football soccer video highlight

Hot Pic ! Wags Soccer Team 2010

2010-05-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

and also soccer babe in South africa 2010

comment on your top tottie for 2009!

Who gets your Vote?
	Abigal Clancy
	Giorgia Palmas
	Ilary Blasi
	Oksana Andersson
	Danelle Lloyd
	Sylvie Van ver varrt
	Aida Yespica
	Alen Seredova
	Cheryl Cole

Incredibly Sexy Former Liverpool WAG Naked (Pics and Video)

2010-05-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Liverpool’s summer signing Alberto Aquilani may well have found breaking into the first team something of a challenge after a long spell out injured but he doesn’t appear to have any problem bringing the female of the species to his attention. This is Pamela Camassa, a former conquest of Aquilani’s, and she appears to like being photographed wearing as little as possible, here are some examples.

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Hot Naked Tottenham WAG Pole Hot Hot Hot Dancing (Pics and Video)!

2010-05-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is Sarah Giggle (what a name, like some sort of Carry On tribute) she has dallied with Jermain Defoe, like so many others. Among her hobbies she lists discussing quantum theory, reading the works of Moliere and, luckily for you, pole dancing!

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Danielle Lloyd new loaded semi naked video

2010-05-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Danielle Lloyd (born 16 December 1983) is an English fashion and glamour model.From the age of 16 Danielle loved modelling, frequently entering
competitions in and around Liverpool so upon finishing her academic studies, she decided to pursue a career in modelling and also train as a beautician.
However just as things were hotting up in her career, prior to the Miss Merseyside contest, Danielle was brutally attacked by her boyfriend at the time.She was dragged from her car after an argument with him whilst it was still moving, suffering terrible grazes and severe bruising to her body and losing most of her hair.Danielle almost gave up on modelling altogether after that but with the firm encouragement of her family, friends and Women’s Aid, as well as many months of counselling to try and deal with what happened, she felt strong enough to continue in her dream career.

For more on this and see all the new pictures and sexy video semi naked well worth it vist here

FANS....FANS.....FANS !!

2009-02-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

how football fans colourize the field...

Football WAGs Oooppsss...Nicole Merry (Ex Thierry Henry wife)

2009-02-07T07:44:00.001-08:00

Nicole has been too excited to talk to someone..?
and forgeting her husband ( ignored, thiery look upset in her side) and her pants too...

Football WAGs Oooppsss...Alex Currant...( Steven Gerrard Wife )

2009-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

bright dress .....black underwear....is not matching.....

bad taste of mode...by alex currant....

Real Madrid vs Zenit 3-0 Players Rating

2008-12-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

REAL MADRID

Dudek – 6: Had an amazingly solid defence infront of him. They were exposed twice when Zenit hit the woodwork on two occasions but Dudek only had a few routine saves to make.

Salgado – 7: A gutsy display. Was outpaced by the likes of Denisov, Zyryanov and Dominguez but he stuck to his guns and kept on fighting. Played as a leftback in the second half when Metzelder came in and adapted to his new role without too much trouble.

Sergio Ramos – 7: Barely left his own half. The instructions from Juande are clear: he is to remain at the back as much as possible. And didn’t he do a sterling job. Did not put a foot wrong.

Cannavaro – 7.5: One of his better performances of the season. Barely let anyone past him and he looked like the rock-solid centreback who always turns up for Italy. Had plenty of cover from his teammates.

Marcelo – 6: Was caught hideously out of position early in the game but then wisely restricted his movements upfront. Played as an attacking left winger in the second half but didn’t have too much of an impact.

Guti – 7.5: Pulled the strings from midfield with a faultless display. Like many of his teammates, he did not put a foot wrong with his passing. Even seen back-tracking a few times to help out defensively.

Gago – 8: Constantly dropped back deep into his own penalty area to help out the rearguard. Was often seen all across the backline covering for his leftback, rightback and centrebacks. Also brought he ball forward astutely to link up the defence and the midfield.

Van der Vaart – 6: Another decent but low-key performance. Combined well with his midfielders and always present to receive the ball. Set-up the opening goal but nothing spectacular from him. Taken off at half-time.

Raúl – 9: Two goals and one assist. His first strike may not be his prettiest but his second was vintage Raul: lifting the ball over the goalkeeper with audacity and the deftest of touches. Left the game midway through the second half to a rousing standing ovation.

Higuain – 7: Could have had a couple of goals himself but poor finishing let him down… for once. A strangely subdued performance but he was always there in the attacking half to draw out defenders and exchange one-touch passes with his teammates.

Robben – 9: Absolutely unplayable. Formed the perfect attacking partnership with Raul and provided an assist for his captain and scored one for himself with an equally sublime, audacious chip. Had countless shots on target and denied only by a few sharp saves from Malafeev. A shame he will miss El Clasico.

Substitutes:

Metzelder – 6: Deployed as a rightback as Juande attempted to experiment ahead of El Clasico. Joined the attack a few times Sergio Ramos-style but didn’t quite pull it off. No shame in trying, though.

Javi Garcia – 6: Brought on to strengthen the midfield line and he did just that without much fuss.

Saviola – 6: His shortage in match fitness and sharpness was evident as his lack of pace let him down a few times when he was put through on goal.

ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG

Malafeev – 7: Made a number of excellent saves and single-handedly denied Robben at least a hat-trick. But his error gave away the opening goal and the final .

Anyukov – 5: Despite defending Madrid’s less threatening flank, he did not attack as much as he should. Had he done so, it could easily have changed the complexion of the game. Carelessly allowed van der Vaart to skip away from him to send in the cross which led to the opening goal.

Krizanak – 5: Didn’t see too much of him. Played his part to pack his own penalty box early in the game to stifle Madrid’s attack but once they got into gear, he struggled to cope.

Lombaerts – 6: Made a few number of critical interceptions, especially in the early parts of the match. Like Krizanak, he did well initially but left twisted inside out especially by Robben as the game wore on.

Sirl – 5.5: Simply had a torrid time trying to keep a leash on Robben. But credit to him, he kept on battling away and did not look dejected. Would have been extremely relieved to hear the final whistle, though.

Denisov – 6.5: Very difficult to control in the opening stages of the game. Continued to look lively in patches and provided the biggest attacking threat for Zenit.

Tymoschuk – 5.5: Did his best to wrestle with Guti and Gago for midfield domination but without extra support from his teammates, he came off second best almost every time.

Zyryanov – 5: Had to drop back and help out Sirl to defend against the rampant Robben. Did surge forward a few times but never really caused too much damage.

Danny – 6: Absolutely anonymous in the first half. Had maybe only one decent touch of the ball and hardly threatened. Came alive towards the game and came close to scoring a consolation goal when his header came back off the crossbar.

Arshavin – 6.5: Saw plenty of the ball and showed some good touches but he did not have any support from his teammates. Surprisingly taken off at half time.

Pogrebnyak – 4: Very isolated upfront. Hardly had a touch of the ball, barely had an attempt at goal.

Substitutes:

Fayzulin – 6.5: Had a few decent look-ins at goal and saw one of his efforts cannon back off the bar.

Tekke – 6: Didn’t have a clear scoring chance but his movement off the ball inside the Madrid box caused a few moments of panic.

Dominguez – 6: Immediately sparked his team to life when he came on 15 minutes from time. But like Arshavin, he wasn’t afforded enough support.

Juventus vs BATE 0-0 Players Rating

2008-12-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

JUVENTUS

Manninger - 6.0: Did not have a single save of note to make all game. Cigar and slippers evening for the Austrian.

Grygera - 6.0: Not troubled at all defensively, and a few nice moves coming forward in the first half.

Legrottaglie - 6.5: Breezed through the evening due to the impotence of the BATE attack, but made on excellent tackle in the first half.

Mellberg - 6.5: Like Legrottaglie, had very little real defending to do tonight. A nuisance down the other end on set pieces.

Molinaro - 6.5: Did very well as an attacking force in the first half, using his pace to good effect, but was less prominent after the break.

Marchionni - 7.0: Was involved in a number of Juve's best moments, heading against the post, and creating an excellent chance for Del Piero.

Nedved - 6.0: Not for the first time this season, Nedved looked to be lacking the energy, and it was a touch surprising he lasted 91 minutes.

Zanetti - 6.0: Returned after his long injury layoff, and largely did okay. Kept the ball, and won a number of tackles.

De Ceglie - 6.0: Showed some battling qualities down the left hand side, but not too much danger came through De Ceglie.

Giovinco - 6.5: Had some excellent moments, and flashes of brilliance, but will regret his penalty miss early in the second half when he skied over the bar.

Amauri - 7.0: The best player on the pitch for 56 minutes before he was rested ahead of the Milan game. Showed some silky skills for such a big man, and created the chance for Marchionni.

Subs: Del Piero 6.5, Esposito N/A, Castiglia N/A

BATE

Veremko- 7.5: Was the reason why Juventus didn't win the game, with some smart stops, including one exceptional save from Del Piero late on.

Khagush - 6.0: Solid for most of the game, even if he occasionally found himself out of position.

Sosnovsky - 6.5: Was taken on by Amauri at times, but also made a host of key last gasp tackles inside the area.

Kazantev - 6.5: Like Sosnovsky, did well at the back, and limited Juve to not as many chances as they would have expected.

Yurevic - 5.5: The weak link of the BATE backline. Allowed Marchionni to get in behind a few too many times.

Likhtarovic- 6.0: Quietly went about his job in the middle-of-the-park, but never really stamped his authority on the game.

Sivakov - 5.5: Not a game Sivakov will look back to fondly on, and he was fortunate not to be punished after conceding a foolish penalty for handball.

Stasevich- 5.5: A passenger for almost all the time he was on the pitch, which led to his premature substitution.

Kryvets- 6.0: Did not have the same impact as he did in the reverse match in Minsk, but some neat touches.

Bliznyuk - 7.0: BATE's best player tonight. Dangerous on the ball, but he was guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance 12 minutes from time.

Rodionov - 4.0 Was completely invisible tonight. Indeed you could count on one hand the number of times his name was mentioned.

Subs: Volodko 6, Nekhaychik N/A, Ermakovich N/A

Pirlo, Ambrosini, Emerson Is Ready To Comeback

2008-12-10T19:31:00.001-08:00

Milan may have been dealt a massive blow by Gennaro Gattuso's severe injury that could keep him out for the season, but can take some consolation in that Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, and Emerson all seem to be back in action and injury free.

The Rossoneri held a double training session on Wednesday in preparation for their crunch match against Juventus on Sunday evening and Pirlo, Ambrosini, and Emerson were all able to take part without any problems.

Ambrosini had been out of action for several weeks, but he has returned just in time as Milan will need his services in the absence of Gattuso. Meanwhile, Emerson injured his back in the recent 1-0 win over Catania, but has recovered.

Andrea Pirlo was out for two months and returned only to suffer another injury setback, but the deep-lying playmaker is now set to take part against the Bianconeri on Sunday.

Milan fans will be happy to regain their injured stars as Carlo Ancelotti's side is trying to keep up with Serie A leaders Inter, who are currently six points ahead of them.

Materazzi Successfull Cheekbone Operation

2008-12-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Italian international defender underwent an operation to reconstruct a fractured cheekbone sustained during Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat at Werder Bremen.

The operation at the San Matteo hospital in Pavia was successfully performed by ENT specialist Marco Benazzo and maxillofacial surgeon Silvestre Galioto under the supervision of Inter team doctor Franco Combi.

According to the club's official website the player's recovery time is unknown at the moment and will be assessed in the coming days.

Inter Milan will be without Materazzi for Sunday's game against Chievo, and he is also doubtful for Inter's last league game of the year at Siena on December 20.

Gilardino Bring Viola To Uefa Cup !

2008-12-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Steaua Bucharest vs Fiorentina 0-1

La Viola traveled to Romania earlier tonight to face Steaua Bucharest, in a match that they had to attain a result from, to ensure that their adventure in Europe continued.

Both sides had already been eliminated from the Champions League, however a spot in the Uefa cup was up for grabs, something that the Viola were desperate to make the most of.

Alberto Gilardino grabbed his fifth goal of the campaign and the only goal of the match after 66 minutes, when he scored with a header following a brilliant cross in from Juan Manuel Vargas.

At the completion of the contest, he spoke about his performance tonight and his current feelings in regards to playing with Fiorentina.

“I feel great lately, and I am in great form,” Gilardino said in an interview with Sky.

“I stand by my decision to leave Milan, and I have no regrets with making it.

“I am so enthusiastic at Fiorentina, and we are doing extremely well, as was the case again tonight, as we recorded an important victory and can hold our heads high as a result,” he added.

“It is a great satisfaction to qualify for the Uefa cup, as it is something we desperately wanted to achieve tonight,” he concluded.

Gila had one final comment regarding his strike partner Adrian Mutu, and his passion for playing alongside him.

“I’m fine with Adrian, and I really enjoy playing with him, as we form a good attacking combination.

“But I am fine with everyone at Fiorentina, and that is why I love playing here so much,” he continued.

Gilardino will be hoping to carry on his good form again this weekend in the Serie A, when his side hosts Catania on Sunday.

Celtic Pride Beat Villareal

2008-12-10T19:22:00.001-08:00

Celtic vs Villareal 2-0
Villareal visited Glasgow tonight to face Celtic in their home stadium of parkhead. A match that should have meant nothing quickly evolved into a night to remember.

The men in green fronted a strong side tonight, perhaps to save face at the bitter end of their European campaign, while Villareal made seven changes to the side that faced Machester United as they fielded what was quite clearly a second string.

First Half

Villareal seemed the more dangerous side from the start with some tidy link-up play from the forwards, however,both teams seemed to be doing nothing more than going through the motions in this seemingly meaningless match.

The pace of the game would soon change, though, after a lively Mark Wilson sent in the ball from a wide position to an arguably offside Scott Brown inside the box. Brown's touch would go on to find a lurking Shaun Maloney who steered the ball home with a tap-in header. Thirteen minutes in, Celtic go 1-0 up.

The small band of visiting fans had reason to leap out of their seats not long after this diappointment. Half an hour into the game, Villareal's most effective player so far - Guille Franco - was ordered to leave the pitch after the referee's assistant spotted foul play off the ball.

Replays showed minimal contact, the incident looking like nothing more than the Argentine striker shrugging off Gary Caldwell, the officials however, did not see it this way and the men in yellow went down to 10 men courtesy of a red.

In the wake of the earlier decision on Franco, it seemed the whole Villareal team were also seeing red, figuratively speaking. A barrage of fouls leading towards the break would only be punctuated by an injury-time goal by Aiden McGeady. The pacy winger was allowed too much space as he swanned forward to drill home number two for the home side. 2-0 Celtic.

Second Half

As expected, Villareal shuffled their system at half time, adding Turkish international striker Nihat Kahveci to the mix. The change saw Marcos Senna warm the bench, a precautionary move by the manager to ensure he did not follow in the footsteps of his teammate Franco.

Soon after play resumed, Nihat tested Artur Boruc with a shot on the edge of the box. The Turk continued to be a nuisance as the game progressed, at one point finding himself in a 1-on-1 with the Celtic 'keeper thanks to a Mati Fernandez pass, but his attempt was thwarted by a great save by the Polish goalie.

Overall, though, the second half saw more of the same great build up play from Celtic but without any end product. It seemed like every shot the home side took would end up going wide; even two great chances from Celtic subs Paul McGowan and Scott McDonald could only be directed by the posts.

Taking everything into consideration, it was a deserved win for the Scots. After the terrible streak of luck the Glasgow side have endured in European competitions, it seems only fair that they should end their campaign on a high note. Villareal, however, may not feel the same way as they take four yellow cards and one red into the next stages of the competition.

Questionable Young Arsenal Crushed By Porto

2008-12-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

Porto vs Arsenal 2-0

Arsenal lacked poise, power and pentration and were distinctly second-best against Porto. They had looked reasonably comfortable for much of the first half, but a familiar flaw - lack of concentration leading to lax marking at a corner - saw Bruno Alves head the hosts in front on 39 minutes. And early in the second half more poor defending saw Lisandro double the hosts' advantage.

Arsenal travelled to Portugal needing a draw against Porto to finish top of Group G, and manager Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that beat Wigan last Saturday, with Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all brought into the starting XI. For Porto, playmaker Lucho Gonzalez was back, with Lisandro Lopez and Hulk forming the strike partnership.

Eboue was looking to exorcise the misery of his barracking at the weekend, which led to his being substituted after he himself had come on as a sub. Being away from home, and restored to his favoured right-back position should have made him feel better, though he is clearly a man under pressure and looked understandably edgy, despite being given a decent reception by the travelling fans.

The Gunners adopted a 4-5-1 formation, Bendtner playing as a lone striker with Vela on the left wing and Ramsey on the right, and Silvestre deployed at left-back.

Eboue fouled the wonderfully-nicknamed Porto striker Hulk early on, prompting the incredible one to wave an imaginary yellow card at the Ivorian, though the referee took no action.

Undeterred, Hulk then set off on a powerful run and Eboue checked him again. Alves took the free-kick and bent it in teasingly but Manuel Almunia dealt with it comfortably.

It was a fairly even, half-paced opening, Arsenal's passing looking neat and tidy but not causing Porto any problems, with Bendtner looking isolated up front. Porto though were pressing Arsenal well when not in possession, denying the Gunners time and space.

After they won a midfield scrap for the ball, Hulk was sent sprinting on to an astute defence-splitting pass, and it needed an outstanding last-ditch interception from Johan Djourou to snuff out the danger.

The Gunners followed that by mounting their best attack so far, Alex Song turning smartly but Bendtner overhitting a lay-off to Eboue. Then a slick through-ball from Denilson for Bendtner saw Brazilian goalkeeper Helton dash quickly off his line to gather.

Arsenal's first real shot at goal arrived on 26 minutes when teenager Aaron Ramsey ended a determined run with a powerful left-foot drive that was parried away by Helton.

Bendtner had to receive treatment after Alves' arm accidently caught him in the face, and a minute later Porto carved out an excellent chance as Gallas was robbed near his own goal and Almunia was forced into a smart save. The Portuguese side followed that with a rampaging run by Meireles who undid his good work with a long-range strike that flew well wide.

Then Porto earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after a Denilson foul, but Alves hit it straight into the wall and away to safety, though the hosts were beginning to dictate by this stage. And on 39 minutes they duly took the lead from a corner. Diaby was guilty of allowing Alves to power into the area and head home Meireles' flag-kick unhindered. It was too easy for defender Alves, and a poor goal to concede.

Although the Gunners picked up the game for the remainder of the half, they lacked any punch or real conviction and Porto went in deservedly ahead.

The second half got underway with the London side continuing to misplace their passes in the final third. Within the space of two minutes, Lucho was yellow-carded by the fussy Greek referee for a lunge on Eboue, and the Arsenal player was then booked for fouling Lucho.

After Ramsey tried an ambitious overhead kick that went wide, Porto struck again with a finely taken goal on 54 minutes that again exposed inept Arsenal defending. Silvestre allowed Lisandro to get goal-side of him and the rest of a flimsy back-four, and he strode on before firing the ball emphatically into the roof of the onrushing Almunia's net.

Vela was hacked down but the ref waved play on to the annoyance of Wenger on the touchline, and the manager responded by taking off the enterprising Ramsey and out-of-touch Diaby and sending on teenagers Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.

Just after the hour, with Porto looking comfortable and Arsenal short on confidence and ideas, Rodriguez burst down the left leaving defenders trailing, then cut in and tried to find the bottom far corner with a shot but dragged it wide.

Arsenal switched to 4-4-2 but Bendtner in particular kept giving the ball away when the Gunners looked to get the ball forward. It was giving Porto opportunities on the counter-attack, and on one such break, Rodriguez sprinted through but Eboue managed to keep up with him and do enough to put him off, the Porto player firing wide.

Arsenal mounted a promising attack through Vela's run, but the Mexican was brought down to end the threat, though it was not a foul, said the referee.

Argentine Lucho got a lucky deflection off Gallas but his first-time shot went the wrong side of the post. Lucho was promptly replaced by Costa, and Rodriguez by Mariano as Arsenal sent on Randall for Song.

Apart from an impressive cameo role from Wilshere, and an earlier decent shift by the man he replaced, Ramsey, Arsenal were poor, lacking cohesion in a disjointed display in which their defending was at times shambolic and their passing off-target.

On 83 minutes, the Gunners earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Bendtner's low kick went through the wall but straight at Helton.

After a mazy Wilshire run came to nothing, incredibly Hulk was taken off for Guarin. But Porto, with a little more care, might easily have won by four or five.

The final whistle sounded on a game the Gunners will quickly want to forget. And by finishing second in their group behind Porto, they could face Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus in the next round.

Porto: Helton, Fucile, Rolando, Alves, Emanuel, Gonzalez, Fernando, Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez.
Subs: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Mariano Gonzalez, Lino, Sektioui, Costa.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey, Diaby, Song, Denilson; Vela, Bendtner.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Randall, Simpson.

Pepe : Schuster Is Only Try To Helping Us (On "We Cannot Win Againts Barca" Statement Scandals)

2008-12-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Bernd Schuster might have left Real Madrid but there is still plenty of talk about the German in the Spanish capital today, with different parties taking different sides on the decision to sack him.

It is believed that the final straw for the coach might have been when he declared that Madrid 'could not beat Barcelona' in their upcoming match, but today Pepe revealed that he only said this to help the team.

"People are asking a lot about the statements saying that we cannot win in the Camp Nou, but the ones in the team know what he [Schuster] really wanted to express," he told Antena 1.

"That is not what he told us in training and in the dressing room, he only wanted to remove the pressure that was on us. I do not think it was a good idea to tell that to the press, but he did not think that."

Real Madrid currently sit fifth in the table following defeat to Sevilla last weekend and a loss to arch-rivals Barça this Saturday could see them slip down to seventh. However, Portugal international Pepe does not believe that winning at the Camp Nou is impossible.

"Real Madrid have the capacity to win anywhere that we play, I expect that we will get a good result like last season," he declared.

Advocaat - Arshavin May Leave...

2008-12-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Dick Advocaat spoke with grim resignation to reporters after his side fell to a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Without some of their most recognisable stars he was left explaining why the lineup had an oddly youthful look to it - particularly without star forward Andrei Arshavin.

He told UEFA.com, "We need to think about who will be in the new team, in the future.

"We wanted to free those who want to leave, and work with those who want to be here."

Clearly he was hinting at Andrei Arshavin, who is said to be desperate to leave St. Petersburg to try his luck further west.

"As for Andrei Arshavin, he wasn't ready for this match. He had a fever. But I did want him to play.

"For him to play here would be a chance for him to demonstrate his talents," said the coach.

"That's the price we pay for having good players. It's normal that if we progress and move forward and play in Europe they want to improve.

"Having won the Super Cup against Manchester (United) has raised hopes in this team, yet we haven't managed to beat Real Madrid."

Giovinco Feel Sorry For Miss Pinalty...

2008-12-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

Juventus came into to their final match with BATE knowing that they had already qualified for the next phase of the competition. Having said this though, anything but a defeat would ensure them of top spot in the group, ahead of the Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Their clash with BATE was at home, and so the Bianconeri were more than confident of achieving this. It ended 0-0 however, as neither side managed to break the other down.

The home side certainly had the better of the chances throughout the contest, most notably a penalty that they were awarded early in the second half.

With Alessandro Del Piero on the bench, the club’s young starlet Sebastian Giovinco stepped up to take the kick, only to see it fly over the bar, and deny his side a victory in the process.

Following the match, Giovinco apologized for his penalty miss, and made some comments on the performance of his side tonight.

“I really do apologize to my team mates and to the fans, but I promise I will try again,” declared a smiling Giovinco in an interview with Sky.

“Thankfully the miss didn’t cost us top spot in the group, and so we are still happy with our performance despite the draw.

