Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR BLATTER'S UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
From anywhere to Europe to everywhere
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(Reuters) -- FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, has announced the joining of several clubs throughout Europe to partake in what is known as the "UEFA Europa League". The UEFA Europe League consists of teams from all throughout Europe's premiere divisions, but also the lower divisions as well. Teams such as from England, like Watford FC or Queens Park Rangers are invited despite participating in the lower leagues of the UK.


"There is a chance for every team to meet the challenge," states Blatter, "I believe this is how UEFA will succeed in providing teams from all throughout Europe gain exposure to different competition - only good can come of this."

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- Group Stage 48 teams, 12 groups, Each team Home & Away matches
- Top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32
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[Matt10]

Wear that patch proudly
Mackay's "golden boys" confident in UEFA debut
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 25 September 2017

The Hornets begin their UEFA journey tonight as hosts to Atletico Madrid

"A brilliant opportunity," stated Watford midfielder, Tom Cleverley, "We have been given the chance to make a name for Watford and gain some exposure with this UEFA league."

It's true, the random choosings of teams has benefit Watford and Malky Mackay will be the first to admit that he accepted the invitation almost immediately.

"Absolutely. There's no possible way I would second guess UEFA's decision to invite us. This is one of those once and a lifetime opportunities that the lads will surely take advantage of."

With a rejuvinated squad, including the return of Lam Matteo, Mackay has the issue of containing the Spanish side in Atletico Madrid.

"They are a brilliant team. They work the ball from side to side with grace. Their midfield is governed by incredibly gifted individuals who only know success.But what we possess is a nack for making scores count. We will not go down as easy as some papers might say. The lads know it's a big stage, that just grows their confidence even more."

Match time in two hours, say hello to UEFA history, Hornets.
​

 

[Matt10]

Groupstage Matchday 1 - (Sept. 27, 2017)
Watford v Atletico Madrid

Gudjohnsen reacts to his own goal, while Watford are stunned.

Prematch: Watford - Atletico Madrid
Yes Hornet fans, we are witnessing club history tonight, Watford versus Atletico Madrid! Will Hoskins starts up front while Lam Matteo is seated still nursing a bit of an injury, but do not be surprised to see if Mackay introduces the midfielder in the second half. Atletico are the favorite of course, but Watford's Vicarage Road has seen its days of upset before!

Halftime: Watford 1-2 Atletico Madrid
An absolute frenzy at the half! First Watford go up by the most unlikely of sources in Jure Travner cleaning up Will Hoskins initial shot - however Diego Forlan equalized within minutes on a glazing run. The go ahead goal for the visitors came at the stroke of halftime when Lloyd Doyley attempt to clear a cross came right back into the defender's chest and up in the air, the first one to react was Sergio Aguero - deflecting the ball past a helpless, and confused, Scott Loach. Malky Mackay has signaled Lam Matteo to join the fray for John Eustace, will we see more goals in thsi one? At this rate...asbolutely!.

Fulltime: Watford 3-3 Atletico Madrid
Vicarage Road has never seen the glorious light of UEFA football - but tonight it bore witness to sublime play by Watford FC! A draw against one of the best La Liga teams is a dream start to their UEFA campaign. Lam Matteo captained the side in the second half and set up Will Hoskins goal to claw back by one after Gudjohnsen had scored two minutes after kickoff. The tying goal was that of Gudjohnsen, but into his own net - sending the Watford crowd and players into absolute delight in the 77th minute. The save of the match was by Watford's Scott Loach, who managed to prevent Diego Forlan from scoring a diving header in the 85th minute. Lastly Watford had a chance to win after Matteo played a ball over the top for Henri Lansbury - but the midfielder's shot went agonizingly wide of target.

Watford Goals: Travner 30 - Hoskins 71 - Own Goal (Gudjohnsen)
Atletico Madrid Goals: Forlan 36 - Sergio Aguero 45 - Gudjohnsen 47

Caution: Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Cardiff City v Watford
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[Tearz49ers]

I am glad this has stayed on . Are you playing this years one on the PC?

