Liverpool stunned by Red Star
Warriors rake Nathaniel Roache is back running and ready to rip into his first full pre-season in three years, as he eyes a comeback from back surgery.
Roache was touted to be the Warriors’ back-up No 9 this season, but was cruelly sidelined before a ball was even kicked and required surgery on a lumbar disc, in late February.
It has been a long road to recovery, but the 22-year-old was one of the first to report to training last week as the Warriors begin their preparations for the 2019 season.
Three surgeries in three years meant this is the first time Roache has been able to report to pre-season training on day one.
‘‘I feel awesome man, still a bit niggly having not done much all year but I’d say physically I’m at about an eight out of 10. So not bad considering,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s awesome to be around the boys and be able to join in. I have spent so much time on the sidelines so I’m loving just being able to be a part of it this year.’’
Many of the Warriors senior players, such as skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, will report to training next week while those still away on international duties will be given a few additional weeks off.
A scary sight for Roache and the rest of squad, who reported on day one, was ‘‘wonder trainer’’ Alex Corvo waiting on halfway, whistle in hand.
Corvo was hailed as one of the keys to the Warriors’ 2018 success, whipping the group into the best shape they have been in for several seasons.
‘‘Not going to lie – it was a bit scary for me because I knew I’d struggle anyway but, no, I’m glad he’s around,’’ Roache said. With voting for the 2018 Ballon d’Or closing this week, Antoine Griezmann boosted his chances of lifting the most prestigious individual trophy in football with an inspired display and a goal in his 50th Champions League game yesterday.
Griezmann helped Atletico Madrid bounce back from a heavy loss to Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 win over the German club, a result that sent last year’s semifinalist Monaco crashing out.
Liverpool were handed a 2-0 shock loss at Red Star Belgrade for whom Milan Pavkov scored in the 22nd and 29th minutes, while Barcelona, without Lionel Messi, drew 1-1 at Inter Milan in the evening’s showcase match to become the first team to progress to the knockout stage this season.
Red Star’s victory left Group C wide open after Napoli were held to a 1-1 home draw by Paris Saint-Germain, with all teams still in contention very tight pool.
Griezmann, who has scored 10 goals in his last 10 home matches in the tournament, was set up by midfielder Thomas Partey and concluded the smooth counterattack with a soft touch from inside the area in the 80th minute after Saul Niguez had put the hosts ahead.
Dortmund atop Group A.
Dortmund routed Atletico 4-0 last month at home in what was the Spanish team’s worst loss and four in a Atletico sit
Atletico Madrid 2, Dortmund 0, Monaco 0, Club Brugge 4.
Tottenham Hotspur 2, PSV Eindhoven 1; Inter Milan 1, Barcelona 1.
Red Star Belgrade 2, Liverpool 0; Napoli 1 PSG 1
Schalke 04 2, Galatasary 0; Porto 4, Lokomotive 0. under coach Diego Simeone.
Earlier, Monaco were handed a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Club Brugge that prematurely ended the club’s Champions League ambitions as Thierry Henry once again failed to secure a first win as coach.
It was Club Brugge’s group win in 13 years.
Hans Vanaken scored twice, Brazilian forward Wesley made it 3-0 and captain Ruud Vormer completed the rout. Monaco – who are winless in their last 15 matches – can’t qualify for the knockout phase.
Barcelona top Group B, three points ahead of Inter and six ahead of Tottenham, who beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1. Harry Kane scored two late goals for Tottenham, who looked in danger of exiting the competition after just four games when the hosts went behind after only 61 seconds at Wembley.
Instead, Kane’s goals – in the 78th and 89th – gave the Spurs a glimmer of hope of a top-two finish. first
Group A:
Group B:
Group C:
Group D: