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  • Legendary Unbeaten Streaks Of Football: Teams That Stood The Test Of Time | football news

    Football is a game of passion, strategy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the years, several teams have etched their names in history by maintaining incredible unbeaten streaks, showcasing their dominance on the field. Here, we delve into the most impressive unbeaten runs in football history, highlighting the achievements of Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Rangers, Juventus, and AC Milan.

    Bayer Leverkusen – The Unstoppable Force: 51 Games Unbeaten

    Bayer Leverkusen’s legendary 51-game unbeaten streak is a testament to their resilience and tactical brilliance. This remarkable run spanned from the 2009–2010 to the 2010–2011 Bundesliga seasons. Under the astute management of Jupp Heynckes, Leverkusen exhibited a perfect blend of solid defense and potent attack, making them nearly invincible.

    During this period, key players like Stefan Kießling, Arturo Vidal, and Michael Ballack were instrumental in Leverkusen’s success. Kießling, the prolific striker, led the attack with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, netting crucial goals that often turned the tide in Leverkusen’s favour. Vidal, with his relentless energy and versatility, dominated the midfield, while Ballack’s experience and leadership added a layer of strategic depth to the team.

    The unbeaten run saw Leverkusen secure crucial victories against formidable opponents, often turning potential losses into draws or wins through sheer determination and tactical acumen. Their defense, marshaled by the likes of Sami Hyypiä and Manuel Friedrich, was nearly impenetrable, conceding very few goals throughout the streak. This period remains a golden chapter in the club’s history, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level consistently.

    Benfica – The Portuguese Powerhouse: 48 Games Unbeaten

    Benfica’s 48-game unbeaten streak is a remarkable achievement in Portuguese football history. This incredible run took place during the 1977–1978 and 1978–1979 Primeira Liga seasons, under the guidance of legendary manager John Mortimore. Benfica’s dominance during this period was characterized by their fluid attacking play and rock-solid defense.

    The team was spearheaded by iconic players such as Nene, a prolific forward known for his clinical finishing, and Toni, a midfield maestro who orchestrated play with his vision and passing accuracy. Defensively, Humberto Coelho stood out as a commanding presence, ensuring that Benfica’s backline remained formidable against all comers.

    Benfica’s unbeaten streak was a showcase of their tactical flexibility and mental strength. They demonstrated an ability to adapt to various playing styles, often outclassing their opponents with quick transitions and effective pressing. The Estádio da Luz became a fortress, with the team drawing immense support from their passionate fan base. This period solidified Benfica’s status as a powerhouse in Portuguese football, with their unbeaten run becoming a benchmark for future generations.

    Rangers – The Scottish Giants: 44 Games Unbeaten

    Rangers’ 44-game unbeaten streak is one of the most celebrated achievements in Scottish football. This impressive run occurred during the 1992–1993 and 1993–1994 Scottish Premier Division seasons, under the management of Walter Smith. Rangers’ dominance during this period was characterized by their tactical discipline, robust defense, and clinical finishing.

    Key players like Ally McCoist, Brian Laudrup, and Richard Gough played pivotal roles in this unbeaten run. McCoist, the prolific striker, was the team’s talisman, consistently finding the back of the net and leading the line with his sharp instincts and finishing ability. Laudrup, with his flair and creativity, was a constant threat on the wings, while Gough’s leadership in defense ensured that Rangers remained solid at the back.

    Rangers’ unbeaten streak saw them secure crucial victories and hard-fought draws, often coming from behind to snatch points in dramatic fashion. The team’s resilience and fighting spirit were evident in their ability to grind out results even in challenging circumstances. This period remains a defining chapter in Rangers’ illustrious history, symbolizing their tenacity and unwavering commitment to success.

    Juventus – The Italian Juggernauts: 43 Games Unbeaten

    Juventus’ 43-game unbeaten streak is a testament to their dominance in Italian football. This remarkable run spanned the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 Serie A seasons, under the management of Antonio Conte. Juventus’ success during this period was built on a foundation of solid defense, tactical astuteness, and clinical finishing.