 

[Matt10]

Fixture 7 - (Sept. 30, 2017)
Cardiff City v Watford

Lam Matteo started off slow today, but would soon be involved.

Prematch: Cardiff City (9th, 3pts) v Watford (3rd, 13pts)
Watford come into Cardiff fresh with jubilation after their shocking draw against a strong Atletico Madrid side in the UEFA Europa league first leg. The Hornets today are looking to continue their season's form. Cardiff's Stephen McPhail has stated mid week that Watford are a team to look out for, and even though they are not a flashy team - there are some class finishers.

Halftime: Cardiff CIty 2-0 Watford
Watford must be wondering where it all went wrong in the second half, two goals in quick succession - Stephen McPhail being the scorer of the first then setting up the second for Bothroyd two minutes later. The Hornets offense looks stale with Hoskins holding the ball too long and Matteo seemingly unable to control the ball in the rain.

Fulltime: Cardiff City 2-2 Watford
The goals came fast for Cardiff in the first half, while the goals were swift on Watford's part. Lam Matteo robbing Capaldi on the touchline, before slotting the ball cooly past David Marshall. Three minutes later, his first touch of the match, Heidar Helguson was at the right place at the right time after Matteo's volley struck the post. Helguson tapped the ball in for the equalizer. A full one point, never a bad thing, especially considering what it could have been 45 minutes ago!.

Watford Goals: Matteo 77 - Helguson 80
Cardiff City Goals: McPhail 38 - Bothroyd 40

Caution: DeMerit (Watford)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whsJmOe_5Bs"]YouTube- 2017vcardiff2.wmv[/ame]

Next Match - Watford v Hearts (UEFA Europa League, Matchday 2)
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[Matt10]

Group stage Matchday 2 - (Oct. 4, 2017)
Watford v Hearts

Lam Matteo shoots from outside of the box.

Prematch: Watford (T-2nd, 1pts)- Hearts (1st, 3pts)
Group leaders Hearts come to Vicarage Road after beating Olympiacos by 4-2. Watford are the hosts and are coming off a draw in their first match against Atletico Madrid. Tonight's match will consist of a lot of physicality as Hearts are known for their size, and Watford is known for their determination. Heidar Helguson leads the side up front, with Matteo governing the midfield for Watford. Laryea Kingston captains Hearts, and will surely be a focal point of the match as he is always a candidate to score goals.

Halftime: Watford 1-0 Hearts
Lam Matteo's wonder strike is what separates the two teams! The midfielder gathered the ball and unleashed a shot into upper left corner. A congested affair between the two teams, Watford look better going forward - but not great defensively. Malky Mackay wiill be sure to tighten it up in the second half, and hope his side can cruise for three points.

Fulltime: Watford 1-0 Hearts
All three points, and the job is done. Lam Matteo's first half wonder goal is the match winner - staying true to his season's form. Malky Mackay's men played well and the defense tightened up a bit despite David Witteveen's two efforts that went wide of Loach's goal. Joyful sounds at Vicarage Road - victory for the Golden Boys!

Watford Goals: Matteo 33

Caution: Cowie (Watford) Sadler (Watford) Driver (Hearts) Bouzid (Hearts)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d93GNJ3j3eQ"]YouTube- 2017vhearts.wmv[/ame]

Next Match - Watford v Sheffield Wednesday
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[Matt10]

I am glad this has stayed on . Are you playing this years one on the PC?

Yes, PC is great this year - especially with the Championship patch

Good to see Matteo getting back on track at
Watford. Goal production is on the rise once again.

Yes, it's a good feeling to have teammates that actually use their heads. The formation of 4-5-1 at first was a bit of a downer, but it actually produces goals and lets in minimal amounts.

i picked this up a few days ago, real nice man

Thanks :jamesdean:

 

[Matt10]

Fixture 8 - (Oct. 7, 2017)
Watford v Sheffield Wednesday

A lot of things going on in this picture.

