THE FA SENDS OUT PROPOSAL TO REDUCE NON-EU PLAYERS BY 50%

The Football Association has announced proposals to change the current system by which non-EU players are able to play in English football in a bid to reduce the numbers coming to England from next season by up to 50 per cent.

FA sends out proposals to reduce the number of non-EU players by 50%

Changes were first proposed by FA chairman Greg Dyke’s England Commission in May and over the summer discussions have taken place with the Home Office regarding the process for change. 

The system, called the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) process, was introduced by the Home Office in 2008 to allow the governing body of each sport to manage a systematic objective approach for endorsing visa applications of elite players from non–EU countries.

The defined criteria are designed to result in visas only for those elite sportspeople ‘who are internationally established at the highest level whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK’.

The FA has issued a consultative paper – which it is required to do under Home Office rules – suggesting detailed changes.

The changes include restricting GBE visa applications to Premier League clubs only. Currently Football League clubs can also apply and in the past four years 23 applications from Football League clubs have been successful.

The FA also wants to prevent players brought to Britain through the GBE visa system from being loaned out to other clubs.

The governing body is also seeking a reduction in the list of countries from which players can apply for GBE visas based on international playing record, from the current 70 top FIFA ranked countries to the top 50.

Another change would see an easing – from 75% to 30% – in the percentage of competitive international matches that players from countries with a FIFA ranking in the top 30 must have played in the past two years.

The FA also wants to introduce a transfer fee exemption to deliver GBE for elite players from any country, irrespective of FIFA ranking, if the transfer fee exceeds a minimum indexed figure, initially proposed to be £10m or £15m.

And finally the aim is to scale back the appeals system so that clubs may only appeal on the basis of incorrect process. 

In the past, appeal tribunals have been required to make subjective judgments on playing ability, which has resulted in nearly 80% of all appeals being successful after failing to meet the initial criteria.

There will now be consultations with the Premier League, the Football League, the PFA, the LMA and the national FA’s of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as required by the Home Office.

Following the consultations, the FA is planning to take a paper back to the Home Office later this year so that the new system could apply from the beginning of the 2015/16 system.

Sky Sports

EUROPA LEAGUE: IKE UCHE RETURNS FOR VILLARREAL FOR THE GAME AGAINST MONCHENGLADBACH

Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uche is the big novelty in Villarreal's squad to take on Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Europa League game to be played on Thursday in Germany.

Uche returns for game against Mönchengladbach

It is also worth noting the lack of left-backs in the squad. The young defender Adrián Marin - who made his debut last week against Granada with Bojan Jokic and Jaume Costa out injured - will not be travelling with the rest of the players. The manager Marcelino García Toral has decided to rest the youngster, who finished the game with an injury.

This means that Villarreal will have to play someone unaccustomed to the position on the left - possibly the central defender Gabriel or the right back Antonio Rukavina. They will be joined by three goalkeepers, something which will be the norm for European games.

Gio Dos Santos, Jaume Costa, Bojan Jokic and Hernán Pérez all miss out on the opening game of the first stage of the competition through injury.

The squad consists of Asenjo, Juan Carlos, Aitor Fernández, Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, Víctor Ruiz, Rukavina, Jonathan Dos Santos, Bruno, Pina, Trigueros, Cani, Moi Gómez, Cheryshev, Espinosa, Uche, Vietto and Gerard Moreno.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: RONALDO SCORES GOAL NUMBER 68, SURPASSING MESSI'S 67 GOALS

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net in their 5-1 mauling of Swiss club Basel making it his 68th goal in the UEFA Champions League competition, surpassing Messi (67) and now just three goals from Raúl's record (71).

Cristiano Ronaldo scored goal number 68, surpassing Messi's 67 goals

Former Real Madrid star, Raúl, is the Champions League's top scorer, but both Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are on course to strip him of that title this season. 

For now, the Portuguese star has passed his Argentine rival following his goal which came courtesy of an assist by Bale. Trailing the top three are Van Nistelrooy (56), Henry (50) and Shevchenko (48).

PEP GUARDIOLA SAYS MANCHESTER UNITED CANNOT AFFORD BAYERN MUNICH PLAYERS

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola says Manchester United can not afford to lure players away from the Allianz Arena.

Pep Guardiola: Manchester United cannot afford Bayern Munich players

The Premier League club spent more than £150m on summer signings after failing to qualify for the Champions League, including a British record £59.7m on Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.

But Guardiola said none of his stars would be moving to Old Trafford.

"They don't have enough money, I am sorry," said the 43-year-old Spaniard.

