Madrid Will Prove Critics Wrong - Sergio Ramos

The defender warned that the Merengue would bounce back, saying that talk of a crisis at the Bernabeu was premature despite two defeats.

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has no doubt his team will turn their season around after suffering a 3-1 loss to Tottenham in the Champions League.

The La Liga champions suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since January as a Dele Alli brace and Christian Eriksen strike saw Spurs to their win at Wembley on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation goal for Madrid, who are eight points behind rivals and leaders Barcelona in LaLiga after losing 2-1 to Girona on Sunday.

But Ramos insists Zinedine Zidane's side, who are second in Group H, will bounce back.

"We understand that the fans could get disillusioned after recent results, but Real Madrid always fight back and if anyone thinks that we're done for, we'll put them in their place," the Spain defender told reporters.

"From my experience at Real Madrid, when you lose a couple of games, people begin to talk about a crisis. You have to stay calm and be united.

"We're alive in our favourite competition, the Champions League. We must stay calm, remain united and convinced that the Real Madrid we know will be back very soon."

Pressure is growing on Madrid after recent games and their chances of getting a result against Spurs were over when Eriksen made it 3-0 in the 65th minute.

Ramos felt the result was harsh on his team, who host Las Palmas in LaLiga on Sunday.

"The score line is a bit deceptive, not to take anything away from Tottenham," he said.

"They played very well, they're a great side, with a great stadium and fans who really make a difference.

"We've benefitted from Borussia Dortmund's draw [against APOEL] and we're still well in the mix.

"We would have liked the result to be different, and to be fighting to be top of the group. We did certain things quite well but that's overshadowed by the result."

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I Can Understand Why Nemanja Matic Was Sold

The Blues stopper saw his side whitewashed in Rome and now faces another tough task against the Red Devils who line up with a former team-mate.

Thibaut Courtois and Nemanja Matic won two Premier League titles together but they will line up against each other on Sunday and the Chelsea goalkeeper understands why his club sold their midfielder.

Matic joined Manchester United for £40 million this summer and he has been in good form ever since his move to Old Trafford, while Chelsea's midfield has struggled in his absence.

Chelsea's sale of a regular starter from last season to a rival has seen a negative response, particularly as their form has dipped this month, with their most recent defeat coming in a 3-0 away loss to Roma.

Courtois thinks that Chelsea have sold a quality player in Matic but he understands why they chose to let him go.

"I don't know. I think we know he has qualities, he is someone that last year, give us the balance as well," Courtois said at the Stadio Olympico. "He decided to go to another team, we won't live in the past. He decided to leave, he left. Our midfield is very good, we have strong players.

"I don't know if we miss him but obviously, if you see we have two injuries in the midfield then obviously you could say we missed Nemanja. He is a quality player who is doing well at Manchester United. That's not my decision to make [about selling him].

"Those are questions that you need to ask to the people who made that happen. I think that if a player nowadays wants to go to a team, the player has a strong will to join another team, it is hard and you cannot just ignore him and say you can't leave.

"Then you have a disappointed player who maybe won't play at his best. For us, you have given another player to another big teams. These are the choices made in football. He is a quality midfielder but hopefully we can show that we are better on Sunday."

Chelsea have struggled to show the same balance in their side that they showed last season when they won the Premier League and racked up a 13-game winning run in the winter period.

N'Golo Kante's injury has rocked Chelsea and Danny Drinkwater is still being eased back into the squad after a prolonged period of injury. Courtois acknowledges that Chelsea's midfield is part of the problem at the moment and he thinks that Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko are growing tired.

"This season we are conceding more chances than we did last year," Courtois added. "We have to try to get that extra step in, that extra per cent to stop actions, not be 90 per cent. Maybe with a lot of games, sometimes you maybe go a bit less.

"Obviously it is different to last season. Injuries have been coming and not at a good time. We know how important N'Golo is for us, he is the guy that brings a lot of balance into the team. But we can't push him to play if he doesn't feel ready.

"Danny (Drinkwater) was also out for a long time as well. It means Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas have played a lot of games in midfield and obviously that goes into their legs and it is harder for them to keep up the pressure, especially against the midfield three like Roma had last night".

