FC BARCELONA VALENCIA CF | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

UEFA Champions League 2019-2020 kicked off this season with Group games scheduled with Spanish Clubs FC BARCELONA & VALENCIA CF down for their Group duties. Here is a short summary of the main events along with goalscorers & the final results.

Interesting starting XI for Barça tonight with Arthur & 16 year old Ansu Fati in the line-up. Above in the image is the full 11 names. 

An equalled first half for both teams with Borussia Dortmund having more occasions, especially a golden chance by Reus that was stopped by Barça goalie Ter Stegen. FC Barcelona had good periods of control of the ball, specially when Brazilian midfielder Arthur took command. Said this, Borussia Dortmund was not overwhelmed by Barça & managed to counterbalance the situation & created their goal opportunities.

The second half converted Barça goalie TER STEGEN in "Man of the Match", he solely avoided that his team lose tonight with some magnificent saves. The Barça goalie stopped a REUS penalty in the 56th min. Later Borussia Dortmund hit the bar. 

Messi came on to play 30 mins after a long stint out through injury but he could turn the wave. Tough night for Braça in Germany, nearly lost to Borussia

Lastly, bad news for Barça was the injury to Jordi Alba.

FINAL RESULT: BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0 FC BARCELONA 0

VALENCIA CF travelled to London to play Chelsea FC in an unsettling fashion after their Coach Marcelino was fired last week & replaced by Celades. The new Coach has not the full backing of the Senior players & their is a "bad vibe" in the air. However, tonight they pulled things together to give a good image & get the 3 points.

Below is the starting XI team for Valencia CF:

The first half did not have a clear and defined dominator. Valencia CF started defensively allowing Chelsea FC to control while looking to launch their counter-attacks. As the game progressed Valencia gained in confidence & pushed forward reaching more often the area of Chelsea goalie Kepa. Chelsea FC although with more game control did not show signs of danger & did not trouble the Spanish team. Chelsea only troubled Valencia Cf a couple of times, one with a Willian goal opportunity.

The second half allowed fans to witness an entertaining match with chances going to both teams. However, it was Valencia CF through their forward RODRIGO that scored in the 73rd min with a rehearsed tactical play having Captain Parejo involved.

Chelsea won a penalty in the 85th min but ROSS BARKLEY missed hitting the crossbar. Valencia held out &, must I say, surprised. Well done!

FINAL RESULT: CHELSEA FC 0 - VALENCIA CF 1

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FC BARCELONA 1 VALENCIA CF 2 | SPANISH CUP FINAL RESULT

The final big match for season 2018 - 2019 & title for Spanish Football was played tonight between FC BARCELONA & VALENCIA CF in the SPANISH CUP - COPA DEL REY - FINAL in the city of Seville. Here is a summary of the main events, goalscorers & the final result.

FC BARCELONA starting 11 team: Cillessen; Semedo, Gerard Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Sergi Busquets, Arthur; Sergi Roberto, Lionel Messi & Coutinho

VALENCIA CF starting 11 team: Jaume; Daniel Wass, Garay, Gabriel Paulista, Gaya; Dani Parejo, Coquelin, Carlos Soler, Guedes; Rodrigo & Gameiro

From the start the strategies of both Clubs were clear, FC Barcelona ball possession & domination, while Valencia CF was firm tactical defending looking for the speedy counter-attack. Barça forward LUIS SUAREZ had decided beforehand to operate himself from a niggling injury & was not part of the Final, his team was to miss him very much.

The Barça intensity started strongly but gradually faded as Valencia calmed themselves & forced defensive mistakes. The counter-attacks was catching the Barça defenders on the back foot & it was not long that in a sprint by defender GAYA he found forward GAMEIRO who shook off Jordi Alba & scored the opener in the 21st min. Barcelona was rattled & another counter-attack by SOLER who outpaced Barça defender Alba found the head of RODRIGO who scored the second for Valencia CF in the 33rd min. 

