Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich rampaged to a thumping 5-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen to return to the top of the Bundesliga on Sunday.

After suffering a shock defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt two weeks ago and losing top spot to Borussia Dortmund overnight, Bayern bounced back in style against fellow title hopefuls Leverkusen.

Level on points in first and second before the weekend, the gulf in class between the two teams became apparent as Bayern put their hosts to the sword with a brutal and brilliant first-half performance.

“It sounds a bit strange when you’ve scored five goals, but we could have had six or seven in the first half today,” Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann told broadcaster DAZN.

The 31-time German champions smashed in four goals in the space of seven minutes in the first half to humiliate a young Leverkusen side and go a point clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.

“It was clear after 45 minutes that the three points were coming to Munich,” said Lewandowski, who kick-started the rout with the opening two goals.

“We knew that we would have to play our football from the beginning today, and the result shows how well we played.”

– ‘Best team in Germany’ –

It took Bayern less than four minutes to go ahead, Lewandowski converting a Dayot Upamecano cross with a brilliant backheel to net his eighth goal of the season.

Leroy Sane hit the post shortly afterwards, as Leverkusen struggled to control a sparkling Bayern attack.

On the half-hour mark, the visitors carved through their opponents on the counter-attack, with Alphonso Davies bursting into the box to set up a poacher’s finish from Lewandowski.

Thomas Mueller quickly made it 3-0, deflecting a Niklas Suele shot past a helpless Lukas Hradecky.

Any hope of a Leverkusen fightback was buried just seconds later, as Mueller set up Gnabry with a low cross to make it 4-0.

Gnabry added a fifth on 37 minutes after a sharp one-two with Leon Goretzka.

Leverkusen rallied in the second half, Kerem Demirbay forcing a save from Manuel Neuer before Patrik Schick pulled a goal back.

“Bayern showed us today why they are the best team in Germany and one of the best in Europe,” said Leverkusen coach Gerardo Seoane.

English defender Omar Richards came on as a second-half substitute to make only his second appearance for Bayern since signing from Reading earlier this year, and Lucas Hernandez started the game despite being expected in court in Spain on Tuesday.

French international Hernandez potentially faces six months in prison for breaking a restraining order imposed on him in 2017 following an altercation with his then girlfriend, whom he has since married.

Bayern continue their Champions League group stage campaign with a trip to Benfica on Wednesday, while Leverkusen meet Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday.

Source: AFP

Ronald Koeman said his players will benefit from knowing he is staying on as Barcelona coach and his theory will be tested by a pivotal week that starts when they host Valencia on Sunday.

After Valencia, Barca face Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season four days later.

Koeman might feel buoyed by the backing of his president but he will also know the reprieve given to him by Joan Laporta before the international break comes with conditions attached.

Barcelona cannot afford further stumbles against Valencia and Madrid, given they sit ninth in La Liga after seven games played, already five points behind Madrid at the top of the table, albeit having a game in hand.

And another slip against Dynamo in midweek could spell the end of their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the Champions League, after defeats by Bayern Munich and Benfica left Barca rooted to the bottom of Group E.

Many believed these matches would be the first for a new coach, after a run of one victory in six games left Koeman looking beleaguered, isolated and out of touch with his president and players.

– ‘Leaks’ –

In the press conference before Barcelona’s last game against Atletico Madrid, Koeman offered only a little resistance to questions presuming his departure was imminent.

“I have eyes and ears and I know that things are being leaked. They are probably true, but nobody has told me,” Koeman said.

Instead, Laporta emerged on the morning of the Atletico game to say Koeman’s job was safe and that he would continue regardless of the result at the Wanda Metropolitano, where a few hours later Barca limped to a 2-0 defeat.

“Previously there was no clarity,” said Koeman after the game.

“It is very important for the confidence of the coach and for the players too, that they know the coach is still here.

“We are Barca, we have to win games, this pressure is also normal. It exists for any coach but especially at Barca.

“But the president has spoken well. He has made his decision and everything is perfect.”

Laporta was reportedly considering Xavi Hernandez, Roberto Martinez and Andrea Pirlo as Koeman’s successors but he has, at least for now, called off the search.

Perhaps none were keen to take over a club still suffering the enormous effects of financial meltdown.

Koeman, though, assured Laporta the team will improve when injured players return, with Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Aguero both back in training on Monday.

A calf injury has meant Aguero is yet to make his Barcelona debut since joining from Manchester City in the summer while Dembele has not played since undergoing knee surgery in June.

Aguero is the more likely of the two to be involved against Valencia, who enjoyed an encouraging start under new coach Jose Bordalas but have failed to win any of their last four games.

