I Really Hope Benzema Issue Is Resolved Quickly

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta hopes Karim Benzema can overcome his current off-field problems as quickly as possible.

Benzema was on Thursday charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into an alleged sex-tape plot involving France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Former Lyon striker Benzema has received the full backing of Madrid and trained following his return to the Spanish capital.

Despite the rivalry that exists between the two clubs, Iniesta is adamant no-one at Camp Nou is taking any pleasure from Benzema's troubles.

He told AS: "I hope the matter gets resolved as soon as possible. It's never nice to see a fellow professional embroiled in these problems."

Chelsea fail Again!!!!!

Chelsea this evening lost 1-0 to Stoke City at the Britannia stadium and are now languishing close to the relegation zone.

For a team who won the premier league last season this is the most contrasting of tales. The Blues, with embattled manager Jose Mourinho serving a stadium ban, enjoyed the better of the game in the first period, but failed to take any of the chans that fell their way.

And Austrian forward Arnautovic made Chelsea pay nine minutes into the second half when he volleyed expertly past Asmir Begovic on his return to the Britannia Stadium.