“We were not at our best tonight, however that’s because BATE did not allow us to do so,” he added.

“Now we turn our attention to Milan, and hopefully we can bounce back and win that match this weekend,” he concluded.

Juventus and Milan to battle at the Olimpico in Turin this Sunday, with play getting underway at 20:30 CET.

Five Goals Thriller Lyon vs Bayern

2008-12-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Lyon vs Bayern Munich 2-3
Heading into this contest, both sides had already secured their passage to the next stage of the competition; however both undoubtedly were desperate for victory in this match, as the winner would finish atop of the group.

Lyon may be top of Ligue 1 and into the knock out stage of the Champions League but there is a sense that the perennial French champions are not firing on all cylinders at present, despite the fact that they have won three successive matches in this competition. For this contest, the home side was without Cris and Juninho through suspension, along with Frédéric Piquionne, Mathieu Bodmer, Francois Clerc and Anthony Reveillere who were unavailable through injury.

The situation was different for the visitors however, as they knew that victory or a scoring draw would be enough to finish on top. They had to go about their business without two key players in Lucio and Zé Roberto, who were late withdrawals because of illness and injury respectively. Martin Demichelis partnered Daniel van Buyten in defence, whilst Tim Borowski was given a rare start in the midfield.

First Half

The home side got the crucial Group F clash underway at the Stade de Gerland, and despite losing possession almost immediately, it was they that started the brighter in the opening minutes, as after just two minutes of play, Michael Rensing was forced into making a wonderful save to deny an Ederson header, following a glorious chip into the area by Karim Benzema.

Lyon continued their early dominance with another glorious opportunity, just moment later, when Ederson’s powerful drive was trickled just wide of the post, as the home crowd began to lift in voice.

Despite not having much of the play in the opening ten minutes, it was Bayern that broke the deadlock on 11 minutes, as Miroslav Klose capitalized on some poor defending by Lyon. A wonderful ball into the area by Phillipp Lahm caused some confusion amongst the French defenders, as Tim Borowski and Franck Ribery did well to put pressure on those in possession. Eventually Jeremy Toulalan’s weak clearance fell into the path of Klose, who made no mistake from inside the area.

Immediately following the goal, Mounier went on a surging run down the left for the French club, and his glorious ball into the area was met by the lively Benzema, although once again the ball was narrowly off target.

Moments later, Tim Borowoski managed to get on the end of some great work by the Bavarians in their attacking third, as the German club looked to double their advantage. The midfielder failed to finish off Ribery’s delicate cut back into the area however, as his unbalanced effort narrowly sailed over the bar.

The intensity dropped a little over the next ten minutes, as the visitors began to take control of proceedings. Despite this however, Claude Puel’s men continued to do all they could to get forward in numbers, as their highlight in this period came on 23 minutes, when a poor challenge from Borowski on Ederson gave them a free kick in an extremely dangerous shooting position. Karim Benzema took the resulting kick, but his effort failed to beat the wall, and the score remained 1-0.

On 34 minutes, Ribery made it 2-0 with a clinical strike that gave Hugo Lloris no chance in goals. Luca Toni’s wonderful turn and through ball was met by Ribery, who easily made his way past Lamine Gassama, and then coolly finished from inside the area. 2-0 to Bayern at this stage, and the Stade de Gerland was stunned.

As was the case after the first goal, the home side almost immediately responded with a goal of their own, and it was through Ederson again who saw his powerful drive from 25 yards rebound off the post, and unfortunately for their sake, lady lucked seemed not to be on their side tonight.

Astonishingly, just three minutes later, the Bavarians made it 3-0, as Klose grabbed his second off the match. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ribery, once again, combined brilliantly on the left, after some impressive passing that came to an end when Ribery spotted an unmarked Klose at the back post. With the goal at his mercy, the German international made no mistake, as his miss-hit shot into the ground, was too good for Lloris in goal. 3-0 at this stage, and Bayern had all but wrapped up top spot in Group F.

Benzema tried to restore some pride for the French club, as they looked to end the half on a high; however his powerful effort just prior to the interval, was off target again, and that’s how it ended, with Lyon trailing by three goals to nil at the break.

Second Half

Surprisingly there were no changes made by either coach at the break, as the visitors got the play underway in the second half. It didn’t take long for them to pick up from where they left off however, as they managed to win two corners within the first two minutes of play.

On 50 minutes Ribery should have made it four, following some great work by Schweinsteiger in the area, however it was Lyon who struck first in the second half, as Sidney Govou managed to get one back for the home side. Ederson’s right-footed drive from just inside the area was well dealt with by Rensing; however the stand-in captain was there to coolly tap the keeper’s save back past him and into the back of the net.

The French side certainly lifted in confidence following their goal, as they continuously moved forward with real purpose over the course of the next ten minutes. Their best opportunity came from an Ederson corner, just prior to the hour mark, when Govou’s header came back off the post, only for the defender Mensah to fail to score from all of two yards out, thanks to a courageous effort by Rensing in goal.

Claude Puel made a double switch on 63 minutes, with Kim Källström coming on for Gassama, and Fred coming on for Mounier, as the coach looked to change the structure of his line-up, with the Brazilian striker partnering Benzema up front. The change almost had an immediate impact too, as both players were involved in a fantastic team play by Lyon, as they continued to press for their second goal.

On 68 minutes, Lyon’s star man Benzema incredibly made it 3-2 as he managed to get on the end of a deflected pass forward. With Rensing and the goals ahead, Benzema strolled around the visiting keeper, and made no mistake by smashing it into an unguarded net. It was the 20-year-old’s 12th goal in 17 Champions League appearances, and incredibly the home side trailed by just one goal with over 20 minutes remaining.

Immediately after the goal, Bayern made a substitution, as Andreas Ottl came on for Klose, meaning that Luca Toni was to play as the lone striker for the final 20 minutes of the match. Ottl had a wonderful opportunity to grab his side’s fourth just moment after coming on too, as his effort from outside the area narrowly missed the target.

The next ten minutes were a lot quieter, as the five man Bayern midfield began to slow down Lyon’s run of play. Over this period, Govou went extremely close to scoring an own goal as his attempted clearance struck Boumsong; however Lloris was able to clear the ball, despite some heavy pressure from Van Buyten. And on 80 minutes, Lloris’ counterpart Rensing was forced into making a world-class save, to deny a Fred header that could have so easily leveled the score line.

Lyon gave everything in the closing stages, but the Bavarians held firm, and were determined not to concede yet another. It was extremely tough for both sides to find a way through in the last ten minutes, however when the three minutes of stoppage time was indicated by the fourth official, the home side lifted, and almost scored through Benzema and Fred. Rensing did really well to deny Benzema, whilst Fred’s header was denied by a tremendous interception by Demichelis.

Full time was blown by the referee, and this thrilling contest ended 3-2 to Bayern Munich, meaning that they will qualify as winners of Group F, with Lyon finishing in second. It was the French side’s first defeat of the campaign; however it means little, as both side’s move on to the next phase of the competition.

TEAMS

Lyon (4-5-1): Lloris; Gassama, Mensah, Boumsong, Grosso; Makoun, Toulalan, Govou, Mounier, Ederson; Benzema

Bayern Munich (4-4-2): Rensing; Oddo, Demichelis, Van Buyten, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Van Bommel, Borowski, Ribéry; Klose, Toni

GOALS

11’ Klose (Bayern Munich)

34’ Ribery (Bayern Munich)

37’ Klose (Bayern Munich)

53’ Govou (Lyon)

68’ Benzema (Lyon)

Without Ronaldo, Red Devils Held At Home

2008-12-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

With qualification already guaranteed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made nine changes to the team that sneaked past Sunderland last weekend, with only Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney retaining their places.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a spectator due to injury, still managed to hog the spotlight, being presented with his Ballon d’Or ahead of kick off alongside United legends Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Thus with Old Trafford in celebratory mood the holders began the game brightly and opened the scoring as early as the third minute.

Rooney dropped deep to head a ball down to Ryan Giggs and the Welshman’s first touch put Carlos Tevez through on goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat the Argentinean found the bottom corner with a fine strike.

Minutes later and Tevez should have had his second of the evening. Anderson found Rooney who squared the ball to his strike partner, but Tevez on his left foot shot wide.

The chances continued to come for a home side enjoying their football with Evans, Tevez and Nani all going close but unable to beat Bogelund in the visitors’ goal.

Yet just after the half hour mark the English champions were made to pay for such profligacy.

A superb free kick into the box found an unmarked Jakobsen running to the near post to flick home a fine header to level the scores.

The goal obviously buoyed the visitors and there was more to come as on the stroke of half-time they took a shock lead.

United gave away possession and allowed Due to run down the left flank and deliver a deep cross to the far post which Curth did well to calmly head back across goal and into the far corner.

An obviously unimpressed Ferguson opted to change things at the interval sending on Paul Scholes and Ji Sung Park as he sought to overturn the half time deficit.

It took the home side just over five minutes to get back on level terms. After Tevez had missed an early opportunity, Rooney made no mistake, racing onto the end of an Anderson through ball before thumping home an excellent finish.

The home side continued to dominate with the returning Gary Neville almost putting them ahead.

A cross-field ball from Rooney saw the full back control the ball inside the area first time with a superb touch before his shot from a tight angle was parried wide by goalkeeper Bogelund.

Minutes later and Rooney almost provided the breakthrough again, his ball into the box flying off the head of Olfers and onto the bar.

However, with five minutes to go Tevez wasted the best chance of all.

Yet again it was Rooney the supplier, his ball finding the Argentinean on the edge of the box, he controlled the ball expertly but took it too wide of the goalkeeper and his shot, when it finally came, flew the wrong side of the post.

Unlike at the weekend, a late winner was not forthcoming for United who had to settle for a draw against a delighted Aalborg.

Yet the result will not disappoint Ferguson too much as, with Celtic defeating Villarreal elsewhere in the group, the point sees the holders finish in top spot, ahead of their Spanish rivals, whilst the Danes head in to the Uefa Cup.

Manchester Utd: Kuszczak, Neville (Rafael, 77), Ferdinand, Evans, O'Shea, Nani, Gibson (Park, 46), Anderson, Giggs (Scholes, 46), Rooney, Tevez.

AaB Aalborg: Zaza, Bogelund, Olfers, Jakobsen, Pedersen (Sorensen, 76), Curth (Caca, 75), Enevoldsen, Augustinussen, Risgaard, Due (Kristensen, 66), Saganowski.

GOALS

2-2 Manchester United (Rooney, 52)

1-2 Aalborg (Curth, 45)

1-1 Aalborg (Jakobsen 32)

1-0 Manchester United (Tevez, 3)

La Vecchia Signora On Top Group H, Altough Get Draw

2008-12-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Juventus had long since qualified for the last 16, but they still required a point in order to finish above Real Madrid at the top of Group H. The Bianconeri still had a crippling injury list, with Andrade, Zebina, Trezeguet, Buffon, Salihamidzic, Knezevic, Poulsen, and Tiago all sidelined. However, Cristiano Zanetti finally returned to the team after a long layoff, while Sebastian Giovinco continued up-front alongside Amauri, following his super display at the weekend.

Rock-bottom BATE had absolutely nothing to play for, but pride, as they could neither qualify for the next round, nor the UEFA Cup. Coach Viktor Goncharenko was hoping for a similar performance to the one his troops offered in the reverse fixture in Minsk, when BATE held Juve to a 2-2 draw, having been two-up at one stage.

First Half

Juventus attacked right from the start, and within the opening couple of minutes Amauri headed wide from Giovinco's right wing corner. Giovinco then raced away from two men, and went down under pressure inside the area, but the referee waved away the ambitious penalty appeals.

BATE had their first attempt of the game on 16 minutes, as Igor Stasevich headed harmlessly wide from a left-field cross.

Amauri appeared to have the beating of his marker in the air, and he rose highest at another Giovinco corner, but couldn't direct his header.

Juventus threatened for the first time midway through the half, as Giovinco almost caught goalkeeper Sergey Veremko by surprise with a beautiful free kick, which finished just inches past the far post. Down the other end, Mikhail Sivakov tested Alex Manninger with another set-piece.

Amauri did brilliantly down the left, and cut back for Giovinco, whose shot was blocked by a defender. The Brazilian was then denied himself by a Belarussian as he attempted to turn home Pavel Nedved's cross.

The ball would just not fall for Amauri, and it was a similar story just past the half hour mark following a brilliant rampage down the left by Cristian Molinaro. Meanwhile, Giovinco lashed a long range free kick over the bar.

The 21-year-old did excellently just before the break, as he left his man for dead, before lashing the ball just wide.

Second Half

Juventus came racing out of the traps in the second half, and were centimetres away from taking the lead on 51 minutes as Amauri crossed for Marchionni, whose header crashed off the inside of the post and into the arms of the grateful Veremko.

Minutes later Juve squandered an even better chance to take the lead, as they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Sivakov. However, Giovinco skied the penalty over the bar.

The youngster tried to make up for his error by embarking on a wonderful solo run, before teeing up Nedved, who shot straight at Veremko. Soon after Alessandro Del Piero was introduced for Amauri.

Juventus continued to come forward looking for the opener, and Nedved tested Veremko again on 69 minutes with a powerful volley from 20 yards.

Zanetti was the next Bianconero to try his luck, with a dangerous swerving effort from outside the area, but again Veremko was equal.

BATE had barely had a shot all night, but with just 12 minutes remaining they missed a glorious chance to take a shock lead, as Bliznyuk twisted past his man, but with just Manninger to beat, he sidefooted the ball wide.

This stirred Juve back into life, and they missed an excellent chance of their own a few minutes later, as Marchionni crossed for Del Piero, but his header from close range was brilliantly saved by Veremko. The two players combined again soon after, but this time Del Piero headed off target.

There was a special moment on 87 minutes as youngster Simone Esposito was introduced for his Juventus debut, in place of Giovinco.

The rest of the match played out without much incident. Juventus failed to get the win, but they still finished top of Group H with 12 points, above Real Madrid on head-to-head. BATE exit Europe all together, despite holding Juve home-and-away.

Teams

Juventus: Manninger, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Mellberg, Molinaro, Marchionni, Nedved (Castiglia 91), Zanetti, De Ceglie, Giovinco (Esposito 87), Amauri (Del Piero 56)

BATE: Veremko, Khagush, Sosnovsky, Kazantev, Yurevic, Likhtarovic (Volodko 56), Sivakov, Stasevich (Nekhaychik 60), Bliznyuk, Kryvets (Ermakovich 89), Rodionov

Anthony Sormani

'new coach syndrome' blessed Real Madrid, Beat Zenit 3-1

2008-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Bernd Schuster's sacking and the recent poor form of Real Madrid looks to have had no effect on his erstwhile charges, as the Spanish champions produced a vintage performance against a jaded Zenit St Petersburg side to emerge 3-0 winners in front of a buoyant home crowd.

Though it must be remembered the Russian season has ended and that Dick Advocaat's men were short on fitness, new Madrid coach Juande Ramos had everything in order from the first minute until the last this evening.

First Half

Los Merengues dominated possession and piled on the pressure instantly. But they struggled to find their regular rhythm in attack as Zenit defended with discipline, keeping a tight line at all times just infront of their penalty box.

But Madrid’s resilience paid off when they took the lead on 24 minutes, albeit with a little help from a goalkeeping gaffe. Rafael van der Vaart floated in what looked like a harmless cross from the left but Zenit custodian, Viatcheslav Malafeev patted the ball down with his right hand but missed the catch with his left and Raul did not hesitate to capitalise as he easily stabbed the ball home.

Juande Ramos’ men continued to go on the attack and Arjen Robben was particularly lively down the left wing, constantly tormenting his markers by cutting into the middle and teeing himself up onto his left foot for a shot but Malafeev was up to the task almost every time.

The first half ended 1-0 to the Spanish giants but the signs were extremely encouraging as they played with confidence and passed the ball around sharply, and barely looked trouble at the back.

It was a massive contrast to how the blancos stuttering and sputtering during Schuster’s final few games in charge.

Second Half

Ramos made a surprise change during the break as he took off van der Vaart for Christoph Metzelder, shipping the German off to the rightback slot and moving Michel Salgado to leftback as the coach experimented with his backline knowing that he will be short on options come Saturday against Barcelona in El Clasico.

Five minutes into the restart, Madrid found their second and Robben finally got his goal after countless attempts. Raul slipped in a through pass to the Dutchman, who galloped past his marker and into the box before audaciously chipping the ball over Malafeev with the outside of his left boot.

Six minutes later, the contest was over when Raul got his second of the match as he responded to Robben’s strike with an ‘anything you can do, I can do just as well’ goal.

It was indeed Robben who provided the through ball this time as El Capitan sneaked in between two defenders, lured Malafeev off his line and cheekily lifted his shot over the stranded goalkeeper to send the crowd into raptures as the ball looped perfectly under the bar and into the back of the net.

It was a strike worthy to take him past Filippo Inzaghi to become the all-time leading scorer in European competition and his 66^th in total.

As Ramos sent in fringe players Javi Garcia and Javier Saviola to give them a run-out, Zenit burst to life towards the end and they came close to hitting the target. First, Victor Fayzulin’s low shot skidded off Jerzy Dudek’s hands and cannoned back off the bar after the Polish 'keeper had dived to slap the effort away.

And late in the game, Danny sent a header crashing against the underside of the bar when he met Dominguez’s corner as the Madrid defence took their foot off the pedal and their eyes off the ball.

But it didn’t matter as they romped home to an impressive 3-0 victory in what was their best all-round performance in a long time. It still wasn’t adequate, however, for them to top the group as Juventus did just enough to claim that honour following a 0-0 draw at home to BATE Borisov.

Regardless, Juande Ramos and his men in white can now turn their attention to El Clasico with renewed confidence and optimism.

Andrei Arshavin Confirm Madrid Move...

2008-12-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

Zenit St. Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat told the press yesterday that Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos was a big fan of Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin.

Arshavin was quick to support the comments of his coach after he revealed that talks were well underway with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Speaking to the press, Arshavin said, "I can confirm that officials from Zenit have begun preliminary negotiations with Real Madrid about my transfer."

The Russian kept his cards close to his chest though, after not wanting to reveal more information.

"At the moment there is nothing concrete on the table. Also, there is contact with other Spanish clubs, as well as Italian and English clubs too."

Real Madrid have already publicly stated that their top priority is a winger for the winter transfer window, and Arshavin will have a perfect chance to show Madrid fans his worth at the Bernabeu as Zenit face Los Blancos for the closing game of the Champions League group stages later this evening.

Zidane Next Career :.....Club President !

2008-12-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Football legend Zinedine Zidane admits he is ready to make his return to the game. However it will not be on the pitch or bench, but in the boardroom.

The 1998 World Cup winner left the game in shame just over two years ago when he headbutted Marco Materazzi in the dying moments of extra time in the World Cup final, seeing a red card for his troubles and watching his side lose on penalties.

Zidane now spends his time playing in charity matches and helping good causes, but he is itching to return to the big time.

Those who want to see him back on the pitch maybe disappointed though, as the former Juventus and Real Madrid man appears to be leaning towards a more executive stance.

"I am ready to return to football and enter the heart of a club," Zidane told Canal +.

"However, not as a coach but maybe like a director or president."

Zizou enjoyed a glittering career where he won major titles as a player.

Despite his cloudy past, the legendary status he enjoys is likely to see clubs like Real Madrid come running.

Flamengo Fans Give Voodoo...Ronaldo Give Explain...

2008-12-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

Corinthians striker Ronaldo has explained his decision to snub Flamengo after fans went berserk.

The Brazilian joined the Sao Paulo-based side on Tuesday but not everyone has reacted well to his decision. The former Inter, Real Madrid and Milan striker knows why Flamengo fans feel aggrieved with his choice.

"I understand why the fans are upset," Ronaldo is quoted as saying on Datasport.it.

"I am a Flamenguista and I was at Rio for four months where I trained. However, no-one had a project for me. I am a professional and I like new challenges.

"Returning to the football pitch is a great motivation for me.

"When I played for Cruziero I was very young and now playing in the Brazilian league will be completely different.

"I have watched games on tv and now there is a chance to make some history. I won't make any predictions but I do have the will to do well."

Earlier, Flamengo fans were so annoyed with Ronaldo's move that they threatened to use a voodoo witch to cast a spell on the star.

Jerseys and photographs of the striker were also burned- such is the outrage in Brazil.

Ronaldinho Is Big Waste, -Luciano Moggi

2008-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Disgraced Calciopoli mastermind and former Juventus transfer Guru Luciano Moggi believes Ronaldinho was the worst signing of the summer.

Moggi is currently serving a ban from the game but he is never shy of sharing his opinions. His latest is likely to cause some uproar in Milan as well as stir a reaction from Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani, it was the bald-headed man who brought 'Dinho to San Siro.

"The worst signing? Well there are buys like Ronaldinho," Moggi told 7itv.tv.

"Not because he isn't worth the money but he plays a mild rhythm even though he knows how to do everything with his feet.

"However, things are different in Italy and when the tempo increases, Ronaldinho's stays the same. He just watches the game. Maybe he does something from a free kick.

"I think he finds it difficult when he plays with Kaka up front. I think Milan made a mistake when signing Ronaldinho. They should have bought a defender."

The Brazilian seems to shine when he doesn't play with Kaka, but to say he is the worst signing of the season maybe a stretch too far from Moggi.

Fabregas Confirm Will Leave Arsenal

2008-12-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his desire to move away from the club and back to Spain upon completion of the terms of his current contract.

Fabregas still has six years to run on his current Gunners deal, having signed a long-term agreement in October 2006.

However, the Barcelona-schooled 21-year-old admits that he still harbours a long-term ambition to feature in La Liga.

The Euro 2008 winner conceded in the interview with Radio Marca that not even his place in the Arsenal line-up can be guaranteed, but affirmed that he is still happy and motivated at the Emirates.

Fabregas was handed the captaincy last month after manager Arsene Wenger stripped it from William Gallas, and the midfielder admits that the responsibility has had an effect on his game.

Nevertheless, Fabregas stated that it is a question of 'when' rather than 'if' he returns to ply his trade on the Iberian peninsula.

He told Radio Marca: "The idea has always been the same. That's why I signed such a long contract.

"What happens is that nobody in football has guaranteed place anywhere. Today everything is so changeable, so complicated that you never know, but the truth is that I'm very happy, very motivated and being captain is an extra incentive.

"Everybody knows that one day I would return to Spanish football. It's an experience I want to live. I want to play in Spain as a professional."

40 Millions Euro to Save Valencia..!

2008-12-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

Just as Valencia were bracing themselves for a bleak Christmas, the club board have delivered some good news to their fans after revealing that they have successfully acquired a massive cash injection to help curb their immediate economic crisis.

Rumoured to be on the verge of a financial collapse, club president Vicente Soriano had assured last week that the situation was not as grim as the reports had made it out to look and that Los Che had a sound back-up plan in the works.

And that plan was unveiled yesterday when sources at the club told EFE news agency that Valencia will receive a combined sum of around €38 to €40 million from numerous entities, including financial organisations, foreign investors as well as advanced sponsorship deals.

The money will be used to clear off immediate debts and help solve the short-term financial crisis to ensure that the player wages are paid and there are significant funds for continuous club development.

The latest cash injection could see Valencia turn away the colossal offers they have received for some of their star players, namely David Villa.

Preview : Real Madrid Vs Zenit St. Petersburg

2008-12-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid may already have sewn up their place in the knock-out round of the Champions League, but there’s still the matter of finishing top of their group. Currently two points behind Juventus, Los Blancos can only ensure first place if they beat Zenit St Petersburg and Juventus lose at home to BATE Borisov.