    Key players like Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, and Alessandro Del Piero were instrumental in Juventus’ unbeaten run. Buffon, the legendary goalkeeper, provided a reliable last line of defence, often making crucial saves to keep the opposition at bay. Pirlo, with his vision and passing accuracy, orchestrated play from the midfield, while Del Piero’s experience and goal-scoring prowess added a layer of attacking threat.

    Juventus’ unbeaten streak was characterized by their ability to control games with their disciplined defensive structure and quick transitions. They often outclassed their opponents with their tactical flexibility and mental strength, securing crucial victories and hard-fought draws. This period remains a golden chapter in Juventus’ history, symbolizing their dominance and consistency in Italian football.

    AC Milan – The Rossoneri Revolution: 42 Games Unbeaten

    AC Milan’s 42-game unbeaten streak is a legendary achievement in Italian football history. This remarkable run took place during the 1991–1992 and 1992–1993 Serie A seasons, under the guidance of Fabio Capello. AC Milan’s dominance during this period was characterized by their solid defense, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing.

    Key players like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Marco van Basten were instrumental in AC Milan’s unbeaten run. Baresi, the legendary defender, provided leadership and stability at the back, while Maldini’s versatility and defensive prowess added a layer of reliability. Van Basten, with his clinical finishing and aerial ability, was a constant threat in the attacking third.

    AC Milan’s unbeaten streak was characterized by their ability to control games with their disciplined defensive structure and quick transitions. They often outclassed their opponents with their tactical flexibility and mental strength, securing crucial victories and hard-fought draws. This period remains a golden chapter in AC Milan’s history, symbolizing their dominance and consistency in Italian football.

    Conclusion

    The unbeaten streaks of Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Rangers, Juventus, and AC Milan are a testament to their dominance and consistency in football. These remarkable runs showcase their tactical flexibility, mental strength, and ability to compete at the highest level. As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the relentless pursuit of excellence and the passion that drives football forward.

  • Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka joins Leverkusen from Arsenal

    Bayer Leverkusen have signed Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Arsenal on a five-year deal, the Bundesliga membership mentioned on Thursday.

    Financial particulars weren’t disclosed however British media reported the German membership paid 25 million euros ($27.19 million)for the 30-year previous.

    Xhaka joins Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen after spending seven seasons with Arsenal through which he made 297 appearances, with 23 objectives and 29 assists, and helped the membership win two FA Cups.

    Xhaka, Announced. ✅📝⁰⁰Granit #Xhaka indicators from @Arsenal on a deal till 2028 on the #BayArena ! ⁰⁰All the infos on our new signing are right here → https://t.co/XFXbV85ozD#GrueziGranit #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/bn3993umjw

    — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) July 6, 2023

    Xhaka will return to the German league having had a four-year spell with Borussia Moenchengladbach earlier than becoming a member of Arsenal in 2016.

    “I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets,” mentioned Xhaka.

    “Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I’m very much looking forward to the next few years.”

  • Bayer Leverkusen says giving World Cup to Qatar was ‘scandalous’

    Bayer Leverkusen grew to become the newest Bundesliga membership to criticize the World Cup in Qatar by describing the choice to award the event to the nation as “scandalous” on Tuesday.

    “The World Cup should never have been awarded to Qatar,” Leverkusen mentioned in a press release. “It was the least suitable of all applications for hosting a World Cup according to FIFA’s own audit reports. Out of eight new World Cup stadiums, seven were new-build projects. Football culture does not exist in Qatar. From our perspective, that is a knockout criterion for a potential World Cup host.”

    Leverkusen’s assertion additionally referred to extensively reported problems with homophobia, the dearth of freedom of expression and denial of ladies’s rights plus the “unacceptable working conditions” endured by migrant staff in Qatar whereas serving to the nation get able to host the 32-team event.