Valencia went into the 2º half 2 - 0. 

The 2º half saw Barcelona react putting on Arturo Vidal (for Arthur) & Malcom (for Semedo) with the objective of turning the result around. Barcelona took control & the initiative lead by Messi who was single handedly pulling his team onward. The opportunities arrived, Messi hit the post & Vidal missed a chance. The goal opportunities continued to come for Barça, Pique came close & Messi had free kicks, until a corner found the head  of Lenglet with the ball stopped  by the Valencia goalie but MESSI scored off the rebound in the 73rd. The comeback was possible.

Valencia Coach Marcelino took off his forwards & reinforced the midfield (change forced as Parejo injured himself) plus the strengthen the defence. Valencia CF managed to hold off the continued Barça attacks until the end, while GUEDES could have avoided the suffering earlier had he not missed two huge sitters ( one in front of the Barça goalie, the other with an empty Barça goal). 

The whistle blew in the 95th min & VALENCIA CF proclaimed themselves Spanish Cup winners 2019 breaking the Barça reign of 4 straight years & winning the title 11 years later. 

FC Barcelona tried hard in the last 20 minutes but missed dearly Luis Suarez upfront as there was no clear forward as reference. Some players were not up to the event with disappointing performance from Arthur & Coutinho, plus the Champions League semifinal elimination at Liverpool may have still been deep within the subconscious of some players.

As for Valencia great match, very focused & determined tonight & they rightly deserved the victory & title. A big trophy for the Club in their 100 year anniversary which will be greatly celebrated tonight by players & the city of Valencia CF.

FINAL RESULT: FC BARCELONA 1 - VALENCIA CF 2 


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VALENCIA CF 1 REAL BETIS 0 (3-2 AGG) | SPANISH CUP SEMI RESULT

SPANISH CUP (Copa del Rey) semi final action tonight to determine whether VALENCIA CF or REAL BETIS will join FC Barcelona in the May Spanish Cup Final. Both teams finished with a 2 - 2 result in the first leg match in Sevilla. Here is a summary of the main match events, goalscorers & the final result. 

Above is highlighted the starting 11 home team: Valencia CF

Above highlighted the starting 11 team for Real Betis

From the start it was clear the "game plan" from both teams. Valencia CF was prepared to wait & then counter-attack, while Betis was in with ball domination to work their play. Said this, both methods were ineffective during the first 45 minutes. Real Betis had possession but little buzz upfront, except a Canales free kick & a Jese shot both stopped by Valencia Cf goalkeeper Domenech. Valencia CF managed a few counter-attacks but they too were ineffective with over-zealous dribbling. Mentioned this, Betis looked as if they would score more than the home team. 

The 2º half & it was Valencia CF which struck first in a counter, when RODRIGO knocked in his teams goal in the 56th min. From there onwards Betis had to act to at least score their goal & if possible another. As it may ocurre the impulsive interpretation of Football took over, with added frustration with near misses & despair as the time clock kept ticking. Valencia with their goal was in the driver's seat and managed to create more goal opportunities that did not end in goal but keep the rope tight.

FINAL RESULT: VALENCIA CF 1 - REAL BETIS 0

The counter-attack philosophy won over the ball possession method, effectiveness over construction.

Valencia CF will now meet FC Barcelona in May for the Spanish Cup Final, ironically in Seville & at the Real Betis home stadium (Benito Villamarin).

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID | VALENCIA CF

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the remaining Group games scheduled which included Real Madrid & Valencia CF in their respective clashes. Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

REAL MADRID hosted CSKA MOSCOW with Top spot of the Group assured & playing for prestige & image. While The Russians came into the match looking for a must get victory to assure a chance to get the third place (if Viktoria Plzen did not win their match against AC Roma) to secure their pass to the Europa League.

Real Madrid put in a "B-side" line-up to rest some players & give the less used during the season a chance to show themselves. The starting 11 is illustrated in the above image. 

