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Aaron Donald, Patrick Mahomes, DeAndre Hopkins, Tom Brady, Derrick Henry and Aaron Rodgers are just some of the players who will make a splash this season. Composite: Getty Images The NFL kicks off on Thursday. Will Kansas City steamroller the league? Which of the rookies will shine? And who will win MVP? Oliver Connolly, Andrew Lawrence, Graham Searles, Melissa Jacobs and Hunter Felt Thu 9 Sep 2021 09.00 BST 48 This will be the year of ... The rookie quarterback. The five first-rounders have already dominated the preseason discourse and that is likely carry over into the regular one. Mac Jones and Justin Fields will both start for playoff-caliber teams, while Kyle Shanahan has plans to get all sorts of funky with the Niners’ use of Trey Lance, utilizing a two-quarterback system. Chuck in Zach Wilson as the Jets’ latest savior and Trevor Lawrence, who just so happens to be the most gifted of the bunch, and it sets up for a historic year. OC The 17-game schedule. For a long time, the NFL has made the math easy with even-number schedules that cleanly separate the wheat from the chaff. But with an extra game in the mix now, there will be no more taking Jeff Fisher-like satisfaction in .500 ball. Now teams will record either winning or losing seasons (barring unlikely scenarios involving ties) – a shift that will heap more pressure on coaches and front office types when their rosters don’t make the grade. AL Comeback kings. A raft of key players are returning from serious injury. Nothing new there, but the sheer volume of talent teams were denied felt unique in 2020. The impact of having them back in the league will be huge as we embark on the longest season ever. GS Will the extra game this season allow a team with a new/rookie quarterback to make a late run as he gets extra time to get acclimated? How will a team that clinches home field advantage in Week 14 or 15 handle the final few games? And how many more players will the extra week leave injured? MJ The NFL becomes a proxy culture war as vaccination status starts to become a legitimate factor in every team’s roster decisions. HF The most underrated team this year is ... The Patriots. I know, I know: How is it fair that this generation’s dynasty is now able to drop the ‘nobody believes in us’ card? But here they are. The Patriots return a whole bunch of crucial opt-outs on defense. They have the most talented offensive line in the league. And Bill Belichick has already seen enough to feel like Mac Jones is the quarterback capable of executing the precision passing structure that he craves. OC The Los Angeles Chargers. With a reinforced offensive line and a healthy Mike Williams, quarterback Justin Herbert should take a Pro Bowl step under new coordinator Joe Lombardi, who worked with the Saints’ Drew Brees. But the defense gets the bigger boost with the return of do-it-all defensive back Derwin James. AL Hate on Teddy Bridgewater all you like, but he is better than Drew Lock. The Denver Broncos have a chance of easing the strain on their mighty defense with Bridgewater moving the sticks. Denver have also quietly assembled an improved roster across the board. Receiver Jerry Jeudy is set to explode after a solid rookie year, too. GS Seattle Seahawks. It’s weird to think of the NFC West champs as underrated but many don’t see Seattle repeating. Sure, others in the division improved but Seattle should have an upgraded defense, a receiving corps that rivals that of any other team, and most importantly, Russell Wilson. MJ Indianapolis Colts. It’s hard to look at how things ended with Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles and not be skeptical about how he fares in Indiana. Here’s the thing though: if there’s ever an ideal “change of scenery recharges an athlete” scenario it’s probably “away from Philadelphia.” HF One bold prediction …