Prematch: Watford (4th, 14pts) v Sheffield Wednesday (9th, 11pts)
Sheffield Wednesday visit Vicarage Road, the ground in which Watford recorded their first UEFA win against Hearts this past Wednseday night. Watford's Lam Matteo is on form, scoring 3 goals in all competition, a crucial one against Hearts. Malky Mackay's strategy tonight is to use Will Hoskins up front with an array of supporting midfielders led by Lam Matteo. Scott Loach has been incredible between the posts and American defender, Jay DeMerit is starting to find his form. Safe to say it will not be an easy match for Sheffield.

Halftime: Watford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Exhilirating first half that, led first by the goal from Leon Clarke for Wednesday, but answered shortly after by Will Hoskins beautiful diving header. Matteo looks fatigued, we could see an early substitution here.

Fulltime: Watford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
A wonderful match for the supporters, but their team could not find the back of the net in the second half. Sheffield Wednesday played well and sustained Watford's consistent attack. Leon Clarke had the most productive performance, while Jay DeMerit did well to prevent the forward from getting past him for a one on one chance with Loach. A point a piece, nothing to be ashamed of.

Watford Goals: Hoskins 7
Sheffield Wednesday Goals: Clarke 5

Caution: Matteo (Leicester City)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Barnsley v Watford
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[Matt10]

Seeing all these updates really makes me wish FIFA's BAP wasn't so lame. 4 years is not enough time to improve a career.

Agreed man, one of the reasons I returned it. However, lately I've been missing it because PES offline player v cpu is starting to be frustrating because defenders keep backing off, leaving 30-yards to roam free.

 

[Matt10]

Fixture 9 - (Oct. 14, 2017)
Barnsley v Watford

Jon Macken (red) views his blast from outside the box.

Prematch: Barnsley (18th, 7pts) v Watford (5th, 15pts)
Watford are in top form, after wins in the Europa League and a solid points drawn to Wednesday last week. Lam Matteo continues to make an impact and starts tonight's match looking for more goals. The favorites are the Wolves, but Barnsley is that side that never goes away as well.

Halftime: Barnsley 0-0 Watford
Both sides are still feeling eachother out, Barnsley looks to impress while Watford are struggling with Helguson's inactivity up front. Lam Matteo is the cornerstone for the Wolves offense, but has been stifled well - he is also showing some fatigue.

Fulltime: Barnsley 0-1 Watford
Heidar Helguson claims the role of hero tonight as the striker found himself on a darting run clear into space for a headed goal in the 68th minute. Billy Gibson's perfectly placed cross got the assist credits. Another win for the Wolves, and they are now undefeated in their last 5 fixtures - is it too early for talks of a championship title?.

Watford Goals: Helguson 68 7

Caution: Silva (Barnsley) Matteo (Watford)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Reading
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[Matt10]

Fixture 10 - (Oct. 21, 2017)
Reading v Watford

Prematch: Reading (16th, 8pts) v Watford (4th, 18pts)
Some would say Watford escaped the grips of Barnsley, but their consistent form as of late is something to be commended. Reading have had a poor display of form with only one win in their last four matches.

Halftime: Reading 1-0 Watford
The home side, Reading, are not looking like the better team - but they've got the goal through Radoslav Vasilev and are managing to deflect any chances that Lam Matteo and Watford are trying to produce.

Fulltime: Reading 1-0 Watford
An amazing game played by Reading in the second half. The pressure was there to snag another, but despite how much they pushed - they were unsuccesful. However, no points gained is the scenario for the Wolves - and with an obvious fatigued (and booked up) Lam Matteo - the team will need to rumble back against Swansea next week.

Reading Goals: Vasilev 19

Caution: Matteo (Leicester City) Smolarek (Reading) Cathcart (Reading) Cummings (Reading)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Swansea City (To Be Simmed)
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[Matt10]

Fixture 11 - (Oct. 28, 2017)
Watford v Swansea City

Matteo played a huge part, but was benched early in the second half with possible injury.

