Football

Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal

2008-06-22T14:05:00.001+05:30

Ronaldo announced his arrival at Euro 2008 with a goal and an assist

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal and set up another as Portugal won their second successive match.
Portugal went ahead on eight minutes when Deco scrambled the ball past keeper Petr Cech at the second attempt.
The impressive Libor Sionko headed in from a corner to equalise but Ronaldo restored the lead with a low drive and then set up Ricardo Quaresma to tap in.
Turkey's last-gasp win over Switzerland in the late match confirmed Portugal qualification for the quarter-finals.
Portugal's victory continued the trend so far in the tournament of every game being won by the team that scored first.
And it was a deserved victory for a Portugal team that improved after the interval and overcame a Czech side that responded to their coach's demand for them to improve after their unconvincing win over Switzerland.
The Czechs started well, looking far more purposeful than they had on Saturday, with winger Sionko giving an early warning of his pace and trickery. But it was Portugal who struck first when Deco scrambled the ball home at the second attempt after Cech had almost smothered it at his feet.
With both sides lining up with five men in midfield and each with a lone striker, the first goal might have killed the game - and no team had yet drawn level after falling behind in the tournament.
But the Czechs showed creditable resilience, as well as fluidity about their play, to claw their way back into the match.
And when the impressive Sionko, who had the beating of Paulo Ferreira all game long, won a corner after an excellent mazy run, the Czechs forced their equaliser.
From the set-piece, Sionko finished what he had started with a diving header that powered past keeper Ricardo.
Parity restored, the game entered a scrappy phase, with Portugal attempting to force the pace but a combative Czech back line standing firm.
As a result, it forced long-range efforts from Petit, Ronaldo and Deco but those that were on target caused Cech little trouble.
For the Czechs, Milan Baros threatened briefly to revive his excellent form of four years ago but generally he looked as potent as the sluggish Jan Koller, the man he had replaced in the starting line-up.
After the break, Portugal attempted to dictate the tempo but found their opponents in determined mood to get back in the game.
Sionko narrowly failed to find Baros with a cross as the Czechs pressed for an equaliser.
And as the game swung from end to end, Deco played in Simao but Cech was equal to his shot.
The next chance came the way of the Czechs, when Tomas Ujfalusi's flick-on somehow evaded Sionko and Baros at the far post.
But a minute later Portugal regained the lead when Ronaldo clipped in a low shot from just inside the box.
Still that did not end the Czechs' resistance and they were close to making it 2-2 when Sionko's header was tipped over the bar by Ricardo.
However, it was Portugal who had the final say when Ronaldo broke quickly and squared the ball for Quaresma to slide it into an empty net.
Portugal will now have even more of an incentive to go as far as possible in the tournament after coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was named as the new Chelsea manager during the Switzerland-Turkey match.

Squads,Goals & Referees
Czech Republic: Cech, Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski, Galasek (Koller 73), Sionko, Matejovsky (Vlcek 68), Polak, Plasil (Jarolim 85), Baros.Subs Not Used: Blazek, Zitka, Kovac, Fenin, Sverkos, Pospech, Kadlec, Sivok, Skacel.
Booked: Polak.
Goals: Sionko 17.
Portugal: Ricardo, Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Ferreira, Petit, Joao Moutinho (Fernando Meira 74), Ronaldo, Deco, Simao (Quaresma 80), Nuno Gomes (Hugo Almeida 79).Subs Not Used: Quim, Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, Raul Meireles, Miguel, Jorge Ribeiro, Veloso, Nani, Postiga.
Booked: Bosingwa.
Goals: Deco 8, Ronaldo 63, Quaresma 90.
Att: 30,000
Ref: Kyros Vassaras (Greece).

Portugal 2-0 Turkey

2008-06-22T13:58:00.002+05:30

Pepe opened the scoring in the 61st minute

Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign opened in impressive fashion with victory over Turkey in Geneva.
Pepe opened the scoring after 61 minutes, surging from defence to beat Turkey keeper Volkan Demirel after a slick exchange with Nuno Gomes.
Portugal deserved their win, with Cristiano Ronaldo hitting the post from a first-half free-kick and Gomes twice denied by the woodwork after the break.
And Raul Meireles slid home the second in injury time after a flowing move. Portugal were runners-up in their own country to Greece four years ago, but this vibrant performance was a clear statement that they intend to go one better this time around.
Turkey, with former Sheffield United midfield man Colin Kazim-Richards prominent, were always in the game but lacked a crucial cutting edge.
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and Ronaldo were finally able to put the speculation that has provided the backdrop to their Euro 2008 build-up behind them and get on with the action.
Scolari continues to be linked with the vacancy at Chelsea, despite his insistence that he will not discuss his long-term future until after the tournament.
And Ronaldo's Manchester United future continues to be the subject of daily debate as Real Madrid maintain their pursuit of the man who played a pivotal role in the Premier League and Champions League to Old Trafford.
Portugal dominated a lively opening 45 minutes in which they were unlucky not to take the lead. They thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute when Pepe powered a header past Turkey keeper Volkan Demirel from Simao Sabrosa's cross, but the celebrations were cut short by a linesman's flag. Ronaldo had been quiet in the early stages, but he burst into life on the half-hour with a trademark run that ended with a shot that was pulled disappointingly wide.
He came within inches of giving Portugal the lead eight minutes before the interval, but a dipping 25-yard free-kick from an angle was brilliantly turned on to the post by Volkan.
The woodwork denied Portugal again four minutes after the break when referee Herbert Fandel played an excellent advantage when Gokhan Zan flattened Simao, but Gomes flicked the loose ball against the post.
Ronaldo then tested the excellent Volkan again with a precise low finish after escaping the attentions of Hamit Altintop, but the Turkey keeper was once more equal to the task.
Turkey had shown great resilience, but they were broken after 61 minutes thanks to a moment of real adventure from central defender Pepe.
He surged forward and played a slick exchange with Gomes before sliding a finish past the onrushing Volkan from 12 yards.
Portugal had played some wonderful flowing football - but fortune was against them again as they almost doubled their lead three minutes after Pepe's strike.
Ronaldo curved in an inviting cross from the left, and Gomes rose only to see his header bounce off the bar to safety.
It was his final contribution of the game as he was quickly replaced by the more youthful figure of Manchester United winger Nani.
Turkey had battled manfully, but they had shown little as an attacking force, although Portugal keeper Ricardo had to be alert to come off his line and deny Middlesbrough's Tuncay as he tried to get in on the end of Nihat Kahveci's cross.
Substitute Emre Asik wasted Turkey's best chance with nine minutes left, heading Nihat's corner wide when unmarked only eight yards out.
And as Turkey pushed forward, Portugal broke to add a second in the dying seconds as Ronaldo found Joao Moutinho, who set up substitute Meireles for a side-footed finish.

Squads,Goals & Referees
Portugal: Ricardo, Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Ferreira, Petit, Joao Moutinho, Ronaldo, Deco (Fernando Meira 90), Simao (Raul Meireles 82), Nuno Gomes (Nani 68).Subs Not Used: Rui Patricio, Bruno Alves, Hugo Almeida, Miguel, Jorge Ribeiro, Quaresma, Veloso, Postiga.
Goals: Pepe 61, Raul Meireles 90.
Turkey: Demirel, Altintop (Senturk 76), Cetin, Zan (Asik 55), Balta, Kazim-Richards, Emre, Aurelio, Erding (Sarioglu 46), Sanli, Nihat.Subs Not Used: Rustu, Zengin, Topal, Karadeniz, Metin, Gungor, Turan, Boral, Akman.
Booked: Kazim-Richards, Zan, Sarioglu.
Att: 31,000
Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic

2008-06-22T13:50:00.003+05:30

Substitute Vaclav Sverkos scored the winning goal for the Czech Republic

Substitute Vaclav Sverkos gave the Czech Republic a winning start to Euro 2008 with a second-half strike that broke Switzerland's resistance.
Alexander Frei was twice denied by Petr Cech before the Swiss captain was forced off injured and Hakan Yakin headed a chance wide after the break.
On 70 minutes Sverkos slotted in a low volley from 12 yards after latching on to a ball over the top of the defence.
The Swiss were denied an equaliser when Johan Vonlanthen's volley hit the bar.
And it might prove that the width of the woodwork could be the end of the Swiss, with tough matches against Portugal and Turkey to come in Group A.
Realistically, the tournament's co-hosts needed to get something out of their opening game and they started as though they were absolutely determined to.
After three minutes, the Czechs gave the ball away cheaply in midfield but Frei dragged his shot wide and failed to capitalise. That should have been a wake-up call to the Czechs but they appeared in no rush to raise their tempo.
As a result, Switzerland - unfancied in the group - grew in confidence and stroked the ball around but with little cutting edge.
A weak effort from Gokhan Inler was indicative of their toothless attacks until that point.
Frei, though, looked the liveliest player on the pitch and, despite having no help from his struggling strike partner Marco Streller, he began to cause some problems.

Sverkos scored the first goal of the tournament to beat Switzerland

It took a decent stop from Cech to deny him the opening goal of Euro 2008 after he had latched on to a long clearance from his own keeper.
Frei followed that up with a 30-yard shot that Cech opted to use his fists to clear, despite there being little sign of the any movement from ball.
Sadly for Frei it would prove to be virtually his last contribution to the match as he later hobbled off after a jarring challenge. The Czech Republic had already started showing signs of waking from the slumber before then and, with crisp passing and better movement, were dictating the play.
But their final ball was awful and up front, giant striker Jan Koller looked slow and cumbersome.
After the break the Swiss brought on Hakan Yakin for the injured Frei and they started the half positively.
As the Czechs found themselves pinned back, Yakin got himself into the action but was too high with an effort following a free-kick.
But it was clear Yakin was already having more of an impact than Koller and it was no surprise when the Czech Republic's top scorer was replaced by Sverkos. And the Swiss substitute should have opened the scoring when he was presented with a free header but he directed the ball wide the right-hand post.
It was to prove a costly miss when, on 70 minutes, Sverkos finished smartly into the bottom corner after latching on to a ball over the top of the Swiss defence.
Yet Switzerland almost snatched a draw when Tranquillo Barnetta's shot was superbly parried by Cech and Vonlanthen smashed the follow-up against the woodwork.

Squads,Goals & Referees
Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner (Vonlanthen 75), Muller, Senderos, Magnin, Behrami (Derdiyok 83), Inler, Gelson, Barnetta, Frei (Yakin 46), Streller.Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Jakupovic, Djourou, Huggel, Cabanas, Grichting, Gygax, Spycher, Degen.
Booked: Magnin, Vonlanthen, Barnetta.
Czech Republic: Cech, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Plasil, Polak, Galasek, Jarolim (Kovac 87), Sionko (Vlcek 83), Koller (Sverkos 56).Subs Not Used: Blazek, Zitka, Fenin, Pospech, Kadlec, Baros, Matejovsky, Sivok, Skacel.
Goals: Sverkos 70.
Att: 41,000
Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

Inter Milan dismiss coach Mancini

2008-05-30T18:11:00.001+05:30

Roberto Mancini originally said he would quit Inter in March

Inter Milan have sacked coach Roberto Mancini, who has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Chelsea.
Despite leading Inter to three successive Serie A titles, Mancini's future had been in doubt since March.
After Inter's Champions League defeat to Liverpool, Mancini said he would quit the club at the end of the season, but changed his mind a day later.
Inter said on Thursday the 43-year-old Mancini was dismissed because of his comments after the Liverpool defeat.
Mancini's exit increases speculation that the Italian could become the next manager at Chelsea following the departure of Avram Grant on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho has long been linked with the Inter coaching job and the former Blues boss is the firm favourite to replace Mancini. Club president Massimo Moratti and Mancini had met on Tuesday, but the club made no comment for 48 hours following those talks.
"FC Internazionale have informed Roberto Mancini that he has been sacked as coach," said the Inter statement.
"In particular because of the comments made by the coach at the end of the Inter-Liverpool match."
Mancini joined Inter in 2004 and as well as those three Serie A titles he also guided the club to successive Italian Cup victories in 2005 and 2006.
On Wednesday Mancini's agent Maurizio De Giorgis told BBC Sport: "He no longer works for Internazionale. He's available for work if he gets a phone call."
Before moving to Inter, Mancini had previously coached Fiorentina and Lazio.

Fifa votes for foreign quota plan

2008-05-30T13:21:00.001+05:30

Fifa has voted overwhelmingly in favour of president Sepp Blatter's 'six-plus-five' plan, which would limit the foreign players in a team to five.
Fifa wants to bring in the proposal by 2012/2013 but the European Commission says it is discriminatory and illegal.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is still keen to implement the ruling

FA chief executive Brian Barwick is unconvinced by the strategy and he said: "It's about balance. "We still believe in the meritocracy of players in the team on performance and on ability first and foremost."
The Commission believes a quota on foreign footballers would be incompatible with EU law which allows workers to move freely between member countries.
"We're giving a red card to the rule," said Vladimir Spidla, Europe's Commissioner for Equal Opportunities.
But Blatter is keen to work with the EU and Uefa to make it a reality and he has adopted an approach of "consultation not confrontation", according to the BBC news reporter Phil Mercer. Blatter has backed off his initial intention to take on the EU if necessary to force the plans through.
Bose added that the vote for the quota was a support for it rather than a rule change.
"The congress was very happy in a result of overwhelming majority, with 155 votes in favour and five against. 155 yes and five no," said Blatter after the Fifa congress, which was held in Sydney, Australia.
"It is an overwhelming support to this resolution.
"The Fifa president has asked, together with the Uefa president (Michel Platini), to explore - and explore is not to discuss, it's to go in depth - within the limits of the law.
Blatter has a meeting with the EU on 5 June and he added: "Speaking about it is illegal? For whom? For when? If there is a law, a law can be amended."
John McDonald is a spokesman for the European Commissioner for Sport and he told he does not expect Blatter's ambitions to succeed on this front. "It is a non-starter as far as we are concerned," he said.
"Interestingly the wording that Mr Blatter mentioned this morning at his press conference was that the resolution of Fifa is to explore within the limits of the law the six plus five rule.
"And they can explore as much as they like but unfortunately a six plus five rule is against Community legislation."
Blatter wants to restrict the number of foreign players in teams by the start in the 2010/11 season, with a minimum of four home-grown players.
He added he expects it to grow to six, with a maximum of five foreigners, by 2012/13 - and claims the plan has the backing of key European delegates.
In contrast, the "home-grown players" rule, which is set to be expanded from next season, has received EU backing.
That means four players in a Champions League or Uefa Cup squad must have been developed by the club, with another four having been produced by clubs from the same federation.
To be eligible, a player of any nationality must have been developed by the club for three years between the ages of 15 and 21.
Jan Figel, EU Commissioner for Education, Training and Youth, said Uefa's proposals did not discriminate against nationality and encouraged clubs to develop their academies.
"Measures which require the top European clubs to preserve quality training structures seem to me to be necessary," said Figel.
"The Uefa rule thus avoids the risk of professional football clubs abandoning training structures."

Capello happy with England target

2008-05-07T18:28:00.000+05:30

Fabio Capello believes ambitious targets set for him by the Football Association are achievable.
The Italian is expected to lead England to at least the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup or Euro 2012 as part of the FA's four-year strategic vision.
And despite England's failure to reach Euro 2008, Capello says the targets have not put him under undue pressure.
"We must be positive and my personal objective in every team I have coached was to go to the top," he said.
"I am not under any pressure. It's no problem for me and it's no surprise these targets have been set. I believe that it's important to have these targets and to work towards them.
"We should all be confident of this because the team I have at the moment is capable of reaching these objectives." Capello led England to a 2-1 victory over Switzerland in his first game in charge in February, but this was followed by a lacklustre 1-0 defeat away to France.
Both games were friendlies and the 61-year-old Capello will not get his first taste of competitive action until the World Cup qualifiers in September.
Before then England have further friendlies lined up with the United States, Trinidad and Tobago and the Czech Republic and Capello is likely to continue to experiment as he searches for a permanent captain.
FA chairman Lord Triesman insists the targets, imposed after an extensive review by English football's governing body, are realistic.
"We've got to work fast in order to get into tournaments and get through at least to the semi-finals, preferably win them," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm no different from anyone else, I want us to win them, but I want us to at least make the final mix where you are playing the Brazilians or the Italians or where you are really in against the sides at the top.
"It's not only an immediate thing but it's a middle-term thing. Just doing it once wouldn't be good enough."
The FA's review also recommended the appointment of an international performance director and approved plans to have the National Football Centre (NFC) at Burton up and running by 2010.

FA chairman Lord Triesman will not factor in failure

Lord Triesman said that whoever takes up the role of performance director will not be Capello's boss, but will be charged with looking after the teams directly beneath the senior side.
"I want the very best person we can get and my clear preference is for someone who is English, if we can find the right person who can do it," he said.
"We need someone who understands sports performance but I feel strongly that unless that person understands football performance as well, they will not be able to do the job properly.
"The performance director needs to be able to understand what it is among our competitors that makes them so successful. "You look around the world at other countries who have done well tournament after tournament, such as Brazil, Italy and Germany and we have to make sure we learn everything they are doing."
Capello backed plans for the NFC, which he believes will play a major part in the development of talented young players.
"It is important to have a centre, to have a home - a place where we can go back and be together, spend time together, feel the spirit of the shirt we are wearing, regroup and achieve the targets that we want to achieve," he said.
"As we all know, only 38% of players in the Premier League are English.
"But having said, that there are lot of young players at the Under-21 level and younger that are very good so there is plenty of talent."

