The Malaysian Insider :: Sports
The Malaysian Insider :: Sports |
| Zenit march on after holding Porto Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:08 PM PST  Porto's Maicon Pereira (right) battles for the ball with Zenit St. Petersburg's Danny during their Champions League Group G match at the Dragon stadium in Porto December 6, 2011. — Reuters pic The draw means Zenit finish second in Group G on nine points, behind surprise-package APOEL Nicosia on their head-to-head record after the Cypriots lost 2-0 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk Porto have to settle for a Europa League spot, ending third on eight points. The Portuguese champions knew only a win would put them through but though they commanded the game from the off they failed to find a way past the inspired Malafeev, who had a night to remember. The 32-year-old keeper made a series of good saves, denying clear-cut chances for Djalma, James Rodriguez, Kleber and Hulk on a great night for his side. Zenit, who came from behind to beat Porto 3-1 in Russia, looked to have a draw in mind as they kept their defensive shape despite Porto's strong start. The hosts soon took control of midfield and fenced off Zenit's counter-attack threat thanks to hardworking midfielders Fernando and Joao Moutinho. Steady passer Moutinho put Angolan international Djalma through on goal after five minutes but Malafeev set the tone for the night with an excellent reflex save. Zenit were toothless in attack and lacked any clear chances, struggling to build up play from their half, but they held on stoically in defence to reach the break with the scoreline that suited them. Porto kept pressing forward in the second half but remained wasteful. Hulk found space in the box and toe-poked the ball just wide of Malafeev's goal from a tight angle, while James and left back Alvaro Pereira also missed excellent chances. It still looked like a matter of time before Porto would find a way through but Malafeev was equal to everything they threw at him and Luciano Spalletti's side held on for a memorable qualification. The group-stage exit will increase the pressure on Porto coach Vitor Pereira, who has fallen out with the fans after a string of bad results. — Reuters Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Impressive Chelsea sweep into last 16 Posted: 06 Dec 2011 03:02 PM PST  Chelsea players celebrate their second goal against Valencia during their Champions League Group E match at Stamford Bridge in London December 6, 2011. — Reuters pic The Londoners needed to win to be sure of advancing from Group E and settled any nerves after three minutes when Didier Drogba did well to make space and fire in a low shot. Defensive hesitation by Victor Ruiz 15 minutes later allowed Ramires to poke in the second and Chelsea took control from then on, completing one of their best performances of the season with Drogba's second 14 minutes from time. Valencia, who hammered Genk 7-0 in their last Champions League match, would have qualified with a score draw but though they had much more possession in the second half they rarely threatened to score. — Reuters Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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