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Sherwood looking to trim Villa squad

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Manager Tim Sherwood said he wants to offload some members of his Aston Villa squad before the transfer window closes.

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Manager Tim Sherwood said he wants to offload some members of his Aston Villa squad before the transfer window closes on September 1, the Birmingham Mail reported.

Villa currently have 29 players in their 25-man senior squad, but that number includes several under-21 players who do not count towards their total under Premier League rules.

“There are still some players here who know they can find other clubs,” the British daily quoted the manager as saying.

“But I think the balance of the squad is getting a lot better.

“There are some encouraging signs but it's very early days,” Sherwood added.

Villa could allow the likes of Philippe Senderos, Charles N'Zogbia and Kieran Richardson to leave before deadline day, the Mail said.

The club were boosted by the return of midfielder Jack Grealish, who returned from a hamstring injury to play the full 90 minutes and score for the U21s in a 1-0 win at Derby County on Monday.

The 19-year-old could be available for Villa's league trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Midfielder Carles Gil also featured in the game but went off in the second half with a tight groin.

“The Derby match was a good workout for the boys. I thought Jack was very good. He played to the last minute,” Sherwood said.

“He looked fit enough to maybe be up for selection this weekend,” the manager added.

Sherwood is also confident that midfielder Ashley Westwood, who recently signed a new five-year contract with the club, will play for England this season.

“I will be very surprised if Ashley doesn't play for England this season. He's as good as that,” Sherwood told the club's website (http://www.avfc.co.uk/)

“He's very much in the Michael Carrick-mould. Michael is not getting any younger. I am not sure they have found a replacement for him yet,” the manager added.

“I think Ashley has got every chance. If he keeps on with his consistency - and the level of his performances - I am sure it won't be too far around the corner.” – Reuters

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Memphis reflects on missed chances

Manchester United's Memphis Depay was disappointed at failing to score a hat-trick after opening his account for the club.

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London - Manchester United's Memphis Depay was disappointed at failing to score a hat-trick after opening his account for the club with two spectacular strikes at home to Club Bruges on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Dutch winger, who wants to be known only as Memphis, also made the third for substitute Marouane Fellaini in a stirring 3-1 win in their Champions League playoff first leg.

“It is really important we win the game,” the goalscorer, who joined United for a reported transfer fee of 25 million ($39.14 million) from PSV Eindhoven in May, told BT Sport.

“We created a lot of chances. I feel disappointed I could not finish the last two chances. We have to travel to Bruges and finish the job.”

After netting 50 goals in 124 games in all competitions during his time with PSV, Memphis said he was keen to maintain his scoring record in England with United.

“I ended last season with a lot of goals, come to a big club and you have to do a good job again. It is a nice feeling to score two goals at Old Trafford. But I am little disappointed because I will think about that last chance.”

Memphis, who does not want to use his surname because of his estrangement from his Ghanaian father, has certainly made a name for himself with the Old Trafford faithful and brought praise from his compatriot, United manager Louis van Gaal.

“Yes I am very happy for him because a player needs that. I had said it is a matter of time and it was a matter of time (before he scored),” said the Dutchman, who managed Memphis at last year's World Cup when he was Netherlands coach.

“Hopefully he shall continue but it is also difficult for him. He is 21 and has only played two seasons for PSV.

“But I have confidence in him and tonight he scored two goals and the assist for the third goal was a fantastic cross from him, so I am very happy,” Van Gaal told BT Sport. – Reuters

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Spurs bid for Berahino rejected

West Brom have firmly rejected Tottenham’s latest offer to buy striker Saido Berahino.

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West Brom have firmly rejected Tottenham’s latest offer to buy striker Saido Berahino.

After turning down an £18million bid West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace took the unusual step of issuing a strongly worded statement on the club’s website, warning Spurs chairman Daniel Levy that they have no interest in selling him.

The club value Berahino at £25m and Tottenham are expected to go back with a higher bid given Peace’s admission that every player has their price.

‘We have no interest in selling Saido which is what I have told Daniel Levy,’ Peace said. ‘I know we are living in an age where no club can say “never” about the possibility of selling a player.