    “Questions ignored in the award of this tournament 12 years ago on the human rights situation, on equality and the freedom of expression in the host country will justifiably accompany this World Cup,” Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro mentioned. Carro, who can be a board member of the European Club Association, will go to Qatar in December for a board assembly to debate points raised. “We now need to work toward making the award criteria for a World Cup significantly more transparent in the future. I will campaign for that,” Carro mentioned.

    The membership mentioned it would report on its gamers and their achievements on the World Cup. “We believe the players cannot be made responsible for the award of the competition to Qatar 12 years ago. Accordingly, they have our respect, our support,” Leverkusen mentioned.

    League rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hoffenheim beforehand criticized the event. Gladbach mentioned it would solely give it minimal protection of its personal gamers, whereas Hoffenheim mentioned it would skip protection in protest in opposition to the “human rights violations and discrimination against homosexuals in the autocratic Gulf state.” Fans held widespread protests in opposition to the event throughout German stadiums within the weeks main up the Bundesliga’s winter break.

  • Bayer Leverkusen reaches Champions League, Union stuns Freiburg

    Patrik Schick scored twice to shoot Bayer Leverkusen into the Champions League with a 4-2 win at Hoffenheim within the Bundesliga on Saturday.

    Union Berlin surprised Freiburg 4-1 to dampen its Champions League hopes. Union secured no less than a spot within the Europa Conference League for the second season in a row after already attaining its greatest Bundesliga season.

    Sixth-placed Union, which was promoted solely in 2019, has a two-point lead over Cologne of their tussle for Europa League qualification. Cologne misplaced at house to Wolfsburg 1-0.

    Also, second-placed Borussia Dortmund defeated already relegated Greuther Fürth 3-1 away in Stefan Leitl’s final sport as Fürth coach. Leitl, who led the staff to promotion final season, is leaving after 3 1/2 years in cost.

    Leverkusen was made to work onerous for its outcome in opposition to Hoffenheim, which hoped to maintain its European qualification possibilities alive.

    Schick scored twice to take his season tally to 24 in 26 league appearances. Leverkusen twice got here from behind to safe third place, regardless of what occurs in its remaining sport in opposition to Freiburg subsequent weekend.

    The high 4 in Germany qualify for the Champions League.

    Freiburg’s defeat at house to Union gave Leipzig the possibility to maneuver to fourth by avoiding defeat at house to Augsburg on Sunday.

    Freiburg, which additionally faces Leipzig within the German Cup remaining on May 21, was rocked by three first-half targets from Union.

    Freiburg coach Christian Streich was booked for his livid response to an obvious infringement although it was unclear what it was.

    Streich’s staff pushed onerous after the break and duly pulled one again. But Union substitute Andras Schäfer sealed the outcome with a fantastic particular person purpose within the final minute.

    Cologne made a livid begin in opposition to Wolfsburg however failed to attain and was caught out earlier than the break when Yannick Gerhardt completed off a staff transfer from the guests.

    Cologne followers stormed the pitch in celebration of a very good season regardless of the loss. Cologne captain Jonas Hector, who was mendacity on the sector in disappointment, rapidly left.

    Hertha Berlin may safe its survival with a win at house over Mainz late.

  • Leipzig wins; Freiburg, Leverkusen drop factors in Bundesliga

    Leipzig overcame a bunch of coronavirus infections to beat 10-man Mainz 4-1, whereas Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen dropped factors after main within the Bundesliga on Saturday.
    Patrik Schick’s seventeenth objective of the season wasn’t sufficient for Leverkusen, which was lucky to emerge with a 2-2 draw in opposition to Union Berlin because the customer twice hit the publish late on.
    Freiburg, which spent the league’s winter break in third place, drew in opposition to relegation-threatened Arminia Bielefeld 2-2 regardless of scoring first via Janik Haberer and Jeong Woo-yeong.

    American ahead Ricardo Pepi made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 defeat at Hoffenheim.

