Rubin Kazan vs Chelsea Europa League Preview

Goals from Fernando Torres and Victor Moses in the first leg allow Rafa Benitez's men a bit of breathing space as they make the long trip to the Russian capital.

By Al Hain-Cole, Goal.com editor.

PROBABLE LINEUPS 

RUBIN KAZAN 

Ryzhikov 

Kaleshin, Navas, Sharonov, Ansaldi 

Orbaiz, Natcho

Kasaev, Eremenko, Karadeniz 

Rondon 

CHELSEA 

Cech 

Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand 

Lampard, Mikel

Moses, Oscar, Hazard 

Torres 

TEAM NEWS

Vladimir Dyadyun will compete for a place up front with Salomon Rondon for the hosts, who have no injury concerns to speak of.

Cesar Navas, Ivan Marcano and Roman Sharonov will fight for two places in the centre of defence, while Oleg Kuzmin may replace Gokdeniz Karadeniz on the right-hand side of midfield.

Chelsea face a potential dilemma at left-back, where Ashley Cole's (hamstring) usual deputy Ryan Bertrand is struggling with a virus. Nathan Ake is the club's only other natural left-back, while Paulo Ferreira could fill in from his preferred right-back position.

Gary Cahill is still a couple of weeks away from returning after undergoing minor arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus on the knee he damaged in last month's win against West Ham.

With Demba Ba cup-tied, Fernando Torres will continue up front, having scored twice in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

David Luiz, Ramires and Juan Mata are likely to be rested after playing three games in less than a week, so John Terry, Frank Lampard and Victor Moses should come into the starting line-up.

Bale 'most effective as a striker', says Villas-Boas

He has the high praise of Zinedine Zidane ringing in his ears, and Gareth Bale is set to demonstrate why when he faces Basel.

Tottenham's wing wizard has smashed 27 goals so far this season, to attract the attention of the Real Madrid legend.

With Jermain Defoe injured and Emmanuel Adebayor out of form, Bale is set to again play at centre-forward in Thursday night's Europa League quarter-final first leg against the Swiss at White Hart Lane.

Villas-Boas said of the Welshman: “With his run of form, as a striker he is most effective.

"He is extremely comfortable playing as a striker. The more he plays there the more he is likely to be helping the team.”

The north Londoners have already responded to fears they would repeat last year’s end-of-season collapse by winning at Swansea on Saturday.

Bale’s super strike in that match was his 27th of the season and his 13th goal in his last 14 matches. He has also scored in two of his last three Europa League matches.

That weekend victory in Wales lifted Spurs above AVB’s former club Chelsea and re-established the confidence that has been carrying them through their impressive season.

Now, they are hoping to capitalise on home advantage ahead of what promises to be a tough trip to Switzerland next week.

Basel held Manchester United to a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford in the Champions League last season, then went on to produce two more huge upsets in the competition, both on their own turf.

First, they beat United, knocking Fergie's men out at the group stage in the process, then followed that up with victory over eventual finalists Bayern Munich in the first leg of a last-16 tie.

This season, they have thumped Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon 3-0 at home in the Europa League's group phase, but have yet to win a single away fixture in six attempts.

Still, Villas-Boas added: “Basel have European experience that we don’t have.

“They have had tremendous results against United, Sporting and Bayern - teams they have surprised.

“The quarter-finalists are all difficult teams to play because all eight teams believe they can win the trophy.

“The key to the game will be the motivation of the teams and the quality of the individuals.

"You have to admit we have superior players but their recent European experience in the Champions League makes them also one of the favourites.”

Spurs midfielder Scott Parker has revealed AVB made it clear to the squad at the start of the season that he wanted to regain the Europa League title, which he lifted with Porto in 2011 before taking the Chelsea job.

In stark contrast to fellow quarter-finalists Chelsea and Newcastle, both of whom want to win the trophy to salvage disappointing campaigns, the Europa League has always been high on the Tottenham manager’s agenda.

Parker said of the Portuguese, who replaced Harry Redknapp last summer: “He told us from the outset that we were going to try to win it. That we were going to go strong and it was a part of our season that we needed to look at.