‘However, the prospect of selling Saido is simply not on our agenda. We are going forward with Saido very much in our plans and still striving to add players to improve the balance of our squad.’

One of those targets is Tottenham centre half Federico Fazio, with a £5m deal seemingly in place, though that could be complicated by the deadlock over Berahino.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis admitted at the weekend that only a ‘special’ offer would prise Berahino away from the club.The 22-year-old has two years left on his current contract and is on £12,000 per week.

The club had opened talks over a bumper new deal which would have more than tripled his wages. Those talks were put on hold in February when Berahino said he wanted to ‘move on to bigger things’.

That infuriated West Brom officials, but he has since changed his attitude and they are now desperate to keep him.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has had Berahino watched extensively and is keen to add the striker to his options up front.

Harry Kane, a revelation last season with 32 goals in all competitions, is yet to score in the club’s opening two matches.

Pochettino fears that the 22-year-old will be fatigued this season after playing 53 matches for Spurs and England last season, then three more in the Czech Republic with England Under 21s for the European Championship in the summer break.

Pochettino has also sanctioned the sale of Roberto Soldado to Villarreal for £7m plus add-ons and Emmanuel Adebayor is understood to have no future in north London. – Daily Mail

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Depay strikes twice for United

New signing Memphis Depay opened his Manchester United account with a memorable performance.

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London - Manchester United's new signing Memphis Depay struck two fine goals and made a third as they took a step towards a return to the Champions League group stage with a 3-1 victory over Club Bruges on Tuesday.

On a night of close finishes in all five first-leg playoff games, the 21-year-old Dutch winger opened his United account with a memorable performance in the famous number seven shirt previously worn by George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Signed from PSV Eindhoven for a reported 25 million pounds in May, Memphis scored two thrilling goals in the first half after Bruges had taken an unexpected early lead and he set up a late third for substitute Marouane Fellaini.

By then Bruges were down to 10 men, central defender Brandon Mechele having been sent off following two yellow cards as United, three-time European Cup winners but out of Europe last season, pushed for the goals to secure a bigger advantage.

“That goal makes a big difference because at 2-1 it is a difficult result for us,” said United manager Louis Van Gaal. “We deserved much more because we created a lot of chances. It is what I am always saying, you have to be effective.

“I am happy because of the last goal. We have practised that before when we need Fellaini.”

Lazio also found it tough as they squeezed a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen with a 77th minute solo strike by substitute Keita, Sporting Lisbon beat CSKA Moscow 2-1, after the Russians missed a penalty, and BATE Borisov of Belarus beat Partizan Belgrade 1-0 after the Serbians were reduced to 10 men.

Earlier, a 14th minute header from striker Baurzhan Dzholchiyev enabled Astana to become the first Kazakh club to win a UEFA playoff match as they beat Apoel Nicosia 1-0.

Biggest impact

But it was Memphis who made the biggest impact on the night after United midfielder Michael Carrick had deflected a Victor Vazquez free-kick into his own net after eight minutes.

United responded within five minutes when Memphis collected a pass from Carrick on his chest, juggled the ball into space and evaded two challengers before netting a low right-foot shot.

Half an hour later, the Dutchman made it 2-1 when he ran on to a through pass from Daley Blind, turned on to his right foot and curled a perfectly-judged shot inside the far post.

United replaced Carrick with Germany's World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger at halftime and pushed for a third goal which finally arrived in the fourth minute of added time.

Memphis was the creator as he picked out Belgium midfielder Fellaini with his cross for a classic and decisive header.

Sporting also enjoyed a late goal to give them victory over CSKA when Islam Slimani exchanged passes with Andre Carrillo before scoring from the edge of the penalty area.

BATE secured their win after a second half of intense pressure when Mikhail Gordeichuk headed in a corner from Igor Stasevich to break Partizan's stubborn resistance.

There are five more first-leg playoff ties scheduled for Wednesday with return matches to be played next week. The winners go into the groups stage of the competition.