Defeats by Real Madrid and Sevilla were not unexpected but draws against Athletic Bilbao and Cadiz might offer Barcelona encouragement.

Valencia are eighth, above Barca on goal difference.

Real Sociedad show little sign of slowing and they will jump from third to first by beating Mallorca on Saturday, with Atletico Madrid’s game against Granada and Real Madrid’s against Athletic Bilbao postponed.

Both Madrid teams have Champions League matches on Tuesday and might have struggled to fulfil their La Liga fixtures after FIFA’s decision to extend the South American international break until Friday.

Fixtures (GMT)

Saturday

Levante v Getafe (1630), Real Sociedad v Mallorca (1900)

Sunday

Rayo Vallecano v Elche (1200), Celta Vigo v Sevilla (1415), Villarreal v Osasuna (1630), Barcelona v Valencia (1900)

Monday

Alaves v Real Betis (1700), Espanyol v Cadiz (1900)

Source: AFP

Barcelona can fill their Camp Nou stadium to capacity for key Champions League and La Liga matches next week, after Catalonia authorities on Tuesday eased Covid crowd limits.

“As of Friday, the vast majority of capacity limitations will cease,” regional president Pere Aragones told a press conference on Tuesday.

“We will return to 100 percent capacity in cultural spaces, outdoor sports facilities and in bars and restaurants,” Aragones said.

The limit had been 60 percent of capacity.

“Camp Nou back to full capacity,” said the Barcelona club website.

“After a year and half with no games, then games in an empty stadium, then games with severe restrictions, the time has finally come when the Barca stadium can fill to capacity once again!” it said.

The decision is timely for struggling Barcelona, who have three games coming up in eight days at the 99,000-capacity Nou Camp.

The first game in a full Nou Camp will be on Sunday against Valencia who are above ninth-place Barcelona on goal difference in La Liga.

Next Wednesday, Barca host Dynamo Kiev in a key Champions League game. Barcelona are bottom of their group without a point after two rounds.

On October 24, Liga leaders Real Madrid visit for the first Clasico of the season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta had lobbied for the restrictions to be lifted.

“I would be grateful if they would give it another try because it is very damaging to us economically,” he said on September 29, after the Spanish central government removed its restrictions on stadium attendance but Catalonia and the Basque Country kept their limits.

The measure comes at a time when Covid-19 cases in Spain have dropped to their lowest level since July 2020.

Source:  AFP

Real Madrid’s on-form striker Karim Benzema has been dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or since he was a little boy, he told Spanish daily AS in an interview published on Saturday.

Benzema was selected on the long list of 30 for the 2021 Ballon d’Or on Friday a day after scoring as France beat Belgium 3-2 and make the Nations League final.

“I’ve been dreaming of winning it since I was a kid, we all do, all professional players,” said Benzema.

“So I’ve been doing everything possible and will continue to do so, because I hope to win it and fullfil my childhood dream.”

With nine goals in eight games for Madrid this season Benzema has flowered since Cristiano Ronaldo moved on two years ago.

“What is important is that people enjoy my football and that I feel happy and proud.

“There are strikers these days playing very well into their 30s and scoring many goals,” said Benzema, who will be 34 in December.

“Modern football allows for that,” he said.

“It’s always a pleasure to be named on this list of the top 30 players, and I’ll keep it in my a corner of my mind as an objective in the big matches.”

France tackle Spain on Sunday in the Nations League final.

“I’m sure it’ll be a huge final. Spain are a young team, but a very talented one. I just hope above all that it’s a great game,” he said.

Source: AFP

The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United has been approved, the Premier League announced on Thursday.

“The Premier League, Newcastle United Football Club and St James Holdings Limited have today settled the dispute over the takeover of the club by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“Following the completion of the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ Test, the club has been sold to the consortium with immediate effect.”

The deal went ahead despite warnings from Amnesty International that it represents “sportswashing” of the Gulf kingdom’s human rights record.

It brings to an end Newcastle’s 14 years of ownership under Mike Ashley.

Public Investment Fund (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “We are extremely proud to become the new owners of Newcastle United, one of the most famous clubs in English football.

“We thank the Newcastle fans for their tremendously loyal support over the years and we are excited to work together with them.”

Amanda Staveley, chief executive officer of PCP Capital Partners, said: “This is a long-term investment. We are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.”

Source: AFP

Liverpool and Manchester City resume their rivalry for top spot when they go head to head in the Premier League this weekend, while Chelsea and Manchester United aim to get their title challenges back on track.

