Sunday 30 November 2008
Palermo vs Milan 3-1 Players Rating
Palermo
Amelia – 8.0: A dominant performance by the Italian international keeper tonight, as he made a countless number of crucial saves throughout the contest. Highlights included a world class save against Pato after 17 minutes, and the penalty save on Ronaldinho ten minutes later.
Balzaretti – 6.5: Worked hard at both ends of the park, but didn’t set the world on fire tonight. He did assist the Simplicio goal however, following a great ball in from the left after 80 minutes.
Bovo – 6.0: The centre-back was a little clumsy tonight, as he picked up yellow card following a poor effort to halt the run of Inzaghi on 48 minutes. He also made an inept challenge on Ronaldinho after 79 minutes, which resulted in Milan’s second penalty of the contest.
Carrozzieri – 7.0: Despite being booked on 77 minutes, he was an extremely influential player this evening. Was great at the back, as he nullified the impact of the Milan forwards, Inzaghi in particular, and he also did well to get forward on a number of occasions.
Cassani – 7.5: The right-back was one of the most consistent performers over the course of the 90 minutes. He was undoubtedly the best player in the first 20 minutes, and he provided support at both ends of the park, putting in some great challenges at the back, and sending in some great balls in attack.
Liverani – 7.0: A general in the midfield this evening, as he was central to a number of his side’s attacking plays. His wonderful chip proved on 59 minutes in to the area led to the second goal, scored by Cavani.
Nocerino – 6.5: Had a shaky start tonight, as he almost gifted Pato a goal after 17 minutes, when his poor touch was swooped on by the Brazilian; however he worked his way into the match, to become an important player in the latter stages.
Bresciano – 6.0: A relatively quiet performance from the Australian international this evening, although he didn’t really put a foot wrong all night.
Simplicio – 7.0: Very clever performance from this player tonight, and he was rewarded with a goal on 80 minutes, following a great ball in Balzaretti.
Cavani – 7.5: The powerful striker provided good support to Miccoli all night, and he too was rewarded with a goal, his side’s second after 59 minutes, when he headed home a Liverani chip.
Miccoli – 9.0: A simply stunning display by Miccoli. Was absolutely dominant for the entire match tonight, and was unlucky not to have scored on more than one occasion. Perhaps a recall to Marcello Lippi’s Italian squad could be on the cards for the Palermo hitman.
Subs: Kjaer N/A, Succi N/A
Milan
Abbiati – 8.5: Undoubtedly his side’s best player on the night, as he made save after save to keep his side in the contest in the first half. He wasn’t really at fault for any of the goals, and can hold his head up high after a phenomenal individual performance.
Zambrotta – 5.5: He worked hard at both ends of the park; however he let Miccoli skip past him too easily for the first goal. Had a great effort to make it 3-2 in the 86th minute, only to be denied by Amelia.
Maldini – 4.5: The Milan icon had an absolute nightmare tonight, as he was troubled by Cavani and Miccoli for the majority of the match.
Bonera – 4.5: Similar to his partner at the back, he struggled to get the better of the Palermo attacking duo, and suffered greatly as a result.
Jankulovski – 5.0: He evidently gave his all, but he faded out of the contest as the match wore on. Poor marking on his behalf, to allow Simplicio to head home the third goal for Palermo.
Flamini – 5.0: Very quiet performance by the former Arsenal man tonight. He didn’t do much wrong, but also not anything worth noting, and was substituted after 56 minutes as a result.
Pirlo – 5.5: The midfielder took his time to get into the contest. He did go close to scoring on a few occasions, including a 65th minute free kick that forced Amelia into making a great save.
Ambrosini – 5.5: Worked hard in the midfield, but he failed to have the impact he would have hoped for. He was substituted after 56 minutes for Shevchenko.
Seedorf – 6.5: Looked confident and menacing when in possession of the ball, and tested his luck from long range more often than once.
Ronaldinho – 6.5: An inconsistent performance by the Brazilian. Brilliant at times, very poor at others. He scored the only goal for his side from the spot after 83 minutes, but also missed from the spot in the first.
Pato – 6.0: The young Brazilian started brightly, and he had a huge opportunity to score on 17 minutes, but was denied by Amelia. He also managed to win the first penalty for his side, before being forced to withdraw due to injury after 29 minutes.
Subs: Inzaghi 5.0, Shevchenko 5.5, Emerson 5.5
Chelsea Vs Arsenal 1-2, Van Persie The Hero !
Arsenal arrived at Stamford Bridge hoping to bounce back from consecutive league defeats and with Cesc Fabregas leading the Gunners out for the first time in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger was boosted by the return of Emmanuel Adebayor who partnered Robin van Persie up front with Bacary Sagna returning at right back and Samir Nasri restored to midfield.
Chelsea, meanwhile were without Joe Cole and the banned Didier Drogba with Luiz Felipe Scolari deciding to recall Deco after his Champions League suspension and Saloman Kalou.
The home side certainly began the brighter, anxious to improve on a home record that has appeared less than invincible this season.
Yet Arsenal weathered the initial onslaught and new captain Fabregas was the first to try his luck, forcing Petr Cech into a save just after the ten minute mark.
The Czech parried the ball which almost fell to William Gallas, of all people, for a tap in however the ball fell agonisingly behind the onrushing defender.
Yet aside for a Robin van Persie shot on goal on the half hour mark that was about as close as the Gunners came as Chelsea enjoyed the better of an entertaining first half.
Indeed mid-way through the opening period Scolari’s men almost opened the scoring after a superb move.
A good break by the Blues saw Michael Ballack work the ball out to Jose Bosingwa on the right and his cross was met firmly by the head of Frank Lampard, yet Almunia claimd comfortably.
However, just on the half hour mark the home side finally made the breakthrough. A poor throw out by Almunia saw Chelsea regain quickly possession before a wicked ball in by Bosingwa was diverted by Djourou past his own goalkeeper.
Minutes later and Scolari’s men almost doubled their lead. Deco played a cute ball through to Kalou but Sagna was on hand to make a great saving challenge and clear the danger.
The Blues came out for the second period in much the same mood with Lampard almost making it two, five minutes after half-time.
Kalou and Anelka combined well but were blocked by the Arsenal defence and Lampard on the follow up took the shot first time but couldn’t find the target from range.
Arsenal, by contrast, were struggling to get into the match yet they managed to pull one back against the run of play just before the hour mark.
A long ball forward was headed down by Adebayor and fell to Nasri who poked it across to Denilson. The Brazilian then slipped it to a suspiciously offside looking van Persie to rifle home from the edge of the box.
Minutes later and matters got even worse for Chelsea as Arsenal took the lead. Fabregas drifted a free kick into the box which was headed down again by Adebayor and van Persie on the turn fired it home low and into the far corner to give the Gunners the lead.
Chelsea were stunned and with few options on the bench chose to bring on one of their few attacking options Malouda replaced Mikel.
Yet whilst they saw plenty of the ball they rarely threatened Almunia and it was Arsenal who were looking the more dangerous side on the break, unafraid to commit numbers forward.
In the end it was fairly comfortable for the Gunners who held on to hand Fabregas a first league win as skipper and what must be a hugely satisfying result for Arsene Wenger.
Scolari and Chelsea, meanwhile, have much to ponder and after toiling at Stamford Bridge yet again may just be relieved that their next fixture is away from home.
Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa; Ivanovic, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel (Malouda, 69); Ballack, Deco (Stoch, 80), Lampard; Kalou, Anelka.
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy; Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri; Adebayor (Bendtner, 83), Van Persie.
GOALS
1-2 Arsenal (van Persie, 61)
1-1 Arsenal (van Persie, 59)
1-0 Chelsea (Djourou og, 30)
Palermo Fantastic ! Crush Milan 3-1!
With Inter getting the better of Napoli 2-1 earlier in the day, tonight’s match at Palermo was crucial for the Rossoneri, as they needed a win to maintain the pace with the Nerazzurri at the top of the table. On the other hand however, the Rosanero were determined to get back on the winners list, as they had attained just one point from their past three league outings.
The home side has won four of six matches at the Renzo Barbera this term, with their only defeats coming at the hands of Fiorentina, and more recently the reigning champions Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan has won just one of the past four matches away from home.
The Palermo coach, Davide Ballardini, has a full strength squad available for the clash with Milan tonight, as he has no injuries or suspensions to deal with. The same cannot be said for Ancelotti, as he will be without the suspended Kaka, and the injure Marco Borriello and Alessandro Nesta.
As a result, Daniele Bonera will partner Paolo Maldini in the centre of defence, whilst Pato and Clarence Seedorf will start up front, alongside Ronaldinho.
First Half
The Rosanero got the play underway at the Renzo Barbera stadium, and looked dangerous right from the onset, as Fabrizio Miccoli tested his luck within the first minute from long range, only to see Christian Abbiati deal with the effort in a successful manner.
The home side continued their early dominance on the ball in the first ten minutes, with the first real chance of the contest coming to Morris Carrozzieri after seven minutes. His header from a Miccoli cross was just wide of the target however, and the scores remained 0-0.
The Rossoneri slowly began to work their way in to the match, with their first real opportunity coming after 15 minutes. A glorious ball into the area by Gianluca Zambrotta was met by the head of Pato; however his header was inches wide of the target.
Just two minutes later, Pato had the chance to break deadlock, as he swooped onto a poor touch by Antonio Nocerino, only to be denied by an inspired Marco Amelia, who had started confidently for his side.
The match continued to lift in intensity, as Palermo went close to scoring, through Miccoli again, as attempted another long range effort. Just moments later, it was that man again who went close to scoring, when his strike from just inside the area, was well dealt with by Abbiati, following a great touch by Edison Cavani.