“He set it out from the outset, that this was a road we were going down so we always knew it.

“And I think from the previous years or other times in competitions, you take a lesser squad or you rest certain players.

“But it’s never been the case this season. I think every player has been fully aware of how much the manager wants to do well in this tournament.”

“It’s a big competition, there’s big teams in it as well. If you’ve come away at the end of the season and you’ve won this competition you’ve done bloody well.

“You deserve a lot of credit, as a squad and as a team to achieve that, because it’s difficult, playing Thursdays and Sundays.

“There are big teams coming into it when the Champions League boys get knocked out. It’s a very, very tough competition.

Parker believes Tottenham are developing the winning mentality that turned Chelsea in Premier League heavyweights.

Spurs' victory at Swansea kept them on course for Champions League football next season and silenced the critics who believed the would suffer an end-of-season collapse similar to last year.

Parker was at Chelsea when the west Londoners lifted their first title for 50 years back in 2005.

The success spawned a period of dominance in which the Blues claimed another two leagues, four FA Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League.

Parker said: “When I was at Chelsea, we used to grind out results when we weren’t playing well. There’s a know-how. You just knew how to get a result. And that’s probably where we need to get to.

“It’s a habit. When you win games consistently it becomes a habit. Like losing becomes a habit.

“As you can probably see in the league in this present moment in time, there are teams where losing just becomes a habit, and it’s the same with winning.

“Winning becomes a habit. When you’re in a changing room - and confidence is key - and when you know you’re going out and you can grind out results and grind out results.

“That’s it. When I was at Chelsea we used to ground out results when we weren’t playing well. There’s a know-how. You just know how to get a result. And that’s probably where we need to get to.”

Source: DailyMirror

Lazio and Tottenham charged by Uefa

Lazio have been charged over the alleged racist behaviour of their supporters during the Europa League game against Tottenham.


Tottenham have also been charged over separate crowd disturbances following the match on November 22.

Lazio supporters mocked Spurs' links with the Jewish community by chanting "Juden Tottenham" at the away fans during the 0-0 draw at the Stadio Olimpico on November 22.

A UEFA statement said: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against SS Lazio.

"Charges relate to the alleged racist behaviour of Lazio supporters during the Italian club's 0-0 UEFA Europa League Group J draw against Tottenham Hotspur FC in Rome on 22 November 2012.

"Proceedings will also be instigated against SS Lazio for throwing of missiles and/or fireworks by their supporters, incidents of a non-sporting nature, late team arrival at the stadium, and late handling of the team sheet."

UEFA will hear both cases at a disciplinary meeting on January 24.

This is not the first time the Italian club have been accused of racism this season.

In the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane back in October Lazio's fans were found guilty of monkey chanting towards three Tottenham players.

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Source: SkySports

Juan Mata aims Europa League glory

Juan Mata has indicated that Chelsea will take the Europa League seriously, insisting that their goal is to win the tournament.

Rafa Benitez's men dropped into the competition after failing to qualify from their Champions League group, despite being holders, finishing behind Juventus and Shakhtar Donetsk.

The round-of-32 draw took place on Thursday and saw the Blues drawn against Czech Republic outfit Sparta Prague, with the first leg set to take place on February 14 and Mata wants to win the trophy.

“We face Sparta Prague in #EuropaLeague," the Spaniard wrote on Twitter.

“The first step to reach our goal in this tournament: Become Champions!”

The clash will see Blues keeper Petr Cech return to his former club, where he spent a season before moving to Rennes and then onto Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League club's secretary, David Barnard, revealed that the 30-year-old will be taking up extra duties as a scout for the clash against his ex-employers - a tie which he will be relishing.

“No doubt he will fill us in on Sparta," he told reporters. “It’s one of his previous clubs and his home town, so he’ll be looking forward to going back.”

If the Stamford Bridge outfit defeat their keeper's former side over two legs than it will be Dutch champions Ajax or Romanian side Steaua Bucharest waiting for them in the next round.

