Screens shows the draw results for the 2015/2016 UEFA Europa League at Monaco's Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Friday. Photograph: Eric Gaillard/Reuters Former European champions Ajax Amsterdam and Celtic, who both suffered the indignity of being knocked of the Champions League qualifiers by underdogs this season, will meet in the Europa Leagueafter being drawn together in the group stage on Friday.Four-times European champions Ajax, beaten by Rapid Vienna in the premier competition, and Celtic, who were ousted by Malmo, were placed in Group A alongside Turkey's Fenerbahce and Norwegian side Molde. Anderlecht will meet Tottenham Hotspur in a repeat of the 1984 final after they were drawn in Group J alongsideMonaco and Qarabag. The English Premier League side won the UEFA Cup 31 years ago on penalties after both legs against Anderlecht ended 1-1. Napoli were draw with Club Bruges, Legia Warsaw and Midtjylland in Group D while Borussia … [Read more...] about Former European champions Ajax, Celtic meet in Europa League
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A desperately-needed result for the West Indies
After winning its second World T20 within four years in 2016, the West Indies’ slide has been spectacular. Almost as spectacular as some of the strokes its fearless batsmen have been producing around the world in franchise cricket.Getting sandwiched between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, for the 10th place in the ICC rankings, isn’t something the men in maroon may have anticipated when Carlos Brathwaite smashed those four astonishing sixes to win the 2016 World T20 final against England at the Eden Gardens.Since then, they have played 15 bilateral series and lost nine of them, including the last to Afghanistan at Lucknow last month. They were very much expected to lose the 16th one as well. But, after being outplayed in the first of three-match series against India, they have bounced back.One shouldn’t read too much into Sunday night’s eight-wicket victory against India at the Greenfield Stadium here. But for the West Indies, it was a desperately-needed result, with … [Read more...] about A desperately-needed result for the West Indies
Lionel Messi out of Champions League fixture against Inter Milan
Barcelona star Lionel Messi will not make the trip to the San Siro for Tuesday’s final Champions League group game, but Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte still expects a tough test as his side bids to reach the last 16. Barcelona are already through to the knockout rounds after six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi scored in a convincing 3-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund last time out. The Argentine has been left out of the 20-man squad along with midfielder Sergi Roberto. Coach Ernesto Valverde’s side will also be without injured the Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba, Nelson Semedo and Gerard Pique.The Spaniards are assured of finishing top of Group F as they have 11 points from five games. Inter are second, level on seven points with Borussia Dortmund who host Slavia Prague, but the Italians will qualify if the two clubs finish on the same number of points due to their superior head-to-head goal difference.“We’re talking about Barcelona, one of the strongest teams … [Read more...] about Lionel Messi out of Champions League fixture against Inter Milan
Woeful nine-man Roma miss out on Champions League group stage spot
IMAGE: Edin Dzeko with his teammates of AS Roma protest to the the referee Szymon Marciniak during the UEFA Champions League qualifying playoff round second leg match against FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Tuesday. Photograph: Paolo Bruno/Getty Images AS Roma suffered another European humiliation on Tuesday when they had two players sent off, lost 3-0 at home to Porto and missed out on the Champions League group stage. After drawing 1-1 in Portugal in the first leg of the playoff tie, Roma started as favourites but never recovered after Felipe gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead.They imploded completely when Daniele De Rossi and his replacement Emerson Palmieri were shown straight red cards either side of halftime. Roma became the third successive Serie A team, and the sixth in the last eight seasons, to lose in the playoff round, leaving Italy with only two representatives -- Juventus and Napoli -- in Thursday's group-stage draw. Their initial confidence was shattered when … [Read more...] about Woeful nine-man Roma miss out on Champions League group stage spot
Champions League PIX: Barca drub Roma; Arsenal’s hopes alive
Barca's Suarez and Messi hit doubles in Roma rout IMAGE: Barcelona's Gerard Pique, second left, celebrates with Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar during the UEFA Champions League Group E match against AS Roma at Camp Nou. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images Barcelona’s Luis Suarez hit a brace and set up a double for a spritely Lionel Messi to score in his first start after injury in a rampant 6-1 Champions League victory over AS Roma on Tuesday. The win ensured Barca go through to the last 16 in first place in Group E. They have 13 points from five games, Roma and Bayer Leverkusen both have five and BATE Borisov have four. Barcelona are in the last 16 for the 12th consecutive season following another blistering attacking display that comes hot on the back of their 4-0 destruction of Real Madrid in La Liga last Saturday. Gerard Pique and Adriano also scored for Barcelona with Roma striker Edin Dzeko, who had a penalty saved, netting a consolation goal in stoppage time. Sanchez … [Read more...] about Champions League PIX: Barca drub Roma; Arsenal’s hopes alive