Angel Di Maria cost United £59.7m after a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final

Guardiola, speaking before the Bundesliga champions' opening Champions League match against Manchester City on Wednesday,added: "I saw they (United) spent a lot of money. It is part of the game.

"It just basically depends on the player. When the player wants to move - they are going to move.

"Manchester wants these kind of players and they decided to stay here and we are so happy for that."

Guardiola, who was part of new Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal's Barcelona team before going on to coach the La Liga team himself, added that United's failure to qualify for the tournament showed "why football is magnificent".

"Every week you have to show you are ready," he said. "A bad 45 minutes and you're out."

BBC Sport

RON GOURLAY SAYS CHELSEA SEEKS JOSE MOURINHO TO STAY 10-YEARS

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has told the London Evening Standard he wants Jose Mourinho to "stay 10 years."
Chelsea seeking 10-year stay for Jose Mourinho, says Ron Gourlay

Mourinho returned for a second stint at Stamford Bridge in 2013, signing a four-year contract that ties him to the club until 2017.

Gourlay, though, hopes Mourinho, who guided the Blues to a third-placed Premier League finish last season, will be at the helm even longer.

He said: "Having the security of Jose is great for me -- he knows the club, knows me. Last time he was here, I was chief operating officer and we worked well together.

"Jose can deal with the media in a different way from some of the other managers we've had. He takes the pressure not only away from the players but also from the club. He's very good at that and allows us to manage and me in particular to drive the club forward."

Chelsea have made a fine start to the new season, topping the table after winning their opening four league matches and scoring 15 goals.

Summer signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have played a key role in the team's form, although their arrivals were offset by a number of loans away from the club in the summer.

Twenty-six Chelsea players are currently out on loan, and Gourlay added: "This transfer window we have financed purchases from sales.

"This is definitely the first time. Now Chelsea have to chase the penny and work much harder across the business as a result of financial fair play.

"We've shocked a few people in football because the first team they thought would fail FFP was Chelsea. We're completely in a good shape."

ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: DROGBA AND CECH COULD FEATURE IN CHELSEA'S CLASH AGAINST SCHALKE

Didier Drogba could feature for Chelsea in Wednesday's Champions League Group G opener against Schalke at Stamford Bridge after recovering from injury.

Didier Drogba could feature in Chelsea's UCL clash against Schalke at Stamford Bridge

The striker missed Saturday's Premier League win against Swansea with an ankle problem but trained on Tuesday.

Drogba, 36, who rejoined the club in the summer, scored the decisive penalty in Chelsea's Champions League final win over Bayern Munich in 2012.

Meanwhile, Petr Cech will be hoping for a start in goal.

The Czech Republic international has yet to make an appearance for the Blues this season, with Jose Mourinho opting to play Belgian Thibaut Courtois in goal.

"Don't be surprised if Cech plays a Champions League game or a Premier League game, or if Courtois plays a Capital One Cup game," Mourinho said.

"What I don't do is 'this competition is for me and this competition is for you'. I must make choices. Petr is more than ready to play every game."

Chelsea played Schalke in the group stages of last season's Champions League, with the Blues winning 3-0 both home and away.

Mourinho is aiming to become the first manager to win the competition with three difference clubs, having triumphed with Porto in 2004 and then with Inter Milan in 2010.

"What drives me is to try to win," he said. "I work for my club, for my players and for the club supporters. I don't work for myself.

"If I win it once more, to win with three clubs is unique. But even if I don't do it, how many top managers in the world have only one or even not a single one? The greatest in our country [Sir Alex Ferguson], he won it twice.

"If at the end of my career I've achieved that situation, then good, but it's far from being an obsession and it's not something that I think about a lot.

"We have a championship of six matches and three opponents in Group G and we have to do everything to qualify."

Didier Drogba's last appearance for Chelsea in Europe was in the 2012 Champions League final

BBC Sport

ALAN HUTTON SIGNS NEW THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has signed a new three-year contract, seven months after being told he had no future at the club.

Alan Hutton signs new three-year contract with Aston Villa

The right-back did not play for Villa for more than two years before he was recalled at the start of this season.

Manager Paul Lambert said in February that financial constraints meant Hutton was unlikely to play for Villa again.

The Scotland international, 29, had loan spells at Nottingham Forest, Real Mallorca and Bolton during his exile.

Hutton, whose previous contract was scheduled to expire at the end of this season, arrived from Tottenham for an undisclosed fee in September 2011.

The defender made 31 league appearances for Villa during the 2011-12 campaign but was training with the club's development squad last season.

Lambert said at the time: "We need to get the [wage] structure down. There's never been any fall-out."

Hutton returned to competitive action on 16 August in Villa's 1-0 Premier League victory at Stoke.

