Boys Semi-Final: Ajax 1 - 2 Liverpool

 Klopp did it again today. With his team one goal down (and it could have been three, were it not for Patrick's saves) thanks to a sloppy own-goal, he managed to motivate his team to come back from the dead and win this exciting match. Kevin was the motor in midfield for the first goal and Lorenzo then took over, forcing his way past three defenders to blast home the equaliser. The two of them combined again a few minutes later and, this time, it was Kevin who found himself with a chance to shoot. And he did. And he scored. And Liverpool march on.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Lorenzo 5, Kevin 4, Patrick 4, Alessandro 2, Christian 2, Louis 2, Adriano C 1, Gianmarco 1

ACLI Champions League SF, second leg: Nomen 3-3 Ambrit

 A draw today, yes; but after a 6-1 win in the first leg, this was more than enough to secure Ambrit's place in the final for a second year running. With no Trym and no Ale, Dylan started today in goal and he did a fine job for the first half, a first half that saw Giorgio score twice and Nomen once. It was also a first half that saw Antonio play his best game of the season so far, winning lots of ball up front and laying it off into good positions time and time again. It was also a first half that saw Oliver strike the post with a cracking long range effort: pity it didn't go in - Oliver deserved a goal today. 

Vittorio played in goal for most of the second half and kept a clean sheet. Antonio went in and made some good saves but Nomen did equalise. No problem, Vittorio scored to put Ambrit back ahead. Nomen did equalise again but qualification for the final was never in doubt. Emilio almost sealed it with a fourth goal but, like Oliver earlier, he saw his shot come back off the post.

AMBRIT: Dylan, Vittorio, Cameron, Kevin, Emilio, Giorgio, Oliver, Antonio, Nicholas.

ACLI Champions League semi-final, 1st leg: AMBRIT 6-1 Nomen

 Nomen came into today's game with a season-long unbeaten record... but that didn't last long against a concentrated Ambrit side today. A slick passing move from Carlo to Cameron to Giorgio and Giorgio thundered home the shot to leave the visitors 0-1 down and unsettled. Giorgio made it 2-0 with a fiercely-struck free kick from the left and Cameron scored a third when Vittorio's pass found Hugo and he sent it on to Cameron. Giorgio completed a first half hat-trick off Carlo's assist and Hugo completed a first-half rout with a well-timed fifth goal - just as the visitors were threatening to come back - just before the break.

In the second half Antonio, Trym, Daniel, Oliver and Emilio all came in and Ambrit continued to look in control. But Nomen did now have a bit more possession and Ambrit began to look a bit ragged as the half wore on. Nomen almost scored when their No. 12 rose to place a good header that looked a goal all the way, but Ale scrambled to the post and somehow kept the ball out. Nomen did pull a goal back and things might have begun to unravel, but Cameron latched onto an Emilio pass and the sixth goal settled the team again. 

Manchester City 1 - 4 Real Madrid

A first period without clear chances and then Real almost took the lead in period 2, but Aron made a great save off a Marco shot. But Carlo was following up and scored. In period 3, an almost exact replica: Aron saved again, this time off a Carlo shot and Hugo followed up to score. Rocco pulled one back for City but their play lacked cohesion and it was no surprise when Marco headed Real back into a two goal lead and Tommaso sealed the win with a brave tap-in at the second post.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Aron 4, Carlo T 4, Rocco 3, Hugo 3, Tommaso 2, Marco 2, Gabriele 1, Giovanni Z 1 

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ACLI: Champions Cup QF, 2nd leg: AMBRIT 2-2 Fortitudo (9-2 on aggregate)

 After last week's heavy defeat, Fortitudo turned up today with a bit of an attitude and they finished the game with three yellow cards and one red. Ambrit's players, on the other hand, received the referee's compliments for their behaviour and for their continued attempts to play good football.

The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes and the game was delicately poised: another goal might have unsettled the hosts but Hugo settled things down with an equaliser just before half-time. Fortitude went ahead again in the second-half... Ale calmly shepherding the ball wide, except it didn't go wide - it went in!😂

Ale made up for it soon after with an astounding double save and Lorenzo leveled the score again, calmly controlling an awkward pass before rounding his man and beating the goalkeeper with a shot just inside the post. 

CALENDAR

Wed 24 May: Real Madrid vs Manchester City    Boys' Semi final 1

Thu 25 May: Chelsea vs Roma

Fri 26 May: Ajax vs Liverpool    Boys' Semi final 2

Wed 31 May: Boys' Third place final

Thu 01 June: GIRLS' FINAL

Wed 07 June: BOYS' FINAL

Thu 08 June: TEACHERS vs INTRAMURAL CHAMPIONS

Fri 09 June: TEACHERS vs GRADE 8

Liverpool 1-1 Real Madrid

 A very entertaining game! Real attacked well all through the first half but Patrick pulled off some exceptional saves, including a miraculous double stop from point-blank range. But Real did score in the when one of Hugo's mazy dribbles ended with a pass to Marco and his powerful shot was unstoppable. Patrick came out now to try to save a point and, in the end, he did: finding space on the edge of the penalty area, he placed a shot into the corner and then went back into goal to protect the lead!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Patrick 5, Kevin 3, Carlo T 3, Hugo 3, Marco 3, Gianmarco 1, Christian 1, Remy 1, Carlo C 1