Manchester United legend, and current marketing director at the Eredivisie club, Edwin van der Sar, was shocked by Chelsea's exit from the main European competition but hopes to face them in the Europa League after also failing to get through their group.

“It’s a surprise for everyone," he the 42-year-old added. "They’re 10 points behind in the league and Benitez had a tough start.

“Let’s see in two months if he can steady the ship and maybe claw their way back into the title race. 

“Hopefully, we’ll see them in the next round.” 

The Blues have endured an inconsistent season, currently sitting 13 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League, and defender Branislav Ivanovic has called on his team to start grinding out results. 

The Serb said: “We know we are inconsistent and still building. 

“It is important for us to win ugly as that develops belief and confidence in the players.”

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Source: Goal

Lyon boss Garde: Lloris return will be emotional

Lyon coach Remi Garde believes it was inevitable Hugo Lloris make a speedy return to the Stade de Gerland after Tottenham Hotspur were paired with the French goalkeeper's former club in the last 32 of the Europa League.

Lloris, 25, made the switch to White Hart Lane after four years at OL where he established himself as the French national team's number one and captain. Having fought off competition from Brad Friedel at Spurs, the Nice-born custodian is now set to come up against some very familiar faces.

"Tottenham makes us think of Hugo. It's destiny. It'll certainly be very emotional for him at Gerland. I hope he won't want to shine too much, though I fear that will be the case," Garde said. "Little by little, their team is improving, and Hugo Lloris has played a role in that by bringing stability. Like him, they're a team on the up. They'll be serious opponents."

OL breezed through the group stages with the best record of any club, but were hardly rewarded for their efforts with Thursday's draw at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, mapping out a testing path towards the final in Amsterdam. Inter Milan or Cluj await in the last 16, and Garde is aware Spurs already present a formidable obstacle to his team's ambitions.

"We can't say that it's the best possible draw. Tottenham are having a good season, and in contention to qualify for the Champions League. They have a complete and varied squad with a number of options," the ex-Arsenal midfielder, who played with the Gunners between 1996 and 1999, said.

"It's possible I'll get whistled and booed at White Hart Lane, but I'm not sure that the supporters remember me in an Arsenal shirt. Perhaps for this time they'll make an effort though."

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Source: ESPN

Villas-Boas: Lyon is a tremendous tie for Tottenham

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas said being drawn against Lyon in the last 32 of the Europa League is "excellent" for the club and the much-maligned competition.

Villas-Boas says their tie - along with Liverpool's match-up with Zenit St Petersburg - would not look out of place in the UEFA Champions League.

The Europa League has not had the same impact in England as it has in many other countries, with Premier League clubs often fielding weakened teams in the competition.

Villas-Boas is however a supporter of the tournament and he says the draw should generate plenty of interest.

"Lyon is a tremendous tie for us in the sense that it gives this country, along with the Liverpool game, the chance to see wonderful Europa League fixtures being played," Villas-Boas said.

"Zenit-Liverpool and Tottenham-Lyon should both be considered like Champions League fixtures so I think this is something important for the competition, for how it's seen in this country.

"The fact that we play Lyon, who are used to being in the Champions League and used to winning trophies, it's an important reference for us.

"If we want to set our targets for Champions League qualification, this is the kind of team we will face, teams with a winning mentality, full of quality players.

"In that sense I think it's excellent for the publicity of the competition in this country."

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Source: SkySports

Former player Nevin doubts Chelsea's Europa League chances

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin doubts the club has the experience and ability to win the Europa League this season.

The Blues will face Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the competition and should they progress will come against either Ajax or Steua Bucharest in the last 16.

Nevin believes Chelsea are in transition this season therefore feels it will be difficult for them to win the tournament, especially with teams such as Atletico Madrid still in the draw.

He told Goal.com: "I suspect it has come a year early for this transitional team to win it, though. They are very much in the early stages of rebuilding their squad and style of play and I would only put them as third favourites, at best, to win it.

"I'm sure Rafa will be relieved to avoid Atletico Madrid, who will be the ones to beat. When it comes to the draw you can only ask for two things. A home draw in the second leg and a short trip. They've got both of them.