It seems unlikely that the Italian giants will falter but on any other week, Bernd Schuster and his men would have gladly taken up the challenge to fight Juve for top spot. However, this isn’t any other week. This is the week leading up to their blockbuster battle with Barcelona in El Clasico… a clash that is more important than any other game on the calendar and one that will have ten times the significance for Madrid this weekend, considering their position in the Primera Division standings at present.

The dilemma for Schuster isn’t so much whether or not he should consider fielding a second-string team. The simple fact is that he does not have a weaker – or stronger – team to send out even if he wanted to. With the squad decimated by injuries, at least half of Schuster’s starting XI on Wednesday will have to be first team regulars, like it or not.

The real conundrum for the German-born trainer is whether or not he should order his troops to conserve their energy for the Barcelona game and limit their chances of picking up an injury by playing at half-pace against Zenit.

The risk in doing that is that with the Bernabeu die-hards already raging mad at their team following the 4-3 loss at home to Sevilla at the weekend, a less than committed performance and yet another defeat in their own backyard could send the fans over the edge.

But one has to ask if there’s even any advantage or any point in Madrid attempting to fight for top spot in the Champions League, especially after last season’s huge let-down when they qualified as group winners but still crashed out in the last 16 to a Roma side that they were expected to overcome.

Regardless of who they will end up facing come February 2009 in the first knock-out phase, Los Blancos will be better off taking care of the more pressing and dire issue at present, which is to avoid Barcelona opening up a double-digit gap at the summit of La Liga.

UPDATE: Bernd Schuster has since been sacked by Real Madrid. Juande Ramos has taken over with immediate effect and will be in charge of this game.

Out With A Whimper

Zenit have been largely disappointing in their maiden Champions League campaign. Even though Juventus and Real Madrid were always favourites to qualify from the group, last year’s UEFA Cup winners were expected to pose a more serious threat to the two continental giants and push them all the way, or even perhaps produce a shock.

But that never happened and they will now bow out of the competition with a whimper. They made a decent enough start to the tournament-proper when they only narrowly lost to Juve 1-0 and Madrid 2-1 in their opening two fixtures. However, it was the surprise 1-1 draw at home to Belarussian minnows, BATE Borisov in the following game that really dented their hopes of progression to the knock-out stage.

Despite their penchant for playing attractive football and the wealth of attacking talent in the team, Zenit have only managed to score four goals so far, often leaving their frustrated coach, Dick Advocaat, to lament his side’s ineffectual finishing in key matches.

As such, they will head into their final group match against Los Merengues with something to prove, especially considering that this will be their last Champions League game for a while. They have failed to qualify for next season’s competition after finishing fifth in the recently concluded Russian Premier League, although they will participate in the inaugural UEFA Europa League (UEFA Cup).

With their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup already confirmed, Advocaat will be hoping that his charges can play without any apprehension, pressure or reservations and allow their true attacking potential to show.

FORM GUIDE

Real Madrid

Dec 07 Real Madrid 3-4 Sevilla (LA LIGA)

Nov 29 Getafe 3-1 Real Madrid (LA LIGA)

Nov 25 BATE Borisov 0-1 Real Madrid (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Nov 22 Real Madrid 1-0 Recreativo Huelva (LA LIGA)

Nov 15 Real Valladolid 1-0 Real Madrid (LA LIGA)

Zenit St. Petersburg

Nov 25 Zenit 0-0 Juventus (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

Nov 22 Spartak Moscow 1-3 Zenit (ROSGOSSTRAKH)

Nov 16 Zenit 1-1 Dinamo Moscow (ROSGOSSTRAKH)

Nov 09 Amkar Perm 1-1 Zenit (ROSGOSSTRAKH)

Nov 05 BATE Borisov 0-2 Zenit (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE)

TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid

Defensive midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is out of action for six to nine months after undergoing surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his right knee. Royston Drenthe looks likely to miss out after picking up a knock on his knee during Monday’s training session.

Miguel Torres, Pepe, Gabriel Heinze, Wesley Sneijder, Ruben de la Red and Ruud van Nistelrooy are all injured, while veterans Fabio Cannavaro and Raul could be rested. Marcelo and Arjen Robben, both of whom will be suspended against Barcelona, look certain to start.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Casillas – Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Metzelder, Marcelo – Van der Vaart, Gago/Javi Garcia, Guti (c) – Higuain, Saviola/Bueno, Robben

Zenit St. Petersburg

Defender Sebastien Puygrenier returns from suspension following his red card against BATE on Matchday 4. Captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk will miss his next game in European club competition should he pick up a yellow card in this match.

This will be the last competitive outing for 33-year-old Vladislav Radimov, who announced his retirement to take on the role of team director next year. Korean midfielder Lee Ho is the only player sidelined as he nurses a muscle injury.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-1-2): Malafeev – Anyukov, Puygrenier, Krizanac, Sirl – Denisov, Tymoschuk (c), Zyryanov – Danny – Pogrebnyak, Arshavin

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Real Madrid

Alberto Bueno has already seen a decent handful of match-time so far this season. With some of the regulars expected to be rested, the 20-year-old could be given a chance to play the full 90 minutes and showcase his real talent. The Merengue faithful are crying out for a young hero from their own cantera to burst out onto the big stage to save their team in this desperate time of gloom, and this could be that one glorious evening for Bueno to shine.

Zenit St. Petersburg

This could very well be the last game Andrei Arshavin plays in the blue-and-white of Zenit. Desperate to leave Russia in January, this game at the Bernabeu will serve as his final audition as he looks to impress some of Europe’s superpowers, and he could not have chosen a better stage. Madrid themselves have shown interest in him in the past but their fascination has diminished recently. Now would be the perfect time for the 27-year-old to re-ignite their interest.

PREDICTION

With their domestic campaign over, Zenit will need to field their strongest possible team in order to keep their key players in shape for the UEFA Cup knock-out round, which will only get underway next year.

Avoiding defeat will still be a priority for Madrid, but if the players already have their minds set on El Clasico, then playing for a draw would be the best result, as uncharacteristic as it sounds.

Bayern Munich On "Full Power" Againts Mighty Lyon

2008-12-09T20:06:00.001-08:00

Jürgen Klinsmann is adamant that Bayern Munich will be pulling out all the stops to beat Lyon in order to claim top spot in Group F of the Champions League.

Both sides are already assured their spots in the knockout rounds thanks to their respective wins on Matchday 5, but Klinsmann insists that Wednesday's clash will be much more than just a glorified friendly.

“It’s very important we win the group,” he said looking ahead to the round of 16. "The statistics prove it - by playing the second leg at home, the chances of getting through are bigger. It is why the best Bayern team will be aligned at Lyon.

“We’re approaching the match with plenty of confidence," he added. "The team’s come together so well, we’re sure we can cause Lyon problems in front of their home crowd.”

Despite his best intentions, Klinsmann has been hit with two late withdrawals of key players. Centre back Lucio has pulled out ill, while midfielder Zé Roberto is ruled out with a slight muscle strain.

"Barcelona B" Not Enough Againts Shaktar...

2008-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Barcelona came into tonight's game in the best form they have seen for over two years, with many already eulogizing that this side is as good as or even better than the one that obtained a Primera Division-Champions League double in 2006.

However, in what was a dead-rubber game in Group C this evening, an under-strength Blaugrana side were embarrassed by visiting Shakhtar, who themselves had nothing other than pride to play for, too, as they finished third in the group.

A half-empty stadium and a Barca line-up missing eight first-team regulars made for something of a flat atmosphere at the Camp Nou this evening, as Barcelona started comfortably enough and looked confident as they passed the ball around nicely in the cold Catalan evening.

They struggled to find the incisiveness that has characterised their season so far however, and, after an intitial perod of trying to find their way through the well-drilled Ukrainian defence, found themselves the victims of a sucker punch.

Olexandr Gladkiy, ploughing a line furrow for Shakhtar up front, struck to send them into a shock lead. After enjoying a brief spell of pressure, Razvan Rat sent the ball down the Donetsk left for Willian to knock the ball in to the striker's path for him to finish confidently.

The latter part of the first half was a much more even affair as Shakhtar played a more active part in proceedings following their goal. Aliaksandr Helb sparkled in patches for the Catalans, but they remained unable to find an equaliser before the interval.

After the break, Barca once again enjoyed the bulk of the possession but were still struglling to find a way to turn that possesion into meaningful reward. Although Pedro flickered briefly, the Blaugrana struggled for fluidity and shape.

On 56 minutes it began to look as though Guardiola's decision to rest the bulk of his first-choice players might end up looking like an embarrassing mistake. Gladkiy netted again, nodding home a Jadson cross from the left.

Almost immediately though, Barcelona struck back. Just a minute after Gladkiy's second, defender Sylvinho charged forward and slammed a powerful shot inside goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov's near post.

That sparked a renewd spirit amongst the hosts, and Pyatov found himself called into action with increasing frequency, keeping out efforts from Bojn Krkic and Victor Vazquez.

Barca continued to press for an equaliser until the 74th minute when Shakhtar scored again to make the game safe. After a period of soaking up the Catalans' pressure, Donetsk attacked with Razvan Rat prominent again.

The Romanian played a neat ball across the face of the Barca goal and Fernanadinho slid in to score and put the Ukrainians into an unbeatable lead.

Barcelona then struggled to claw their way back into things, but not even the introduction of Eidur Gudjohnsen could help them find a way through as Shakhtar stubbornly clung onto their lead until the 82nd minute.

Gudjohnsen then managed to thread through ball into the path of Sergi Busquets who scored what turned out to be merely a consolation effort for the Blaugrana whose 20 match unbeaten run was brought to an end on the final whistle.

Not an ideal warm-up then for the weekend visit of Real Madrid to the Camp Nou, though the first choice players will undoubtedly return for that.

A historic evening for Shakhtar Donetsk though, who were able to claim a major European scalp, even if it was in a 'dead rubber'.

Totti : Roma Want Liverpool !

2008-12-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Giallorossi extended their winning streak to six earlier tonight, with a convincing 2-0 win over Bordeaux in Rome. Matteo Brighi and Francesco Totti grabbed the goals for the home side, as they assured themselves of top spot in their Champions League group.

Totti has been an integral part of the incredible Roman resurgence of late, since making his return from injury earlier in the season. As a result, the capital club are now undefeated in their last eight matches in all competitions.

Following the completion of tonight’s match, Il Capitano spoke to Sky in regards to the knockout phase of the competition.

“All roads lead to Rome? As for us at present, we are at the tollbooth. The centre of the city is still far away, but we know the roads well so we should be fine,” Totti jokingly said.

“On a more serious note though, this may very well be my last chance to play a match of such significance in Rome, and so I would love to make the final.

“Hopefully it will be another Roma-Liverpool final, just like it was in 1984,” he added.

Totti then made some final comments concerning the side’s resurgence in recent times, and the pleasure it has brought to the club.

“In the space of just one month, everything has changed.

“For example tonight is the first time that we have finished first in a Champions League group, making it an unforgettable day.

“What makes it even better is that after the first matchday, we were not sure if we would even qualify, let alone finish first, and so we are all very pleased with our efforts,” he concluded.

The talisman of Roma will be keen to lead his troops to their seventh successive victory on the weekend, when they do battle with Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico.

Eredivisie Giants, PSV, Got Nothing Againts Mighty Reds

2008-12-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

PSV manager Huub Stevens missed the injured likes of playmaker Ibrahim Afellay and right back Jan Kromkamp, while Danny Koevermans wasn't fit enough to play the entire match and started from the bench.

The PSV boss opted to start in an attacking 4-4-2 formation, with Nordin Amrabat and Balazs Dzsudzsak as the starting wingers to provide strike duo Ottman Bakkal and Danko Lazovic with some crosses from the wings.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez missed the injured attackers Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres, while defenders Philipp Degen, Martin Skrtel and Fabio Aurelio were all unavailable, too.

Liverpool started in a 4-4-2 formation, with David N'Gog and Robbie Keane starting up front. Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso all started on the bench to get some much needed rest.

First Half

The guests started the match the better side of the two and got their first chance after only three minutes. Lucas played a free kick to Andrea Dossena, who sent in the cross towards Albert Riera. However, the Spaniard failed to get his header on target.

The Reds created some more danger after eleven minutes via Ryan Babel and Robbie Keane. The Dutch international went by his opponent before cutting the ball back to Keane. Nevertheless, the former Spurs star tripped over the ball and the chance went begging.

PSV almost grabbed the lead after fifteen minutes. Hungarian winger Balasz Dszudszak flew in a cross which was cleared by Alvaro Arbeloa. The loose ball fell to holding midfielder Timmy Simons, but his long range effort was parried by Liverpool shot stopper Diego Cavalieri.

Babel caused PSV defender Carlos Salcido all kinds of trouble and went by the Mexican international after 25 minutes of play before reaching tricky winger Riera on the far post. His cross troubled PSV goalie Andreas Isaksson, but the Swede managed to clear the danger with an awkward punch.

The referee awarded the guests another free kick around the half hour mark after Simons's foul on Keane. Brazilian midfielder Lucas reached Riera from the set piece, but his first time volley went wide of the goal.

PSV grabbed the lead in the 36th minute after a corner kick. Javier Mascherano failed to clear the cross and the ball deflected off the back of Dirk Marcellis into the feet of Serbian striker Danko Lazovic, who slotted home through Cavalieri's legs into the back of the net.

Liverpool leveled the score in the dying minutes of the first half and did so after yet another free kick. Once again Brazilian youngster Lucas sent in a dangerous cross and former Ajax star Ryan Babel silenced the home crowd with his perfect header, leaving Isaksson not a chance to save his attempt.

Second Half

Liverpool stepped up their game in the minutes after the break and caused the PSV defence some serious trouble. However, crucial interventions from Dirk Marcellis and Timmy Simons prevented the guests from grabbing the lead.

Quick winger Ryan Babel could have scored his second goal of the match only ten minutes after the break after a nice solo effort. Nevertheless, the Dutchman aimed too high and his shot sailed over the bar.

It was all Liverpool in the first fifteen minutes after the interval, but highly rated midfielder Ottman Bakkal still managed to unleash a ferocious drive after escaping the offside trap. However, Cavalieri pulled off a superb save to deny Bakkal.

The hosts almost restored their lead around the hour mark. Tricky winger Nordin Amrabat sent in a dangerous cross and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa hit the sidenetting with his attempt to clear the ball with his head.

Liverpool grabbed the lead in the 69th minute. Spanish winger Albert Riera got possession in PSV's half and unleashed an amazing strike from about 35 yards. PSV goalie Isaksson never saw the shot coming and the ball ended up in the top corner.

PSV came really close to equalizing only minutes later. Young defender Dirk Marcellis fired in a shot from a narrow angle and almost surprised Cavalieri. Nevertheless, the young goalie was saved by the post.

David N'Gog added his name to the score sheet with about fifteen more minutes remaining. Robbie Keane set up the French youngster and N'Gog calmly placed the ball in the back of the net to gift his side a two goal lead and end PSV's European dream.

Substitute Danny Koevermans almost pegged one back for the home side after 85 minutes after he latched onto a loose ball. Nevertheless, the towering forward aimed inches wide and his shot ended up in the sidenetting.

Line-ups:

PSV: Isaksson; Culina, Salcido, Marcellis, Br?chet; M?ndez (Manco/80), Simons, Bakkal (Nijland/83); Dszudszak, Lazovic, Amrabat (Koevermans/72)

Liverpool: Cavalieri; Dossena, Agger, Carragher (Kelly/81), Arbeloa (Darby/69); Mascherano, Lucas, Riera (Spearing/76), Babel; Keane, N'Gog

Yellow Cards: Simons, Mendez (PSV); Riera, Arbeloa, Dossena (Liverpool)

Red Cards: none

Goals:

1-0, Lazovic 36'
1-1, Babel 45'
1-2, Riera 69'
1-3, N'Gog 77'

Guess What Is Cheryl Tweedy Need To Say ...!?

2008-12-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Cheryl Tweedy Hot Butt Tatto And Upskirt....

2008-12-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Nice Tatto !

Candid Camera Valentina Liguori On Hot Bikini

2008-12-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Valentina Liguori Wife Of Gianluca Zambrotta...

Gary Neville's fitness woes Make Him Frustrated...

2008-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

In a footballing sense, Gary Neville has never known anything but Manchester United and England. The 33-year-old has racked up a wealth of experience and standing in the game whilst turning out for both.

However, the right-back suffered an ankle injury in March 2007 and has plodded along the comeback trail for almost two years. Now, the next generation is starting to creep through, with full-back Rafael da Silva in particular looking as though he could replace both Neville and fellow crock Wes Brown in the long-term.

Neville is said to be a professional figure off the field - becoming involved in various committees and initiatives in an ambassadorial capacity in recent years, so he is expected to have a future in the game when he hangs up his boots.

Still, that doesn't mean he isn't feeling low at present as he skulks around on the fringes of the Red Devils' first-team.

He told the club's official website: "To be honest, I've not been able to stay fit enough, long enough, or produce consistently good enough performances to stay in the team.

"You've got to be realistic and honest with yourself. The first thing you've got to do is stay fit. If you do that over a long period of time, you get the opportunity to get your level of performance to something that is acceptable for this club."

Neville is expected to feature as United wrap up their Champions League Group E campaign in midweek against Aalborg.

Once Again Inter Failed On 4-3-3 Formations...

2008-12-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight Inter lost their second Champions League match in succession, going down 2-1 away to Werder Bremen after losing 1-0 at home against Panathinaikos. This means the Greek side win Group B, with Inter following in second place.

Following the game, coach Jose Mourinho looked disappointed but felt the defeat should not be taken too seriously as the Nerazzurri were not playing in their best formation.

"This defeat is not a reference point, we didn't play with our best team and we deserve to face one of the strongest teams of the draw," he said. "We've put ourselves in this situation. In Serie A we are much more concentrated and strong.

"Werder put us in difficulty high dead ball situations with a very high pressing game. An example is the first goal, with Maxwell coming late on [Claudio] Pizarro. I was not surprised he made the decisive mistake, as he did not look concentrated in the second half.

"[Amantino] Mancini and [Ricardo] Quaresma aren't at their best but they did their part. Perhaps if Quaresma had scored early on with that quickly-taken free kick, things would have gone differently."

Tonight Inter reverted to the coach's preferred 4-3-3 formation, but he admits the 4-4-2 works better for the team at the moment.

"Right now we are more comfortable playing with a 4-4-2, because it gives us more strength physically, tactically, and psychologically."

As group runners-up, Inter could now meet the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the last 16.

Del Piero Recovered And Ready for Bate And Milan !

2008-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Alessandro Del Piero has once again been able to roll back the years this season, as he has been in fine form for Juventus since the beginning of the season.

However, the Juventus talisman missed the recent 2-1 victory against Lecce through injury and there was a worry that the 2006 World Cup winner would miss the matches against BATE Borisov on Wednesday and AC Milan on the weekend.

The captain has been included in coach Claudio Ranieri's squad to face the minnows from Belarus at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

It is not known if Del Piero will play against BATE Borisov, especially since the Bianconeri have already qualified for the next round of Europe's premier competition and Ranieri may prefer not to risk the 34-year-old.

Although, it is a near certainty that Del Piero will play against Milan on the weekend.

Werder Bremen vs Inter 2-1 Players Rating

2008-12-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

WERDER BREMEN

Wiese: 5.5 -
Quick to collect a few loose balls in the first half. Was largely untested though. Could do little to stop Ibrahimovic's superb strike.

Boenisch: 6.5 -
Looked to get forward at every opportunity in the opening stages.

Prodl: 6.5 -
Got himself forward, along with Mertesacker, in order to find an early goal. Took on Cesar, and winded the fella.

Mertesacker: 6.5 -
Looked to attack the ball from set play. Sometimes passed back to Wiese in order to go forward. Was guilty, along with Prodl, in affording Ibramovic too much space for the Swede's stunning goal.

Fritz: 5.0 -
Contributed poorly apart from his goal-line clearance from Burdisso. Molested Adriano in the first half with some constant fouling.

Frings: 7.0 -
Shielded well, broke up play when needs be. A silent operator that did his job in nullifying Inter's attacks.

Vranjes: 4.5 -
Who? Where? Some okay passing, but overall Vranjes saw little action.

Hunt: 7.0 -
Got forward well and drove the team on from midfield. Looked for the link up and the one-two. Decent.

Ozil: 7.5 -
Great playmaking skills from the man asked to fill the role normally occupied by Diego. One of the better performers on the pitch. Helped set up the second goal with a tricky grounded cross along the six yard line.

Rosenburg: 7.5 -
In all fairness he was poor all game, but he rounded off a swift team move with a neat six yard flick in with his left foot.

Pizarro: 8.0 -
Was Bremen's greatest dangerman. If anyone was going to draw first blood it was going to be the on loan Chelsea man who reacted first to a Julio Cesar spill. Tested Cesar on numerous occasions.

Substitutions:

Jensen: 5.0; Niemeyer: 5.0.

INTER

Cesar: 4.5 -
Was winded early on following a Prodl challenge. Made some decent clearances in the first half, but looked out of place in the second as he constantly spilled shots. A catch was an impossibility for Cesar.

Zanetti: 5.5 -
Okay, but uninspiring. Did nothing much of note.

Materazzi: 5.0 -
Got himself involved in a fiery clash with Rosenberg. Was replaced with Maxwell.

Cordoba: 6.0
Good and able defending in the first half and played some decent balls in.

Maicon: 7.0 -
Did reasonably well. While the majority of Inter were dire, he provided a shining light. Played some good balls into Mancini. Great skill employed to evade Rosenberg.

Burdisso: 6.0 -
Had a powerful header blocked off the line.

Muntari: 4.5 -
Anonymous in the first half until a controversial moment when he should have been red-carded after an elbow to the chin of Fritz. Got himself involved more in legitimate play in the second half.

Cambiasso: 5.0 -
A performance that the Argentine international will be keen to forget as he consistently failed to pick out a team-mate from corner kicks.

Quaresma: 4.0 -
A terrible performer. The label of a 'poor man's Cristiano Ronaldo' was, based on tonight's display, an insult to the Manchester United winger because he was worse than that. Wayward shooting.

Adriano: 5.5 -
Had one great ball into Mancini. Substandard execution from set play. Was substituted.

Mancini: 7.0 -
Got himself into clever positions and beat the offside trap multiple times but was let down with awful final balls, mostly from Quaresma.

Substitutions:

Ibrahimovic: 7.5 - The Swedish international was gifted space outside the box and he rocketed a low drive against the inside post and into goal.

Balotelli: 5.0; Maxwell: 5.5.

De Ceglie Want New Juventus Contract...

2008-12-09T14:42:00.000-08:00

Juventus full-back Paolo De Ceglie and his agent Carlo Pallavicino will have a meeting with the club this week to discuss a new contract agreement.

The Bianconeri are apparently offering a year extension and a salary of €400k, but his agent and player are expecting a bit more.

“We’re not turning it into a money issue,” explained the player’s agent. “However it’s clear that even De Ceglie would welcome a sign from the club.

“He would like to know if Juventus is aiming on him and that the project, which started out in the youth sector, continues.

“Even the general manager Blanc said that he wants to fix this situation.”

So far this season De Ceglie has made 10 appearances for Juventus after spending last season at Siena.

Adios Schuster, Welcome Ramos....!

2008-12-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Bernd Schuster has been sacked by Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have confirmed after a series of meetings on Tuesday morning and is reported to have been replaced by Juande Ramos.

With Predrag Mijatovic said to have been at the forefront of the move, he had already lined up Ramos and the former Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur coach will take training on Tuesday afternoon after a brief presentation.

The German coach has paid for the turmoil on the pitch and apparently for his comments off it after he stated that Los Merengues could not beat Barcelona this weekend.

Despite leading the club to the league title last term, his inability to produce an attractive and consistent team this season has meant that he has now paid the price.