Four minutes later, Pato found himself on the end of a long ball, and managed to work his way in to the area, only to see Marco Amelia rush from his line to give away a penalty. The Palermo players were livid with the decision, as they believed that the contact has been made outside the area. Replays indicated that it was a line-ball decision, and so the penalty stood.
Ronaldinho stepped up to take the penalty, however his casual approach resulted in a fine save from Amelia, as he got a hand to the ball to deny the Brazilian. The former Barca man’s effort was extremely poor, and the score remained 0-0 in Palermo.
Pato was forced to withdraw from the field of play after 29 minutes, after he suffered one knock to many. He was replaced by the leading goal scorer in Europe, Pippo Inzaghi, who looked determined to continue his goal scoring form, from his side’s midweek match with Portsmouth in the Uefa cup.
The intensity dropped a little over the next ten minutes, as both side’s failed to construct any dangerous movements in attack.
On 40 minutes, Miccoli took the ball into the area, and had about five Milan opponents to contend with. He worked his way past three of them; however failed to get a shot off, as Marek Jankulovski made a last ditch effort to clear the danger.
The fourth official indicated that there would be four minutes of additional time in the first half, and it was the Rossoneri who went closest to scoring in this period of time. Cesare Bovo fouled Inzaghi just outside the area, meaning that Milan received a free kick just outside the area.
Ronaldinho took the resulting free kick, and his curling effort was denied by the cross bar, bringing an end to an entertaining first half of football in Sicily.
Second Half
Neither coach made a change at the break, as the visitors got play underway in the second half. The home side started the brighter however, as they picked up from where they left off in the first half.
It took the Rosanero just five minutes to conjure up their first promising attack of the half, as Miccoli picked up the ball in a dangerous crossing position. He somehow was allowed to cut on to his right, skip past Zambrotta, and his lethal strike from just outside the area was too good for Abbiati, and Palermo took a well-deserved advantage.
Miccoli picked up a booking for his celebration, however it meant little, as his seventh goal of the season had given his side the lead against Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan.
On 57 minutes, the Milan boss made a double change, with Emerson coming on to replace Mathieu Flamini, and Andrei Shevchenko coming on for Ambrosini, as Ancelotti finally made a tactical change.
Shevchenko almost had an immediate impact on proceedings, as he was fortunate enough to get on the end of a deflected effort by Seedorf. The Ukrainian’s effort was well saved by Amelia, although he was in an offside position.
Immediately following this, a quick break by the Rosanero resulted in Liverani with the ball at his feet. His delicate chip into the area was met by the head of Cavani, who did extremely well to beat Abbiati at the far post with his head, to double his side’s advantage. 2-0 to Palermo.
The Rossoneri were stunned, trailing by two goals in a contest that they were expected to win. They failed to put together any consistency in their play, and could not construct anything in attack. This was until the 65th minute, when Andrea Pirlo’s free kick was well saved by Amelia, as the home keeper looked an absolute rock in goals tonight.
The home side continued to play with confidence, as their defender Bovo of all people, went close to scoring just five minutes later. He found himself on the end of an Abbiati save from a powerful long drive by Simplicio.
Ancelotti’s men were dealt another blow on 80 minutes, when Balzaretti’s glorious ball in to the area, picked out an unmarked Simplicio, who headed home his side’s third, making it a near impossible mission for the Rossoneri.
Just two minutes later however, superb play from Ronaldinho was halted due to a poor challenge from Bovo inside the area. A penalty was awarded, the second of the contest, and the Brazilian looked to make amends for his poor attempt in the first half. Ronnie made no mistake from the spot on this occasion, as he gave his side half a chance, by finally beating Amelia in goals.
The visitors looked a changed side following the Ronaldinho penalty, as they began to lift in confidence when in possession of the ball. Zambrotta went close to scoring on 86 minutes, as his powerful strike on an acute angle was well dealt with by Amelia once again.
Ballardini made his first defensive switch of the contest, when he removed his star man Miccoli from the field of play; as Simon Kjaer came on to see out the final few minutes. Despite this switch, the Rossoneri looked the stronger in the final few moments, as they surged forward in numbers, and went in search of a miracle.
There were four minutes of additional time in the second half, however it was too little too later for the visitors, as they suffered their third defeat of the campaign, meaning that their cross-town rivals Inter, are now six points clear atop of the Serie A table.
The Rosanero’s second win in eight matches however, was enough for them to remain in 11th position on 20 points, although they now find themselves just 4 points adrift of 4th placed Napoli.
TEAMS
Palermo (4-4-2): Amelia; Balzaretti, Bovo, Carrozzieri, Cassani; Liverani, Nocerino, Bresciano, Simplicio; Cavani, Miccoli.
Milan (4-3-2-1): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Maldini, Bonera, Jankulovski; Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf, Ronaldinho; Pato.
GOALS
50’ Miccoli (Palermo)
59’ Cavani (Palermo)
80’ Simplicio (Palermo)
83’ Ronaldinho (Milan)
Inter Milan Vs Napoli 2-1 Players Rating
INTER
Julio Cesar - 6.0: Aside from picking the ball out of his goal once, did not have too many notable saves to make today. Always ready and alert though.
Maicon - 7.0: Superb in the first half, bombing forward and providing the assist for Muntari's goal. Pushed back by Mannini in the second half.
Cordoba - 7.5: The best of the Inter backline. Solid defensively, and capped off a fine afternoon with an excellent goal.
Samuel - 6.0: Struggled today at times against the physical Zalayeta and skilful Lavezzi. The latter left him for dead in the build-up to his goal, although he did deny the striker later on with a crucial tackle.
Maxwell - 6.0: Held his own against Maggio, although Maxwell was non-existent as an offensive force and rarely pushed past the half way line.
Zanetti - 6.5: A busy display from the Inter captain and legend, although he missed a great chance to kill the game five minutes from time.
Cambiasso - 7.0: Sat in front of the back four, and did an excellent job in closing the space that Hamsik thrives on when making his late runs into the box.
Muntari - 8.5: Is turning into an excellent summer signing. Created the first goal, scored the second himself, and had a fine game, winning tackles and driving forward.
Stankovic - 6.0: A quiet game from Stankovic, who could not repeat his outstanding efforts from against Juventus last week.
Cruz - 6.5: Led the line well, and executed a brilliant backheel in the build-up to Muntari's goal. Faded in the second half, and was replaced.
Ibrahimovic - 6.0: Not one of Ibrahimovic's best afternoons. Improved as the game went on, but not too many of his tricks and flicks came off.
Subs: Adriano 6.5, Burdisso 6.0, Jimenez N/A
NAPOLI
Iezzo - 7.0: Did not have too many saves to make tonight, although he did produce one excellent stop from Zanetti. Blameless on both goals he conceded.
Cannavaro - 6.5: Coped relatively well on the right of Napoli's defensive centre three, and was not troubled that often by Ibrahimovic. Gave the ball away carelessly to Zanetti though late on, and should have been punished.
Rinaudo - 7.0: A surprise starter ahead of Santacroce, but he was calm and assured in the centre of defence, and barely put a foot wrong.
Aronica - 5.0: The weak link of the Napoli defence this afternoon. Lost Cordoba for the first goal, was suspect on the second, and made a number of rash challenges.
Pazienza - 6.0: Quietly went about his work in the middle-of-the-park, but wasted possession on a few occasions.
Gargano - 7.5: Took a while to get going but, once he did, the Uruguayan delivered another impressive performance. Excellent in the second half, directing all of Napoli's moves.
Maggio - 6.0: Clocked up the miles down the right flank and, if anything won his match-up with Maxwell on points.
Mannini - 6.5: Had a tough time against Maicon in the first half, but turned the tables on the Brazilian after the interval and looked dangerous down the left.
Hamsik - 6.0: Did a lot of running and unselfish work in the middle-of-the-park, but did not stamp his usual authority on the game, and was substituted on 65 minutes.
Lavezzi - 8.0: Another exceptional performance from the young phenomoneon. If there proves to be a better goal in Serie A this weekend than the one he scored today, it will be one hell of a goal.
Zalayeta - 6.5: I once said that Zalayeta was the best in the world at backheels, and he proved my point today with a fantastic colpo di tacco for Lavezzi's goal. Gave Samuel an awkward time of things.
Subs: Blasi 6.0, Denis 6.0, Bogliacino N/A
Atalanta Beat Down lazio 2-0
After a disappointing defeat away to Reggina last Sunday, Atalanta were keen to impress with a concrete performance in front of their home fans. There were no selection worries going into the encounter for Gigi Del Neri’s side.
Lazio, who had started the season in fine fashion, were looking to bounce back after two games without a win and keep in touch with the Champions league places. Delio Rossi opted to start with Mauri in place of Foggia, after the Neapolitan had been suffering from a bout of flu during the week.
First Half
On a wet and dreary afternoon it was Lazio who started the brighter as they looked to gain an early hold on the game.
On 6 minutes Zarate went on a trademark mazy run down the right. The Argentinean skipped past two markers to cross into the box for Rocchi. Unfortunately his assist was not on par with his brilliant run and the cross was cut out by Garics.
Atalanta looked threatening as they attacked down the flanks and after 16 minutes they went close when a delicate chip from Doni found Floccari in the box. To the disappointment of the crowd he headed high over the bar to pose little danger for Carrizo.
Shortly after the half hour mark, a great cut through into the box by Doni put Floccari in on goal from six yards. Rozenhal read brilliantly however to cut out the danger for an Atalanta corner. Had the Czech international not been at his best, the home side would have surely broken the deadlock.
On 36 minutes an incredible run at the Atalanta box by Zarate, left the Argentinean in space to fire from close range. Coppola was very alert as he saved with his leg to stop what would have been a brilliant solo goal.
Lazio had upped the tempo, and Rocchi started to follow Zarate’s lead by dribbling at the Atalanta defence. The danger was eventually dealt with by the Nerazzurri but Lazio were continuing to impose pressure on the opposing backline.