"The fans will enjoy Prague, it's a good city to visit. Sparta shouldn't present too many difficulties and Chelsea should progress."

The 49-year-old believes Chelsea will still give the competition their all despite their disappointment over not competing in the Champions League, and feels that players such as John Terry and Frank Lampard will want to add to their silverware collection.

However, Nevin says that even if the Blues were to win the tournament, he doubts whether it will be enough to keep Rafa Benitez in the manager’s job permanently.

He added: "It is a sad day for Chelsea that they are in the Europa League and not still defending their Champions League crown, but I' sure they will take the competition seriously.

"I know that senior players, such as Frank Lampard and John Terry will be desperate to win it because they are getting near the end of their careers and it might be the last one they win.

"Rafa [Benitez] also has personal reasons for wanting to do well. Much of his best work has been done on the European stage and I'm confident he will take Chelsea far in this too.

"I don't think winning it will be enough to keep him in the job, but he knows he is only an interim boss and it will look good on his CV. It will help raise his profile and will enable him to get a better job if and when he leaves Chelsea."

Nevin also stated that there is enough incentive for Chelsea to give the competition their all as they will be only one a small number of sides to complete a clean sweep of club trophies.

"They will be one of one a select group of clubs to have won all Uefa's club trophies if they are successful and that will be a huge incentive,” he said.

"Fans of other clubs always goad Chelsea about their lack of history in terms of silverware but if they can complete the set that would shut a few of them up.”

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Source: Goal

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew in dark on Europe League opponents Metalist

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits he does not know much about their Europe League opponents Metalist Kharkiv.

United will host the first leg before a trip to Ukraine in the second and Metalist will be tough opponents - they won their qualifying group.

Asked what he knew about their next opponents, Pardew said: "Not much, really.

"I do know it's a long journey, I've had a look at that, and they won their group, so it's a tough agenda for us.

"It's a tough draw in terms of travel; the opposition, I know very little about. I can't even comment on that until such time as we do some studying."

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Source: SkySports

Mazzarri: Napoli will address Viktoria with the utmost respect

Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has conceded that there are 'no easy games in Europe' as his team drew Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

The Partenopei will host Pavel Vrba's side on February 14 before travelling to the Czech Republic a week later for the last 32 second leg.

And the 51-year-old Coach has admitted that he will not underestimate the Group B winners.

“In Europe, there are no easy games,” he told reporters. “If a team reaches the knockout stages it means they are a good side.

“Viktoria topped a group that involved Atletico Madrid, so that's the sort of team we're dealing with.

“We will address Viktoria with the utmost respect knowing that they are capable of continuing their journey in the Europa League.”

Club President Aurelio De Laurentiis also commented on the prospect of playing the Gambrinus Liga team.

“It is a challenging draw,” he told the team's official Twitter account. “Because Viktoria were ahead of Atletico Madrid.”

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Source: Football-Italia

Tottenham expecting tough task against Lyon in last 32 of Europa League

Tottenham general secretary Darren Eales expects a tough clash with Ligue 1's Lyon in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The draw will see Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris face his former team-mates following his summer move from France to the Premier League.

"It's a tough draw and this is the first time in nine years they've not been in the Champions League," Eales told Sky Sports News.

"There are a lot of tough teams in the draw. We can ask Hugo the way to go and I think he will be excited about the chance to go back to his old team and play there."

If Tottenham get through the two legs, they could face Inter Milan next, provided the Italians get past Cluj.

Two years ago Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in Milan for Tottenham against Inter in a UEFA Champions League match that eventually saw the north London side lose 4-3 in October 2010.

"If we do get Inter if we do get through, two years ago in the Champions League when Gareth Bale got that wonderful hat-trick - that's an exciting game but we have to think about Lyon first," Eales said.

And Eales believes Andre Villas-Boas has what it takes to lead Spurs to the European title after he engineered a win for former club Porto during a treble-winning first season in charge which saw his side also lift the Portuguese Cup and win the Primeira Liga.