BBC Sport

ARSENE WENGER URGES ARSENAL FANS TO BE PATIENT WITH DANNY WELBECK

Manager Arsene Wenger says Arsenal "have to be patient" with new signing Danny Welbeck after his miss proved costly in the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

Arsene Wenger urges patience over Danny Welbeck

The 23-year-old England forward, a £16m arrival from Manchester United this month, shot wide when clean through with the Group D game goalless.

Dortmund scored either side of half-time to secure victory.

"Danny will improve - we don't have to make a problem of that," said Wenger.

"He had a very lively first half. He had two or three good chances but couldn't finish them. There was one obvious one. We have to be patient with him."

Welbeck scored both goals as England beat Switzerland 2-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier on 8 September.

But he has not found the net at club level since scoring for United in a 3-0 Premier League win at West Brom on 8 March.

After Welbeck's miss at Signal Iduna Park, Ciro Immobile gave the home side the lead with a low shot, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished another fine breakaway.

Aubameyang also hit the crossbar in a game that saw Dortmund have 22 shots to Arsenal's four.

Defeat in their opening game leaves the Gunners - competing in the Champions League for the 17th successive season - bottom of the group after Galatasaray and Anderlecht drew 1-1.

"It's very difficult to go into any individual assessment of any player because as a team we were not at the requested level," said Wenger.

The Frenchman said midfielder Jack Wilshere "turned an ankle" late on, although the 22-year-old finished the game.

"It's difficult to say how bad it is," Wenger added. "But because of his history I'm a bit cautious."

Arsenal face Galatasaray at Emirates Stadium in their next Champions League game on 1 October.

BBC Sport

NEWCASTLE'S GUTIERREZ TREATED FOR TESTICULAR CANCER

Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has thanked fans for their support after revealing he is being treated for testicular cancer.

Jonas Gutierrez: Newcastle winger being treated for testicular cancer

The 31-year-old had an operation in his native Argentina to remove his left testicle after the discovery of a tumour, and is undergoing chemotherapy.

"Thanks for all the messages. Always looking forward," he wrote on Twitter.

Gutierrez, who was on loan at Norwich last season, has scored 10 goals in 177 league appearances for the Magpies.

The former Velez Sarsfield and Mallorca player revealed his illness during an television interview in Argentina on Tuesday.

"I detected a tumour in a testicle. When I confirmed the cancer, I went home crying," he told TyC Sports.

"I came here and I assumed the costs despite having a contract with Newcastle.

"Money is not important. What is important is health. I had to start chemotherapy."

BBC Sport

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ARSENE WENGER OFFER FEW EXCUSES AFTER ARSENAL'S DEFEAT

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger offered up few excuses for his side's below par display after their were beaten 2-0 by Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring their second goal during their UEFA Champions League group stage match against Arsenal FC

Jurgen Klopp's side could and should have won by a wider margin in a game they dominated for long periods, with Wenger accepting that criticism of his team is justified.

"We were not at the requested level tonight and Dortmund deserved their win," Wenger told Sky Sports, before trying to find some silver linings in a hugely disappointing performance.

"We were a bit unlucky," he argued. "We conceded a goal just before half-time and just after. Then the game was difficult, but despite our very average performance, we had plenty of chances. That is the paradox of the night. We could have been leading the game. They as well had plenty of chances."

Arsenal's misery was completed as Wenger confirmed midfielder Jack Wilshere has turned his ankle and is now a serious doubt for Saturday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

"It's difficult to say how bad it is," said Wenger. "I am a bit cautious, normally it's not very bad but because of his history I'm a bit cautious. Apart from that no player I took off was injured."

Wenger went on to defend striker Danny Welbeck, who was guilty of spurning some clear openings in front of goal. It was Welbeck's first Champions League game for Arsenal since his move from Manchester United earlier this month.

"He was dangerous," stated Wenger. "He tired in the second half, but he couldn't finish tonight. He looked lively and did well. He needs a goal to get that off his shoulders."

Wenger credited Dortmund for having better engergy in the game, but said that was largely because, "they had a much easier game than we did on Saturday." Dortmund was coming off a 3-1 win over Freiburg, while Arsenal had just battled Premier League defending champions Manchester City to a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta joined his manager in offering few excuses for the lethargic display, as he accepted his team contributed to their own downfall in Dortmund.

"We did not perform well enough tonight," he stated. "We face a top side in one of the most difficult stadiums in Europe, we knew that from the start.

"They put us under pressure and it was very sloppy from us to concede the goal with 20 seconds to go in the first half from our own throw in. After you go 1-0 down here, it is very difficult.