Man City make approach to Scolari

2008-05-07T18:25:00.001+05:30

Manchester City have made the first moves to appoint Luiz Felipe Scolari as their next manager. BBC Sport understands contact has now been made between City and Portugal coach Scolari's representatives in a bid to bring him to Eastlands.

Scolari is Manchester City's top managerial target

City will sack current boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at the end of the season.
Scolari, 59, is believed to be interested in succeeding Eriksson but owner Thaksin Shinawatra is still not certain he will land the Brazilian.Thaksin is believed to want a swift answer from Scolari, with a deal worth a reported £3.2m-a-year ready to be rubber-stamped, but any moves could yet be held up by his commitments to Portugal at Euro 2008.
He has also previously been reluctant to uproot his family from Portugal and cited intrusion into his private life as one of the reasons he rejected the chance to succeed Eriksson as England coach in 2006.
Scolari has two sons who are being educated in Portugal but Thaksin wants to tempt him to the Premier League with a huge financial offer.
City fans have reacted angrily to Eriksson's imminent departure and Thaksin hopes to head off further unrest with a quick announcement that he has captured the man who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002.
Despite his treatment at the hands of Shinawatra, Eriksson is willing to lead City on their post-season tour of Thailand and Hong Kong next week, a source close to the Swede has told BBC Sport.
The source said it was "business as usual" for Eriksson and his coaching team and that no further talks were planned with Shinawatra before the end of the season.

Liverpool 1-0 Man City

2008-05-05T01:15:00.001+05:30

Fernando Torres took his tally to 32 goals for the season as Liverpool eased to a win over Manchester City.

Torres has 23 goals in the Premier League this season

Torres left Richard Dunne trailing and angled in a shot to put the Reds ahead just after Martin Petrov's free-kick hit the post at the other end.
The Reds had chances to wrap up the game but Dirk Kuyt's header struck the crossbar and Ryan Babel skied a shot.
City rarely threatened but almost punished the home side only for Pepe Reina to save Benjani's late free-kick.
The visitors had gone into the match with boss Sven-Goran Eriksson expecting to be sacked after the end of the season but he was given firm backing by the club's fans at Anfield.
The away contingent regularly and passionately sung out his name and had Eriksson masks as they showed their support for the Swede in a game that struggled to get going. There was a distinct end-of-season feel to proceedings early on and only a near post Ryan Babel header, which went over, threatened to break the deadlock.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard saw a long range effort power just wide as he was invariably the man trying to cajole his side into a degree of urgency.
The Reds skipper again went close when he forced keeper Joe Hart into a full-length save to tip away his curling shot before Liverpool upped the pace the other side of the interval.
A sublime pass with the outside of the right foot by Gerrard released Torres on goal but he failed to get the bend needed on his shot as he opened up his body and aimed for the far corner.
City then almost caught Liverpool out with a sucker-punch after barely having had an attack worthy of the name. Elano stepped up to take a 25-yard free-kick only to see his effort hit the outside of the post.
The Reds heeded the warning and Torres scored for the eighth league game on the trot at Anfield by bursting past Dunne and shooting through Hart's legs.
Hart was quickly forced into action again as he blocked a Kuyt volley and kept out the follow-up overhead kick from Lucas.
The chances were now flowing for the home side and Kuyt guided a header on to the crossbar before finding Hart with another header when left unmarked eight yards out.
A battling Torres set up Babel for a clear strike at goal from six yards only for the Dutchman to sky his effort as the Reds failed to put the game to bed. At the other end, Reina blocked a powerful Benjani free-kick as City sensed an opportunity to steal a point against their dominant opponents.

Eriksson gives City fans the thumbs up for their support

But Liverpool completed the win as they finished their home league campaign with a record of 12 wins, six draws and one loss at home ahead of their final game of the season at Tottenham.

Stoke 0-0 Leicester

2008-05-05T01:03:00.003+05:30

Stoke clinched promotion to the Premier League as Leicester went down to the third tier of English football for the first time in their 124-year history.
In a first half wrought with nerves, Ricardo Fuller came closest when Paul Henderson made a superb double save.
Henderson denied Fuller after the break but Gareth McAuley's header hit the post as the Foxes poured men forward.
Carlo Nash saved brilliantly from Iain Hume and Richard Stearman, and a win for Southampton sent Leicester down.
Stoke's fans invaded the pitch for a second time to begin partying, while the 2,000-strong Foxes contingent contemplated a dramatic fall from grace for their club.
Four years after exiting the top flight, they face the prospect of a dogfight in League One despite an injection of cash in the past 12 months from owner Milan Mandaric.
He was not present to witness Stoke, who needed only a draw, secure their return to the elite for the first time in 23 years.
A predictably nervous first half featured more fierce tackling than clear-cut openings.
Leicester's Steve Howard and McAuley were somewhat fortunate to escape with cautions for rash challenges on Andy Wilkinson and Liam Lawrence.
Stoke carried the greater attacking threat and could have been in front 10 minutes before the break when following a long punt forward Henderson superbly parried Fuller's volley and saved bravely at the dangerous striker's feet from the follow-up.
Leicester's midfield struggled to get up to support Howard and Barry Hayles in attack, who were left to feed off scraps.
Hayles, who fired one effort woefully wide, at least forced Nash into a save - albeit a comfortable one - just before the break, when he shot on the turn.
Stoke continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession after the interval but lacked composure in the final third.
But, with news filtering through that Southampton had gone 2-1 up against Sheffield United, there could have been a hammer blow to Leicester.
The ball broke to Fuller in the six-yard box following a long Rory Delap throw-in but Henderson somehow pulled off a fantastic instinctive save to keep his team level.
From then on it was pretty much all Leicester, and they came agonisingly close when McAuley got a clean head on the ball from Matt Oakley's corner and hit the outside of the post. On a typical final-day roller-coaster of nerves, the visitors threw men forward in the knowledge Southampton were now 3-2 up.
And they thought they had a penalty when Stearman was felled just inside the area but a free-kick was given and Hume fired over.
Nash then produced stunning saves to keep out Hume's deflected strike and Stearman's header from the resulting corner.
With play deep into time added on, some Potters fans invaded the pitch after hearing Ipswich had beaten Hull to confirm their elevation.
The final whistle came moments after the resumption and Leicester's players trudged off past delirious Stoke fans who engulfed the pitch.

Leicester fans must come to terms with life in League One

Stoke manager Tony Pulis:"I have to say a special 'thank you' to the chairman. Peter showed a lot of character to buy this club and spent a lot of money on it."When he rang me I was at a decent club at Plymouth - they're a good club.
"But if Peter had the nerve to come back and take this club forward I couldn't say 'no'.
"Last time I was here I got criticised on a budget that was a bottom-three budget and there was no way I was going to come back unless he gave me a chance to compete.
"He said I would be able to compete and he has kept his word. Everything he said and promised he has been true to. "This is a great day for this club and an opportunity for us to build and push on for next year."

Holloway's men paid the price for struggling in front of goal

Leicester boss Ian Holloway:"It's a devastating day for all of us. Too many times this season we haven't done it, we haven't scored and the table doesn't lie.
"Our character needs to be looked at, the overall team and squad. The fans have known it but we've let everyone down.
"We have to hold our hands up, we were the ones with the responsibility and couldn't deal with it."The Foxes slipped into the third tier for the first time in their history after they failed to beat Stoke and Southampton saw off Sheffield United.
Asked if he feared owner Milan Mandaric would axe him he said: "Of course I do.
"Milan's going to be as devastated as anybody - we did the worst thing and got relegated. Nearly everything we've touched here hasn't worked."
Holloway became Leicester's fourth permanent boss in a year when he took charge after leaving Plymouth last November.
The club were 17th at the time and their struggle to score goals led to a sequence of poor results which saw them slide down the table.
Victory over Stoke would still have ensured safety, but Gareth McAuley hit the post and Potters keeper Carlo Nash made some outstanding saves. "Our fans have been different class and they deserve a team that fights and battles and plays like we did at Stoke every week.
"It's a marvellous club and it's had far too many changes but I will say Leicester City will be back, probably in a very different form with different people playing for them.
"We'll have to wait and see how it pans out but the overall season has been a disaster and it's culminated in this."

Fiorentina 0-0 Rangers (0-0)

2008-05-02T07:13:00.002+05:30

Rangers were delighted with their victory in Italy

Ten-man Rangers edged into the Uefa Cup final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Fiorentina.
The Italians dominated and Sasa Papac cleared Mario Alberto Santana's clever backheel off the goalline.
Adrian Mutu and Christian Vieri also went close, while Steven Whittaker forced a good save at the other end.
Daniel Cousin was sent off in extra time, but the tie ended goalless and Nacho Novo fired the winning penalty after Vieri drove his kick over.
And that took Rangers to their first European final since they lifted the Cup-Winners' Cup in 1972.
The scene had been set for Rangers to follow Dick Advocaat to the City of Manchester Stadium on 14 May, the former Ibrox boss having earlier led Zenit St Petersburg to their first European final with a 5-1 aggregate hammering of Bayern Munich. Signs were good for Walter Smith's side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi when veteran Scotland defender David Weir took to the field having recovered from injury.
Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson also returned from the suspensions that ruled them out of the first leg to bolster Rangers' midfield.
The Glasgow outfit made a more assured start than they had at Ibrox and it took Fiorentina 19 minutes to threaten.
But the pressure started to build and, when goalkeeper Neil Alexander failed to collect a dangerous Massimo Gobbi cross, Papac was forced into a hasty headed clearance. Marco Donadel's return from suspension was cut short as he hobbled off, to be replaced with Zdravko Kuzmanovic. Minutes later, his Fiorentina team-mates joined him in the changing room having failed to breach the Rangers defence.
Fiorentina continued to press after the break, Giampaolo Pazzini firing just wide and Tomas Ujfalusi flashing a drive narrowly over.
Rangers forced Sebastien Frey into his first save on 76 minutes, though Steven Davis' prodded effort from 14 yards was easily held by the goalkeeper.
Vieri almost became an instant hero with his first touch after coming on as a substitute but sat on the ball instead of turning it into the net from just three yards out.

Rangers' Cousin lost the plot by aiming a butt at Liverani

Frey pushed away a fine curling effort from Whittaker at full stretch as Rangers threatened on the break, but the Italians held the greater threat as the game went into extra time.
Vieri missed the target with three attempts, while a Zdravko Kuzmanovic header flew narrowly wide.
Carlos Cuellar sent a powerful header straight at Frey and a Cousin drive looped over the bar.
But Rangers were reduced to 10-men when substitute Cousin, already booked, head-butted Fabio Liverani and received a second yellow card.
Rangers played out the final 10 minutes to take the game to penalties.
And, although Rangers captain Barry Ferguson had his spot-kick saved, Alexander denied Liverani before the veteran Vieri became the villain of a thrilling semi-final.

Chelsea's dignity and bravery

2008-05-01T13:49:00.001+05:30

Frank Lampard and Avram Grant added bravery and dignity to the potent cocktail of a passionate Champions League drama served up at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard pays tribute to his mother after scoring Chelsea's second

The bare facts state that Chelsea advanced to a final date with Manchester United in Moscow on 21 May with a 3-2 win over Liverpool after extra-time.
Chelsea deserved their win, a measure of revenge at last for two previous defeats against Liverpool at the same stage.
But for Lampard and Grant, victory brought so much more on both a personal and professional level.
Lampard chose this high-profile, pressurised encounter to make his comeback following the death of his mother, and responded with a performance that underscored his character and maturity, providing Chelsea with a platform and headline-writers with their story.
When Michael Ballack tumbled under Sami Hyypia's challenge eight minutes into extra-time, there was almost a hush around Stamford Bridge when it became clear the German had passed penalty duties back to Lampard, despite his success against Manchester United.
Chelsea's supposedly iron-hard coach Henk Ten Cate could barely look as Lampard started his run-up before burying an unerringly powerful penalty past Pepe Reina.
Only Lampard will know and understand the range of emotions that went through his mind during those few seconds, but his professionalism conquered all of them for a vital strike.
He seemed on the verge of tears before acknowledging his father, Frank senior, in the stands.
It was a defining moment for Lampard and Chelsea, a moment when superiority was wrestled back from an improving Liverpool. DidierDrogba added the third to put Chelsea in the final, despite an anxious last three minutes when Petr Cech fumbled in Ryan Babel's speculative effort.
And then it was time for Chelsea boss Grant to revel in the moment many critics thought was beyond him.

Grant has guided Chelsea to their first Champions League final

This low-key figure took off his jacket and dropped to his knees in joy, head in hands, as realisation dawned that he can now take his place in history as the first manager to guide Chelsea to a Champions League final.
The man who has suffered so many cruel comparisons - on and off the pitch - with his flamboyant and outspoken predecessor Jose Mourinho, had achieved something even beyond the Special One.
He had conquered Liverpool in a Champions League semi-final.
Grant was even applauded by Chelsea fans who, while not exactly warming to him, must surely respect him more with every passing week.
The Israeli then revealed his own very personal emotions that had provided the backdrop to the greatest moment of his professional career.
He said: "Today was Holocaust day in my country, and I will be making a visit to Auschwitz tomorrow. This was a special day for me.Hard but very special.My father, who survived the Holocaust, buried my grandfather with his own hands, so this day always has an extra significance.
"My father was the most optimistic and strong person I have ever known, so to reach the Champions League final today of all days was unbelievable."
It was a moving and dignified tribute that emphasised the inner strength of a man who has received scant praise, but could yet provide Chelsea with their most glorious moment.
Grant was rightly criticised after his tactical inertia in the Carling Cup defeat against Spurs, but he has grown into the job since then and it is time he is given the credit he is due.
Amid wild rumours of player unrest and claims of a lack of boardroom support, Grant has simply got on with the job and statistics state few could have done better.
The coach who supposedly could not win the crucial games has seen off Arsenal, Manchester United and now Liverpool in the biggest matches Chelsea have faced.
He may still have his doubters, but he is starting to put big results on the table and if Grant wins the Champions League against Manchester United, all criticism will be rendered absurd.
It would also surely end all talk that he should be replaced at Chelsea. The players are certainly playing for him, which is the starting point for success.
Chelsea have an inner belief and dogged resilience that simply has to be admired, even by their critics. The win against Liverpool said everything about them.
It said just as much about Lampard and Grant and both men deserve the praise that will come their way after an outstanding victory.

Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool (4-3)

2008-05-01T13:38:00.002+05:30

Drogba celebrates his fine opener in front of the Liverpool bench

Didier Drogba bagged a brace as Chelsea swept into their first Champions League final at the expense of Liverpool on a night of high drama at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivorian opened the scoring with a 12-yard strike, but Fernando Torres's drive sent the game into extra-time.
Frank Lampard restored the lead from the spot after Michael Ballack had been felled, before Drogba prodded a third.
Ryan Babel's 35-yarder prompted a tense finale, but Chelsea held on to seal a tie with Manchester United in Moscow.
It was sweet revenge for Chelsea, having been knocked out of the competition at this stage three times in the last four years, including twice by Liverpool in 2005 and 2007.
And it was just about deserved on a tumultuous night's football, their reward being a titanic encounter against their rivals for the Premier League title.
Both sides made two changes to the teams that started the first leg at Anfield, Michael Essien returning from a European ban and Saloman Kalou preferred to Florent Malouda for Chelsea, Liverpool replacing Babel and the injured Fabio Aurelia with Yossi Benayoun and John Arne Riise. But, as was the case last week, it was the home side that made the early running and Drogba forced the first save of the night with a skiddy effort from 25 yards.
Liverpool's plan was apparently to soak up pressure and then look for Torres at every opportunity. The plan almost reaped rewards on 10 minutes when the Spaniard ran onto Steven Gerrard's fine pass, only for Petr Cech to smother his shot from eight yards.
It was as close as the visitors got in the first half, though, as Chelsea dictated both possession and chances.
Drogba - so impressive in the Blues' weekend win over Manchester United - was at the heart of all that was good about the hosts' play, but he should have done better when he clipped wide having been set clean through in the box by Lampard's incisive pass.
Liverpool's cause was not helped by an injury to Martin Skrtel, the defender limping off with a knee injury, and things got worse for the Reds when Chelsea scored on 33 minutes.
Fittingly, Drogba grabbed the goal, the Ivorian drilling in with aplomb after Kalou, who had been set free by Lampard, had brought a diving stop from Reina.
Replays suggested Kalou had run onto Lampard's through-ball from an offside position but Drogba, so heavily criticised by Rafael Benitez before the game for diving, showed no remorse as he grasped the opportunity to celebrate in front of the Liverpool bench.
Ballack almost rounded off the half with a superb free-kick that flew inches wide and the visitors appeared understandably relieved to go into half-time with the score just 1-0.Something had to change for the Reds - and it did - Liverpool almost making a dream start to the second half when Dirk Kuyt forced a smart save from Cech eight yards out. Gerrard, superbly marshalled by Claude Makelele, had been anonymous in the opening 45 but, with Chelsea happy to sit deep, the midfielder helped Liverpool back into the match.
The Blues suddenly looked short of rhythm and their lack of sharpness was exposed when Benayoun strolled infield and slipped in Torres, the Spaniard spinning on a sixpence and lashing into the corner.