"He's got the pedigree so hopefully he can do what he did with Porto two years ago and we can go all the way to (the final in) Amsterdam," he said.

"We want to be playing in European competition. We don't see why we can't have a successful Europa League campaign and do well in the league."

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Source: SkySports

Europa League draw: Inter meet Cluj, Liverpool face Zenit

The draw for the rounds of 32 and 16 of the Europa League has offered some interesting ties as several of Europe's finest are aiming to win the competition.

Serie A giants Inter have been paired with Romanian outfit CFR Cluj, who finished third in their Champions League group behind Manchester United and Galatasaray.

Furthermore, Premier League representatives Liverpool will have to deal with Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg.

Lisbon giants Benfica meet Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, while holders Atletico Madrid face Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.

Ajax, who host the final, were paired with Steaua Bucharest, whereas Champions League holders Chelsea will have to deal with Sparta Prague.

The round of 32 takes place on February 14 and 21, while the round of 16 will be played on March 7 and 14. The final will be held at the Amsterdam ArenA on May 15.

EUROPA LEAGUE LAST 32 DRAW 

1 BATE Borisov VS Fenerbahce 

2 Inter VS CFR Cluj 

3 Levante VS Olympiakos 

4 Zenit St Petersburg VS Liverpool 

5 Dynamo Kiev VS Bordeaux 

6 Bayer Leverkusen VS Benfica 

7 Newcastle United VS Metalist Kharkiv 

8 Stuttgart VS Genk 

9 Atletico Madrid VS Rubin Kazan 

10 Ajax VS Steaua Bucharest 

11 Basel VS Dnipro 

12 Anzhi VS Hannover 

13 Sparta Prague VS Chelsea 

14 Borussia Monchengladbach VS Lazio 

15 Tottenham VS Olympique Lyonnais 

16 Napoli VS Viktoria Plzen

EUROPA LEAGUE LAST 16 DRAW 

Napoli/Plzen VS BATE/Fenerbahce

Leverkusen/Benfica VS Dynamo Kiev/Bordeaux

Anzhi/Hannover VS Newcastle/Metalist

Stuttgart/Genk VS Monchengladbach/Lazio

Tottenham/Lyon VS Inter/Cluj

Levante/Olympiakos VS Atletico Madrid/Rubin

Basel/Dnipro VS Zenit/Liverpool

Ajax/Steaua VS Sparta Prague/Chelsea

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Source: Goal

Sporting Lisbon vs Videoton Europa League Match Report

Sporting Lisbon bowed out of the Europa League on a high with their first win of the campaign in their delayed dead-rubber final Group G encounter with Videoton.

The match, postponed by 24 hours due to a waterlogged pitch at the Stadio Jose Alvalade, looked set to be settled in the hosts' favour by Zakaria Labyad's 64th-minute strike, but there was late drama with two goals and a red card in the final 11 minutes.

Gyorgy Sandor equalised for Paulo Sousa's Videoton with an 80th-minute penalty, only for Valentin Viola to swiftly head the Portuguese side into the lead again. Sandor was then dismissed for a foul on Diego Capel, which ended the Spanish winger's involvement in the game, and there was no way back for the visitors.

Sporting headed into the clash already certain of finishing bottom of the pool after taking just two points from their first five games, while third-placed Videoton's hopes of becoming the first Hungarian club to qualify from the group stages of a major UEFA competition were extinguished when Genk and Basle drew 0-0 last night.

Sporting's Marcelo Boeck was much the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, parrying Filipe Oliveira's right-footed blast in the 17th minute and keeping out Nermanja Nikolic's close-range effort with his feet soon after.

Boeck was powerless in the 24th minute, though, when Renato Neto lashed a shot from the edge of the box against the bar.

Despite having been on the back foot for much of the first period, Sporting had a fine chance to open the scoring 10 minutes before the break but Viola directed his header wide from Labyad's free-kick.

Franky Vercauteren's side continued to look more positive after the interval, however, and they received their reward in the 64th minute, when Labyad was on hand to despatch the rebound into the top-right corner after Videoton goalkeeper Tomas Tujvel had parried a fierce drive from Emiliano Insua.