We are living through a high period for the super sports car. Never before has there been such a talented list of offerings, each with their own unique talents. The list of 10 cars below features everything from hardcore hooligans to more delicate alternatives. There’s a car for all tastes in this segment, but the ones below are our picks of the bunch. 1. Aston Martin Vantage Aston Martin has taken a giant leap into true blue driver’s car territory with the new Vantage. Never before has Gaydon departed so clearly from its traditional preference for fairly laid-back, long-legged, old-school front-engined GT sports cars than it has here. So much about the new Vantage – from its first-order performance level to its tight, tenacious body control, to its impressively advanced driveline specification and its on-track composure, handling precision and staying power – tells you loud and clear that it’s ready to transform Aston into a firm that can be taken seriously by real petrolheads who’ve stuck to their Porsches and upper-level BMW M cars. Never have you been able to drive a series-production Aston as hard as this, or really contemplate using one like you might a track-ready 911. Partly perhaps as a result of all that newfound grip and purpose, the car doesn’t quite overcome the limitations of its size and weight and involve like the greatest driver’s cars when driven on the road – but it certainly enriches everyday use as a super sports car should, and as only an Aston Martin could. Save money with new Vantage deals on What Car? 2. McLaren 570S The 570S occupies a purer and more exciting territory than its sports car rivals, but it’s also more forgiving and more comfortable than them as well. Its performance level is exceptional, without compromise to driveability. Its handling is equally outstanding: a special mix of track-ready purpose, with on-road compliance, precision and stability – and enriched by wonderful control feedback. It is more exotic than the Porsche 911, more delicate than an Audi R8 V10 Plus and more practical than a BMW i8. There’s little doubt that McLaren’s mid-range model is actually the car for the company to make its reputation. Save money with new 570S deals on What Car? 3. Aston Martin DB11 V8 The DB11 V8 isn’t the most refined in its class, with tyre roar and a curiously loud rustle of air passing over the base of A-pillar. Interior fit isn’t good enough, either, even if the abundance of leather is supremely soft to the touch. The Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupé surpasses the Aston on both counts, though you’ll forfeit driver involvement if you choose the big Merc. If you’re sitting in a DB11 V8, the AMG-sourced engine up front sets the tone for what this car can, dynamically speaking, do so well. It’s so deeply intuitive to steer. This is a hugely desirable product – one that ranks ahead of its V12 sibling. Save money with new DB11 deals on What Car? 4. Honda NSX Honda has managed to deploy world-first powertrain technology with a superb lightness of touch. It has used unconventional means to perfect, rather than reinvent, the conventional junior supercar. And it has produced a very rare breed of mid-engined exotic as a result: one that doesn’t shout about its potential or impose itself on your senses, but is instead a very mature and complete driver’s car. It could be better equipped, nicer to travel in and a touch more luridly exciting at times, but for its fusion talents, it deserves respect. Only the McLaren 570S offers a more compelling driving experience, but it does so with a far simpler powertrain. Save money with new NSX deals on What Car? 5. Jaguar F-Type SVR The F-Type SVR is the most capable of its ilk. Despite having not far off 600bhp, it’s far more usable in the UK than the F-Type R, particularly in slippery conditions. But its starting price edges it into a realm of extremely competitive alternatives, many of which are sharper, faster and generally better resolved. Where the SVR wins is in its thuggish nature. A Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 are sharper to drive, while the McLaren 540C feels far lighter on its toes. But if its muscle car-like character you want, then the F-Type SVR is as good as they come. Save money with new F-Type deals on What Car? 6. Audi R8 V10 The Audi R8’s technical relation to the company’s motorsport efforts is clear. The car is a visceral, singular tribute to power and performance, noise and revs, grip and traction. It’s hugely exciting to drive, although not quite as rounded, communicative or usable enough as the very best super sports cars. The latest R8 has lost some of the the old car’s character for a more digital form. So while we are impressed overall with the second generation Audi R8, especially with its looks, performance and sound, it still falls short of more rounded rivals like the BMW i8, Porsche 911 Turbo S and McLaren 570S. Save money with new R8 deals on What Car? 7. Mercedes-AMG GT With the body structure of a supercar, an engine from a muscle saloon, suspension tuned for maximum attack on the track and yet the practicality and