The first half was a summary of the Real Madrid season, match control, multiple goal occasions but losing by 2 goals at the end of the 45 mins. Strange as it sounds CSKA Moscow were super effective with their limited opportunities to score through CHALOV in the 37th min & SCHENNIKOV in the 43rd min. Real Madrid hit the post with an Asensio chance & Vinicius was on fire but some poor concentration & bad defending put all the hard work go down the "drain". 

The 2º half was a chance for Real Madrid to lift & show some character but again not effective in the goal scoring department. Real Madrid put onto the field Kroos to move the ball around & Gareth Bale up forward, but no positive result. Once again a limited Russian goal opportunity was converted into a 3rd goal by SIGURDSSON in the 73rd min. 

In conclusion, effective game plan by CSKA Moscow but unfortunate in destiny for in the other match Viktoria Plzen won 2 - 1 AC Roma thus leaving the Russian Club without European competitions the rest of this season. For Real Madrid a severe whistling off by home fans, some serious doubts with the attitude some big names & some concern that with the upcoming FIFA World Champions Club finals in Abu Dhabi Real Madrid will be vulnerable, especially to a more confident River Plate team who has just won the Libertadores Cup.

FINAL RESULT: REAL MADRID 0 - CSKA MOSCOW 3

VALENCIA CF hosted MANCHESTER UNITED with the latter having secured the 2º spot of the Group (but with a chance of Top spot if they win & Juventus lose) & Valencia the 3º place for Europa League. For both the match had image, reputation & prestige factors up for grabs along with giving some players time on the European Football stage. The Valencia CF starting 11 line up is as it appears in the above image. 

Good 1ºst half by Valencia CF which played good Football & dominated during substantial periods Manchester United. Their efforts & intensity was rewarded early with a 17th min goal by CARLOS SOLER. Manchester had their moments as well with the closet chance a Pogba goal opportunity that nearly gave Man Utd the equalizer.

Valencia CF got of to a flying start in the 2ºnd half with an own goal by Manchester United player JONES in the 48th min. While Valencia at this point were comfortable, that English Club began grinding back into the match & creating goal scoring opportunities. Man Utd was reward in the 87th min when RASHFORD scored. From here with 5 - 7 mins left, Manchester United went all out to find the equalizer, they nearly achieved it.

FINAL RESULT: VALENCIA CF 2 - MANCHESTER UNITED 1

Conclusion, Valencia CF through to the Europa League, while Manchester United finishes second in the Group.
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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | REAL MADRID WINS - VALENCIA CF LOSSES

UEFA Champions League week with two Spanish Football Clubs scheduled for Group games. Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

REAL MADRID travelled to Italy to play AC ROMA for Group superiority. The result of the early match between the Groups other two teams (Moscow 1-Viktoria 2) had secured the passage into the next phase of the Champions League to both sides. However a victory for Real Madrid would secure top spot & at least shake off a series of bad performances in the domestic competition to wash their image. The final result a victory for REAL MADRID by two goals, a result somewhat deceiving as AC Roma missed some very clear goal opportunities which could have changed the final scoreline.

Real Madrid only began to find their Football in the second half after scoring the opener from a terrible Roma defensive mistake in the 47th min that BALE managed to take advantage & score from a Roma defender "assist". With Real Madrid lifted in confidence & Roma leaving spaces in midfield & in defence to look for the draw, a marvellous cross into the square found Benzema who headed the ball into the path of LUCAS VAZQUEZ who scored the team's second goal in the 59th min. From here onward ROMA created some more chances but as all night, missed very clear opportunities.
The news of the night in reference to Real Madrid, apart from their victory, was that ISCO was left out of the team for a 6th time in a row. Speculation is high that the Spanish International is out of favour with Coach Santiago Solari & that the doors have opened up for Isco to find another Club. Two names are sounding, Manchester City & Napoles.