Sporting director Mijatovic was reported to have been very unimpressed by the trainer's outburst to add to the poor performances in recent weeks and was instrumental in his sacking.

Ramón Calderón had previously wanted to retain Schuster's services for fear of a backlash against him, but he was persuaded to make the move after Sunday's defeat by Sevilla.

Madrid are now said to have appointed former Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur coach Juande Ramos and he will be at the Bernabéu for the game against Zenit on Wednesday.

Schuster, 48, took over at the Bernabéu after Fabio Capello was dismissed because his style of play was not said to be entertaining enough despite securing Madrid's first championships for four seasons and now the club have removed another title-winning coach.

The former Madrid, Atlético and Barcelona player was warned about his conduct in the press room last term and while results were going his way there was little outcry, but now the team has faltered his latest outburst about the impossibility of winning at Camp Nou has cost him dearly.

Ramos made his name by winning five trophies in 15 months at Sevilla and he added to that by leading Tottenham to the Carling Cup last term, their first major trophy for nine years.

Despite the north London club's subsequent dip in form, the Andalucian trainer's stock held up in Spain and he was tipped to join Real Madrid as soon as it was announced that he had lost his job at White Hart Lane.

Mijatovic : Unanimous Decision For Sacking Schuster

2008-12-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

Predrag Mijatovic has revealed that the decision to sack Bernd Schuster had nothing to do with the coach's statement that Real Madrid could not beat Barcelona next weekend.

Los Merengues' sporting director was speaking at a press conference that was hastily arranged after the club chose to rescind the German's contract on Tuesday morning and replace him with Juande Ramos.

Reports in the Spanish press had stated that Schuster's attempt at mind games about the Barça game had backfired and pushed Mijatovic to take the decision, but he denied that.

"After several meetings this week I, as sporting director, took the decision and was backed by the board to remove Bernd Schuster," he told reporters.

"We then spoke to Bernd Schuster this morning about all the problems over the past few months and about all the problems that the team has had over the past few weekss.

"We reached a unanimous decision to take this decision and he accepted it even though he was sad.

"His declarations the other day had no bearing on the decision. Two weeks ago I said that we do not make difficult decisions like this easily.

"Making choices like is not easy and we had to make a deep analysis of the squad and the situation before taking it."

When asked whether he felt the board were to blame for the problems more so than the coach, Mijatovic defended himself and president Ramón Calderón.

"It is not the president's fault and it is not easy to make the right decisions all the time," he added. "We are all professionals and I do not think that the board are to blame."

Johan Cruyff : Madrid Lost Their Philosopy...

2008-12-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Barcelona’s former legendary player and coach Johan Cruyff has not missed the opportunity to have a dig at a wounded Real Madrid side ahead of their sizzling showdown this weekend in El Gran Clasico.

Despite Los Blancos’ crisis on and off the pitch, the Dutch maestro does not believe that victory is already guaranteed for the Blaugrana.

“Barca are playing great at the moment, but we have to be careful of the euphoria,” he was quoted as saying by Sport. “El Clasico is always different from every other game.

“I don’t think that the match will be a title-decider. It’s just another three points. It will be most special for all cules if we win, but there are still another 69 points to play for.”

Cruyff then went on to criticise Madrid’s philosophy when it comes to the cantera as the debate and controversy rages on about the two clubs’ youth system.

The 61-year-old said: “Barca have Guardiola and Madrid have Schuster.

“Pep has not revolutionised anything. He has only given continuity to a philosophy that already exists at the Camp Nou.

“I re-introduced the tradition when I arrived at the club [as coach] in 1988. But it would not have been successful if my successors had not continued my work.

“At Madrid, they do not know how to harness or look for that philosophy ever since the end of the ‘Quinta del Buitre’ era.”

But Cruyff did have some positive words for the Bernabeu club, as he believes they've signed a winner in Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

He added: “(Huntelaar) is a humble boy who has already had a good head-start. I can compare him to (Ruud) van Nistelrooy.”

Huge Blow For Milan : Rino Gattuso Out for This Season !

2008-12-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Milan midfield maestro Gennaro Gattuso is likely to be ruled out for at least six months after damaging knee ligaments against Catania.

It's a huge blow for Milan who have been coping with several injuries. Gattuso underwent further tests at Milan lab on Tuesday and it's not good news.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"A.C Milan would like to communicate that Gennaro Gattuso has undergone a scan following the injury he sustained against Catania.

"The results of the tests have revealed an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

"Gattuso was accompanied by Milan club doctor Jean Pierre Meersseman and he will undergo further controls on Wednesday."

It's unknown as to whether or not the player needs to go under the knife but Sky Sport Italia claims the injury will keep Gattuso out for at least six months.

It couldn't come at a worse time for coach Carlo Ancelotti with a game against Juventus on the weekend.

Corinthians Get "El Fenomeno"

2008-12-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo has been out of action ever since he severed a tendon in his knee playing for Milan against Livorno in February.

After undergoing a successful operation, it was estimated that he would be out of action for at least nine months, but there were fears in many quarters that the 32-year-old may never return to the field again.

Ronaldo’s rehabilitation is said to be going well, and there have been reports that he could be fit again soon.

El Fenomeno has been linked with a host of clubs, including Flamengo, Manchester City, Siena, and even his last club, Milan. However, over the past few days it emerged that Corinthians had entered the race to sign the 2002 World Cup winner.

Having just won promotion back up to the top flight, Corinthians are looking to strengthen ahead of the next Brasilerao, and have closed the deal for a one-year contract for Ronaldo.

The transfer has been confirmed by Corinthians' general manager Antonio Carlos, who has stated: "It is all true, the contract was signed. President Andres Sanchez met with Ronaldo last week."

Ronaldo, who signs on a free transfer due to his unattached status, has not played in his Brazilian homeland since leaving first club Cruzeiro for PSV Eindhoven of Holland back in 1994.

Brighi And Totti Bring "Wolves" To The Top...

2008-12-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Roma had started Group A disastrously with an opening day loss at home to Cluj, but they had since recovered admirably to register three wins out of four. This placed them top of the group, and they knew that a draw against Bordeaux tonight would see them qualify for the knockout rounds. A defeat would only see them through if Chelsea failed to win at Stamford Bridge against Cluj.

Coach Luciano Spalletti made just one change to the team who won at Chievo on Saturday evening, with Christian Panucci replacing Cicinho at right back. Francesco Totti was supported by Jeremy Menez and Julio Baptista in attack. Aquilani, Tonetto and Okaka were all still out, but Mirko Vucinic was on the bench.

Bordeaux made an even more disastrous start to their European campaign, losing both of their first two games, but seven points from a possible nine meant that a win at the Olimpico would see them qualify. Any other result and they were out. Coach Laurent Blanc dropped Argentine striker Fernando Cavenaghi, fielding Marouane Chamakh up-front. There was a familiar face to Serie A audiences in on-loan Milan starlet Yoann Gourcuff. Ducasse, Henrique and Saivet all missed out due to injury.

First Half

Bordeaux had the first attempt of the game within the opening 90 seconds, as Fernando sliced the ball well wide from distance. Baptista replied in kind down the other end, forcing Ulrich Rame into a comfortable save at his near post.

The French side were showing their intent to attack right from the start, and Yoan Gouffran flicked on a Gourcuff cross, but it was easy for Doni. Marc Planus also headed over from Wendel's free kick.

Shots were raining in on goal in the early stages, and Baptista whipped a free kick over the wall, but he couldn't get the ball to dip enough. There was a similar result on 17 minutes when 'The Beast' tried another curler, this time from open play.

After a lively start, the pace of the game dropped a touch, and it took until the 30th minute before either side had another attempt, as Fernando harmlessly fired over from 30 yards. Wendel had an almost identical effort a few minutes later.

Roma seemed to lose all interest in attacking, and the few forward thrusts that did take place came from Bordeaux, Gourcuff the latest to leave his shooting boots at home as he scuffed the ball well wide.

Second Half

Bordeaux came out of the traps the faster in the second half, and Roma's hearts were in their mouths when Chamakh turned and fired just a few inches wide.

Roma couldn't keep the ball, and had totally lost their rhythm, Gourcuff slashed wide, while Goufrann saw a shot charged down by Philippe Mexes. Down the other end, Simone Perrotta went down in the box, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.

With just over half-and-hour to go, and Bordeaux needing a win to qualify, coach Blanc threw on a second forward, introducing Cavenaghi for the ineffective Gouffran.

However, with virtually their first serious attack of the second half Roma took the lead. Perrotta was released down the right hand, and he cut the ball back to the unmarked Matteo Brighi, who controlled and volleyed the ball past Rame on the turn.

The goal settled Roma down, and their passing improved, with Perrotta heading into the arms of Rame, and Totti failing to take advantage when isolated with the last Bordeaux defender. The away side now went for broke, throwing on David Bellion and Jussie.

On 76 minutes Bordeaux's most dangerous player, Gourcuff, let fly from 25 yards, but it was a comfortable save for Doni.

Minutes later it was all over though. Roma caught Bordeaux on the break. Menez slid the ball through to Totti, and Er Pupone made no mistake, thundering a low shot past Rame.

Bordeaux created their first real chance of the game on 82 minutes, as substitute David Bellion managed to get behind the defence, but his finish was high and horrible.

There was little else to report from the rest of the game, as Roma win Group A, and are joined in the knockout rounds by Chelsea. Bordeaux finish third and will have to make do with a place in the UEFA Cup. Cluj are out of Europe all together.

Teams

Roma: Doni, Panucci, Juan, Mexes, Riise, Brighi, De Rossi, Perrotta (Pizarro 89), Menez (Cicinho 79), Baptista, Totti (Vucinic 87)

Bordeaux: Rame, Chalme, Planus, Diawara, Jurietti, Fernando, Diarra, Gouffran (Cavenaghi 57), Gourcuff, Wendel (Bellion 68), Chamakh (Jussie 68)

Goals

Brighi 61 (R)
Totti 78 (R)

Survived Chelsea Thanks For Drogba...

2008-12-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

A superby-worked equalising goal by Romanian side Cluj generated palpable anxiety at Stamford Bridge - at least until Roma scored against Bordeaux in the group's other contest - in a game that Chelsea struggled to control convincingly until the latter stages. But Didier Drogba came off the bench and scored a brilliant winner for the Blues to dispel all the tension and ensure their safe passage to the next round.

The first half saw Chelsea moving the ball around too slowly, and with inufficient width, to be effective against the tidy Romanians. Lacking great pace and exerting too little pressure, Chelsea were unable to get their game flowing in the first period. And on a night of tension it took them 40 minutes to make the breakthrough.

The game began with Jon Obi Mikel taking possession 40 yards out but lashing his shot well high and wide.

But Cluj, knowing that they could not progress in Europe at all this season, were relaxed and looked dangerous on the break. Alvaro Pereira drilled in a 30-yard effort that forced Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to scurry across and make a diving save, just in case.

Then Deco swung in a free-kick for the Blues which Alex rose high to head down into the turf and up over the crossbar in Chelsea's first real sight of goal.

However, the Blues were close to going behind when Juan Culio whipped in a cross that was headed goalwards by Hugo Alcantara, requiring Mikel to race back and make a superb goal-line clearance.

At the other end, Joe Cole chested down a cross from the left on the edge of the area and set himself for a shot which he sliced wide of Nuno Claro's left-hand post. But Cole was looking dangerous for Chelsea and really needed better service as the Cluj defence was generally coping quite comfortably.

There was another threat when Salomon Kalou tried a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which was deflected up over the bar with Claro floundering, wrong-footed by the deflection.

The home side finally eased nerves on 40 minutes, when Deco's free-kick from some 40 yards out found Kalou unmarked and with time to control the ball and fire into the net from close range for his first goal in ten matches.

Chelsea began the second half at a higher tempo, and they were enjoying their best spell of the match. Joe Cole had a shot that was straight at Claro, but just two minutes later, Cluj were level. Juan Culio backheeled the ball to Cristian Panin on the right flank, and Panin's made-to-measure cross sailed just beyond Alex for striker Yssouf Kone to head home emphatically past Cexh at the far post. It was an excellent goal, and suddenly Chelsea were up against it again.

They responded strongly, Joe Cole bringing the ball down and getting in a fierce shot which Claro did well to push behind for a corner.

News that Roma had gone in front against Bordeaux was greeted with relief by the Chelsea fans, but the mood was still tense. Then Scolari introduced Didier Drogba off the bench in place of goalscorer Kalou.

Six minutes later, the Ivorian had put Chelsea back in front. It was another stunning goal as Joe Cole chipped the ball over a Cluj defender and perfectly into space for Drogba, who took it down in his stride with a deft touch to control it, then with a second touch prodded it past Nuno Claro and into the net.

Joe Cole was then withdrawn, receiving an ovation from the fans as Juliano Belletti came on. Cluj suddenly looked tired and beaten after Chelsea's second goal, and the Blues were now comfortably in control for the first time.

It wasn't a clinical or stylish Chelsea performance, but they maintained their record of reaching the knock-out stages of the Champions League seven times out of seven.

Chelsea: Cech, Ashley Cole, Terry, Alex, Bosingwa, Kalou, Deco, Mikel, Ballack, Joe Cole, Anelka. Subs: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Drogba, Bridge, Ferreira, Belletti, Stoch.

CFR Cluj-Napoca: Nuno Claro, Pereira, Hugo Alcantara, Cadu, Panin, Muresan, Dani, Culio, Trica, Dubarbier, Yssouf Kone. Subs: Hirschfeld, Peralta, Prette, Deac, De Souza, Emmanuel Kone, Ruiz.

17 Millions Euro For Cambiasso

2008-12-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Daily Mail reports that Manchester City are lining up a €17 million bid for Esteban Cambiasso, the Inter Milan midfielder.

Although perhaps not a household name in England, the Argentine international is widely regarded as one of the best holding players in Serie A.

The 28-year-old has become a mainstay for the Nerazzurri since joining from Real Madrid in 2004, and it seems that City manager Mark Hughes has taken a shining to him.

Sparky has made no secret of his intention to toughen up the spine of his Sky Blues squad, and an energetic yet intelligent player like Cambiasso certainly fits the job description.

It remains to be seen how genuine City's supposed interest is, and whether it will affect their long-established desire to sign Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth.

Golden Bin For Quaresma !

2008-12-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Inter striker Ricardo Quaresma has always stated his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or award but he will have to settled for the 'Golden Bin' accolade this season.

The award is given to the worst player of the season by Italian radio station Radio 2.

The disappointed loser this year with 17 percent of the votes is Quaresma, who even beat old war-horse Christian Vieri.

Adriano, who received the bin - and Roberto Mancini's boot - last year, finished third, in front of former Milan striker Ronaldo and Rossoneri stars Nelson Dida and Andriy Shevchenko.

Juventus flop Tiago Mendes finished in ninth place.

The 'Golden Bin' is not the prize everyone wants for Christmas, but it's what the former Porto midifielder deserves as his form so far has not justified the €18.6 million spent on him in the summer.

Inter Is Not Enough.....

2008-12-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

A 1-0 win for Panathinaikos combined with their own 2-0 home win over the Nerrazurri has seen Werder clinch a Uefa Cup spot by finishing third in the group. Inter meanwhile have to settle for runners-up spot.

First Half

Thomas Schaaf made four changes to the side which lost at Karlsruhe at the weekend with Diego out suspended and Naldo and Hugo Almeida injured. In came Özil, Prödl, Rosenberg and Boenisch.

Jose Mourinho brought in Marco Materazzi, Nicolas Burdisso, Mancini, Adriano and Ricardo Quaresma as changes to the side that beat Lazio at the weekend.

Werder kicked the game off inside a drizzly Weser Stadion and the German side forced a very early corner and Julio Cesar did well to punch away under very heavy pressure. The Inter keeper required treatment though after being winded by Prödl. The home side kept their early pressure up and forced a second quick corner, but once again it came to nothing.

With five minutes gone a lazy touch by Adriano allowed Bremen to counter attack via Boenisch and Özil, but when the ball came across, Torsten Frings was unable to make a proper contact and the shot went into the arms of the Inter keeper.

The opening ten minutes saw the hosts dominating in terms of possession and territory with Inter seemingly content to sit deep and soak up the early pressure.

A super period of one-touch football down the left on the quarter of an hour mark saw Rosenberg and Özil combine well to feed Claudio Pizarro. The Peruvian’s goal-bound shot however was tipped around the post by Julio Cesar in the Inter goal for another Werder corner.

Inter’s first real moment of danger as an attacking force arrived on 20 minutes when Brazilian Adriano was sent clear. He attempted to loft the ball over the advancing Tim Wiese, but the ball didn’t travel forward enough and the German keeper gathered it when it came down.

The opening half an hour made it clear that Jose Mourinho had got his tactical set-up just right with the Italians making the space very narrow and frustrating the home side.

Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma beat Torsten Frings for pace on 29 minutes only to be brought down by the German international and the Werder midfielder was rightly booked. The ensuing free kick provided Adriano with a good opportunity, but he blasted the ball high and wide.

Inter wasted another good opportunity from a free kick on 34 minutes when some quick thinking from Maicon sent Quaresma in, but the former Porto midfielder slashed his shot horribly and it went well wide. Two minutes later and Werder’s Mesut Özil had an equally awful effort after he had robbed Zanetti and beaten two defenders.

The best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to Claudio Pizarro on 42 minutes when he got his head to an Özil corner. He rose well to flick the ball goalwards but Julio Cesar reacted well to keep the ball out.

Second Half

Inter coach Jose Mourinho obviously wasn’t completely happy with what he saw in the first half as he made a double substitution with Maxell and Ibrahimovic coming on for Materazzi and Adriano.

It was Werder though, who began the second half the brighter of the two sides and they were moving the ball forward with more intent. Rosenberg fired narrowly wide on 46 minutes before Claudio Pizarro lifted his shot over the bar from seven meters out following a good cross from Boenisch.

The first ten minutes of the second period were a marked improvement on the first with both sides a much better attacking force.

A header from Burdisso following a Cambiasso corner had to be cleared off the line by Clemens Fritz on 55 minutes, whereas three minutes later Pizarro made some space for himself before unleashing a shot that Julio Cesar had to get down well to save.

Werder’s brighter start was rewarded on 63 minutes with the opening goal. A poor clearance from Cordoba gifted possession back to Werder and when the ball arrived at the feet of Mesut Özil, the youngster fired in a fine shot that Julio Cesar could only parry. The ball dropped invitingly to Pizarro who took the gift by slotting the ball into the Inter goal.

The goal and news that Panathinaikos had taken the lead against Anorthosis seemed to lift Werder and they had a few chances to double their lead.

With 70 minutes on the clock Mesut Özil let fly and once again Julio Cesar could only parry. This time however there was nobody on hand to take advantage. Five minutes later and it was the same story again as the Inter keeper failed to hold a shot from Pizarro, but once again no Werder attacker was on hand to profit.

On 77 minutes, Aaron Hunt fired inches wide from 24 meters as the Werder pressure was maintained.

Inter had a rare moment of danger of their own on 79 minutes, but 18 year old substitute Balotelli headed a glorious chance over the bar from close range, when it seemed easier to score.

That miss was duly punished with nine minutes left when Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg scored Werder’s second. A great counter attack following an Inter goal kick saw the impressive Mesut Özil send an inviting ball across the area to Rosenberg, who guided his shot into the bottom corner.

With two minutes left Inter pulled one back via a sublime finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede received the ball just outside the penalty area and when nobody closed him down, he took a touch before curling an excellent shot in off the post to give the Italians a glimmer of hope.

Goals:

1-0 Pizarro (63)

2-0 Rosenberg (81)

2-1 Ibrahimovic (88)

Yellow cards:

Frings (29), Fritz (84) / Muntari (69), Balotelli (89)

Werder Bremen: Wiese, Boenisch, Fritz, Mertesacker, Prödl, Frings, Vranjes (Niemeyer 89), Özil (Jensen 92), Hunt, Rosenberg, Pizarro

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Cordoba, Materazzi (Maxwell 46), Burdisso, Maicon, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari (Balotelli 71), Mancini, Quaresma, Adriano (Ibrahimovic 46)

Inter Lost Julio Cruz Until 2009

2008-12-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Julio Cruz played in last night’s Serie A encounter for Inter with Lazio last night, but the Argentinian had to be replaced during the first half of his side's 3-0 win over the Biancocelesti in Rome after he was injured.

“Fortunately it's nothing too serious,” said Inter’s team physician Franco Combi. Cruz was left off Inter's team list for Tuesday's Champions League match with Werder Bremen.

Coach Jose Mourinho has called up Adriano, Ricardo Quaresma, Mario Balotelli and Amantino Mancini to join Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack for this week’s Champions League outing, but Cruz may have been an important part of the Portuguese tactician’s plans for the midweek match.

Inter has already qualified for the knockout phase, but is still attempting to come top in its Champions League group in order to avoid another top placed team in the draw for the knockout stages.

Chievo vs AS Roma 0-1 Players Rating

2008-12-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Chievo Verona

Sorrentino -7.5: The goalkeeper was called into action on a number of occasions and his two stops on Menez and Brighi were a la Buffon. He tipped a powerful close range drive around the post on the first and then minutes later he pulled off a miracle save from point blank range as he blocked the midfielder's effort on the line.

Moro -5.5: Moro was supposed to keep an eye on Menez which he did but in spells. He couldn't really deal with the Frenchman's pace and he failed to run with him for the goal. He completely lost his man which was a sign of poor defending.

Mandelli -6.0: The stopper played well on the night and his understanding and positional sense was of the highest level. However, he lacked a little confidence and looked uncertain when Roma launched counter attacks. He failed to pick up some of Totti's runs as well.

Yepes -6.0: A solid show at the back and he dealt with Roma's threats well. He lived dangerously and he was lucky not to concede a penalty in the first half when he hacked down Menez. However, he made up for that with some good tackles.

Mantovani -6.5: One of the teams better defenders. He was everywhere and he never stopped working. In the right place at he right time as he cleared Julio Baptista's shot off the line with a great intervention. A solid game from all aspects.

Luciano -5.0: The midfielder was average. At times even clumsy as he gave away possession and needless free kicks for being over ambitious. Not one of his better performances by any means.

Pinzi -5.5: Battled well in the middle of the park but he failed to offer much spark when going forward. He looked uncertain at times and he was replaced in the second half by his coach as his work declined.

Bentivoglio -6.5: The midfielder's main job was to rumble Baptista and he did so very well. He never lost the Brazilian and kept him shackled for most of the game. A very good display. Defended well and attacked too. Great passing and vision also.

Marcolini -5.5: The midfielder's passing let him down on the night. His back-pass almost gifted Menez the chance to score. He was sloppy at times even though he tried to get the ball rolling.

Esposito -6.5: The former Roma man said he had no regrets leaving the Giallorossi for Chievo earlier this week, however he will regret missing a number of first half chances. To his credit, he did press well and his constant hustling down the left almost paid off.

Pellissier -6.0: The striker failed to get going. He didn't offer much up top. His run and cross for Esposito was, perhaps, his moment of glory. He worked well but he just couldn't penetrate the Roma back line.

Subs: Iunco 5.0, Langella 5.5

Roma

Doni -7.0: The Brazilian has a fairly quiet game but he was called into action and dealt with it well. His double save from Esposito in the first half was top notch as he saved his side's skin. A good overal performance and he always looked comforatble.

Cicinho -6.5: The right-back was always on hand to help clear the danger and his running didn't seem to stop for the whole game. He got up and down well and created some openings but some of his crosses were less than perfect.

Mexes -6.5: The Frenchman had a quiet game overall but he did pop up here and there and he was a little unlucky not to have scored when he latched onto Menez's free kick.

Juan -6.0: The Brazilian stopper is Roma's unsung hero. A fairly quiet game overall but he was always on hand to help at the back and his clearances from corners and reading of the play was spot on.

