Benfica 3 – 0 Barcelona

Barcelona thumped 3 – 0 again as Benfica heap more pressure on coach Ronald Koeman. Barca have lost their opening two matches for the first time, and sit bottom of Group E. Benfica opened the scoring inside three minutes, when Darwin Nunez cut inside and finished low into the near corner.

Benfica swept aside Barcelona to heap more pressure on boss Ronald Koeman, whose side have made their worst start to a Champions League campaign. Rafa Silva then clipped in a second and Nunez netted a penalty in a comfortable victory for the home side.

Nunez also hit the post from out wide after rounding stranded Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who made a rash decision to charge out of his area. Luuk de Jong missed a glorious chance to level for the visitors early in the first half when presented with a seemingly open goal.

But Barca, also beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich in their opening game, only registered one effort on target and had Eric Garcia sent off for a second booking with three minutes remaining.

Defeat means Barcelona are in danger of failing to reach the knockout stage for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when they did not qualify for the Champions League. The last time they failed to progress from the first group stage when playing in the competition was in the 2000-01 campaign.

Source – BBC News

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Manchester United 2 – 1 Villareal

Manchester United 2 – 1 Villareal. Ronaldo scores again as Man United comeback from behind to beat Villareal. What a finish, and guess who: Cristiano Ronaldo bundled home to score an added time winner and maybe jump-start Manchester United’s season. With Atalanta beating Young Boys to lead Group F, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team are now up and running with three points.

Again, though, United seemed dazed in defence and dizzy in attack, lacking composure where it matters. This should be of deep concern to Solskjær. His side currently resemble a kick-and-chase schoolboy proposition which can be found out at any moment. Still, the result arrests a run of three reverses in four outings and the Norwegian can build on it with Everton here on Saturday.

The all-time head-to-head showed five draws and no wins for either team in normal play, Villarreal victorious in the Europa League final in May via penalty shootout – 11-10. Factor in Unai Emery’s side going undefeated since the Uefa Super Cup defeat against Chelsea in August (again by spot-kicks) in a sequence of one win and seven draws, with only five goals conceded, and another share of the spoils appeared to be a decent wager.

For the unavailable Aaron Wan-Bissaka (suspended), Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw (each injured) Solskjær drafted in Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelöf and Alex Telles in a back four behind a midfield in which the – dreaded, for some fans – McFred partnership was broken up, the manager plumping for the McPob of Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.

Solskjær blamed the defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday on the quaint reason of attacking too fast yet in a lame opening period any attack was a kind of hurtle at 110mph, in which Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Telles, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pogba careered about and had a plan more akin to the playground than elite club.

United were being turned at will by Villarreal, too. Arnaut Danjuma galloped into space along the left and took aim at David de Gea who punched away. Further holes were punched when Danjuma sold Dalot a prize dummy, the Dutchman’s subsequent effort tipped away by the already busy De Gea. Manuel Trigueros was next to enjoy prime United space as neither McTominay nor Pogba tracked him and so Paco Alcácer was released, his unload being blocked.

This all meant United were resembling the side that lost against Villa: a collection of players rather than a team with a firm base and a clue. At this juncture a goalless draw felt a foolish bet – there had been four between the opponents – as Emery’s men continued the bombardment. Dalot, once more, was left spinning by Danjuma whose whipped-in cross was headed toward goal before De Gea saved United.

Those in red were unable to take and hold possession. The best they managed was the odd burst in which, say, Greenwood fed Pogba and a ball was swung towards the lurking Ronaldo only for it to be intercepted, as happened on the half-hour.

The resounding notes from the crowd were of deep groans and there were plenty when Raphaël Varane missed a simple tackle and Alcácer was darting in, an instant effort going wide. Attack-at-will seemed to be United’s message to their visitors, so lax were they. Alcácer next broke and pushed the ball wide to Yeremi Pino and moments later the latter had De Gea saving low.

The closest United came to an opener before the break was when Alberto Moreno nearly turned a Pogba chip past Gerónimo Rulli for an own goal: a neat summation of how feeble Solskjær’s side were.

Confidence and skill were lacking: when Telles fell over the ball this was a dismal augury. At this stage United would surely snatch at a draw and first point, a perverse analysis considering they were at home, to a mid-ranking La Liga opponent yet to win a match.

Even this prospect seemed distant when Villarreal ripped them apart along Dalot’s flank, as Trigueros relayed to Danjuma whose ping in was hit home by Alcácer. Cue a stunned United faithful who could not, though, be shocked. This had been coming all night.

But United soon equalised and how. Fernandes floated a free-kick over from the right to Telles who, from outside the area, volleyed clean past Rulli into the corner. Next, Sancho – twice – might have given them a lead but he stumbled.