Atletico 2-2 PSG

 A determined PSG grabbed their first point of the season and might easily have won the game. Aurora was alert when a chance came her way half-way through the first half and she rolled the ball confidently into the empty net. A good passing move from Atletico though found Jacopo in a good position and he equalised. In the second half, the girls went ahead again when an Aurora shot was saved but Bianca was on hand to force the rebound in. But the boys came back to level the scores again, this time Francesco adding the final touch.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Jacopo 3, Irene 3, Bianca 3, Aurora 3, Freydis 2, Antonio 2, Sara 1, Antoine 1, Joshua 1, Francesco 1, Matteo 1

Real Madrid 4-2 Ajax

 After drawing with Man City last night in the Champions League, Real turned up today with a few new names and ran into an early lead. In the first period, Marco blasted in an unstoppable shot and might have scored again but Trym saved well. Three goals were added in the second half (Marco, Nicola 2) and Ajax were struggling but a soft penalty awarded against Hugo gave Adriano the chance to bring his team back into the game. He scored; 4-1. Reinvigorated, Ajax threw themselves into attack and Diego scored a second but time ran out and Real take the three points.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo T 3, Marco 2, Adriano M 2, Hugo 2, Nicola 2, Trym 2, Emilio 1, Carlo C 1, Tiago 1, Tommaso 1, Antonio F 1, Diego 1, Adriano C 1, Remy 1

ACLI: Champions League QF - Fortitude 0-7 Ambrit

 Strange to say, but this was an evenly and fiercely contested tie! The big score difference is explained by Ambrit's solid defending, solid goalkeeping and some clinical finishing. Hugo had another great game: he played in Lorenzo for goal number 1. Vittorio played in midfield today and he totally confounded the opposition; it was his corner, converted by Dylan, that led to 2-0 before half time.

Kevin and Oliver, after two great first half performances, made way for Nicholas and Antonio at half time and the two newcomers settled in immediately, quickly taking control of the left wing for Ambrit. Another precise long ball from Ale put Lorenzo through; he was fouled as he went around the goalkeeper and Lorenzo himself scored from the spot and then completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards with a shot from outside the penalty area. Hugo scored the fifth and then Dylan scored a jewel of a goal: moving onto Vittorio's outswinging corner from the right, he caught the ball perfectly on the volley and rifled it into the top corner! The scoreline was completed by Antonio.

Liverpool 1-2 Man City

 Today we saw an ugly game with some beautiful goals. Rocco opened the scoring in the first period when a burst of speed took him clear on the left and he managed to squeeze his hot into the corner. Gianmarco had a chance to equalise in the second period but Giovanni was out quick to smother the shot. Rocco struck again in period 3, this time turning on the edge of the penalty are to unleash an accurate shot into the far corner. Patrick put Lorenzo through on the right near the end and Lorenzo scored with a confident shot, but time ran out and City win again.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 6, Gabriele 2, Lorenzo 2, Giovanni 2, Daniele 2, Kevin 2, Patrick 2, Christian 1, Gianmarco 1, Matteo 1 

Salzburg 5-0 PSG

 Salzburg today got a chance to vent a season's frustrations and they seized on that chance with glee. The three-touch rule suited them and they played neat, thoughtful football with two goals each from Oliver, Adam and Leopoldo and one from Leo. 

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Oliver 5, Leo 4, Adam 3, Leopoldo 2, Sam 1, Tommaso 1, Michael 1, Lubiana 1, Freydis 1, Lavinia 1, Ella 1

ACLI League: Ambrit 1-0 S. Catarina

 Ambrit got back on the winning trail today with a narrow victory over a much-improved team from S. Catarina. The hosts might have scored an early goal in either half, Alberto lifting an early opportunity over the bar in the first half, Lorenzo doing the same at the start of the second period. The visitors came close to an early goal in the first half too, their no. 15 rattling the crossbar with a well-taken free kick.

Ambrit finally scored when Lorenzo invented a clever strike from a free kick on the left, his low shot into the corner taking the keeper by surprise. Another good game from Kevin, Carlo and Dylan in defence.

TEAM: Cameron, Dylan, Kevin, Carlo, Emilio, Alberto, Nicolas, Lorenzo, Antonio

Serafico Bianco 4-3 Ambrit

 Ambrit dominated the first half but they were let down by some very poor shooting, some overly casual passing and some lazy tackling. The home side took the lead after 15' against the run of play but Vittorio equalised when he timed his run well to get on the end of Alberto's corner. Cameron made it 2-1 when he shot from the edge of the penalty area into the opposite corner but Serafico pulled it back to 2-2 at half time.

Cameron was on target again early in the second half bit Serafico's midfield began to find more and more holes in the Ambrit formation. They had strong runners and Ambrit's tackling was poor. They scored two late goals to take all three points. The only really bright spark for Ambrit today was Hugo's performance in midfield - easily his best game of the year.

Man City 2-1 Salzburg

 Rocco set the tone early on with a couple of shots that were narrowly wide. The Austrians were pinned down for much of the first half and City  had a deserved 2-0 lead at the turnaround, goals from Rocco (an angled shot from a short corner) and Aron ( a tap-in off a Rocco assist). Salzburg improved in the second half and their goal was emblematic: a well-constructed passing move from Michael to Leo to Adam to Leopoldo... goal!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 4, Adam 3, Steve 2, Leo 2, Adrian 2, Gabriele 2, Daniele 2, Aron 1, Sam 1, Michael 1, Giovanni Z 1 

Chelsea 2-0 Lyon

 Chelsea dominated possession and territory today, rarely conceding any attacking chances to their French opponents and creating numerous opportunities for themselves.