"They have a lot of pace and they put a lot of pressure on. We knew that. We play here every year in the Champions League. We gave the ball away too many times in our own half in difficult positions and you can't do that against these sides."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ZENIT WIN AWAY TO BENFICA

Zenit St Petersburg made the ideal start to their Champions League campaign as two first-half goals set them on their way to a comfortable victory at 10-man Benfica.


Hulk scored in Zenit 2-0 away win at Benfica
Hulk opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute and the home side's hopes of getting back into the contest appeared remote when goalkeeper Artur was dismissed for a professional foul.

Former Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel then doubled Zenit's lead midway through the half and although the Russian side could not add further misery to their opponents, they ensured they began Group C with an important away victory.

With German side Bayer Leverkusen and French outfit Monaco their other foes in the group, Andre Villas-Boas' men will feel they have a good chance of reaching the knockout stages for the second season in a row.

Key to their hopes could be Oleg Shatov, who shone in Zenit's midfield at the Estadio da Luz.

It was the 24-year-old who supplied a superb through ball that left Benfica's defence flat-footed and enabled Hulk to slot, left-footed, past a helpless Artur for his eighth goal in his last 11 games.

Artur then made a hash of saving Hulk's free-kick from distance but did well to recover, while at the other end Yuri Lodygin was alert to tip away Eduardo Salvio's strike from 25 yards.

Just as Benfica were starting to gain a foothold, they were reduced to 10 men when Artur charged out of his box and brought down Danny, who was attempting to latch on to another Shatov through ball.

With the Brazilian stopper the last man, referee Svein Oddvar Moen had no alternative but to show him an 18th-minute red card.

It got worse for the hosts four minutes later and it was one of their former players who provided the decisive touch as replacement keeper Paulo Lopes' first touch was to pick the ball out of his net.

Belgium midfielder Witsel, who signed for Zenit from Benfica in September 2012 for 40million euro, headed home at the near post from Danny's corner.

Zenit, who have won all seven of their Russian Premier League fixtures, continued to boss proceedings thereafter with Hulk's once again going close, the former Porto striker just shooting wide from the edge of the area.

Witsel saw his strike well saved by Paulo Lopes while Zenit's dominance continued into the second half.

Venezuelan forward Jose Salomon Rondon struck the side netting while the ever dangerous Hulk saw his close-range effort marvellously tipped away by Lopes.

Lodygin kept his goal in tact with a smart save from Rodrigo Lima and another excellent Shatov ball through to Hulk ended with the Brazilian narrowly missing the target.

Benfica finished strongly but they failed to breach the Zenit goal as Villas-Boas' men defended with aplomb to seal an impressive three points.






ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: BURAK YILMAZ SALVAGE A POINT FOR GALATASARAY AT STOPPAGE TIME

Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz netted a stoppage-time equaliser to deny Anderlecht a first away Champions League win for nine years in a 1-1 Group D draw in Istanbul.


Burak Yılmaz scored a stoppage time equaliser for Galatasaray in a 1-1 draw against Anderlecht.

Anderlecht - who have finished bottom in all seven group stage campaigns since they reached the last 16 in 2000/01 - looked to be on course for a hard-earned victory after taking the lead early in the second half through Dennis Praet.

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a great chance to make it 2-0 moments later, which ultimately proved costly.

Galatasaray - now under the guidance of former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli - grew stronger during the closing stages and were eventually rewarded when Yilmaz crashed home following a powerful run by Aurelien Chedjou to earn the hosts a share of the points.

It had been a bright start by the Belgian champions, with Frank Acheampong looking lively.

When Galatasaray managed to get some possession, there was no-one able to get on the end of a delivery from Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

After Anderlecht defender Bram Nuytinck had to be replaced because of injury by Matias Suarez, the visitors went close again in the 26th minute as Ibrahima Conte cut a diagonal shot back across the face of goal when arriving at the far post.

A free-kick from Praet was not cleared and dropped to captain Olivier Deschacht, but his scuffed shot was straight at Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

The ferocious home support in the Turk Telekom Arena demanded a response - and almost got one when Felipe Melo's drive was deflected behind.

Seven minutes before the interval, Galatasaray captain Selcuk Inan curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide following a somewhat harsh handball against Steven Defour.

Galatasaray continued to press at the start of the second half, with Sneijder again stretching the visitors defence.

Anderlecht, however, took the lead in the 52nd minutes when Praet collected a diagonal ball out on the left and cut inside to the edge of the penalty area before rolling a low shot in off the post.

It should have been 2-0 moments later when Mitrovic was put clear on the break - but the Serbian screwed the ball horribly wide.