For United this remained too open a contest. Pino could fashion a lob that had United scrambling, then Boulaye Dia somehow missed from close range towards the end.

Having introduced Edinson Cavani before this, the No 21 spurned a golden chance to head the winner. Yet if United were more potent with the Uruguayan on – they enjoyed a late flurry – Solskjær still has to fix the powder-puff element that runs throughout the team.

Source – The Guardian

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Juventus 1 – 0 Chelsea

Juventus win 1 – 0 against Chelsea. The Chelsea manager tried plenty. He sent on five second-half substitutes, including the lesser spotted Ross Barkley, and he made adjustments to his system, the biggest one being when he pushed up Kai Havertz as a second striker.

It was a night when Thomas Tuchel came to crave something, anything, in the final third. At first it was to blow this meeting of the Champions League Group H big guns open and later, as Juventus enjoyed the ascendancy given to them by the hugely impressive Federico Chiesa straight after half-time, it was simply to salvage a point.

But it was a night when Chelsea ran aground, when they simply lacked the guile to outmanoeuvre a Juventus defence led by Leonardo Bonucci. The captain had one of those nights when you wondered whether there was a better defender in Europe.

On 83 minutes, Romelu Lukaku finally spun away from him to the left of goal only to slice his shot slightly and sent it wide. That was the big chance, Chelsea’s main regret. It was not Lukaku’s night and it was not Havertz’s either. He headed a half chance off target in the 88th minute and another one at the very end. Juventus are in a strange period. For the first time since the end of the 2010-11 season, they cannot call themselves the champions of Italy and it certainly jarred on Tuesday of last week when Max Allegri, who is back in managerial charge, described the game at Spezia as a “relegation showdown.”

His team had made their worst start in 60 years and, although they won and followed it up with a victory over Sampdoria on Sunday, they are only tenth in the table. Allegri had started with Chiesa on the left but he moved him inside pretty quickly; the 4-1-4-1 becoming a 4-4-2, with Adrien Rabiot drifting to the left. Federico Bernardeschi, who started as the false nine, also dropped off at times. Chiesa’s pacewas a tonic for the hosts.

It was highly tactical – a game of patience, of pressing for a mistake or simply waiting for one. Mateo Kovacic made two inside the opening quarter and Chelsea were fortunate to get away with them. The first was a loose pass that went straight to Rabiot, who made ground and could see Bernardeschi free on the other side. He just had to play him in only he overhit the ball, much to the frustration of the home support.

The second came when Kovacic sold Andreas Christensen short on halfway and Chiesa powered away. Christensen, who was the last man, thought about checking him and then thought better. Chiesa, chased by Antonio Rüdiger, went a little wider than he might have liked before drilling past the far post.

Chelsea offered nothing as an attacking force in open play before the interval. Their one clear opening came early on when Marcos Alonso pulled a corner back low for Romelu Lukaku, who had peeled away into space. He had to take it first time on the spin and the technique had to be perfect. It was not, the shot lacking power and going straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

Juventus cursed when Bernardeschi hammered a free-kick from the edge of the area into the Chelsea wall. It was a forgettable first half.

But the second period exploded at the off. Rabiot won a header and it was Bernardeschi who prodded through for Chiesa, who, typically, was already on the move from right to left, giving an option, sensing possibility. Rüdiger tracked back but Chiesa’s finish was too cute, hammered into the near, top corner.

Tuchel had swapped Alonso for Ben Chilwell at half-time. Now his team needed to respond. They needed to move the ball quicker, to break Juventus’s lines. At the start of the game, the home team had looked a little nervy. How they grew. It became a test of Chelsea’s credentials. Tuchel shuffled. On came Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield – which felt pretty experiemental. Callum Hudson-Odoi entered at right wing-back. The personnel changed but the approach did not. Chelsea probed slowly, patiently. And yet it was Juventus that almost scored again, as they looked increasingly sharp on the break.

Rabiot played a long diagonal out right and it was a lovely cushioned first time centre that created the chance for Bernardeschi in front of goal. He had to score only to lift over.

Tuchel moved Kai Havertz up front with Lukaku in a 3-1-4-2. When he brought on Barkley, he dropped back Chaloabh into the back three. The wing-backs pushed high. But there would be no way through.

Source – The Guardian

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Ratatouille Sheet Pan Dinner With Sausage recipe

Ratatouille! Now Your Kids Know It’s Not Just A Movie. We hope you love this easy sheet pan dinner—who knew that this yummy, summery Provençal stew was also super easy?