REUTERS

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Pirates stun Chippa

Orlando Pirates dispatched Chippa United 4-1 in their Premiership match at Orlando Stadium.

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Johannesburg – A four-goal second-half assault from Orlando Pirates dispatched Chippa United 4-1 in their Premiership match at Orlando Stadium, on Tuesday evening.

After the sides went into the break goalless, the half-time talk delivered by Pirates coach Eric Tinkler did the trick as his charges went on the rampage. The hosts also had two goals disallowed on the night, as their goalscoring woes seem to be ancient history.

The first real chance of the contest fell to Pirates in the 10th minute. Kermit Erasmus on the edge of the box decided to unleash a rasping effort which was punched away by Chippa keeper Daylan Hawes.

Issa Sarr put the ball in the back of the net on the quarter hour mark, but the goal was disallowed as the player was adjudged to have scored from an offside position.

In the 27th minute, Chippa produced a speculative effort when Philani Shange reeled off a shot from range but his attempt was sprayed well wide of the target.

Five minutes after the interval, Pirates had a second goal disallowed. A free kick was sent into the box and Siyabonga Sangweni nudged the ball over the line, but his run was also ruled offside.

In the 54th minute, Pirates finally had their opener from a setpiece. Sifiso Myeni sent the ball into the area from a corner and Ayanda Gcaba’s free header was directed expertly past the Chippa keeper to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

In the 66th minute, Chippa were reduced to 10 men. Ugonna Uzochukwu received his second yellow card for a challenge on Pirates striker Thamsanqa Gabuza and the referee had no option but to give the player his marching orders.

Pirates did not take long to convert their player advantage into a goal with the second score of the half in the 69th minute. Erasmus put pressure on the Chippa defence with a powerful header which was saved, but a goalmouth scramble ensued before the ball was deflected over the line by Hawes for an own-goal to make it 2-0 to Pirates.

Chippa pulled a goal back in the 75th minute, with a well-timed run by Buyani Sali into the box before he unleashed a powerful strike to make it 2-1.

Pirates added a third in the 85th with a stunner from Mpho Makola, when he unleashed a rocket from 30 metres out to put Pirates 3-1 ahead.

Makola completed his brace in injury time to complete the 4-1 scoreline with another superb strike from way out, this time picking his spot just wide of the despairing dive put in by Hawes.

ANA

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Furman signs for SuperSport United

Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman has signed a two-year contract with SuperSport United.

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Cape Town – SuperSport United have unveiled Bafana Bafana captain, Dean Furman, as their high-profile signing on Tuesday evening.

The club’s CEO, Stan Matthews, made the announcement on a live television broadcast. Furman has signed a two-year contract with SuperSport.

Furman, a former Doncaster Rovers player, had trials during the off-season at English Championship side Blackburn Rovers but failed to win a contract.

As a free agent, he decided to continue his career in Mzansi with Matsatsantsa.

The Cape Town-born midfielder came through the youth ranks at Chelsea but later failed to break into the senior side.

Subsequently he played for Rangers in Scotland as well as Bradford City and Oldham Athletic.

ANA

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Coutinho is Liverpool's vital spark

Every team needs a driving force. For Liverpool, the responsibility seems to be falling to Philippe Coutinho.

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London - Every team needs a driving force, a source of impetus. For Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard now in California and Raheem Sterling in Manchester, the responsibility now seems to be falling to the marvellous little Brazilian, Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool’s new captain is, of course, Jordan Henderson. It was his name above the matchday programme column last night and he who called the coin toss at kick-off - wrongly as it turned out. Early indications this season, however, are that it is Coutinho who is at the heart of Liverpool’s chances in the Barclays Premier League.Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool’s manager, relies on speed of thought and movement for his systems to work - whether his team have the ball or not.

If a cog in the machine does not mesh as quickly as the rest then the whole process falters.That may yet prove to be a problem with Liverpool’s new centre forward Christian Benteke. Despite his first goal for the club here, his wavelength still needs fine tuning.