As the whistle blew for half time the away side were surely the happier after posing the most questions in front of goal. It had proved to be a tactical half in which both sides could have broken the deadlock.
Second Half
The sides came out unchanged after the break and it was again the away side in control of possession, as they looked to for an opener.
But on 53 minutes it was the home side who finally opened the scoring. Valdes threaded a pass through to Floccari, who struck first time at Carrizo. The keeper's block fell straight to Valdes who drilled the ball past the Lazio defence into an open net.
The Lazio keeper looked at his team mates in bemusement as the ball appeared to go through the legs of Ledesma on its way in.
Still under shellshock, the Biancocelesti continued to pour forward as they searched for an equaliser. On 63 minutes a searching ball by Ledesma put Rocchi through on goal but Coppola came bursting out and cleared the danger.
On 68 minutes the Lazio back four fell asleep as Floccari was set through for a one on one at Carrizo. The Italian kept his cool to float the ball over the shoulder of the advancing keeper; doubling the home side’s lead to the delight of the crowd.
In the final 15 minutes the home side found themselves deep in their own half as Lazio piled on the pressure. On 83 minutes a searching cross by Rocchi found Zarate in the box ahead of Coppola but the Argentinean could not slot home from a difficult angle.
In the dying minutes Delio Rossi threw on Makinwa, to leave Lazio with four up top still searching for a goal.
The game was becoming increasing stretched but when the whistle blew for full time the home side celebrated an important victory that took them to 10th in the standings.
Delio Rossi will be wondering were it went wrong for his side after a professional first half was followed up by defensive errors after the break. Lazio will be rueing a missed opportunity to move up to 4th.
Goals
54’ Valdes (A)
68’ Floccari (A)
Teams
Lazio (4-3-1-2): Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Rozenhal, Cribari, Radu; Brocchi (Dabo 67’), Ledesma, C.Manfredini (Foggia 61’);Mauri (Makinwa 84’); Rocchi, Zarate
Atalanta (4-4-1-1): Coppola; Garics, Talamonti, Manfredini, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Valdes (De Ascentis 61’), Guarente, Padoin; Doni (Rivalta 91’); Floccari
Referee: Bergonzi
Exlusive Conference With Jose Mourinho (After beat Napoli 2-1)
![[FOTO Saturday, 29 November 2008 17:02:03]](http://www.inter.it/aas/img/111338.jpg)
Mourinho, you said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic wouldn't play in Bremen if Inter were already sure of first place in the Champions League group. Now that you have qualified and with the top spot still to play for, what will you do?
"I still think there's no big difference in finishing first or second. Finishing second means facing teams like Barcelona or Manchester United, and you can get Real Madrid or Chelsea if you finish first. Who says one match is easier than the other. I don't know... I don't know if it willl be easier to play the first match at home or away, only the draw can tell us this. So I don't think finishing first or second is the main problem. The real problem for me is that I don't like qualifying with eight points. It's the mentality that's not right. Okay, we have qualified, but I wouldn't like to come away from the Werder game with eight points. This is the mentality I want my team to have. Experience says that the real Champions League begins at the end of February. A team often finishes with twelve, fourteen or fifteen points and then gets to the last sixteen or quarter-finals mentally tired, tired of playing and winning, and gets knocked out. We'll have to be very strong when the true Champions League starts but I repeat: I don't like finishing the group with eight points. We will go to Bremen to win the match. I don't know if Ibra will play or go on the bench, but there certainly won't be those three days of rest that I had planned for him."
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri said that the Scudetto will be between just Inter and Milan, and that Juventus will fight for second place. What do you think about this?
"For me, it's hard to say. With a declaration like this, you should try to understand if he really thinks like this when he gives another press conference next week. I can't talk about this, I can say that I watch Juventus and I think they are a good team with great potential, a team that can win any match. And I see Juventus in the same way as I see Milan: as candidates to win the Scudetto. I respect Juventus in the same way. Are Juventus at the same level as Milan? I don't talk about the level of teams, I don't want to something like this that depends a lot on personal opinion. Milan are playing a less demanding competition in Europe, they don't need to be in top form to win their UEFA Cup group. Against Braga, for example, they played with a second-string team, bringing on Seedorf and Ronaldinho with fifteen minutes left. If they were in the Champions League, where you play matches of a different level - something that, luckily, hasn't happened to us because we drew teams like Panathinaikos and Anorthosis, the Rossoneri would have acted differently. Milan have the advantage of playing a competition that isn't as demanding as the Champions League, but I respect Milan and Juventus in the same way. Roma are far off the top of the table but they are a great team. They were far off the top last year and then they were champions with 45 minutes of the season left. And then there's the so-called 'second group' of teams. They are all good teams. Having not had a team from October of last season, I watched loads of matches on television and lots of European football. I might be mistaken, but this season's Serie A is incomparable to last season's. All the teams have improved compared with last season and this brings Napoli, Fiorentina, Genoa, Udinese, Lazio to a level of very high quality that makes our championship very difficult to play and win."
A lot has been said in the week about Didier Drogba, who seems to want to leave Chelsea...
"On the one hand it's easy for me to talk about Drogba, on the other hand it's difficult. It's easy because he's one of those players who was almost like a son for me. We're not the same age, but he's almost like a son for me because of everything we did together. I remember every moment spent with him, from when I told him I wanted him at Chelsea to when he arrived in London and when we won the FA Cup final at Wembley, where he came looking for me like a crazed man in the dressing room before celebrating with the team. I remember every moment with him, so it's easy for me to talk about him. On the other hand, it's difficult to talk about Drogba because he's a Chelsea player, he has a contract, and he's the kind of player who has many teams to choose from if he decides to change. To tell the truth, I haven't spoken with him for a long time. I called him to ask how he was after his injury in the Champions League in September. I was worried, I wanted to know if he needed an operation or not. And then there's the third situation: at Inter we have Crespo, Cruz, Adriano, Ibra, Balotelli... I can understand it when you think immediately about Inter when there's talk of Drogba not being happy at Chelsea, because of my relationship with him, for the my significance in his career and his in mine. Didier is a really special player for me and I think I have been the only important coach for him. I can only say the same about six or seven players at the most. I understand that they talk about us if someone says he's not happy, because to be happy you instantly think he can go where there's a coach who is like a father for him. But it's not like this at all. I hope he regains his happiness, joy and returns to playing at his level, a level that has made him one of the greatest strikers in Europe."
Disaster ! Pepe, Sneider, And Miguel Torres Injuried !
The problems at Real Madrid mounted on Saturday after Wesley Sneijer, Pepe and Miguel Torres all suffered knocks to add to the growing injury list at the club during the defeat by Getafe.
Bernd Schuster had several players missing for his return to the Coliseum, but will now have to prepare to face Sevilla next weekend with a squad that has been further reduced.
Sneijder was stretchered off against Getafe clutching his left thigh and will now undergo tests to determine the extent of the problem, but he looks set to be out for the next game.
Ten minutes before half-time, Torres had to substituted for Michel Salgado, although the young full-back could well shake off the blow within the next week.
Pepe is less likely to recover after returning to the changing rooms after the game complaining of a pulled thigh muscle and he too will have an exam amid fears that it could be worse than it appears given his medical history.
Already on the sidelines are Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is out for the season, Gonzalo Higuaín, Fabio Cannavaro, Arjen Robben, Gabriel Heinze, Mahamadou Diarrà and Rubén De la Red.
Biancoceleste Want Chelsea Defender ...
The Corriere dello Sport claims that Lazio are readying a January swoop for Branislav Ivanovic, as club president Claudio Lotito has promised the fans one "big signing" during the winter.
Ivanovic arrived at Chelsea in January this year, after Roman Abramovich forked out over €13 million to land him from Lokomotiv Moscow.
However, the highly rated Serb has found opportunities scarce at Stamford Bridge, as he is stuck behind John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex in the pecking order for the centre-back slots.
The 24-year-old is also accomplished as a full-back and defensive midfielder, but the good form of Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge and John Obi Mikel has meant his versatility has not been utilised by Luiz Felipe Scolari.
AC Milan and Juventus were linked with Ivanovic during the summer, and it would be no surprise if they rekindled their interest in the big Blue.
Totti Inspiring The Wolves !
Roma 1–0 Fiorentina
Roma went into their Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico confident that the worst was behind them. The Giallorossi had a torrid start to the season, picking up all three points in just two of their first 10 games in the league.
Things had recently turned around however, as a 1-0 win over Lazio in the Rome derby two weeks ago followed by a convincing 3-0 victory away to Lecce in the last game had dragged the capital club up to 14th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.
The Viola started the season well but have been shaky away from Florence. An impressive 4-2 win over Udinese last weekend had boosted their confidence and they were looking to bounce back immediately after their midweek Champions League elimination and avoid a fifth away defeat of the season.
First Half
Roma got the encounter underway at the Olimpico in Rome, and the home team were immediately dangerous, winning a free kick and underlining their intent with a free kick from Daniele De Rossi that found the head of Juan, who put the ball agonizingly wide. Two minutes later the Viola responded with an equally dangerous effort from Adrian Mutu.
His free kick required a fantastic save from Cristian Doni to said the ball out for a corner. The first few minutes were dominated by free kick attempts which kept Doni and Sebastian Frey on their toes. On 8 minutes a cracker from Riccardo Montolivo was well saved by Doni, and the Roma fans breathed a sigh of relief.
The early chances were evenly spread, with end to end action entertaining the Olimpico crowd, and in the 15th minute a cross from Zauri found Alberto Gilardino in the box, but his header went over the bar and out. Roma captain Francesco Totti was his usual menacing self, creating great opportunities for his team mates, and threatening to score on a number of occasions.
The entertainment continued, as Zauri's crosses for the Viola became more promising, and De Rossi unleashed a stunning long range strike that went slightly wide of the post.
