By DAN KARELL
Manuel Pellegrini couldn’t have asked for a better start to his Manchester City reign.
The Sky Blues ran riot at the Etihad Stadium on Monday evening, downing ten-man Newcastle, 4-0, to open up their season on a bright note. David Silva and Sergio Aguero both scored inside 22 minutes, with teammate Edin Dzeko turning provider on both goals.
The game was effectively put to end when Newcastle defender Steven Taylor was sent off in first half stoppage-time, putting his side at a disadvantage for the entire second half. Man City added a third with a terrific free kick from Yaya Toure, and the fourth goal was put home by Samir Nasri as Newcastle manager Alan Pardew looked on in disbelief.
Three of Man City’s four signings this summer played, with substitute Emmanuel Negredo having a goal disallowed to what looked to be an incorrect offside decision from the assistant referee.
Here are some more stories to catch you up around the world:
FUNES MORI MOVES TO BENFICA
A former Sueño MLS winner has officially moved to Europe.
Argentine forward Rogelio Funes Mori has completed a move to Portuguese side Benfica, signing a five-year contract at the Estadio da Luz. The 22-year-old spent the last four years at River Plate, scoring 20 goals in 100 league appearances for the club, finally gaining a starting place in the side last season.
But before Funes Mori even ended up in Buenos Aires, he lived in Texas, spending 2001-2008 in Arlington with his family, including fellow professional, his twin brother Ramiro. In 2008, Funes Mori won the second ever Sueño MLS tournament and won a chance to join the FC Dallas youth set up. Just a few months later, River Plate came in with an offer and both Funes Mori’s moved back to their nation of birth.
Funes Mori represented Argentina once, in a friendly match against Brazil this past winter. He also represented Argentina U20 at the South American U20 Championships in 2011.
CHIVAS APPOINTS NEW MANAGER
Less than a day after firing Benjamin Galindo as Chivas head coach, the club have already found his replacement.
On Monday afternoon, Chivas Guadalajara Sporting Director Dennis Te Klose introduced Juan Carlos Ortega as the club’s new manager, making the former Chivas assistant coach the 19th manager of the club since Jorge Vergara bought the organization in 2002. Ironically enough, it’s the second time that Ortega has taken over for Galindo at Chivas, which he did on an interim basis on 2005.
Ortega most recently was the technical director of the Mexican Youth National Team setup. In addition to the coaching hire, Chivas announced that arguably their best player, Marco Fabian, is on his way to either Benfica or a team in Qatar in a permanent transfer.
MONTERO SCORES HAT-TRICK IN SPORTING DEBUT
In his first official game with Sporting Club de Portugal, Fredy Montero had a debut to remember.
The 26-year-old striker scored a hat-trick against recently promoted side FC Arouca in the first week of the Portuguese league as Sporting went on to win, 5-1. Montero finished off his hat-trick in style, controlling a cross in the box, lobbing a defender with his right foot, and finishing with his left foot.
After a half-season with Millonarios in his native country, the Colombian forward was loaned out by the Seattle Sounders to Sporting in Lisbon, allowing Montero to achieve his goal to play in Europe.
QUICK KICKS
Former Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster has advocated for doping as long as it’s only used in the recovery processes from injuries. (REPORT)
Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has completed a transfer move to fellow London club Fulham, on a three-year contract. (REPORT)
Manchester City right back Pablo Zabaleta has signed a new four-year contract extension. (REPORT)
Turkish side Fenerbahce will have their appeal against a ban from UEFA competitions heard by CAS on Wednesday, with the verdict to come on August 28. (REPORT)
Claudio Marchisio is set for up to one month on the sidelines after he was forced off during his club Juventus’ 4-0 Italian Super Cup triumph. (REPORT)
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What do you think of this news? Do you see City as early title contenders? Do you feel Benfica is a good landing stop for Funes Mori? Do you believe Ortega can lift up Chivas from the bottom half of the Liga MX table?
Share your thoughts below