    🎥 @RBLeipzig_EN began off 2022 with a bang, placing FOUR previous 1. FSV Mainz 05 💥 pic.twitter.com/nsps6jlBQK
    — Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) January 8, 2022
    Also, Stuttgart drew at last-placed Greuther Fürth 0-0.
    Borussia Dortmund hoped to chop Bayern Munich’s result in six factors with a win at Eintracht Frankfurt within the late recreation.
    In Leverkusen, Schick rewarded the house group’s early dominance in opposition to Union with the opener within the thirty ninth, slotting the ball in from a slim angle after Andreas Luthe saved Moussa Diaby’s preliminary effort. It was Schick’s ninth in Leverkusen’s final 5 Bundesliga video games.

    𝗙𝗧: 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗸𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝟮-𝟮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻#B04FCU | #fcunion | 2-2 pic.twitter.com/vszVQzamoO
    — 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion_en) January 8, 2022
    However, the guests equalized from their interval of stress earlier than the break. Lukáš Hrádecký pulled off two effective saves in fast succession to disclaim Christoph Trimmel, then Kevin Behrens, however was powerless to cease Grischa Prömel scoring on the third try.
    Union coach Urs Fischer made two adjustments on the break. Prömel scored once more within the forty ninth, and Luthe thrice denied Leverkusen a response.

    Union’s Max Kruse struck the highest nook of the publish within the 78th, then Jonathan Tah lastly equalized within the 84th with a header to Karim Bellarabi’s cross.
    Union got here nearer to a late winner, with Andreas Voglsammer hitting the publish, then lacking one other likelihood in damage time, earlier than Bastian Oczipka struck the publish once more.
    Bayern resumed the league with a 2-1 loss at residence to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday.

  • YoungStars 2021: Wonderkids who took the soccer world by storm

    Every 12 months, there are a whole lot of fresh-faced children who break into the collective psyche of the soccer world with their spellbinding abilities. Very few of them make it into the famous person stratosphere like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe whereas a whole lot of them fall by the wayside and get misplaced in oblivion. Just a few names who’ve been all however erased from the collective consciousness are Alexandre Pato, Mario Balotelli, Ravel Morrisson and Bojan Krkic. And these are simply the tip of the iceberg.
    It’s not simple to have sustained success within the cutthroat world {of professional} soccer however those that do, occupy a spot in sporting lore as a number of the best gamers to ever lace up their boots. Keeping that in thoughts, listed below are a couple of children who we predict will set the soccer world on fireplace within the coming decade or so:
    Eduardo Camavinga (19), Real Madrid: We begin with presumably essentially the most sought out younger participant on the earth proper now after Barcelona’s Pedri. Camavinga is a French footballer who achieved what most individuals simply dream about their complete lives. A transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid. And he acquired that transfer on the tender age of 19. Even the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo needed to wait until he was 24 to understand his Galactico dream. Camavinga has began his life at Real fairly positively, making 12 appearances in La Liga whereas scoring 1 purpose. The solely concern in his recreation is that he will get booked too typically, already choosing up 4 yellow playing cards this season. That is an edge that Real must fastidiously polish to ensure that the diamond to shine via. He has additionally performed 4 Champions League matches, aiding as soon as. In Rennes, he grew to become a revelation after his August 2019 efficiency towards PSG in Ligue 1. Before being snatched up by Real Madrid, he featured 35 instances for Rennes and helped them end sixth within the league. On the again of these scintillating performances, he grew to become the third-youngest participant ever to be capped by France, later changing into the second-youngest goalscorer for Les Bleus. If he can keep targeted and rein in these fouls, the sky is the restrict for this French wonderkid.