Roma and Fiorentina both continued to attack in waves of enthralling football, which saw the pace of the game stay high for the duration of the first half, with the two opponents trying to break the deadlock and push ahead in the match.
Another flurry of free kicks with ten minutes left till half time saw Vargas send the ball straight out, before a Roma kick taken by De Rossi was almost turned in by the head of the Giallorosso man of the moment Matteo Brighi, but his header could only hit the post.
With three minutes left on the clock the home side was desperately trying to get the opener, but Cassetti's shot from a Vucinic pass went just wide of Frey's goal. After a minute of injury time the score was 0-0 and the side's went into the change rooms for the half time break.
Second Half
Roma started the second half brightly, as talisman Totti had a strike at goal which was deflected out for a corner. A minute later Fiorentina were dangerous with Kuzmanovic's cross missing the final tough from Santana to send it into the back of the net.
On 6 minutes Kuzmanovic hit a shot from outside the area, requiring Brazilian keeper Doni to dive low and save. Four minutes later Frey was called into action with a shot from Baptista which deflected off Gamberini, but the keeper did well to tip the ball out for a corner.
Roma's pressure and the influence of the home support finally paid off when the Giallorossi broke the deadlock through captain Totti. On 59 minutes a cross from Brazilian Taddei found Totti running on the edge of the area and his powerful shot beat Frey in the Viola goal, making it 1-0 for the home side.
A few minutes later Roma had a great chance to extend their lead with a header from Vucinic, but Frey did very well to keep the ball out and the Viola in the game.
In the 70th minute Philippe Mexes and Gilardino went up for the same ball, but the Frenchman fell badly, landing on his head and staying down for some time, before getting up and continuing on.
Mutu had done very little for the Giallorossi in the second half, but it was Gilardino that was substituted off, making space for Giampaolo Pazzini to join his team mates in a last gasp push to equalise and perhaps get something out of the encounter.
With ten minutes remaining, substitute Pazzini had his first attempt at goal, but his shot was disappointing, and without troubling Doni the ball went out. A minute later Roma had another close chance, with a missile from Baptista rattling the cross bar before Taddei's attempt at the rebound came to nothing.
The match moved into the final stages, and Fiorentina were looking desperate and running out of ideas, the Viola attempted a few rushed attacks which landed up being fodder for more Giallorossi counter attacks.
A shot from Almiron with five minutes remaining went high and wide, and Roma began to realise how close they were to a win against a top class Viola outfit. With two minutes remaining, goal hero Totti was replaced with Menez to a standing ovation from the crowd in honour of his fourth goal in five games.
In the last few minutes the visitors came close to an equaliser but Mutu's free kick went just over the bar. After a few minutes of injury time the referee ended the game with the score at 1-0 for Roma, leaving the Giallorossi with all three points and sending the Viola home with no points.
ROMA 1–0 FIORENTINA
GOALS: Totti 59' (Roma)
ROMA: Doni; Cassetti (Cicinho 66'), Juan, Mexes (Loria 75'), Riise; Perrotta, De Rossi, Brighi; Baptista; Vucinic, Totti (Menez 88').
FIORENTINA: Frey; Zauri, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Vargas; Kuzmanovic (Almiron 73'), Felipe Melo, Montolivo; Santana (Jovetic 62'), Gilardino (Pazzini 76'), Mutu.
Rooney's Goal Beat Manchester City
Cashed-up and confident Manchester City hosted their cross-city rivals in the most keenly anticipated Mancunian derby for quite some time. Mark Hughes' men, hoping to replicate the first stanza of last season's double, were buoyed by the return of Robinho, who missed their midweek UEFA Cup fixture.
Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov started up top for Manchester United, and it was they who caused most of the problems in the opening 45 minutes.
First Half
After a lively opening exchange, the first chance fell to Rooney in the eighth minute. Ji-sung Park's low cross from the right took a slight defelction and found the England forward unmarked in the box. His shot was fumbled by Joe Hart, but the City defence managed to clear the danger temporarily. Rooney had another chance moments later, but some strong defending from Vincent Kompany denied him a shooting chance.
The Red Devils were passing their hosts off the park early on, with Michael Carrick orchestrating some nice one-touch moves and spreading the play with ease as he brought his attacking team-mates into the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be disappointed not to have scored after13th-minute corner. The Portuguese forward outjumped his marker from a corner and made good contact with his header, which flew comfortably over.
Neither side wasted time invoking the spirit of derby day, flying in with robust challenges from the off. Micah Richards poleaxed Nemanja Vidic on the edge of United's area before Darren Fletcher brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips. Rafael da Silva then saw yellow for knocking over his compatriot Robinho in the middle of the park.
United continued to have the better of the play, and it was their young, recently cautioned right-back proving the impetus. His 22nd-minute cross found Berbatov, whose well-weighted header forced Hart into a one-handed save. Shortly after, the Bulgarian striker put Fletcher through with a lovely back-heel. The Scot layed off to Ronaldo on the edge of the box, but the 23-year-old uncharastericially blasted his cross out of play under pressure from Richards.
The chances continued to come for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. A half-saved shot fell to Patrice Evra, whose right-foot shot flashed just over the bar. A square ball to Berbatov may have been more prudent.
City's midfielders were being forced deeper into their own half as the crosses continued to come in from either flank - and yet it was they who came closest to scoring, with their very first chance on the half-hour. Javier Garrido's floated ball was half-cleared before a mix-up in United defence. Stephen Ireland pounced, bundling his 20-yard effort into the upright. That spurred the Citizens on as the visitors were pressed for the first time in the game. Fletcher was booked after hacking down Wright-Phillips 30 yards out, but Robinho's low free-kick hooked well wide.
United were still dangerous on the counter, and Rooney's clever flick allowed Carrick to amble forward and pass to Berbatov 18 yards out - but the shot didn't test the 'keeper. Evra and Ronaldo linked well down the left soon after and the resulting ball in forced City to concede a corner after a hectic scrap; Rooney's corner didn't get past Stephen Ireland, though.
Robinho nearly latched onto Dietmar Hamman's but moments later Rooney made it 1-0. Some great battling from Park allowed Carrick to hit a fierce shot at Hart, who paddled the ball straight into Rooney's path. The 23-year-old made no mistake, poking home from five yards to net his 100th United goal.
City pressed for an equaliser, and they nearly got one through Benjani. Kompany's pass was touched on by Ireland, and the Zimbabwean peeled off his marker and shot inches wide of Van der Sar's left-hand post.
Second Half
City boss Hughes acted immediately by bringing on Elano and Pablo Zabaleta at the break for Hamann and Vassel, with Kompany moving into midfield and Richards replacing him at centre-back. The effect was instant as the home side pressed forward with some smooth moves through the middle and won a free-kick and a corner in the first three minutes after the restart.
A nice build-up from Robinho and Ireland in the 50th minute eventually ended up at Kompany's feet, and the Belgian was unlucky not to find the net with a 25-yard scorcher.
United threatened on the counter though, and only a last-ditch tackle from Richard Dunne halted Park after he was played in by Rooney. But City were equally dangerous on the break, and Benjani's first-time shot hit the side-netting after an incisive run and pass from Wright-Phillips. Blisteringly quick play from both sides.
Again the England winger ran the ball upfield after robbing Evra in the box in the 59th minute, and he forced Ronaldo to make a bookable tackle. The Ballon d'Or elect was lucky Howard Webb shrugged off his sarcastic applause. Two minutes later Fletcher was equally fortunate not to receive a second yellow after clattering Robinho; Elano's effort from the resulting free-kick was reprehensible.
Berbatov dallied when one-on-one with Dunne five minutes later and his shot was blocked by the back-tracking Kompany, allowing City to counter quickly once more. Evra brought down Wright-Phillips 25 yards out and Garrido's dipping set-piece was curled agonisingly past the post.
And then Ronaldo was off. A United break resulted in a corner, and the Seleccao superstar rose to head - but, incredibly, stuck both hands in front of his face and handled the ball. It was an act of madness, and rightfully punished with a second yellow.
City looked to immediately exploit their one-man advantage. Wright-Phillips continued to wreak havoc down the right wing, he and Ireland teaming up time and again to probe deep into the United territory. City's final ball lacked a bit of polish, however.
Through Fletcher and Carrick, United began to regain some sort of grip on the game as it entered the last 10 minutes. City were relentess as every attacking opportunity, but still no clear-cut chance for a leveller arose.
City pressed until deep into stoppage time, with Joe Hart coming up for a 93rd-minute corner. A goal-line clearance fell to Giggs, who passed to Rooney, who shot at the open goal from distance - but Hart recovered brilliantly to make a back-hand save on the line.
1-0 it ended to the visitors, but City can feel aggrieved to walk away with nothing.
Manchester City 0
Manchester United 1 (Rooney 42')
Line-ups:
Man City: Hart, Richards (Sturridge 76'), Dunne, Kompany, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Hamman (Elano 46'), Vassell (Zabaleta 46'), Robinho, Benjani
Man United: Van der Sar, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov (Giggs 83')
Inter On Fire ! Beat Napoli 2-1
Team News & Build-Up
Inter were in fine form domestically, but had suffered a shock Champions League home defeat against Panathinaikos in midweek. The Nerazzurri were looking to immediately bounce back, but had to make do without the injured Christian Chivu, Patrick Vieira and Tyson Rivas. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz started in attack.
Napoli had endured a dip in form just recently, and were minus the services of injured defender Matteo Contini. Coach Edy Reja sprung a shock before kick-off by dropping Fabiano Santacroce and Manuele Blasi to the bench, with Leandro Rinaudo and Michele Pazienza taking their places. Marcelo Zalayeta partnered Ezequiel Lavezzi up-front.