Aurora drove the team forward and was always able to depend on intelligent support from Martina. Lavinia was everywhere in midfield, breaking down play after play and, when Chelsea did break through, Alessia made some super saves to keep the teams level at half time.

Chelsea scored immediately in the second half, Aurora'a shot spinning away from Alessia and into the corner of the net. The Blues added a second when Martina's free kick was deflected by Costanza, giving Alessia no chance.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Aurora 4, Martina 3, Alessia 2, Lavinia 2, Costanza 2, Ella 1

ACLI League: Ambrit 1-5 Monteverde

 Ambrit suffered their first defeat of the season today and they fully deserved to lose. Only Dylan, Kevin and Carlo played to their usual standard - everybody else was strangely off-form. Coach Corcoran looked like the recent Jurgen Klopp on the sideline, with that 'where-is-our-winning-team-gone?' look on his face. Half-time 0-2 down; second half: 0-3, 0-4, 1-4 (Dylan), 1-5.

Next week: big test of character: can we bounce back!?

Ajax 4-0 Atletico

 The first period was even but Ale took advantage of some confusion in the penalty area to give Ajax 1-0 lead. In period 2, Tiago should have a added a second but he somehow blasted the ball over from 2 meters out! Diego shot well but Francesco made a good save. At the other end, Antonio was pouring in a series of shots but all were just too high or just wide of the post. Ale made it 2-0 off an Emilio assist; Emilio made it 3-0 off an Ale assist. Diego's third period goal closed off the match.

Best Player points: Ale 5, Antonio A 4, Emilio 3, Matteo 3, Adriano M 2, Francesco 2, Tiago 1, Joshua 1 

Man City 2-2 Real Madrid

 Another intensely competitive game, another draw, another match down and the classifica is getting tight! Daniele gave City the lead in the first period when he followed up on Rocco's run and shot, after the shot was well-saved by Ryan. But Real fought back quickly and Marco, scoring freely these days, bagged an equaliser.

In the second period, Real took the lead through Hugo but City forced an equaliser this time, Remy unlucky when the ball rebounded in off him. Both sides tried hard in period 3 to capture all three points, but neither side could manage it.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Rocco 5, Marco 4, Carlo 3, Daniele 3, Gabriele 3, Hugo 1, Giovanni Z 1, Remy 1

Chelsea 4-0 Arsenal

 Nell'atteso derby inglese il Chelsea si dimostra squadra molto solida e liquida con un perentorio 4-0 le smarrite avversarie: Aurora mette a segno un terribile 1-2 nel primo tempo, consolidato dalla doppietta di Martina nel secondo tempo. Alle avversarie non resta che rimanere a guardare, visto anche il momento difficile dal punto di vista fisico della stessa delle Gunners, Sara.

A guidare le offensive dell'Arsenal ci hanno provato con grande insistenza e convinzione Marina e Alessandra, davvero lodevoli per impegno e tecnica, ma che di fronte a loro hanno trovato il "muro" di Naila ed Erica.

Nulla da fare per Annika, Lubiana e compagne, che sono però alla prima sconfitta e quindi possono ancora ben sperare di qualificarsi per la finale.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Aurora R 4, Martina 4, Marina 2, Freydis 2, Alessandra 2, Lubiana 1, Erica 1, Naila 1, Sara M 1, Vittoria 1.

ACLI League: Serafico 1-2 Ambrit

 This was one of Ambrit's best victories in their last two seasons of highly successful ACLI football: a bigger, unfamiliar pitch; some bigger, stronger opponents; a tired team after the morning's RISA endeavours and a hot Spring sun - but hey, no problemo! 

The home side did take the lead in the first half but some fantastic defending from Kevin and Trym kept the score down and allowed Ambrit to gain a foothold in the game as the first half wound down. A good run by Vittorio then won a free kick on the edge of the area and Dylan fired home an equaliser.

The half time break afforded some valuable rest time for the players and some of them were looking nearly as deflated as the ball(!). But they came out for the second half looking determined and ready to go. Dylan now had the big n.9 in his pocket and Kevin continued to play like a man possessed. Carlo was insuperabile again (just like this morning!). When Serafico did get some chances, Trym made two more fantastic saves. Emilio came into the game more towards the end, setting up Vittorio for one goal - converted! - and then for another - wasted, with a ballet move that did not come off😠.

TEAM: Trym, Dylan, Carlo, Kevin, Cameron, Vittorio, Emilio, Oliver, Antonio.

Ambrit pulls off a Spectacular Double!

 In an exciting morning of football, Ambrit pulled off a spectacular double win, taking both the u11 and the u14 RISA Football trophies on offer!