Anderlecht goalkeeper Davy Roef, the 20-year-old making his Champions League debut, then produced a good reaction save after Goran Pandev got in at the far post on the end of a sweeping ball from the left.

Despite plenty of possession, Galatasaray had to wait until the first minute of stoppage time to unlock the Belgian club's defence.

After Anderlecht had again given away possession cheaply, Chedjou barged down the left and cut the ball back to Yilmaz, who crashed the ball home from six yards.





ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: CARLOS TEVEZ DOUBLE GIVES JUVENTUS VICTORY

Juventus forward Carlos Tevez ended his Champions League goal drought with both goals in the 2-0 defeat of Malmo.


Carlos Tevez broke his goal-scoring drought with two, which were enough to secure three points for Juventus against Malmo in their Champions League opener.


The Italian champions had struggled to make an impact until Tevez ended a 14-match wait for a Champions League goal with his eye-catching strike just before the hour mark in this Group A opener.

Tevez then made sure of the victory in the 89th minute, curling home a fantastic free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Malmo had frustrated Massimiliano Allegri's men in the first 45 minutes - but the result did not look in doubt once Tevez had opened the scoring.

The Swedish side created the first chance of the game in the 18th minute when Markus Rosenberg's cross was headed goalwards by Magnus Eriksson - but Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon did well to block the effort.

After Kwadwo Asamoah had headed over, Tevez tried his luck for the home side with a curling effort which Malmo keeper Robin Olsen easily claimed.

Just before the half-hour mark Asamoah fired over from distance, then Fernando Llorente saw a 34th-minute effort deflected wide by Pa Konate - but the Italian champions were struggling to create clear chances.


Carlos Tevez is mobbed by Juventus teammates after netting his first goal of the night.

The home fans were hoping for an improvement from their side after the break and they showed more urgency in the early stages of the second half.

Llorente failed to find the power required to beat Olsen with a header, then Erik Johansson cleared after Stephan Lichtsteiner had threatened to unlock the visiting defence with an incisive ball.

However, Juventus got the breakthrough they were seeking in the 59th minute - and it was a well worked goal.

Tevez advanced and played a tidy one-two with Asamoah before advancing and beating Olsen with a low shot into the far corner of the net. It was his first goal in the competition since 2009, when he was playing for Manchester United.

Patrice Evra came close to doubling the lead four minutes later, looping a shot over from a corner, before Lichtsteiner headed over.

Malmo threatened briefly 18 minutes from time with an Eriksson header which Buffon comfortably claimed.

However, the home side finished strongly and after an Evra centre had just eluded Llorente and Paul Pogba, Llorente also went close to a second goal.

It finally arrived in the closing stages when Johansson was penalised for fouling Tevez - and the Argentinian picked himself up to convert the free-kick in style and end any lingering fears among the home support at the Juventus Stadium.






ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: OLYMPIAKOS BEAT ATLETICO MADRID IN A FIVE-GOALS THRILLER

Olympiakos got their Champions League campaign off to a winning start as they recorded a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Group A clash at Karaiskakis Stadium.

Olympiakos players celebrate their victory against the Spanish champions.

Arthur Masuaku opened the scoring for the hosts and Ibrahim Afellay doubled their lead after 31 minutes before Mario Mandzukic pulled one back for Madrid before half-time.

Konstantinos Mitroglou made it 3-1 midway through the second half before Antoine Griezmann struck for last season's beaten finalists at the end.

Eric Abidal was the first Olympiakos player to test the visiting defence but his long-range thunderbolt from the left sailed past the right post.

It did not take the hosts long to open the scoring and Masuaku struck after 13 minutes to hand the Greek champions the lead.

The 20-year-old collected the ball from Afellay on the left and made no mistake as he drilled it low past Jan Oblak from 25 yards out.

Atletico came close with a chance of their own four minutes later as Gabi's outswiniging corner from the right found the head of Mandzukic, but the Croatia striker sent the ball over the crossbar.

Abidal blocked a close-range header from Mandzukic midway through the first half as the away side fought their way back into the match.

But just after the half-hour mark, the hosts got on the scoresheet for the second time as Alejandro Dominguez picked out Afellay, who powered the ball home from the centre of the 18-yard box to double his side's advantage.

However, seven minutes later Mandzukic got his reward for his numerous first-half missed chances as he collected Cristian Ansaldi's cross and sent home a fantastic close-range header into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

The second half began at a slower pace than the first finished and it was the visitors that came closest to scoring as summer signing Griezmann tested Roberto Jimenez - but the Olympiakos goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar.

The home side hit back deep into the second half with their third goal as Pajtim Kasami picked out on-loan Greece striker Mitroglou in the box, who made no mistake with his close-range volley.