Prematch: Watford (6th, 18pts) v Swansea City (16th, 10pts)
A full ten points separate the two sides, a full ten positions as well. Watford are looking for yet another win on the season, while Swansea are still recuperating from losing Lam Matteo last season to Watford.

Halftime: Watford 2-0 Swansea
Even though he doesn't have the goals attached to his name, Lam Matteo is playing a tired, brilliant football match. To Helguson goes the spoils however, as Matteo chipped over the Swansea defense in the striker's path, and finished. Helguson was fortunate again when Lam Matteo's blazing run through the middle of the park found himself in good space - and blasted the ball into the back of th net.

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Swansea
A bit of a scare for Watford, but isn't that what two-nil scorelines is for? Heidar Helguson, once again, takes the claims of hero home - and of course Lam Matteo's name will be mentioned in regards to his superb play. Matteo left the match early with what appeared to be a bit of a hamstring strain. Another win for Watford, they are showing some fine form!

Watford Goals: Helguson 41 42
Swansea City Goals: Beattie 72


Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Cardiff City
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[Matt10]

Injured, but not for long
Pulled hammy sets Matteo out for 3 weeks

While Lam Matteo is out for the count (3 weeks), his side has already started to struggle, just today losing to Cardiff City in the league cup, 4-0 away from home.

"It's a shame I can't be out there on the field," he stated, "But at least this injury is only going to set me back a couple more weeks. A hamstring injury is probably the worst kind to have, next to a quad injury, so I am relieved the duration of my absence is not too long."

When Matteo comes back, he would hope his side would have beat Leicester City and Bristol City by significant margins in order to get the Hornets into the top tier of the table, currently the team resides in 6th place.


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[Matt10]

Group stage Matchday 3 - (Nov. 4, 2017)
Olympiacos v Watford

Matt Derbyshire celebrates a crucial goal for Olympiacos.

Prematch: Olympiacos (4th, 0pts) - Watford (2nd, 4pts)
Previous simmed games: Leicester City 1-3 Watford (W). Bristol City 1-2 Watford ...

The Hornets travel to Greece to face a more than powerful side, Olympiacos - however, the team is facing elimination from the competition without at least a point here tonight. Watford are in fine form after two wins in their inter league matches - an exciting 2-1 win over Bristol City still fresh in the players' minds. Lam Matteo makes his return after a couple of weeks with a pulled hamstring, it's expected the Watford midfielder to continue his fine form after being the owner of a candidate for goal of the season for the Uefa Europa League.

Halftime: Olympiacos 0-2 Watford
A wonder strike by Lam Matteo set the tone for this one early, and then Lewis Young, making his debut for the club was the end of Henri Lansbury's perfectly placed cross. Olympiacos have had their fare share of chances, the best one falling to Matt Derbyshire, but the striker was denied by an instinctive save by Scott Loach in the Watford goal.

Fulltime: Olympiacos 2-2 Watford
The home side stole 3 points from Watford tonight, but it was well deserved as the Hornets defense seemed to fall asleep on the goals they conceded. The points were grabbed without controversy however, as Will Hoskins' disallowed goal in the 90th minute was shown on the instant replay as a clear legitamate goal, not an offsides at all. A point is a point, though, and Watford are still in good position (2nd) with 5 pts, 2 from the leaders, Atletico Madrid.

Olympiacos Goals: Zairi 69, Derbyshire 78
Watford Goals: Matteo 18, Young 31

Caution: Papadopoulos (Olympiacos) Soltidis (Olympiacos)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Preston North End


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BAMJfJHKBE"]YouTube- volympUELmd2.mp4[/ame]
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[Matt10]

Fixture 14 - (Oct. 21, 2017)
Watford v Preston North End

Cleverley found himself on the scoresheet.

Prematch: Watford (3rd, 27pts) v Preston North End (7th, 19pts)
With a more than healthy Lam Matteo in the center midfield, not to mention Heidar Helguson as well, Watford will be looking to grab all three points from Preston tonight. The Northenders have had a bleak form as of late, with only 6 points notched in their last 6 matches.