sophistication of an elegant coupé, or roadster, the GT is an even more bewildering addition to the sports car world than the Mercedes-Benz SLS was. Of course, there would be times when you’d grow tired of its high-adrenalin temperament and lack of civility, sure, but the highs would outweigh those occasions. But the car is so capable – as capable as cars twice its price – it is extremely lovable, even if not quite as delicately beautiful to drive as a 911 Turbo. Save money with new GT deals on What Car? 8. Nissan GT-R Nismo It may have been around for more than a decade now, but the Nissan GT-R remains one of the quickest, most capable super sports cars money can buy. The hardcore Nismo version builds on this. There’s a more aggressive aero package that includes a sizeable rear wing, an increase in torsional rigidity, as well as tweaked springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even greater levels of agility. Nissan says these modifications make the GT-R Nismo even more playful on the limit, which can only be a good thing. Its steering is impressively incisive and accurate, while the fact that it seems happier to send its power rearwards in order to bring its tail end into play serves to confirm Nissan’s modifications have worked as intended. Of course, it’s still devilishly quick in a straight line too. Its 3.8-litre V6, whose twin turbos come courtesy of Nissan’s GT-R GT3 race car, produces some 592bhp and 481lb ft. Nissan don’t quote an official 0-60mph time, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it might well dip below the 3.0sec mark. It might be showing its age, but the GT-R Nismo remains as brutally effective as ever. Save money with new GT-R deals on What Car? 9. Ferrari Portofino As the replacement for the California T, the handsomely-styled and glamorously titled Ferrari Portofino now represents the entry-level, ‘affordable’ offering in Maranello’s model line-up - if there is such a thing. Sharper, faster and more focussed than the California T, the Portofino stands out as an exceptionally pointed sports car. Its steering is lightning quick, its gearchanges delivered with the sort of forceful, confident conviction you’d expect from the likes of a supercar. Its refreshed twin-turbocharged V8, meanwhile, now develops some 592bhp and 561lb ft, so the sprint from 0-60mph is now dispatched in an eye-widening 3.5sec. And with a folding metal roof that can be retracted in 14sec, there’s unlimited scope to bask in its rich, authentically Ferrari soundtrack. As a sports car then, there’s much to like about the Portofino. But there’s a hitch; this is also intended to be a comfortable, fast and incredibly livable grand tourer. And given just how sharp and overtly dynamic Ferrari has now made it, this conflicted personality is tricky to overlook. Save money with new Portofino deals on What Car? 10. Maserati GranTurismo MC While it lacks the dynamic sparkle or engagement of others, the Granturismo MC makes up ground with drama thanks to its high revving V8 and gorgeous, Italian looks. The car’s steering feels old-fashioned, with the hydraulic assistance passing on the sort of low-intensity feedback that electric systems filter out as unwanted noise. Plus, the car’s chassis wants to understeer. Some will simply see sufficient appeal in a Pininfarina-designed four-seater with a Ferrari-built engine to justify the price. It is really starting to feel its age and the segment contains many more rational offerings, but emotionally speaking, this Maserati remains a compelling choice. Save money on new GranTurismo MC deals on What Car? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

England and Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson is facing a spell out of action after suffering with blood clots. The 27-year-old, who won his second cap in last weekend's Six Nations victory over Italy, was set to be named on the bench for the match against Scotland. His club Wasps have said "it is too early" to confirm when he will return, casting doubt over his World Cup hopes. "Dan Robson suffered blood clots which arose spontaneously earlier this week," Wasps said in a statement. "He is being evaluated and treated by specialists at the moment. At this stage it is too early to give a return-to-play date." Robson was replaced in the England squad to face Scotland on Saturday by Saracens half-back Ben Spencer, with fellow scrum-halves Danny Care and Richard Wigglesworth are also currently out through injury. Article created by „bbc”.

For much preseason that is, a classic is a classic, and the first assault was led by a Barça that was better than Real Madrid (2-3) and did not accuse his problems extradeportivos with the mess of Neymar in the background. Only six minutes had passed, and those of Valverde already had two goals. On the field was a team with intensity, aggressive and hungry, and another pasota, fallon and with heavy legs. The result was a goal from Messi, who broke the white defense to make the first, and a shot of Rakitic after a good move that became the second. It was difficult to recognize the current champion of Europe, although it left with almost all its headlines. The third was closer to the second, and almost comes in a couple of Suarez and Rakitic shares. It was not so and the Madrid, finally, woke up with a great move of Kovacic that, with crossed firing, made the first one. The both spiked the whites and the party became a correctional in which occasions were succeeded in both goals. The most successful was Asensio, who tied in a swift counterattack of his team. After the break, the pace dropped, and the carousel of chances of the first part was not repeated. It was a mistake of the white back, disastrous in the match played in Miami, when the final goal came, the work of a Piqué who only had to push the ball into the back of the net after a side foul. The constant changes slowed the pace, and Madrid only tightened in the final moments, with a good Isco who had two good chances but found a great Cillessen. The result did not move, the first round of the war that awaits between the two this season was led by Barca. Technical sheet: 2 - Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal (Hakimi, m.74), Sergio Ramos (Nacho, m.45), Varane (Vallejo, m.45), Marcelo (Theo, m.74); Casemiro (Llorente, m.74), Kovacic (Ceballos, m.74), Modric (Isco, m.45); Bale (Óscar, m.74), Asensio (Lucas Vázquez, m.45) and Benzema (Mayoral, m.74). 3 - Barcelona: Cillessen; Aleix Vidal, Umtiti (Vermaelen, m.63), Piqué (Mascherano, m.73), Jordi Alba (Digne, m.73); Sergio Busquets (Samper, m.73), Rakitic (Aleñá, m.73), Iniesta (Sergi Roberto, m.45); Neymar (Arda, m.73), Messi (Denis, m.63) and Suárez (Paco Alcácer, m.63). Goals: 0-1, m.3: Messi. 0-2, m.7: Rakitic. 1-2, m.14: Kovacic. 2-2, m.36: Marco Asensio. 2-3, m.50: Piqué. Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States). He admired Varane (22) and Carvajal (60) for Real Madrid and Suarez (60) and Samper (76) for Barcelona. Incidents: Friendly match for the International Champions Cup (ICC), played in the stadium Hard Rock Stadium in the presence of 66,014 spectators. Data sheet: Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal (Hakimi, m.74), Sergio Ramos (Nacho, m.45), Varane (Vallejo, m.45), Marcelo (Theo, m.74); Casemiro (Llorente, m.74), Kovacic (Ceballos, m.74), Modric (Isco, m.45); Bale (Óscar, m.74), Asensio (Lucas Vázquez, m.45) and Benzema (Mayoral, m.74). Barcelona: Cillessen; Aleix Vidal, Umtiti (Vermaelen, m.63), Piqué (Mascherano, m.73), Jordi Alba (Digne, m.73); Sergio Busquets (Samper, m.73), Rakitic (Aleñá, m.73), Iniesta (Sergi Roberto, m.45); Neymar (Arda, m.73), Messi (Denis, m.63) and Suárez (Paco Alcácer, m.63). Goals: 0-1, m.3: Messi. 0-2, m.7: Rakitic. 1-2, m.14: Kovacic. 2-2, m.36: Marco Asensio. 2-3, m.50: Piqué. Referee: Jair Marrufo (United States). He admired Varane (22) and Carvajal (60) for Real Madrid and Suarez (60) and Samper (76) for Barcelona. Incidents: Friendly match for the International Champions Cup (ICC), played in the stadium Hard Rock Stadium in the presence of 66,014 spectators. MINUTE BY MINUTE: 04.14 h We say goodbye, that is getting late. Thank you very much for spending this fun dawn with us, and we are waiting for you in a most exciting season. An affectionate greeting. 04.08 h FINAL OF THE MATCH. REAL MADRID 2-3 BARÇA 04.06 h Time of discount in the match. The Madrid looks for the tie, has two minutes for it. 03.59 h Ceballos shot from the front that is lost stuck to the stick. Look now with insistence the draw Real Madrid. 03.56 h Isís great move from the left and his shot, adjusted to the stick, pulled Cillessen with his fingertips. 03.50 h Enter Madrid Achraf, Theo, Marcos Llorente and Ceballos. 03.49 h Further changes in Barça, enter Aleñá, Mascherano, Samper and Arda Turan. 03.38 h Enter Semedo, Vermaelen, Alcácer and Denis Suárez. They are Van Umtiti, Vidal, Luis Suarez and Messi. 03.34 h Almost Umtiti mark on the edge of a corner, but saved the goal the defense of Madrid. On the counterattack, Isco's move from the left and his shot is stopped by Cillessen with a halt. 03.30 h Hand in hand of Neymar before Keylor who wins the Costa Rican. The Barca room did not arrive. At the moment, it is not Brazilian day. 03.26 h Error in the mark of Nacho in a side foul and Piqué, alone, shot to pleasure. 03.25 h ¡¡Goal of Pique !!! Real Madrid 2-3 Barça 03.23 h A change in the Barça. Sergi Roberto has entered for Iniesta. Three in the Madrid, jump to the field Isco, Vallejo and Nacho by Asensio, Ramos and Varane. 03.21 h The second half begins. Real Madrid 2-2 Barça. 03.19 h After the performance of Marc Anthony at the break, everything ready to start the second part. 02.52 h FINAL OF THE FIRST PART. REAL MADRID 2-2 BARÇA 02.50 h Messi asks for penalty for a possible trip from Casemiro. 02.45 h Great counterattack of Real Madrid led by Asensio, the ball reaches Kovacic, which returns to Asensio. The Balearic, just before Cillessen, shoots him. 02.44 h ¡¡Goal of Asensio !!!!!! Real Madrid 2-2 Barça 02.40 h Responds the Madrid with a great move of Carvajal, but his center can not find an auctioneer. 02.39 h But what a rude mistake of the defense of Real Madrid. It is incredible what Messi has failed, whose shot cleared as Navas could. 02.38 h Almost marks Messi now. Great move by Iniesta, he leaves the ball to Messi and the Argentine kicks very high. 02.36 h What a chance for Neymar. Counterattack of the Barça, Suárez yields to Neymar and the Brazilian takes advantage of Varane but shoots too crossed. 02.30 h Messi's dangerous free kick hits the wall. 02.28 h Another for Madrid, Modric's two-shot from the front missed stray. What a great rhythm is the game, impossible to sleep like that. 02.27 h Almost marks the Madrid, but it was Benzema. The shot of the rooster was lost deflected in a three against two. 02.22 h The Madrid arrive in Miami, minute 14. Great move of Kovacic, and his shot from the front is strained in the Barça network. 02.21 h ¡¡Goal of Kovacic !!!!!! Real Madrid 1-2 Barça 02.19 h And occasion now for Suárez, whose shot was lost high. 02.18 h Almost marks the third Barça. Played from the left of Suárez and the shot from Rakitic is lost deflected. Good bathroom. 02.16 h Real Madrid have not yet arrived in Miami. The players, still on holiday, celebrate the Twelfth. 02.15 h A play by Neymar on the left wing, defensive error in the white defense chain and the ball that reaches Rakitic, who picks up a good shot before nothing Keylor can do. 02.14 h ¡¡Rakitic's goal !!!!!! Real Madrid 0-2 Barça 02.11 h The Argentinean did everything. Error behind the Madrid, cut of Messi and his shot plays in Varane and becomes the first goal of the match. 02.11 h Goal of Messi !!!!!! Real Madrid 0-1 Barça 02.10 h The game has resumed without Neymar, attended in the band. 02.09 h Not a minute has passed, and Neymar is already lying on the ground. He complains of a pain in the left ankle. 02.08 h Begin the match! Real Madrid 0-0 Barcelona 02.00 h By the way, in the right wing will play Aleix Vidal and not Semedo, who will not share band with his great friend Neymar. 01.59 h Players warm up at Hard Rock Stadium. There is not much left for the party to begin. 01.47 h First time you play a classic in the United States and second outside of Spain. The previous time, in 1982, in Venezuela. 01.27 h There are also '11' at Barça. Cillessen; Aleix Vidal, Piqué, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suárez. 01.26 h There is already confirmed lineup at Real Madrid. The captain returns. Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kovacic; Asensio, Bale, Benzema. 01.21 h The game will be played at 2.05 in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. 01.19 h Modern football has these things. Not even the month of August has arrived, and we already have a classic. Let's see the good side: is there any better plan for a Saturday at dawn than to see a partidazo between Madrid

The British cyclist, after winning the Grande Boucle, has as its main objective the "ruthless" Vuelta a España. The Kenyan-born cyclist got his fourth Grande Boucle last Sunday in Paris and now wants to get what nobody has done in 39 years: to win the Tour and the Vuelta in the same season. The last to do so, in 1978, was Frenchman Bernard Hinault. The 32-year-old Sky rider finished third in Spain on three occasions and believes he can go further this time despite the harshness of this test. It is hoped that Romain Bardet (Ag2r), Fabio Aru (Astana) and Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) will also be racing although Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida), who did not run the Tour and will be more rested . "I have the opportunity and I'm going to try," Froome said in a statement posted on Sky's website. "La Vuelta is a race that I love. It's ruthless but it's three weeks that I really enjoy it," he added. "I've been second on three occasions and now I would like to win it. To achieve the Tour and the Tour in one year would be incredible." If he does, he would be the first British rider to win the Spanish test, which starts this year on 19th August in Nimes (France) and ends on 10 September in Madrid. Although Froome will not have much time to recover from the Tour's wear, Sky director Dave Brailsford sees his star broker perfectly capable of achieving this historic double. "There are no reasons why I can not do it. We have four weeks to rest before the Vuelta begins," says the manager.