First Half
Daniele Mannini had the first attempt of the game for Napoli after two minutes as he sliced well wide from long range. Some good build-up play from Christian Maggio and Marek Hamsik then opened up the space for a tame Marcelo Zalayeta snapshot.
Inter threatened for the first time on 15 minutes when Javier Zanetti saw his 20-yard effort deflected over the crossbar. From the ensuing corner, the home side broke the deadlock. A short corner saw Sulley Muntari cross towards the far post, and Ivan Cordoba unleashed a fabulous first time half volley with his left foot into the corner of the net.
Napoli tried to hit back, and Lavezzi burst into life midway through the half by winning a free kick outside the area following a trademark solo run. Walter Gargano curled the ball over the wall, but Julio Cesar was alert.
Moments later though it was 2-0. A brilliant backheel by Cruz freed Maicon to burst into the area, and the Brazilian fired a low cross-come-shot into the middle, which was turned home from close range by Muntari.
Napoli were struggling to make an impact offensively, but there were cries for a penalty just past the half-hour mark when Zalayeta tumbled inside the area under pressure from Walter Samuel and Muntari. The referee waved away the appeals, Inter counter-attacked, and Dejan Stankovic lashed over the bar.
It seemed all too easy for Inter, but on 36 minutes Napoli got themselves back into the game thanks to a simply sensational goal by Lavezzi. The Argentine went on another slalom, leaving Samuel for dead, before playing a one-two with Zalayeta, who executed a delightful back-heeled through ball into the path of Lavezzi. Now one-on-one with Julio Cesar, Lavezzi finished the move effortlessly by dinking the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Lavezzi tried his luck again before half time, but his flicked header was easy for Julio Cesar, as the two teams went in at half time with the game very much still open.
Second Half
Within 30 seconds of the restart, Lavezzi had a chance to equalise as he ran onto a through ball, but he was denied at the last second by a crucial Samuel challenge.
Javier Zanetti's long range shot deflected high and wide for Inter, but Napoli were looking threatening when they came forward, and space opened up for Maggio before Pazienza sliced off-target.
Cruz nodded the ball down for Dejan Stankovic, but his finish was wayward, while down the other end Zalayeta and Mannini both unsuccessfully tried their luck from long range.
Ibrahimovic had not been at his best, but he showed a bit of spark on the hour mark by beating Cannavaro and firing in a powerful left footed shot that Gennaro Iezzo palmed away at the near post.
There was then a bit of a lull in terms of goalmouth action. Both sides made changes, as Napoli brought on Manuele Blasi and German Denis, and Inter introduced Adriano for Julio Cruz.
Stankovic fired off target again, but on 79 minutes there was a nervous moment in the Inter defence as Lavezzi surged through and went down in the area, but the referee booked the forward for simulation. Replays showed that he had received a nudge from Maxwell, but it was perhaps not enough for a penalty.
With five minutes remaining Zanetti missed a fantastic chance to kill the game, when he pounced on a Cannavaro error, but he was thwarted by Iezzo in a one-on-one situation.
Ibrahimovic lashed a free kick wide in injury time, as Inter held on to open up a six-point lead at the top of Serie A. Milan could close this back to three again if they win tonight at Palermo.
Teams
Inter: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Maxwell, Cambiasso, Muntari (Jimenez 89), Zanetti, Stankovic (Burdisso 83), Cruz (Adriano 72), Ibrahimovic
Napoli: Iezzo, Cannavaro, Rinaudo, Aronica, Pazienza (Bogliacino 83), Gargano, Maggio (Denis 78), Mannini, Hamsik (Blasi 65), Lavezzi, Zalayeta
Goals
Cordoba 16 (I)
Muntari 24 (I)
Lavezzi 36 (N)
Saturday 29 November 2008
Mauro Zárate Agent : We Could Report Ramón Calderón To UEFA
It might all seem fun and games at first when Real Madrid are rumoured to be interested in signing every player under the sun but today things got serious regarding Mauro Zárate.
The Spanish side have apparently had him on their radar for a while but according to a representative for Zárate, Luis Ruzzi, Los Blancos have come a bit too close.
"Zárate is of Lazio, nobody can take him away from Lazio," he told Corriere dello Sport.
"When someone tries to take him away, as Real Madrid are doing, it is outside of the rules and they do not have the right to do that, because he has a contract with Lazio.
"Besides, in November transfers cannot be done, Calderón could be reported to UEFA."
An interesting twist in the story is that Zárate did apparently travel to Madrid to meet with the club a little while ago. However, Ruzzi denied this and said that the only reason he went was because they had just lost the Rome derby and he wanted to go somewhere he would not be recognised.
"Those who have speculated about this trip have been wrong. Even if he did have an appointment with another team, would he make it so obvious?," he declared.
Bayern Munich Beat Leverkusen 2-0
Following a lively first half that ended in a 0-0 draw, the visitors dominated the second half and netted twice (Toni, 59 and Klose, 82) to ensure victory in Leverkusen.
The result of today's match leaves Bayern three points behind leaders Hoffenheim ahead of next week's clash. Leverkusen, on the other hand, slip to fourth place; two points behind Hertha Berlin.
First Half
Bruno Labbadia made just one change to the squad that lost 2-1 in Bielefeld last week: Gonzalo Castro returned to his usual role at right-back at the expense of Hans Sarpei.
Juergen Klinsmann, on the other hand, made two changes to the squad that won 3-0 against Steaua Bucharest in midweek: Daniel van Buyten replaced the injured Martin Demichelis in central defense, and Andreas Ottl replaced flu-ridden skipper Mark van Bommel in central midfield.
Franck Ribery also made one change, opting to replace his white boots in favour of a pair of hot pink ones.
In the early play, both teams had success in the midfield, although Castro was all over Ribery, and Bayern were forced to rely on their midfield as a whole. The best opportunities early on fell to Leverkusen, who seemed to have a bit more sharpness in the penalty area than did Bayern. In the 13th minute, Tranquillo Barnetta teed up Patrick Helmes, who drilled a 22-yard effort on goal, but was denied by a fingertip save from Michael Rensing. Three minutes later, Barnetta's corner found Henrique open in the penalty area, but the Brazilian's header rebounded off the left post and was cleared away. In the 20th minute, Helmes latched onto a through-ball at the by-line and raced pass Lucio with ease. His cross to Stefan Kiessling was blocked by Daniel van Buyten, and his follow-up shot hit the wrong side of the net.
Bayern, too, created their share of opportunities; a great ball from Bastian Schweinsteiger found Miroslav Klose in the penalty area, but the German international's cross to Luca Toni was blocked by Henrique. Three minutes later, Schweinsteiger volleyed at the top of the box, but Rene Adler made a fine punch-save.
After a promising start, Leverkusen had a difficult time passing near the penalty area, as Bayern's defense solidified. The visitors had one final chance as time expired: a corkscrewing 18-yard effort from Schweinsteiger that Adler read well and punched over the bar.
Following a lively first half, the teams deadlocked for second place in the Bundesliga entered half-time still lacking a decisive difference between them.
Second Half
Labbadia made one change at the break: Hans Sarpei replaced Arturo Vidal, moving Castro into the midfield and Augusto into the playmaker's position.
In contrast to the first half, Bayern outplayed their hosts in the early play. After forcing saves on Lucio (47) and Schweinsteiger (49), the visitors took the lead in the 58th minute following a header from Luca Toni. Ze Roberto raced forward to latch onto a through-ball on the left side, and sent a gorgeous cross to the Italian striker, who nodded low and past Adler, who had no chance of saving.
After their opener, Bayern went into a strictly defensive mode, tempting the home team to threaten Rensing's goal. However, Leverkusen's passing continued to disappoint. In fact, it was the visitors who produced the better opportunities; a 77th minute effort from Ribery was well-saved in the left corner of the goal.
The home team finally had a chance to equalise in the 80th minute when Gonzalo Castro was played into the right side of the penalty area. The five-times capped German international failed to recognize Helmes unmarked in the centre of the penalty area, opting to try his luck on goal. However, Castro's shot was just over the bar.
Leverkusen would rue their failure to equalise when, two minutes later, Miroslav Klose doubled Bayern's lead. Following a loose clearance from the Leverkusen defence, Ribery slipped through to Klose, who shot a low drive from the top of the box and just past Adler's fingertips.
As full time drew nearer, Helmes was the only one who could come close for Leverkusen. His efforts in the 85th and 89th minutes came close, but both were wide.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern Munich
0-1 Toni (58)
0-2 Klose (82)
Yellow Cards:
Vidal (43), Henrique (47) / Toni (71), Ottl (85)
Bayer Leverkusen: Adler - Kadlec, Henrique, Friedrich, Castro - Rolfes - Barnetta, Augusto (Gekas, 82) - Vidal (Sarpei, 46) - Kiessling, Helmes
Bayern Munich: Rensing - Lahm, van Buyten, Lucio, Oddo - Ribery, Ze Roberto, Ottl, Schweinsteiger - Toni (Borowski, 75), Klose
Prandelli : In Mutu We Thrust !
Spreaking at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's encounter with the Giallorossi in Roma, Prandelli was confident that his side had the advantage because of they have star striker Adrian Mutu in their ranks.
Roma go into their Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow confident that the worst is behind them. The Giallorossi had a torrid start to the season, picking up all three points in just two of their first 10 games in the league.
Things have recently turned around however, as a 1-0 win over Lazio in the Rome derby two weeks ago followed by a convincing 3-0 victory away to Lecce in the last game have dragged the capital club up to 14th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.
The Viola started the season well but have been shaky away from Florence. An impressive 4-2 win over Udinese last weekend has boosted their confidence and they will be looking to bounce back immediately and avoid a fifth away defeat of the season.
Prandelli commented on the mega match against the capital club, “It will be very difficult, they have found their style of play, results and enthusiasm. They are a great squad again. We have to put them in difficulty, we know that we can do it.”