Halftime: Watford 3-0 Preston
Watford are dominating the attacking play, two goals by Heidar Helguson and then setting up Tom Cleverly after a nice one-two exchange. Lam Matteo is showing solidarity on the attack and defending, could possibly be giving Jon Harley a bid for the captaincy at this rate. Preston have had no response except for the end of the half when Neil Mellor's diving header sailed high and wide after a nice, but rare, build up from the visitors.

Fulltime: Watford 4-1 Preston
A brilliant performance by Watford! Heidar Helguson is the man of the match with two goals and an assist, while Lam Matteo despite producing 69 minutes of play, was a definite bright light in the midfield. Chris Brown scored for the visitors almost immediately after Matteo's exit, but all hopes of an upsetting comeback were demolished when Tom Cleverley scored his second.

Watford Goals: Helguson 1 12, Cleverley 32 73
Preston North End Goals: Brown 71

Caution: Cleverley (Watford)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Cardiff City (Premiership Cup, Cardiff lead 4-0)

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[Matt10]

Championship Cup, 2nd Leg - (Oct. 28, 2017)
Watford v Cardiff City (0-4)

Lam Matteo may be fit to score, but has had fatigue issues.


Prematch: Watford – Cardiff City
Hoping to come back from a 4-0 deficit, Watford will be loading up on sttars such as Lam Matteo and Tom Cleverly. The surprise was the absence of Heidar Helguson, the team's top scorer - which is odd because the home side need plenty of goals. Cardiff City are rejuvinated with their cup play since the emergence of Michael Chopra - the striker has scored 2 goals in his last league matches, and notched 2 in the first leg.

Halftime: Watford 2-0 Cardiff City
Watford have begun brightly thanks to two goals from Lam Matteo. The midfielder has shown his expertise in one-on-one situations, by easily slotting the ball past jjjjjj. The mood is upbeat now, but can Watford continue the improbably comeback? Have faith!

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Cardiff City (Cardiff proceed to quarterfinals, 5-2)
With the final whistle blown, Cardiff City have knocked out Watford, who just had too much of a deficit to come back from. All momentum was lost when Stephen McPhail found himself open in the box, and neatly slotted the ball past Richard Lee. Lam Matteo's substitution was also a momentum killer as the midfielder showed significant fatigue in the 70th minute.

Watford Goals: Matteo 28 31
Cardiff City Goals: McPhail 60

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tFZ2kxfcjE"]YouTube- vcardiffpremcup2leg2017.mp4[/ame]

Caution: Morris (Cardiff) Bothroyd (Cardiff
Sent off: None
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Next Match - QPR v Watford
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[Matt10]

Striker controversy
Helguson and Mackay full blown disagreement
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 31 October 2017

How could there be playing time concerns for the team's top scorer

After missing the crucial cup tie against Cardiff City - in which the team badly needed goals, striker Heidar Helguson has remarked how dissapointed he was in his manager's decision making.

The remarks initially were kept under the rug, but rumors have filtered in from unmarked sources that the Watford top scorer (10 goals) is planning an early exit as soon as the transfer window opens in January.

"I think things are being blown out of proportion," states his manager, Malky Mackay, "Anyone missing that big of a match would have been upset - and I can understand the young man's frustration on my decision making - but I will not excuse it."

Rumor has it, Helguson will sit out the next match against QPR, and who knows however longer the player will "hold out". However, nothing has been confirmed - and as the cup elimination thoughts are still with the Watford faithful - the team can only come together against QPR.

"It's essential we bounce back after the loss," says Mackay, "This kind of distraction is not what the team needs - and I hope Heidar can realize that."
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[Matt10]

Fixture 14 - (Nov. 4, 2017)
Queens Park Rangers v Watford

Taarabt was selected as Man of the Match after his performance.

Prematch: QPR (5th, 27pts) v Watford (2nd, 30pts)
The strength of Watford will be tested today, so close to the top - but the distraction of Mackay and Heidar Helguson has resulted in the top scorer being benched today. Danny Graham gets the start over the Iceland international, and of course Lam Matteo gets the nod as wel - the next highest scorer with six goals. QPR also have an outstanding midfielder, Giovanni dos Santos is the highest paid player in the Championship - and will make sure to showcase his talents that were so ever defined in the premiership before a torn ACL was the culprit of his downfall.