Riise -6.5: Riise showed some great form on the left and made good runs down the wing. He was up and down with high frequency. He also tested Sorrentino's hands with a thuderous free kick. Slowly but surely he is getting back to his best.

Perrotta -6.0: The Italian international was good but at times some sloppy passing was his down fall. He battled well in the middle and his presence was there for all to see but he could have done better when moving the ball around. Some faster passing and a little more intensity would have been good. His second half volley was decent.

De Rossi -6.5: A relatively poor first half but came to life in the second. His header laid the ball on a plate for Menez to score. His shooting wasn't so great though- wild and the words hit and hope come to mind.

Brighi -4.5: Brighi enjoyed a mixed game and the words good bad and ugly some up his night in Verona. Nice work rate and passing, a very poor miss and two nasty tackles were the highlights of his match. He was left red faced when he was booked twice for two different challenges.

Menez -8.5: The hit-man has come under heavy criticism recently but the skeptics will have changed their opinion on his first half showing alone. He was one of the Giallorossi's best players and my man of the match. He showed great skill and pace and was a constant threat down the wing. His great run and turn had Brighi in for a sitter but the midfielder missed. A volley a la Van Basten saw him score his first Serie A goal as well as give his side maximum points.

Baptista -5.5: A less than perfect display by the hit-man. He failed to live up to expectation. He kept on getting caught in positions which made it easy to be shackled. Bentivoglio was all over him and the Chievo man won the battle.

Totti -6.5: Roma are a different team when he plays and he kept on pulling the strings. Like De Rossi, a slightly poor showing in the first but gradually made up for it as the game went on. Excellent vision and technique.

Subs: Cassetti N/A, Taddei 6.0.

Inter Victory On Lazio....Only Warm Up ?!

2008-12-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Inter crushed Lazio 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night to register their sixth Serie A victory on the bounce.

And Zlatan Ibrahimovic rounded off the score-line with a header ten minutes after the restart.

“I am very happy with my goal, but even more so with the great performance of the whole team,” the Sweden international told Inter Channel.

“In other games I have had several chances, but have often failed to convert them. It was different today and I am really overjoyed.

“But I also want to praise my teammates, as it is never easy to win away to Lazio. We did all the things we had prepared and took to the pitch with personality, strength and quality.”

José Mourinho’side maintain a six-point lead at the top of the table, as their nearest rivals Juventus and Milan also got the full points yesterday.

“Yes, but we now have to keep going down this road, up until Christmas, this is just the beginning…” concluded the hitman.

Milan On Ronaldo Comeback Speculation

2008-12-08T06:15:00.000-08:00

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has hinted at a return for former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo.

The Brazilian was released by Milan earlier this year after suffering from a severe knee injury which almost ended his career. However, Ronaldo has recovered but he is currently clubless and looking for a way back into the game.

His agent Fabiano Farah recently spoke of a possible return to Milan and Galliani has not ruled it out.

"Ronaldo to return? We are not sure about January but who knows in future," Galliani told AGI.

"You never know what can happen in football but for now it's not possible to hypothesise."

It's unlikely Ronaldo will return to Milan as the Rossoneri are covered well up front. The Brazilian recently turned down offers from Paris Saint Germain and Siena. A move back to Brazil is more probable for the struggling hit-man.

Galliani Search Two New Defenders...

2008-12-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Speaking after Milan’s triumph over Catania at the San Siro, vice president Adriano Galliani commented on his Milan squad, and the fact that there will need to be a few changes at the back for the Rossoneri at the end of the season.

There have been rumours that the likes of Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos and Philippe Mexes may make the move too the San Siro club, but none have been confirmed by the Milan giants.

Retiring captain Paolo Maldini will not only leave a gap in the hearts of many calcio fans, but also a gaping hole in the Milan back line, which despite his 40 years of age, he still manages to cover.

After the Milan match Galliani revealed, “The defence is probably the position where age is an issue. Maldini will retire at the end of the season, and we will look to add one, or maybe two centre backs to the team.”

AC Milan vs Catania 1-0

2008-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

MILAN

Abbiati: 6.0- Had very few saves to make and was nearly beaten early when Paolucci hit the post, but he never made any mistakes.

Zambrotta: 8.0- Showed the form he was in during the World Cup. Bombed up and down the flank and was not afraid to go for goal when the opportunity presented itself.

Kaladze: 6.0- A decent showing, but nearly gave away a penalty in the dying minutes and just a few mintues earlier made a weak effort to clear the ball that was nearly pounced on by Catania in the box. Needs to be more attentive.

Maldini: 6.5- The Milan captain was much better than last week against Palermo, using all of his experience to shut down the Etnei's strikers.

Jankulovski: 7.5- Excellent game from the Czech, who, like Zambrotta, was always an option for his teammates.

Gattuso: 6.5- A fiery performance from Gattuso as usual, but his temper got the better of him when he was given a yellow card, meaning he will miss next week's match with rivals Juventus.

Flamini: 6.0- Kept his positioning well, but was not invovled enough in the proceeding until the second half. Still adapting to Serie A, it seems.

Emerson: 5.5- Did well defensively, but you can tell physically he is not the same player he once was. Substituted at the half because of a back injury.

Kaka: 7.5- His header led to the winning goal and he created opportunities for himself and teammates. However, he is capable of more than he showed today, drifting out of the game on occassion.

Pato: 6.5- Still a little raw, but was dangerous with his set pieces. Booked for diving.

Shevchenko: 6.0- Shevchenko was a willing runner and was clearly desperately looking for a goal. However, he is still rusty and was often alcking when it came to the end-product.

SUBS

Favalli: 6.0, Antonini N/A

CATANIA

Bizzarri: 7.0- Great reaction saves, and nothing he could do on the goal. Would have received a igher rating if he did not throw the ball to straight to Shevchenko in the second half, almost resulting in a goal for Milan.

Sardo: 7.0- A presence on the right flank, taking advantage of Jankulovski's forward runs, but he tired in the second half.

Silvestri: 6.0- Did a decent job marking Pato and Shevchenko.

Terlizzi: 5.0- Some wonder why he is not a certain starter and today showed some glimpses of why that is the case. He struggles to deal with the speed of his opponents.

Stovini: 6.5- The veteran was one of the reasons Catania managed to hold out for so long under the pressure of Milan. Unlucky deflection for the own goal.

Sabato: 6.0- He was nullified by Zambrotta for a majority of the match and struggled to make an impact.

Biagianti: 5.5- Over-run by the Milan midfield.

Ledesma: 6.5- Was not given much space, but managed to ignite the attack on a few occassions by getting the ball quickly up the field.

Carboni: 5.5- Similar to Biagianti, he needed to be more assertive, but these were difficult circumstances.

Mascara: 7.0- Hit the post early in the match and tried to help out his midfielders by dropping deep.

Paolucci: 6.0- Was dealt with by Maldini and Kalaze relatively easily, but did not receive much service to be honest.

SUBS

Tedesco: 5.5, Plasmati: 6.0, Martinez: N/A

Kaka Give Magic Againts Catania

2008-12-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Milan 1–0 Catania

Milan hosted Sicilians Catania this weekend, with the visitors having had a great season thus far, and had they won at home to Lecce last week they would have entered the top four. Milan's biggest problem at the moment has been the fact that their form has not been very good lately.

The Rossoneri lost at home to Lazio in the Italian cup a few day ago, and they were beaten 3-1 at another Sicilian team, Palermo last weekend. Prior to that they had drawn 2-2 at both Torino and Portsmouth in the League and UEFA Cup respectively.

Carlo Ancelotti's side needed a morale boosting win in this encounter, while Walter Zenga was aiming for a positive result away in the North of Italy.

First Half

The match kicked off at the San Siro, with Milan captain Paolo Maldini celebrating a staggering 619 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri. The game began at a slow pace, with both sides passing the ball around in midfield and moving forward slowly.

The first real opportunity of the match fell to Milan in the 5th minute as a low cross from Kaka found the head of Andriy Shevchenko in the box, but his attempt went just over the bar. Three minutes later Milan were at it again, and a break through from Alexandre Pato saw the young Brazilian run towards goal before trying to give a through ball across to Shevchenko, but the Catania defence did well to cut out the pass.

In the 10th minute the Rossoneri continued to pile on the early pressure, and a free kick from Pato was almost turned into the goal from Maldini, requiring the fingertips of Bizzari in the Catania net to save what would have been the opening goal. Catania responded to the constant Milan attacking pressure a minute later, and they almost went ahead after their top scorer Giuseppe Mascara hit the post with a shot from outside the area.

The early stages were characterized by a number of good chances for the hosts to score, while Catania had a few opportunities on the counter attack. Attempts from Kaka and Emerson kept Bizzari on his toes. On 22 minutes yet the home side created another chance, when a good move down the right ended with a Kaka rocket that required another great save from the Catania keeper.

A clean entertaining game continued to prevail, with Milan pushing forward in search of the goal that would break the deadlock. In the 36th minute the Rossoneri wasted a great chance to take control of the match, but a great one two between Kaka and Shevchenko ending with the final pass being intercepted and put wide for a corner.

With two minutes left on the clock before the half time break Catania attempted a long range effort through Biagianti, but it lacked power and caused no problems for Abbiati.

A minute later a Jankulovski tried a powerful angled shot from the left, but Bizzari held strong, keeping Catania on level footing with their more illustrious opponents. The first half ended goalless.

Second Half

The second half began brightly for the Rossneri, and a shot from Kaka a minute after the restart signaled Milan’s intentions clearly.

The home side continued to apply pressure, aware that the three points in this game would bring find them within six points of leaders Inter Milan. Early long range efforts from Kaka and Gianluca Zambrotta did not trouble the Catania back line.

Gennaro Gattuso was a lion in midfield, keeping the Sicilians from creating any threatening opportunities, with the only attempts coming courtesy of sporadic counter attacks. In the 55th minute an acrobatic effort from Paolucci went high of Abbiati’s goal.

On 60 minutes a relatively quiet Kaka dribbled three players before being stopped at the edge of the box. Milan’s pressure with any reward was beginning to infuriate the San Siro crowd, with some sections whistling after missed opportunities.

Three minutes later Milan won a free kick and the resulting pile driver from Pato demanded the best of saves from the incredible Bizzari. Milan’s pressure eventually paid off and in the 65th minute a header from Kaka went into the back of the net following a slight deflection from Stovini. Milan gained in confidence and the boost allowed them to push forward with added fervor.

In the 70th minute the ball fell for Flamini on the edge of the Catania area, and the Frenchman’s shot was cruelly deflected agonizingly wide of the post. Two minutes later Milan were on the hunt for their second after Kaka and Pato broke free and pushed towards goal. Kaka ran down the left, and his cross went just out of reach for both Jankulovski and Shevchenko.

In the 74th minute Catania were dangerous and Abbiati had to be awake to deny Mascara’s header from bulging the back of the net. A few minutes later Flamini hit a left foot rocket in the Catania area but Bizzari was equal to the effort.

With twelve minutes left on the clock Kaka unleashed a stunning long range curler, but his effort went just over the bar. On 82 minutes a great ball into the area from Kaka found Pato, but his control let him down and Bizzari pounced onto the loose ball.

The last few minutes were quiet for Milan, with Catania beginning to come back into the match with last minute pressure not producing anything for the visitors, despite a possible hand ball in the box from Kaladze not considered voluntary by the official. After two minutes of injury time the referee ended the game with the score at 1-0 for the Rossoneri.

MILAN 1–0 CATANIA

GOALS: Kaka 65’

MILAN: Abbiati, Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski, Gattuso, Emerson (Favalli 46’), Flamini, Kaka, Shevchenko (Antonini 81’), Pato.

CATANIA: Bizzari, Stovini, Silvestri, Terlizzi (Tedesco 63’), Sabato, Ledesma, Carboni, Biagianti (Plasmati 68’), Sardo, Mascara, Paolucci (Martinez 74’).

Lecce vs Juventus 1-2 Players Rating

2008-12-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

LECCE

Benussi - 6.0: Misjudged one cross in the first half, but apart from this was relatively sound. Blameless on both goals.

Schiavi - 4.5: Was torn apart at times down the right hand side by Giovinco. A tough afternoon.

Stendardo - 6.5: Coped well with Amauri for almost the entire 90 minutes, but could only watch on as the Brazilian won the points at the death.

Fabiano - 6.5: One key last gasp tackle in the first half, Fabiano could not really be faulted this afternoon.

Esposito - 6.0: Barely troubled by Marchionni, but the cross for the late winner did stem from his side.

Munari - 6.0: He and Nedved cancelled each other out down the right hand side.

Giacomazzi - 6.0: Usually one of Lecce's talismans, but this afternoon he was not as involved as normal.

Vives - 6.0: A hardworking display from Munari, but second best against Sissoko and Marchisio in midfield.

Ariatti - 5.5: A quiet game from Ariatti, who made virtually no impact down the left hand side. His replacement Caserta was far more impressive.

Castillo - 6.0: Missed an absolute sitter just before Cacia's equaliser. Only the Argentine will know how he failed to score.

Tiribocchi - 7.0: A real pain in the backside for the Juve defence in the second half. Came close to scoring midway through the half, and provided the cross for Cacia's goal.

Subs: Caserta 7.0, Giuliatto 6.0, Cacia 8.0

JUVENTUS

Manninger - 6.5: Did not have too much to do this afternoon, but did make one smart save from Castillo.

Grygera - 6.5: Not troubled at all defensively, and pushed up the field well too, whipping in a number of crosses.

Legrottaglie - 6.5: Solid at the back, but will regret his careless booking, which will see him suspended for next week's big game against Milan.

Chiellini - 6.5: Not as dominant as he usually is, and won't make Team of the Week again, but still a sound performance.

Molinaro - 6.0: Quietly went about his work on the left hand side, but once again his passing and crossing was poor.

Marchionni - 6.0: Not impressing at all at the moment down the right hand side, and this was another ordinary performance.

Sissoko - 7.0: Dominated the centre of midfield along with Marchisio. Too strong for Giacomazzi and Vives.

Marchisio - 7.5: Impressive, both offensively and defensively. Tracked back and made some key tackles, and used the ball intelligently.

Nedved - 6.0: Looked very tired this afternoon. Did not harm his side, but brought nothing to the table either. He was merely existing.

Giovinco - 8.5: The undoubted man-of-the-match. Embarked on countless solo runs, created danger whenever he touched the ball and, to cap it off, scored a brilliant free kick.

Amauri - 7.5: Was not having one of his better games until he scored a crucial last minute goal to win Juve the points. How priceless that goal could prove to be.

Subs: De Ceglie 7.0

Real Madrid vs Sevilla 3-4 Players Rating

2008-12-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

REAL MADRID

Casillas – 5: Horror mistake led to Sevilla’s opening goal. Didn’t come out for the cross which led to the second goal. Even his clearances and goal-kicks went astray. Did make one extremely crucial save after Madrid pulled it back to 3-3.

Salgado – 5: Wasn’t tested too much but he struggled to keep Navarro and Adriano in check when they did attack his wing. Pushed forward a lot in the second half and caught out of position countless times.

Sergio Ramos – 5.5: Constantly charged forward through the middle. Although not entirely his fault, he was beaten in the air three times as all four of Sevilla’s goals came from crosses from the flanks.

Cannavaro – 5.5: Showed no understanding or synergy with Sergio Ramos whatsoever. Did make a few crucial challenges and interceptions.

Marcelo – 4: Carelessly gave away the foul that led to Sevilla’s second goal. At fault for Sevilla’s winning goal as he abandoned his flank and allowed Kanoute all the time in the world to deliver the cross for Renato.

Van der Vaart – 6: Took a while to get going. Started pummelling the Sevilla goal with a few decent shots but it wasn’t enough for him to stay on the pitch for the second half.

Gago – 8: Did his best to lead the midfield from the back. But he had little support and was constantly outnumbered by Romaric and Duscher. Did not stop running for even a second as he constantly shuttled between defence and attack. Scored what would have been the all-important equalising goal.

Guti – 7: Provided two assists from set-pieces. Worked tirelessly in attack and even helped out in defence. Pulled the strings in midfield as he directed his team’s attacks with his passing and movement of the ball.

Higuain – 7: Could not get into the game at all in the first hour or so. But when he came alive, he drew his team back into the contest with the second goal and had at least two excellent chances to win the game.

Raul – 8: The captain led by example. He was everywhere on the pitch, fighting for every ball, throwing himself to get to the end of every cross. Could easily have claimed a hat-trick if it wasn’t for Palop.

Robben – 7.5: Very lively with his mazy runs. Could have scored inside the first 15 seconds. Had to backtrack to help out in defence. Foolishly got himself sent off for over-protesting and will now miss El Clasico.

Substitutes:

Drenthe – 6: Undoubtedly sparked his team to life in the second half. Saw plenty of the ball down the left but only one in every five attempts at a cross got through.

Bueno – N/A

SEVILLA

Palop – 9: Made nine saves in total. Despite leaking in three goals, he single-handedly kept Sevilla in the game. Without question the man of the match.

Konko – 6.5: Very adventurous going forward, despite having to shackle Robben at the back. Provided a number of telling passes into the Madrid box.

Squillaci – 8: Made several critical interceptions and clearances. Always there at the back to clean up whatever got through the backline.

Escude – 6: Had real problems coping with van der Vaart and Robben. But with the help of Squillaci, they managed to keep the Madrid attack at bay for long periods.

Fernando Navarro – 6.5: Like Konko, he was very active upfront with his overlapping runs and dangerous crosses into the box. Had some trouble defensively, though as he was turned inside out by Robben in the second half.

Duscher – 7: Had an intriguing battle with Guti and Gago in the centre of the park. Defended very high up in midfield and that limited Madrid’s attacking potency in the first half.

Romaric – 7: Combined well with his fellow midfielders and played his part to stifle Madrid’s attack in the first half. Forced to defend deep in his own half as the opposition laid siege on his goal.

Jesus Navas – 8: Gave the Madrid backline endless headaches. Took on Marcelo time and again and easily came off best in the duel. A real livewire down the right wing and even through the middle.

Renato – 7: A real menace down the middle whenever he had the ball and took the winning goal well. Made his presence felt in the Madrid box whenever the crosses came flying in.

Adriano – 7: Collaborated well with Navarro down the left flank. Wasn’t the flashiest of displays but incredibly effective.

Kanoute – 7.5: Didn’t see too much of him, but his two biggest contributions counted most as he scored once and made another.

Substitutes:

Capel – 5: Didn’t have enough time to showcase his abilities and only had one real chance going forward.

Fazio – 5: Brought in to tighten up the backline late in the game.

Dragutinovic – N/A

Madrid Miss Marcelo In El Classico....

2008-12-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

Marcelo has admitted that he knew before Real Madrid's defeat by Sevilla that if he was booked then he would be suspended for el Clásico against Barcelona next weekend.

The Brazilian had already received four yellow cards this term and was shown his fifth when he fouled Jesús Navas midway through the first half of Los Merengues' 4-3 home defeat on Sunday evening.

Real Madrid already have defensive problems with injuries and Marcelo is unhappy that he will not be able to be of assistance in Camp Nou for, argubaly, the biggest game of the season so far.

"I knew before the game that I could not afford to be shown another yellow card," he explained. "I will not miss a very important game that everyone wants to play in," he told Marca.

"I am sad, but not only for me, but also because I will not be able to help my team-mates."

Marcelo then looked to blame the referee for Real Madrid's defeat against Sevilla and thinks that the matchday official should have awarded the hosts two spot-kicks.

"The referee did not whistle for two clear penalties that could have been given and, in fact, the three points would have been ours," he explained.

Madrid's reverse against Sevilla meant that they allowed Barça to move nine points clear after the Catalans' win on Saturday and knows that is a substantial gap.

"It is a lot. But we have to think about ourselves and work to improve and not give away any more points," he added.

Sevilla Crush Madrid In Seven Goal Thriller

2008-12-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

On a day when Ramón Calderón survived a vote of confidence in the conference hall, Real Madrid were unable to do the same in a game that either side could have won on the pitch.

The home supporters jeered their team off at half-time after Adriano, Romaric and Frédéric Kanouté had all scored to put Sevilla into a commanding lead, but then backed their side as they fought back to level.

But there was to be no heroic comeback as Robben's red card set the hosts back and Renato nodded home a dramatic winner towards the end and the supporters in the Bernabéu's jeering returned.

After failing to co-ordinate as a team in the opening 45 minutes, the hosts finally found their feet after the break but in the battle for spirit and guile it was Sevilla that showed how to scrap until the very end.

With just six days to go before the visit to Barcelona, Madrid's second half performance will give them hope, but coach Bernd Schuster will be unhappy that Robben and Marcelo, who picked up his fifth booking of the season, will be missing through suspension.

President Calderón could only look on as his side showed the fight that could save him from the boo boys, but also saw his team produce periods that have led to talk of a crisis at the club.

An incredible start to the rain-soaked encounter saw Robben test Andrés Palop at one end before Sevilla raced to the other took the lead when Jesús Navas' deep cross was tipped on by Iker Casillas and Adriano prodded the ball through Michel Salgado's legs at the far post.

There had been a hint of offside as the shot appeared to clip Kanouté's shin and go in, but the visitors were not complaining.

Frustrations were evident in the stands and nerves were in evidence on occasion among the Real Madrid players as several mis-placed passes allowed the fans to let their feelings be known, but there were only cheers in the 19th minute as the hosts levelled.

Guti flicked a free-kick in to the area from the right flank and Raúl nodded home his sixth goal of the season and the 211th of his career to give Los Merengues a lift.

Any thoughts that Madrid had of being able to build on that leveller lasted just three minutes however, as Sevilla continue the incredible opening the game by regaining the advantage.

Romaric was bizarrely being marked by Robben and the giant midfielder, who had an outstanding first half, rose to nod home from eight yards out.

Sevilla were looking comfortable as Madrid sat to deep and did not commit enough players forward, meaning that Raúl looked isolate far too often.

Rafael Van der Vaart came to into the game midway through the opening period and after registering his first shot, which Palop tipped over, the Dutchman then tested the visitors keeper twice more before the break with good drives.

Calls for Calderón to go at the break ensured that the players knew who the supporters feel is to blame for the current problems that are afflicting Madrid, but those same jeers were silenced as the second half produced a quite different performance from the hosts.

It took a while for the home team to find their stride but once they did, around the hour mark, Sevilla looked to be on the ropes.

There was a moment of controversy in the 62nd minute when Higuaín went over in the area after Julien Escudé appeared to catch him with an arm, but the referee did not have the best game as Marcelo could have gone for a second tackle on Navas.

In the 67th minute Gonzalo Higuaín proved why he had earned praise from Kanouté in the build up with a superb low drive that flew into the far corner of the net from 25 yards out and reduced the arrears and a minute later Madrid were level.

Gago, who had drawn the ire of the crowd in the opening period, rose to meet Guti's free-kick from the wing to nod home and the game appeared to be set up for the hosts to record a morale-boosting victory.

Robben was also coming into his own as he teased the Sevilla defence with his runs and turns as well as a rasping shot that Palop turned over the bar in an impressive few minutes for the keeper.

Moments later the custodian showed incredible reflexes to deny Raúl, but was then helpless to prevent Robben from careering down the right of the area before sending the ball cannoning back off the near post.

Then the game was turned on its head as Higuaín hit the bar after a superb block by Fernando Navarro, but the move saw Sevilla players call for handball before Robben ran at the referee because he evidently saw something that he did not like.

It was what the referee did not like that was to prove to be more important as he booked the Dutchman and, it appeared after consulting notes, realised that he already had taken his name and produced a red card.

Madrid did not give up despite being a man less but they were always more vulnerable on the break and Sevilla finally found a way through as Kanouté sauntered down the right flank before his cross was headed home by Renato with five minutes remaining.