     
    Giovanni Reyna (19), Borussia Dortmund: Just a few years in the past, if you talked about US soccer gamers, simply two names popped up in your heads¬—Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. Now, you possibly can’t suppose previous Christain Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna. Pulisic possibly the poster boy of US soccer (soccer, as they time period it) now however this teenager resides the American Dream in Germany. Following within the footsteps of his compatriot, Reyna has made the Borussia Dortmund midfield his personal. Last season, he performed 32 matches for the German powerhouse, scoring 4 instances and aiding on seven events. In the Champions League, he made 8 appearances and assisted as soon as. It takes a hell lot of expertise to shine in a workforce which boasts the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho however Reyna has finished simply that. Since being referred to as up within the Dortmund senior squad he has caught fireplace, changing into the youngest ever participant to attain in DFB Pokal historical past. His foremost USP is that he can play at any place which makes him an automated alternative for any workforce. Many are of the opinion that this younger American could sooner or later even eclipse his compatriot Pulisic. It’s only a matter of time until a giant membership comes sniffing at Dortmund’s door however the German membership ought to try to maintain onto this gem of a participant. He is one for the long run.

     
    Jude Bellingham (18), Borussia Dortmund: If you’ve gotten ever heard English prodigy Jude Bellingham communicate, you’ll suppose that he’s method older than 18. The method he carries himself is paying homage to somebody far more mature than him. And his recreation displays that. He is mature past his years and if he can preserve his nostril clear, we’re trying on the subsequent English famous person lower from the identical fabric as Steven Gerrard. Plucked from Birmingham City, who retired his 22 quantity jersey, by Dortmund, Bellingham has hit the bottom working in Germany, changing into a key determine within the Bundesliga. He can be the third-youngest participant to ever characterize England. Last season, he has performed 29 instances within the Bundesliga and has notched up 1 purpose and three assists. In the Champions League, he performed 10 matches, scoring 1 purpose and aiding as soon as. This 12 months, the numbers are astonishing with 15 Bundesliga appearances with 2 targets and 5 assists, already eclipsing the numbers from final season. In 6 Champions League look, he has scored as soon as and assisted thrice. Even although he talks like a way more mature individual, typically we overlook that he’s simply 18 and a latest remark after Dortmund’s loss to Bayern Munich simply reminds us that Bellingham is simply that. He was fined €40,000 (£33,970) by the German Football Association (DFB) for feedback in regards to the referee Felix Zwayer the place the England worldwide questioned the appointment of Zwayer, who was banned for six months in 2005 after changing into embroiled in a match-fixing scandal, after some controversial selections in his facet’s 3-2 loss. This is only a uncommon event the place the calm nature of Bellingham has given technique to a youthful rashness. He’ll clearly study from this and transfer on as a result of the way forward for England rests on his shoulder.

     
    Florian Wirtz (18), Bayer Leverkusen: Dubbed as the following Kai Havertz in footballing circle, Wirtz had huge sneakers to fill when he first burst onto the scene. Scouted from Cologne, the Leverkusen teenager has made 29 Bundesliga appearances in 2020/21, scoring 5 targets and offering as many assists. He’s additionally gone on to turn out to be the youngest participant to succeed in double figures for targets within the Bundesliga. When Havertz left for Chelsea, Leverkusen had no cause to panic as they already had a readymade participant in his place. Known for his confidence and luxury when in possession, this attacking midfielder has despatched the Bundesliga on fireplace along with his immense expertise. The attacking midfielder can take management of a recreation irrespective of which place he performs, able to taking part in throughout the road behind a striker and even in a deep-lying playmaker position. He has began the 2021-22 season like a home on fireplace as he has already scored 5 targets whereas aiding 8 instances within the Bundesliga in 15 video games. In Europa, he has performed 5 video games and scored 3 instances whereas having the identical variety of assists. Closely linked with Real Madrid, it’s only a matter of time until all of the heavyweights are available in for his signature. Leverkusen may wish to brace themselves as a result of this child might be going locations.