FINAL RESULT: AC ROMA 0 - REAL MADRID 2

VALENCIA CF travelled to Turin (Italy) to face JUVENTUS FC in a must win match if they were to have any chance of advancing into the next stage of Champions League. The Spanish Club put in a brave performance during the first half but were grinded down from a more experience & quality Italian side that scored through MANDZUKIC in the 59th min after a grand Cristiano Ronaldo assist.

Valencia had a golden goal opportunity at the end of the 1ºst half when defender DIAKHABY headed towards goal but the Juventus goalie Szcezsny pulled off a superb save to keep out Valencia.

In the second half apart from the Juventus goal relatively early, the Italians did what they do best, defending & keeping control of the match while Valencia kept trying all they could under the circumstances. News had come through from the other Group match that Manchester United had scored against Young Boys & the English victory had shut the Champions League door on Valencia CF.

FINAL RESULT: JUVENTUS FC 1 - VALENCIA CF 0

Tomorrow Champions League action continues with the other two Spanish Football Club representative, Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona, down for their Group matches.

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VALENCIA CF & REAL MADRID CF WIN | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League continued tonight with the last remaining two Spanish Football representatives scheduled for their Group matches. Here are a brief summary of the main events, the goalscorers & the final results.

VALENCIA CF hosted YOUNG BOYS in a must win situation if they were to keep alive any chance of passing onto the next phase of Champions League in this very complicated & difficult Group. Above is the list of the starting 11 line-ups for both sides (see image)

Valencia CF suffered the first 45 mins but the two goals from SANTI MINA in the 14th & 42nd min gave the locals the goal advantage, even though Young Boys through ASSALE drew in the 37th min with his goal.

Valencia CF continued with their offensive style in the 2º half & managed to open an important gap in the result when CARLOS SOLER scored in the 56th min. Young Boys had to open up & find goal scoring opportunities but were frustrated in their attempts by a more organized & determined Valencia CF. The visitors suffered a serious set back in the 77th min when Sanogo for Young Boys was sent off with a red card leaving the visitors with 10 men. This made it difficult for Young Boys to attempt to crawl back the result & opened the road for an important & vital Valencia CF victory.

FINAL RESULT: Valencia CF 3 - Young Boys 1

REAL MADRID travelled to VIKTORIA PLZEN with new Coach Solari & here too a must win situation to lift teamS confidence & not complicate the Clubs ambitions of passing onto the next stage. Coach Solari surprised leaving regular Champions League goalkeeper Keylor Navas on the bench, along with Asensi & Modric. You can see the full starting line-up above (see image)

Real Madrid started nervous but gradually lifted to find their Football & dominate to end the first half with a 0 - 4 result. The goals came in rapid succession with BENZEMA scoring a beauty in the 20th min, CASEMIRO from a corner with a header in the 23rd min, BENZEMA again in the 37th min & BALE in the 40th min to put things in line towards victory. 

With a firm 4 goal advantage Real Madrid made some changes early through the second half: Javier Sanchez (for Sergio Ramos), Vinicius (for Benzema) & Isco (for Toni Kroos). To the credit of Viktoria Plzen they attempted to keep attacking & at least get some goals back from pride & for the home fans. They nearly managed to get their prize as some good goal chance were created. However, just before being substituted, TONI KROOS best player on the night, scored a wonderful 67th min chipped fifth goal from a Vinicius pass that took the wind out of the Plzen sails. From here till the end Real Madrid controlled things & even have a goal disallowed from Lucas Vazquez in the last minute. Good & needed victory for the Spanish Club.

FINAL RESULT: Viktoria Plzen 0 - Real Madrid CF 5 

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VALENCIA CF DRAWS - REAL MADRID WINS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UEFA Champions League action tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs scheduled for their Group match duties. Important games for both Clubs with one needing the win points to keep their Groups chances open (Valencia CF), while the other not only needed the points to not complicate their Group options but their Coach had his job on the line (Real Madrid, Julen Lopetegui).

Here is a brief summary of events, goalscorers & final results.