Moving on to the question of whether this match is seen as a fight for fourth place, Prandelli responded, “We don't think about it as a challenge for the fourth spot. We need to play a good game because Roma concedes few goals, and we need to overcome our limits and approach the game in a positive manner.”
Finally the Viola tactician had a few words for Mutu and Francesco Totti, seen as the two main protagonists in the match. “They are the players with the most class in terms of deciding the match, and Mutu can make the difference.”
MLS Final Need Beckham : But He Not Founded !
On the biggest day of the year in Major League Soccer, in one of the few occasions when the league gets national TV coverage for the grand finale of the season, there was a curious absence at the event this past Sunday. The man pegged by no other than himself as the ambassador of MLS was nowhere to be found.
It wasn't as if it would have cost him much effort to appear, either. David Beckham now lives near the stadium where the MLS final was held and drives to practice there on almost a daily basis.
Granted, Beckham's team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, wasn't playing in the final match. New York and Columbus were. But the game has traditionally been a showcase for the all the icons of the league to come together and present a united front of support and belief in the game's progress.
It's especially important for those within MLS to behave as if they support the league for two reasons.
1. Many are skeptical that the sport will ever catch on in the United States.
2. It's hard to convince anyone that MLS is worth their while if it doesn't appear to be that way for those involved in with the league, either.
Now, any competitive person can understand the sting of watching two outside teams battle for the biggest prize on one's home field. It's Beckham's prerogative to attend a Ricky Hatton fight in Vegas instead. However, to not tape any interviews, or do any press or features leading up to the big event definitely seems like a snub.
It's not the only one, either. Fellow Galaxy star Landon Donovan isn't the publicity magnet Beckham is, but a recent trial stint with Bayern Munich has raised his profile considerably. Though he made a very brief appearance at an MLS awards gala before the final game, he was otherwise MIA.
What's notable about Donovan spurning the MLS final is that, even more than Beckham, Donovan had long presented himself as a player who was personally invested in helping American soccer and the domestic league succeed. In part, Donovan did that by insisting that he didn't need to go abroad to improve as a player.
Now that he has changed his mind about that, why bother with being a good soldier in the MLS publicity battle?
It could be, however, that both Donovan and Beckham share something other than their mutual absence for the MLS Final and their shared failure to get the Galaxy to the playoffs. Beckham has just secured a loan deal to AC Milan and the club would like to extend his stay. Meanwhile, Donovan has a loan offer pending from Bayern Munich, and that club has indicated they would also like to acquire his services.
Big-name European interest could mean farewell to MLS, especially since the league has been caught flatfooted on both deals. Though the organization holds the players' contracts, news broke abroad of talks between the borrowing teams and agents long before the league would admit to having even been contacted.
If players and their agents aren't treating MLS with enough respect to keep the league in loop of things like loan deals, it doesn't bode well for the future.
On the other hand, if players feel they've outgrown the league or are too big for it, MLS should jettison all the baggage that comes with that.
The MLS final should have belonged to one star - season and game MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto. That Donovan and Beckham were conspicuous by their absence should not overshadow a well-played game that was one of the better finals in league history.
MLS is treated by plenty of people around the world like it isn't good enough. It's better to focus on the players who don't feel that way, then to spend time convincing those that do otherwise.
Napoli's Coach : Ibra Is The Most Dangerous Striker In the World
Last week Napoli were forced to make do with a draw at home against bogey team Cagliari, who scored a goal in the fifth minute of injury time to tie the score at 2-2, but this weekend's match against leaders Inter offers a chance for the Azzurri to show their strong start to the season was no fluke.
Coach Edy Reja talked about this massive clash in the traditional pre-match press conference.
"Everyone says it would be this great achievement if we win at San Siro," he said. "I can say that we will do all we can to play a good match and get a result, we also have the right motivation. I can assure that, results aside, this Napoli team will never lack personality.
"Inter? They are probably the strongest team I've ever had to face. But, again, we are going there convinced we can play our game."
On Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he said: "He is the best striker in the world, when he's in a good day all you can to do stop him is shoot him. In any case we will have to be extra careful on high balls, and in general we will have to try and help each other. But I must emphasize that when you're facing a team with so much individual talent, you cannot focus on a single player."
On his own team's attitude: "The players have an irrepressible spirit. I can't contain their enthusiasm and their desire to show their qualities independently of the opposition. Certainly to win against Inter we will need a great match."
Finally, on his Inter colleague Jose Mourinho, Reja said: "I am happy to be how I am, a calm person who has never desired to make a particular image of himself. That said, Mourinho is a great coach."
Napoli are currently in 4th place with 24 points, six less than leaders Inter.
Juventus Vs Reginna Players Rating
JUVENTUS 
Manninger: 6.0- Did not see much action tonight but showed safe hands in the snowy weather conditions.
Molinaro: 7.0- The much maligned defender signed a contract extension earlier in the week and followed that up with a solid performance tonight linking up well with Nedved on the left flank.
Legrottaglie: 7.0- Did an admirable job shutting down Brienza and Cozza and was always in control this evening
Chiellini: 8.0- Made up for his missed chance in the first half with a well placed header in the 61st minute.
Grygera: 6.0- A very quiet match for the right back who did a good job of taking Alvarez out of the match.
Nedved: 7.5- He was a beast on the left flank and it was his cut-back that set up Camoranesi for the first goal of the match.
Sissoko: 7.5- Missed a good chance in the 16th minute when he sliced the ball wide but patrolled the midfield area with a steely resolve.
Marchisio: 6.0- He was anonymous for long stretches of the match and was eventually substituted in the second half.
Camoranesi: 8.0- Has been plagued by injuries this season but showed why he is such a valuable member of the squad as he opened the scoring with a simple finish after some good work by Del Piero and Nedved and then provided the cross for Amauri’s goal.
Amauri: 7.0- Was quite for the first forty minutes of the match but did well to take the ball down and poke it past Campagnolo just before the halftime whistle
Del Piero: 8.0- Il Pinturicchio was in fine form and thoroughly deserved a goal for his efforts this evening.
SUBS: Marchionni (46”) 7.0, Giovinco(70”) 7.0, Iaquinta (76”) 6.5
REGGINA
Campagnolo: 4.0- Looked shaky between the posts tonight and can’t blame the weather for being beaten four times.
Costa: 4.0- He had a torrid time dealing with Nedved’s runs and will leave Turin with his tail tucked between his legs.
Santos: 5.0- He was unlucky when his acrobatic flick from Brienza’s free kick caromed off the crossbar in the 33rd minute.
Valdez: 5.0- Made some vital tackles at the back today but was held off by Amauri for Juve’s second goal of the match
Cirillo: 4.0- He had a night to forget as he was caught out of possession time and time again and conceded the penalty when he was forced to take Giovinco down after the youngster sprinted past him.
Barilla: 5.0- The youngster was over-matched in the midfield going against the likes of Sissoko and Nedved
Carmona: 4.0- Lost possession too many times and was taken off early in the second half.
Barreto: 5.0- Was closed down by Sissoko and co. whenever he touched the ball and had no time to provide any service upfront.
Alvarez: 5.0- The Uruguayan was a surprise starter today but really never got into the match and was substituted early in the second half.
Cozza: 6.0- Could not recreate last weeks magic tonight against the dynamic duo of Legrottaglie and Chiellini
Brienza: 6.0- The pint sized playmaker was a non factor for long stretches of the match but was unlucky to have his free kick goal called back.
SUBS: Corradi (50”) 6.0- , Tognozzi (57”) 5.0, Di Gennaro (82”) NA
Alex Del Piero Score 250 Goals For Juventus !
Tonight Juventus captain Alex Del Piero scored his 250th goal for the club against Reggina, although for the match itself it didn't prove too significant, as it was a penalty goal when the match was already at 3-0 for Juve.
Still, Del Piero said after the game that it remains a thrill for him to find the net for the Old Lady.
"If I happen to play well and not score, I'm happy, but of course if I do score I'm even happier!," he said. "The goals still have an effect on me, I won't deny it. However, records are not the objectives I set for myself.
"The Scudetto? Well, actually my objective is keep improving myself..."
The captain can enjoy a free afternoon tomorrow, but he admits he will still follow the goings-on in Serie A.
"Tomorrow I will spend time with my family, and keep an eye on Inter-Napoli as well...," he added.
Inter currently lead the Serie A table with 30 points, although Juve momentarily closed to within three points of the leaders with tonight's victory.
Juventus Four Goals Thriller Againts Regina !
Juventus welcomed a Reggina side coming off two consecutive victories against Udinese and Atalanta hoping to bounce back immediately from their 1-0 defeat to Inter last week. Coach Claudio Ranieri played with his usual 4-4-2 formation with captain Alessandro Del Piero and Amauri up front, while Reggina’s Nevio Orlandi opted for a 4-4-1-1 system with Franco Brienza behind Francesco Cozza in attack.
First Half
The rain was pouring down at the Stadio Olimpico of Turin, but the home side nevertheless showed their intentions from the start as they tried to take control of the match. Just five minutes in, there was some bad news for Mauro Camoranesi again, as he fell badly on his shoulder and looked like he might need to be substituted, but in the end he managed to stay on.
In the 13th minute, the Italian international nevertheless fashioned the first opening for the home side, as he skipped to the byline and played the ball back to Del Piero, who appeared to be taken down in the area, but the referee waved away calls for a penalty.
The first chance came in the 19th minute, when defender Giorgio Chiellini hit a towering header on a Camoranesi corner kick, which went just wide of the post.
In the 26th minute, Del Piero had a chance to score another free kick as he was fouled about 30 meters from the goal by defender Carlos Valdez. The captain stepped up to take it, and again it was a dangerous effort that frightened goalkeeper Andrea Campagnolo, who could only parry the ball away.