Irina Begu a evoluat la aceasta ora in sferturile de finala ale turneului WTA de la Madrid contra cehoaicei Petra Kvitova. Invingatoarea o va intalni in semifinale pe lidera mondiala Serena Williams. FINAL Begu - Kvitova 5-7, 3-6 21:37 Kvitova pune capat meciului cu un game la zero si se califica in semifinale unde o va intalni pe lidera mondiala Serena Williams. Aici se incheie si prezenta romaneasca in turneul de simplu de la Madrid. 21:35 Begu rezista pana la urma si, dupa ce a salvat trei mingi de meci, se apropie la 3-5. 21:30 Prima minge de meci pentru Kvitova dupa o dubla eroare comisa de Begu. Jucatoarea noastra salveaza prima minge, apoi se confrunta cu o a doua minge de meci. O salveaza si pe aceasta. 21:05 Kvitova se distanteaza la 2-0 in debutul setului secund dupa un break reusit cu reverul in lung de linie. Castigarea primului set i-a dat incredere cehoaicei. STATISTICA SET 1: Begu a servit foarte slab cu prima minge (41%) si nu a reusit decat patru puncte direct castigatoare fata de cele 11 ale cehoaicei. Kvitova a avut un procent de 76% la prima minge de serviciu, care a ajutat-o sa o tina pe Begu la distanta. Doua break-uri Kvitova, unul singur Begu si un prim set incheiat dupa 49 de minute. 20:54 Un prim decis de un singur break si doua puncte care la 30-30 pe serviciul lui Begu au iesit foarte putin in afara terenului

Steaua a inregistrat o victorie vitala in Clasicul Romaniei, 3-1 cu Dinamo, duminica seara, si a redus la 2 puncte distanta ce o separa de liderul Ligii 1, ASA Tirgu Mures. Al 9-lea succes pentru Steaua in ultimele 11 dueluri directe cu Dinamo. Nicusor Stanciu, cu o dubla, a fost omul serii pentru campioana en-titre a Romaniei. Finalul a fost unul deschis oricarui rezultat, dupa ce Elhamed redusese din diferenta. Ros-albastrii au scapat pe contraatac prin Tucudean, agatat in careu de stoperul Bunoza. Cristi Balaj a aratat pentru a doua oara punctul de la 11 metri, Andrei Prepelita fiind responsabil de transformarea sa. Confruntarea de pe Arena Nationala a fost prelungita cu 20 de minute de baimarean, ca urmare a unor incidente consumate in startul partii secunde. pub START la OFERTA NOUA! Doar pana la 15 iunie. Taxele notariale GRATUIT la orice apartament 2 camere. Start! LIVE Dinamo-Steaua 1-3 Din același subiect... Startul derbiului a fost amanat de Cristian Balaj pentru cateva minute din pricina tortelor care au aterizat pe suprafata de joc. Desi partida s-a disputat cu acoperisul tras, ploaia si-a facut simtita prezenta fara niciun fel de probleme. Inca un moment penibil, asadar, pentru cei care au investit sute de milioane de euro in construirea Arenei Nationale. Nicusor Stanciu a semnat prima ocazie a confruntarii, in minutul 15, dupa o pasa primita din flanc de la Chipciu. Mijlocasul ofensiv al campioanei a tras foarte aproape de stalpul portii lui Traian Marc. Inainte de pauza, Andrei Prepelita a reluat imprecis, din apropiere, o