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Gremio Through To The Final Despite Loss

Gremio’s long awaited time to reach a fifth Copa Libertadores final is over despite a 1-0 home loss against Ecuador’s Barcelona in the semi-final second-leg on Wednesday.

A powerful strike from Jonathan Alvez just after the half-hour mark gave Barcelona the win in Porto Alegre, but Gremio held their nerve during the second half to prevail 3-1 on aggregate

The result brings to close an epic Copa Libertadores campaign from the Guayaquil-based side who knocked over a number of big-names in their run to the semi-final.

The Brazilian side will now meet Argentina’s Lanus in the final, with a spot at next month’s FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 on the line.

Gremio have won previously won the Copa Libertadores in 1983 and 1995.

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Am Not Surprised Of Our Performance

Two-goal hero Dele Alli said he is not surprised by the quality of Tottenham's performance in their upset win against Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Tottenham were a class above Spanish giants Madrid as they ran out comfortable 3-1 victors at Wembley in Group H action on Wednesday.

Spurs star Alli scored in either half, while Christian Eriksen was also on target to seal Tottenham's passage through to the last 16.

"To be honest, no," Alli told  BT Sport  when asked if he was surprised by Tottenham's performance following their 1-1 draw in last month's reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"We spoke after the game at their place and said we couldn't believe how much space we had at times and that the easy pass looked too obvious at times and we were too sloppy.

"I think we knew that if we were solid at the back we'd get the chances and with the team we've got here we don't just want to be competing with these teams, we want to be winning.

"It was a fantastic performance from us. We stuck to the game plan and made a lot of chances - it could have been more but we're very happy with the result."

After Alli doubled Tottenham's lead approaching the hour-mark, having opened the scoring in the 27th minute, Spurs team-mate Eriksen settled the contest with 25 minutes remaining in London.

Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo reduced the deficit 10 minutes from the end but it was merely a consolation.

"We played a very professional game. We could have had more if we'd had a bit more composure in the final third," Eriksen said.

"This will take us on to the next stage. We need to keep it going. We're just happy to be through and we can focus on the league now."

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I'm Not Disturbed' - Zidane Refutes Real Madrid 'Problems' After Defeat at White Heart Lane

Zinedine Zidane insists Real Madrid do not have any problem following their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Tottenham.

The current champions were ruthlessly despatched at Wembley on Wednesday, with Dele Alli scoring twice and Christian Eriksen adding a third before Cristiano Ronaldo netted a consolation.

The defeat came just three days after a shock 2-1 loss to Girona left the La Liga champions eight points behind Barcelona domestically.

It was also their worst group-stage loss since a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in November 2008 and their first at this stage of the competition since a 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in 2012.

Madrid's form has left Zidane facing the first serious questions about his capabilities since taking charge in January 2016, but he is adamant there is no reason to panic.

"We're not in crisis," he told a news conference. "I'm not worried and I won't be for the rest of the year, whatever happens.

"Losing two games in a row can't be good for us but we have three or four days to rest and then football continues. The analysis I can give today is that we lost to the better team.

"The dressing room can't be happy or be in high spirits. This is a bad moment but we have to accept it. We must keep our heads up.

"We didn't play a bad game, we had some chances and, as has been happening with us lately, we didn't find the goal.

"We're missing that calm that we've always had in front of goal. Sometimes you have two chances, you score two goals, but not today - we had chances and we didn't take them.

"We lost but it's a long season. We congratulate the opposition and now we have to reflect. We're all very disappointed.

"Maybe we're not at our usual level. These things happen in football. It's upside-down at the moment."

Spurs' win sealed their place in the knockout rounds and put them three points clear of Madrid at the top of Group H.

Zidane's side were given a boost by APOEL holding Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw, though, with that result ensuring they need only two more points from their final two group games to go through to the last 16.

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Lloyd Wallace Back In Training For The 2018 Winter Olympics

British aerial skier Lloyd Wallace doesn't remember what happened on 17 August 2017.

He doesn't know what he had for dinner the night before, and also doesn't remember anything about the few days that followed.

But the 2018 Winter Olympic hopeful knows he had a lucky escape.