Ingredients

1 (20 oz) package Mild Italian sausage (turkey, chicken, pork or vegan sausages)
½ Onion, sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced ½” sliced
1 Small yellow squash, ½” sliced
1 Small eggplant, ½” sliced
1 Pint cherry or grape tomatoes
4 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced (or smashed and roughly chopped)
½ cup Olive oil
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Fresh basil, packed, minced
1 tbsp Fresh thyme, packed, minced
Creamy polenta, for serving, optional

Method

Heat oven to 400°F.

Place the onion, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with ½ cup olive oil, sprinkle with salt and fresh thyme. Toss until evenly coated.

Nestle the sausages into the veggies. Bake for 40 minutes until the vegetables are very tender and the sausage is browned.

Sprinkle with fresh basil.

source – cooking365coza

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MEC condemns murder of KZN lesbian allegedly by a relative

The KZN Social Development MEC has condemned the murder of 28-year-old lesbian activist Sisanda Gumede.

Gumede was allegedly stabbed by a person known to her in the Umbumbulu area.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said a 28-year-old female victim was stabbed with a knife on Saturday at around 8 pm.

“She was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on arrival.

“The motive for the attack is unknown and the case is still under investigation,” Mbele said.

MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza said: “Although the information regarding the violent incident is still sketchy, it appears that the deceased and her cousin had an altercation while at home.

“Gumede’s murder is understood to be motivated by homophobia, as her cousin allegedly gloated after the incident that he had removed the curse from the family.”

Khoza sent her condolences to the Gumede family.

She said the impact of hate crimes directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + communities as well as gender non-conforming persons was against the ethos of the South African Constitution.

“We are deeply ashamed that in our nation we still have people facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation. This is a gross violation of basic human rights and we should unite to end such crimes,” said Khoza.

She urged police to arrest the perpetrator.

Khoza said a team of social workers was assigned to provide psychosocial support to the family.

-IOL

In other news – Pearl Modiadie’s baby daddy Nathaniel Oppenheimer: Where he allegedly comes from shocks Mzansi

After South African television presenter Pearl Modiadie posted pictures of her son Lewatle Olivier Oppenheimer’s first birthday party, Tweeps assumed the father of her child was related to the South African billionaire family — the Oppenheimers.

Over the past weekend, Pearl Modiadie posted pictures of her son’s first birthday party, finally revealing his face. However, people were less interested in how adorable the toddler is and more interested in his surname. Learn More

The post MEC condemns murder of KZN lesbian allegedly by a relative appeared first on News365.co.za.

Durban Gen Teasers – October 2021

Coming up on Durban Gen this October 2021: Sibusiso’s will has shocking revelations for both Agatha and Mbali. The Generals do stellar work to save the lives of those injured at the cemetery. It turns out there’s nothing MacGyver about MacGyver.

Friday 1 October 2021
Episode 260
Season 1 finale!

Thabo reveals the deep Dlamini secret. Lindelani and Mbali fall back into each other’s arms. MacGyver takes it upon himself to keep Calvin alive.

Monday 4 October 2021
Episode 261
Season 2 premiere!

Durban prison is no place for a Doctor, which is where Thabo finds himself on one of the most tragically important days of his life.

Tuesday 5 October 2021
Episode 262

Sibusiso’s will has shocking revelations for both Agatha and Mbali. The Generals do stellar work to save the lives of those injured at the cemetery. It turns out there’s nothing MacGyver about MacGyver.

Wednesday 6 October 2021
Episode 263

Post Sibusiso’s surprising will is read and there’s extreme tension in the commune between Mbali and Mrs Dlamini. When Mrs Dlamini accuses Mbali of it all, how far will both women go to prove their point?

Thursday 7 October 2021
Episode 264

Lindelani pays Mbali a visit at the wrong time. Ngcobo learns he has to part ways with Durban Gen. Calvin enforces his new house rules on Bab’Gumede.

Friday 8 October 2021
Episode 265

It’s a bittersweet day for Ngcobo as he bids farewell to Durban Gen.

Bab’Gumede comes to the realisation that there’s nothing left for him here anymore… and it seems Cupid’s magical gold-tipped arrow has struck MacGyver!

Monday 11 October 2021
Episode 266

Mbali and Lindelani move from strength to strength while Agatha tries to reinvent herself without her children by her side. Sibiya learns a tragic truth and Calvin and Bab Gumede are still at odds.

Tuesday 12 October 2021
Episode 267

Nobody knows how Thabo is free. Bab Gumede is caught red-handed with his pants down.

Wednesday 13 October 2021
Episode 268

Thabo continues to unravel as Mbali wants a deeper connection with Lindelani. Sibiya struggles to keep his head up, while Phumeza tries to help. Nkabinde is suspicious about what is going on in the on-call room.