Halftime: QPR 0-1 Watford
A fortunate bounce off of the keeper, and Lam Matteo scores yet another goal for the club. QPR are showing the best attack, but the final ball by Watford was created by Matteo initially, a swift attack - and a setup goal by Billy Gibson to the American international, his 7th for the club.

Fulltime: QPR 2-1 Watford
Watford were catch ball watching too many times on defense, and the heading shots from QPR were spot on. QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt takes man of the match awards with a goal and an assist. Lam Matteo continues to score goals, but also continues lack the fitness for a full 90 minute performance - Mackay could be blamed, but can Watford afford being without Matteo after such a devastating loss today?

Watford Goals: Matteo 35
QPR Goals: Taarabt 62, Pellicori 67

Caution: Faurlin (QPR)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsNHbAgRmgw"]YouTube- vqpr2017.mp4[/ame]

Next Match - Uefa Europa Fixture, Matchday 4, Atletico Madrid v Watford
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[Matt10]

Preparing for Madrid
Will Heidar and Matteo be benched?
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 10 November 2017

First place Atletico Madrid play the role of hosts in tommorow's match

Malky Mackay and Watford have made an incredible start to their European campaign - more than proving themselves as the better team in the Championship. Mackay has not directly addressed, however, the status of Lam Matteo and Heidar Helguson.

"Matteo is fatigued," says Mackay, "He has played in quite a few games, and with my system - he is an all around player who runs around quite a bit - it's only understandable his body has taken a toll."

The manager has also, rather bluntly, addressed the issue with Heidar Helguson's playing time.

"I do not plan on playing Heidar. He has been a distraction, and I believe he's to blame on how we lost focus against QPR this past weekend. Frankly, his lack of professionalism is concerning me."

As for Atletico Madrid, the top scorer tied at the top with 5 goals in the Uefa Europa League is Diego Forlan. Forlan poses more than a threat for a shaky backline, but Mackay believes a win is in the books.

"We have come a long way, from being doubted to hailed as the possible English champions. A good group of lads who need to refocus consisting of some superstars - I think we have a good mix and a great chance to beat Madrid, and Forlan".

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[Matt10]

Groupstage Matchday 4 - (Nov. 11, 2017)
Atletico Madrid v Watford

Diego Forlan was an absolute threat to the shaky Watford defense.

Prematch: Watford - Atletico Madrid - Watford
Spain is the venue tonight, and the second meeting between Atletico Madrid and Watford football club. Madrid bring in Diego Forland, the currently tied top scorer - and Watford of course are without troubled striker Helguson, but Lam Matteo does get the nod to start. A crucial match for both teams, if Watford win - they claim first however.

Halftime: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Watford
Lam Matteo is serving Malky Mackay's side as the utility player with no stamina - but the midfielder has once again put Watford in a position to for success by scoring two goals. Matteo was at fault though when Diego Forlan was left unmarked by the American at the end of the half, the Argentine international headed the ball uncontested into the back of the Watford net.

Fulltime: Atletico Madrid 3-2 Watford
They say two nil is the worst scoreline for a team - and tonight, Watford suffered a heart breaking loss to a fortunate Atletico Madrid side. Two goals from Diego Forlan, the first one just before half time, and then the one that hurt the opposition was the one in the 77th minute after some hard work by Gudjohnsen on the flank. Lam Matteo, once again, left the match showing fatigue, but before that had scored two goals for his side. Eitherway, a loss is not the worst result - at this rate, both sides should qualify for advancement into the knockout stage.

Watford Goals: Matteo 29 40
Atletico Madrid Goals: Forlan 44 77, Jurado 64

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLt61yShFl8"]YouTube- vatmadridmd42017.mp4[/ame]

Next Match - Watford v Sheffield United
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