On the Big Pitch, the MS boys began the day with a 1-1 draw against a big, strong team from Marymount. Adam bagged the Ambrit goal and the team followed up with a 2-1 win over RIS (Daniele, Hugo on target) and a 1-1 draw with New School (Daniele again). Meanwhile, Marymount had won their other games easily and were already qualified for the final. St George's too were doing well and so the Ambrit vs SGBIS match was decisive. A draw was enough to put the team from La Storta into the final; Ambrit needed a win. After 10', SGBIS led 2-0, their no. 10 wreaking havoc. But then Vittorio broke through three tackles and fired home to set the stage for a brilliant Ambrit comeback, cemented by a brilliant performance from Ryana and a wonderful doppietta from Marco! The first was a shot into the top corner to make it 2-2, the second a last-minute header past a despairing goalkeeper!

And so to the final versus Marymount... 0-0 after 20'... penalty shoot-out... 3-0 to Ambrit!!!

MedCup News: Ambra signs a new contract with Ambrit!

 

Alessandro Ambra was welcomed back to the team today by a smiling Vittorio. With Ambra proudly displaying the No. 7 shirt that is surely destined to become as famous as Ronaldo's, di Paola commented: "Aho, e 'mo je famo vede' a questi de Verona!" 

Salzburg 1-0 Atletico Madrid

Salzburg's long wait for a win is over! With the return of Leo in defence, the team was transformed but they had a tough trial against this Atletico team. Vittorio was shooting at every opportunity: vicious shots that ere often blocked or just wide or saved by Adrian. He made one good stop in each period: the first two from Vittorio shots, the third from a Vittorio header. Salzburg's moment came in period 3: a move involving Michael and Leo worked the ball to Oliver in the area and his pass found Adam in just enough space to allow him to poke the ball home!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Leo 5, Adrian 5, Vittorio 2, Antonio A 2, Adam 2, Francesco 1, Oliver 1, Michael 1, Emilio E 1, Giovanni V 1

Real 2-1 Atletico

 This was a typical derby game: hard tackles, constant effort, barely-concealed rivalry. Only one goal in the first half and it came when Tommaso stole a ball and found Ashton in space just 2 meters out and Ashton made no mistake. Vittorio almost equalised when he hit a good free kick but Ryan saved well. Atletico did score after the break, Max pouncing on a loose ball and turning it home. But Real came back again and Tommaso, always alert today, won the ball in the area, turned well and squeezed the ball home.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Tommaso 4, Ryan 3, Vittorio 2, Antonio 2, Marco 2, Hugo 2, Carlo 2, Ashton 1, Matteo 1, Remy 1, Giovanni V 1 

RISA Girls Tournament

 Le ragazze Ambrit disputano un ottimo torneo con le pari età delle scuole internazionali di Roma e finiscono a pari punti con le vincitrici, ma al secondo posto per differenza reti, in una bellissima mattinata di sport.

Dagli esordi il torneo mette in mostra una squadra, la New School of Rome, che sembra in netta superiorità tecnica rispetto alle altre formazioni: la valanga di gol con cui sommerge prima la St. George's Dragons e poi la Castelli International non lascia molte speranze alle altre squadre presenti. In particolare una talentuosa giocatrice della NSR, che milita nelle giovanili della Roma, sembra letteralmente immarcabile dalle avversarie.

Tuttavia le ragazze dell'Ambrit iniziano con grinta e fiducia il loro cammino, sconfiggendo la St. George's con un netto 2-0 (doppietta di Aurora), e permettendosi di "sbagliare" almeno altre 3-4 occasioni nette.

La seconda partita - contro la Castelli - finisce 3-1, sempre in favore delle nostre ragazze, con doppietta di Aurora e gol di Irene.

Tutti ormai hanno capito che lo scontro diretto Ambrit-NSR sarà decisivo ai fini della vittoria, dato che non ci sarà una finale. La partita è accesissima: Mr. Antonio schiera una doppia marcatura sulla stella della NSR, che in effetti sarà totalmente bloccata da Bianca e Irene. Le nostre ragazze vanno in vantaggio con Aurora, ma vengono raggiunte quasi immediatamente dalla New School. La partita procede a fiammate, ma è l'Ambrit a tenere il pallino del gioco. Su calcio d'angolo di Martina una sfortunata deviazione riporta in vantaggio l'Ambrit, che ora ci crede davvero. Il punteggio regge fino alla fine della partita, quando un rimbalzo inganna la nostra grande Freydis e blocca il punteggio sul 2-2 finale. Peccato.

L'ultima partita vede la vittoria di misura 1-0 sulla seconda squadra della St. George's, ma ormai il trofeo è sfuggito.

In generale un ottimo esordio per le ragazze, che hanno dimostrato grinta, tecnica e tanto cuore.

MVP: Aurora e Martina.

Ajax 4-1 Salzburg

 Salzburg held the Dutch Champions for most of an even and highly entertaining game but then lost the ball at some crucial times and lost the points as well. Adam was very active all through the game and, in the first half, he tested Trym with four attempts. One was wide and Trym made some good saves for the other three. But Ajax stole the lead before half-time. Emilio passed to Antonio and the Brazilian ace finished it off.