Under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City and Liverpool have become the dominant forces in English football, sharing the past four Premier League titles between them.

City, who have won three of those, delivered a warning shot to the pretenders to their crown with a hugely impressive 1-0 win at Chelsea last weekend.ADVERTISING

But it is Liverpool who boast the only unbeaten record after six games and find themselves a point clear of City, Chelsea and United, even though they dropped two points at Brentford last week.

City ended their long wait for a win away to Liverpool in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 victory in February but they have not won in front of a crowd at Anfield since 2003.

Fatigue could take its toll on Guardiola’s men after a draining week. Three days after their statement win at Stamford Bridge, the English champions were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital.

Liverpool, by contrast, were able to ease off the gas long before the end of a 5-1 Champions League win over Porto.

However, the Reds will be without right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad announced Thursday with a groin problem.

“Obviously when you have something with your muscle, it’s not likely for Sunday,” said Klopp. “No muscle injury heals that quick.”

– Everton threat to United –

United needed all 95 minutes to edge past Villarreal in their midweek Champions League game, emerging as victors thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The late intervention from the Portuguese superstar stopped the rot for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men after a run of three defeats in four games.

But in truth United were lacklustre again, relying on goalkeeper David de Gea, who produced a string of vital saves.

Everton head to Old Trafford level on points with Solskjaer’s men after an impressive start to life under Rafael Benitez.

The Toffees are more than capable of following the example set by West Ham and Aston Villa, who have both won at the Theatre of Dreams in recent weeks, unless United show significant improvement.

Chelsea made a brilliant start to the season under Thomas Tuchel, picking up where they left off after beating Manchester City in the Champions League final in May.

City exacted a measure of revenge at Stamford Bridge last week and Chelsea slipped up again in the Champions League in midweek, losing 1-0 to Juventus.

But Tuchel’s men appear to have a relatively straightforward task as they seek to return to winning ways against winless Southampton at home.

– Nuno needs response from Spurs –

Just three weeks after topping the Premier League table, Nuno Espirito Santo’s position as Tottenham manager has been questioned by fans following three dismal league defeats on the spin.

Spurs have lost to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Arsenal by a combined score of 9-1 to fall back into the bottom half of the table.

Nuno is yet to conjure the best from star forward Harry Kane, who failed to force a move away from his boyhood club during the transfer window.

And he has so far failed to instill the defensive organisation that was his calling card in three seasons at Wolves.

Another defeat when in-form Villa visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday would leave the Spurs faithful restless over the international break.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Saturday

Manchester United v Everton (1130), Burnley v Norwich, Chelsea v Southampton, Leeds v Watford, Wolves v Newcastle, (all 1400), Brighton v Arsenal (1630)

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Leicester, Tottenham v Aston Villa, West Ham v Brentford (all 1300), Liverpool v Manchester City (1530)

Source: AFP

Wayne Rooney has vowed to stay with troubled Derby County after the Championship club were hit with a 12-point penalty for going into administration.

Derby boss Rooney faces a gruelling battle to keep his team in the English second tier following the points deduction that left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

The former Manchester United and England star admitted he “doubts” he would have taken charge of the Rams last season if he had known the extent of their financial problems.

But Rooney, in his first managerial role after a glittering playing career, is adamant he will stick with Derby now they are in dire straits.

“I will fight for the club. I wouldn’t leave the staff in the lurch. They need someone to lead them,” he said on Thursday.

Derby, twice English champions, announced on Wednesday they had appointed three managing directors of business advisory firm Quantuma as joint administrators.

Rooney said on Saturday he had only found out about the club’s plan to go into administration from watching television news.

Criticising owner Mel Morris for the way he has handled the situation, Rooney said: “In my opinion, it wasn’t sincere enough, it wasn’t heartfelt enough, and it wasn’t done with enough honesty.

“I personally haven’t spoken to Mel Morris since August 9. I still haven’t had a one-on-one conversation, no phone call, no text message. Nothing.

“I find it a bit disrespectful, to be honest. Communication is so important, whether it’s good news or bad news, so we can deal with it.”

Rooney first took the Derby job on a temporary basis following Phillip Cocu’s exit in November 2020 and was hired as permanent manager two months later.

The 35-year-old saved Derby from relegation to League One on the final day of last season.

The Midlands club, who last played in the Premier League in 2008, have won two of their eight league games this season after being subject to a transfer embargo.

Morris said the club had missed out on £20 million ($27 million) in lost revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the administrators confirmed Derby’s debts run into “the tens of millions of pounds”.

Derby could be docked further points in relation to breaches of English Football League’s financial rules.

Source: AFP