Atletico were desperate to get back into the game now but Jimenez made a comfortable catch as he denied an Alessio Cerci header with little over 10 minutes left.

The visitors' pressure paid off as Griezmann picked up Jorge Koke's cross from the left and converted from close range - but they could not find an equaliser.

ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: DIEGO SIMEONE UNHAPPY WITH ATLETICO MADRID'S DEFEAT

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone rued his side's missed chances in Tuesday's match, calling the 3-2 defeat away to Olympiakos "a very negative result for us."

Olympiakos coach Michel said his team worked together as well as one of Diego Simeone's sides normally do.

Los Rojiblancos fell two goals behind after half an hour and though Mario Mandzukic cut the lead to one shortly thereafter, Simeone's men could not find the equaliser.

Olympiakos scored on three of their four shots on target and had just seven shots total, while Atletico failed to put a way a host of good chances, despite taking 19 shots and controlloing 60 percent of possession.

"We posed a threat throughout, but Olympiakos were very tough indeed," Simeone said. "What made the difference was that they were more clinical with the chances that came their way.

"There is no doubt this was a very negative result for us and Olympiakos are now in a very good position. We feel we have a responsibility to bounce back."

Midfielder Koke said Atletico made too many mistakes, before setting his sights on his side's next Champions League matchup.

"We made some errors. They were very focused and capitalised on our mistakes," Koke said. "We have to keep working hard and think about our next game, at home to Juventus, who are our biggest rivals in the group.

"We knew that they were going to put us under a lot of pressure with their fans behind them. They scored very early on and it's always difficult when you go 2-0 down.

"We knew that this was a difficult group, and the fans here really get on top of you. The game against Juventus is going to be very important, we have to keep working hard."

Olympiakos coach Michel was delighted with how his players performed against last season's Spanish champions and European finalists but cautioned there are still "long struggles ahead."

"We forced Atlético out of their comfort zone, which is what they usually do to their opponents. We played like a team, like Simeone's side does," Michel said. "All of my players understood what they had to do. We are very happy.

"We tried to spoil their game and we succeeded. Atletico haven't conceded three goals [in a game] in a very long time."

ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ANCELOTTI IMPRESSED WITH REAL MADRID'S PERFORMANCE

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed the reaction of his side to their disappointing start in La Liga as they thrashed Basel 5-1 in the opening game of their UEFA Champions League defence on Tuesday.

Real Madrid reaction pleases Ancelotti

A 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid at the weekend on the back of a 4-2 loss to Real Sociedad had led to Los Blancos being booed by their own supporters less than four months after lifting the European Cup for a record 10th time.

However, their crisis of confidence was eased as goals from Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Karim Benzema and an own goal from Marek Suchy handed them a comprehensive win to start their European campaign.

"The reaction of the team today was good," said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti. "We pressed very well in the first half and created a lot of chances. Not everything is resolved just yet, but I liked the reaction of the team."

Ancelotti insisted he hadn't been struck by the backlash to Real's recent form from the fans and media in the Spanish capital despite his success during his first season in charge. And he is hoping for more of the intensity he saw from his side after calling on them to show a consistent performance for 90 minutes before kick-off.

"When you lose a derby it is normal to get nervous. It is not usual to lose two consecutive games at Real Madrid and that is a good thing," he added. "The game was easy because we started very well the first 30 minutes with pressure, velocity; we scored lots of goals and then we could control the game."

Next up for Real in Europe is a visit into the unknown as Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad host their first ever Champions League match at home to the most successful club in the competition's history.

Ludogorets were only denied a sensational point away at Liverpool by an injury-time Steven Gerrard penalty on Tuesday and Ancelotti insisted Real won't be complacent as they look to solidify their place at the top of Group B. "We will go there with the same intent as we always do and that is to win the game. It is important to start well, but we will have respect for them."

Basel coach Paulo Sousa meanwhile was left to rue his side's naivety in defence despite showing flashes of their quality on the ball. "We created chances, we were brave to have the ball and didn't just look to defend," said the Portuguese. "In certain moments we were too naive, but in other moments we showed good quality and personality."

However, he believes the passing style he has brought to the club since taking over in the summer will lead to better results as the group develops. "The players are completely convinced. This is the way if we are going to take a step forward in this type of competitions.

"We need to face the difficulties but playing the same way, like we played today at the Bernabeu, dominating the game but for a longer period of the game," added Sousa, whose side host Liverpool on 1 October.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: RODGERS DISAPPOINTED WITH LIVERPOOL'S PERFORMANCE

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits his side have yet to reach the standard they set themselves last season but was relieved to open their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory. 