It was a blow for Madrid after their come back, but now Schuster will have to juggle his side and lift them with the build-up to el Clásico bound to be ensure they are not allowed a calming few days to rebuild

Drente's Injury Give Madrid Another Shock ...

2008-12-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid's preparations for el Clásico were given another blow when Royston Drenthe limped out of training on Monday and club medics confirmed that he could be a doubt for the trip to Camp Nou.

The Dutch international picked up a knock on his right leg during a session that was designed for the players who did not play the entire game against Sevilla to stretch.

While it is not predicted to keep Drenthe out long-term, the injury is bad news for coach Bernd Schuster who already has a crisis at the back with several players out.

Marcelo was booked on Sunday evening and will be suspended while Pepe is not set to make it back in time and Gabriel Heinze and Miguel Torres are also doubts.

Drenthe made a substitute's appearance against Sevilla and could have booked himself a place in the starting line-up against Barça as he looked comfortable down the left.

Only a handful of players were called in for the training session as Javier Saviola, Javi García, Marcelo, Christoph Metzelder, Alberto Bueno, Rafael Van der Vaart and Drenthe took to the field with goalkeepers Codina and Jerzy Dudek.

Wesley Sneijder was also present, but he trained alone as he looks to complete a personal recuperation programme after suffering a muscle injury that was predicted to keep him out for two weeks.

Schuster Pesimist On El Classico ....

2008-12-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Bernd Schuster has stated that he does not think Real Madrid have any chance of beating Barcelona at Camp Nou next week and stated that the defeat against Sevilla was not down to bad luck.

The German coach has written off his team's chances of taking all three points in el Clásico because he believes that the Blaugrana are in such formidable form at home.

Whether he was starting the mind games early is difficult to tell, but it is a gamble to make such statements after the supporters had showed their anger towards president Ramón Calderón following the Sevilla reverse.

"The game against Barcelona worries me less than any other game. It is not possible to win because Barcelona are in devastating form and I believe that this is going to be their year," Schuster said.

"The team that (Barça) have can do well there, but I cannot say any more about that."

Schuster then rejected any talk of leaving Real Madrid because he feels that he has the full support of the players after their spirited come back against Sevilla.

Despite losing 4-3 at home, Los Merengues' second half display was impressive even though the coach was keen to bemoan his team's poor first half showing.

"I am not going to resign because the players are giving everything that they have. We just need a change of fortune and something going for us would be important," he continued.

"It is not a question of bad luck because playing well in the second half is not enough. We should have gone into the game and played better in the first half.

"We made life difficult for ourselves and we had to make a huge efort. At times we do well and at other times not. Games are more than 90 minutes long.

"Today we did some things well and other things we did not and you have to make your own luck. This game was not about being unlucky.

"Sevilla helped us in our comeback because they were passive in the second half and we took advantage of that. We could have done more if Robben had stayed one.

"I thought that we were on the verge of winning the game before he was sent off."

Ronaldo Set On New Mega Bid Deal...

2008-12-08T05:39:00.001-08:00

Manchester United's Portuguese powerhouse Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a £30,000-per-week pay rise - currently about €35,000. To put it into perspective, that's a weekly rise comfortably above the average annual salary in the UK.

According to a report in the Telegraph, the prolific winger-cum-striker held initial talks with chief executive David Gill and manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday, who want to bump up his earnings in order to end speculation linking him with moves to Real Madrid and Inter.

Ferguson is said to have left the meeting in an "upbeat mood", hopeful that his star man will sign an improved deal.

Ronaldo signed a five-year, £120,000 upgrade in April 2007, when Madrid were first sniffing around. Now, United are said to be offering a new £150,000 - again for five years - giving him an £8 million pay packet.

Details are a tad sketchy as to who United's top earner is currently. Some sources put skipper Rio Ferdinand on that throne, estimating a £130,000 weekly payment. In any case, Ronaldo's new deal would make him the club's highest earner officially.

If Ronaldo is currently worth in excess of £50 million, then a new five year deal will skyrocket his value, when one also considers his recent Ballon d'Or recognition.

United continue to take desperate measures in order to shackle their main man, but the 23-year-old himself continues to hint that he'll leave one day, escaping the cold Mancunian weather in order to dazzle in a less physical league.

Giovinco Pass Juventus Test At Via Del Mare

2008-12-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

Sebastian Giovinco was given a rare nod by coach Claudio Ranieri yesterday, as Juventus had to make do without injured skipper Alessandro Del Piero.

The Bianconeri conquered the Stadio Via Del Mare courtesy of a late Amauri header, but the big talking point of the day was the diminutive fantasista’s first strike in a Juve shirt.

“We knew this was a difficult ground and we had to deal with several absences, but it was crucial to get a win,” the 21-year-old told Sky Italia after the match.

“We did it and I also managed to hit the back of the net, I finally got off the mark and I am very happy.”

The Azzurrini ace emulated his captain Pinturicchio by curling in a magnificent free-kick to open the scoring in Apulia.

“Fortunately, we have one like Del Piero to learn the tricks as fast as possible,” he mused.

“I am glad that I can play alongside such great champions and I want to thank all my teammates, the boss and the club, as they have showed great faith in me.

“Has my morale improved now? Of course, when you manage to bag a goal, everything becomes easier.”

Lazio vs Inter 0-3 Players Rating

2008-12-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

LAZIO

Carrizo: 5.0- Had no chance on any of the three goals and will be disappointed with his defensive corps.

Kolarov: 6.0- Was unlucky to have to re-take his free-kick as his first effort was ruled out after he had failed to wait for Orsato’s whistle.

Rozenhal: 5.0- Was embarrassed by Ibrahimovic and co. tonight and will not sleep easy after his performance.

Diakite: 3.0- A nightmarish match for the Lazio defender as he was at fault for Samuel’s goal as he was beaten to the ball by the Argentine defender and then he inexplicably directed the ball into his own net at the end of the first half for what is the “own goal” of the season so far.

De Silvestri: 4.0- Was run ragged by Maicon and will be glad that the match is over.

Mauri: 5.0- Was invisible for long stretches of the match and failed to make an impression tonight.

Ledesma: 5.0- Wasted his set-piece deliveries and was taken out of the match by Cambiasso.

Foggia: 6.5- Looked dangerous on the ball tonight and was the only bright spot on an otherwise dark day for Lazio.

Dabo: 5.0- Was ineffective tonight as was substituted to start the second half.

Pandev: 6.0- Did not have any time to make a real impact on the match as an injury forced him into taking an early shower.

Zarate: 6.0- The young Argentine striker was out-foxed by the old Argentine warhorse in the centre of the Inter defence.

SUBS: Rocchi (30”) 5.0, Brocchi (46”) 5.0, Meghni (77”) NA

INTER MILAN

Julio Cesar: 7.0- Did not see much action between the posts but made a nice diving save on Zarate in the 71st minute.

Maxwell: 7.0- The Brazilian left-back quietly does what is asked of him, game-in and game-out.

Samuel: 8.0- He timed his jump perfectly and powered a bullet header past a helpless Carrizo to give his team the lead in the second minute which set the tone for the rest of the match.

Cordoba: 7.0- Didn’t put a wrong foot forward all evening and kept a tight lid on Zarate and Rocchi.

Maicon: 8.0- He just might be the best right-back in the game today as he managed to push forward at will and provided the cross for the Nerazzurri’s second goal of the match.

Zanetti: 7.0- The model of consistency put together another solid outing while captaining the squad to another impressive victory.

Cambiasso: 8.0- His last-gasp sliding tackle on Zarate might have saved a goal in the 29th minute and was simply everywhere tonight. He also chipped in with the set-piece delivery that set up Ibrahimovic’s goal.

Stankovic: 7.0- Looks to be recovering his form of old as he looks comfortable in his midfield role behind the two strikers.

Muntari: 7.0- Provided the cross that set up Samuel’s goal in the early going and was a tower of power all night long

Cruz: 6.0- A knee injury ended his afternoon after just 37 minutes of play.

Ibrahimovic: 8.0- His quick free kick led to Inter’s second goal of the match and his vast arsenal of tricks wowed the Olimpico faithful.

SUBS: Crespo (27”) 6.0, Figo (78”) NA Mancini (85”) NA

Inter Have No Rivals...Beat Lazio 3-0 !

2008-12-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

Lazio welcomed Inter for the most anticipated match of the 15th Serie A matchday hoping to build on their Coppa Italia victory over Milan in midweek, while Inter hoped to continue their five-match winning streak in Serie A.

Coach Jose Mourinho had left out Adriano, who had been sick with the flu, and Mario Balotelli, who had not given his all in training once again. Inter started with a 4-3-1-2 system with Dejan Stankovic behind Julio Cruz and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as did Lazio, who had Stefano Mauri up-front behind Goran Pandev and Mauro Zarate.

First Half

Inter started brightly and took the lead after just 90 seconds, as at a corner-kick, defender Walter Samuel headed the ball past Juan Pablo Carrizo from a cross by Sulley Muntari.

After this goal, the visitors played some nice possession football as the home side looked shell-shocked. However, after a while they started to push Inter back more and they were dangerous in the 9th minute, when defender Aleksandar Kolarov hit a shot from inside the area that hit the side-netting.

Inter looked like the more confident side but were happy to let Lazio come at them. In the 17th minute, there was another half-chance for the Biancocelesti, as Lorenzo De Silvestri dialled up a long-distance effort that deflected off Maxwell and went just inches wide of the post.

The Nerazzurri responded two minutes later, when Cruz found Ibrahimovic in the area with a wonderful pass, but the Swede tried an over-audacious volley that went high and wide.

In the 29th minute, Lazio had probably their biggest chance of the first half, as Pandev went past Maicon on the left wing and played the ball to Zarate, but Esteban Cambiasso did brilliantly to clear the ball away from his fellow Argentine, who was just a yard away from the goal-line.

Around the half-hour mark, both coaches were forced to make changes in their attacking line-up as both Cruz and Pandev had physical problems. They were replaced by Hernan Crespo and Tommaso Rocchi, respectively.

Just minutes after coming on, Crespo had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 to Inter, as Carrizo could only parry the ball towards him after a powerful long-range strike from Dejan Stankovic, but the veteran striker blasted the ball over the bar (35’).

In the 45th minute, Lazio had their last chance of the half with a nice run and shot by Pasquale Foggia, who cannoned the ball just wide of the post from outside the area.

The home side were terribly unlucky in the last move of the half, which saw Ibrahimovic play a clever quick free-kick to Maicon, who made a run on the right flank and played the ball to Crespo in the middle, but the ball came off the back-heel of Mobido Diakité and went in off the crossbar to make it 2-0 Inter. It’s the kind of goal which you will undoubtedly see again on a clip of the weirdest goals of all time, and a candidate for 'own goal of the season'.

Inter thus took a solid 2-0 lead into the break, which was perhaps a bit harsh on Lazio considering they had responded well after going behind.

Second Half

The second half continued pretty much where the first had left off, with Inter waiting for Lazio to come at them, but their defence looked impenetrable.

With the home side unable to create danger, it was Mourinho’s team who struck again in the 55th minute, when Ibrahimovic headed the ball home on a free-kick from midfield by Cambiasso.

This third goal prompted a furious reaction by the home side, and a minute later they had a decent shout for a penalty as Muntari seemed to push Foggia inside the area, but the former Cagliari playmaker fell a little too easily and the referee waved play on.

The ref angered the home side again a minute after that, as Kolarov took a free-kick and beat Julio Cesar, but the official had not blown his whistle yet and ordered the free-kick to be taken again. On his second attempt, the defender fired the ball straight into the wall.

Diakite almost put the ball past his own goalkeeper for the second time in the 63rd minute, again on a cross by Maicon, but this time it was only a corner-kick for Inter.

Zarate made himself dangerous for Lazio with a wonderful run past the whole Inter defence, but his final shot from inside the area was well saved by Julio Cesar in the 71st minute.

In the final part of the game, the Italian champions looked very comfortable as the home side failed to truly test their defence.

Crespo, who had a quiet game, as could be expected considering his awkward situation at the club, had a chance to show himself in the 83rd minute, as he danced past the Lazio defence but when he was about to shoot Kolarov checked back in time to make a vital sliding challenge.

Following a three-minute injury-time period, Inter could celebrate a well-deserved 3-0 victory in a traditionally difficult fixture for them following one of their best displays of the season. They are now nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table ahead of tomorrow’s matches.

LAZIO 0-3 INTER

GOALS: 2’ Samuel, 45’+3’ Diakite own goal, 55’ Ibrahimovic

Lazio (4-3-1-2): Carrizo; De Silvestri, Diakite, Rozenhal, Kolarov; Dabo (46’ Brocchi), Ledesma, Foggia (76’ Meghni); Mauri; Pandev (30’ Rocchi), Zarate. Coach: Rossi

Inter (4-3-1-2): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Cordoba, Samuel, Maxwell; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari (77’ Figo); Stankovic (86’ Mancini); Ibrahimovic, Cruz (27’ Crespo). Coach: Mourinho.

REFEREE: Orsato

BOOKED: Diakite, Zarate, Brocchi (L); Stankovic, Julio Cesar (I)

Balotelli Play Well In Inter.......Primavera.....

2008-12-07T00:43:00.000-08:00

Tough times for Inter starlet Mario Balotelli, who has been left out of the squad yet again by coach Jose Mourinho for tonight's match against Lazio. The Portuguese coach made some harsh comments on the 18-year-old when he was asked why he was left out.

"Balotelli will play with the youth team because he needs to learn how to play in Serie A," the Special One said.

The coach had already complained last week that the youngster was not giving it 100% during training and also left him out of the squad for last week's game against Napoli.

However, SuperMario definitely sent a message to Mourinho today as he dazzled for Inter's Primavera side. He scored two goals and won a penalty in their match against Treviso, which they won 4-1.

Balotelli played the entire match and opened the scoring after just three minutes by slotting the ball after a save by the opposing keeper. Early in the second half, he won the penalty by chipping the ball over a player who touched the ball with his hand.

In the final minutes, he also scored a fourth goal, and in the meantime he had also seen a goal called off for offside.

Will this be enough for him to win back Mourinho's trust and ensure he re-joins the first team? Probably not, but if he continues to train well and work hard, the rewards will surely come.

Menez Give Roma Three Point

2008-12-07T00:39:00.000-08:00

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is delighted with Jeremy Menez after his goal made the difference against Chievo Verona on Saturday night.

The Frenchman hit a superb volley to give ten-man Roma maximum points at the Stadio Bentegodi. Spalletti has now hailed the striker for bagging his first Serie A goal for the Giallorossi

"It was a great goal by Menez and credit too for [Daniele] De Rossi who set him up," Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

"Menez did what he knows best with great ease and it was a great strike. He showed superb technique to hit it and his overall play on the night was that of a great player.

"It was a nice game and the result was what the team needed. Now we have to just keep on winning and continue as we have been by showing our qualities."

The result sees Roma move to within four points of the Champions League places. The Giallorossi have won five games on the bounce and they are beginning to show last year's Scudetto runners-up form.

Pirlo, Pippo, Seedorf, Bonera, Nesta, Borriello, Ambrosini, And Ronaldinho Lost Againts Catania

2008-12-07T00:36:00.000-08:00

Luck continues to conspire against Milan, as they will have to do without superstar Ronaldinho for tomorrow's match against Catania. Other absences will be Andrea Pirlo, Filippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf, Daniele Bonera, as well as long-term injuries Alessandro Nesta and Marco Borriello. Massimo Ambrosini and Daniele Bonera are also unavailable.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had already mentioned the player was a doubt for this match, and in the final training session he pulled up with a muscle problem, removing all doubt.

This will no doubt be a blow for the Rossoneri, who need to bounce back from two costly defeats against Palermo in Serie A and Lazio in the Coppa Italia.

Ronaldinho has been one of Milan's best players lately, finding the net with ease, but Kaká has said that the team has nevertheless had some problems adjusting to his presence.

Perhaps last year's Ballon D'Or winner will be more comfortable now that his countryman is out, as Ancelotti has to re-think his tactics with so many players out.

The good news is that Alexandre Pato will be available for this one. The 19-year-old had been a doubt due to bruised ribs.

This is Milan's full squad: Abbiati, Dida, Antonini, De Vito, Favalli, Jankulovski, Kaladze, Maldini, Senderos, Zambrotta, Cardacio, Emerson, Flamini, Gattuso, Pedrocchi, Kakà, Pato, Shevchenko, Viudez.

Ranieri Want Three Point From Lecce

2008-12-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Lecce welcome the Bianconeri to their home ground in the hopes that the Turin side will show them mercy.

Juventus have won six of their last seven Serie A matches but crucially lost to Inter at the San Siro during that spell.

Juve travel to Lecce looking to warm up for next weekend's home encounter against Milan, but the visitors are expected to cruise to victory against the newly-promoted side, who are currently struggling in the top flight.

Juve will want to make up ground on leaders Inter, six points ahead of them, and with a win against Lecce they will certainly keep up the pressure at the top.

Speaking at a press conference today, Ranieri said, “I don't want the second spot. I want to play for first until the very end, although Inter have demonstrated that they are the best team because they were able to play very well even with many players missing.”

Ranieri continued, “The game against Lecce will be a very important one because if we lose points Inter will be on their way. I have great respect for Beretta and his players, but the quality of my boys is there for all to see.”

The coach added, “We will be up against a strong side, and they will not be easy to beat. In order to do well against them we will have to show the best Juve side.”

Gonzalo Higuaín, Arjen Robben, Fabio Cannavaro and Christoph Metzelder Ready For Comeback

2008-12-07T00:23:00.000-08:00

Bernd Schuster might be a man under pressure at the moment but he received some good news today as a host of previously injured players returned to the squad for the key clash with Sevilla this weekend.

Marca reports that Gonzalo Higuaín, Arjen Robben, Fabio Cannavaro and Christoph Metzelder have all shaken off knocks to be fit for the match and all are likely to start, bar the latter.

The German has not been trusted by Schuster this season much and it is unlikely that he will play a part against Sevilla, with Cannavaro back in the centre of defence.

Along with the four returning players it was also confirmed that Marcelo will be in the squad, despite not being 100% after having a flu. The Brazilian was suspected to miss the match but he could now play, depending how he is on matchday.

The news will be a blessing for the coach of Madrid as Los Blancos prepare for a tricky month, when they face Valencia, Barcelona, Zenit St. Petersburg, and first Sevilla.

The other news regarding the squad is that young winger, Chema Antón, is included, which is interesting after a week when the Real Madrid youth system came under some criticism.

David Silva On The List Of " Madrid Target"

2008-12-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar might be on his way to the Spanish capital but Real Madrid are not stopping with just one signing. They have made it clear that they are also looking to bolster the right wing slot this winter.

The position has been a problem for Los Blancos for a while now and according to AS they have drawn up a shortlist of fifteen players from whom to make their selection.

The newspaper reports that Pedja Mijatovic and Miguel Ángel Portugal, two men high up in the boardroom at Real Madrid, have compiled the list and will be reviewing it over the next week.

Portugal is believed to have been scouting in Brazil and Argentina whilst Mijatovic has been following the European leagues for possible targets.

The main names that have been mentioned in the past are Ángel Di María and David Silva, both of whom are likely to cost in the €30 million region.

With Klaas-Jan Huntelaar already signed for €20 million AS believes that Real Madrid will be looking to spend less on a winger, probably ruling out both Silva and Di María.

More likely they will be looking to sign a player of the stature of Gonzalo Higuaín or Fernando Gago, both of whom were signed for under €20 million each by the club.

Henry Give Comment After Hattrick Againts Valencia

2008-12-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

Thierry Henry has come in for plenty of criticism in his time at the Camp Nou, most of it justified, but his stellar performance against Valencia brought back shades of the man who terrorised defences in his prime.

Needless to say, it filled the Frenchman, who has had a tough week to say the least, with immense pride and joy.

After the match, Henry was asked what the difference was between this Barcelona team and last year's incarnation. His reply was simple: "I do not know, but we want to continue this way because the fans are enjoying it and so are we."

As is becoming the norm amongst the squad, Henry was quick to dampen any talk of titles, saying, "We have not won anything yet. We have to take each game on it's merit, and we must already concentrate on the Shakhthar game, and then Real Madrid. Today, we knew about the Villarreal result beforehand, we wanted to win and we did it well."

The current performances are a far cry from those that saw Barca pick up just one point from their opening two games against Numancia and Racing Santander, and Henry described the change as incredible. "In the first few days there were some problems, but football changes so fast," continued the forward.

Henry was reluctant to speak about his own performance, preferring to concentrate on the team's effort as a whole instead. "We won three points, that is the most important," said Henry. "I am very happy with my goals, because they have helped to win. At times they will come from Messi, at times from Eto'o, at times from somewhere else."

Henry and Lionel Messi were joined up front by Aliaksandr Hleb, despite many expecting Bojan to fill the shoes of the suspended Samuel Eto'o. But the youngster, who provided an assist to Henry's third goal after coming on, was not disappointed, and said, "These decisions are for the coach. I just have to be ready at every time to prove that I can do well."

Finally, the forward offered his opinions on El Clásico, saying, "We want three points, but teams in crisis always play better in such games."

As impressive as their performances against Valencia were, both Henry and Bojan will be hoping for something even better in the greatest game of all next Saturday.

Barcelona vs Valencia 4-0, Guardiola Happy...

2008-12-07T00:12:00.001-08:00

Josep Guardiola has always been quick to quell enthusiasm about his side's excellent performances, but even he admitted to being impressed by Barcelona's 4-0 win over Valencia.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Guardiola said, "I am the first to be surprised. But there is still a long way to go."

Before the match, Guardiola had requested the local media to calm their praise of his team, fearing that it might lead to overconfidence. After seeing his side demolish one of their toughest rivals, however, he simply said, "You write whatever you think is correct." In that case, it is fair to say that Barcelona were simply breathtaking.

Pep was quick to return to his usual stance though, stating, "It is only December 7 and there is a long road ahead. Bad times will come and I hope that the fans will support us then, because we play for them, not us."

The result opened up a six-point gap at the top of the table, after Villarreal only managed one point at home to Getafe. Guardiola was pleased that his side managed to exploit the opportunity.

"We scored many goals and they did not have many chances," he said. "Our group has great solidarity and determined players.

"We have now created a slightly greater distance between us and Villarreal."

Understandably, the hat-trick hero, Thierry Henry, was the subject of much discussion, and the Barca coach praised him for the "perfect position" that he played on the pitch.

"He played with great boldness, saying 'Here I am.' I am very pleased," continued Guardiola.

Seeing Lionel Messi being substituted is a rare sight, but the Argentine was taken off with approximately 10 minutes remaining. Guardiola explained the decision, saying, "I am pleased with his performance. I took him off because I didn't want him to get injured.

"He has incredible ambition, and this is why he was disappointed when I took him off, because such players are always upset when they are replaced."

When asked if this was his side's best performance so far, Pep responded by saying that there is "always something you can improve on, although the applause of the fans shows the effort and dedication my players showed".

Inevitably, the questions started to turn towards next weekend's clash with Real Madrid, but all Guardiola would say was, "Our next match is against Shakhthar Donetsk."

That may be so, but it would surprise no-one if the press conference ahead of that encounter contained more questions about Real Madrid than the Ukrainian team.

Vidic Late Goal Save Red Devils...

2008-12-07T00:10:00.000-08:00

Managerless Sunderland arrived at Old Trafford searching for a win that would take them out of the bottom three as they began life post-Roy Keane with a fixture against the champions.

Caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia, without the suspended Kieran Richardson, made four changes bringing Anton Ferdinand, El Hadji Diouf, Dwight Yorke and Martin Fulop back into the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, his counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson opted for the same team that triumphed at Eastlands in the Manchester derby last weekend, meaning there was no place for Carlos Tevez who bagged four goals in midweek.