Tiago made it 2-0 early in the second half but Salzburg continued to press forward. Adam and Oliver combined well with Sara, on-loan from Arsenal today, and Oliver pulled one back when he got a leg to Adam's long shot to force it home. But Ajax were back in front by two goals almost immediately, Diego shooting low past Adrian. Adrian made a great save shortly afterwards but an own-goal from Steve completed Salzburg's misery and their hunt for that elusive first point goes on.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Adam 4, Oliver 3, Trym 3, Michael 2, Giulio 2, Emilio 2, Sara 1, Diego 1, Tiago 1, Sam 1, Steve 1

Ajax 6-1 PSG

 PSG showed a little more enterprise in attack today but the defence continues to leak goals. Ajax moved the ball around well, using their three touches economically and sensibly and the goals were scored by Ale, Diego, Tiago, Emilio, Ale again and Giulio. Aurora replied for the girls.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Bianca 4, Ale 3, Emilio 3, Aurora 2, Sara 3, Lavinia 1, Ella 1, Adriano C 1, Clara 1, Diego 1

ACLI Champions League: Nomen 3-3 Ambrit

 For the second time this season, the league's two strongest teams tied in a six-goal thriller. After a scoreless first half, the game exploded into life and the home side were soon 2-0 up. The new-look Ambrit team, refreshed with four recruits from the January transfer window, looked a little bewildered but Giorgio pulled them back into the game; his strong shot was parried by the keeper but Giorgio followed up and smashed home the rebound: game on! The next goal was similar: Dylan's well-struck free kick from the left was fumbled by the goalkeeper and this time it was Daniele who followed up to bundle the ball over the line. At 2-2, both sides might have settled for a point but neither did... and neither did the referee, awarding yet another free kick in a central position to Nomen. And they scored, to make it 3-2 with just seconds to play. 

But seconds were all that Daniele needed to equalise again. Pouncing on a loose ball in midield, he unleashed a perfectly-struck and perfectly-placed shot just inside the left post to give Ambrit a well-earned point! 

Atletico Madrid 0-4 Liverpool

Today’s match was evenly contested until late in period 2 and then Louis’s team put their foot down and accelerated away. Two goals from Gianmarco - the second one from a horrendous series of defensive errors - put Atletico on the back foot and then Lorenzo delivered the knockout punch with February’s Goal of the Month. Patrick finished it off with a low free-kick that found its way through a crowd of players.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Antonio A 4, Gianmarco 3, Patrick 3, Matteo T 2, Francesco 2, Emilio E 2, Kevin 1, Giovanni P 1, Yufan 1, Lorenzo 1, Christian 1

Lyon 2-2 AS Roma

 Decisamente non una partita per deboli di cuore quella giocata oggi all'Ambrit Stadium, con due squadre disposte a tutto per conquistare i tre punti: gol, spettacolo e molto agonismo.

Parte forte la Roma, con le folate offensive di Irene e Bianca, ben supportate da Clotilde, ma il Lyon regge bene, anche grazie agli innesti di Aurora (che neutralizza Sara) e Alessandra. Tuttavia la buona difesa francese cede al colpo da maestra di Bianca che, su rimessa del portiere, lascia partire un tiro spiovente che s'infila sotto la traversa: 1-0 Roma. 

Il Lyon prende coraggio e rischia di più, consapevole di dover recuperare lo svantaggio e - allo scadere del primo tempo - la zampata di Ella, dopo azione insistita, s'infila in rete per il momentaneo 1-1.

Nella ripresa le due squadre si affrontano senza esclusione di colpi: Lavinia è una furia su tutti i palloni, Irene sembra un mastino, Bianca non smette di lottare, Margherita inventa colpi al limite della fisica ed Ella sembra posseduta. Ma a fare la differenza è Clotilde, che si avventa su un pallone inavvertitamente lasciato nell'area dal portiere. La rimessa sbatte proprio contro la romanista ed entra in porta: 2-1.

Manca una manciata di minuti al termine e il Lyon si riversa in attacco, ma la Roma sembra molto ben organizzata. L'ultima prodezza spetta però alle francesi, che con l'incredibile azione personale di Ella trovano il pareggio all'ultimo secondo! WOW...che partita!

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Ella 5, Clotilde 4, Irene 3, Lavinia 3, Margherita 3, Bianca 3, Alessia 1, Clara 1, Sofia 1, Azzurra 1.

Ajax 6-2 Manchester City

 Returning from his recent controversial sendiing-off, Capitan Cellini led the way for Ajax today with two early goals, the first from a Diego-Ale assist and the second from another Ale assist. Alessandro himself added a third while, at the other end, Giovanni rattled the bar with a long shot from his own half. City did manage to shake things up later on: Dani was lively up front and danced around Trym to score goal and give City some hope, but Diego snuffed it out soon after with a fourth for the Dutch champions. Antonio nipped in with a sneaky header for number 5 and the scoring was completed with Gabriele's cool finish and Antonio's second.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Ale 6, Daniele 4, Antonio 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Gabriele 1, Maverick 1,  Diego 1

Real Madrid 5-0 PSG

 A bad start today from PSG, allowing too much time on the ball to their opponents, merciless in pressing home their advantage.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Carlo 5, Hugo 3, Ryan 2, Martina 2, Sara 2, Freydis 2, Bianca 1, Clara 1, Marco 1, Tommaso 1, Nicola 1 

Chelsea 1-1 AS Roma

 Una partita entusiasmante, per intensità e determinazione delle due squadre, per agonismo - sul filo della correttezza - e per una crescente capacità di produrre gioco. Insomma: oggi all'Ambrit ci siamo davvero divertiti e credo si sia divertito anche il pubblico numeroso, che dagli spalti non ha smesso di incoraggiare le protagoniste del match.