Coutinho, though, is a player who sets the rhythm rather than one who tries to adjust to it. His winning goal at Stoke City on the opening weekend was timely and provided Liverpool with some welcome momentum to take into this game.

Here, though, was a greater indication of the midfielder’s true worth. Liverpool are blessed with pace. Rodgers’ new full backs Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez have it in abundance, for example. It is Coutinho, though, who gives his team vision, elusiveness and sureness of touch.

Contrast him with the frustrating Adam Lallana and his value becomes clear. The Englishman is not without talent but he does not see pictures developing three frames ahead as Coutinho does. Too often, he can be pushed off the ball or forced into positions where his pass has to be played square or backwards rather than penetrating.

Lallana, in his second season at Anfield, may improve under Rodgers, who is a good coach. Coutinho, in season No 3 on Merseyside, has already made admirable progress.

Oddly, one of his early contributions last night should have seen Liverpool’s opening goal ruled out. His movement towards the ball shortly before Benteke scored at the far post should have been enough to see him flagged for offside under the new interpretation of the rule.

Equally, it was surprising to see Coutinho sidefoot a good chance wide when the ball fell to him in front of the Kop in the 44th minute. That move, though, had been started by a typical Coutinho give-and-go in to the penalty area. On that occasion, the ball came back to him off the legs of a defender but it is the Brazilian’s threat that can push opponents into such moments of panic.

Moments before that, a superb one-two with Benteke led to him thumping a shot just over the bar. Coutinho then produced another deft first touch to ease past Charlie Daniels and the Bournemouth left back was then booked for his last-resort decision to impede him. At his best like this - slipping balls inside defenders for the likes of Gomez and Jordan Ibe to run on to - it is briefly possible to recognise some of the Liverpool of two seasons ago, a team that moved the ball so quickly that it could be dizzying.

This version is still a work in progress and, like the new Main Stand that has inched towards the sky over the summer, it will be so for a rather long time. Liverpool still have issues at centre half. Dejan Lovren was fortunate to win a foul when Tommy Elphick headed in early on while the young hopeful Ibe has not yet settled.

The inclusion of Benteke, who had a much better second half, in no way lessens the need for a fit and firing Daniel Sturridge to return soon. Coutinho, however, remains a constant, a connection to the then and now. Players like him can be looked upon as a luxury or an adornment. Not here, though. At Anfield he represents something fundamental.

@Ian_Ladyman_DM

Daily Mail

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How Chelsea can recover

Chelsea have failed to record a win in their opening two league games for the first time since 1998.

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Chelsea were involved in their very own medical drama last week, with doctor Eva Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn excluded from match-day duties against Manchester City.

The trip to the Etihad resulted in a comfortable 3-0 win for City and revealed some worrying symptoms for Jose Mourinho's men, which could turn nasty if not treated. Here, we look at Chelsea's problems and how to cure them.

Problem A: Creaking defence on the pitch - shipping five goals in their opening two league games.

Cure: Cough up the cash to secure John Stones' signature from Everton. Mourinho bemoaned a lack of pace in the back four, leading to him substituting captain John Terry at half-time - surely a not-so subtle message to owner Roman Abramovich.

Problem B: A creaking defence off the pitch - Mourinho frequently uses post-match press conferences to try to deflect the attention away from a defeat.

Cure: The Blues manager has made a name for himself down the years as a man who will stick by his team, but claiming the result against City was “fake” was a strange call. He needs to admit when his side are second best, well beaten or downright poor.

Problem C: Slow-starting, trusted players not hitting the ground running in title defence.

Cure: Not an obvious treatment for this one. Stick the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in a dark room in Cobham and put on last season's review DVD? That should reawaken a few good memories. Looking forward, Chelsea need to bring forward their pre-season touring commitments to make sure they are fresh for the big kick-off.

Problem D: Faltering forwards - no goals from the front men is a striking issue.

Cure: Change of system. Costa seemed more interested in picking a fight than rescuing Chelsea on Sunday. He has not scored this season, with Loïc Rémy and Radamel Falcao also goalless after the Community Shield and opening two league fixtures. Switching to two up front may help, especially given Costa's fruitful pairing with Falcao at Atletico Madrid.

