Bayern Munich managed a narrow 1-0 win over Premier League champions Manchester City in the opening Champions League group stage match on Wednesday. Arjen Robben, who was a major doubt for the match, only made it into the substitutes bench due to recent injuries. However, he came on with less than 25 minutes on the clock and made a big difference. His presence on the pitch provided space for other players to create chances and this in turn led to the goal from Jerome Boateng with only minutes left on the clock. The good start to the group stages was important for Bayern since they are in a difficult group.
Bayern have been poor form in the Champions League of late, but this victory brings them crucial three points. It could have been very different had they drawn yet another match. After the 4-0 thumping of the hands of Real Madrid last season, Robben says that it will be awhile before the Allianz Arena is a fortress once again. He reckons that the club can do much better in terms of form going forward. The Bundesliga champions have made an indifferent start to the league campaign by dropping points against opponents like Schalke when they are expected to dominate comfortably.
“We didn’t play as well as we can and we still need to find our rhythm, but we’re on the right track. We’re working on certain things and the only way is up. We got the three points and that was the most important thing. Sometimes chances go in, sometimes they don’t. Not everyone who gets a chance is going to score. But there were plenty of positives, we created a lot of good opportunities. Fitness-wise I’m doing well. I started the season really well against Wolfsburg,” said Robben after the match.
New Dutch manager Guus Hiddink has said that he has not taken a decision on the captaincy of the national team. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager was appointed as the replacement for Louis van Gaal, who decided to opt for the Manchester United job after two years in charge of the national team. Hiddink is no stranger to the national team after having been in charge of the Dutch from 1994 to 1998. He has also been in charge of several international teams across the world. As a club manager, Hiddink has enjoyed undisputed success by winning trophies like the English FA Cup and the Champions League with clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively.
Much has been speculated about the team Hiddink will select for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches. After finishing third in the World Cup 2014, Netherlands will be expected as one of the favourites for the Euro 2016. However, a number of crucial players are approaching the end of their international careers. This list includes the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. Both players were key towards Netherlands reaching the third place in Brazil, but they are above 30. Hiddink is expected to name his new captain with this in mind, but he says that no decision has been taken yet.
“It’s too early to talk about technical decisions. Robben and Van Persie were very important so I think that they will remain captains. I can’t say in what order yet,” said the 67-year-old. This is widely expected to be Hiddink last role as a manager. He has previously hinted at retiring after having been a manager since 1987. In order to assist him in his role, Hiddink has brought in former Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is one of the celebrated players in the nation’s history.
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has claimed that the club will give everything they can in order to win the league title this season. The la Liga title will go to the wire after Atletico Madrid failed to grasp the opportunity during the weekend. Barcelona could only manage a 0-0 draw with Elche on Sunday. This gave the impetus to Atletico Madrid to go and win the title when they took on Malaga at home. However, Diego Simeone’s team, who have been suffering from a run of form in the last few matches, failed to win after they could only draw 1-1.
Star striker Diego Costa was missing from the team and this proved by the main undoing for Atletico. They will now be hoping to not suffer the embarrassment of throwing away the league title on the final day of the season. They will be travelling to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona. They will be able to win the title if they avoid defeat whereas Barcelona need to win in order to retain the title. Ahead of this crucial match, Iniesta, who has been out of several great nights at the stadium, says that the club will be giving their 110% in order to win the match.
“For us this is our final. All the year is going to be decided in 90 minutes. The chance to win a Liga in the last game, in front of our fans, would be more celebrated than ever. This group of players have never experienced something like this. Even after all we achieved in recent years it would be great. For the importance it has, Saturday’s match is different, we hope we can beat them for first time. In games so balanced, the small details make the difference,” Iniesta said ahead of the match.
Uncategorized | Liam | 
September 29, 2014 7:36 pm | 
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