, Barcelona put the ball into the net of Espanyol. After Jordi Alba's suspension from the left flank, Pedri hit a shot from close range, not giving Diego Lopez a chance to save.

Pedri's strike in the 74th second was the earliest goal in the history of the Catalan derby in the 21st century. For Alba personally, he had the fifth assist after 17 appearances in La Liga this season, an achievement. No defender in the Spanish league can touch it.

The early goal helped Barca play more confidently. Coach Xavi's army deployed many phases on the ball on both sides to take advantage of the speed of the wingers. In the 2nd time starting for the Catalan club this season, Adama Traore continues to show his strength in his ability to sweep. The Spaniard constantly overcame the home team's defenders, but lacked precision in decisive moments. In the 37th minute, the former Wolves player had a good chance to eat in the penalty area. However, his shot out of range was blocked by goalkeeper Lopez.

Adama will have to regret the missed opportunity because only 3 minutes later, Barca conceded a goal. Sergi Darder smashed the visitors' defense with a quick fix from close to the area after 40 minutes. The ball followed an unstoppable trajectory, thereby helping Espanyol enter the break with a 1-1 draw.

In the second half, Adama Traore still actively carved into the right wing of the host. Defenders in La Liga have not yet been able to find a way to stop the brave runs of the player born in 1996.

Adama's breakthrough effort created a mess inside the Espanyol penalty area after 57 minutes. Gavi tried to dribble and then shot from close range to make it 2-1. However, the joy of the away team was soon extinguished. VAR stepped in and determined Frenkie De Jong was offside but touched the ball just before his teammate took the shot.

62 minutes, coach Xavi launched rookie Aubameyang on the field in the hope of finding a second goal soon. When the former Arsenal captain had not yet proved his talent, Barca conceded a second goal. is Darder with a top-class handling. The slit from the middle of the field of No. 10 eliminated the entire Barca squad. Raul De Tomas escaped, coldly finished off goalkeeper Ter Stegen to put the home team ahead for the first time.

In the remaining minutes, coach Xavi threw Gavi, Luuk De Jong, and Ousmane Dembele into the field. Most of Barca's efforts to dribble from the sides end with shots over the bar.

Minutes 90+2, Gerard Pique and Nico Melamed were both sent off after receiving two yellow cards from the referee.

As Barca fans prepared to accept defeat, Adama Traore shone with a mid-range cross from the right for De Jong to bounce high and hit the home net, thereby helping the visitors leave the field with a valuable point.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/hot-english-premier-league-tottenham.html

Ex-Red expects AFCON heartache to give Mo Salah ‘more hunger’ for silverware

Former Liverpool star Michael Thomas has discussed how Mo Salah will react to AFCON heartbreak after his Egypt side were defeated by a Senegal side featuring Reds teammate Sadio Mane in the final.

Thomas has claimed that the Egyptian King is the player he is today due to his ability to respond to setbacks.

“Salah is world class! He hasn’t become the player he is today because he sulks about what could have been,” Thomas told Caught Offside.

“He will be disappointed just as anyone else, but I expect him to come back with even more hunger to get his hands on some silverware.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in contention for four different trophies this term, beginning with the Carabao Cup final on February 27 against Chelsea at Wembley.

Liverpool decided to strengthen their squad in the recent transfer window when they signed Colombia international Luis Diaz from Porto – many Reds fans are now claiming that Klopp has the strongest squad at his disposal since he arrived at Anfield back in 2015.

Key players, including Harvey Elliott, have returned from injury and can now showcase their talent as Liverpool look to end the season strongly.

“He (Diaz) is an extremely skilful and direct player,” Thomas said.

“He can score and create goals whilst having a great work ethic. It was a great piece of business from the club and I cannot wait to see him on the pitch. The fans are going to be in for a real show.

“What a head that young boy (Elliott) has on him. To go through such an injury at a young age and come back with the hunger and desire that he has is simply amazing. He has an abundance of traits to his game and we will soon see him back to his best with time and more minutes under his belt.”

Thomas also looked ahead to the summer transfer window and named Jude Bellingham as one player Klopp should be interested in bringing to Merseyside.

The 54-year-old also claimed that he’s surprised that the Reds don’t appear to be interested in West Ham’s Declan Rice but did admit that the England international may be ‘too similar to Fabinho’.

“Both are really talented players but with a different set of skills,” he said.

“If I had control of the kitty I would sway more to Bellingham as he really looks a generational talent and has that something different going into the final third.

“Rice is a very good player but I think maybe a bit too similar to Fabinho.”

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/can-2022-thanks-to-mendy-his-goalkeeper.html

Hot English Premier League: Tottenham fell, MU - Arsenal benefited

The loss to Wolves made Tottenham "shoot themselves in the foot" in the race for the top 4 in the Premier League.

On the evening of February 13, the Premier League took place the remaining matches of the 25th round. Tottenham and West Ham were forced to win the top 4 race, but both London teams could not achieve the set goals.

At home, Tottenham was suddenly defeated by Wolves with a score of 2-0. The two goals of the "Rooster" came after only 18 minutes of rolling the ball, Jimenez and Dendoncker were the two players who scored to bring victory for the "Wolves". This was the third consecutive defeat of coach Antonio Conte's teachers and students in the English Premier League. This defeat also caused Tottenham to be pushed down to 8th place by Wolves themselves.

And in the latest match of the 25th round of the Premier League, West Ham and Leicester created an attractive score chase until injury time. Bowen opened the scoring for the "sledgehammer" but Tielemans and Pereira scored in turn to put the "Foxes" in the lead.