Spanish Football Club VALENCIA CF travelled to meet YOUNG BOYS needing points to keep up with the pace along with fellow Group Clubs Juventus & Manchester United. The final result a disappointing 1 - 1 draw.

The starting 11 line-up for Valencia CF was:

VALENCIA CF: Neto; Piccini, Paulista, Diakhaby & Gaya; Soler, Kondogbia, Parejo & Ferran Torres; Rodrigo & Batshuayi.

Valencia started well & even went ahead in the 26th min via Batshuayi. However, things went of course with missed opportunities in front of the opposition goal & silly mistakes, one being the penalty to Young Boys in the 53rd min. Valencia CF Captain Dani Parejo made a silly error that allowed Hoarau to score a penalty & give Young Boys the equalizer. 

Goalscorers:
0 - 1 Batshuayi 26th min
1 - 1 Hoarau (pen) 55th min

REAL MADRID hosted Czech Club VIKTORIA PLZEN in a do or die match Group match for Coach Julen Lopetegui who had his job on the line. Also Real Madrid needed to win to not complicate themselves in their Group. The end result a 2 - 1 victory for Real Madrid.

The starting 11 for Real Madrid is above with a few changes to attempt shake things after a bad last past weeks. However, tonights victory was suffered & did not convince. The Spanish Club performed in cycles with a nervous start, goal early by Benzema, disorganized later & Viktoria could have scored before half time.

Real Madrid started well in the 2º half with domination & Marcelo scoring the second. But they missed numerous goal opportunities & when one expected Real Madrid to at least finish comfortably the nerves again set in. ViKtoria Plzen scored in the 77th min & it was all "panic" for Real Madrid. Marcelo got injured towards the end to make this worst & Real Madrid was looking at the clock.

Victory for Real Madrid but short from solving their bad play & problems. 

Tomorrow more Champions League action with Barcelona FC & Atletico de Madrid scheduled for their Group matches.
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | BAD NIGHT FOR REAL MADRID & VALENCIA CF

UEFA Champions League action tonight with REAL MADRID & VALENCIA CF down for Group games. Here is a summary & final results along with goalscorers.

Real Madrid starting XI

REAL MADRID travelled to Russia to play CSKA MOSCOW & lost 1 - 0. The only goal came from VLASIC in the 2 min after a terrible mistake from Real Madrid midfielder TONI KROOS who passed back to his goalkeeper Navas to see the ball intercepted by the Russian player.

Real Madrid without Isco, Ramos, Marcelo & Modric on the bench started with the above XI which included the debut of young Reguilon. 

Real Madrid are not in fine form as their local Liga performance shows & tonight they suffered to find the goal & the equalizer. Although the Spanish Team bettered in the 2º half hitting bar & posts (with Mariano & Modric latter coming on) they were not able to penetrate the Moscow defence. The Russian team even found moments to have a chance at a second goal but Navas made the important saves. 

A lost that will hurt, bring doubts & pressure on Coach Julen Lopetegui back in Madrid

VALENCIA CF travelled to England for the Group match against MANCHESTER UNITED. Both teams are in poor form in their domestic Leagues & tonight's final result ended in a 0 - 0 draw.

Valencia CF created numerous goal opportunities during the game but failed to finish off their chances in the final metres. The Spanish Club perhaps deserved more but a draw was the penalty for not being effective upfront. 

Tomorrow more Champions League games with FC Barcelona & At Madrid scheduled for their Group games.
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REAL MADRID WINS - VALENCIA LOSES | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GAMES

UEFA Champions League Group games continued tonight with current Champions REAL MADRID & VALENCIA CF down for action. Here is a brief summary of  the corresponding matches along with scorers & final results.

REAL MADRID defeated AC ROMA 3 - 0 in a convincing & authoritative manner. In fact it was a one way street for the home side that could have had the final scoreline higher had not the "Man of The Match" OLSEN - AC Roma goalkeeper - not intervened in more than a dozen Real Madrid attempts.