Inizialmente il Chelsea ha preso in mano le redini del gioco, con un dialogo stretto tra Aurora e Martina, sempre pericolose, ma oggi, forse, poco concrete rispetto alle occasioni create. Nel primo tempo, tuttavia, la formazione inglese non sfonda, complice la resistenza di Bianca, Irene e Clotilde a centrocampo.

All'inizio del secondo tempo il Chelsea passa, grazie a un ottimo controllo di Aurora, che serve Martina al limite dell'area: stop di destro, un passo avanti e bomba all'angolino! La partita sembra indirizzata, ma la Roma non ci sta e inizia a macinare occasioni. Naila mette giù Bianca e si becca un cartellino giallo. Il gioco diventa più acceso e la Roma guadagna una punizione sulla trequarti: si incarica della battuta Bianca, Aurora in porta compie un mezzo miracolo, ma sulla ribattuta Sara si avventa sul pallone e tira forte, infilando la palla - con deviazione - tra palo e portiere. Pareggio!

Nei minuti finali entrambe le squadre sfiorano i tre punti vittoria, ma il punteggio rimane sull'1-1.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: 

Bianca 4, Irene 4, Martina 4, Aurora R 3, Sara P 3, Erica 2, Clotilde 2, Maeve 1, Aditi 1, Vittoria 1.

Ajax 6-1 Liverpool

 Ajax paraded their expensive new signing today and Ambra did not disappoint, firing in all six goals. The first three goals came in period 1 and Liverpool never really recovered. Gianmarco did get a shot in but Trym saved well. One more goal was added in period 2 and Gianmarco almost scored, not quite finishing off a good move involving Kevin and Lorenzo. Ale scored twice again in period 3 and Gianmarco did manage a reply for the Scousers.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Alessandro 8, Gianmarco 3, Adriano M 3, Emilio 2, Kevin 2, Lorenzo 1, Antonio F 1, Matteo T 1 

Arsenal 3-0 Lyon

 Bella vittoria dell'Arsenal, che ha trovato un equilibrio e una solidità migliori rispetto alla prima partita e si è "sbarazzato" di un avversario pericoloso come il Lyon, che aveva dato parecchio fastidio all'altra contendente al titolo, il Chelsea.

Sicuramente hanno pesato le assenze importanti, Margherita sulla sponda francese e Freydis su quella inglese, ma - senza il filtro a centrocampo - l'Arsenal ha avuto gioco facile sulla difesa, una volta superata la barriera Ella-Lavinia-Clara.

Molto buone le prestazioni di Sara, autrice di una doppietta, e della promessa Marina, sempre più centrale nel gioco dell'Arsenal e capace anche di andare a rete.

Il Lyon non deve perdersi d'animo, tutto è ancora possibile, con una buona organizzazione e con tanta, tanta grinta.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Marina 4, Sara M 4, Lavinia 2, Clara 2, Ella 2, Alessandra 1, Lubiana 1, Annika 1.

ACLI League: BravettaDue 0-4 Ambrit

 Despite a decidedly below-par first half performance, Ambrit went in at half time with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a lovely goal from Cameron and an impoertant save jusr before the break from Trym.

The second half performance was much better. Lorenzo stretched the lead with a low shot just inside the post. Dylan's free kick was on target and a slight deflection helped it in. And Daniele scored the fourth goal: looking to be blocked by the defender, he turned first inside and then outside and found the net with a low cross-shot to the opposite corner.

TEAM: Trym, Kevin, Vittorio, Dylan, Emilio, Cameron, Oliver, Lorenzo, Daniele, Carlo, Hugo 

Atletico Madrid 3-1 Manchester City

 After a scoreless first period, Giovanni took the Spanish side by surprise with a goal straight from the restart. But this served only to spur their opponents to play with greater determination and Atletico soon started to threaten Giovanni's goal. Vittorio gave ample warning with a rocket from 20m out that flew back off the bar. Soon after, Vittorio got the ball wide on the right and fired in another rocket from an impossible angle: Giovanni parried but Max was on hand to tap in the rebound: 1-1. The Vittorio show continued in period 3 when he made a chance for himself and bried a low shot past Giovanni to make it 2-1 and then, not long from the end, he sewed up the points with another low shot into the bottom corner.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Vittorio 6, Giovanni Z 3, Matteo 3, Antonio 3, Daniele 1, Gabriele 1, Francesco 1, Max 1, Rocco 1, Jacopo 1

Real Madrid 4-0 RB Salzburg

 Salzburg's disastrous start to the Champion's league continued today as they shipped another four goals to a well-organised team from Spain. Marco set the tone in period 1 with a well-taken goal and Hugo almost made it two but was denied by Adrian. Ashton came on for period 2 and made his presence felt, twice finishing well off assists from Marco and Carlo. In the final period, Madrid continued to push forward. Nico shot, Adriano saved; Carlo shot, Adriano saved... and again... and again... until Hugo did beat Adrian off another Marco assist. Marco hit the bar towards the end and Leopoldo had a chance at the other end, but Ryan saved. Assured performances at the back today from Carlo and Remy. Ryan's clever moves in the transfer market look like they might just pay off!

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Remy 3, Carlo 3, Marco 2, Michael 2, Sam 2, Adrian 2, Adam 2, Nicola 2, Hugo 1, Ashton 1, Leopoldo 1

LYON 1-1 CHELSEA

Lyon e Chelsea si sono affrontate a viso aperto in una gara equilibrata e combattuta: il pareggio finale è forse il risultato giusto per quello che si è visto in campo. 

