Dynamo Kiev fires coach Yuri Semin

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Dynamo Kiev fired coach Yuri Semin on Monday, a day after a Ukraine Cup loss to rival Shakhtar Donetsk. Dynamo spokesman Olexiy Semenenko said that a replacement for Semin will be announced before the team's practice on Tuesday. Semenenko declined to give a reason for the move, but the firing comes a day after Dynamo lost to Shakhtar 4-1. Dynamo also lost by the same score to French club Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions...

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Yesterday's match, a controversial 2-1 loss to United, was Liverpool's first time back at Anfield since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings.

Yesterday's match, a controversial 2-1 loss to United, was Liverpool's first time back at Anfield since the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings. The report absolved Reds supporters of any blame in the 1989 stampede that killed 96 fans, and the day was sure to be an emotional one. It was, at the start—both team captains took part in a release of 96 balloons, and even Luis Suarez and Patrice Evrawere moved to shake...

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Van Persie gives Man United 2-1 win at Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Robin van Persie's penalty kick gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over 10-man Liverpool on Sunday, settling a heated Premier League meeting between the fierce rivals after emotional tributes were paid to the Hillsborough disaster victims. Van Persie beat Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 81st minute after Antonio Valencia was fouled by Glen Johnson to secure United's first win at Anfield since December...

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Chelsea secure Luiz's long-term future

"It's a great club and I look forward to winning more trophies here," said Chelsea FC defender David Luiz after signing a new five-year contract with the European champions. David Luiz celebrates after winning last season's UEFA Champions League with Chelsea ©Getty Images David Luiz has committed his future to Chelsea FC by signing a new five-year deal with the UEFA Champions League holders. The Blues announced news of the Brazilian international...

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Reading midfielder Jem Karacan has signed a new three-year contract

Reading midfielder Jem Karacan has ended any uncertainty over his future by signing a new three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium. Jem Karacan: Reading midfielder has signed a new three-year contract at the Madejski Stadium The 23-year-old, who has come through the academy and already made 125 appearances, was due to be out of contract at the end of the season. The Royals confirmed last week that talks over an extension were progressing...

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Bate Borisov beats Lille 3-1 in Champions League

LILLE, France (AP) — BATE Borisov opened its Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-1 win away to Lille, overpowering the French side with a slick first-half display of attacking football. Lille failed to make it out of the group stage in last season's Champions League and Rudi Garcia's team was eager to make a strong impression this time around. But midfielder Aleksandr Volodko put the visitors ahead after just six minutes, striker Vitali...

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Shakhtar Donetsk beats Nordsjaelland 2-0

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — Henrik Mkhitaryan's expert finish in each half Wednesday gave Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-0 victory over Nordsjealland in the group stage of the Champions League. In the 44th minute, the Armenian forward lashed a low, hard shot into the bottom corner of the net after receiving an overhead pass from Luiz Adriano. Mkhitaryan pounced on a rebound from his own shot in the 76th minute to make no mistake and side-foot the ball into...

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Begovic: England should recall Crouch

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic says Peter Crouch should be recalled to the England squad and believes more good times are in store at the Britannia Stadium. PA PhotosAsmir Begovic believes Stoke are growing as a club• Crouch wants England recallStoke continue their daunting start to the 2012-13 season when they visit Chelsea on Saturday but have the confidence of knowing they have emerged unbeaten from games so far against Arsenal and Manchester...

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Observing the Real Madrid Drama from a Barca Fan's Perspective

Denis Doyle/Getty ImagesWell, how this Liga has turned.Many could have predicted that FC Barcelona would win their first four games. Tito Vilanova’s men have played well on offense and a bit shaky at-times on defense, but, overall, the team has done its job and have 12 points and the lead in La Liga.While a successful Barcelona start to the La Liga season is not surprising, no one—and I mean NO ONE—saw Barça’s eternal rivals, Real...

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