Torres levelled in normal time but Chelsea held on to seal a final spot

It was Liverpool's first goal at Stamford Bridge in 841 minutes of football, spanning nine matches, and meant the match was destined for extra-time. The extra period fizzled with controversy - sparked when an Essien drive from 22 yards out flew into the net, only to be ruled out because four Chelsea players stood offside. The Blues' protests that they were not interfering were muted seconds later, though, as Sami Hyypia felled Ballack and Lampard dispatched the resultant penalty brilliantly.
The midfielder, whose mother passed away last week, celebrated in emotional fashion and seven minutes later Chelsea went two goals clear when Drogba swept home Anelka's pass from six yards. The touch paper had well and truly been lit and, after Hyypia had penalty appeals waved away following a Drogba challenge, Babel reduced the arrears with a speculative effort from 35 yards that Cech should have done better with. It was a frantic end to an astonishing match, but Chelsea saw it out to send the home fans into raptures and put themselves in with a chance of becoming the first London club to lift Europe's most sought-after prize.

Eriksson to be sacked by Man City

2008-04-30T13:03:00.002+05:30

Manchester City's form has faltered badly since Christmas

Sven-Goran Eriksson has been told he will be sacked as Manchester City manager at the end of the season, BBC Sport understands.
City owner Thaksin Shinawatra told Eriksson he was "not the right man for the job" at a meeting on Sunday, a source close to the manager said.
Eriksson informed the players at training on Monday that he would be dismissed, provoking an angry response.
The Swede, who has two years left on his contract, says he will not resign.
Shinawatra has been unhappy with City's results since the turn of the year.
The Thai billionaire was at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday to watch his team throw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Fulham.
Afterwards, he held a meeting with Eriksson and told him he would be dismissed after their final two games of the season.
"Sven reacted calmly, as usual, but he was very surprised and disappointed," the source told BBC Sport.
"He doesn't want to leave the club and will not resign. He loves working with the players and his work at Manchester City has only just begun."
City confirmed that Eriksson would be in charge for the final two games of the season, away at Liverpool and Middlesbrough, but made no comment about what would happen in the summer.
Eriksson's assistant, Tord Grip, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that he expected them to leave City at the end of the season. "We will be here for the two last matches. They probably think that we haven't done a good enough job", said Grip.
"Sven will receive new offers soon I'm sure."
Eriksson took over as City manager five weeks before the start of the season and the team occupied third spot in the Premiership in November.
However, their form has faltered badly since Christmas and they now lie ninth, having won just four of their last 15 games.
The team has not been playing as well as it should have or getting the right results since Christmas," said the source.
"But overall it has been a good season. Thaksin agreed a five-year plan with Sven in the summer and the target for the first year was to finish in the top 10." Shinawatra bankrolled eight summer signings at a cost of more than £46m shortly after buying the club, but BBC Sport understands he has had no direct contact with Eriksson in the second half of the season.
"They met several times personally at the start of the season and then nothing," said the source.
"Sven has had a list of players he wants to sign next summer for several weeks, but he hasn't been able to get the go-ahead to get them.
"He talks to (City chief executive) Alistair Macintosh, but things break down when he then goes to the chairman."
The City players are understood to have reacted with a mixture of shock and anger when Eriksson told them he would be leaving.
Last week, City defender Micah Richards said in his BBC Sport website column that the players were "100% behind" Eriksson.
"I think it is crazy that his job is even being talked about as being in danger - he has been good for everyone at City," said Richards.
Shinawatra will now set about the task of landing a new manager, with Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari already touted as a replacement for Eriksson.
It seems certain that any new manager will have a considerable amount of money to spend in the summer.
Shinawatra has hundreds of millions of pounds worth of assets in Thailand frozen as he awaits trial on corruption charges later this year.
Yet his former lawyer, Noppadom Pattama, who is now Thailand's foreign minister, told BBC Sport that he expected these assets to be "unfrozen in the near future".

Chelsea have the edge - Gerrard

2008-04-30T13:00:00.002+05:30

Gerrard admits Liverpool face an uphill task

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has admitted Chelsea are favourites in their Champions League semi-final.
The sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in the return leg following last week's 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Gerrard said: "I'll be realistic and say the advantage lies with Chelsea. They're a very good team and have been very strong at home for a long time.
"But we have shown over the last few years that we are a very good team away from home in Europe."
Liverpool have failed to score away to Chelsea in eight games under manager Rafael Benitez.
But Gerrard added: "We really feel that we are as good as Chelsea, if not better than them. We have certainly been the better team when we've played them this season." John Arne Riise's own goal in the dying stages of the first leg saw the game swing dramatically in Chelsea's favour.
Avram Grant's side, who have not lost at home in 66 league and cup matches, know a home victory will be enough to put them through to the Champions League final for the first time in the club's history.
But Reds boss Benitez feels that Chelsea's previous exits at the semi-final stage may go against them.
They have lost to Liverpool at the final four stage in two of the last three seasons and Benitez said: "I think they want to win clearly and all their supporters will push and try to support the team. The players know it's an important game for them - three years to the final, they will be a little bit under pressure."
Benitez has also has questioned the referee, who will be Italian Roberto Rosetti for his "curious" record.
"This referee has had six games in Europe this season, five times the home team has won and the other was when Chelsea won in Valencia," said the Spaniard. "Maybe that is curious.
"The referee has experience, he is certainly not a bad referee. If he is strong at Stamford Bridge then things will be okay.
"The referee in the first leg was not good in virtually every decision but hopefully it will be different now." "Drogba goes down too easily."said the Spaniard

Chelsea v Liverpool (1-1)

2008-04-30T12:58:00.000+05:30

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard looks set to return for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg.
The England star, who played in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, missed Saturday's win over Manchester United following the death of his mother Pat from pneumonia.
Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise, who scored an injury-time own goal as a substitute in the first leg, could replace the injured Fabio Aurelio.
The Brazilian defender has been ruled out because of a groin problem.
Alternatively, manager Rafa Benitez could recall Sami Hyypia to centre-back, move Jamie Carragher to the right and switch Alvaro Arbeloa to the left, while Steve Finnan can play in either full-back spot.
Benitez is also set to start with striker Fernando Torres after the Spaniard was rested for Saturday's draw with Birmingham.
Peter Crouch could come in up front in preference to Ryan Babel. Grant, meanwhile, says Lampard is giving himself every chance of playing in the match: "He is doing everything to be available.
"We always take decisions after the last training session."
And he insists the fact that captain John Terry is a booking away from missing the final in Moscow, should Chelsea get there, won't affect his performance.
"You know him like I know him. He'll play to win, like he always does. He won't play any differently," he said.

Man Utd 1-0 Barcelona (agg 1-0)

2008-04-30T12:54:00.001+05:30

A spectacular strike by Paul Scholes sent Manchester United into their first Champions League final for nine years on a night of Old Trafford tension.

Paul Scholes celebrates the goal that sent Man Utd into the final

Scholes rifled in a spectacular 25-yard effort after 14 minutes to beat Barcelona and set up an all-English clash with Chelsea or Liverpool.
Barcelona dominated possession for long periods, with Deco twice close and Thierry Henry wasting a late chance.
But United mounted a rearguard action to seal a date in Moscow on 21 May.
There was added poignancy and significance in the victory, coming 50 years after the Munich air crash.
And for Scholes, suspended for the 1999 final victory against Bayern Munich in Barcelona, it is a chance to make up for that bitter disappointment. United were dealt a double blow before kick-off when Wayne Rooney's hip injury ruled him out and Nemanja Vidic was sidelined by the concussion he sustained at Chelsea.
And United almost made a nightmare start when Scholes tripped Lionel Messi as he raced into the area - there was only inches in it and fortunately for the home side German referee Herbert Fandel got the big call right and gave a free-kick.
It took United time to settle, but Scholes eased their nerves with a thunderous strike to give them the lead in the 14th minute.
Gianluca Zambrotta's wayward clearance landed at Scholes' feet, and he delivered a trademark rising drive from 25 yards that flew high into the net beyond the outstretched hands of Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.
It was only the second goal Scholes has scored this season - but it was a fitting strike to send United to the final.
Messi was the real danger man for Barcelona, and he ended a slalom run with a left-foot shot that was turned away by United keeper Edwin van der Sar. United had chances of their own, with Ji-Sung Park side-footing just wide, but Barcelona regained their composure to enjoy a period of superiority, with Deco twice narrowly off target.
Nani, preferred to Ryan Giggs, wasted a chance to grab the priceless second goal three minutes before the interval when he glanced Park's cross wide from eight yards.
Barcelona began the second half with a spell of possession, but it was United who carved out a clear opportunity as Valdes blocked Tevez's close-range drive after 56 minutes.
The Catalans made a change on the hour, sending on former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry for Andres Iniesta. Barcelona, inspired by the brilliant Messi, had United penned back, but they were resisted by defensive discipline and resilience of the highest class from a side normally noted for their attacking verve.
United attempted to stem the tide with 13 minutes left by making a double change, with Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher replacing Nani and Scholes.
Henry almost returned to haunt United with a point-blank header from Xavi's corner which was gratefully clutched by Van der Sar.
Barcelona weaved pretty patterns in the closing stages, but United's defence - superbly marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown - stood firm to spark wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.

Ferguson wants glory for Man Utd

2008-04-23T00:23:00.000+05:30

Ferguson wants Man Utd to go for glory against Barcelona

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his Manchester United side to write a new chapter in the club's rich history.
United face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday in the Nou Camp - where they last won the trophy in 1999.
Ferguson said: "They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I don't think it's lost on any of them.
"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that."
He added: "It is almost 10 years since we won the final. The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.
"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.
Cristiano Ronaldo says the quality of the modern-day side can only be gauged at the end of the season.
United are attempting a Premier League and Champions League double, with boss Ferguson claiming his squad is the best he has had at his disposal.
"I also think that this is the most talented team," said winger Ronaldo, 23. "But you can only confirm this at the end of the season, by what was won."
Ronaldo has been in inspirational form for United this season, scoring 38 goals during the campaign.
On the way, he has overtaken George Best's record of 32 goals in a season by a winger at the club, which was set in 1968. United, who are being pushed by Chelsea in the battle for England's top-flight crown, achieved the Treble in 1999 but Ronaldo has played down making any comparisons with Red Devils teams of yesteryear for the time being.
"There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path," added Ronaldo.
"Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
"If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea."

Everton complete £2m Pienaar deal

2008-04-23T00:20:00.000+05:30

Everton have completed a £2m permanent transfer for on-loan midfield man Steven Pienaar.
The 26-year-old South African international has agreed a three-year contract after a successful season at Goodison Park.

Pienaar always hoped to remain in the Premier League

Pienaar had earlier expressed fears that the deal had stalled, but Everton boss David Moyes was always confident a deal was in place.
Moyes said: "Steven is one of the reasons our football has improved." He had been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and Valencia but insisted he was happy to extend his stay at Goodison Park.
Pienaar, a product of the South African arm of Ajax's youth academy, has played 35 games this season scoring twice so far.

Ronaldinho move to Milan in doubt

2008-04-22T16:59:00.000+05:30

Ronaldinho's season has been ended by injury

Ronaldinho's move to AC Milan could be in jeopardy as the Italian club have failed to agree a transfer fee with Barcelona during preliminary talks.
The 28-year-old Brazilian playmaker, who has been linked to Manchester City, has agreed personal terms with Milan.
However, the European champions' chief executive Adriano Galliani told Sky Italia: "We had a conference call. The figures haven't fallen into place.
"Maybe Ronaldinho won't come and a main striker arrives."
Former world player of the year Ronaldinho has had a difficult season at the Nou Camp.
He has been dogged by injury and fitness problems, starting only 13 of Barcelona's 30 league games, and earlier this month a leg injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. Milan need to boost their attacking options as Brazil striker Ronaldo is sidelined for a lengthy period with a knee injury, while 34-year-old Filippo Inzaghi is in the twilight of his career.
However, they face competition for Ronaldinho's signature as city rivals and Serie A leaders Inter Milan are also reported to be interested in the former Paris St Germain player.
Galliani said he did not believe Ronaldinho would be deterred by the prospect of playing in the Uefa Cup next season. AC Milan are currently fifth in Serie A, outside a Champions League place. "Ronaldinho went to Barcelona when they were in the Uefa Cup. It happens to all the great European clubs, I hope it doesn't happen to Milan," added Galliani.
"Anyway, Ronaldinho is a Barcelona player, not a Milan player."

Judge us on silverware - Ronaldo

2008-04-22T16:55:00.000+05:30

Ronaldo has 38 goals so far this season

Cristiano Ronaldo says the quality of the Manchester United side can only be gauged at the end of the season.
United are attempting a Premier League and Champions League double, with boss Sir Alex Ferguson claiming his squad is the best he has had at his disposal.
"I also think that this is the most talented team," said winger Ronaldo, 23, whose side face Barcelona in their Champions semi-final on Wednesday.
"But you can only confirm this at the end of the season, by what was won."
Ronaldo has been in inspirational form for United this season, scoring 38 goals during the campaign.
On the way, he has overtaken George Best's record of 32 goals in a season by a winger at the club, which was set in 1968. United, who are being pushed by Chelsea in the battle for England's top-flight crown, achieved the Treble in 1999 but Ronaldo has played down making any comparisons with Red Devils teams of yesteryear for the time being.
"There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path," added Ronaldo.
"Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
"If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea."

Players are backing Grant - Terry

2008-04-22T13:35:00.000+05:30

Skipper John Terry insists Chelsea's players are 100% behind manager Avram Grant as they prepare for a crucial few days that will define their season.
The Blues play Liverpool on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Anfield, before a Premier League showdown with Manchester United.
Terry claimed reports of player unrest at the club were wide of the mark.
"These suggestions are laughable - we speak openly and things are sorted out there and then," he said.
"We are totally behind the manager. There are no people walking out the door and talking behind each other's backs.
"It is bizarre because since Avram took over, one thing we've done is that if any players are unhappy or have a problem, we get together and speak our minds." Despite his team reaching the Champions League final four and lying a close second in the Premier League behind Man Utd, Grant remains unpopular with sections of Chelsea's support.
But if he can guide Chelsea to triumph at the third time of asking in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, the Israeli may yet win those fans over.
Terry pledged Chelsea will go to Anfield looking to attack.
"We are coming here to win the game, not to shut up shop - we want to score goals and put the pressure right on Liverpool.
"It's going to be tough for us, but the away goals we can possibly take back to the Bridge will help us in the long run.
"We have shown great character and togetherness. We have got the players to go on and win the game and progress to the next stage. "We have lost to Liverpool on the two previous occasions and that burning feeling is something that will never go away, but one thing that will ease it is to go on and reach the final and lift the trophy.
"That trophy is something I want to get my hands on as Chelsea captain and for the club to go down in history."
Terry admitted: "We've had our ups and downs over the course of the season.
"But we have proved that whatever team is on the pitch, we have enough strength, character and big players to go on and win."
Grant is refusing to dwell on Chelsea's past Champions League defeats against Liverpool.
"We can make history and we will concentrate on this and not about anything else," he said.
"We lost here twice but that is history, and now we can create it. That is what is important.
"We have come a long way since we drew against Rosenborg and now we can create history - and this makes me excited."
Chelsea have also been boosted by the news that Frank Lampard will return to the squad. The 29-year-old has missed his side's last game to be with his mother who is suffering from pneumonia, and Grant was full of praise for the England midfielder.

Grant has Lampard (left) available to play against Liverpool

"I respect very much Frank and what he is doing for the club," said Grant.
"It is not an easy situation. He has given everything for the club and trained by himself.
"I gave him all the freedom to do as he wanted. Sometimes there are more important things than football, but he is available to play."

Football players robbed of £2,500

2008-04-22T01:25:00.000+05:30

Police are investigating if the dressing room doors were unlocked

Footballers have had £2,500 in cash stolen from their dressing rooms during a Southampton Football Club home game.
Police were called to St Mary's Stadium shortly after the end of the match against Burnley on Saturday.
Five home and nine away players had cash stolen from their belongings in the changing rooms during the second half of the Championship match.
Hampshire Constabulary said it was investigating whether the doors were unlocked and was studying CCTV footage.
A Southampton Football Club spokesman said: "We can confirm there was an incident which we are investigating but we cannot comment further until we have more details."
Club officials, security staff and stewards were helping police with their inquires.
Police said there did not appear to be any witnesses to the thefts, which took place sometime after the second half started at 1600 BST.

Lampard and Gerrard in Euro boost

2008-04-22T00:56:00.002+05:30

Lampard and Gerrard are set to face each other in Tuesday's game

England midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard will be available for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Lampard missed two Chelsea games last week to be at the hospital bedside of his mother, who has pneumonia.
But his agent Steve Kutner said in a statement: "Although still very ill, her condition has now stabilised."
Gerrard has been passed fit for Liverpool after training on Monday following his neck injury. The Reds skipper missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Fulham because of the problem but is now set to start at Anfield.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez confirmed Gerrard's fitness at a news conference on Monday.
The Spaniard also made light of rumours that Chelsea could be set to bid for Gerrard for a third time at the end of this season.
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has described him as "the player of the year in England, and maybe in Europe, because of the influence he has on the team". Benitez said: "We have enough experience to know that if anyone asks me or Avram about a good player, we will say they're a good player.
"If I was asked about (Didier) Drogba or (Frank) Lampard, I would say that they're a very good player.
"When we played against Inter Milan (in the last 16), people were saying that Inter wanted Gerrard, and hopefully it will be the same in the final against Barcelona or Manchester United.
"Stevie is a fantastic player and he's 100% focused on his career with Liverpool. "He's fit for the game. Maybe after he's scored the winning goal in the semi-final, maybe he will be worth more."
Lampard is likely to be in the starting XI for the Blues after missing the Premier League matches against Wigan and Everton.
His return is a boost for Grant, with German international midfielder Michael Ballack doubtful because of a hamstring problem.