La formazione di Costanza ha preso da subito in mano il pallino del gioco, ma l'iniziale assenza di Naila ha costretto le inglesi a giocare tutto su Aurora e Martina, con l'ottima Erica in copertura. Il tandem ha funzionato bene fino al vantaggio, siglato proprio da Martina, lanciata a rete da Aurora dopo un intervento al limite.

Nel secondo tempo il Lyon ha preso coraggio e consapevolezza di non essere inferiore, riuscendo a dominare in difesa grazie alle buone prestazioni di Margherita ed Ella, e alla solidità di capitan Lavinia (oggi player of the Match). Il parteggio giunge proprio con Ella, con un tiro dalla distanza che sorprende il portiere, e nel finale Naila deve evitare addirittura la sconfitta con una scivolata spettacolare.

Un pareggio giusto, insomma, a tratti spettacolare, mai noioso.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Lavinia 4, Aurora R 3, Margherita 2, Ella 2, Martina 2, Clara 2, Naila 1, Erica 1, Aditi 1, Alessia 1.

ACLI League: Simplicitas 2-4 Ambrit

Without captain Vittorio and veteran midfielder Alberto, Ambrit's squad depth was tested today and was not found wanting. With Carlo, Kevin and Dylan in scintillating form in defence, Emilio doing a good impression of Martin Odegaard in midfield, Lorenzo in free-scoring form up front and Antonio, Nicholas and Daniele in top form too, the three points were scooped up again and Ambrit continue their unbeaten run this year.

Dylan was first to test the opposition goalkeeper with a rasping shot and then Lorenzo set up Antonio but he screwed the shot wide. This was a good day for the young g7 midfielder though, his best game to date. Emilio played Lorenzo in for another chance, but Lorenzo's opening goal came 4' later - this time off a Dylan assist. Cameron, heroically in goal today despite not feeling well, made a good save just before the break.

Emilio played well today in central midfield

Ambrit needed to convert their possession into goals in the second half... and they did. Lorenzo made it 2-0 very quickly and more chances followed. Lorenzo played in Daniele: a near miss; Emilio played in Daniele with a lovely reverse pass: another near miss; Daniele played himself in, beating two defenders to set up a one-on-one with the goalkeeper: another near miss as the keeper saved well. Dani played in Dylan: another near miss! The third goal finally did come, Daniele finally finishing one off. The hosts pulled one back (was it really a goal?) and then another but Lorenzo sealed the win with the third of his hat-trick.

TEAM: Cameron, Carlo, Kevin, Dylan, Emilio, Nicholas, Antonio, Lorenzo, Daniele

 

Man City 6-1 PSG

 A lack of discipline could have cost the Blues dearly today but the City players who were left on the pitch after the two red cards were able to maintain superiority over an improving PSG team. Victor and Daniele had City ahead by the time Rocco was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Alessia, and Daniele had made it 3-0 just before Aron followed Rocco off the pitch for a second yellow card. Both players will miss the crunch tie on Feb 3rd versus Atletico Madrid. The other goals today came from Gabriele and Giovanni (2), the Gallic reply from Clara.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Daniele 7, Lavinia 3, Giovanni Z 3, Irene 2, Gabriele 2, Clara 1, Aron 1, Ella 1, Sara 1

Liverpool 5-0 Salzburg

 With multi-million Euro signing Becherini on the bench, the Austrian champions could do nothing to stop a rampant Liverpool in the first half. Patrick was all over the place in the first half, linking the play from defence to attack and scoring the opening goal. Gianmarco then took over the goalscoring duties and rifled home one, two, three, four before half-time.

Salzburg collected themselves during the break and played much better in the second half. Adam hit the post and had a couple of shots cleared off the line; Michael and Steve cleared everything at the back.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Patrick 5, Gianmarco 4, Adam 3, Michael 3, Steve 2, Erik 1, Leopoldo 1, Vincent 1, Lorenzo 1

Arsenal 1-0 AS Roma

 Un'ingenuità nei primi due minuti ben sfruttata da Annika ha permesso all'Arsenal di guadagnare i primi tre punti del campionato 2023 e di portarsi momentaneamente in testa alla classifica. La Roma, d'altro canto, complice l'assenza del capitano Sofia, non è riuscita a creare molti pericoli dalle parti di Freydis, sempre comunque molto attenta e reattiva. Buone le prove delle due difese, con una menzione particolare per Alessandra, che non ha sbagliato un intervento.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH POINTS: Sara M 4, Sara P 3, Alessandra 3, Irene 2, Bianca 2, Lubiana 2, Freydis 1, Annika 1, Marina 1, Clotilde 1, Maeve 1.

ACLI League: Monteverde 2-5 Ambrit

 In what was possibly Ambrit's best team performance of the season so far, the boys from Via Tajani held off their bigger opponents and picked up another three points in the race for this year's title!

Ambrit is accustomed to a difficult match at this venue and, again today, the first 10' were a bit of a trial as Monteverde piled on the pressure and got three good shots on goal - but Trym was on form and kept them all out. Ambrit's starting defensive line of Kevin, Vittorio and Dylan were slowly getting a measure of the task though and, in midfield, Oliver was closing people down well on the right and Emilio was starting to find space going forward on the left. Cameron was everywhere and, in fact, was on hand to fire home a surprise opening goal when Lorenzo laid it back into his path. The home side now redoubled their efforts and, when Ambrit conceded an unnecessary free kick in a dangerous position, they nabbed an equaliser off the free kick. Half-time, 1-1, even game, all to play for!