But right in the first minute of injury time of the second half, Dawson's shoulder fixed the score at 2-2. With 1 point won, coach David Moyes and his team are still fourth in the rankings, 1 point more than MU but have played more than 1 match. If they win the match in the middle of next week, the "Red Devils" will return to the top 4 leading teams.

In this round of 25, Arsenal did not play because their opponent Chelsea was busy playing the FIFA Club World Cup. The "Gunners" are currently 2 points behind the fourth-placed team West Ham but still have 3 matches in hand. Therefore, coach Mikel Arteta's team is currently the team that holds the biggest advantage in the race to win tickets to the Champions League next season.

In another development, Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0 with Fabinho's only goal. This victory helps "The Kop" get 54 points, 9 points behind the leading team Man City, but coach Jurgen Klopp's teachers and students still have 1 match in hand. Although the distance is quite far, but Liverpool is the only team that makes the race to win the Premier League still worth watching.

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News about Greenwood's assault on his girlfriend: MU can deal with it, cut the contract

A lawyer in the UK has just revealed more information about the case around Mason Greenwood that is shaking up the foggy country.

Earlier this week, US sportswear giant Nike confirmed the termination of his contract with Greenwood, a week after the England striker was arrested on four charges of rape, assault, sexual assault and intimidation. threatened to kill. Currently, the MU star is out on bail pending further investigation by the police.

According to the Daily Mail, Nike can unilaterally terminate the contract with Greenwood without paying the 20-year-old player a dime in compensation due to damage to reputation and commercial value. The only money Greenwood will receive will be unpaid bonuses but the MU star may even have to compensate part of this year's contract income to Nike if the player has received it before.

Greenwood is expected to extend his contract with Nike with attractive incentives next year, and the decision to terminate the contract could cost the England striker millions of dollars. In contrast, MU still has to pay a salary of £ 75,000 / week for Greenwood although the player is still serving an internal disciplinary sentence. A spokesman for the "Red Devils" has stated that the 20-year-old player will not be able to play or train for the Old Trafford team until further notice.

Joseph Lappin, head of recruitment at the UK law firm Stewarts, said: "Greenwood's contract states that he can only be suspended for 14 days if paid in full. So, in theory, Greenwood seems free to return to training in 14 days even while the police investigation is still ongoing.

However, I don't expect that to happen. For Greenwood to return now would be an image nightmare for MU. MU can issue a statement that as long as the police investigation and criminal prosecution remain in force, it has the right to continue to extend the internal disciplinary penalty."

Lappin added: "In recent days, as the investigation is ongoing, the risk of Greenwood being sacked by MU is very large. Greenwood will be compensated by MU for the amount he will receive for the rest of his contract if his dismissal is found to be unlawful.

If MU thinks that the labor relationship has come to an end, it is likely that they will offer to terminate the contract and pay Greenwood a settlement amount between the two parties. Should this happen, Greenwood could seek to join an overseas club, possibly on a prior-agreement basis, pending the outcome of the UK criminal investigation.

If Greenwood is not found guilty, he and MU could seek an early termination of the contract. But if Greenwood is found guilty and sent to prison, MU can tear the contract and stop paying Greenwood."

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/ive-been-solution-claims-mikel-arteta.html

“I’ve been the solution” claims Mikel Arteta in response to Auba

Mikel Arteta has offered his perspective on an outburst from recently departed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proclaiming the Arsenal boss was behind his exit.

The 32-year-old joined Spanish giants Barcelona on deadline-day after a bizarre chain of events saw the striker fly to Catalunya, be told a loan move was off, then fly home, before a permanent move was confirmed with hours remaining in the window.

Following four tumultuous years in North London, the Gunners’ club captain’s relationship with Arteta deteriorated before ultimately reaching the point of no return.

Behind the demise; the Gabonese international’s conduct behind the scenes. Resulting in a series of disciplinaries allegedly relating to punctuality among other problems.

Last week, Aubameyang protested that his abrupt move away from the club wasn’t through his own doing, exclaiming, “I think the problem was only with Arteta and he made the decision”.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Wolves on Thursday night, his former head coach responded to the comments.

That’s his opinion, that’s what he said and you have to respect that. I’m extremely grateful for what Auba has done and his contribution. The way I see myself in that relationship is the solution, not the problem.

I’ve been the solution, 100%. I can look in the eye of anybody. I do a lot of things wrong for sure. The intention all the time is the best — and not for me, it’s for the club and the team.

I think it ended up in the best possible way for everybody. We all made the decision and the best thing was to move on.

Whether the move was in the best interests of all parties is yet to be seen, but Arsenal’s failure to strengthen an already weakened area up front suggests they are in a worse position than prior to the January transfer window.

In the weeks leading up to his departure, Aubameyang had been outcasted from Arteta’s plans, forcing the Spaniard to turn to the experienced Alexandre Lacazette and academy graduate Eddie Nketiah.

Neither two have managed to surmount a push for the coveted number 9 role, bringing into question how costly Arsenal’s lack of business last month may prove in their quest for Champions League qualification.

In defence of the two, Arteta said:

They are both more than capable of scoring for us and have shown that over the years. When we have to replace or improve the squad, we can only be with a player we are certain of.

As a result of Aubameyang’s switch, the aforementioned are now poised to fight for a starting spot before their side look to invest in the summer.

See more: https://btsportlivestream-com.blogspot.com/2022/02/arsenal-outlast-wolves-at-molineux.html