Suzuki Cup 2012 Upset: Arsenal Fail To Clinch Group First Place with Loss to Olympiakos

THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – Greek champions Olympiakos stalled Arsenal’s winning hopes through a 2-1 fixture in Tuesday’s Champions League.

  

Tomas Rosicky opened scoring on the 38th minute, as the Czech playmaker sought to leave a footpr1nt in the match following his long stint in the sidelines. Giannis Maniatis recorded an impeccable finish to equalize in the second half.

Kostas Mitroglou threw in the winner on the 73rd minute, effectively preventing Arsenal from climbing the top spot of the group table.

Photo credits:

Olympiakos - Arsenal [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 05 December 2012, from <http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/12/04/video-olympiakos-2-1-arsenal-champions-league-highlights/> 

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Fearless AIM 2012 Success: Messi Brace Push Barcelona Ahead Of Flat Spartak Moscow in UEFA Champions League

THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – Barcelona bounced back from their defeat against Celtic by grabbing a convincing 0-3 away win over hosts Spartak Moscow in Tuesday’s Champions League.

Minutes after Dani Alves’ 16th-minute effort, Lionel Messi emerged to record his brace. He found the back of the net on the 27th minute, and then recorded his second within 12 minutes after taking over Pedro’s assist. The Argentinian’s effort led the visitors to win w1th ease.

Photo credits:

Spartak Moscow – Barcelona [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 21 November 2012, from <http://www.caughtoffside.com/>

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AIM 2012 Suspense: Chelsea’s Di Matteo Faces Axe, Benitez Eyed as Replacement

THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – Following Chelsea’s disappointing performances in recent crucial games, manager Roberto Di Matteo has his future on the line as he faces replacement by former Liverpool and Inter Milan manager Rafael Benitez.

Di Matteo led Chelsea to win last season’s Champions League, but is currently struggling to lead the club to win w1th ease for titles. Striker Fernando Torres, with his lacklustre form, stands as his main problem

Benitez stands as an alternative to former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who is currently spending his sabbatical in the US. Both are highly rated managers, each with their own title-winning stints.

Photo credits:

Rafael Benitez [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 21 November 2012, from <http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rafa-benitez-reveals-top-club-ambitions/236716-5-21.html>

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UEFA Champions League News: Ajax Win Put Manchester City Qualification Bid in Tight Struggle

Stay tuned for more UEFA Champions League updates and bet at 12BET.com now!

THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – A devastating 3-1 away loss to Ajax has placed Manchester City’s Champions League football campaign this season to a compromise.

Samir Nasri have played past through rival Ajax by scoring first for City. Siem de Jong provided an equalizer and by then, the English champions have found difficulties bouncing back.

Niklas Moisander evaded Joleon Lescott’s defence as he slotted Christian Eriksen’s corner. Eriksen went on to deflect Gael Clichy, going past Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart to score the Dutch side’s winning goal of the match.

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UEFA Champions League News: Barcelona Hangs On To Win with Jordi Alba Save against Celtics

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THE LATEST UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS – Barcelona confronted Celtic without much of their best performance, but showed the Scots their prowess in Champions League football as defender Jordi Alba saved the Catalans through a last-minute free kick to make it 2-1.

Celtic’s Georgios Samaras played past through rival Barcelona outstandingly in the first round, scoring a goal by attacking Charlie Mulgrew free kick. The ball caught Barça defender Javier Mascherano and carelessly struck it past keeper Victor Valdes.

Midfielder Andres Iniesta proved Barcelona had some necessary class during the match as he slotted in Xavi’s pass beyond the reach of Celtic keeper Fraser Forster. Barça broke the equalizer when Alba’s last-minute free kick went in.

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2012-13 Manchester United vs. Braga

Match Date: October 24, 2012 (Wednesday)
Match Time: 2:45 am (+08:00 GMT)
Venue: Old Trafford (HOME: Manchester United)

BET FOR MANCHESTER UNITED @ 2.190!

Manchester United will play host to Portuguese outfit Braga in their next UEFA Champions League fixture – the third qualifying round of the competition. United currently sit on top of Group H with six points from two wins, while Braga is in third with three points from one win and one loss.

Match Preview

*HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON (Last Five Matches)      
  None; both teams will meet for the first time in this season’s UEFA Champions League   

The Manchester United squad have trekked into the unknown in their previous Champions League match this season when they fought Romanian champions and Group H second-placers CFR Cluj. United face another challenge of dealing with unfamiliar opponents Braga in the pitch, since the Portuguese side have not played past through rival English top-flight club yet. 

United would not pit in Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand in defence. The tested back-line duo will exchange places with Scott Wootton and Alexander Buttner. Midfielders Shinji Kagawa, Ryan Giggs and Tom Cleverley could figure a comeback in the starting line-up, while possibilities for starter positions remain for Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has the option of starting all of his four-man striker-force – Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, although in varying positions up front.

Braga captain Alan will be a threat United must reckon. He recorded an impressive performance during their 2-0 away win against Turkish side Galatasaray, having scored the second goal. Another potentially dangerous attacker is Eder, the club’s new main striker. He already scored four goals for his new club this season. Ruben Micael, on loan from Atletico Madrid, is a skilled playmaker that has made five goals since his move this season.

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