Labyad could have grabbed a second goal eight minutes later but was denied by the feet of Tujvel.

The save looked to have proved crucial soon afterwards when Sporting midfielder Fito Rinaudo handled the ball inside his area and Sandor made no mistake from the spot.

But Sporting were back on level terms for only three minutes before Viola's header made it 2-1 following a goalmouth scramble, and the visitors' hopes of getting back into the game suffered a setback a minute later when Sandor saw red for a bad foul on Capel.

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Source: SkySports

Guidolin: Udinese lost to a great Liverpool team

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin downplayed his side's loss to Liverpool, believing that his team played well but just did not have enough against such "a great team".

The defeat at the Stadio Friuli saw the Italians finish bottom of Group A in the Europa League, meaning their European dreams are over.

While Guidolin expressed regret over his side's elimination, he was encouraged by his side's performance and insisted that there is no shame in being defeated by the Reds.

"We played a good game against a great Liverpool side, losing only from a dead-ball situation. It is a pity that we could not finished of our campaign with a win," Guidolin told reporters at a press conference.

"We were pitted in the toughest group in the draw but we have done our bit. Our European adventure is over for another year but I believe we have given our fans something good to remember.

"We leave with our heads high and the memory of that great victory at Anfield. That will be something positive that we can take away with us."

With the victory, Liverpool finished the group in top spot while they will also be joined by Anzhi Makhachkala who pipped Young Boys to second place.

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Source: Goal

Liverpool boss Rodgers: We were fantastic against Udinese

Brendan Rodgers has hailed his young Liverpool side after they secured progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League with victory over Udinese.

The Reds triumphed 1-0 in Italy to secure top spot in Group A thanks to Jordan Henderson’s first half strike, while Young Boys defeated Anzhi 3-1 in Switzerland.

And Rodgers believes his side fully deserve to be the group winners.

“"I thought we were fantastic tonight,” he told reporters.

"We had two objectives coming into this stage of the tournament. Firstly, tonight was our 10th game in the tournament and qualification was important. Secondly, we wanted to give some experience to our younger players.

"When you're 17, 18, 19 and 20 years of age like some of them are, this is a big learning curve.

"Our challenge is to make them better players and educate them in the game. They have done well tonight.

"We were in a difficult group with good teams - teams with good Champions League experience and one of the richest teams in the world.

"But the mentality of the team was very strong and our desire and belief was very strong. We won and that is good for our future.

"I'm delighted for the players and supporters, over 1,000 of whom travelled over here and that was important. They deserve all the credit along with the players. We can now look forward to the next round in February."

Liverpool's win and the result in Switzerland meant they topped Group A, thanks to a better head-to-head record against Young Boys and Anzhi.

And Rodgers is glad the Reds have continued their momentum in the competition.

"It was always going to be a very tight group and you saw how close it finished," he continued.

"I said to the players I thought we could finish top of the group with a good result tonight.

"I'm absolutely delighted for them because they have been superb throughout the campaign, and their Premier League form is improving all the time.

"It's really good for our momentum to qualify."

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Source: Goal

Simeone: Atletico Madrid deserve a point

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted that his team were not at their best against Viktoria Plzen, but, insisted that a draw would have been a fairer reflection of the game.

Los Colchoneros headed into their final encounter in Group B of the Europa League with a two-point advantage over the second-placed Czechs, meaning a draw would have sufficed to ensure the Madrid outfit of top spot.

However, a first-half goal from Vaclav Prochazka was enough to give Plzen all three points and has seen them finish in first place ahead of Atleti.

"We would wanted to finish first in the group. In the second half, we played like we wanted to top the group. Maybe, we merited a draw," Simeone told reporters in the post-match press conference.

"But, we did not make the most of our chances. We played a good game in the second half and my players did what I asked them to. In the end, however, we could not equal the tie even though I believe that it would have been fair."

After both finished first in their respective groups, Liverpool and Fenerbahce are now possible opponents for Atletico Madrid but Simeone refused to be drawn into speculation as to who he would want his side to be paired against.