Rodgers: Our standard isn't good enough

Mario Balotelli's first goal for the club eight minutes from time looked to have won the game only for Ludogorets substitute Dani Abalo to roll in a 90th-minute equaliser for the Bulgarians.

However, captain Steven Gerrard scored an even later penalty after Javier Manquillo was brought down by goalkeeper Milan Borjan to ensure Liverpool's return to Europe's elite club competition after a five-year absence did not fall flat.

"It was very important to get back in the competition but it was always going to be a tricky tie for us because they are the champions of their country and there are not too many bad teams in the competition," Rodgers said. "Maybe in the first six months we would have drawn and maybe even lost it but we showed the resilience and character in the group and, roared on by the supporters, it was great for us.

"We could do no more than win tonight. We are not at the standard we were last season, that is for sure. There is a lot of adaptation going on as we have a lot of players who have come in and are still adapting.

"We are a work in progress. While we do that it is important we win games. Tonight was about perseverance, an attribute you need to have, especially at the highest level. We kept going, kept pushing and the whole ground really appreciated that."

One of those players still adapting is Balotelli, who got off the mark in his third game following a £16m summer move from AC Milan. "He is used to scoring. He had two games when he hadn't scored. I just feel with him, he needs to be in the box more," added Rodgers.

"I said to him at half-time make sure when the ball is in wide areas, make sure you are penalty spot and in, not penalty spot and out. He is 6'3", great in the air and has great physical strength. His goal showed great touch and a brilliant finish. That will give him a whole load of confidence. He is still adapting, trying to get fit, because he has been behind the others in pre-season but he showed his quality tonight and that got us the goal."

Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendjiev felt his side deserved more on their Champions League debut. "This is football. It is of course bitter for us because of the result but I am not mad about it," he said.

"I am not blaming the goalkeeper. I am not annoyed or disappointed with him. This decision is made in the nick of time so there is nothing to blame for.

"The goalkeeper was upset after the mistake. That is natural but we have a very good team atmosphere and his team-mates and I told him after the game that it is not a big mistake and everything will be fine in the future."

FIFA.com

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: RIBERY RULED OUT OF BAYERN MUNICH AND MAN CITY CLASH

Manchester City have been handed a huge boost after Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola confirmed Franck Ribery will not feature in Wednesday's Champions League opener, while Arjen Robben remains a doubt.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola shake hands with Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini

Ribery scored in his first match of the season in the 2-0 win against Stuttgart on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury sustained upon his return to training with Bayern this summer.

However, Guardiola told his prematch news conference that the winger was not fit enough to be included in his squad for the Group E clash at the Allianz Arena.

"Franck is not here, he is at home," Guardiola said. "He went to the doctor on Monday and today they told me he cannot play."

Ribery missed France's World Cup campaign this summer with a back problem, before opting to retire from international football -- a decision questioned by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Guardiola also confirmed that Bayern are sweating over the availability of Robben, after the 30-year-old's absence from training on Sunday with a knee problem.

The Bayern boss went on to speak about City's chances in the Champions League this season, and pointed to their victory when the two sides met last term in the group stage at the Allianz Arena.

"Manchester City won [here] with [Vincent] Kompany, [Yaya] Toure, [David] Silva, [Edin] Dzeko last year -- fantastic players. They needed to win here to learn something, to learn they are able to win the Champions League," he said.

"Last season they were able to win the Champions League and this year they are ready to win the Champions League, like eight, nine or 10 teams more who can win this trophy. We would like to be one of those teams.

"City were a strong team last year. That is why they won the Premier League and deserved to."

ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: ARSENAL FALL TO DORTMUND AS REAL MADRID THRASH BASEL

Borussia Dortmund got their Champions League campaign off to a perfect start against Arsenal, while Liverpool needed an injury-time penalty to beat Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets Razgrad on their return to competition.

A goal in each half for Borussia Dortmund sealed a 2-0 win over Arsenal in their first game of the group stage.

Real Madrid thrashed Basel but there was a shocking defeat for their city rivals Atletico away at Olympiakos. Juventus secured victory at home to Swedish debutants Malmo with Monaco celebrating their first season back among the elite with a win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal endured a chastening start to their campaign after being overwhelmed by Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.

Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck moments either side of halftime and the German club would have been more emphatic victors than 2-0 but for the reflexes of Wojciech Szczesny and the Bundesliga club's wastefulness.

And for the second time in as many matches Danny Welbeck illustrated why his finishing is considered below par for a top forward as he missed a hat trick of good chances.

Steven Gerrard's stoppage time penalty kick proved to be the winner as Liverpool were pushed to the brink by Ludogorets.