Thursday 14 October 2021
Episode 269

Thabo drowns his sorrows and things get out of hand. Agatha causes an embarrassing scene at the hospital. Bab’Gumede makes a huge decision about his future.

Friday 15 October 2021
Episode 270

Thabo is rendered homeless. Mbali struggles to deal with the embarrassment at work. Bab’ Gumede’s farewell takes an unexpected turn.

Monday 18 October 2021
Episode 271

Lindelani starts to wonder if there’s any validity to the concept of isinyama. An unruly Thabo throws up on his mother. Bab’Gumede faces the wrath of Sylvia’s new man.

Tuesday 19 October 2021
Episode 272

Lindelani tries to stay clear of Mbali as he struggles with everyday medicine. MacGyver is caught in an uncompromising position and Msizi tries to plead Bab’Gumede’s case to Sylvia.

Wednesday 20 October 2021
Episode 273

The doctors try to assess the MacGyver and Simon medical case to come up with a solution but they are reeled into their drama.

An hysterical Ntombi thinks she has to make a choice between saving her husband and side. Sylvia refuses to take Bab’Gumede in and he has to go back home with Msizi.

Thursday 21 October 2021
Episode 274

Sne holds on to the hope that MacGyver will wake up. Determined to win Sylvia back, Bab’Gumede challenges the new man in her life to a stick fight, but will he come up on top?

Friday 22 October 2021
Episode 275

Lindelani is rushed to a ward after passing out and they find nothing wrong with him, even though he knows he thinks it’s isinyama. He begs Mbali to do the cleansing but will she finally agree?

Monday 25 October 2021
Episode 276

Mrs Dlamini is in a ring with debt collectors, neighbours and God. MacGyver can’t get it up and Zandile wants to bring Lindelani down.

Tuesday 26 October 2021
Episode 277

Mbali is hopeful that with all the chores she does for the Dlaminis, she will finally get what she wants.

Wednesday 27 October 2021
Episode 278

Mbali is not ready for what Mrs Dlamini asks of her. MacGyver has a new hot chick. While Bhengu is up in everybody’s business.

Thursday 28 October 2021
Episode 279

Mbali gets the key to her cleansing; and that’s by agreeing with Mrs Dlamini’s proposal. Lindelani has no choice given by Msomi, while MacGyver finally tastes some vanilla swirl, but is it more vanilla than chakalaka?

Friday 29 October 2021
Episode 280

Mbali brings home an unexpected surprise. Qwabe returns to claim her rightful place. MacGyver cuts ties with Jessica.

Premiere episodes of Durban Gen air on e.tv from Mondays to Fridays at 18h30. Episodes repeat on e.tv and eExtra the following day at 13h30 and 11h15 respectively. The omnibus airs on e.tv on Sundays at 10h20.

Source: tvsa

In other news – Nomzamo Mbatha rubs shoulders with Prince Harry and Meghan

South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha joined a string of artists, activists and world leaders in their fight against poverty, at the star-studded Global Citizen Live, at Central Park, in New York City, on Saturday.

The 24-hour event was broadcast across seven continents, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America, with the sole mission of uniting the world to defend the planet and defeat poverty. Learn more

The post Durban Gen Teasers – October 2021 appeared first on News365.co.za.

PSA welcomes appointment of Thobakgale as DCS national commissioner

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has welcomed the appointment of Makgothi Thobakgale as the acting National Commissioner for the Department of Correctional Services.

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola announced Thobakgale’s appointment on Monday.

He replaces Arthur Fraser, whose contract was not renewed.

Thobakgale has 17 years of senior management experience in public service.

The PSA said that it hoped that his appointment would restore the dented integrity of the Correctional Services Department.

Spokesperson Reuben Maleka: “We note his wide experience in the public service, his qualification in finance. We believe that Commissioner Thobakgale will have to deal with huge and serious challenges that are facing the Department of Correctional Services.”

-EWN

In other news – Pearl Modiadie’s baby daddy Nathaniel Oppenheimer: Where he allegedly comes from shocks Mzansi

After South African television presenter Pearl Modiadie posted pictures of her son Lewatle Olivier Oppenheimer’s first birthday party, Tweeps assumed the father of her child was related to the South African billionaire family — the Oppenheimers.

Over the past weekend, Pearl Modiadie posted pictures of her son’s first birthday party, finally revealing his face. However, people were less interested in how adorable the toddler is and more interested in his surname. Learn More

The post PSA welcomes appointment of Thobakgale as DCS national commissioner appeared first on News365.co.za.