The starting line for REAL MADRID was the following:

Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Rafael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco; Gareth Bale & Karim Benzema

Surprise was goalkeeper Navas starting over Courtois which as turned out was correct as Navas made 3 important goalsaving stops during this game. Very secure tonight.

The three goal scorers were: 1-0, 44': Isco, 2-0, 57': Bale, 3-0, 90': Mariano
Newly resigned forward Mariano came on for bale late in the match & took this opportunity to score the third for Real Madrid, a real screamer.

Summary: total domination by Real Madrid which could have easily won by more than seven goals had Roma goalkeeper not played his part to keep out the numerous Real Madrid opportunities

Names to mention: Toni Kross, Marcelo, Carvajal, Modric, Bale & Varane.

VALENCIA CF hosted JUVENTUS FC & lost 0 - 2 with Juventus down to 10 men after Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off with a direct red card in the 29th min. 

Valencia are not playing well these last weeks & was punished tonight with two penalties 
converted by PJANIC in the 44th 50th min. However even with 10 men Juventus was far more superior & their European experience was too much for Valencia. Given a favourable scoreline the Italians put into practice all their "control & defending arts" to marginalise Valencia CF into being ineffective team.

Overall Valencia CF will not be happy with their performance tonight.

The headline will be the direct red card to CRISTINO RONALDO in the 29th min. There is doubt if it should have been red & it has caused controversy. The referee had no doubt after consulting his linesman who apparently saw Ronaldo act with "violence" on Sevilla player Murillo. The Portuguese star left in field in tears obviously frustrated with the decision. Will be front page tomorrow on most Sports papers.

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FC BARCELONA SIGNS ANDRE GOMES

Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona has "beaten" Real Madrid in the signing of Portuguese International midfielder ANDRE GOMES. The 22 year old Valencia CF player will change for Barça after the latter forks out 35M€ in an initial transfer fee. However, the figure is more likely to rise to 70M€ after you add a further 20M€ in variables plus a further 15M€ in individual-collective objetives. 

But there is more, Valencia CF wants on top one of the following players: Montoya, Tello & Samper either in property or loans.

Big money for a player which ended up a substitute in the Portugal team during the Euro 2016 Championship. The real value is in the players age, 22 years & scope for further growth. The idea is to slowly take over from Iniesta who is maturing & will be rested more in coming seasons.
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REAL MADRID | ANDRES GOMES POSSIBLE INTEREST

Rumour has it that newly crowned European Champion & Portuguese midfielder for spanish Football club Valencia, ANDRE GOMES, is the first option to boost Real Madrid midfield for next season. Real Madrid Coach  Zidane wants to strengthen the centre of the field with quality but at the same time with a hard worker. 

At 22 years old Portuguese International  responds to the wanted profile with good ball skills , quick thinking in building the play and balancing to help out with defensive duties . In a nutshell , a player who can cover Luka Modric if injured or given a rest . 

The asked price from Valencia CF is a huge 65M€ which is frankly over inflated. Real Madrid knows beforehand that Valencia needs to sell to pay off debt 6 stay with inthe UEFA "financial fair-play" limits. Time is on the buyers side & this week could be decisive as both Clubs talk out options in reference to Andre Gomes. 

There are other Clubs also very interested. It has been written that Juventus FC has put forward a 40M€ offer, while other Clubs like PSG, Chelsea & even FC Barcelona are close by with the fishing string.

Stay tuned!

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAMS RESULTS

UEFA Champions League Football tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs in Group action. Here are the final results from their corresponding matches along with  all the goalscorers.

FC Barcelona hosted AC Roma for their Group E game & won 6 - 1. Barça is unstoppable at this moment, without or now with Lionel Messi. AC Roma could have stayed home as they were steamed rolled by FC Barcelona & even missed a penalty in the 82nd min when Dzeko "hit" Barça goalie Ter Stegen. Thanks to the pride of Dzeko he later scored in the last minute - 93rd, the only goal for Roma. Talking about penalties, Neymar missed one for Barça in the 79th min due to a too casual approach. 