He added: "When we find out about our opponents, then we will evaluate the situation."

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Source: Goal

Stramaccioni encouraged by Inter's display

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni was left highly encouraged by his side's display against Neftchi Baku, which included a string of young players including goal-scoring hero Marko Livaja.

The Italian giants finished in second place in Europa League Group H after drawing at home to their Azerbaijani opponents.

Despite conceding late which cost the Nerazzurri victory, Stramaccioni had only positive things to say about his young side and, in particular, the performance of Livaja who netted a double.

"We did really well tonight, I congratulate these young boys. It is a good sign that they are doing well," Stramaccioni said at a post-match press-conference. .

"They need to continue working hard and stay humble. They give us much hope for the future.

"Livaja was a real protagonist with his goals. Myself and my staff have always regarded him highly. We decided to keep him at the club because he has qualities. But, he is still very young and like the others needs to continue working hard with humility."

Stramaccioni also lauded Antonio Cassano's impact from the bench while he turned his focus to his side's Sunday encounter with Napoli.

He added: "Antonio did very well and got into some dangerous positions. Now we have to recover and look ahead to Sunday's game against Napoli, which is very important.

The star of the evening, Livaja, expressed his delight after his fine showing and revealed his desire to emulate his team-mate, Diego Milito.

He said: "We played better than they did. They were lucky to draw in the end. But, still I am happy with my game and of course scoring two goals.

"But now we have to think of Napoli. You ask me if I could be the next Milito? I can only hope so."

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Source: Goal

Andre Villas-Boas: Chelsea do not deserve to be in Europa League

Andre Villas-Boas believes former club Chelsea do not deserve a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Having finished second in Group J, Spurs will not be seeded in the second round of the competition, meaning they could face teams who have dropped down from the UEFA Champions League, such as Benfica and Olympiakos.

Villas-Boas will not be able to take on former club Chelsea in the next round as teams from the same country cannot face each other until the last 16 but he thinks they should not be in the competition at all.

"I think it's extremely unfair," he said. "It would be much fairer if the clubs came in to the Europa League when they are knocked out of the last 16 of the Champions League.

"You can't give a bonus to teams who have failed, and in the situation as it stands, teams fail in the Champions League and are promoted to the Europa League, which, in my opinion, is a massive bonus.

"I've not made this up today. I have said this in UEFA meetings before. It's up to them to decide but I think it's not fair."

Despite this, Villas-Boas believes the clubs could cross paths later in the competition.

"Sometimes it's destiny," he said. "Hopefully if we go through we can meet each other.

"They have a team that can win the trophy, so they will be up to the late stages of the competition. We hope to do so.

"If we cross it is going to be two magnificent games for sure."

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Source: SkySports

Europa League draw: Knockout round pots

The draw takes place at 14.00 GMT on Thursday, December 20, 2012.

Seeded: Liverpool, Viktoria Plzen, Fenerbahce, Bordeaux, Steaua Bucuresti, Dnipro, Genk, Rubin Kazan, Lyon, Lazio, Metalist Kharkiv, Hannover, Chelsea, CFR Cluj, Olympiakos, Benfica

Will be drawn to play one of

Unseeded: Anzhi Makhachkala, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach, Newcastle United, VfB Stuttgart, Napoli, FC Basel, Inter Milan, Sparta Prague, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayer Leverkusen, Levante, Zenit St Petersburg, BATE Borisov, Dynamo Kiev, Ajax Amsterdam

The seeded teams will be at home in the second leg.

Both the Round of 32 and the Round of 16 will be drawn. In the Round of 32 you cannot draw the team from the same Europa Leagur group OR a team from the same national association. There is no such protection in the Round of 16.

Round of 32: February 14 and 21

Round of 16: March 7 and 14

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Source: ESPN

Liverpool boss B. Rodgers praises Jordan Henderson

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Jordan Henderson after the midfielder's goal secured his side a place in the Europa League last 32.

Henderson, 22, registered for the first time in European competition as the Reds won 1-0 at Udinese to top Group A.