minge centrata precis de Guilherme. In prelungiri, Vali Lazar nu a putut sa il surprinda pe Arlauskis cu un sut din unghi, la o contra taioasa a "cainilor". Nici repriza secunda nu a inceput la timp, dupa ce fanii lui Dinamo s-au luat la harta cu portarul ros-albastrilor. Suporterii din Peluza Catalin Hildan, aflati in spatele portii lituanianului, au aruncat cu petarde si torte. Arlauskis a devenit rapid noul Florin Lovin, dupa ce a zbughit-o la vestiare asemeni fostului inchizator al Stelei in meciul de trista amintire cu Rapid. Mandatat pentru a merge sa discute cu proprii fani, Marius Niculae nu a facut nimic altceva decat sa incite la violenta. Asta dupa ce, in prealabil, Ionel Danciulescu nu a gasit intelegere la suporterii "cainilor". Pentru a evita o astfel de situatie, Balaj ar fi putut sa continue jocul cu echipele ocupand aceleasi ju[CENSORED]ti de teren ca in prima repriza. Italianul Pierluigi Collina, un arbitru mult mai cunoscut, a apelat la aceasta solutie. Steaua a deschis scorul in urma unui penalti provocat de Stefan Barboianu. Oaspetii au rupt blestemul penaltiurilor ratate prin Nicusor Stanciu, care a transformat cu multa siguranta de la punctul cu var. Mai mult, Nicusor Stanciu si-a trecut in cont dubla printr-o executie splendida de la limita careului, direct in plasa laterala. Marius Niculae a oferit replica, cateva minute mai tarziu, cand a trimis putin peste poarta din marginea careului mic, in momentul in care o parte din fanii lui Dinamo parasea Arena Nationala. Elhamed, introdus pe parcurs de Stoican, a sters transversala portii cu o lovitura de cap plasata. In cele 20 de minute de prelungiri indicate de cel de-al patrulea oficial, Chipciu (90+3) a fost blocat in ultimul moment de un fundas advers. Dorin Rotariu (90+7) nu l-a putut surprinde pe Arlauskis, in ceea ce ar fi fost golul revenirii pentru Dinamo. Finalul a fost unul tensionat, dupa ce Elhamed a redus din diferenta cu patru minute inainte de ultimul fluier al lui Cristi Balaj. Stelistii au scapat insa pe contraatac la ultima faza a meciului, iar Tucudean a obtinut un nou penalti pentru Steaua. Andrei Prepelita a transformat, stabilind scorul final. FC Dinamo Bucuresti: T. Marc – Barboianu, A. Marc, Bunoza, S. Filip – I. Nedelcearu – C. Matei (D. Rotariu 90+4), M. Cristescu (K. Bilinski 83), M. Alexe, V. Lazar – M. Niculae (cpt) Rezerve: Naumovski – Elhamed, Grozav, D. Rotariu, Bilinski, Fai, Gavrila Antrenor: Flavius Stoican FC Steaua Bucuresti: Arlauskis - Rapa, Varela, Tosca, Guilherme - Prepelita, Breeveld (L. Filip 90+13) - Popa (G. Tucudean 86), Stanciu (G. Iancu 90+8), Tanase (cpt) - Chipciu Rezerve: Nita - Luchin, Filip, Iancu, Tucudean, Bourceanu, Enceanu Antrenor: Constantin Gilca Arbitru: Cristian Balaj (Baia Mare) Cartonase galbene: C. Matei 43, Nedelcearu 45+1, Bunoza 90+22/ Arlauskis 45+1, Breeveld 69 Cartonase rosii: - Stadion: Arena Nationala (Bucuresti) Sursa:CLICK