Not much more to add except all the goalscorers:

• Suarez 15th min, 1 - 0 
• Messi 18th min, 2 - 0
• Suarez 43rd min, 3 - 0
• Messi 50th min, 4 - 0
• Pique 56th min, 5 - 0
• Adriano 79th min, 6 - 1
• Dzeko 93rd min, 6 - 1 

Top match from Luis Suarez with great goals, a forward in a state of grace.

Zenit St Petersburg hosted Valencia CF & won 2 - 0. The goals came from Shator in the 15th min & Dzyuba 76th min. Valencia even lost a man in the latter part of the game with a red card & Vezo was sent off.

The loss complicates the opportunities of classifying from Group H for Valencia CF. They now have to win at home in the next Group match to even think about advancing further in the competition. Valencia Coach Nuno is running out of credit.

Tomorrow more Champions League Group games with the three remaining Spanish Football Clubs scheduled.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS | FC BARCELONA | VALENCIA CF

UEFA Champions League action tonight with two Spanish Football Clubs scheduled for Group duties. Here are all the final results along with the goalscorers.

Bate Borisov hosted FC Barcelona for their Group E match which ended in a final 0 - 2 result. A relatively boring game when compared to the other European games tonight with Barça having near total ball domination while Bate defended & waited for their opportunities. The home side resisted with good goalkeeping saves & right up to the 48th min when Ratikic (on for injured Sergi Roberto ) fired home the opener. This livened things & Barça got its second with another Ratikic goal from a Neymar pass in the 64th min. 

Victory & the three points, thats what mattered.

Valencia CF hosted Gent in their Group H match which ended in a 2 - 1 win for Valencia. Rugged team Gent that put in a fight & made things difficult for the locals all night. Valencia CF started again without their forward Negredo which suggest a "punishment" which will get tongues wagging these coming days.

Valencia missed lots of opportunities upfront continuing with their ineffective forward set-up when it comes to conversions. The first goal came through midfielder Feghouli in the 14th min but Foket drew in the 40th min for Gent & against the grain of play. Frustrating moments for the locals until they went ahead in the 74th min through an own goal by Mitrovic. Valencia finally held out for the 3 points that puts them on a good path to qualify in their Group.

Tomorrow more Champions League action with the three remaining Spanish Football Clubs all in play. 

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VALENCIA CF | HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADVERTISE ON A FOOTBALL CLUB SHIRT?

Have you ever wondered how much money it takes to get yourself, or your brand, on the front of a major Football Club? I suppose it depends on the notoriety of the Soccer Club in question, but this post will given us some insights. 

Spanish Football Club Valencia CF is offering  advertising space on the front of their shirt. That is, there looking for a sponsor & their price is 10,000,000 M€. Too much? Too little?

Valencia CF new owner Peter Lim has hired Football Marketing "guru" Peter Draper known for his exploits in the English Premier League. Draper comments that Valencia CF has as yet to shut a deal, which in itself says a lot. Draper however adds, independently its the right price.

Perhaps what the guru should know is that the price (& demand) is dependent on the Club success, as everything in Football. Valencia CF has not got off to a good start in Liga this season & their Coach Nuno is under pressure from the fan-base with an uncertain future. At this stage they do not have the upper places of the Liga table secured & least a place in Champions League next season.

Here is the factor, the answer to if 10M€ to much. If you win, keep winning & secure Champions League next season, its cheap. However, if you lose & cannot get into Europe for next season, if too much. 

Success, not the market rules here, & I think you don't need a "marketing guru" to repeat the obvious. 

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SPANISH FOOTBALL | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TUESDAY GROUP GAMES RESULTS

UEFA Champions League games scheduled tonight with two Spanish Football Club down for Group duties. Here are the final results & all the goalscorers.

FC Barcelona hosted German Club Bayern Leverkusen in their Group E game. The final result was a 2 - 1 local win after the German started strong & put Barça under difficulties, to later see how Bayern Leverkusen missed chances & fizzed out to have FC Barcelona grow & comeback. 