Steven Gerrard converted a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time to earn Liverpool a 2-1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad after a frantic finish to the Group B game at Anfield.

Dani Abalo's goal in the opening seconds of stoppage time canceled out Mario Balotelli's 82nd-minute strike and looked likely to earn a draw for the Bulgarian minnows, who were making their debut in the competition's group stage.

But goalkeeper Milan Borjan brought down substitute Fabio Borini moments later and Gerrard slotted home the spot kick to complete a successful return to Europe's elite competition for Liverpool after five years out.

Real Madrid thumped Basel to begin their Champions League campaign 5-1, led by goals from Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez.

Real Madrid opened the defence of their title with a 5-1 mauling of Baselin Group B at the Santiago Bernabeu as stars Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodrguez all found the target in seven first-half minutes after an own-goal from Marek Suchy got the ball rolling.

The second goal came on the half hour as Luka Modric produced a sublime pass with the outside of his right foot which went into the path of Bale on the left. The Welshman knocked the ball over the goalkeeper on the half-volley and then went round him to supply his own finish.

Just a minute later, the former Tottenham duo were involved in the third with Modric again using the outside of the right foot to find Bale, who this time was on the opposite wing. He squared the ball across the front of goal and Ronaldo was left with a simple tap-in.

Real were absolutely rampant now and it was 4-0 eight minutes before the break as Ronaldo and Benzema exchanged passes for the Frenchman to have a shot from just inside the box. His shot deflected off Samuel and Tomas Vaclik did brilliantly to get a hand to it, but Rodriguez was there to turn home the rebound.

Derlis Gonzalez grabbed one back for Basel, but Karim Benzema completed the scoring with 10 minutes remaining.

A goal and an assist from Ibrahim Afellay led Olympiakos to a first group stage game triumph over Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid slipped to a surprise 3-2 defeat to Olympiakos in a disappointing return to the Champions League for last season's finalists.

Atletico fell behind in the 13th minute of the Group A match when defender Arthur Masuaku aimed a left-footed drive past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who was making his debut for the Spanish club.

Striker Kostas Mitroglou unselfishly left the ball to Imbrahim Afellay, who made it 2-0 in the 31st minute. But Mario Mandzukic pulled a goal back before the break, left unmarked to head in a cross from Cristian Ansaldi.

Mitroglou scored what proved to be the winner in the 73rd minute, turning on the ball to beat Oblak, before substitute Antoine Griezmann found the net in the 86th minute for Atletico.

Carlos Tevez broke his goal-scoring drought with two, which were enough to secure three points for Juventus against Malmo in their Champions League opener.

Carlos Tevez broke his Champions League duck as he scored twice to lead Juventus to a hard-fought 2-0 victory at home against Malmo in their opening Group A fixture.

Juventus struggled at times before Tevez broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, following good interplay with Kwadwo Asamoah. Tevez then sealed the result in stoppage time with a well-placed free kick that sailed into the top corner.

They were the Argentina forward's first Champions League goals in more than five years.

Despite summer transfers, AS Monaco were triumphant over German side Bayer Leverkusen, courtesy of Joao Mourinho's finish.

Joao Moutinho scored against the run of the play as Monaco recovered from a terrible start to beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in their Group C opener.

Moutinho broke the deadlock in the 61st minute from former Leverkusen striker Dimitar Berbatov's assist as the Bundesliga leaders were made to pay for their profligacy.

Two first-half goals from Zenit St Petersburg were enough to secure a 2-0 first group stage game victory over Benfica.

Hulk and Axel Witsel scored first-half goals to give Zenit St Petersburga 2-0 win against 10-man Benfica in their opening Group C game.

Hulk put Zenit ahead in the fifth minute. The Brazilian striker was unmarked on the right when he received a pass from Oleg Shatov and curled the ball past Artur.

The Benfica goalkeeper was sent off in the 18th minute after obstructing Danny, and Witsel extended Zenit's lead with a glancing header at the front post four minutes later.

Burak Yılmaz scored a stoppage time equaliser for Galatasaray in a 1-1 draw against Anderlecht.

Burak Yilmaz scored in the first minute of stoppage time to help Galatasaray salvage a 1-1 draw with Anderlecht in Istanbul in Group D.

Yilmaz spared the hosts the embarrassment of defeat in the first round, netting in the 91st minute after Aurelien Chedjou rounded defenders before feeding a deft pass into the Turkish international's path.

After a goalless first half, Anderlecht's Dennis Praet had knocked in a low shot from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute.

Anderlecht's U.S. international Sacha Kljestan entered the game as a substitute in the second half.

ESPN