Three minutes later, a moment of genius from the Juve captain allowed the Bianconeri to open the score. With a lovely back-heel he found Pavel Nedved on the left side of the area, and the Czech star played it back to the unmarked Camoranesi, who who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range (29’).
Reggina almost found an immediate equaliser four minutes later, as Santos connected with a cross by Cozza but fired his shot against the crossbar.
Aside from this big chance, Juve continued to dominate the first half, and in the 41st minute Nedved could easily have made it 2-0, as the ball found its way to him thanks to a dummy by Del Piero, but on his shot Campagnolo brilliantly managed to tip the ball away for a corner.
A minute before half time, Ranieri’s side deservedly did make it 2-0, as a Camoranesi cross from the right found its way to Amauri, who managed to slide the ball in just as he seemed to lose his balance (44’).
Second Half
At half time, Ranieri predictably substituted Camoranesi, who had been unable to shrug off his shoulder pains in the first half, and brought on Marco Marchionni.
By the end of the first half the rain had turned into snow, and it was the same in the second half, which made it more difficult for the teams to play fluent football. Nevertheless, it was Juventus who continued to attack as they did not look satisfied or complacent after going 2-0 up in the first half.
After a somewhat uneventful first quarter of an hour, the dominant home side added to their tally as Chiellini headed the ball in from close range on a free kick by Cristian Molinaro to make it 3-0 in the 62nd minute.
The match was completely over as a contest by this point, and the continuously pouring snow did not help the entertainment value much either.
Twenty minutes before the end, Ranieri decided to finally bring on starlet Sebastian Giovinco for Claudio Marchisio, and the youngster quickly left his mark on the game as he won a penalty just minutes after coming on as he was fouled by Bruno Cirillo. Captain Del Piero stepped up to take the spot-kick, and easily beat Campagnolo with a hard shot through the middle (74’).
In the final part of the game, with the pitch becoming heavier and heavier, and the ball becoming more and more difficult to see on the snow-covered pitch, it became increasingly difficult for the teams to keep the match interesting, as both sides struggled to create chances.
Juve were more than happy to hold on to their highly comfortable lead, and the match finished without any further emotions. The victory takes them to second place on 27 points, along with Milan, who take on Palermo tomorrow evening.
JUVENTUS-REGGINA 4-0
GOALS: 29’ Camoranesi, 44’ Amauri, 62’ Chiellini, 74' Del Piero (pen.)
Juventus (4-4-2): Manninger; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi (46’ Marchionni), Sissoko, Marchisio (70’ Giovinco), Nedved; Amauri (76’ Iaquinta), Del Piero. Coach: Ranieri.
Reggina (4-4-1-1): Campagnolo; Cirillo, Valdez, Santos, Costa; Alvarez (50’ Corradi), Barreto, Carmona (58’ Tognozzi), Barillá; Brienza; Cozza (82’ Di Gennaro). Coach: Orlandi.
REFEREE: Damato
BOOKED: Camoranesi (J); Valdez, Cozza, Santos (R)
Guti : The Season Is Far From Over...
Saturday night was meant to be a celebration for Guti, who played his 500th game for Real Madrid. Instead, it turned into a nightmare as his side suffered an embarrassing loss at Getafe.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Guti stressed that all was not lost, saying, "We are sad, but we have to be positive because there is a long season to go. We have only played 14 games, we cannot think that this is the end or anything as dramatic as that."
Guti then analysed the match, stating, "It is difficult to win a game when you concede two goals in the first two minutes of each half. We all tried hard, but we knew from history that Getafe is a dangerous team that likes playing against us. We tried to recover but it was not possible, so there is no excuse."
Finally, he touched on the milestone of notching up 500 games for Los Merengues, saying, "I am very happy to have played 500 games, and I am proud to belong to and form part of the history of Real Madrid. However, it is a bittersweet feeling because of the loss."
There will be no time for Guti to celebrate, as Real Madrid prepare to take on Sevilla in yet another blockbuster fixture next weekend.
Getafe Coach : Real Madrid Is Ugly...
Getafe have always made life difficult for Real Madrid, and it was no different on Saturday night as they romped home to a 3-1 win. Afterwards, coach Victor Munoz was ebullient in his praise of the troops.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Munoz said, "We have beaten a great team. It is the first time that we have won by two goals, so I congratulate my players on their hard work and effort. It was an excellent game and we were undoubtedly superior."
Munoz was then asked about comments attributed to him pre-match, wherein he allegedly described Real Madrid's football as "ugly".
In response, the coach stated, "I do not know where that rumour came from. All I said was they they were very efficient even when they do not play well. Even in this game they did not lose pride, and they tried, albeit without success, until the end.
"They came after a tough game against BATE, and there are also a lot of off field issues going on with them. But it is Getafe who must be praised. We played very sensibly.You have to play very well to beat them and we did."Getafe were arguably denied four penalties during the match, and Munoz touched on these decisions, continuing, "I saw two penalties in the first half and at the break, my players said the referee was the closest. If he is the closest he should blow his whistle."
Finally, Munoz had a word for the fans: "After three or four games they used to chant, 'Victor out!' But we continued working and will continue to do so. Now the fans must encourage the team and it is magnificent when they show their appreciation like today."
If Getafe continue to produce performances like this one, there will be no reason for their supporters to chant for Munoz's head any time soon.
Bernd Schuster : Real Madrid Deserve To Lose
Real Madrid produced yet another disappointing performance, this time against neighbours Getafe, and Bernd Schuster admitted that his team deserved nothing from the game.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Schuster said, "The loss does not hurt because from the very first minute, we could see that it would be difficult. A lot of things happened during the game, but at no point did we feel as though we could win. Therefore it does not hurt. Losses only hurt when you deserve to win."
The German went on to praise his former club: "Getafe were superior. They played a great game and therefore the result is fair."
A clearly unhappy coach then spoke of his own team's failings: "If you concede after two minutes in each half, then it shows that you are not playing to any plan. Maybe we were still feeling the effects of our Champions League trip."
Finally, Schuster commented on yet another match plagued by injuries, saying, "We have no control over it. It is bad luck, it has nothing to do with our preparation. We are going through a bad phase, but that is normal in football. We have to keep going because these things can happen at any time."
Real Madrid lost Wesley Sneijder and Miguel Torres to injury in the first half, while Pepe appeared to pick up a knock in the second half.
In the aftermath of another embarrassing defeat, Schuster's inability to offer any concrete explanations for his side's performance will do nothing to appease the many fans who are already calling for his head.
Lose 3-1 Againts Getafe, A Deadly Blow For Galacticos......
Getafe defeated Real Madrid 3-1 in the Madrid derby on Saturday night, thereby ensuring there would be no Christmas financial bonus for Los Merengues.
Getafe lined up as expected, with all eyes on Esteban Granero and Roberto Soldado, two players not deemed good enough for the Bernabeu who were looking to punish their former club. Manu Del Moral, who scored their goal at the Camp Nou last week, was not fit to play.
Bernd Schuster, meanwhile, had to make some enforced changes due to the worsening injury situation. Miguel Torres continued to fill in at right-back, while Javier Saviola earned a rare start up front, in place of the crocked Gonzalo Higuain.
First Half
Despite being the less-heralded Madrid derby, this game has always served up plenty of excitement, and after two minutes it was clear that this occasion would be no different. With Getafe's first foray forward of the match, Jaime Gavilan crossed from the left flank for Juan Albin to head past Iker Casillas. It was a dream start for the Getafe faithful, but a nightmare one for Schuster's side, who had entertained visions of catching up to leaders Barcelona with a win.
It almost got worse for Madrid immediately after, with a vociferous claim for a penalty from Getafe on five minutes. Casillas appeared to grab hold of Esteban Granero as they contested a free-kick in the box, although the former Madridista seemed to make the most of it. It was a decision that could have gone either way, and luckily for Madrid, the referee decided not to blow his whistle.
Getafe continued to pose problems for the visitors, with both flanks getting a workout. Then, completely against the run of play, Raul wasted a brilliant chance to draw level. Royston Drenthe went on a incredible, mazy run down the left before cutting back for the striker, who looked odds on to finish. His shot, however, was a tame one that went straight at Roberto Abbondanzieri's legs with the goal gaping.
The early signs indicated that this was not to be Real Madrid's night, and their problems were exacerbated on 15 minutes, when Wesley Sneijder became their latest injury victim. The Dutchman's ankle was clipped by Roberto Soldado, and he promptly hit the deck, clearly in severe pain. It did not take long for the stretcher to come out, and he was replaced by compatriot Rafael Van Der Vaart, as Bernd Schuster wondered why his side could not get through a match without any casualties.
It was always going to be hard for Getafe to maintain the frantic pace with which they began, and as errors began to creep into their game. Real Madrid began to look more comfortable. On 29 minutes, Van de Vaart played an excellent through ball to Marcelo, who turned well but shot just wide of the far post. The visitors, though, were gaining the ascendancy.
On 34 minutes, Michel Salgado replaced Miguel Torres, who appeared to have been carrying a knock. The change was inevitable, though, given the constant questions being asked to the youngster on the right flank, questions he was failing to answer. Sergio Ramos, the usual right-back, was then asked a serious question by Soldado.
The man who started the season in the Real Madrid squad was taken out by a poor sliding tackle from Ramos that got nowhere near the ball. A penalty seemed certain, but, yet again, the referee was happy to let the game continue. It was a lucky break for Madrid, and Getafe's frustration was evident as Juan Albin committed a cynical foul on Ramos, to become the first man into the book.
That was the last major incident of the half, as Real Madrid entered the dressing rooms needing at least two goals in the second period if they were to keep their hopes of climbing to the top, not to mention claiming their infamous "Christmas bonus", alive.