The 22-year-old was undertaking a routine training day in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, when everything went a little blurry.

"I was halfway through my session and I was coming down the ramp. As I was coming into the transition, I caught an edge," he told BBC Sport.

"I was completely off balance, and because I wasn't prepared I buckled into the jump and hit my head. I was knocked out immediately and fell into the water."

Aerial skiers land in water instead of snow during summer training, and Wallace had to be hauled unconscious from the pool by Ukraine and Russian team doctors who happened to be nearby.

"They dived in immediately after they saw what happened. The paramedics were called and I was airlifted to Zurich hospital and put into an induced coma for 24 hours," he added.

"I don't remember waking up for a couple of days after that."
Remarkably, Wallace suffered no other injuries save for serious concussion and was released from hospital soon after the accident.

After a period of rest and rehabilitation at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, he was back training within two months.

"I was lucky I got over it so quickly. I've got friends who have had smaller head knocks in rugby and have been out for longer," said the world junior bronze medalist.

"Not remembering it meant I wasn't petrified when I got back into it.

"There were butterflies in my stomach when I stood at the top of the jump. But as soon as I did my first flip and got to the bottom, I got a big cheer because everyone knew it was a huge step for me.

"It was a moment of euphoria, realising I could do it and I was fine. It felt great."

Wallace's focus has now returned to qualifying for his first Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, which start in 100 days.

The Briton, who trains full-time with the Swiss team, is aiming to become the first male aerial skier since Richard Cobbing in 1998 to compete for Team GB at a Games.

He has used a crowd-funding site to help his bid to reach the Winter Olympics.

Wallace needs enough points from six World Cup events to finish inside the world's top 25 and earn a place in the field in South Korea.

"As an athlete, when you hear about the Winter Olympics you get that little tingle. I think that tingle has been exaggerated since I've come back from my injury," he said.

"Representing GB and wearing the flag would be an honour. There were a few days when I was scared I wasn't going to be able to make the Games.

"Coming back into it and realising I can still fulfil the aim I've been working on for the last six years is going to be huge."

CREDIT : BBC SPORTS

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Lewis Hamilton Targets World Best By 2020

Lewis Hamilton is now one of the best drivers of all time.

The 32-year-old has won his fourth world title, eclipsing Sir Jackie Stewart's record to become Britain's most successful Formula 1 driver ever.

Hamilton has his idol Ayrton Senna's speed - but Michael Schumacher continues to dominate the statistics.

The German has more titles (seven) and more wins (91) than Hamilton, but how long before the Briton catches up?

If Hamilton wants to leave the sport with the most world titles of all time, he's going to have to stick around for at least another four seasons.

He is currently three behind Schumacher's all-time record but time is very much on his side. Schumacher was the same age - 32- as Hamilton when he won his fourth title and went on to win it again in the next three seasons.

Hamilton's former team-mate, Jenson Button, believes his compatriot will at the very least equal Schumacher's record.

"When you look at the facts and the stats, he's out-qualified Michael but in terms of world championships he's got a little way to go," Button told BBC Sport.

"Michael is still the greatest when you look at the outright results but if Lewis stays in the sport and if Mercedes stay as competitive, you could see him getting close to winning seven world championships - but only time will tell."

Hamilton is a driver who you get the sense won't be fully satisfied until his name is at the top of all notable record charts in Formula 1.

Schumacher's seven world titles will be his main ambition but he will also be keen to take the German's record of most wins.

Schumacher is currently way out in front on 91 but Hamilton is creeping closer...

CULLED FROM BBC SPORTS

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Wasteful Athletico In Elimination "Dig"

Atletico Madrid were left staring an embarrassing early Champions League exit in the face after being held  to a draw at home by 10-man Azerbaijani champions Qarabag on Tuesday.

The 2014 and 2016 finalists now need to beat Roma and Chelsea in their last two Group C games and hope other results go in their favour after a paltry return of three points from their opening four games.

Once again Diego Simeone's men were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal after Michel headed the visitors into the lead five minutes before half-time.

Thomas Partey's stunning drive from outside the box levelled 11 minutes into the second period and Qarabag had to survive for half an hour a man down after Pedro Henrique saw red.

But Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Nicolas Gaitan fluffed their lines with big chances to leave Atletico on the edge of the European abyss.

Atletico have now won just once in their last eight games as their debut season at the Wanda Metropolitano is descending into a disaster.

The hosts had started on the front foot as Antoine Griezmann's right-footed volley from the edge of the area forced Ibrahim Sehic into a smart save.

However, despite the vast disparity in budgets between the sides, it was the visitors who looked the more composed side in possession as the first half wore on, drawing whistles from the frustrated home crowd.

Henrique was first to threaten as he ghosted past the out of sorts Godin, but his cross was cut out by Stefan Savic with two teammates waiting to apply the finishing touch at the back post.

Atletico's major problem in recent months has been finding the net and their lack of cutting edge was demonstrated as Sehic raced from his goal to smother Kevin Gameiro's shot from a narrow angle and Godén powered a header over.

Simeone's side concede another header

Simeone was infuriated when Jakub Rzezniczak was only shown a yellow card for hauling down Gameiro on the edge of the box 10 minutes before half-time.

And the Argentine had even more to more to be concerned about five minutes later when Michel met Donald Guerrier's corner flush to send a header into the top corner despite Jan Oblak's best efforts.

Of the 10 goals Atlético have conceded this season, seven have now come from headers as a former strength of Simeone's teams has quickly become an alarming weakness.

Buoyed by a half-time dressing down from Simeone, Atlético again started the second period at a higher tempo and Gameiro somehow fired wide after Sehic had parried Angel Correa's initial effort straight back into the heart of the area.

Moments later Atlético could have found themselves 2-0 behind but for a brilliant goal line clearance from Savic.

That proved to be a turning point as Partey swept Griezmann's layoff into the top corner on 56 minutes.

Qarabag have man sent off

Qarabag were then reduced to 10 men just before the hour mark when Henrique was shown a straight red for a dangerous high challenge on Godin.

The Uruguayan defender's eventful 90 minutes continued as he then saw a powerful header cleared off the line.

Luis had the best chance to leave the 10 men without a reward when he stabbed wide when clean through.

The Brazilian full-back sent another long-range effort off target and Godin saw another late header saved by Sehic.

And Sehic saved Qarabag again in the dying seconds with a brilliant block from Gaitan, while Atletico were also reduced to 10 men when Savic was shown a second yellow.

Atlético missed the creative impact of the injured Koke and Yannick Carrasco as a third straight home draw leaves their European dreams hanging by a thread.

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No Excuse If We Can't Stop Manchester United - Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois thinks that Chelsea need to win at Stamford Bridge against Manchester United on Sunday to give them a chance of retaining their Premier League title.

Chelsea sit in fourth place after 10 games with a nine-point gap between them and Manchester City, who sit at the top of the table. Ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is now leading Man United and his side are four points above the champions ahead of Sunday's clash in west London.

Courtois conceded three goals as Roma comfortably beat the Blues in the Champions League on Tuesday and the Belgium international is hoping to see his side return to winning ways to stay in contention for the title.

"If we want to remain near the top of the Premier League then it is a must win game for us," Courtois said at the Stadio Olympico. "I think City is at nine points [ahead of us], United is at four. Tottenham is just one in front but this game is a must win if you want to remain near the top and near the other teams.

"We will try to get three points and give our lives for it on Sunday.

Chelsea won the title last term without having to play any European football after a rough 2015-16 campaign. Courtois was asked if the Blues were having trouble coping with the Champions League and the Premier League this season.

"I don’t think so," the goalkeeper replied. "We try to do our best and we want to be in the Champions League. A few years ago, we won the league while playing in the Champions League.

"Obviously it is a change so it is harder. We are tired quicker than last year but I don’t think it affects us. I think we just need to keep training well and be ready for Sunday. I think after the Palace game and I think Roma after, we showed some good character against Watford and Bournemouth.

"We could have won 4-0 vs Bournemouth so I think we will have to meet tomorrow, see the images and see what we could have done better and then give 150 per cent of ourselves on Sunday."

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Barcelona In Race To Sign Arsenal Target

The Daily Telegraph report that Barca are showing interest in the France international as they face having to reshape their midfield next summer.