Everton 0-1 Chelsea

2008-04-18T15:02:00.003+05:30

Essien (right) pulled the strings in the Chelsea midfield

Chelsea closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester United to two points with this resilient display against Everton at Goodison Park.
Michael Essien hit the winner after 41 minutes, clipping a close-range effort over Tim Howard after exchanging passes with Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Everton were industrious but lacked the quality to unlock the resolute Blues.
Manuel Fernandes went close with a curling free-kick as the hosts pressed for an equaliser, but Chelsea held on.
It may have been a nervy finish for the Blues but they were good value for the three points and Avram Grant's side are back in the hunt for the league title.
The Israeli's position at Stamford Bridge had come under scrutiny after Monday's draw with Wigan, but his players were focused and determined enough not to let another lead slip at Goodison Park.
The result also leaves Everton's Champions League qualification hopes in tatters with them trailing neighbours Liverpool by five points with three games to play. The superb Ricardo Carvalho typified Chelsea's defensive efforts - regularly shutting out Andy Johnson and strike partner Yakubu.
Everton's only chance of the first period came when Fernandes' dipping free-kick forced Cech into an uncomfortable parry behind.
Chelsea bossed possession in non-threatening areas but looked toothless for large periods with the absence of Didier Drogba highlighting the Blues' finishing deficiencies.
And their delivery to the misfiring Nicolas Anelka, particularly from wide areas, was desperately poor.
When the Frenchman did get a sight of goal, he dragged his shot well wide of Howard's left post.
Everton were forced to defend for long periods but were able to create moments of creativity going forward, with Joleon Lescott providing a useful outlet down the left flank. But it was Chelsea who produced the first move of quality, coupled with a huge slice of fortune, and it enabled Essien to claim his second goal in four days.
The Ghanaian looked to play a neat exchange with Wright-Phillips before a wicked deflection off Phil Jagielka helped the ball into the on-rushing Essien's path.
Howard advanced but Essien kept his composure and slotted over the keeper from close in.
A fizzing, long-range drive from Jon Obi Mikel almost gave the visitors an undeserved second soon after, but Howard was alert to tip over.

Carvalho (left) was immense for his skipper Terry

Chelsea failed to build on their lead after the break with Everton bossing possession without seriously threatening Petr Cech's goal.
Fernandes produced a stunning free-kick that whistled inches past the post, and the Portuguese also enjoyed flashing drives from distance.
But for all the Toffees' purpose, the key pass failed to materialise and their Champions League qualification hopes have all but come to an end.

Redknapp taking police to court

2008-04-17T13:25:00.001+05:30

Harry Redknapp has led Portsmouth to this year's FA Cup final

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is taking the police to court over his arrest during an inquiry into alleged football corruption.
Mr Redknapp, along with his wife Sandra, has lodged a legal action at the Administrative Court of the High Courts of Justice in London.
They want a judicial review into a raid at their home in Sandbanks, Dorset.
Mr Redknapp, who denies any wrongdoing, was arrested last November by City of London Police.
A spokesman for the court confirmed that an action had been received and a first hearing will be held on 2 May.
A City of London Police press officer said the force would not comment.
Following his release on bail, Redknapp held a press conference in which he spoke of his "bitter disappointment" at the way the raid and his arrest had been handled.
He complained that the police arrived at his home at 0600 accompanied by press photographers.
Mr Redknapp was not available for comment today.
Nine people are on bail in connection with the continuing inquiry.

Strachan proud of Celtic spirit

2008-04-17T13:19:00.002+05:30

Manager Gordon Strachan was delighted to see Celtic stay in the title race after Jan Vennegoor
of Hesselink's injury-time winner.

Strachan was happy to see his side snatch a last-gasp winner

"It keeps it ticking along nicely," Strachan told BBC Sport after a thrilling 2-1 victory at Celtic Park.
"We showed tremendous spirit to come back and keep creating chances after missing the penalty."
Celtic are a point behind the Scottish Premier League leaders but have played two games more than their rivals.
A brawl broke out on the pitch on the final whistle but Strachan said: "I've not got a clue what happened.
"For me to comment on something I don't know anything about would be like me talking about politics. I never saw anything there."
Asked if the referee requested to talk to any Hoops stars, Strachan added: "I think he wanted to speak to one or two players after the game. I think he spoke to one or two players."
It later transpired that Celtic's Gary Caldwell and David Weir of Rangers were shown red cards after the match, which followed the 70th-minute dismissal of the visitors' defender Carlos Cuellar for handling a net-bound Shunsuke Nakamura shot.
"I think the Old Firm games have gone back to a 1980s style," stated Strachan.
"When I first came here it was a footballing Old Firm but it's more intense now.
"Atmosphere-wise it's good, as long as the players maintain discipline." Nakamura fired Celtic in front as the home side dominated the first half.
Nacho Novo equalised after the break and Celtic missed a great chance when Scott McDonald's penalty, which followed Cuellar's handball, was saved by Allan McGregor. However, Celtic found a winner in the 93rd minute when Vennegoor of Hesselink headed home from inside the six-yard box.
"We were in control in the first half and I felt we were worthy of our lead, although I would have preferred two or three," said Strachan.
"I knew one wouldn't be enough because Rangers would react - and they did."

Nevin tips Rijkaard for Chelsea

2008-04-16T13:04:00.001+05:30

Rijkaard's Barcelona face Manchester United in the Champions League

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will be the new Blues boss next season.
Present manager Avram Grant has come under increasing pressure following Monday's 1-1 draw with Wigan.
Nevin told BBC Sport: "I'm speaking as someone who just wants the best for the club. I don't have the ear of chairman Bruce Buck or owner Roman Abramovich.
"But I would not be devastated or all that surprised if Frank Rijkaard turns up as the Chelsea manager next year."
Rijkaard is himself under pressure at Barcelona, despite leading the club to the Champions League semi-finals this season - where they are joined by Chelsea. Nevin believes that former Stamford Bridge striker Gianfranco Zola would be another leading contender - if Grant leaves at the end of the season.
And the Scot has a suspicion that long-serving assistant manager Steve Clarke is likely to leave Stamford Bridge if Grant remains at the London club.
"Zola is still great friends with Stevie Clarke and I would hope that Stevie would still be down there," said Nevin on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.
"If Avram Grant stays, I don't think that will be the case. If Avram Grant goes, you never know."
Nevin revealed that he had been swamped with angry emails from Chelsea fans following Wigan's late equaliser at Stamford Bridge.
"I write for the Chelsea website every Tuesday and usually ask a little question at the end," he added.
"Usually, I get a couple of hundred emails per week. But, oh dear, my emails went into meltdown because the only way you can contact the club is through my email address.
"I've got over 1000 emails sitting there and they are not answers to the question."
Nevin said that many fans were furious and had given up on Grant.
"Most seem to think he has a problem and that is the important games, yet those games have come against lesser clubs," stated Nevin.
"They lost a cup final to Spurs when Chelsea basically did not turn up and they lost to Barnsley when the FA Cup was wide open for them.
"Then, of course, they lost a late equaliser to a Wigan side that were waiting to get hammered.
"He had left out Drogba and left out Ricardo Carvalho, which was an amazing decision.
"And, most important of all, he left out Joe Cole for the first half and played Florent Malouda, who was absolutely hopeless."
Nevin pointed out that there had been positives to Grant's reign.
"He has only lost three games all season in the league and could still win the Champions League," he added.
"And can you sack a manager who has just won the Champions League?"

Rooney can be England captain

2008-04-16T13:01:00.003+05:30

England coach Fabio Capello has earmarked Wayne Rooney as a future England captain but believes the striker needs more time to mature.

Capello (left) says Rooney has the right qualities to be captain.

"Wayne Rooney is young but I believe in the future he could be captain of England one day," said the Italian.
"He is a leader, he is a good example on the pitch. We need to give him a bit more time to get some more experience and mature a bit.
"The good thing is he has got a big margin of improvement ahead of him."
Capello will continue to rotate the captain's armband before naming a permanent leader ahead of the World Cup qualifiers next season, which has led to Rooney, 22, being linked with the role. England will next play the United States in a friendly next month but the Italian would not reveal who would lead out the side at Wembley.
"I am undecided who will be captain for the next game," said Capello. "But I do believe Rooney could one day be captain.
"He is the most talented young English player. He is very good at everything. The one thing he can improve is the number of chances he puts away.
"He doesn't convert as many as he could but I am sure that will come in the future."
Rooney has captained Manchester United but he is known to have a combustible temperament and has a mixed disciplinary record with both club and country.
He was sent off for England in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in 2006, a match England went on to lose on penalties.
In 2004 a teenaged Rooney was substituted at half-time against Spain as it was feared the frustrated striker would sooner or later be sent off. A year later Rooney was criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson after he was dismissed in a Champions League match against Villarreal for mocking referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Meanwhile, Capello, speaking during a trip to Lesotho to promote the Football Association's involvement in developing the game at grassroots level in Africa, denied there was a rift between himself and Michael Owen.
The Newcastle United striker had reportedly said he was confused by Capello's tactics during the friendly defeat to France.
But Capello said: "First of all, Michael Owen has denied making those comments to begin with and I have absolutely no problem with him. There is no problem between him and me as far as I am concerned.
"My relationship with Michael Owen is the same as with all the players. A good manager should have that equal relationship whether it is with Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand or anyone else.
"I have a group of players and Michael Owen is part of my plans."

Inter join chase for Ronaldinho

2008-04-15T14:17:00.004+05:30

Ronaldinho has struggled with fitness and form all season

Inter Milan are considering trying to hijack AC Milan's pursuit of Barcelona and Brazil forward Ronaldinho.
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani and Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis have said initial terms have been agreed.
But Inter president Massimo Moratti says his club could join the hunt.
"We will assess the possibility next week," Moratti told Italian television. "We have good relations with Barcelona and Ronaldinho's agent. We will see."
De Assis has said AC Milan is the only club he has spoken to but Moratti does not think that means the deal is done.
"It depends a bit on our decision," he said. "It is a deal that Milan is conducting well and it is like the transfer market is open. Therefore it is open for us, too."
Inter are likely to lose Luis Figo to retirement at the end of the season and another creative player is on their wishlist.
The two clubs clashed last year when Milan tried to sign striker David Suazo from Cagliari at the last minute after he had already held talks with Inter. The Honduran chose Inter.
Ronaldinho, 28, has had a difficult few months at the Nou Camp because of injury and loss of form and a move has long been mooted.
The forward is out for the rest of the campaign with a leg injury and a transfer can not officially go through until the end of the season, unless he buys himself out of his contract.

Chelsea 1-1 Wigan

2008-04-15T14:10:00.003+05:30

Wigan's late equaliser left Chelsea's players and supporters stunned
Emile Heskey struck with an injury-time volley to earn a point for Wigan and leave Chelsea's hopes of winning the Premier League hanging by a thread.
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland made fine saves from Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou while John Terry hit the bar.
Chelsea eventually took the lead when Michael Essien struck from 20 yards.
But Heskey converted Jason Koumas's teasing cross to leave Chelsea five points behind leaders United with four games left to play. Heskey's goal is a hammer blow for Chelsea and a severe punishment for their failure to kill off the game after taking the lead with 54 minutes played.
The warning signs had been there when when Latics substitute Antoine Sibierski forced a decent save from Petr Cech minutes before Heskey scored.
And once the final whistle sounded a chorus of boos rang out across Stamford Bridge as manager Avram Grant made his way down the tunnel.
But the draw is a superb result for visiting team Wigan, who are now six points clear of the relegation zone. The Latics refused to give in and boss Steve Bruce was visibly delighted at the end, but in truth it was a far from inspired Chelsea performance.
Chelsea boss Grant, doubtless with Thursday's match against Everton in mind, opted to rest Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho, while Frank Lampard withdrew for personal reasons shortly before kick-off.
The changes presented Anelka with a rare opportunity to lead the line and he should have scored after five minutes but headed wide from six yards. The France international appeared to have put his team in front later in the half with a looping header but was denied by Kirkland's brilliantly athletic save.
Paul Scharner then headed towards his own goal under pressure and it required Josip Skoko's goal-line clearance to ensure the Latics remained on level terms.
But these were all-too-rare chances in a rather humdrum opening half, played out in front of a crowd that seemed underwhelmed by events on the pitch.
And Wigan, who appeared comfortable for the most of the opening 45 minutes, were not without opportunities of their own.
.
Chelsea scorer Essien started after Frank Lampard fell ill
Scharner had a shot blocked while Cech, playing with a special chin strap to protect the 50 stitches he had in a facial wound last week, made a smart save at his near post to deny Antonio Valencia.
Cole replaced the ineffectual Florent Malouda at the break and his arrival coincided with a much a greater sense of urgency from the home team.
Terry crashed a volley against the crossbar from a corner and Kirkland brilliantly smothered a Kalou shot before Essien finally found the net after 55 minutes.
Anelka slipped but regained his footing to lay the ball off to Essien, whose 20-yard strike took a slight deflection off Emmerson Boyce on its way to goal.
All three chances fell within the space of 60 seconds - and from the moment Essien struck the home team seemed firmly in control.
Kirkland saved a header from Alex, Michael Ballack drilled a free-kick over the bar and Joe Cole narrowly missed as Chelsea looked for a decisive second goal.
But the late chances fell to Wigan, with substitute Sibierski's miss followed by Heskey's equaliser.

Derby 0-6 Aston Villa

2008-04-13T10:27:00.002+05:30

Aston Villa hammered Derby at Pride Park to plunge the relegated Rams's season into an embarrassing new low.

Derby looked woefully short of Premier League quality.
Derby keeper Roy Carroll had a torrid first-half, failing to clear Ashley Young's free-kick for Villa's first.
John Carew drilled in seconds later before Stiliyan Petrov expertly lashed Carroll's hideously skewed clearance into the top corner from 45 yards.
Gareth Barry slotted in after half-time then Gabriel Agbonlahor and Marlon Harewood tucked away to end the rout. Derby manager Paul Jewell had talked of giving the fans a glimmer of light in a dark season for the Rams, and his players initially set about that task with zeal.
Young went close with a snap-shot on the half volley after five minutes but Derby, backed by a vociferous home crowd, dictated the early play with Kenny Miller providing guile.
The Scottish striker cleverly set up David Jones on the edge of the box on 15 minutes but he could only scuff a tame shot into Scott Carson's arms.
Derby continued to probe impressively but lacked real class around the penalty area and failed to carve out any clear-cut chances. But with the game drifting and Villa looking lacklustre, a mistake from Carroll changed the course of the game.
Young swung an innocuous free-kick towards goal from 30 yards on 25 minutes and, as Olof Mellberg challenged for the ball, Carroll failed to make any real contact to clear and the ball went straight into the net.
Cue Derby's catastrophic collapse.
Less than 60 seconds later, England midfielder Barry broke down the left wing to cross, Carroll could only push the ball away from a sea of bodies out to Carew, and Villa's big striker rammed a vicious shot back into the goal.

Jewell is still without a win in his 20 games as manager
With Derby's confidence now at rock bottom, Villa streamed forward in waves but it was another Carroll clanger which led to their third.
A routine punt downfield was skewed towards Petrov who, 45 yards from goal, controlled impeccably and then lashed back over Carroll's head into the top corner for a breathtaking goal.
That was enough for some Derby fans who have not tasted victory in 30 games and they soon filed towards the exit gates before half-time.
And the East Midlanders' suffering continued into the second-half.
On 53 minutes, Young neatly played England colleague Agbonlahor into the box and the rebound from his low shot, saved smartly by Carroll, was tapped home by Barry with Derby's defence at a complete standstill. Derby plugged away and Robbie Earnshaw forced Carson into a flying save but the Rams agony continued on 75 minutes.
A simple clearance inadvertently knocked on by a Derby defender was pounced upon by Agbonlahor who tucked into the corner from 15 yards.
Five minutes before full-time Patrik Berger played in fellow substitute Harewood who raced beyond Derby's static defence to coolly slot home past the beleaguered Carroll and boost Villa's European hopes.
The only relief for Derby was the final whistle and they are now in danger of becoming only the second club ever in history to go through a full league season with just one win.
The Rams now stand on the brink of breaking a host of records which would confirm then as the worst ever side in the Premier League - and one of the poorest top-flight teams ever.
Derby manager Paul Jewell:"It is difficult to accept a performance like this.
"We played well for the first 20 minutes but as soon as we concede a goal it is like a pack of cards and we just collapse.
"It is a horrible situation we are in and it is uncomfortable. As soon as we face a bit of adversity we have not got enough leaders or men to get us through it.
"Once they scored the difference in class was huge."
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:"We played very well today. Derby started very brightly and we were playing second fiddle.
"But we got the goal and the whole game changed. There was plenty of confidence about the side but we had to work hard and try to get the ball back.
"Petrov played very well last week and recreated that today.
"We have got everything to play for still this season, but we can't make any mistakes. We need to give ourselves a chance."

Man Utd given boost by Ferdinand

2008-04-08T22:35:00.000+05:30

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand could face Roma in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, despite fears he had injured his foot on Sunday.