Certainly United could have done with a razor sharp Tevez in a first half which they completely dominated yet failed to find the back of the net.

Dimitar Berbatov had the first chance of the evening. A flick on by Ronaldo found the Bulgarian, and whilst his touch took him past his marker his shot was saved by the boot of Fulop.

Minutes later Ronaldo dummied a free kick to Rooney to strike from 20 yards. The England international’s shot was low and allowed Berbatov to flick out a foot and get a touch on the ball but again Fulop parried.

Park was the next to have a sight of goal. Rooney slipping a cute ball into the Korean’s path but his poke towards goal was saved by the onrushing Fulop.

Yet Sunderland stood up well to the almost constant United pressure, getting numbers behind the ball and making themselves difficult to break down, whilst offering virtually nothing in the way of an attacking force and ensuring Van der Sar was a spectator in the first half.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent his troops out early for the second period and the game restarted in a familiar pattern with Rooney shooting straight at Fulop.

Minutes later Fletcher had an opportunity after some sustained possession by the home side.

The ball was eventually worked to Rafael out on the right and his cross fell to Fletcher who headed a queue of United players in the box, but his shot on the turn flew harmlessly wide.

Carrick was the next to work Fulop, his long range low shot curving towards the corner but the Sunderland stopper claimed it well.

With less than an hour played Ferguson’s patience snapped and he sent on Carlos Tevez, to rapturous applause, for the hardworking but ineffective Park.

Within minutes of his introduction, the home side almost found the elusive breakthrough, with Tevez playing in Ronaldo who in turn found Berbatov. The striker had sight of goal but chose to cut the ball back to Ronaldo who blazed the ball over from close range.

Ronaldo then limped off, holding his side, to be replaced by Anderson with Giggs also coming on for Fletcher as Ferguson went for broke.

With 15 minutes to go United ought to have finally broken the deadlock. A superb cross in from the left by Carrick found Berbatov rising in the box but his header flew over the bar from close range.

Five minutes later and Vidic wasted another glorious opportunity, the Serb planting a straightforward header into the arms of Fulop from only yards out.

Still Sunderland held firm and with less than five minutes left they had substitute Tainio to thank after his block denied Anderson his first United goal.

With injury time looming Sunderland looked to have held out for a valuable point yet United were not to be denied.

A deflected Carrick shot from range beat Fulop, rebounded off the post and fell kindly to Vidic to slot home and send a sigh of relief around Old Trafford.

Manchester Utd: Van der Sar; Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher (Giggs, 68), Carrick; Ronaldo (Anderson, 67), Rooney, Park (Tevez, 57); Berbatov.

Sunderland: Fulop; Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Collins, Bardsley; Yorke (Tainio,61); Malbranque, Whitehead (Edwards, 76), Reid, Diouf; Cisse (Jones, 68).

GOAL

1-0 Manchester United (Vidic, 90)

Ronaldo Quiting Play Without Instructions....

2008-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Following being sent off for taking matters, literally, into his own hands at the City of Manchester Stadium last week, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo left his manager bemused in the stands this evening at Sunderland as he appeared to substitute himself.

Having missed an open goal, the player was involved in a challenge with Sunderland's Andy Reid on 65 minutes. Following the tackle he was left clutching his ribs, and shortly afterwards, clearly unable to play on, he put the ball into touch and walked off the field.

Alex Ferguson, serving a touchline ban and not in his usual place in the dug-out, was immediately seen barking into his mobile phone as he desperately tried to find out what was happening.

As a replacement was not stripped or warmed up ready to go on, the incident was very strange and adds to recent controversy surrounding the way in which Ronaldo conducts himself on and off the pitch.

Two weeks ago Ronaldo was involved in a spat with Aston Villa supporters as he hobbled off the pitch at Villa Park during United's 0-0 draw in the Midlands. He responded to taunts by pointing to the number 7 on his shorts and then indicating he was 'number one' by holding his finger up to the sky.

A week prior to that, the Ballon D'Or winner was branded "a malicious guy" by Brazil's Thiago Silva, who was the victim of a spiteful tackle from Ronaldo during Brazil's 6-3 hammering of Portugal in Brasilia.

The injury was obviously genuine, and Ferguson did not seem angry when he spoke about the issue earlier.

"He got real kick on the hip-joint, just like Wayne Rooney did last year when he was in pain for a while and missed a couple of games," said the United manager.

"There was no need for him to come to the bench, though. The best thing is to get treatment straightaway. It was the sensible thing to do.

"We will see what he is like, although I was going to make changes for the Champions League game against Aalborg on Wednesday anyway."

If Nemanja Vidic hadn't popped up with a late winner for the Red Devils then Ferguson might not have been so even-tempered. The Scot does not suffer those who question his authority: just ask Jaap Stam and David Beckham, who were both quickly on their way out of Old Trafford once they'd displeased the boss.

Ferguson does not take kindly to those who perceive themselves as being bigger than the club, and this issue is bound to fuel speculation that Ronaldo is planning an exit from Old Trafford.

Tottenham Want Their "Robbie Keane" Back...

2008-12-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

Tottenham Hotspur are set to bid to take Robbie Keane back to White Hart Lane in January, reports the News of the World, and an offer that anything like approaches the £20 million that Liverpool paid for the Irish striker's services could see the player heading back to North London.

Keane, a Liverpool fan as a boy, has struggled to make an impact at Anfield, where the Reds' way of playing does not seem to suit his all-action style.

The player's days on Merseyside are rumoured to be numbered anyway, as he remained sitting on the bench throughout Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon. Now Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is looking to test Rafa Benitez's resolve in hanging onto the player.

Benitez could well be tempted by the deal as a means of recouping some of the money squandered in his summer transfer dealings. Out of all the players signed, only Albert Riera has looked anything like at home at Anfield.

Left-back Andrea Dossena, signed £7m from Udinese, is set to be offloaded back to Italy at the first opportunity, whilst right-back Philipp Degen, who was given a £2m signing-on fee and £38,000-a-week salary when he joined from Borussia Dortmund, has barely featured for the Reds after suffering a succession of injuries.

Benitez is rumoured to want to bring Emile Heskey in, as well as some competition in the full-back positions. Keane's departure may well ease this, though there are likely to be complex financial implications if the Irishman were to move.

Keane has played 90 minutes for Liverpool only three times so far this season and has been subsituted 15 times. He has scored four goals.

Blackburn vs Liverpool 1-3 Players Rating

2008-12-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Robinson: 6.0- Made two great saves in the second half but was beaten three times in 26 minutes by Alonso, Benayoun and Gerrard respectively.

Warnock: 7.0- The ex-Liverpool man saved a potential goal with a vital sliding challenge on Benayoun in the 18th minute.

Samba: 6.0- Was a real menace in the air and gobbled up everything that came his way in the first half but was nowhere to be found on Liverpool’s last two goals.

Nelsen: 5.0- Will not be happy conceding three goals in the second half after a strong first 45 minutes.

Ooijer: 6.0- His flick on set up Santa Cruz’s goal to set up a nervy finish.

Emerton: 5.0- Will be disappointed with his performance tonight as he wasted some set pieces in the first half.

Andrews: 5.0- Picked up a yellow card late in the first half and was rendered ineffective after that.

Tugay: 6.0- The wise old man in the Blackburn midfield stood his ground battling the likes of Mascherano and Alonso.

Pederson: 7.0- Almost found his first goal of the season with a long distance piledriver that rattled the crossbar in the.

Derbyshire: 5.0- Was full of hustle but really did not muster up any scoring chances all this afternoon.

Santa Cruz: 7.0- Managed a goal today but it has been a season to forget thus far for the Paraguayan international.

SUBS: McCarthy (82”) 6.0, Vogel (84”) 6.0, Treacy (93”) NA

LIVERPOOL

Reina: 7.0- Was not tested very often today but made a wonderful save on Pederson in the first half while his defence let him down on Santa Cruz’s close range goal.

Insua: 7.0- The young Argentine defender made a rare start this afternoon but more than held his own on the left hand side

Hyypia: 8.0- He won some important challenges in the air today and turned back the years with an impressive performance.

Carragher: 7.0- His great challenge on Pederson at the start of the second half wiped out a dangerous scoring opportunity.

Arbeloa: 6.0- The Spanish right back managed to push forward with relative ease but more often than not the final product was poor.

Alonso: 8.0- Had a chance to open the scoring in the 56th minute but he could not direct his shot past Robinson. Made no mistake in the 68th with a delicately placed effort that found the bottom corner.

Mascherano: 6.0- The Argentine hard-man battled valiantly in the midfield trenches today and opened things up for Gerrard in the second half

Benayoun: 7.0- Struggled for much of the afternoon but popped up to score his team's second goal of the game with a nice low shot that beat Robinson.

Babel: 5.0- Switched flanks halfway into the first half but could not get anything going and was substituted early in the second half.

Gerrard: 7.0- The Liverpool captain rebounded from a poor first half to put the icing on the cake with a goal deep into injury time.

Kuyt: 7.0- Set up Benayoun’s goal with a pinpoint pass from long range and as usual was the hardest working man on the pitch.

SUBS: El Zhar (63”) 6.5, Lucas (83”) 6.0, Riera (87”) 7.0

Liverpool Keep Rockin' Beat Blackburn 3-1

2008-12-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

After a turbulent week which had seen his side dumped out of the Carling Cup by Manchester United and speculation mount that he would lose his job, a visit by league leaders Liverpool was the last thing Paul Ince would have wanted.

Yet the Rovers boss appeared relaxed ahead of kick off, making one change to the side that lost to Portsmouth last weekend with Matt Derbyshire coming in for Benni McCarthy.

Yet, despite topping the league, Liverpool had problems of their own with Fernando Torres out injured, Robbie Keane out of sorts and goals proving elusive.

Thus, Rafael Benitez started with Dirk Kuyt up front supported by Ryan Babel and Yossi Benayoun with Emilia Insua also making a rare start and £20.3 million man Keane relegated to the bench.

Rovers, unsurprisingly short of confidence having gone eight league games with a win, began the game looked more than a little shaky and the visitors had the first clear chance of the afternoon.

The recalled Benayoun was sent through by Steven Gerrard but the Israeli was denied by a wonderful challenge by Stephen Warnock.

Ince’s men slowly grew into the game and had the best chance of the first half through Morten Gamst Pederson.

The midfielder tried his luck from range with a superbly struck shot which a diving Pepe Reina did well to tip onto the bar.

Yet that was as close as anyone came in a tight first half with Rovers working hard and quick to close down the visitors.

The second half began in scrappy style but just shy of the hour mark Liverpool had the best chance of the afternoon.

A Xabi Alonso strike from range looked to be destined for the back of the net before Paul Robinson parried the ball away to deny the Spaniard the opener.

Minutes later and Benyanoun ought to have opened the scoring. Babel laid the ball off to Gerrard whose shot was spilt by Robinson. The ball fell to Benayoun but he couldn’t slot the ball home into an unguarded net and Rovers survived.

A frustrated Benitez opted to changes thing but it was Nabil El Zhar, rather than Robbie Keane, who replaced Babel yet minutes later the Reds had their goal.

Gerrard’s cross fell to Alonso in the edge of the area and he kept his head to slot home the opener from all of 20 yards.

The goal stunned Blackburn yet they did have a chance to equalise through Roque Santa Cruz, yet the Paraguayan uncharacteristically headed Andre Ooijer’s cross wide of the goal when well placed.

That miss what to prove crucial as with ten minutes to go Liverpool had their second of the afternoon.

Kuyt found Benayoun with a superb pass and the former Hammer beat Warnock before shooting low across Robinson and into the corner.

The goal looked to have finished off Rovers but minutes later they were back in it through Santa Cruz.

A Brett Emerton corner was flicked on by Ooijer and this time Santa Cruz made no mistake, heading past Reina to give Ince’s men hope.

Yet despite the late goal, Rovers couldn’t find an equaliser and Gerrard finished them off with a late strike for Liverpool’s third.

The result keeps the visitors top, whilst Blackburn remain mired in trouble and yet another defeat leaves manager Paul Ince looking nervously looking over his shoulder.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Andrews, Kerimoglu (Vogel, 84), Pedersen (McCarthy, 81), Roque Santa Cruz, Derbyshire.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua, Benayoun (Riera, 87), Mascherano (Lucas, 83), Alonso, Babel (El Zhar, 64), Gerrard, Kuyt.

GOALS

1-3 Liverpool (Gerrard, 90 + 5)

1-2 Blackburn Rovers (Santa Cruz, 86)

0-2 Liverpool (Benayoun, 79)

0-1 Liverpool (Alonso, 69)

Bolton vs Chelsea 0-2 Players Rating

2008-12-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

Jaaskelainen – 6: Although not at fault for the first goal, he failed to close down the angle and the space quick enough to throw off Anelka. Looked solid for the most part, except for an embarrassing slip which almost allowed the French striker to score his second.

Steinsson – 5.5: Stayed behind to keep a leash on Kalou and Ashley Cole. Rarely left his half to help out in attack.

Cahill – 4: Allowed Anelka to drift away from him for the first goal and then failed to close down Deco for the second, which turned out to be the killer blow.

O’Brien – 6: Showed a good sense of positioning to make countless crucial interceptions. But like Cahill, the only times he allowed his men to sneak away proved costly.

Samuel – 5.5: Bombarded forward down the flank frequently but there was never any end product. Disappointing deliveries into the box.

Davies – 6.5: Had a few decent scoring chances throughout the game. Diligently back-tracked to help out defensively when needed.

Nolan – 7: A constant menace in the air inside the Chelsea box. Worked very hard especially in the second half to try and turn the game around. Full marks for effort.

McCann – 7: Pulled the strings from midfield, spraying passes and crosses everywhere. Had some intriguing personal battles in the centre of the park.

Muamba – 4: A largely anonymous performance. His only real input to the game was a long range attempt at goal late in the first half, which was also his last contribution

Taylor – 6.5: Barely had anything to show in the first half. Much more active in the second and even trouble Cech and the Chelsea backline countless times.

Elmander – 6.5: Restricted to long range attempts. Hardly had a sniff of goal inside the box.

Substitutes:

Gardner – 6.5: Immediately breathed life into Bolton’s game. Caused panic everytime he had the ball.

Smolarek – N/A

CHELSEA

Cech – 5.5: Very shaky with crosses and high balls. But easily dealt with everything Bolton could throw at him on the ground.

Bosingwa – 7.5: Cleverly disguised a shot to set up Anelka’s opener. As usual, a real livewire down the right flank. Even had a chance to add his name on the scoresheet late in the game.

Terry – 7.5: Always put himself infront of the ball whenever Bolton attacked. Blocked shot after shot but almost gave a penalty on one instance when the ball came off his arm.

Alex – 6: Allowed the ball and his men to get away from him on numerous occasions. Didn’t look too assured at the back and didn’t have a good understanding with his backline.

Ashley Cole – 6.5: Got forward occasionally but didn’t look threatening enough. Had little trouble at the back down the flank and helped out regularly in the centre of defence.

Mikel – 6.5: Didn’t join the attack too much. Hung deep in front of the back four for most of the match to tidy up any loose ends.

Deco – 8: Given all the time and space in the world to execute his overhead bicycle kick perfectly. Completely dominated the midfield in the first half with his crisp passing and pin-point crosses.

Lampard – 6: A very low-key display. Quietly allowed Deco to run the show and chipped in only when necessary with a few one-touch passes. Almost disappeared completely from sight in the second period.

Ballack – 6.5: Like Lampard, there was nothing spectacular from the German. Had more to do defensively than offensively. But credit to him, he played his part to win his fair share of challenges in midfield.

Kalou – 6.5: Ghosted in unnoticed behind the Bolton backline a few times. But in spite of that, he never really got into a good enough a position to have a decent scoring chance.

Anelka – 7: Cleverly stayed on side and read Bosingwa’s disguised cross. Had a few more chances to score after that but failed to convert them.

Substitutes:

Ferreira – 5: Only had a couple of touches of the ball, but one of which almost set up Bosingwa for a goal late on.

Ivanovic – N/A

Dangerous Anelka, Furious Chelsea...

2008-12-06T23:49:00.000-08:00

Bolton slaughtered suffering Sunderland last weekend by four goals to one and kicked off this weekend at home boasting a sound record against incumbents of the top four.

However, the one member of the regular Champions League entrants whom they continuously come unstuck against is Blue London club Chelsea who have never failed to land anything but maximum points in their past six visits of the Reebok Stadium.

Noting Bolton's tactics, Chelsea's influential attack-minded midfielder Frank Lampard believes the Blues need to mix up their plan A's with their B's if they were to get a result. Critics have pointed to Chelsea's midfield being too one-paced and in order to combat that Lampard believed they would need to alter their play.

Interestingly, on all the occasions that Chelsea have dropped points, they have been housed at Stamford Bridge; so going into this tie they have got a flawless 100 per cent away record.

FIRST HALF

Chelsea began the game in patient fashion as they seemed content in knocking the ball around the midfield areas while they waited for space to open up in front of them.

After a threatening Kalou shot on the seventh minute, Bolton pressed forward and looked to capitalise on a couple of successive corner kicks, but nothing of note bloomed.

Instead, within moments of the Trotters set play, Frank Lampard sends a quick free kick toward Portuguese playmaker Deco who plays in international team-mate Jose Bosingwa. The bombarding right-back's cross is at just the right height for Frenchman Nicolas Anelka who finds the net with his head.

Bolton reacted in good fashion to conceding a goal within the first ten minutes and Johan Elmander, who scored a brace against Sunderland last weekend, had a couple half-chances on goal.

Any attempted comeback was short-lived though as Chelsea doubled their lead after 21 minutes when Deco hit an eye-pleasing overhead kick into Bolton's net.

Bosingwa has attracted praise for the modern style that he brings to the full-back role but just before the half hour mark he was rolling around like he had been eternally pained, but was well enough seconds later to take advantage of the resultent free kick.

Five minutes before the break the tie starts to get dicey as German enforcer Michael Ballack gets himself into a tussle with left sided player Matt Taylor.

SECOND HALF

After the break Megson decided to change his side's shape and decided to adopt a slightly more adventurous 4-4-2 formation.

Megson's decision seems to be inspired as the switch brings immediate results with Kevin Nolan getting forward and unleashing strikes on goal, only to realise he had left his accuracy in the dressing room.

Matt Taylor too had chances to reduce the deficit, and with Petr Cech looking off-form and out of ideas, Michael Ballack was needed to help keep the home side's shots at bay.

Chelsea began to treat their fans with some fluid passing as the second half was fully underway and the attacking trident of Anelka, Lampard, and Deco continously carved Bolton apart.

On the hour mark John Terry appeared guilty of a handball in the area but referee Howard Webb waved play on and, for the second time in the afternoon (Richard Dunne was also let off the hook for handballing), a defender had got off lightly for what should have been a penalty kick.

The game drew to a close while wayward shooting and tactical and time-wasting substitutions were brought on, but as Webb brought the match to a close Chelsea had done enough to ensure the three points.

Prior to kick off, Bolton manager Gary Megson mentioned that he was of the opinion that his Greater Manchester side could handle anything that Chelsea threw their way... apart from, of course, their former striker Nicolas Anelka, and that certainly seemed to be the case today.

LINE UPS

Bolton:

Jaaskelainen - Steinsson; Cahill; O'Brien; Samuel - Davies; McCann; Nolan; Muamba; Taylor - Elmander.

Subs:
Al Habsi; Smolarek; Gardner; Riga; Shittu; Basham; Obadeyi.

Chelsea:

Cech - Bosingwa; Terry; Alex; Cole - Mikel - Kalou; Lampard; Ballack; Deco - Anelka.

Subs:
Cudicini; Ivanovic; Sinclair; Ferreira; Mineiro; Stoch; Woods.

16 December, Eduardo Will Come Back for Arsenal

2008-12-06T23:48:00.000-08:00

Arsenal have announced on their official website that their Brazilian-born striker Eduardo is set to make his comeback on December 16 in a reserve game.

The 25-year-old Croatian international, who has won 22 caps and scored 13 goals for his adopted country, has been out of action since the infamous tackle by Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor on February 23.

"I believe we might see him for the first time in the Reserves on December 16 against Portsmouth," revealed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"After that we will just go from there but he looks very good and very sharp in training."

Arsenal Vs Wigan 1-0 Players Rating

2008-12-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

ARSENAL

Almunia - 6 -
He still looks slightly unconvincing at times when dealing with crosses, but came up with a fine reaction save to deny Melchiot in the second half.

Clichy - 6 -
He hasn't quite reached the heights of last season yet, and his defending was nervous at times. He also doesn't seem to go forward as much as he used to.

Toure - 6.5 -
Considering this was his first game in a while, he managed to hold fort against a very aggressive and physical Wigan line up.

Djourou - 7 -
Looks like the answer to Wenger's defensive woes, and seems to combine well with both Gallas and Toure. Again, was stretched by the Wigan attackers, but he showed character to keep his cool.

Sagna - 7 -
Was a good performance by the Frenchman, who now seems to be reaching the level Gunners fans are used to seeing him perform at.

Nasri - 6 -
Suffered another injury setback after he was hacked down by Palacios, but he linked up well with Van Persie and Clichy during his half-hour stay.

Song - 6.5 -
He's been on the end of a lot of criticism from Arsenal fans of late, but he put in a decent shift today. His height was the important factor for Wenger, and he distributed the ball tidily, especially in the second half.

Fabregas - 7.5 -
A very good performance by the Arsenal captain, who seems to be settling into his new role well now. His passing and vision was exemplary as usual, and he got into the opposition box on a number of occasions, something he should do more often.

Denilson - 6.5 -
Again played out of position, he worked hard, and also managed to hit the woodwork, but he still loses possession at times, and is muscled out of the challenge regularly.

Van Persie - 6.5 -
He didn't exactly carry on from where he left off last week, but he grew into the game as it wore on, and had a number of attempts on goal. Should have scored though.

Adebayor - 7 -
Arsenal's center forward pounced superbly on a loose ball for the only goal of the game, and even hit the post with a powerful shot late in the first half.

Substitutions

Eboue - 5 -
To be fair, the left wing isn't a natural position for a right back, and he didn't do all that badly until late in the second half when his confidence went for a complete toss after a few misplaced passes. The fact that the crowd got on his back didn't help at all.

Silvestre - 5 -
Brought on to provide defensive cover and experience, the few passes he made didn't inspire any confidence whatsoever.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Kirkland - 7.5 -
For Wigan to put up a fight at the Emirates Stadium, Kirkland had to deliver, and deliver he did. He made a number of top quality saves, notably the one from Adebayor in the first half which eventually bounced off the post.

Figueroa - 6 -
Wasn't the best performance by the left back, and was troubled even by the out-of-position Denilson at times. Was marking nobody for long stretches, as Denilson cut into the center, and got booked for a cynical foul on Van Persie.

Taylor - 7 -
A strong performance at the back, and some good deliveries from set pieces.

Bramble - 6 -
He performed well along with his partner in defence, but was at fault for Adebayor's goal, when he should have been much more alert.

Boyce - 6.5 -
He did rather well until he was brought off, but it isn't much of a test facing Eboue who was playing as a left winger.

Palacios - 7 -
Had a good game, and was quite aggressive in the tackle, as Samir Nasri may have found out.

Melchiot - 6 -
Was in and out of the game, and played well in patches. Had a brilliant opportunity inside the Arsenal box, but couldn't get past Almunia.

Cattermole - 8 -
He would probably be my man of the match, as he was immense in midfield, winning many tackles, and breaking up play. He was well and truly the "battler" on the pitch.

Valencia 6 -
Again, like Melchiot, showed flashes of brilliance, but Gael Clichy kept him quieter than he would like.