They are looking for a long term replacement for Andres Iniesta, and with their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho continuing to be frustrated by Liverpool, are now considering Lemar instead.

Arsenal almost signed Lemar on transfer deadline day in the summer for a club record £90million, and although the deal fell through the Gunners remain keen.

There is a complication, however, in that Arsenal were only able to bid £90m after accepting a bid for Alexis Sanchez, which also fell through.

Sanchez is set to leave on a free next summer, along with Mesut Ozil, with both showing little inclination to extend contracts that expire in 2018. The situation leaves the Gunners short of funds.

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Mathew Debuchy Having A Surprise Return To The First Team

Debuchy was a surprise presence in the Gunners squad that travelled to Belgrade for a Europa League tie last summer having been ostracised by Wenger at the end of last year.

Wenger had said before the opening of the January 2017 transfer window that the 32-year-old was free to leave, accusing Debuchy of lying about a failed move to Manchester United.

Summer transfers to Brighton and Nice fell apart but it seemed Debuchy was unlikely to feature again until both Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers were ruled out through injury, after which Wenger gave the former France international starts against Red Star Belgrade and Norwich in the EFL Cup.

Barring a late error in the latter game that should have seen Norwich awarded a penalty, Debuchy has performed credibly, doing enough to earn Wenger’s trust again.

“We are all very pleased for him here because he has gone through some very difficult moments with setbacks,” Wenger said. “The fact that he got through 120 minutes the other night is a huge boost for him. He needs to recover now but from now on, he’ll be a candidate to fight for the team places again.

“Mathieu is absolutely strong and determined as well. He’s a quiet character but a very strong one. I must say he’s 100 per cent a professional player. Everybody in the medical department just says he’s exceptional.

“Maybe his future is as a centre-back. He has the attributes because, despite his size, he’s very good in the air. You think he couldn’t play centre back because he’s not tall, but if you look at the number of balls he wins in the air, it’s impressive.”

Debuchy will hope to play again the Europa League when Red Star Belgrade visit the Emirates on Thursday, though Chambers is in line to feature having overcome a hip injury.

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum McGregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata. It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in Group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvented under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows you how well we played.

‘The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are world class and you can see that at times.

‘We are disappointed with the goals, you get punished at this level, but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net.

‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header.

‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’

Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘People maybe wonder why he played in front of others, but he is a player who looks after the ball. We still have a bit of work to do on that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. But Callum was exceptional.

‘The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it. It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.

‘Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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France Extends Didier Deschamps Contracts Till 2020

Didier Deschamps has agreed to a contract extension which will keep him in charge of the France national team until 2020.

The World Cup winner is set to take his tenure at the Les Bleus to eight years after agreeing to stay on over next summer's world cup in Russia.

FFF president Noel Le Graet made the announcement on Tuesday, saying Deschamps will stay in charge until the end of the 2020 European Championship.

Deschamps took over from Laurent Blanc after the 2012 European Championship.

He guided Les Bleus to the quarterfinals of the World Cup two years later, when France lost in the quarterfinals to champion Germany.

France reached the Euro 2016 final — losing to Portugal 1-0 — and qualified for the World Cup next year in Russia as Group A winner.

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The Blues Set To Renew Cesc Fabregas Contract Amidst Interests From Old Trafford

It is high time Chelsea brace up to renew Cesc Fabregas contract should they still want him at Stamford bridge. There is a strong interest from Manchester United on Cesc Fabregas, who has 18 months left at Stamford bridge. The London side want him to sign an extension to the current contract, but the length of the proposed new deal has yet to be agreed.

According to The Times, Chelsea have a habit of handing players aged over 30 an one-year extension deal but Fabregas wants to sign for a further two years.

This summer's transfer market saw Nemanja Matic moved from Stamford Bridge to the Old Trafford. As much as Antonio's t Conte's disliking of the lack of actions from Chelsea to keep Matic, the deal still went through without any real obstacle.

Surely, Chelsea and Conte would not want any similiar situation to happen in the future. Apart from Fabregas, Chelsea's other priority is to extend Eden Hazard's contract, says The Times.

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