The defender limped out of their 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough but a scan on Monday revealed nothing was broken.
Sir Alex Ferguson said Ferdinand would have a fitness test on Wednesday and if he was not fit, Gary Neville or Mikael Silvestre could deputise.
Neville has been out for 13 months and Silvestre last played in September. "I am hoping Rio will play," said Ferguson.
"His scan was clear, that was the important thing. Therefore we are hoping we can get him fit to face Roma.
"We will report at 1100 on Wednesday, so he will have to do something at that time."
However, fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic is definitely out as he faces two or three weeks on the sidelines after falling awkwardly in the 2-0 first-leg win in Rome.
Sunday's draw with Middlesbrough leaves United only three points ahead of Chelsea, who they play at Stamford Bridge on 26 April, and six points ahead of Arsenal, who they face on Sunday.

Man City 0-2 Chelsea

2008-04-06T08:33:00.004+05:30

Chelsea saw off Manchester City to move to within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Avram Grant's side were gifted the lead when Richard Dunne diverted Nicolas Anelka's cross into his own net.
City responded by creating a succession of good chances and Carlo Cudicini did well to keep out Martin Petrov's shot.
But Salomon Kalou rounded Joe Hart and slotted home to give Chelsea breathing space, and only two superb Hart saves stopped Anelka adding to their tally.
Interview: Man City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson
Interview: Chelsea manager Avram Grant
It was a vital win for Chelsea and means they maintain the pressure on United, who travel to play Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Grant was in charge when Chelsea thumped City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and the way they began this game suggested they would enjoy another walk in the park.
The visitors were well on top even before Dunne diverted Anelka's cross past Hart while trying to prevent it from reaching Michael Essien.
Only a superb saving tackle by Nedum Onuoha stopped Anelka when he broke free again minutes later as Grant's side continued to press.
Things looked ominous for City, who have gone off the boil badly in recent weeks and have only won three of their last 15 league games.
But they responded well and with better finishing could have been level by the break.
Petrov rattled one shot wide and Michael Johnson skied a volley when well placed.
City went even closer when Benjani pulled the ball back for Stephen Ireland, who saw his goalbound shot cannon over off Juliano Belletti's leg. And it took a superb save from Cudicini to tip over out Petrov's next effort - which was heading for the top corner - before Ashley Cole had to clear Johnson's deflected shot off the line.
Chelsea were still looking dangerous on the break and only another superb Onuoha tackle stopped Anelka when he found more space in the area.
But it was not until Kalou scored their second goal that they looked at all comfortable with the lead.

Kalou and Essien celebrate Chelsea's second goal.
Essien was involved again in the build-up, with his pass deflecting off the luckless Dunne and into the path of the Ivory Coast striker, who finished with aplomb.
That ended City's hopes of getting anything from the game and if not for Hart they would have suffered an even heavier defeat.
The England Under-21 star did well to deny Anelka in a one-on-one situation when he ran through seconds after Kalou had scored.
And Hart made an even better stop when he tipped the Frenchman's header on to the bar before recovering to paw away the rebound.
Chelsea can head into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Fenerbahce on Tuesday with renewed confidence.
But City's slump continues and a serious-looking injury to Onuoha, who was stretchered off in pain before the end, added to what was a frustrating afternoon for their manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Injury ends Ronaldinho's season

2008-04-05T20:49:00.001+05:30

Ronaldinho has had an injury-plagued campaign for Barcelona.
The former World Player of the Year has been dogged by injury and fitness problems this season, starting only 13 of his team's 30 league games so far.
The injury means the 28-year-old would miss a potential Champions League semi-final against Manchester United. The teams are on course to meet in the last four after both won their quarter-final first-leg ties. Ronaldinho last played for Barcelona in the 2-1 loss at home to Villarreal on 9 March, after which he began to complain of muscle pain in his right leg.
A scan revealed no damage to muscle or tendon, but he was on a training programme to deal with the complaint when the injury occurred. Barcelona club doctor Ricard Pruna said: "The injury has no link with the other one. This one happened in an incident with Edmilson in training on Thursday." With eight games of the Spanish season remaining, Barcelona are third in the table, a point behind second-placed Villarreal and seven adrift of leaders Real Madrid.
The injury to Ronaldinho adds to problems caused by the absence of midfielder Deco, who has missed the last six matches with a calf problem. But inspirational Argentine midfielder Lionel Messi hopes to be back in action in about two weeks time, ahead of the Champions League semi-final first-leg matches on 23 April.

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool

2008-04-05T20:40:00.003+05:30

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes took another huge blow as they were held at home by Liverpool. The Gunners made a lethargic start and fell behind to Peter Crouch's powerful finish into the bottom corner. Nicklas Bendtner levelled when he met a Cesc Fabregas free-kick and powered his header past Pepe Reina. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger urged his side forward looking for a winner but Andrei Voronin wasted two good chances to give Liverpool victory late on.
Interview: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
The draw is enough for the Gunners to move second in the table and go above Chelsea on goal difference. But with Manchester United still five points clear, and with a game in hand, Arsenal's title ambitions look all but over. Wenger desperately needed a win here if his side were to retain any realistic hopes of overhauling United at the top but Liverpool were never likely to roll over.
As expected, both sides made several changes from the teams that drew 1-1 here on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Only three of the Liverpool side that started that match began here - goalkeeper Reina, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel - as Reds boss Rafa Benitez confirmed his focus was on the second leg of that tie at Anfield on Tuesday.Arsenal's side seemed stronger on paper but they were poor in the early stages and it was the visitors who had the better chances. Crouch, playing up front on his own, tested Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia from 30 yards with a dipping shot. Crouch was involved again when Liverpool next came forward, slipping the ball on to John Arne Riise, who lost his marker Justin Hoyte but blasted his shot over the bar when clean through. That failed to rouse Arsenal from their slumbers, however, and they were fortunate to escape again when Yossi Benayoun dragged his shot wide from inside the box. The Gunners only began to come forward as half-time approached and Bendtner should have done better when the ball fell for him after Carragher tackled Theo Walcott, the Dane shooting weakly at Reina. Emmanuel Eboue was also wasteful when he ran clear and his poor first touch was followed by a cross that was cleared by Steve Finnan. But just as Arsenal were enjoying their best spell of the match, they found themselves behind.

Nicklas Bendtner celebrates scoring Arsenal's equaliser
Crouch met Reina's goal-kick, picked up the ball from Benayoun and drove forward to the edge of the area before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner. That left the Gunners 45 minutes to turn things round and they made a decent start. Kolo Toure headed wide from a Fabregas corner, before the Spaniard conjured up the equaliser from another set-piece.
Fabregas curled in a free-kick and, with Reina stationary on his line, Bendtner rose to power home from close range. But the expected Arsenal onslaught in the final half hour did not materialise and it was Liverpool who had the best chances to take all three points.
Crouch set up Voronin but he screwed his shot well wide and the Ukraine striker made an even bigger hash of his next chance, rounding Almunia but falling over as he tried to shoot from a tight angle. Arsenal had plenty of possession but few clear openings and their best opportunity was wasted when Alex Hleb failed to control the ball when well placed in front of goal

West Brom 0-1 Portsmouth

2008-04-05T20:01:00.006+05:30

Kanu returned to haunt his old side.

A second-half goal from Kanu was enough to send Portsmouth through to their first FA Cup final in 69 years. Ex-West Brom striker Kanu side-footed an easy chance to see off the Baggies after Dean Kiely had denied Milan Baros and Zoltan Gera had failed to clear. Baros, who looked to have handled in the build-up to the goal, missed a simple chance to seal the win. They were almost made to pay but Robert Koren's shot hit the bar and Ishmael Miller fired wide late on.Portsmouth will face the winners of the all-Championship tie between Barnsley and Cardiff on Sunday in the final. Their win carries on the top flight's run of having a team in every FA Cup final. Pompey were already odds-on favourites to lift the trophy before the game, but for long periods it was West Brom who looked the better bet for a return to Wembley on 17 May.
Harry Redknapp's south coast side were not at the races during a lacklustre first-half display and it Albion who looked like the Premier League thoroughbreds.Portsmouth's defensive pair of Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin struggled throughout to deal with veteran forward Kevin Phillips dropping deep. The former Southampton striker found plenty of space and tested Pompey early on with a long-range shot just over the bar before a neat lay-off that ended with Zoltan Gera causing problems for a fumbling David James with a low shot. Portsmouth were all at sea going forward, with Baros wasteful and Kanu barely contributing as Redknapp looking increasingly agitated on the sidelines. They enjoyed their best spell of the first half shortly before the break but Redknapp, on his first appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals and at Wembley as player or manager, would have had strong words at the interval. There appeared to be little immediate change in Pompey's play, but less than 10 minutes after the break they broke the deadlock.
Glen Johnson played a ball into Baros, who may have controlled the ball with his arm before getting off a shot which Kiely did well to keep out. However, as Kiely looked to pounce on the loose ball Gera tried to clear and could only steer the ball into the direction of Kanu to slot into the empty net from only a couple of yards out. It should have been game over as Baros was played in by a slide rule pass from Niko Kranjcar and seemed certain to score, but he made an awful hash of the finish and Kiely produced a desperate save. The Baggies almost made them pay as the game burst into life in the latter stages. Carl Hoefkens set up Koren and his shot beat James but smacked the top of the bar. Moments later substitute Miller got clear on the left and tried to pick out Phillips at the back post, but James anticipated well and plucked his cross out of the air. There were further worries as Hoefkens set up an onrushing Miller but he side-footed wide and Pompey survived to book their place in the final.Interview: Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp .Interview: West Brom's Kevin Phillips

Fulham 1-0 Everton

2008-03-16T23:51:00.001+05:30

Brian McBride's second-half header gave Fulham a ray of hope in their battle to avoid Premier League relegation but dented Everton's European dreams.

Joseph Yobo flicked Simon Davies' cross into McBride's path and the American headed past the helpless Tim Howard.

Everton's best chance came through Yakubu who forced Kasey Keller into a fine save, but they created little.

Davies should have doubled Fulham's lead but he failed to convert Jimmy Bullard's delightful pass.

Interview: Fulham manager Roy Hodgeson

Interview: Everton boss David Moyes

Interview: Fulham's Brian McBride

This was only Fulham's fourth victory in the Premier League and leaves the Londoners effectively four points from safety because of their inferior goal difference.

Roy Hodgson's men deserved the win and the smiles on his players' faces when the final whistle blew illustrated how crucial a victory this could prove to be.

Fulham have matches against fellow strugglers Newcastle, Derby, Sunderland, Reading and Birmingham remaining and survival could be within their grasp.

The red half of Merseyside will also be happy as Everton are still three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool in the chase for the final Champions League spot, having now played the same number of games.

Fulham started brightly, with Bullard, Danny Murphy and Davies prominent in midfield.

Indeed, it was former Everton player Davies who created Fulham's best chance of a poor first half with his cross creating space for McBride, whose toe-poked volley whistled past Howard's left-hand post.

When Andrew Johnson limped off injured after 15 minutes Fulham sensed that this could be their day.

Right-back Tony Hibbert replaced the England international, as Everton did not have a striker on the substitutes' bench, and consequently the visitors posed little threat in attack.

Facing the strong wind, David Moyes' men struggled and only in the final minutes of the first half did they force Keller into action. Yakubu was allowed time and space to turn inside the box and his shot forced the Fulham goalkeeper to dive low to his left.

Both teams started the second half with greater attacking intent.

Eddie Johnson's pace posed the Merseysiders problems and his jinking run on the hour forced the visitors to concede a corner, from which the American should have done better, but the striker's header was way off target.

Johnson's miss would not prove costly, however, as Davies and McBride combined for a deserved goal, the striker's second of an injury-plagued season.

Yobo unintentionally flicked Davies's cross into McBride's path and the American's downward header into the corner gave compatriot Howard no chance.

The defender had a chance to make amends minutes later but he wastefully headed wide when unchallenged in the box.

In the closing stages, Davies - standing inside the box - had a great opportunity to put the game to bed but the midfielder failed to do justice to the industrious Bullard's magnificent pass.

When referee Steve Bennett brought the game to an end however Fulham did not give one jot about their profligacy as McBride's solitary strike was enough to give them the points that they so desperately needed.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson: "It was a very good performance.

"We can look forward to the last eight games with optimism. We started extremely brightly but Everton know how to defend and grind out results.

"The goal was vital. For us the difference between one and three points in the match was everything."

Everton manager David Moyes: "We didn't make many chances all day and that was the most disappointing thing.

We did not play well at all. We have never been very good at Craven Cottage and this was the same.

The players are a good group who have done well. We would have settled for where we are if we had been offered this at the start of the season."

Man City 2-1 Tottenham

2008-03-16T23:48:00.000+05:30

Manchester City won for the first time at home in the Premier League since mid-December after second-half goals from Stephen Ireland and Nedum Onuoha.

Robbie Keane's spectacular strike into the top corner gave Spurs the lead.

But City got a deserved equaliser when Elano headed towards goal and Ireland, who appeared to be offside, hooked the ball into the net from five yards.

Onuoha got the winner when he rose unchallenged to head a corner past a statuesque Paul Robinson.

Manchester City, so imperious at Eastlands at the start of the season, had not won at home in the league since their 4-2 win over Bolton.

And manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will be pleased with the way his side fought back from a goal down to claim their first victory over Tottenham since April 2003.

Both teams made a lackadaisical start, with the final ball often disappointing, but the game sprung into action in the 30th minute.

City appealed for handball as Michael Dawson appeared to stop Michael Johnson's close-range shot with his hand. Elano then reacted the quickest to the rebound, but the alert Dawson blocked the Brazilian's 25-yard effort.

Tottenham's response was immediate when Pascal Chimbonda and Keane combined for the Republic of Ireland striker's first goal in seven games.

Vedran Corluka allowed Chimbonda to get the better of him down the flank and the former Wigan full-back set the deadly Keane free.

Keane scored his 21st goal of the season

Eriksson's men could, and perhaps should, have levelled before the break with Elano forcing a reflex save from Paul Robinson and January signing Nery Castillo profligate on two occasions.

Castillo had another opportunity to equalise in the 52nd minute but the Mexico striker's hesitancy, when just a few meters from goal, allowed Paul Robinson to clear the danger.

City's deserved goal came on the hour when Castillo mis-kicked Benjani's cross and Elano headed goalwards for Ireland to tap-in from five yards.

In response to the home side's domination, Juande Ramos replaced Darren Bent with Keane, much to the captain's annoyance, and Jamie O'Hara with Steed Malbranque.

But it was City who took the lead thanks to Onuoha's first goal for the club.

Spurs' substitutes combined with Bent poking O'Hara's free-kick beyond Joe Hart for what looked like a legitimate goal, but it was disallowed for offside and City celebrated a rare home win.

Beckham aims to convince England

2008-03-16T23:43:00.001+05:30

David Beckham was watched by Fabio Capello's right hand man Franco Baldini to assess his form and fitness ahead of England's friendly with France.

Beckham is hoping to earn his 100th cap in Paris on 26 March.

The 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes for LA Galaxy, in a 0-0 draw in a charity match against FC Dallas.

Beckham said: "Baldini came to see me. Some people might think that adds a little added pressure, but from my side, there was no added pressure."

Interview: David Beckham

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star added: "I just had to perform, play the balls I could play and work hard.That's just part and parcel for a player playing for his national team. You're always being watched by somebody. It just comes with the territory."

New England coach Capello has already said he was considering Beckham, after leaving him out of his first squad because of fitness concerns.

The Italian said: "There is a strong possibility that he will be selected."

Wigan 1-0 Bolton

2008-03-16T23:24:00.003+05:30

Emile Heskey's 33rd minute goal secured a vital three points for Wigan but deepened Bolton's relegation worries.

Wigan had lost Jason Koumas who was red carded for a late challenge on Gary Cahill after only four minutes.

But Heskey superbly volleyed home Mario Melchiot's long-throw from six-yards out and despite a second-half rally from Bolton, Wigan held on.

Bolton had penalty claims for handball in both halves while Erik Edman also cleared off the line from Kevin Nolan.

Interview: Wigan boss Steve Bruce

Interview: Bolton boss Gary Megson

Wanderers manager Gary Megson had rested nine players in midweek for this crunch clash at the JJB Stadium, but it made little difference.

His side played without fluency and rhythm while their passing was erratic and poor in a disappointing first half.

Despite Bolton having the numerical advantage thanks to Koumas' early sending-off it was Wigan who had the best of the opening 45 minutes.

Koumas was red carded for a reckless tackle on Cahill, although replays suggested the Welshman was unlucky to be sent-off.

It mattered little to Wigan who started brightly and came close through Heskey and Marlon King early on.

But despite the early pressure it took 34 minutes before the deadlock was broken.

It came through Heskey who superbly volleyed Melchiot's long throw past Ali Al Habsi from six yards out for 1-0.

Only seconds earlier Wigan had thought they opened the scoring when Paul Scharner saw his header cleared off the line by Ivan Campo.

Scharner was certain the ball had crossed the line and television replays suggested he may have had a case but it mattered little as Heskey hit the back of the net seconds later.

Jason Koumas was sent off in the fourth minute

The goal galvanised Bolton who pushed for an equaliser and Nolan was convinced his shot had been blocked by the hand of Emmerson Boyce as he struck goalwards.

Minutes later El-Hadji Diouf had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for an earlier foul by Nolan.

With half-time approaching tempers became frayed as Michael Brown and Campo kicked out at each other, but no action was taken.

Players from both sides carried the arguments into the tunnel with Brown and Campo having to be separated as they left the field.

To their credit Bolton looked a different side in the second period as they went in search of a vital point.

Matt Taylor, Nolan and Kevin Davies both went close in quick succession with Kirkland proving an unbeatable force in the Wigan goal.

Their best chance came with 25 minutes remaining when Davies appeared to have his goalbound header cleared off the line by the arm of Brown.