Problem E: One point from two games is Chelsea's worst start since 1998-99.

Cure: Keep calm and carry on. Although everyone at the club would have expected more, facing Swansea and Manchester City in the opening two fixtures is a difficult start.

West Bromwich away is next and could prove another test on Sunday, but Tony Pulis's side have also been slow out of the traps and a convincing win would address several issues right away. – The Independent

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Furman set to sign for SuperSport

Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman is allegedly on the verge of signing for SuperSport United.

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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana captain Dean Furman is on the verge of signing for SuperSport United.

The Pretoria-based club is scheduled to make big announcement on live television on Wednesday evening - and it would appear that Furman is the subject of the broadcast.

Furman, who is a free agent after turning down a contract renewal with English League One team Doncaster Rovers, had said that he was keen to continue his career in Europe, and that the PSL wasn’t an option at this stage of his career.

In recent weeks, he trained at Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship and at another League One club, Bury, but nothing concrete materialised.

Now it seems that back home is his destiny, where the 27-year-old is expected to link up with coach Gordon Igesund, the man who handed the midfielder a Bafana debut, as well as a former teammate at Doncaster, Bongani Khumalo.

Furman was born in Camps Bay, but left the Mother City at a young age. He was initially in the youth academy of English giants Chelsea before going on to play for Glasgow Rangers, Bradford City and Oldham Athletic. His leadership ability also came to the fore at Oldham, where was handed the captain’s armband when just 23 years old.

The player’s imminent transfer to SuperSport affords him the opportunity for regular game-time, which suits his national ambitions, especially with Bafana looking to qualify for the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 World Cup.

Cape Argus

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Van Gaal backs Rooney to rise

Louis Van Gaal has tried to lift Wayne Rooney’s spirits as the misfiring striker prepares to lead the attack for Manchester United against Club Bruges.

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Louis Van Gaal has tried to lift Wayne Rooney’s spirits as the misfiring striker prepares to lead the attack for Manchester United against Club Bruges tonight.

Manager Van Gaal says it is the most high-pressure match of his Old Trafford reign, with a place in the Champions League group stage at stake over the two legs.

And the Dutchman’s concern over Rooney’s form was evident when he addressed his captain in front of team-mates as they boarded the United bus home after Friday night’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

Sportsmail understands that a disconsolate Rooney was already sitting alone with his head down after an abject performance in which he touched the ball just once in Villa’s penalty area in the whole 90 minutes.

That followed a below-par display against Tottenham on the opening day of the season.

Van Gaal urged Rooney to get his head up before telling him that he had played better games than he did against Villa. But Van Gaal also reassured the player that it is only a matter of time before things improve.

The manager, who reinstated Rooney as his target man following the departures of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, insists that the England ace can return to being a 20-goal striker after playing in a deeper role for much of last season.

However, Rooney has not scored for United since early April and his displays this season have raised concerns, not least because United’s back-up options are Javier Hernandez, James Wilson and Adnan Januzaj, who was the matchwinner at Villa.

But Van Gaal backed his strikers yesterday when asked about the situation with Rooney.

‘I always have confidence in my players,’ he said. ‘We don’t only have Wayne Rooney in the striker’s position. We have Adnan Januzaj, who played in the USA (on tour) as a striker. I gave him that chance and he showed he can do that.

‘We have Chicharito (Hernandez) and James Wilson. I don’t think we have a lack of strikers.’

After starting the season with two wins, United are expected to see off the challenge from Bruges to reach the Champions League group stage.

United were excluded from Europe’s elite for the first time in 19 years last season, and Van Gaal knows there will be no excuses if it happens again.

Asked if these will be the biggest games of his time in charge of United, he replied: ‘Of course, because the players and the board and especially the fans want to participate in the Champions League.

‘There is a lot of pressure. It will be a difficult match and that is why the pressure is high.’

Unsettled goalkeeper David de Gea trained with the rest of the first-team squad yesterday but has been told by Van Gaal that it may only be a temporary move and to expect to work with the reserves again on certain days.

