News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » Fiorentina stun Liverpool; Arsenal cruise

Fiorentina stun Liverpool; Arsenal cruise

September 30, 2009 02:43 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Stevan Jovetic struck twice to help Fiorentina sweep aside Liverpool 2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday and earn their first points in Group E.

The in-form Montenegro forward ran unopposed on to Cristiano Zanetti's defence-splitting pass and coolly slotted the ball home to open the scoring in the 28th minute.

He doubled the advantage nine minutes later by directing Juan Vargas's diagonal thunderbolt into the net before his side rode out some intense pressure in the second half to claim a memorable victory.

The Italians, who lost their opener 1-0 at Olympique Lyon, have three points, as do Liverpool after they beat Hungarian champions Debrecen by the same margin two weeks ago.

Arsenal cruise past Olympakios

Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin scored late to give Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Olympakios at Emirates stadium.

The victory put the Gunners on top in Group H.

After dominating for much of the match, Arsenal went ahead through Van Persie scored in the 78th minute.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas sent a long through for Eduardo da Silva, who pulled it back for Van Persie to tap past goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

Arshavin put the issue beyond doubt in the 86th, tapping the ball in after being put in the clear following a passing bout between second-half substitute Aaron Ramsey and Fabregas..

Arsenal leads its group with six points from two matches.

Debutants Rubin Kazan hold 10-man Inter Milan

Champions League debutants Rubin Kazan held 10-man Inter Milan to a 1-1 draw in their Group F encounter to earn their first point in Europe's premier club competition.

Rubin forward Alejandro Dominguez stunned the Italian champions with a great solo effort in the 11th minute when he evaded several Inter defenders before beating Julio Cesar with a rising shot into the roof of the net.

Dejan Stankovic equalised 16 minutes later when he was left unmarked to head in Maicon's cross at the far post past stranded Rubin keeper Sergei Ryzhikov.

Sevilla crush Rangers

Sevilla swept Rangers aside with an emphatic 4-1 win in Group G at Ibrox, all their four goals coming in a devastating second half display.

Sevilla came close to an early opener as Frederic Kanoute lashed a first time shot at goal following a low cross from Jesus Navas, only for Rangers keeper Allan McGregor to pull off a superb reaction save.

Rangers responded with Lee McCulloch crashing a fierce volley from the edge of the box that zipped narrowly over before they had a strong penalty claim dismissed when Abdoulay Konko tripped Steve Naismith from behind as he prepared to shoot.

Sevilla took the lead with a cleverly worked free-kick on 51 minutes as Lolo shaped up to shoot from almost 40 metres on the left, then switched the ball crossfield to the unmarked Navas and his teasing cross was met by Konko who headed home.

Brazilian Adriano then swept in an easy second goal from 10 metres after a low cross by Luis Fabiano fractured Rangers defence on 64 minutes.

Fabiano headed home Kanoute's cross to make it 3-0 on 72 minutes and just three minutes later Kanoute tapped in the fourth as Sevilla made it two wins from two. Rangers grabbed a late goal from substitute Nacho Novo but only have one point from two encounters.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025