Second Half
Whatever Bernd Schuster said to his troops at half-time clearly had no effect, as deja-vu struck immediately after the break. Just as he had in the first half, Albin found the net two minutes after the start.
Receiving the ball on the left flank, Albin still had a lot of work to do, but he made it look all too easy. After leaving Fernando Gago for dead, a cross looked inevitable, but instead the Uruguayan shot from a seemingly impossible angle to beat Casillas at this near post. Slightly suspect goalkeeping perhaps, but there was no doubting that Albin was a man on a mission, and quite clearly the best player on the pitch.
Just as it seemed as though Real Madrid were heading towards an embarrassing derby defeat, Saviola decided to score, completely against the run of play. A trademark sublime Guti through ball released El Pibito, who calmly slotted the ball into the top corner of his compatriot's net. The champions were not dead yet.
The game was now wide open, and both sides looked like scoring every time they came forward. Royston Drenthe was looking lively on the left, while Albin continued to pose problems for Los Merengues' defence at every opportunity. With half an hour to go, Victor Munoz brought on the dangerous Ikechukwu Uche for Soldado. He made an immediate impact, earning a dangerous free-kick on the right flank.
From the set-piece, the ball fell to Eugen Polanski, whose mishit shot struck the post. The danger, however, was not yet averted, as the ball rebounded onto Casillas' foot, only to nestle safely into his hands. Somehow, Madrid remained in the game.
Strangely, Real Madrid had lost all the momentum immediately after scoring, and now looked incapable of mounting a serious attack, let alone getting another goal. All their efforts seemed to be concentrated on stopping a rampant Albin from further adding to his tally.
With 15 minutes remaining, Schuster decided to throw in promising youngster Alberto Bueno in place of Marcelo. Drenthe remained the only genuine threat, but his forays down the left were left unsupported by his team-mates. Meanwhile, Michel Salgado's handball in the box went unpunished by the referee, thus marking arguably the third penalty that should have been awarded to Getafe.
Those decisions were not to hurt Getafe, however, as the substitute Uche sealed the deal on 81 minutes. Unsurprisingly, Albin was heavily involved again. The Uruguayan's sublime ball found Uche, who finished with precision at the near post.
Real Madrid threw everything into attack in the remaining minutes, but it was Getafe who looked the most likely to score, as they were denied yet another potential penalty when Uche was pushed by Pepe in the box. It did not matter though, as Los Merengues slumped to an embarrassing defeat.
After their minor recent resurgence, the knives will once again be out for Bernd Schuster's men, whose fans will be sorely disappointed by yet another insipid performance. The players will also have to cut down on their Christmas shopping, having blown their chance for a little extra festive cash.
Getafe 3-1 Real Madrid
Albin 2, 47 Saviola 55
Uche 81
Getafe: Abbondanzieri - Contra (Cortes 58), Diaz, Mario, Licht - Granero, Polanski (Celestini 73), Casquero, Gavilan - Soldado (Uche 61), Albin
Real Madrid: Casillas - Torres (Michel Salgado), Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo (Bueno 75) - Gago, Sneijder (Van Der Vaart 15), Guti, Saviola, Drenthe, Raul
Yellow Cards: Albin 41, Pepe 45, Van der Vaart 64, Salgado 65, Ramos 70, Guti 77, Cata Diaz 85
Manolo Jimenez : Barca Is Superior ...
Sevilla came into their match against Barcelona with the best defensive record in Spain, but 90 minutes later, it was their opponents who claimed that title as the Blaugrana raced to a 3-0 win.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Jimenez could not hide his admiration for Barcelona, saying "We played a good first half and it was unfair that we went into the break behind, but in the second half they were superior. In the first half they didn't play well because we didn't allow them to, but in the second they had the ball and in that situation they are deadly. The quality of Daniel Alves, Messi and Xavi has destroyed us and to say otherwise would be to lie."
Jimenez then touched on the condition of Sebastien Squillaci, who had to be substituted due to injury, stating "It is not a major injury, he was able to walk himself."
Finally, the coach spoke of the Sevilla fans, who berated their team at the final whistle, saying "They have to continue expecting good results because we are a big club. If they are angry, they have every reason to be. This team can play a lot better."
Sevilla's next test comes in the form of an away trip to play Real Madrid.
Barcelona " Eat" Sevilla
Barcelona passed their first stern test of the season in style as they claimed a 3-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday night.
Sevilla lined up as expected, with Tom De Mul replacing the suspended Jesus Navas. Ex-Blaugrana player Fernando Navarro was in for a long night against Lionel Messi and Daniel Alves, while Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute led the line up front.
Josep Guardiola put out arguably his strongest line-up, with Carlos Puyol played in his now customary left-back position, while Thierry Henry, Messi and Samuel Eto'o formed a fearsome attacking trident. Daniel Alves and Seydou Keita started against their former club.
First Half
Before this match, Sevilla had conceded the least goals in the league, while Barcelona had scored the most, so something was going to give. Much of the build-up had been spent elaborating on the clash between Adriano and Daniel Alves, and they both looked lively early on. It was the home side who started better, pressuring Barca at every opportunity.
After a few long shots by both sides, it was Luis Fabiano who had the first real chance of the match, as he met Adriano's cross, only to flick it just over the bar. The home side were clearly dominant, as the visitors had to be content to feed on scraps on the counter. Sevilla, however, were failing to translate their possession into clear-cut chances.
They would soon pay, as Barcelona scored with one of their first chances of the game. The ball bounced loose 12 yards from the goal, and Eto'o pounced in customary fashion to send the ball flying past Palop. Barca had taken the lead, but Sevilla continued to attack with venom, albeit without a final product.
Gerard Pique's lack of pace was being exposed, and it almost cost the Blaugrana when Kanoute found Luis Fabiano, but he shot wide of the far post. As Sevilla continued to spurn chances, Barcelona grew in confidence, with Messi and Alves in particular giving Navarro a tough time, as expected. Samuel Eto'o was also looking lively, as his shot from outside the box was well saved by Palop.
On 30 minutes, Samuel Eto'o picked up a silly yellow card for distracting Palop as he was taking a goal kick, a booking that means he will miss the game against Valencia next week. Meanwhile, Sevilla were denied a stonewall penalty when Kanoute was brought down in the box by Pique. Bizarrely, the free-kick went the other way, perhaps for an incorrectly suspected offside. It was a shocking decision that understandably angered the home fans.
Sevilla continued to press, bombarding Barcelona's box with a series of threatening crosses. Still, they were unable to get players on the end of them, and most of their actual shots were still restricted to long distance efforts. On the stroke of half-time, however, the dangerous Adriano sent a sublime ball to Kanoute, whose volley went just wide of the post.
Just as the Barca players were getting ready for the half-time break, Sevilla took a quick free-kick that almost caught them out. Kanoute was released and the defence looked desperately for a non-existent offside flag, but the Mali international could only hit the crossbar. The rebound fell to Luis Fabiano, but he headed straight at Valdes.
That was the last action of the match, as Barcelona went into the break ahead, arguably undeservedly. Having said that, Sevilla only had themselves to blame for their poor finishing in front of goal.
Second Half
The second period started with Barcelona engaging in their beloved tiki-taka, frustrating Sevilla as they held on to the ball with ease. It did not take long for Manolo Jimenez to look to his bench, bringing on the former Barca youth-team player Diego Capel for the largely ineffective Tom De Mul.
Thierry Henry was enjoying more space in the second half, but his shots from the left flank were routinely saved by Palop. The other players, however, were finding it harder to find the fluidity of the first half, as both sides strove to deny each other any space. In an effort to improve the situation, Jimenez brought Romaric on for Enzo Maresca with about half an hour to play.
As Sevilla started to tire, Messi began to come into his own. His fantastic dribbling skills were in evidence as Aquivaldo Mosquera in particular was put to the sword. On 69 minutes, one such run ended with a fierce shot that was well saved by Palop.
As the game neared the final whistle, Barcelona were certainly in the ascendancy, while Sevilla were really struggling to mount any serious attacks. Jimenez laid down his final cards of the night, bringing Renato on for Sebastien Squillaci. Josep Guardiola responded immediately, taking Keita off and bringing Sergio Busquets on in his place.
With 12 minutes to go, Lionel Messi scored a spectacular goal to increase Barca's lead. Xavi's header found the Argentine 18 yards from goal, and he controlled with his head before rifling in a spectacular dipping volley to leave Palop helpless.
Straight from the kick-off, Eto'o had a golden chance to seal the game, but he inexplicably mishit his shot from 12 yards out after Messi had cut it back to him with the goal gaping. Despite being two ahead, Barca were looking far more likely to score, as Sevilla looked despondent.
With five minutes to go, any chance Sevilla had of claiming a point disappeared when Luis Fabiano was sent off for an elbow into Busquets' face. The Brazilian was incensed, and made his feelings certain as he had to be dragged off the pitch. The replays indicated that he had no right to be upset.
To add salt to the wounds, Lionel Messi added another in stoppage time. Aliaksandr Hleb, who had only been on for a minute, found the Argentine, who rounded Palop before slotting into an empty net to put the proverbial icing on the cake.
There is a tough month ahead for Barcelona, but on this evidence their opponents should be very worried. Sevilla, meanwhile, must prepare for a trip to Real Madrid next week.
Sevilla 0-3 Barcelona
Eto'o 20
Messi 78, 92
Sevilla: Palop - Mosquera, Squillaci (Renato 73), Escude, Navarro - De Mul (Capel 55), Maresca (Romaric 63), Fazio, Adriano - Fabiano, Kanoute
Barcelona: Valdes - Alves, Marquez, Pique, Puyol - Toure, Keita (Busquets 74), Xavi (Gudjohnsen 87) - Messi, Henry (Hleb 90), Eto'o
Yellow Cards: Eto'o 30, Marquez 62, Pique 75
Red Cards: Luis Fabiano 84