Barça started with Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Mathieu; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Sandro, Suarez & Neymar, with young Sandro filling in for the injured Messi. 

The Germans began dangerously with Barça goalie Ter Stegen needing to make a save in the 1st min. The Germans kept counter-attacking & quiet frankly the Barça defence looked a mess. The opener came from a Leverkusen corner headed in the 22nd min when Papadopoukis scored. Barça was rattled & Bayern was creating more opportunities BUT also missing their chances. Leverkusen would pay dearly later for all their misses.

The second half saw Barça lift as Bayern continued to miss goal opportunities & fell to the extraordinary physical effort from the first 45 mins. The Germans renounced to attack & defended more allowing Barça to retake the initiative. 

It was´nt long that the opportunities began to arise for Barça & the equalizer came in the 80th min through substitute Sergi Roberto. But in the 82nd min Luis Suarez shot & scored the second to put Barça ahead. The comeback had been achieved.

Bayern Leverkusen will be disappointed that they were not able to "kill off" Barça when they had the Spaniards against the ropes. They simply missed too many goal chances. 

Lastly, bad news for Barça who lost Iniesta to a hamstring pull that will keep him off the pitch for a few weeks. Barcelona is having a bad run with injuries, Messi the most notable who was definitely missed tonight as Barça is not a fluid as with him on the field.

Valencia CF travelled to France to face Olympique Lyon in their Group H match. The end result was a worked 0 - 1 victory for the Spaniards. A very even & competitive Football match that saw Valencia get ahead in the 43rd min through Feghouli. The French then lifted looking for the equalizer & "bombarded" the Valencia goal, but the Spanish defence held firm to all the local teams attacks. The hero for Valencia was their goalkeeper Jaume, which says everything about the 2º half of this game.

Tomorrow more Champions League matches with Real Madrid, Atletico de Madrid & Sevilla FC down for their respective Group games. 

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VALENCIA CF QUALIFIES FOR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2015 - 2016

Important night & final result for Spanish Football Club Valencia CF which suffered against Monaco to get themselves qualified for the UEFA Champions League season 2015 - 2016. The final result tonight of the 2º leg return match was 2 - 1 for Monaco but Valencia CF qualified & won the tie with a 3 - 4 aggregate.

The only goal for Valencia CF came early in the 4th min when Alvaro Negredo pulled a perfect chip shot that gave his team a valuable away goal. After this it was a punch for punch situation with Monaco slowly grinding themselves back into the match. 

Monaco equalized in the 18th min through Raggi & later went ahead in the 74th min through Elderson which opened up the possibility of taking things into extra-time. However, Valencia CF held out with tooth & nails to qualify & win the overall tie.

The Valencia CF victory is also historical for Spanish Football, they join FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico de Madrid & Sevilla FC in Champions League, thus putting into the maximum European Football competition 5 Spanish Football Clubs.

Big celebrations tonight throughout the city of Valencia. 

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FALCAO RETURNS TO SPANISH FOOTBALL | VALENCIA CF ?

English Premier League Club Manchester United & Colombian International forward Radamel Falcao interests Spanish Football Club Valencia CF. His current Club Manchester United (where he is on loan from Monaco) will not make effective the buying option, therefore Falcao has to return to his club of origin.

There are several clubs that are following Falcao, but the desire of the Colombian striker would be either continue in the Premier League or to return to Spanish Football, he keeps very good memories of his time at Atletico de Madrid. And it is here where Valencia could have options; in addition, the representative of Falcao, Jorge Mendes, has a very good relationship with Valencia owner Peter Lim. The main handicap is the high salary Falcao receives, although the player might be willing to lower it to smooth any possible transfer operation. Jorge Mendes will move in the next few days to see if he can put forward a plan & a transfer operation that suits Monaco, Falcao & the best placed & interested Club.

Stay tuned!

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