Camara - 5.5 -
Not a very eventful game for the Senegalese striker, and was subbed for Zaki in the second half.

Heskey - 6.5 -
He had to have a good game for Wigan to stand any chance of scoring tonight, and he did what he's best at, leaping high in the air, using his strength, and winning headers. Unfortunately, he missed two chances which could have earned the visitors a point.

Substitutions

Zaki - 6 -
He ran, ran, and ran some more, but most of the times it was aimless. His link up play still needs to improve. Full marks for committment and effort, though.

Kilbane - 6 -
Slotted in seamlessly after Boyce went off injured.

Koumas - N/A -
Apart from one horrible miscued shot, did nothing of notice.

Adebayor Give Arsenal Three Point

2008-12-06T23:41:00.000-08:00

This was the game in which Arsenal were to prove they could build on victories against fellow Big Four rivals by showing the consistency to grind out wins against so-called less formidable opposition. But in the first half at the Emirates, the Gunners were somewhat laboured and certainly not very convincing, despite going ahead thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's tenth goal of the season.

Defender and former captain William Gallas was ruled out with a calf injury but in a like-for-like change, Kolo Toure came back in after overcoming a similar problem. That was the only change from the team that beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday, though in midweek Wenger's second string lost at Burnley in the Carling Cup, with five youngsters plus Mikael Silvestre from that defeat named as substitutes today, along with Emmanuel Eboue, fit again after a knee injury.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce brought back captain Mario Melchiot to replace Michael Brown.

Wigan started brightly enough, but it was Arsenal who took the lead after 16 minutes. It wasthe Gunners' first real chance of the game, when a first-time pass by Cesc Fabregas came off Alexandre Song and Titus Bramble and fell kindly for Adebayor, who fired the ball low into the corner.

A quarter-of-an-hour later, Wenger was forced to make an early change when Samir Nasri, injured by an ugly Wilson Palacios tackle, failed to recover and had to be replaced by Eboue

It was unwanted disruption for Arsenal, who despite holding on to their lead, continued to toil in a less than vintange display.

But on the stroke of half-time, Adebayor nearly doubled histeam's advantage. The Togolese striker saw his low shot from 20 yards tipped onto the foot of a post by Latics' keeper Chris Kirkland after a neat move in which Denilson cut the ball back to him.

Wigan carved out a good chance early in the second-half, but England striker Emile Heskey - whose future is the subject of much speculation - couldn't quite get enough power or direction onto a potentially dangerous header.

Shortly after that, an Arsenal attack saw Fabregas play a perfect through-ball for Robin van Persie, but the Dutchman, clear on goal, hit his shot wide from the edge of the area.

Van Persie went close again when Denilson squared the ball to him and the Dutchman turned and drove in a shot with his favoured left-foot that flew just inches wide of the right-hand post.

The Gunners struck the woodwork for the second time when Denilson let fly from 25 yards with a shot that cannoned back off the frame of the goal as they sought a second goal that would have enabled the vast majority of the Emirates crowd to breathe a little more easily.

Bacary Sagna had two chances to get that second goal, but saw his near-post header saved and then fired over the bar after Wigan failed to clear a corner.

The crowd's anxiety heightened almost immediately when Mario Melchiot's volley was superbly saved at point-blank range by Manuel Almunia.

Steve Bruce brought on Wigan's top scorer Amr Zaki, but Arsenal were now pressing hard to increase their lead. But Adebayor missed an excellent chance, and with just one goal in it, Wigan always had hope.

And with Eboue repeatedly giving the ball away - to the annoyance of the home crowd - Heskey headed a decent chance over for the visitors.

Eboue was now being barracked by his own fans and was mercifully taken off by Wenger. Adebayor tried to console him as he left the pitch, but it was a very unhappy Eboue who stalked off down the tunnel, giving the end of the game a sour note as Arsenal ended Wigan's five-match unbeaten run.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Bendtner, Eboue.

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Palacios, Cattermole, Melchiot, Heskey, Camara. Subs: Kingson, Kilbane, Koumas, Brown, Zaki, De Ridder, Kapo.

No Goal Keane ? Go To The Bench ...!

2008-12-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Rafael Benitez appears to be running out of patience with £20.3 million striker Robbie Keane and has confirmed he cannot guarantee the Irishman a place in his starting lineup.

Keane joined the Reds from Tottenham Hotspur over the summer but has struggled for goals since arriving at Anfield and has managed only two in the Premier League so far this season.

The former Spurs man has also found himself repeatedly substituted by his manager and his disbelief at finding himself replaced again during Liverpool’s goalless draw with West Ham United on Monday night was evident.

However, according to his manager Keane may need to get used to watching from the sidelines as Benitez confirmed his striker was not an automatic first team choice.

According to The Guardian, the Liverpool manager said: “He is working hard as always in training and practicing in every training session but I cannot guarantee a position to anyone, we have to win.”

Benitez’s side face Blackburn Rovers today and Keane is expected to start the game from the bench, with the Reds’ boss clearly growing frustrated with the situation.

“He is in the same situation as the rest of the players. We can talk about 10 or 15 players who cost more than £20m in other teams, and you can see two or three of them on the bench every week and people don’t talk about them all the time,” snapped the Spaniard, “But for me, it’s not a question of the value of the player. To me he’s just another player and that’s it.”

Despite Keane’s lack of goals, the Reds still top the Premier League table, and Benitez appears confident his striker can improve as the season progresses. He explained: “The best way to support him is to talk about what he can improve and what he can do.”

With Fernando Torres out injured, Liverpool must look elsewhere for goals and with Keane misfiring, Benitez is believed to be considering turning to Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun for today’s encounter.

Ronaldo Didnt Like Manchester

2008-12-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

XL Canal have quoted Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as saying that he cannot get used to Manchester - a city he dislikes.

The Portuguese ace looked as though he was going to ditch the rainy English city for the bright sunshine of Spain and Madrid during the summer, but the Red Devils were able to fight off Los Blancos.

As far as football is concerned, Ronaldo has thrived at Old Trafford and United's Carrington training complex. In fact, the free-scoring winger was recently crowned European Footballer of the Year when he got his paws on the Ballon d'Or.

Still, the flamboyant Ronaldo has seemingly failed to settle, some five years after joining from Sporting.

He apparently said: "I know Manchester from side to side, whereas I spend most of my time at home.

"It is pretty much different from Portugal. I am missing the beach, the sun and the sea.

"I am used to living here, which does not mean I like it."

Ronaldo, 23, has also been linked with a move to Italian side Inter this week.

Claire Merry Leave Thiery Hendry With 10 Millions Euro....

2008-12-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Barcelona forward Thierry Henry has struggled for form since moving from Arsenal to Camp Nou in 2007. One of the major reasons, according to reports, has been the ongoing turmoil over his divorce from his English wife, Claire Merry.

The two met in 2001 while the Frenchman was still making a name for himself at Arsenal, shooting an advertisement for an automobile company, in which she was involved as a model. They tied the knot in 2003 and had a daughter, Tea.

However, things went belly-up and the pair agreed to part company in 2007, with their divorce now being finalised with a payoff thought to be worth in excess of €10 million.

Merry is said to have been after more of Henry's cash, but the player's lawyer argued successfully that he was a success before the union and, therefore, her claim was limited.

The Barca ace can now focus more clearly on football, one would assume, having put the matter to bed.

An insider told The Sun: "It was settled at the end of last week. Claire is delighted.

"Neither her or Thierry wanted to go back to court as they are both now moving on with their lives. She is happy with the conclusion and she said it is close to the £10 million she wanted."

Kaka : Backham Will Make Different....

2008-12-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

Milan magician Kaka admits he cannot wait to play alongside David Beckham when the English man move on loan to the club in the new year.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger will team up with the likes of Ronaldinho, Andrea Pirlo and the Brazilian is eager to play with the Englishman.

Kaka believes Becks can make a real difference to his side and he admits it's a positive move for the Rossoneri.

"Everyone thinks Beckham's move to Milan is negative but me and all my team mates here at Milan are delighted with his arrival," he said.

"For us David will bring all his quality and professionalism to the side and this can help us win our objectives this season which are the UEFA Cup and the Scudetto.

"He is a player who will help us reach our objectives at the end of the season."

The player also hinted at a possible move to England in future but he did reiterate his stance that he will not leave Milan until his and the club's objectives change.

"Galliani is here to answer transfer questions.

"The experience of playing in England is nice. There is always a positive atmosphere there.

"The Premier League is a nice competition but I have always said that I am a Milan player.

"And if I do leave one day it will be because my ambitions are different to the club's and the Premier League could be the place where I will end up."

Mourinho Leave Balotelli In Youth Squad

2008-12-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night Lazio host current Serie A champions Inter Milan, and the Biancocelesti are in need of a great showing, coming off the back of some disappointing results.

The Nerazzurri in contrast, find themselves ahead of the pack and are hoping to extend their lead and make sure that they go into the Christmas break on top of Serie A.

The capital based club sit one place and one point off the Champions League qualifying places and earned a morale-boosting 2-1 victory at Milan in the Italian Cup on Wednesday.

At the pre-match conference Mourinho revealed that Mario Balotelli and Adriano have been omitted from the list of called up players for the Lazio game.

Mourinho commented on the squad selection by saying “It is easier for me to answer why a player has been picked rather than why they weren't. I can answer that Quaresma is chosen because he has been training well this week.”

Continuing on regarding the omitted players, the Special One said, “Adriano has not been picked because he was sick at home for two days and is not in the right condition. He only trained yesterday, but for a short time. I think that he will play in the Champions League on Tuesday.“

Balotelli will play with the youth team because he needs to learn how to play in Serie A.” Scathing words from the Portuguese tactician that will surely be the talk of the weekend.

Mourinho then moved onto the subject of his team's opponents Lazio. “If I could choose, I would have Milan and Juventus thirty points behind us, but I obviously can't choose that. I am not expecting to face a Lazio side that is tired, actually I expect them to be charged up and motivated after their win at the San Siro in the Italian Cup.”

Crespo's Wife Like On Roma Move

2008-12-06T04:34:00.001-08:00

Inter striker Hernan Crespo has not seen much time on the pitch this season under coach Jose Mourinho and it is widely expected the former Argentina international will be leaving the club in the near future.

One possible transfer could see him move to Roma as rumours persist that the former Lazio goal-scorer could join the Giallorossi in January. Crespo's wife, Alessia, says she would be in favour of her husband moving back to the eternal city.

"Hernan has a contract with Inter until June and that must be respected. Certainly if interesting bids come in than Inter will evaluate them," she told Radio Incontro.

"Especially if Roma were to make an advance, we would evaluate it very carefully! There would be no problems despite his past with Lazio, he already came back here after playing for Milan. He has always respected everyone, including the Giallorossi fans, we will wait to see what happens."

Some believe that Crespo's lack of playing time could be a fitness problem, but his wife dismissed that possibility.

"I can assure you that Hernan is physically well," she explained to the radio program. "The issue is that Mourinho has been using different tactical choices, that is the only reason Hernan has not played recently."

Crespo may get a chance to play this weekend at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio as Nerazzurri boss Mourinho has left both Adriano and Mario Balotelli off of his squad list.

Chelsea Urges To Get A New Striker !

2008-12-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has insisted the Blues must sign a striker when the transfer window reopens in January.

According to The Guardian, the Brazilian has bemoaned his lack of forwards in recent games and has admitted he will face Bolton Wanderers today with only one fit striker. He said: “For the game against Arsenal I lost two strikers in Franco di Santo and Didier Drogba, so I had only Anelka. This is the same for the Bolton game.”

The West Londoners have struggled to break teams down in recent weeks and their manager insisted more options up front would help his side in this respect. The Brazilian explained: “If I had one more striker, I'd have more options to change our gameplan sometimes. We could play two up front, or at least try something different.”

Yet Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has already reportedly claimed the Blues will not sign any players in the transfer window, but Scolari pointed to the injuries suffered at Stamford Bridge this season as reason to splash the cash.

“I knew that it's a different time for Chelsea but, if we suffer more injuries, the board understand that I'll need one or two players to replace some [injured] players,” revealed the Blues’ boss, "They understand this. If, on the other hand, the players are in good condition and there are no more injuries, I think it's maximum one player they'll replace because we need one more. Only one. A striker.”

Scolari also highlighted the injury situation at Stamford Bridge and in particular, the loss of Michael Essien. He said: “Back in the summer when I came to Chelsea I didn't want more players than I had in my squad. But I never thought I'd get the number of injuries we've suffered. We've lost two or three virtually every week. If I'd lost a goalkeeper, or a full-back, it wouldn't be so much of a problem because I have four others to use as replacements. But I lost a player in Michael Essien who can play in five positions, so he is like losing five players.”

Chelsea travel to Bolton Wanderers today hoping to maintain their unbeaten run away from home this season and notch up a club record 11th consecutive away win in the Premier League.

Anderson's Dream Coach : Mourinho ! Not Ferguson...

2008-12-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Manchester United ace Anderson has shocked Old Trafford and coach Sir Alex Ferguson by admitting that he wants to play for Jose Mourinho and Inter.

The young midfielder signed for United in 2007 in an €18 million switch from Porto. Already, though, the 20-year-old Brazilian has told his club that he will be waving goodbye when his contract expires in four years time.

"I am thinking about playing in Italy," Anderson is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"Italian football is the best in the world and the most intelligent. Every player wants to play in Serie A, because Italians are the masters of football.

"I really like Inter. I have always liked them from when Ronaldo played there. [Massimo] Moratti has always assembled great teams and Inter can win anything with the players they have.

"I will not hide myself and in future I would love to play for Mourinho at Inter.

"My dream is to be coached by Mourinho."

Anderson's words are likely to see Fergie bring out the hairdryer and tell his starlet what he thinks of hi ambition.

Mourinho was one of the United boss' biggest rivals when Chelsea fought the Mancunians for Premier League superiority during the Portuguese tactician's tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Bayern Munich Eyes On Yoann Gourcuff

2008-12-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Yoann Gourcuff was sent out on loan to Girondins Bordeaux this seaon to gain more experience after continually struggling to break into AC Milan's talent-packed first-team midfield.

The player has flourished in France under coach Laurent Blanc and is attracting plenty of interest from clubs all over Europe including Bayern Munich, according to tuttomercatoweb.

The Bavarian outfit will send scouts to watch the French international when Bordeaux face Valenciennes at the Stadium Jacques Chaban-Delmas to determine if he would be a good fit for Jurgen Klinsmann's side.

However, Bayern will have to negotiate with Milan if they want to sign the 22-year-old, as the Rossoneri still own the player. According to reports, there is currently a provision in the loan agreement that would allow Bordeaux to sign Gourcuff for €13.5 million at the end of the campaign.

Kaka Unhappy, Since Ronaldinho Came....

2008-12-06T04:23:00.001-08:00

Milan have attained some poor results this season and sit six points behind Inter in the standings. It seems Kaka has become frustrated with the tactics Milan are using ahead of their match with Catania on Sunday.

It appears that the Brazilian believes he and compatriot Ronaldinho are having difficulty co-existing in the current Milan formation, according to ANSA.

"There are some problems, we run so much and are not compact," he explained. "I was accustomed to being by Seedorf, just behind a single striker, usually Inzaghi."

Now, it seems Ronaldinho is playing further upfront and Kaka needs to do more of the dirty work. "Ronaldinho? Before I could move from side to side and had more opportunities in attack. Now, I don't like the way I'm playing."

Kaka is still expected to be in the line-up with Ronaldinho on Sunday against the Sicilians at the San Siro.

Luca Toni Show Hoffenheim "The Meaning of Class"

2008-12-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

After an entertaining goalless first half Vedad Ibisevic fired Hoffenheim into the lead early in the second half with his 18th of the season. Philipp Lahm bagged the equaliser on the hour mark before Luca Toni settled things with an injury time winner.

First Half

Jürgen Klinsmann sent out his strongest available XI with only Martin Demichelis missing. Daniel van Buyten took his place alongside Lucio in the centre of Bayern’s defence. Hoffenheim counterpart Ralf Rangnick has his three musketeers of Obasi, Ba and Ibisevic fit to start up front.

Bayern kicked off and forced an early corner to send out a notice of their intent but Schweinsteiger’s delivery found nobody. A minute later Tobias Weis fired in a long range effort which Rensing held, but Hoffenheim too were showing they had come to attack.

Both sides began the game at a tremendous pace and Hoffenheim were true to their word that they were going to keep true to their attacking philosophy. On seven minutes, Chinedu Obasi sent the ball through to Ba who fired straight at Rensing rather than squaring the ball to the better placed Ibisevic.

The visitors continued to push forward and Obasi once again turned provider on 9 minutes with a cross from the right to Ba, but the French Senegalese headed over from seven meters out.

The action came thick and fast and Toni was the next to be handed an opportunity 12 minutes in. Zé Roberto’s vision played him through but he sent his shot into the side netting from a tight angle.

Two minutes later and Toni was once again in the centre of the action but on this occasion he didn’t come out with any credit after diving theatrically in the area looking for a penalty when there was no contact with keeper Haas. The Italian was fortunate not to be yellow carded for his troubles.

Franck Ribéry sent a free kick over the bar on 21 minutes before the game got a bit tasty with a number of niggly fouls upping the ante in the game. Lucio and Weis both put in some tough tackles before Demba Ba was booked for a foul on Mark van Bommel.

Hoffenheim carved out a good counter attack on 38 minutes with Obasi heavily involved but Bundesliga leading scorer Ibisevic was unable to really test Michael Rensing with his shot.

Following bookings for both Obasi and Zé Roberto, Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo sent in a dangerous shot from distance with keeper Rensing having to be on his toes.

The first half finished goalless, but it was probably one of the most entertaining 45 minutes of goalless football this season.

Second Half

There were no changes in personnel from either side at the half time break and Bayern were quickly on the attack with Zé Roberto crossing from the bye-line. Haas however was on hand to pluck the ball away from Miroslav Klose.

Then quite sensationally Hoffenheim took the lead four minutes in. Tobias Weis stormed down the right before passing into the middle where Demba Ba flicked a clever ball into Ibisevic, who beat Massimo Oddo to the ball before firing clinically past Rensing in the Bayern goal for his 18th of the season.

The guests were not content to sit back and Carlos Eduardo let fly from 30 meters and Rensing did very well to get his finger tips to the ball. Bayern too were continuing their attacking momentum and Daniel van Buyten headed over an Oddo corner from six meters out.

Bayern however got themselves back on level terms on the hour mark via an unlikely source. Tobias Weis gave the ball away in midfield and it was picked up by Bayern full back Philipp Lahm. The German international powered forward and when nobody closed him down he let fly and the ball deflected off Marvin Compper and into the net.

Eight minutes later and Luca Toni combined well with fellow Italian Massimo Oddo when the full back sent over a quickly taken free kick. With the Hoffenheim defence asleep, the forward headed narrowly wide from close range.

As the game entered its final phase Hoffenheim looked to tire a little and pay for the high tempo with which they started the game. Their passing in attack became a little lax and holes began to open up at the back.

Substitute Salihovic had an opportunity to curl in a free kick on 82 minutes but his effort flew narrowly over the bar. Hoffenheim seemed to gain a second win, but were cruelly punished into injury time when Bayern hit the winner.

A long ball from Rensing found Luca Toni and his attempted pass to Klose was blocked by Ibertsberger. The Italian though was on hand to fire past Haas from close range to break Hoffenheim hearts and take Bayern level on points with their opponents.

Goals:

0-1 Ibisevic (49)

1-1 Lahm (60)

2-1 Toni (92)

Yellow Cards:

Zé Roberto (40), Rensing (55), Borowski (85) / Ba (24), Obasi (39), Beck (90)

Bayern Munich: Rensing, Oddo, Lahm, van Buyten, Lucio, van Bommel, Zé Roberto, Schweinsteiger (Borowski 61), Ribéry, Klose, Toni

1899 Hoffenheim: Haas, Beck, Jaissle, Compper, Ibertsberger, Weis, Luiz Gustavo, Carlos Eduardo (Vorsah 92), Obasi (Salihovic 74), Ibisevic, Ba

Madrid Lost Diara For Three Month....

2008-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid holding midfielder Mahamadou Diarra was initially only expected to be ruled out for a month and a half due to a knee injury.

But following a more comprehensive examination, it has now been confirmed that the Malian’s lay-off time will double the preliminary estimate as he is now projected to be sideline for three months at the very least.

The 27 year old travelled to his former hometown club of Lyon to seek a consultation with Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet where he was told that he would require arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

It’s a non-invasive surgical procedure that Ruud van Nistelrooy was hoping to undergo to cure his own knee problems last month but it was deemed unsuitable for the Dutchman.

Diarra’s long-term absence will put even more strain on Madrid’s thinning squad as they now only have Fernando Gago and Javi Garcia at their disposal in the defensive midfield role.

Viera Lost Until January Next Year...

2008-12-05T07:02:00.001-08:00

Patrick Vieira looks poised to sit out the remaining fixtures of the year and return to action in the home game with Cagliari on January 11.

The former Arsenal midfielder picked up another problem during the Derby d’Italia clash between Inter and Juventus on November 22.

He was on the pitch for just a bunch of minutes, as he replaced match winner Sulley Muntari in stoppage time, but still got the time to suffer the umpteenth injury of his troubled Nerazzurri career.

He was also blighted by injuries last term, when he gave a minimal contribution to the Nerazzurri’s bid to claim their third consecutive title, and has started only eight games so far in Serie A.

On the other hand, Portuguese coach José Mourinho is ready to welcome back Romanian stopper Christian Chivu, who has been training with the rest of his teammates this week and is likely to return to the side for the home tie with Chievo Verona on December 14.

Nike Help Inter Plan To Take Ronaldo From Old Trafford...

2008-12-04T07:05:00.002-08:00

Inter may find it easier to make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo after one of the club's sponsors, American sportswear giant Nike, backed the plans.

The Nerazzurri have been linked with the Manchester United ace and 2008 Ballon d'Or winner as Jose Mourinho looks to bring in his fellow countryman.

Ronaldo failed to move to Real Madrid in the summer, despite mega offers coming his way. Perhaps the reason behind the Primera Division side's failure is that their shirt makers are Adidas. Ronaldo wears Nike football boots and so there was a problem.

Nevertheless, Il Corriere Dello Sport claims that Nike are trying to push Ronaldo to sign for Inter and a mega sponsorship deal for both club and player is on the cards.

The sports company want to pair Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Portugal international in an attempt to create a dream pairing at the club as both players are sponsored by them.

Nike are looking at the potential benefits in terms of a marketing strategy as they sponsor the Nerazzurri and it would be a major coup if the company had two Nike sponsored players playing for a team who also carry the famous swoosh logo.

The Italian club's main sponsors, Pirelli, have pumped more money in to help with their plans for Ronnie and, if Nike begin to push, the United star could soon be wearing the black and blue jersey.

Moratti : We Will Not Sell Balotelli

2008-12-04T06:57:00.001-08:00

Striker Mario Balotelli has found it difficult to break into the Inter Milan starting XI so far this term, under the reign of new boss José Mourinho.

The Portuguese tactician once again dropped the Italy Under-21 star from the Inter squad for the home match with Napoli last Sunday, and there have been rumours that the Via Durini directors might opt to loan him out during the upcoming transfer window.

However, President Massimo Moratti insists that the 18-year-old will remain at Appiano Gentile.

“Someone will certainly depart,” he is quoted as saying in Tuttosport this morning, “but I can assure you that Balotelli will not move.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was named as the winner of France Football’s Ballon d’Or earlier this week, and the Beneamata patron admits that Zlatan Ibrahimovic should have received more attention.

“I was surprised that Ibra got so little consideration this year,” he stated. “We will try and help him out for next season by having a great European campaign. We will work for him…”