But despite furious protests from Bolton captain Nolan, no penalty was awarded as Wigan breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Bolton dominated possession in the final 20 minutes and Nolan had his header cleared off the line by Edman in the last minute but Wigan held on to secure a significant three points

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Chelsea eye Kaka & Messi

2008-01-18T12:19:00.000+05:30

Chelsea will reportedly demand AC Milan midfielder Kaka or Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as a direct summer replacement for Didier Drogba.
Blues boss Avram Grant and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have run out of patience with the unsettled Ivory Coast international's public posturing over his future, according to the Daily Mirror.
Chelsea feel that Barcelona and AC Milan are the two most likely suitors for the former Marseille striker, who has spoken of his desire to join either club.
Drogba is valued at £40million by Chelsea and any possible swap deal would illustrate the club's determination to drive the hardest possible bargain.
Kaka and Messi represent the "fantasy" footballers that Roman Abramovich wants to bring to Stamford Bridge.
Over the last two summers AC Milan have resisted Real Madrid's attempts to snap up Kaka, however their signing of Brazilian boy wonder Pato could open the door to a potential deal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, however, would be more reluctant to let Messi leave the Nou Camp.

Deco's Future at Barca Uncertain

2008-01-18T12:06:00.000+05:30

Deco has revealed that he will decide his future at Barcelona at the end of the season, but hinted that the pressure of the media could drive him out.
The Portuguese midfielder has been at the centre of allegations that that he is one of Edmilson's 'black sheep' and that he was not injured when left out of the team recently.
Reports such as those have dismayed the player, who was an integral part of the Blaugrana side that won two consecutive league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Recent stories have quoted him as saying that he would like to go to England, with Manchester United being his preferred destination, but he was not willing to expand on these rumours.
"I do not want to speak about my future because I have a contract (until 2010), but some things are changing," he said.
"Right now I do not want to think about this because we are playing for the league and have many things to win.
"At the end of the season I will decide upon my future.
"Football has changed a lot and the good and the bad come and go very quickly. With so much news every day there are too many people talking about the game.
"In the end though, it is the fans that count and I have to thank them for being great."
Deco was delighted to hear the crowd chant his name as he came on as a substitute during Barca's Copa del Rey encounter in midweek against Sevilla.
"I have always said that the support people give you is the best thing I can say about the club," he continued.
"That is what is most important and it is what motivates me to carry on working until my last day here.
"People respect me. The fans are great and have been like that since I joined and that makes me proud because this is a huge club with so many great players."

Pele calls for patience over Alexandre Pato

2008-01-17T13:29:00.000+05:30

Alexandre Pato Pele

Brazil legend Pele has asked fans to be patient with AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
The former Internacional forward scored his first goal for the Rossoneri last weekend in their 5-2 thrashing of Napoli and the press have hailed the arrival of a new star.
Pele believes the 18-year-old has all the attributes to become the next Brazilian superstar, but insisted it would not happen overnight.
"He is above average. We have to be patient as he has a long way to go to prove his ability," the former Santos idol told Jovem Pam radio network.
"The press have put a lot of pressure on him because he scored the other day, but in the future he is going to be marked harder."
Tostao, Pele's team-mate in Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side, added: "Not even Pele was so celebrated in his early years.
"We have to be careful as Pato is being treated as a star before he has played more than 30 matches in his career or been called into the national squad."

AC Milan crash out of the Coppa Italia

2008-01-17T13:24:00.000+05:30

AC Milan crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw at Catania.
The Rossoneri lost the home leg 2-1 and were unable to overcome the deficit in Sicily.
Juan Vargas put the home side ahead but substitute Alberto Paloschi levelled for a much-changed Milan side midway through the second half.
Both sides finished with 10 men, Catania's Andrea Sottil and Milan's Gennaro Gattuso seeing red. Gattuso had only been on the pitch for three minutes after coming on as a 75th-minute substitute.
Catania will now play Udinese, who advanced thanks to Floro Flores's stoppage-time goal against Palermo.
The 1-0 win carried Udinese through after a goalless first leg.
Roma also made the quarter-finals after overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Torino.
The Giallorossi won the return 4-0 thanks to four goals in the final half hour from Amantino Mancini, Francesco Totti (two) and Ludovic Giuly.
Sampdoria also won 4-0 to dump out Cagliari and set up a clash against Roma.
The Genoa-club, who lost the first game 1-0, were rampant with Emiliano Bonazzoli scored twice with Luigi Sala and Angelo Palombo also netting.
Fiorentina beat Ascoli 2-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate success. Giampaolo Pazzini grabbed both goals for the Viola.
Juventus beat Empoli on Tuesday night while, on Thursday, Internazionale meet Reggina and Lazio go to Napoli

We'll never give up on Ronaldo - Real Madrid

2008-01-17T13:20:00.000+05:30

Real Madrid say they'll never give up trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
The rumour mill linking the Portuguese superstar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu has been in full swing for the last year.
And some reports last week claimed the Spanish giants were willing to splash out a world-record £50million to land him in the summer.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has described the constant speculation as "nonsense", while chief executive David Gill says the club have no intention of selling their star player.
But Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic clearly isn't put off by those statements.
He told The Sun: "Ronaldo is an exceptional footballer and, although we know signing a player like that is very complicated, we will just have to keep working on it.
"If one day a chance opens up, then we will be there trying to sign him. He'd grace any team in the world."
Ronaldo has been in stunning form for United this season, and currently tops the Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals in just 17 starts.

Drogba wants Barca move

2008-01-17T12:58:00.000+05:30

Wantaway Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has urged Barcelona to "get their chequebook out" after revealing his dream of partnering Samuel Eto'o.
Nicolas Anelka's £15million arrival at Stamford Bridge has cast doubts over the long-term future of Drogba at Chelsea.
And Barcelona are believed to be admirers of Drogba, who is currently preparing for the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, after the forward hinted could be interested in a move to Spain.
But Drogba, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, recognises that Barca would have to pay top price to gain his services.
"Any striker in my situation would say they'd be really happy to get the chance to play alongside Samuel," Drogba told the Daily Express.
"I don't see why it should not happen. It would be something exceptional. But Barcelona would need to get their chequebook out to make it happen.
"The things I love about Samuel are his pace, his instinct for goals, his running and simply the fact he is indispensable to Barcelona."
Cameroon international Eto'o has also confessed an interest in striking up a partnership with Drogba and has revealed he nearly moved to Chelsea after holding secret talks with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

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"I don't see why both of us can't play for the same side," Eto'o added. "Just imagine what a team containing Didier and me would be like.
"I came to London to meet Mourinho in a hotel. We had a good, long discussion but we did not manage to reach an agreement.
"There are sometimes things that you can't explain too much. It was a while ago. But Didier was aware of everything that went on."

Chelsea sign Ivanovic

2008-01-17T12:55:00.000+05:30

Branislav Ivanovic's arrival at Chelsea will inevitably put the spotlight back on the future of Israeli defender Tal Ben-Haim.
Ivanovic completed his move to Chelsea by signing a three-and-a-half year deal to become the second new arrival at Stamford Bridge during the current transfer window.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow defender follows the acquisition of Nicolas Anelka from Bolton for £15million last week.
Chelsea are thought to have paid around £9million for the 23-year-old Serbia international who is relishing the chance to play in the Barclays Premier League with the Blues.
Ivanovic said: "It is the dream of every footballer to want to move on and improve yourself - and the ultimate is to play for such a big team as this."
The defender is a versatile addition to Chelsea's squad as he can play right-back, centre-back or as defensive midfielder.
But that versatility will renew speculation that Ben-Haim will be leaving Chelsea with Tottenham now favourites to land the player.
Ben-Haim joined Chelsea last summer but has so far failed to shine during his time at the club.
Chelsea have often looked most vulnerable when Ben-Haim has been involved in the centre of defence and his tactical awareness at the top level has been found wanting on a number of occasions.
Tottenham coach Juande Ramos is determined to strengthen a defence that has leaked goals all season.
Ramos has been boosted by the return to fitness of captain Ledley King but the form of Michael Dawson has been inconsistent and the Spurs coach wants to eradicate the weaknesses in his rearguard.
Ben-Haim would coast around £8 million and his sale would allow Chelsea to recoup almost the entire fee paid for Ivanovic.
Ivanovic's signing is another clever piece of business by Grant. The defender began his career in Serbia with Sremska Mitrovica before moving to Belgrade to play for OFK Beograd where he remained for three seasons.
He signed for Lokomotiv in the summer of 2006 and appeared for the Russian side in this season's UEFA Cup.
A star of Serbia's under-21 side in both the 2006 and 2007 European Championships, Ivanovic was voted into last summer's UEFA team of the tournament, and has successfully graduated into a regular for the full national side.
He made his full debut in June 2006, and is now a regular in the Serbian line-up alongside Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic. He has nine caps and has scored once.

Kevin Keegan's Amazing Return

2008-01-17T12:48:00.000+05:30

Kevin Keegan has sensationally returned to Newcastle as the club's manager, saying he is "delighted to be back".
Eleven years after ending his first spell in charge Keegan has returned to St James' Park as Sam Allardyce's successor, signing a three-and-a-half year contract.
Ashley and chairman Chris Mort found themselves under fire at the weekend as it emerged that Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp had withdrawn for the race to succeed Allardyce.
However, the pair gave the fans what they wanted when they appointed a man who achieved legendary status both as a player and as a manager during his previous spells with the club.
They did so under cover of an extensive smokescreen which had seen a bewildering list of names linked with the post as they cast their net far and wide.
The Magpies confirmed Keegan's appointment shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.
And speaking after his return was announced, the former England boss told Sky Sports News: "It's nice to be home. I'm delighted to be back."
And Mort added: "I think we've got the right man in the end.
"We didn't think we'd be able to get Kevin back to the club but he's the right man and we're absolutely delighted."
Joyous Magpies fans will now wonder if their other long-held wish, Alan Shearer's addition to the management team, will also become a reality.
And the former England boss admitted he would be "foolish" not to speak to Keegan if he wants him to be his assistant manager.
When asked if he would consider becoming Keegan's No 2, Shearer told the BBC: "First and foremost I'm not sure he has even thought about it - he probably wouldn't have had time.
"He is his own man and will make his own decisions.
"But it is my club. If he was to ring up and ask to speak to me, I would speak to him...I would be foolish not to."
He did, though, admit: "I haven't really seen myself as a number two."
The response of the Newcastle fans was immediate as lengthy queues formed at the St James' ticket office ahead of the FA Cup third-round replay against Stoke, causing kick-off to be delayed by 15 minutes.
The joy at Keegan's arrival is understandable - his arrival as a player in 1982 helped to rejuvenate the club's fortunes on the field, where they won promotion to the top flight in his second season.
As he was unveiled, then club secretary Russell Cushing famously said: "We're in heaven, we've got Kevin."
Keegan's iconic departure from St James' by helicopter after his final game - a match which saw a young Shearer take his place among the ball boys - apparently signalled the end of an era.
But eight years later, Sir John Hall staged a major coup to hand the former England international his first job in management and spark one of the most remarkable periods in the club's history.
Backed by Hall's millions, he put together a side which thrilled audiences far beyond Tyneside and went desperately close to lifting the league title for the first time since 1927 at the end of the 1995-96 season, only to be overhauled by Manchester United.
The longed-for trophy, however, never arrived - indeed, the wait goes on - and Keegan finally called it a day in January 1997 for reasons which have remained largely private ever since.
He now faces the task of assembling a backroom team, but perhaps more importantly, strengthening a depleted squad during the remaining two weeks of the transfer window to ensure that the club is not sucked into the fight against relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
But as he embarks on that task, he looks to have the backing of the players.
Goalkeeper Shay Given hailed his return as "a dream come true".
Speaking after playing in the 4-1 win over Stoke, Given described the moment he learned of Keegan's appointment.
"The hairs stood up on the back of my neck," he said on Sky Sports News.
"It gave everyone a huge lift.
"You dream like the fans dream that Kevin Keegan would come back and maybe Alan (Shearer) would come back as well.
"But until it was announced, you thought it was just a dream.
"Everyone's pinching themselves around the north east. The dream's come true.
"Kevin Keegan has a lot of work to do with the squad and the team but hopefully there are exciting times ahead.
"We hope to get back to where we were the last time (he was in charge). He nearly won the league.
"Everyone remembers the entertaining football we used to play under Kevin Keegan. Hopefully we can do that and get the right results as well."

Maniche set to join Inter Milan

2008-01-15T15:14:00.000+05:30

Portuguese international Maniche will undergo a medical at Internazionale on Monday before completing his move from Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old will boost a Nerazzurri midfield weakened by several injuries.
"Tomorrow (Monday) Maniche will undergo a medical, he will then speak to (coach Roberto) Mancini before signing his contract," said Inter club executive Gabriele Oriali.
Inter are seven points clear of Roma in Serie A after winning 3-2 at Siena on Sunday.
Mancini's team also face Liverpool in the knockout stage of the Champions League next month.

Ronaldo : No need to rest me

2008-01-15T15:06:00.000+05:30

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he does not need a rest as he looks to continue his red-hot form for Manchester United.
The Portuguese winger scored his first hat-trick for the club in Saturday's 6-0 win over Newcastle to take his tally for the campaign to 22 goals.
This time last season, though, Ronaldo was enjoying the Dubai sunshine after being given a mid-term break by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, the reigning Footballer of the Year has no intention of putting his feet up this month as he aims to maintain his scoring streak.
Ronaldo said in the Daily Mirror: "This time last season the boss gave me a break for four or five days.
"But people who know me will know that all I want to do is play. I just want to play, score goals, make assists and do good things for the team.
"I'm enjoying staying here in Manchester. There isn't much sun at the moment, but it's not a problem. The weather is not the most important thing.
"I had a great season in 2007 and played really well. I scored a lot of goals, made a few goals and it was a wonderful season for me.
"But this season I'm at the same level. I've scored quite a few goals, played at a good level and the important thing is to keep going like that. I want to learn more and play more.
"I want to score as many goals as I can. I have many opportunities to score because my team-mates make good passes and because there are so many games, not just the Premier League but Champions League and FA Cup."

Rafa has no intentions of leaving Liverpool - Agent

2008-01-15T15:00:00.000+05:30

Rafael Benitez has no intention of walking out of Liverpool in the wake of the latest revelations about his job, according to agent Manuel Garcia Quillon.
Reds co-owner Tom Hicks has admitted attempting to line up Jurgen Klinsmann as the club's next manager, claiming it was "an insurance policy" should Benitez leave.
The move has been condemned in some quarters as having undermined the Spaniard.
Coupled with his high-profile fall-out with Hicks and co-owner George Gillett at the end of last year, it has cast further doubt over Benitez's long-term future at Anfield.
But Quillon insists his desire to remain at the club is undiminished.
He told The Times: "Rafa wants to stay at Liverpool. He is happy with the club, with the supporters and with the city. He does not want to leave."
Kop legend Ian Rush was one of those to question the club's American owners, and fears they are in danger of turning Liverpool into a laughing stock.
Rush accused the American tycoons of undermining the great traditions at Anfield after they admitted lining up Klinsmann to replace Benitez.
"Now people are going to say the club is a laughing stock," said Rush, who scored a record 346 goals in 640 Liverpool appearances.
He added in The Sun: "In many ways, you can understand that because this is not the way Liverpool normally do things.
"The tradition of the club - and the very thing that has made them so hugely respected throughout the world - is to do everything in-house, not out in the open like this.
"Look at Newcastle - we certainly don't want to get like that. That's just change for the sake of it. With Harry Redknapp turning them down, it's just going to drag on and on. That doesn't help anyone.
"Now we all know that in football these days there's only one winner - the owners.
"But admitting that Klinsmann was approached is poor timing and puts a lot more pressure on Rafa.
"It's not just upsetting for Rafa but for the players and the fans as well. Everything seemed to be dying down a bit but now it's all been blown up again."

Zambrotta happy at Nou Camp

2008-01-14T22:56:00.000+05:30

Barcelona full-back Gianluca Zambrotta insists he is not thinking about leaving the Nou Camp.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the Catalan club and is not interested in fuelling speculation that he could be on his way to AC Milan.
"I am just thinking about helping the team and winning as many titles as possible," the Italian told the club's official website.
"I have a contract here until 2010 and I feel fine at this club and don't want to think about what might happen in the future."
The speculation linking Zambrotta with Milan gathered pace after Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi revealed the club were looking to sign an experienced defender in the winter transfer window.
"Perhaps we will sign an experienced defender," said Berlusconi on the club's official website.
"Considering the age of some of our players, our defensive line will be reinforced."

Andorra first for England

2008-01-14T22:49:00.000+05:30

England will begin their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against part-time Andorra in September.
After a marathon eight-hour meeting in Zagreb, new manager Fabio Capello emerged reasonably happy with a fixture list in which his main aim - securing two September clashes with Euro 2008 nemesis Croatia - was achieved.
Capello will return to Zagreb to face Slaven Bilic's men immediately after the Andorra game on September 10 this year, with the return encounter at Wembley 12 months later.
England will conclude their campaign on home soil against Belarus on October 14, 2009, four days after a trip to Kiev to face Ukraine.
While the arduous eight-hour flight to Kazakhstan will be undertaken in June, not an ideal time from the FA's perspective, a hoped-for evening kick-off should negate the effects of the sweltering heat while a Wembley clash with Andorra the following Wednesday should not be too taxing for a team showing any ill-effects from the journey.
Given the impasse at the start of the meeting, it is a surprise an agreement on fixtures was reached.
At one point, the smaller teams in the group suggested there was no chance of a resolution until England, Croatia and Ukraine sorted out their differences.
In the end though, Capello had got what he wanted and was happy to let the other five nations in the group sort out the finer details themselves.
"We are reasonably pleased with how it worked out," said FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, who accompanied Capello into the meeting.
"He wanted Croatia twice in September - he was really relaxed about whether we were home or away.
"It has worked out quite nicely that we have a free Saturday before the home game. He also wanted to start with Andorra.
"The two summer games weren't quite as bad as normal. It is unfortunate we are not involved in the tournament coming up, so players will have a long rest this summer. He just felt it was an opportunity to get them away for a period of time.
"We have to make sure we get an evening kick-off for the Kazakhstan game but if you are going to have to play two matches in June, they are the ones you would have chosen."
England Fixtures :
Andorra (a), Saturday September 6 2008
Croatia (a), Wednesday September 10 2008
Kazakhstan (h), Saturday October 11 2008
Belarus (a), Wednesday October 15 2008
Ukraine (h), Wednesday April 1 2009
Kazakhstan (a), Saturday June 6 2009
Andorra (h), Wednesday June 10 2009
Croatia (h), Wednesday September 9 2009
Ukraine (a), Saturday October 10 2009
Belarus (h), Wednesday October 14 2009

Wenger reveals Becks Bid

2008-01-14T22:42:00.000+05:30

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he tried to sign David Beckham in 2004.
The former England captain joined Real Madrid from Manchester United back in the summer of 2003, but his first season in La Liga did not go to plan.
With Beckham struggling in Spain, Wenger spoke to the midfielder's representatives about a possible move back to the Premier League.
However Beckham opted to remain at the Bernabeu, a decision that was vindicated when he helped them win the title in the 2006/07 campaign - his final season with the club before linking up with LA Galaxy.
"David almost came to Arsenal a couple of years ago when things did not go too well during his first season with Real," Wenger told the Daily Express.
"I even met the people who took care of his career, but in the end, David decided to remain at Real."
Beckham is currently training with Arsenal in a bid to maintain his fitness ahead of England's upcoming friendly against Switzerland, although Wenger has already ruled out a loan switch

Chelsea wait for Terry's scan

2008-01-14T22:39:00.000+05:30

Chelsea were today waiting for results of a scan on John Terry's injured foot which will determine whether their inspirational captain can step up his rehabilitation as planned.
Terry is hoping he will be given the all clear to increase his training workload with a view to returning to first team action inside three weeks.
Terry's foot has been encased in a protective boot since suffering three fractures as a result of a tackle from Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue last month.
But the injury has healed well and Terry is now ready to make another significant step towards full fitness.
Terry said: "I have got rid of the crutches now. I am still in a big boot to support the ankle and the foot but the bones have healed and it is just to support it a bit when I stand.
"I am doing a lot of rehab in the pool as well as walking and light jogging and, fingers crossed, I will be about two or three weeks.

"It has been quite frustrating because when the doctors told me the bones had healed, naturally I thought I could go out there and train but it is not as simple as that.
"It was a case of waiting another week. I had been in a cast for three weeks and the foot hasn't moved so it has got to start mobilising again. All the joints and ligaments were tight and we needed to loosen them."

Laursen wants Villa stay

2008-01-14T21:46:00.000+05:30

Martin Laursen has spelt out his desire to remain at Aston Villa as the central defender prepares for further contract talks with the midlands club.
The Denmark international is out of contract in the summer and could leave on a Bosman transfer.
But the former AC Milan player has indicated a desire to stay if his "reasonable" demands are deemed acceptable by Villa.
Laursen has convinced Villa manager Martin O'Neill of his fitness by being an ever present in the Barclays Premier League this season after three years of knee problems.
And he again proved his worth as an attacking threat by scoring his sixth goal of the campaign during Saturday's 3-1 win over Reading at Villa Park.
The 30-year-old said: "There is going to be a meeting in the middle of next week and we will see what that will bring. But it is not a secret that I like it here.
"I would like to stay at Villa. I feel settled outside the pitch as well. I really enjoy staying here and have a good relationship with the manager and everyone around the club.
"I think we have a very good team and I would like to stay so hopefully we can find some kind of agreement.
"Is it close to happening? I have an agent that takes care of all of that. I only want to play well and concentrate on my football.
"We have had a meeting about what we think is reasonable, what we think I should have, but I will leave that to the club and my agent."
O'Neill confirmed he would continue to play another defender in Olof Mellberg even if he signs a pre-contract with Juventus.
He said: "I'd be quite happy to play Olof if he signs a pre-contract. He is well aware he is in his last season but the commitment is there every single week."

Saturday Night Action, 12th January 2008

2008-01-14T21:39:00.000+05:30

Man Utd 6 Newcastle 0
Arsenal 1 Birmingham 1
Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0
Everton 1 Man City 0
Middlesbrough 1 Liverpool 1
Aston Villa 3 Reading 1
West Ham 2 Fulham 1
Derby 0 Wigan 1

Hicks Confirms Klinsmann Talks

2008-01-14T21:31:00.000+05:30

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has cast more doubt over Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield after confirming the club lined up a move for Jurgen Klinsmann before the German moved to Bayern Munich.
Benitez's position at Liverpool has been the subject of virtually constant speculation ever since his row with Hicks and fellow co-owner George Gillett.
During that time, Klinsmann was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool with the American pair believed to be big admirers of the former Germany coach.
And Hicks has now sensationally admitted that the tried to negotiate an option to bring the former Tottenham hero to Anfield as a replacement for Benitez.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "We attempted to negotiate an option, as an insurance policy, to have him become manager if Rafa left for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the UK press."
"Or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason."
Benitez has played down the rumours over his future saying he is happy at Anfield, but Hicks' comments could see the Spaniard's position become untenable.
Hicks does, however, insist Benitez does now have his full support.
He added: "After George and I had our long and productive meeting with Rafa following the Man United match, we put all of our issues behind us and received Rafa's commitment that he wanted to stay with Liverpool.
"We never reached agreement on an option with Jurgen, and we are both pleased for him that he has a great opportunity to return to Germany and coach a great club team.
"Rafa has both of our support, and our communication has greatly improved."

Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham

2008-01-02T01:11:00.000+05:30

Mellberg scored his second goal of the season Martin Laursen's 84th-minute winner helped Aston Villa to sixth place in the Premier League after an entertaining match against Tottenham.

Scorers : Martin Laursen, Mellberg
Defoe

Footballer dies of heart failure

2008-01-02T00:59:00.000+05:30

A post-mortem examination has found that Motherwell footballer Phil O'Donnell died from heart failure. The 35-year-old collapsed during his team's game on Saturday and was pronounced dead a short time later. Robert Liddle, the club doctor, said: "The post-mortem revealed that Phil had suffered left ventricular failure of the heart." It was also announced that the player's funeral service would take place in Hamilton at noon on Friday. The Requiem Mass, in St Mary's Church, Cadzow Street, will be followed by internment at the nearby Bent Cemetery. At the request of his wife Eileen, the church service will be for family and friends only. Mrs O'Donnell said she had been left "devastated" by her husband's death. We are all devastated by what has happened
Fans tributes to football star
Sudden death screening call
Profile of Phil O'Donnell
Father speaks of shock
Eileen O'Donnell Speaking publicly for the first time since he died, she said her husband had achieved much in football but "the most important thing for him was his family". Mrs O'Donnell, mother of the couple's four children, said: "He would like to be remembered as a family man and we were all so proud of him. "We are all devastated by what has happened. "We hope we will now be given peace and time to grieve but we are overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received." The player collapsed and died as he was substituted during his side's 5-3 defeat of Dundee United at Fir Park on Saturday. Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and Rangers captain Barry Ferguson were among the figures from across the world of football who visited Fir Park to see the tributes.
The Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic, O'Donnell's former club, was postponed as a mark of respect for the father-of-four.

More Football Features

2008-01-02T00:52:00.000+05:30

Wenger full of praise for 'classy' Eduardo

Ferdinand happy with tough victory

McLeish frustrated by missed chances

Middlesbrough 0-2 Everton

2008-01-02T00:47:00.000+05:30

Middlesbrough's poor home form continued as Andrew Johnson and James McFadden struck in the second half to give Everton a battling win.

Listen:
Interview: Everton boss David Moyes
Interview: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

Scorers : Andrew Johnson, James McFadden

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

2008-01-02T00:42:00.000+05:30

Roy Hodgson was dealt a cruel blow in his first game in charge of Fulham after Chelsea bounced back from a goal down to win at Craven Cottage.
The home side took the lead when Danny Murphy converted a penalty after Joe Cole carelessly tripped Moritz Volz.
Chelsea equalised after the break when Salomon Kalou nodded in Alex's headed pass from Juliano Belletti's corner.
And Michael Ballack grabbed Chelsea's winner from the spot after he had his shirt pulled by Clint Dempsey.

Interview: Chelsea boss Avram Grant

Interview: Fulham boss Roy Hodgson

Scorers : Danny Murphy
Salomon Kalou, Michael Ballack

Man Utd 1-0 Birmingham

2008-01-02T00:37:00.001+05:30

Carlos Tevez scored the only goal as Manchester United secured a narrow victory to stay two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Scorer : Carlos Tevez

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

2008-01-02T00:28:00.000+05:30

Arsenal comfortably saw off West Ham to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Scorers : Eduardo da Silva, Emanuel Adebayor

Wish You A Very Happy New Year

2007-12-30T19:00:00.000+05:30

Sunday Action

2007-12-30T18:54:00.000+05:30

Derby Rockbottom vs Blackburn Rovers

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Saturday Night Action

2007-12-30T18:25:00.000+05:30

West Ham 2 - 1 Man Utd.

Everton 1 - 4 Arsenal

Chelsea 2 - 1 New Castle

Portsmouth 0 - 1 M'boro

Wigan 1 - 2 A.Villa

Tottenham 6 - 4 Reading

Birmingham 1 - 1 Fulham

Sunderland 3 - 1 Bolton

Its raining goals at White Hart Lane

2007-12-30T18:20:00.000+05:30

The match of the day came at White Hart Lane as Tottenham recorded an extraordinary 6-4 win over Reading.
Dimitar Berbatov scored four times, the first after only seven minutes.
But the home side were forced to come from behind three times.
First Kalifa Cisse and Ivar Ingimarsson made it 2-1 before Berbatov levelled.
That was the first of seven goals in 20 crazy minutes as Dave Kitson, Berbatov, Kitson again and Steed Malbranque made it 4-4 before a Robbie Keane penalty and Berbatov completed the carnage.

Fabregas & Eduardo take Arsenal to the top

2007-12-30T18:09:00.000+05:30

Arsenal went back to the top of the Premier League as manager Arsene Wenger claimed they have learned how to cope with physical sides.
They beat Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park, a ground that had seen them lose four of their previous seven visits, and where they are always given a severe physical examination.
But in a spiteful game that saw Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Everton's Mikel Arteta sent off, the Gunners claimed the three points that take them back above Manchester United, shock losers at West Ham today.
Wenger said: "We battled, we had to. Last season here, Everton played a very physical game and they were very direct. And we lost.
"I can understand that they repeated this tactic. This time we won, but it was very close.
"I was tempted to change the team around at half-time, but I felt the reason we were not winning was that we had become nervous after hearing the Manchester United result.
"But we were playing against a good Everton side who stopped us playing, they did well and it was up to us to get the ball down and be more positive. And to be less nervous because we lost too much possession in the first half.
"After the break we were maybe fortunate to score straight away, 1-1, and that changed the game. From then on we looked dangerous, Everton dropped physically and we were ahead very quickly."
Tim Cahill had stabbed Everton into a deserved lead at the break, but Everton were overcome in spectacular fashion.
Eduardo da Silva struck twice to take Arsenal into the lead, his first goals in the Premier League although he now has nine in 10 games for the Gunners.
Arsenal rubbed it in with goals from substitutes Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky as Everton fell to their first home defeat since mid-October.
Wenger believed his players' character had seen them through.
"The turning point was the fact that we played well with long balls, and we held on when we were down to 10 men and they still had 11," he added.
"They then made that mistake and it killed the game.
"It was hard for Everton because the difference was not as big as 4-1. But they also had a player sent off and it became impossible for them.
"But it was a great result for us, we showed we can battle, we have a great spirit and showed that we can cope with all kinds of challenges - that is always a sign of a very good side."
Everton boss David Moyes maintained that his side were the better team, despite the heavy defeat.
He said: "I could not see that coming at half-time - I couldn't really see it coming well into the second-half either.
"Overall I felt we were the better team, the best team lost. I felt we deserved to win the game and played the best football.
"We passed it better than Arsenal and they scored with humps up the pitch, didn't they.
"It was route-one Arsenal, we couldn't deal with it, and it was not Arsenal-type goals.
"For all the stuff talked about the way they play, it was not their usual type of goals that beat us.
"We cannot hide that we made mistakes for the goals, but I will take some convincing that Arsenal were better than us.
"The scoreline was not a true reflection. I felt that we were always in with a chance of getting it back."

Fergie fires warning to players

2007-12-30T18:05:00.000+05:30

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has emphasised the importance of discipline.
Ferguson has notoriously taken a hard line with his players throughout his career and has not been afraid to sell some of the club's biggest stars.
His latest comments come after revelations about the club's Christmas party made front-page headlines.
Ferguson said: "Football has changed but you cannot lose your control. That is why we make changes here at Manchester United when we see anyone interfering with this sense of control.
"When we see this, then it's time for them to go because this club is based on everyone being together.
"When we start going off at tangents you have to assess it - definitely."
He added: "What annoys me about some players today is this personal glory thing.
"They score a goal and then knock players out of the road so they can have their own private, personal gratification and praise from the fans. It's ugly seeing these kind of celebrations.
"These present-day footballers need to be noticed, with their earrings and tattoos. They no longer go to the small Italian restaurants but to the big and bright places."

Edmilson : Barca can still win the league

2007-12-30T18:00:00.000+05:30

Edmilson insists the spirit in the Barcelona camp remains positive despite their defeat to Real Madrid before the winter break.
Barca went into Christmas seven points behind their arch-rivals after Julio Baptista's goal handed Bernd Schuster's side a 1-0 win at the Nou Camp on December 23.
Brazilian Edmilson, who is nearing a return after six months out through injury, is optimistic that deficit can be cut in the second half of the season.
He told the club's official website: "For sure the team is a little sad after losing to Real Madrid but now we have to forget about that blow.
"What we have to do is look forward and see that we have all the second half of the season to reduce the lead of the league leaders.
"Despite everything, I see the team in high spirits and eager to return to playing and winning games."
Edmilson could make his long-awaited return in Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash against Alcoyano.
"I feel very good," he added. "I'm happy with how my recovery is going. It's been a very long process, six months, but I preferred to extend the recovery period in order to return fully fit without any niggling problems.
"Now I hope (coach Frank) Rijkaard will give me a few minutes against Alcoyano to gain match fitness."

English trio eye Sergio Asenjo

2007-12-30T17:55:00.000+05:30

Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton are vying to sign Real Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, according to reports in Spain.
The Barclays Premier League clubs are understood to have sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action, and could now decide to match his buy-out clause of 4.5million euros (£3.3million) to try and sign him in the summer
Valladolid supremo Carlos Suarez is aware that he would be powerless to prevent Asenjo from leaving if an offer of that value comes in.
"We are prepared for any situation and it is not impossible to see that a club may think about paying his buy-out clause," Suarez told AS.
"We want him to stay here because we will do what is best for him. But his value is continuing to grow."
Along with the English trio, Asenjo's agent has revealed that several Spanish sides have also shown an interest in the 'keeper.
Fernando Redondo explained: "More than one Spanish team is very interested in his future with a view to next season.
"But with his buy-out clause standing at €4.5m, they have held off. Sergio is going to stay where he is for now."
Asenjo made his first-team debut for Valladolid in the 2-0 victory over Villarreal earlier this month and his performance in keeping a clean sheet saw him win many plaudits.

Brother rules out Ronaldinho's move

2007-12-30T17:47:00.000+05:30

Ronaldinho's brother and manager, Roberto de Assis Moreira, has rejected reports the Barcelona star has been in contact with AC Milan.
The Brazilian striker, who has also been linked to Chelsea in the past, has struggled to make an impact at the Nou Camp this season, prompting speculation he could soon be on his way out of the Primera Liga club.
Milan are one of a number of sides said to be interested in the 2002 World Cup winner, but Assis revealed Ronaldinho has no plans to leave Barca in the immediate future.
"There have been no negotiations with Milan at this moment. There has, on the other hand, been a lot of speculation from the press," Assis said.
"He has a contract with Barcelona until 2010 and that is very important to him. Besides, the club's board has already shown their interest in extending that agreement."

Pepe : Real can triumph in all 3 competitions

2007-12-28T06:05:00.000+05:30

Defender Pepe believes Real Madrid have what it takes to win the treble this season.
Real are already firm favourites to retain their Primera Liga title after establishing a seven-point lead over second-placed Barcelona heading into 2008, while Bernd Schuster's men are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Copa del Rey is still in its early stages, with Real having drawn the first leg of their round-of-32 tie against Alicante 1-1, but the Spanish giants remain on course in all three competitions - and Pepe feels they can triumph in each of them.
"We aspire to win three titles and I think the team is good enough to achieve this. We must take it step by step, but we must dream we can achieve it," the centre-back said.