Back row: Hugo Cameron, Vittorio, Emilio, Dylan, Lorenzo
Front row: Oliver, Trym, Kevin, Nicolas, Antonio

As the second half began, Nicolas and Hugo came in for Ambrit. Following their late first half equaliser, Monteverde should have had the momentum and confidence to pull ahead but it was Ambrit who scored with the best goal of the day. Dylan played a long ball down the left towards Emilio, who timed his run to meet the ball perfectly on the volley and into the opposite bottom corner beyond the desperate clutches of the goalkeeper. Emilio was then replaced by Antonio and, riding on a wave of enthusiasm, Ambrit added a third goal (Lorenzo) and a fourth (Hugo) and then the hosts pulled one back. But just as this might have been the spark for a late comeback, any nascent flame was snuffed out by Lorenzo's well-taken second goal. 

Liverpool 7-1 PSG

 Liverpool's bargain-basement signing lit up Ambrit Stadium today with an early hat-trick and left PSG with an uphill task in the Spring Intramural Champions' League.

Though kept at bay early on with some fantastic saves from Freydis, Liverpool did find a way through time after time and Gianmarco foolowed up Patrick's tripletta by adding a fourth with a trademark header. Two goals from Kevin and one from Matteo completed Liverpool's tally but some great defending from Lavinia and Bianca kept the scoreline down. A well-taken consolation by Aurora was the least that a courageous PSG deserved.

BEST PLAYER POINTS: Freydis 5,  Patrick 4, Lavinia 3, Aurora 3, Gianmarco 2, Louis 2, Kevin 1, Bianca 1 

Teachers 1-2 Grade 7

The crowds left Ambrit stadium in shock yesterday having witnessed one of football’s great upsets. The teachers expected to win comfortably and all was well as Mr Alessandro scored early on with a beautiful back-heeled shot. Later in the first half, Rocco broke through and equalised but the goal was disallowed for handball, a decision later confirmed by VAR.

In the second half, Rocco struck the crossbar with a good shot and then he tested Mr Martin with a free kick. The teachers now had a goal disallowed too, Mr Piccolo’s final touch judged to be illegal. Rocco shot wide again and then Mr Martin made a fantastic double save, first from Daniele and then from Rocco who was following up. IT seemed that g7 were destined not to score but then Mr Cristiani’s rigid interpretation of the penalty rule gave Giovanni a chance from the spot: he didn’t miss and now it was 1-1 with five minutes to play.

G7 got a corner on the right. Rocco went to take it. The situation seemed to be under control for the teachers but Rocco had other ideas. Taking everyone by surprise, he hammered the ball directly into the opposite corner to seal this historic win!

Transfer Market - Girls

 

Transfer Market 2023 - Girls

All four captains bid for Aurora but Costanza edged out her rivals and put a 75 million price tag on the g7 ace. Costanza picked up Martina for 15 million and wrapped up her spending with Naila.

Ella was also on everyone’s shopping list but she will play for Lyon, where she will team up with g8 colleague Clara (50 million!) and expert goalkeeper Alessia.

Irene was a bargain at 20 million and she will surely drive Roma to glory. Bianca cost 70 million and Sara P makes up the trio.

Arsenal did good business too, landing Lubiana and Sara M for a combined fee of 30 million! Alessandra joins them at Highbury.

Transfer Market 2023 - Boys

 The Spring Intramural got underway with some furious bidding in the January transfer market. Three captains launched significant bids for last year's Best Player but Antonio's 80 million won out to bring Vittorio to Atletico Madrid.

Another huge bid of 75 million was enough for Adriano to land Alessandro and the Dutch champions also managed to add two more g8 players in Tiago and Emilio P. 

Manchester City on the other hand are pursuing a youth policy and have invested in three g7 prospects, including goalkeeper Giovanni Z who cost a hefty 65 million.  

The prize for bargain hunter of the day must surely go to Louis who grabbed Top Scorer Gianmarco for a meagre 30 million and Patrick for just 10. 

Teachers 5-0 Grade 6

 A dominant display from the teachers today sent a warning to all of the student teams that these old fogies are not to be taken lightly!

Nicola spurned an early chance to score from the spot and then Mr. Max (with a header) and Mr Alessandro (with a shot) almost opened the scoring. Mr Piccolo did score though - merciless attacker that he is - to put the teachers ahead.

But the students, despite the final scoreline, did play well. Tommaso played Emilio in but he couldn't sort his feet out in time and he finished weakly. Emilio had another chance almost immediately but this too was wasted. Jacopo was next: another good chance spurned. All of these chances were the result of good running off the ball and good quick passing. But the teachers' finishing was sharper, and a lovely passing move down the left (Piccolo - Max - Alessandro) was finished by the tennis ace for 2-0.

Second half: Mr Max scored an early goal and then supplied the assist for goal four by Mr Piccolo. The teachers were cruising now and Mr Chad almost got onto the scoresheet, but Mr Piccolo supplied the necessary tap in and completed another hat-trick, his third in as many years.