     
    Ryan Gravenberch (19), Ajax: From the brand new Kai Havertz, we dive headfirst into the brand new Paul Pogba, as quoted from Justin Kluivert. Though Sebastian Haller is hogging the limelight along with his insane quantity of Champions League targets this season, this Dutch holding midfielder is quietly going round his enterprise within the background. In 16 Eredivise matches, he has scored one purpose and has registered one help. That could not seem like a lot on paper however the younger prodigy has given a degree of assurance to the depleted Ajax midfield after the departure of Van de Beek and Frenkie de Jong. Last season, he was the center of the Dutch facet’s defensive midfield, making 32 appearances and scoring thrice whereas offering 5 assists. He is an excellent progressive passer of the ball and sometimes seems to interrupt strains along with his passing. The participant who’s a product of the Ajax academy made his debut for the membership on the age of 16 in 2018 and has since gone on to be capped ten instances by the nationwide workforce. Liverpool are the most probably suitors however Manchester United and Barcelona are sniffing round in an try to grab this teen up after his contract is up in 2023.

     
    Jamal Musiala (18), Bayern Munich: Though Jamal Musiala has already made his mark within the footballing world after leaving Chelsea for Bayern Munich, that’s simply the tip of the iceberg. This teenager who excels as a winger, an attacking midfielder, and at the same time as a defensive midfielder, is among the most fun gamers strolling the face of this earth. Though his versatility permits him to play in each place, Musiala excels when he’s deployed as a winger. His coaches appear to know that as he has began practically half of his 15 video games within the 2021/22 marketing campaign in that place. The position shows Musiala’s mastery of the one-on-one. With his pace, he turns into a handful for defenders. The solely drawback that he may face is the quantity of riches Bayern already possess in its wings within the type of Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry. These are all world class gamers and all of them are comparatively younger which makes Musiala’s finest place a little bit of an issue. After Joshua Kimmich was contaminated with Covid although, a brand new avenue opened up for Musiala as he took management of the quantity 6 place in Bayern’s 4-2-3-1 formation. He is flexible and his adaptability is insane however as identified earlier, his finest place is as a winger. Of his 9 Bundesliga profession targets, seven have come as a winger, whereas all 4 top-flight assists have been tallied from out broad with three already this season. If he doesn’t stand up the pecking order in upcoming seasons, it’s not onerous to see him ending up in one of many different European powerhouses.

     
    Nuno Mendes (19), Sporting CP (On mortgage to PSG): Even earlier than becoming a member of Paris Saint Germain on mortgage from Sporting CP, the soccer world had sat up and brought discover of Nuno Mendes. The defender grew to become the youngest participant to begin a recreation for Sporting since Cristiano Ronaldo in June 2020. After Argentinian Marcos Acuna left for Sevilla, Mendes grew to become a daily fixture within the beginning Sporting beginning lineup at simply 18 years of age. He has power, pace, focus and timing to make sure defensive solidity, along with refined approach and a propensity to assault with function. In a nutshell, he’s what the fashionable wingbacks are speculated to be and extra. You don’t actually see a star-studded workforce like PSG line as much as take you on mortgage when you haven’t proven glimpses of greatness. That is a workforce chock filled with superstars like Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. He actually got here into focus towards a 1-1 draw within the Champions League when he got here off the bench and made a darting run to arrange Lionel Messi. That is what you name prompt influence. PSG have an possibility to purchase after the mortgage ends and it’ll be their loss in the event that they don’t take up the choice. This younger left again may have no scarcity of suitors as soon as the switch market opens up in the summertime.

