Blancos Held By Atletico

Atletico Madrid held rivals Real Madrid to a draw in the Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu. Diego Forlan gave the visitors the lead, and although Klaas-Jan Huntelaar responded in the second half, Los Blancos have lost ground on Barcelona...

Mou Eyes Fergie's Throne

Inter coach Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out the possibility of taking over at Manchester United once Sir Alex Ferguson calls it quits. According to the Portuguese gaffer, "special clubs need special managers", and he reckons he is up to the task of succeeding one of the all-time greats...

Barca Extend Liga Lead

Barcelona took full advantage of Real Madrid's draw by beating Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou. Pep Guardiola's men picked up a routine 2-0 victory thanks to an early goal from Sergio Busquets and a Lionel Messi penalty...

Pay Rise For 'Nando

Liverpool are set to reward Fernando Torres for his outspoken loyalty by extending his contract and raising his wages, according to the latest tabloid scoops. The Spanish striker will reportedly pen a £90,000-per-week deal that will tie him to the Merseyside club until 2014...

Juve Win Turin Battle

Juventus have not given up in their race for the Serie A title as they emerged winners in the Turin Derby. Torino are in danger of relegation, and a 1-0 home loss added to their woes. Only Chiellini's late second-half strike separated the two sides...

United March On

Manchester United marched into the last four of the FA Cup with a comprehensive win over Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening. The Red Devils won 4-0 thanks to Rooney, Park and a brace from Carlos Tevez as they continue their pursuit of success in all competitions...

Inter Back On Form

Inter returned to the Stadio Marassi, where they were humbled by Sampdoria a few days ago, but they found their form against Genoa with a 2-0 win to continue setting the pace in Serie A. Ibrahimovic and Balotelli got the goals for Jose Mourinho's men...

Samp Stun Sorry Milan

If AC Milan held any Scudetto hopes going into today's game against Sampdoria, they are surely gone now. Cassano and Pazzini did the job for Sampdoria, with a late Pato goal not enough for Ancelotti, whose controversial substitutions are sure to bring him under fire after yet another Milan loss...

Barca Beaten By Kun

Barcelona stumbled to their second successive league defeat as they gave up the lead twice, including an early two-goal buffer, to crash 4-3 at Atletico. Henry, Messi and Forlan all got on the scoresheet in the goal-fest at the Calderon but it was Aguero who was the hero on the night for Atleti.

Five Alive

After helping Manchester United claim the League Cup crown, Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that his club can finish the season with an unprecedented Quintuple. The Red Devils won the Club World Cup late last year and are still competing for the FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League...

Super Mario Denies Roma

Inter and Roma continued their fierce rivalry which has been brewing over the past few years with another nail-biting contest. The Giallorossi twice threw away a two-goal cushion in the match, with Balotelli and Crespo completing the comeback for the Nerazzurri in an exciting 3-3 draw

Gerrard Will Start For Liverpool, Says Babel

Liverpool striker Ryan Babel says he has told his friends at Real Madrid that Steven Gerrard will play at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday.The England international missed Sunday's league fixture with Manchester City after sustaining a hamstring injury.He has been included in the squad that travel to the Spanish capital for the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night. However, it was unsure whether coach Rafael Benitez would risk an early return for his talismanic skipper.But Babel claims he has sent text messages to fellow countrymen Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe, saying that Gerrard will be on show tomorrow."We agree that it's going to be exciting," Babel told his official website. "They were interested to know whether Steven Gerrard would play. "Without him, they feel Liverpool is weaker. Unfortunately for them, Steven is playing."It's gonna be a beautiful Dutch game."