De Gea’s future is no closer to being resolved after centre back Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid player wanted by United in exchange for their goalkeeper, signed a new contract at the Bernabeu yesterday. – Daily Mail

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Rodgers lauds Benteke

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers lauded Christian Benteke after the striker scored the winning goal against Bournemouth.

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Christian Benteke gives his side a different dimension and hailed his performance against Bournemouth on Monday after the Belgian international scored on his home debut to make it two wins out of two in the Premier League.

Liverpool beat Bournemouth 1-0 after the 24-year-old, who signed from Aston Villa for 32.5 million pounds ($50.6 million) in the off-season, turned in midfielder Jordan Henderson's cross from close range midway through the first half.

“I thought he was a real handful, you saw all the facets of his game,” Rodgers said.

“His hold-up play is outstanding, he's got a wonderful touch for a big guy and you saw that this evening.

“Because of his physicality and contact, he keeps the ball alive in a dangerous area of the field,” the Northern Irishman added.

“It gives us a different dimension to our game, whilst looking to retain that philosophy to move the ball and get fluency.”

Benteke was pleased to mark his Anfield debut with a winning goal, but was equally happy with his team's second consecutive clean sheet.

“It was important for me on my debut at Anfield to score and help the team win,” he said.

Rodgers added his decision to replace Henderson early in the second half was due to the midfielder carrying a foot injury.

“He's had a problem with the bottom of his foot,” the manager told reporters in his post-match press conference.

“He hadn't trained for part of the week, he was taking some painkillers with it.

“He wanted to try it, he wanted to give it a go, but you could see he was limited in his running ... and unfortunately for him he was just in too much pain,” the manager said.

Liverpool will now travel to the Emirates stadium to take on Arsenal on Monday. – Reuters

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Bilbao end trophy drought

Athletic Bilbao claimed their first silverware in more than three decades when they wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win over 10-man Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup.

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Barcelona - Athletic Bilbao claimed their first silverware in more than three decades when they wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win over 10-man Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup on Monday and unleash ecstatic celebrations in the Basque city.

Bilbao, who only field players of Basque origin, last secured a major trophy when they won Spain's traditional season opener in 1984 and Friday's 4-0 drubbing of the Spanish and European champions in the first leg at the San Mames left Barca with too much to do at the Nou Camp.

After waves of sustained pressure, Lionel Messi gave the home side a 1-0 second-leg lead shortly before halftime when he chested down a clever Luis Suarez layoff and clipped a close-range volley into the net.

Barca's hopes suffered a blow 10 minutes into the second half when centre back Gerard Pique was shown a straight red card after he strode angrily over to the side of the pitch and shouted in the referee's assistant's face to protest a decision.

The incident seemed to give Barca renewed energy and Pedro and Ivan Rakitic immediately had chances to make it 2-0 before Suarez fired wildly over when through on the left.

However, the home defence left a gaping hole at the back 16 minutes from time and Aritz Aduriz, who netted a hat-trick in the first leg, was able to score at the second attempt past Claudio Bravo sending the travelling fans inside the giant arena into raptures.

Not even a late red card for substitute Kike Sola could tarnish Bilbao's joy as they ended Barca's hopes of repeating their 2009 feat when they won all six competitions they contested: the Champions League, La Liga, the King's Cup, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

“If you wrote the script it's impossible it would turn out like this,” an emotional Aduriz said in an interview with Spanish television.

“For us, for what it means to win a title for Bilbao, it's the greatest thing that could happen and against Barca as well,” he added.

“We have to compete against the rest of the world and it's an incredible thing.”

Barca need to recover quickly for Sunday's trip to face Bilbao again in their opening La Liga match of the campaign, when they begin their bid for a sixth title in eight years. – Reuters

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Benteke goal lifts Liverpool

Bournemouth are still waiting for their first English Premier League points after losing to Liverpool.

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London - Promoted Bournemouth are still waiting for their first Premier League points after succumbing to a controversial Christian Benteke goal in a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Monday.