     
    Jeremy Doku (19), Rennes: For some time now, Rennes have been the breeding floor for top of the range proper backs, be it Rafinha or Ismaila Sarr who have been each offered to Leeds and Watford respectively. The third and essentially the most thrilling among the many bunch could also be Belgian Jeremy Doku. Doku got here into the collective consciousness after his spectacular displaying towards Italy of their quarterfinal loss in Euro 2020. Even earlier than that he was a extremely coveted participant who’s tipped to set the Premier League on fireplace if he’s signed by a correct EPL membership. With his mixture of pace, stability and dribbling abilities, Doku might be proper at dwelling on the world’s most well-known league. However, his best power is his dribbling, owing to a mixture of pace, coordination, potential to alter tempo rapidly, and unpredictable footwork. Even if the Premier League has a fame of being a hard-nosed league, along with his tempo Doku will explode to life right here. La Liga and the German Bundesliga are additionally choices however owing to his skillset, EPL appears to be essentially the most appropriate. The solely glitch in his recreation is choice making, with him being in two minds typically on whether or not to shoot or cross. Though, that’s one thing that may be simply fastened as his recreation grows. This is a mercurial expertise who’s destined for good issues down the road.

     
    Special mentions: Ansu Fati, Pedri, Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka

  • Dortmund survives VAR drama, Leverkusen upset in German Cup

    Borussia Dortmund survived late VAR drama to achieve the quarterfinals of the German Cup, whereas Bayer Leverkusen was shocked by fourth-tier workforce Rot-Weiss Essen.
    Dortmund endured a nervy finale earlier than Erling Haaland lastly sealed a 3-2 win in further time over second-division Paderborn on Tuesday.
    The Norwegian thought he’d sealed the victory in regular time when he made it a 3-1 for Dortmund on a counterattack.
    But referee Tobias Stieler was alerted to a attainable foul by Felix Passlack on Paderborn captain Sebastian Schonlau on the different finish. Stieler consulted video replays and awarded the penalty.Highlights:
    Haaland’s aim was duly chalked off and Paderborn ahead Prince Osei Owusu equalized from the spot within the seventh minute of damage time to ship the sport to further time.
    As if in defiance of the decision, Haaland raced clear to attain one other aim in related style to make it 3-2 within the fifth minute of additional time.
    There was one other prolonged delay for the following VAR test to see if the Norwegian had been offside. This time the aim was allowed, although Stieler felt the necessity to personally clarify why to Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart because it had been such a marginal name. It proved to be the profitable aim.

    Emre Can opened the scoring within the ninth minute when Paderborn’s protection didn’t take care of Jadon Sancho’s nook. The ball saved coming again earlier than falling kindly for Can to let fly together with his left boot to attain.
    Haaland despatched Sancho on his method to rating Dortmund’s second within the sixteenth and it appeared like Dortmund would go on to a different stroll after a 5-0 win over Duisburg and 2-0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig within the earlier rounds.
    But Paderborn improved and a mistake from goalkeeper Marwin Hitz allowed Julian Justvan to tug one again with simply over 10 minutes of regular time remaining.
    Owusu’s penalty despatched it to further time and Dortmund completed the match holding on for the ultimate whistle as Justvan fired over with the final kick of the sport.
    LEVERKUSEN KNOCKED OUT
    Rot-Weiss Essen struck twice in further time to knock Leverkusen out with a 2-1 defeat.
    Leverkusen, final yr’s crushed finalist, struck the submit 4 instances whereas lacking a number of possibilities earlier than Leon Bailey lastly broke the impasse within the one hundred and fifth minute. The Jamaican ahead stayed cool and side-footed contained in the far submit.
    However, Essen midfielder Oguzhan Kefkir equalized three minutes later and Simon Engelmann accomplished a outstanding turnaround when he netted the winner within the 117th.
    Leverkusen complained that new signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah was fouled within the buildup, however hopes of a last-minute reprieve had been thwarted when the aim was cleared by the video referee.
    Holstein Kiel, which knocked out defending champion Bayern Munich within the earlier spherical, defeated second-division rival Darmstadt 7-6 in a penalty shootout after their third-round sport ended 1-1 with further time.
    Werder Bremen defeated second-division Greuther Furth 2-0.