"He is a great lad, works hard and has come in over the last month and made a good contribution," said Rodgers.

"He has the quality to arrive in the box and a finish in him. His hard work is paying off. I'm delighted for him."

It was only Henderson's third strike since a £16m move from Sunderland in 2011 and he almost doubled the lead with a second-half volley that was tipped over the bar by Daniele Padelli.

"It was a very good finish and he was unfortunate not to get a second goal as the keeper made a wonderful save," Rodgers added.

Udinese had Giovanni Pasquale sent off towards the end of the match, but almost snatched a draw that would have knocked Liverpool out when Antonio Di Natale blasted over with the last kick of the match.

Victory for Young Boys over Anzhi Makhachkala in the group's other game meant the Reds had to win or they were out.

"It is that moment when there is literally 20 seconds left and we've given away the ball - it was very close," said Rodgers.

"Hopefully it is a sign we have a little bit of luck going our way because maybe a couple of months back that would have gone in and we would be out of the competition.

"There was no margin for error tonight. I felt we had to win the game because we were in a difficult group against good teams.

"Over the course of all the games, how we have played and progressed through the tournament, I think we are deserved winners of the group.

"We can rest well, focus on the league and look forward to next February."

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Source: BBC

Tottenham vs Panathinaikos Europa League Match Report

Tottenham have advanced to the knock-out stages of the Europa League after overcoming a stubborn Panathinaikos side at White Hart Lane.

Spurs had only needed to draw to guarantee their place in the next round, but strikes from Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe, plus an Orestis Karnezis own goal ensured they proceeded to the last 32 with a 3-1 win.

Adebayor had given the hosts the lead midway through the first half before Zeca equalised after the break, but Spurs, still unbeaten in Europe this season, rallied to claim three points.

Andre Villas-Boas made four changes to the team that beat Fulham 3-0 at the weekend, with Brad Friedel, Kyle Walker, Tom Carroll and Adebayor all selected in a 4-4-2 formation.

The away side retained seven of the starting XI that drew with Spurs in Athens; goal scorer that night Toche lined up in attack, though ex-Arsenal winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie missed out through injury.

Tottenham exerted a degree of control from the start, with Carroll, Steven Caulker and Jan Vertonghen seeing a lot of the ball, but the home side struggled initially to break down an organised and austere Greek defence.

It was Panathinaikos' Spanish forward Toche who came closest to opening the scoring, flicking Giourkas Seitaridis' free kick into the grateful arms of Friedel from six-yards, though he should have been flagged for offside.

But Spurs made the breakthrough when Clint Dempsey threaded a pass behind Kostas Triantafyllopoulos for Adebayor to collect. The Togolese forward shifted the ball onto his right foot before caressing the ball past Karnezis.

Tottenham could have doubled their lead before the break when Adebayor latched onto Carroll’s through-ball, but Triantafyllopoulos slid in to block his shot. From the resulting corner, Vertonghen headed just wide.

Dempsey was enjoying himself in the hole, and after the break he played Jermain Defoe through on goal to rattle the post from an acute angle.

But for all Spurs' superiority, it was the Greek side who would strike next. Nikos Spyropoulos played a deep cross to the back post which Zeca, having lost Kyle Naughton, headed back across goal and past a hapless Friedel.

The goal invigorated Panathinaikos and rattled the home side; Spurs' control evaporated and was replaced by a nervousness typified by Naughton's hurried clearance that landed at the feet of Toche, who rolled the ball wide from close range.

But Spurs re-took the lead against the run of play after Sandro's lung-busting run produced a free kick on the edge of the area. Dempsey rose highest to meet Kyle Walker’s delivery, thumping a header against the bar which ricocheted off Karnezis' back and trickled over the line.

The rout was completed after Aaron Lennon embarked on a mazy run before reversing the ball for Defoe to calmly dink over the onrushing Karnezis in sublime style.

Elsewhere in Group J, Lazio hammered Maribor 4-1, booking their place in the knock-out stages as group winners, so Spurs were forced to settle for second place.

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Source: Goal