Belgian forward Benteke, playing his second Liverpool game following his big-money close-season transfer from Aston Villa, scored the game's only goal in the 26th minute despite Philippe Coutinho's involvement from an offside position.

Bournemouth had earlier had a goal ruled out, rather unluckily, and the south coast side impressed with their willingness to attack at every opportunity.

Liverpool joined Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester City on six points from two games but James Milner said the new boys had given them a stern test.

“We knew it'd be tough against a team that have just come up,” Milner told Sky Sports.

“They lost their first game but they had a positive performance and we knew it'd be tough. They're a good team, they play football, they like to press high.

“We know we can play better but it's two wins out of two and there's still room for improvement.”

Bournemouth scored 98 goals in winning promotion last season and their refreshing, attacking intent contributed to an exciting opening to the game.

Having failed to score in their first-ever top flight game against Villa last week, Bournemouth were unlucky to have Tommy Elphick's header ruled out for a foul on Dejan Lovren.

Liverpool then began to assert their authority but their goal should not have been allowed.

Jordan Henderson's teasing cross evaded everyone - including the desperate lunge of Coutinho who was clearly lingering in an offside position - before Benteke converted his 12th goal in 13 league matches at the far post.

Henderson nearly added a spectacular second minutes later but his dipping shot clipped the crossbar before Coutinho flashed a good chance past the post.

As in the first half, Bournemouth started the second period strongly with Matt Ritchie going close on three occasions with a series of rasping long-range shots.

Liverpool handed an Anfield debut to attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino but the Brazilian made little impact following his introduction in the 70th minute.

Bournemouth continued to press for an equaliser but Benteke should have doubled Liverpool's advantage, scuffing a close-range shot against the crossbar in added time.

Liverpool, one of four teams to win their opening two fixtures, travel to Arsenal next while Bournemouth, who have yet to score in their opening two matches, visit West Ham United.

REUTERS

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Top ten Mourinho excuses

Jose Mourinho has always been known for trying deflect attention from his teams when they’ve under-performed.

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After a devastating 3-0 defeat by Manchester City, Chelsea manager, José Mourinho, was quick to cast the blame on everything else except his team's performance. Mourinho described the defeat as a ‘fake’ result.

The defeat was the last thing Mourinho needed following last week’s fiasco with the Chelsea medical team against Swansea. Mourinho has always been known for trying deflect attention from his teams when they’ve under-performed.

Below is a list of Mourinho's top 10 excuses for non-performance.

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United feeling CL pressure - Van Gaal

Manchester United are feeling the pressure ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Club Bruges on Tuesday.

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London - Manchester United are feeling the pressure ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Club Bruges on Tuesday, according to manager Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman, who has guided his team to two successive Premier League wins at the start of the season, is expecting a difficult first leg against the Belgians at Old Trafford as United try to return to the group stages of the competition.

“There is a lot of pressure because our aim and goal is to reach the Champions League,” Van Gaal told a news conference on Monday.

“These kind of matches are difficult. Bruges can defend very well and they can also attack.”

United, European Cup champions three times, will be without England defender Phil Jones because of what the manager described as “not an injury, more of an illness, and it is getting better”.

Belgian international Marouane Fellaini, who is serving a suspension in the Premier League, is set to return to boost an attack in which England captain Wayne Rooney has struggled as a lone striker in 1-0 wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

Van Gaal said he was surprised by the widespread concerns expressed about Rooney's form.

“I think all the media has written for one year that I have to put him in the striker's position,” added the Dutchman. “It is amazing that after two matches you are doubting your own opinion.”

United were not involved in the Champions League last season, having failed to qualify when they finished seventh in the Premier League in 2013-14.

“We have a long way to go this season but we have had a better start than last year and also two clean sheets,” said Van Gaal. “I have confidence that we will develop ourselves to a much higher level.”

Asked about the mental state of Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, who has not been selected yet this season, he refused to supply an answer.

“It is not a good question,” he said. “I don't answer the question.”

Van Gaal has indicated that he will not pick the 24-year-old De Gea, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, until the transfer window closes next month. – Reuters

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