  • German soccer federation probes alleged racial slur used on Bayer Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri

    Image Source : AP Nadiem Amiri of Bayer Leverkusen strikes away in the course of the German Bundesliga soccer match in opposition to Union Berlin in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Jan. 15
    The German soccer federation is investigating whether or not Union Berlin participant Florian Hübner used a xenophobic slur in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri when the Bundesliga groups performed Friday.
    The federation mentioned Saturday that there was a “suspicion” that Hübner racially insulted Amiri, whose mother and father are from Afghanistan, on the finish of Union’s 1-0 win.
    “We will take on this initial suspicion and initiate appropriate investigations at the start of the new week,” mentioned Anton Nachreiner, chairman of the federation’s management committee. “For the first step, we will write to everyone involved and ask them to comment. We will also evaluate the available material up to then.”
    Nachreiner mentioned the federation “fundamentally does not tolerate any racism or discrimination.”
    Friday’s recreation ended with Amiri angrily approaching Hübner and pointing his finger within the Union defender’s face after the ultimate whistle. Amiri additionally had heated phrases with different Union gamers. Union coach Urs Fischer tried with out success to console the livid midfielder.
    Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah instructed broadcaster DAZN that Amiri was abused by an opponent who used a racially charged time period referring to the Germany midfielder’s Afghan background.
    “It doesn’t belong on the football pitch, no matter how emotional things get,” Tah mentioned. “It’s the most bitter part of the evening. I hope there are consequences.”

    Amiri mentioned Saturday that he accepted an apology from the participant concerned.
    “He came to me in the changing room after the game,” Amiri instructed Leverkusen’s web site. “There were ugly words on the pitch said in the heat of the moment that he’s very sorry for. He credibly assured me of that and therefore the matter is now settled for me.”
    Neither Amiri nor Tah referred to the Union participant by identify.
    Fischer missed the incident.
    “I heard there were words on the pitch that have no place on the pitch,” Fischer mentioned after the sport, earlier than calling for an investigation.
    Union welcomed the federation’s investigation.
    “Union Berlin completely distances itself from racism and discrimination in football and in our society. To be clear: it’s not acceptable in any form,” the membership mentioned on Twitter.

  • Bayer Leverkusen miss probability to reclaim lead in Bundesliga

    Image Source : AP Frankfurt’s Andre Silva, proper, and Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey problem for the ball throughout a German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 23
    Bayer Leverkusen missed the possibility to reclaim prime spot within the Bundesliga by slumping to a 2-1 loss at Eintracht Frankfurt because the league resumed from its winter break on Saturday.
    Nadiem Amiri scored one of many targets of the season along with his heel after being performed in brilliantly by the 17-year-old Florian Wirtz within the tenth minute. Frankfurt fought again to deservedly deal Leverkusen its first away defeat of the season and its second straight loss.
    Leverkusen had been unbeaten earlier than it misplaced the league lead with a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich of their final sport earlier than the seasonal break. Bayern can now transfer 5 factors away from Leverkusen with a win over lowly Mainz on Sunday, whereas Leipzig also can make the most of Leverkusen’s loss in opposition to Stuttgart later Saturday.
    Goals from Amin Younes within the twenty second and an own-goal from Edmond Tapsoba within the 54th had been sufficient for Frankfurt, which profited from Leverkusen’s lack of left backs. Both Wendell and Daley Sinkgraven had been out with the coronavirus.

    On-loan Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored one purpose after organising one other for Sheraldo Becker as high-flying Union Berlin moved fourth with a 2-0 win at Werder Bremen.
    Union, which was solely promoted to the Bundesliga for the primary time final yr, is focusing on survival in its second season – particularly with no followers allowed at video games as a result of coronavirus – however now its followers watching from afar are dreaming of European qualification.
    Also Saturday, Borussia Mönchengladbach beat Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 and Cologne misplaced 1-0 at residence to Augsburg. Freiburg received 3-1 at Hoffenheim.
    Schalke was visiting Hertha Berlin later, hoping to finish its club-record run of 29 video games with out a win within the Bundesliga. The league document is 31.