Rijkaard : Title not decided yet

2007-12-28T06:00:00.001+05:30

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard insists there is still all to play for even though his side will start 2008 seven points adrift of leaders Real Madrid following Sunday's home defeat at the Nou Camp.
Barca suffered a league defeat in front of their own fans for the first time since February 2006 after going down to a first-half Julio Baptista goal in 'El Clasico'.
That has left the Catalan giants with a mountain to climb to haul reigning Spanish champions Real in after the Christmas break, but Rijkaard was keen to point out that nothing had been decided on Sunday's result
"It is a tough blow, because we worked hard for the win. But we have to digest the defeat and look ahead," he said.
"Now we have to continue working with pride and with hope. We have to believe in our chances.
"There are still a lot of matches remaining, and while it is true that Madrid have an important advantage, everything is still possible."

Garcia calls for consistency

2007-12-28T05:54:00.000+05:30

Atletico Madrid forward Luis Garcia has given his side a thumbs up for their start to the season, but has emphasised it is where they are near the end of the campaign that will be key.
Atletico are flying high in La Liga, lying in fifth spot over the Christmas break and only three points behind second-placed Barcelona.
Javier Aguirre's men are also going nicely in the UEFA Cup and the Copa del Rey, but Garcia insists they need to keep playing at that level if they are to achieve their goals for this season.
"Consistency is fundamental for any team to get far. The Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup are sporadic competitions, where you play two games every now and again. The league is a more regular competition, a long-distance race," he said
"Our principle objective is to be among the first four places (in the league). What we are doing now is picking up as many points as possible so we can go into the last five games as near as we can be to top spot."

Barton arrested in assault probe

2007-12-28T05:43:00.000+05:30

Newcastle and England midfielder Joey Barton has been arrested by police in Liverpool following an alleged assault.

The footballer was arrested along with a 19-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman on Church Street in the city centre at 0530 GMT.
Merseyside Police confirmed the three were being held in custody.
A spokesman said: "All three remain in custody for interview and processing and I expect a decision on charges or release will be made later tonight."

Carvalho sorry for red-card lunge

2007-12-28T05:38:00.000+05:30

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has apologised to Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor for the two-footed tackle that led to his red card on Boxing Day.

"I didn't see him after the game to apologise but I asked for a message to be passed on to him," said Carvalho.
But Blues boss Avram Grant said the defender did not deserve to see red, claiming he "went for the ball".

More Football Features

2007-12-28T05:28:00.000+05:30

Benitez praises last-gasp Gerrard

Wenger frustrated by Portsmouth tactics

O'Neill lauds 'terrific' Villa

King eyes future England return

2007-12-28T05:24:00.000+05:30

Tottenham captain Ledley King outlined his intentions to impress new England manager Fabio Capello after six months out through injuries.

The centre-back made his first appearance of the season in Spurs' 5-1 win over Fulham on Boxing Day.
"I am no different to any player - I want to impress the new (England) manager," said King.
"Once I have got a number of games under my belt then I can start to think about that (England recall)."
King was replaced after 73 minutes at White Hart Lane and will be assessed by medical staff ahead of Saturday's match against Reading.

Wenger unfazed as Man Utd go top

2007-12-28T05:18:00.000+05:30

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is unconcerned that his team have lost their lead at the top of the Premier League heading into the new year.

Man Utd beat Sunderland 4-0 on Boxing Day to move ahead of the Gunners, who drew 0-0 away at Portsmouth.
But Wenger said: "I prefer to be in front, but with one point difference that is not that big a deal.
"We have only lost one game so you will have problems to convince me that we are in a crisis."
Interview: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
Arsenal travel to Everton this weekend having picked up just two points from their three previous away games.
And Wenger believes that to be trailing by just one point at this stage of the season is not a bad thing.
"Although a 0-0 draw is a disappointment it is not too bad," he added.
"If we go six months again by just losing none then we will be champions," said the Frenchman.
"I believe that if we just try and focus on our performances and get a good result at Everton then everything is alright."

Cole and Knight contest red cards

2007-12-28T05:09:00.000+05:30

Chelsea and Aston Villa will appeal against the red cards shown to Ashley Cole and Zat Knight during their thrilling 4-4 draw on Boxing Day.

Ashley Cole

Zat Knight

Villa's Knight was sent off for fouling Michael Ballack, while Chelsea's Cole saw red for handball on the goal-line.
Both incidents led to penalties, while Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho was also dismissed by referee Phil Dowd.
"Villa have appealed against Zat Knight's debateable red card," said a club statement released by Villa.
"(Manager) Martin O'Neill was incensed by the decision and after reviewing the incident again has decided to lodge a formal appeal in the hope that Knight can avoid a three-match ban."
With Villa leading 2-0, Knight was sent off just before half-time for a challenge on Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, with the subsequent penalty converted by Andriy Shevchenko.
O'Neill claimed the German international dived to win the spot kick, but Ballack has protested his innocence.
"For me there is no discussion about this," he told the London Evening Standard.
"I had the ball and two guys, not just one, came and one pushed me. It was a clear penalty."
Cole was shown a red card in the 90th minute for handball after clearing Gabriel Agbonlahor's header off the line, with the England left-back claiming he headed the ball clear.
The pair will learn their fate at a Football Association hearing on Friday, 28 December.

Lampard sidelined by thigh injury

2007-12-28T05:04:00.000+05:30

Frank Lampard will miss the rest of Chelsea's festive season programme because of a thigh injury.

The England midfielder limped off after 26 minutes in Chelsea's 4-4 thriller against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh. The tear is not the same leg that Frank injured earlier in the season," said a club statement.
"He will begin rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."
Lampard's injury is yet another setback for Chelsea's title aspirations as they trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points.
Manager Avram Grant is already without captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba through injuries.

Premiere League Boxing Day Results!

2007-12-26T22:44:00.000+05:30

Sunderland 0 - 4 Man Utd

Derby 1 - 2 Liverpool

Wigan 1 - 0 Newcastle

Tottenham 5 - 1 Fulham

Everton 2 - 0 Bolton

Birmingham 3 - 0 Middlesbrough

West Ham 1 - 1 Reading

Arsenal 0 - 0 Portsmouth

West Ham v Reading

2007-12-26T08:48:00.000+05:30

West Ham v Reading
Upton Park

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1300 GMT

West Ham striker Carlton Cole is available after suspension but Dean Ashton and Henri Camara could retain their places up front. James Collins (groin) and Luis Boa Morte (thigh) will have fitness tests ahead of the game.
Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson is a doubt with a badly-gashed knee that he picked up against Sunderland.
The Royals have no other new injury worries, with John Oster (ankle) and Glen Little (heel) still sidelined.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Ljungberg, Parker, Ashton, Pantsil, Solano, Noble, Mullins, Spector, Collins, Wright, Walker, Camara, Cole.
Reading (from): Hahnemann, Federici, Murty, De la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Bikey, Duberry, Shorey, Hunt, Gunnarsson, Harper, Cisse, Fae, Convey, Doyle, Kitson, Long, Lita.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on Dean Ashton:"He's taken some criticism in the last few weeks and I think that is because of the expectation. "He came back and got a couple of goals, but getting fit while playing in the Premier League is so hard. "Dean looked sharper today and when he hits the ball he hits it hard. When a ball drops you want it to drop to him."
Reading manager Steve Coppell on his intentions in January:"I challenged the players and I made the decision (not to make major changes) in the summer. "After half a season we have reached the conclusion that we need two or three reinforcements. "That will be our intention but come the last day of January if we haven't got anyone I'll go with what I've got."

Tottenham v Fulham

2007-12-26T08:17:00.000+05:30

Tottenham v Fulham
White Hart Lane

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1300 GMT

Tottenham's Ledley King could make a surprise return depending on a fitness test but Anthony Gardner, Gareth Bale and Didier Zokora are definitely out. Darren Bent (hip), Ricardo Rocha (thigh), and Jermaine Jenas (ankle) and Michael Dawson are all doubtful.
Fulham defender Elliot Omozusi is doubtful after limping out of the draw with Wigan after 60 minutes.
Meanwhile, Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries.

Tottenham (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King, Lee, Lennon, O'Hara, Jenas, Boateng, Malbranque, Huddlestone, Berbatov, Defoe, Tainio, Taarabt, Bent, Keane, Archibald-Henville.
Fulham (from): Niemi, Hughes, Baird, Konchesky, Bocanegra, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Bouazza, Dempsey, Kamara, Healy, Kuqi, Warner, Smertin, Ki-Hyeon.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos on the defeat to Arsenal:"Robbie was upset about the penalty.
"The game was evenly balanced and we had that chance at 1-1. "But to concede a goal from a corner when all the players are in the penalty area isn't normal and that mistake cost us."
Fulham caretaker manager Ray Lewington:"All the games look hard on paper. "We will be playing against a quality side away from home and our away form is not good. "But we have got to win away from home sooner or later so we will go backed by the spirit we showed against Wigan."

Wigan v Newcastle

2007-12-26T08:14:00.000+05:30

Wigan v Newcastle
JJB Stadium

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Wigan defender Mario Melchiot is available after serving a suspension. Emile Heskey could return following an ankle injury but Jason Koumas remains a major doubt with the groin problem that sidelined him against Fulham.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen is ready to resume training and could make an appearance in the squad.
Stephen Carr is fit after a hamstring injury, as is Abdoulaye Faye, while Damien Duff could start after his return against Derby on Sunday.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown, Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Bent, Heskey, Aghahowa, Granqvist, Olembe, Koumas, Skoko, Cotterill, Hall, Sibierski, Pollitt.
Newcastle (from): Given, Harper, Carr, Beye, N'Zogbia, Enrique, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Taylor, Faye, Edgar, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Milner, Emre, Duff, Smith, Martins, Viduka, Owen.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce:"Two weeks ago we didn't have a hope of getting out of the bottom three and now we are in striking distance of that. "When you take over a club and they haven't won in 13 games, you've got to try and restore the pride and a little bit of belief. "There were a lot of pleasing things in the game against Fulham."
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce:"The Christmas period is where people begin to start fighting harder for their position at the bottom. "Wigan will have picked up some confidence, so I will expect a very difficult game.
"But it is one in which if we do hit our form - each individual and as a team - we can call it a winnable game."

Birmingham v Middlesbrough

2007-12-26T08:09:00.000+05:30

Birmingham v Middlesbrough
St Andrews

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Birmingham skipper Liam Ridgewell is available after serving a one-match ban and look set to replace Radhi Jaidi.
Manager Alex McLeish is expected to recall striker Mikael Forssell to play alongside Cameron Jerome in attack.
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is a concern after being substituted in three of the last four games because of cramp. Fabio Rochemback is available after serving a one-match ban but Gary O'Neil is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Parnaby, Kelly, Sadler, Queudrue, Schmitz, Ridgewell, Jaidi, Djourou, Larsson, De Ridder, Muamba, Nafti, Johnson, Sheffrey, Kapo, Jerome, Forssell, O'Connor, Doyle.
Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Cattermole, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Rochemback, Johnson, Shawky, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Lee, Hutchinson.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish:"I knew it was a tough job when I took it on, a massive challenge.
"I don't have a magic wand. If we keep making the errors then it's going to cost players their places.
"We've got a team that can bounce back, but we will be trying to look to do something in January to add some quality to the squad."
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on the defeat to West Ham:"We've taken a kick in the nuts, but we've got to get it out of our system. "There's nothing we can do about it now. We're bitterly disappointed but there's nothing we can do about it now. We just have to get back on track. "They did a job on us - a classic away smash and grab."

Everton v Bolton

2007-12-26T08:05:00.000+05:30

Everton v Bolton
Goodison Park

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Everton are hopeful Mikel Arteta will have recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the defeat at Manchester United on Sunday. The Toffees were also without Leon Osman (foot), Alan Stubbs (calf) and Leighton Baines (hamstring) and they are likely to be missing again.
Bolton manager Gary Megson could name an unchanged team from the side that beat Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday. But Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel are both hoping for a recall.

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Valente, Cahill, Carsley, Pienaar, Gravesen, Arteta, Anichebe, Johnson, Yakubu, Vaughan, McFadden, Wessels.
Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, A O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, Campo, Guthrie, Davies, Anelka, Diouf, McCann, Samuel, Al Habsi, Speed, Giannakopoulos, Cid, Michalik, Wilhelmsson, Braaten, Alonso.

Everton manager David Moyes:"Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off and get a good result against Bolton and start another long, unbeaten run. "We played well at United in periods and felt we did enough for a point.
"There were a lot of positives to be taken from the match and we only lost the game in the final minutes."
Bolton manager Gary Megson:"Everton are having a fantastic season and although they have spent some money, they are not one of the real big spenders. "A number of clubs find it difficult at Goodison but we've got to go and improve on our away performances. "When we are at our best we can beat anybody at this level."

Derby v Liverpool

2007-12-26T08:01:00.000+05:30

Derby v Liverpool
Pride Park

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Derby skipper Matt Oakley remains a doubt with the groin strain that forced him out of the draw at Newcastle.
Stephen Bywater picked up a shoulder injury and Darren Moore a back problem in the match at St James' Park but both are expected to face Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is likely to make changes with a tough trip to Manchester City looming next Sunday.
Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas and Jack Hobbs could all be in line for a starting place.

Derby (from): Bywater, Mears, Moore, McEveley, Leacock, Barnes, Edworthy, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis, Fagan, Howard, Miller, Teale, Earnshaw, Feilhaber, Holmes, Price.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Kewell, Babel, Lucas, Sissoko, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.

Derby manager Paul Jewell:"I am a realist, I know we have got it all to do. "All I can ask of the players is that they give me everything they have got. "Day-to-day we are gradually improving and coming around to the way we want to do things because every manager is different and does things differently."
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez:"It is too early to talk about the title or whether we will be in the top four.
"There are a number of sides who are playing well, so you cannot say who are going to be contenders.
"My idea is one game at a time and then see if we are in the top four at the end of the season."

Chelsea v Aston Villa

2007-12-26T07:50:00.000+05:30

Chelsea v Aston Villa
Stamford Bridge

Wednesday, 26 December

Kick-off: 1300 GMT

Chelsea's third-choice goalkeeper Hilario could start, with Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini both out injured.
Cech is suffering from bruising picked up in Sunday's win at Blackburn while Cudicini is out with a rib injury.
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov could be in line for a recall after making his comeback from injury as a substitute against Manchester City.
Petrov's former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney would be the player most likely to make way.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, J Cole, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro.
Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Davies, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.

Cheslea manager Avram Grant on Chelsea's injury problems:"I cannot say it will be easy if we lose Cech.
"To play with so many injured for a long time, I don't like it. "It's fact, and we need to get through it as soon as possible like we have done in the last three months."
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill:"We've got a tough period coming up. "But this time of the year is always critical because there are so many games in quick succession. "You can recover from a poor Christmas but if you can do well it gives you an enormous spur."

Portsmouth v Arsenal

2007-12-26T07:44:00.000+05:30

Portsmouth v Arsenal
Fratton Park
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1945 GMT

Portsmouth defender Noe Pamarot could return after recovering from the hamstring injury that forced him out of the defeat at Liverpool.
Sean Davis missed the reverse at Anfield after picking up a knock in training but could also return.
Arsenal may opt against playing Robin van Persie after he was not risked against Tottenham.
Theo Walcott is struggling with a knee injury but Emmanuel Eboue is fit after playing for 74 minutes against Spurs.

Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Davis, Diop, Muntari, Kranjcar, Pedro Mendes, Benjani, Kanu, Taylor, Nugent, Lauren, Hughes, Ashdown.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Gilberto, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Diarra, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Senderos, Traore, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Diaby, Eduardo.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:"It is a nice, easy game for us after Liverpool.
"We gave away two terrible goals after getting back into the game following a poor start.
"But were are making progress as a club and I would be satisfied with a top-10 finish. Anything else will be a bonus."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:"It's important to be top.
"But it's too early to say. In the last two seasons, at this stage there was only one team involved - Chelsea or Manchester United. "This year there are more in it so it's impossible to say how things will happen. Being top now is no insurance."

Sunderland v Man Utd

2007-12-26T07:30:00.000+05:30

Sunderland v Man Utd Stadium of Light
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is a doubt with a heel injury he picked up at Reading on Saturday. Liam Miller is still suspended, while Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring), Kieran Richardson (back) and Russell Anderson (ankle) are not yet ready to return. Park Ji-sung could return to the Manchester United squad for the first time since March after knee surgery. Edwin van der Sar (groin) is definitely out, while Rio Ferdinand (foot) and Owen Hargreaves (back) should be fit.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Ward, McShane, Halford, Harte, Higginbotham, Collins, Yorke, Etuhu, Leadbitter, Wallace, Whitehead, Kavanagh, O'Donovan, Jones, Chopra, Connolly, Murphy, Stokes, Cole.

Man Utd (from): Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, O'Shea, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane on recent refereeing decisions:"You just keep hoping that over the course of the season these decisions will even themselves out. "It hasn't for the last few weeks but we hope, come May, that we look back and say 'well some went for us and some went against us'. "At the moment they are all going against us."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:"December is a very important month. "If we get through Christmas, we have tough away games at Sunderland and West Ham and Birmingham at home, and are still with Arsenal we have a chance. "We have Nani, Saha and Park all back in the squad, but there won't be a lot of changes."

Seasonal Feast

2007-12-26T07:12:00.000+05:30

The Premier League enters a key phase with a jam-packed Boxing Day programme.

UEFA Champions League Draw

2007-12-26T06:57:00.000+05:30

Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla

(Ties to be played on 19/20 February and 4/5 March)