Atlético Madrid Held To A Home Draw By Porto

Atlético Madrid 2-2 FC PortoMira Luis

Related LinksThe Portuguese team were hit by a last-minute change to the starting XI as Sapunaru replaced Fucile in the right side of the defence.FC Porto started out the better and could have scored as early as in the first minute. Hulk brilliantly moved past two Atletico men and passed the ball to Cristian Rodriguez, who saw his shot blocked by the defence.But it would be the Spanish side to break the deadlock just one minute later. Sergio Aguero raced in the middle and served Maxi Rodriguez, who made no mistake from close range.Hulk looked like a one-man army and he was finding it very easy to break through Atletico's left side of the defence, leaving Ujfalusi and Antonio López wondering what they could do.The Dragons looked determined to get back into the game and even managed to score 18 minutes into the game but Lisandro Lopez's header was nullified because of an offside infraction.And the Portuguese champions would find the net just three minutes later. A terrible mistake by Pablo left Lisandro completely alone in front of the keeper, who could not stop the frontman's low yet powerful left-foot shot.Porto had another great chance to score in the 24th minute. Cristian Rodriguez found Lisandro alone in the area, who tried his second goal but Leo Franco somehow managed to block the shot with his right foot.The away side were now in complete control of the game and they looked more and more likely to score as the match developed. After 28 minutes, Raul Meireles put Hulk in a one-on-one situation with Leo Franco with a through pass. The Brazilian striker should have done more as his effort was denied by the keeper.The first-half would not end without another good chance for Porto. Hulk, down the left flank, left Seitaridis behind and sent the ball across the box but there was no-one there to finish it.But it would be the home team that would find the net. On 47 minutes, Forlán tried his luck from outside the box, and when everyone thought his effort would produce nothing, Helton let the ball slip through his hands and into the net.The second-half began much in the same way, with Porto having a good chance after just two minutes. Lisandro almost headed home a Raul Meireles corner but Leo Franco tipped it away and Pablo was quick to clear away the danger.Nine minutes into the second period, there was a another chance for Porto as Cristian Rodriguez perfectly served Lisandro, who had just the keeper to beat but shockingly sent it over the bar.On 57 minutes, Raul Garcia produced Atletico's first chance of the second-half by trying his luck from outside the box, only to see his effort going wide of Porto's left post.By the hour-mark, Atletico seemed to have finally learned how to counter Porto's offensive moves, specially the ones coming from Hulk. The home side were now happily enjoying more possession and entering Porto's midfield more often.Porto would, however, equalise again, with 72 minutes on the clock. Cissokho, down the left flank, sent in a low cross and Lisandro did not say 'no' this time, scoring his second of the night.With the clock showing 85 minutes, Atletico had a good chance. Forlan easily moved past veteran Pedro Emanuel and found Simão in the box but the Portugal international saw his shot blocked by the defence.Porto's fans will surely leave the stadium happier than Atlético's but they will feel that their team could have got more out of this game. Atlético Madrid continue to struggle and will require an improved performance in the return game to go through in the Champions League.GOALS1-0 Maxi Rodriguez, 3'1-1 Lisandro Lopez, 22'2-1 Diego Forlán, 45+2'2-2 Lisandro Lopez, 72'Atlético MadridLeo Franco, Seitaridis, Pablo, Ujfalusi, Antonio López, Paulo Assunção, Maxi Rodríguez (Miguel de las Cuevas, 80'), Raul Garcia (Maniche, 68'), Simão Sabrosa, Diego Forlán, Kun Aguero (Florent Sinama-Pongolle, 54').FC PortoHelton, Sapunaru (Pedro Emanuel, 80'), Rolando, Bruno Alves, Cissokho, Fernando, Lucho González, Raul Meireles (Tomás Costa, 90+2), Cristian Rodríguez, Hulk, Lisandro Lopez (Tarik Sektioui, 89')

Robin Van Persie Spot On As Arsenal Edge Roma

Arsenal came into this game in big trouble domestically, as they were in real danger of failing to finish in the top four of the Premier League. The Gunners had a number of injury problems, as Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Eduardo da Silva, and Emmanuel Adebayor were all out, while Andrei Arshavin was suspended. Manager Arsene Wenger went for a bold 4-4-2, pairing Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie in attack.Roma also had a whole host of selection issues, particularly in defence as Juan failed to make the game, meaning that Simone Loria partnerred Philippe Mexes in the centre. Cicinho also wasn't passed fit, so Marco Motta played at right back. With doubts also over Alberto Aquilani and Mirko Vucinic, Simone Perrotta and Julio Baptista both started, with the Brazilian linking up in attack with captain Francesco Totti, who himself only just recovered in time for the game.First HalfArsenal had much the better start, and wasted a golden opportunity after six minutes, as Samir Nasri cut the ball back to Bendtner 12 yards out, but the forward miscrontrolled and the chance went begging. Nasri then headed wide from a left wing cross.Emmanuel Eboue launched a lightning break on 13 minutes, and was cynically taken out by Mexes as the attack became really dangerous. The Frenchman was booked.Arsenal's dominance in the early stages was overwhelming, and Alexander Doni had to race off his line to take the ball off van Persie.However, with their first attack of the game, Roma almost took the lead, as Motta unleashed a rocket from 30 yards that was destined for the top corner, but Manuel Almunia performed a stunning finger-tip save around the post. Loria then missed a decent opportunity as he flicked the ball over from a left-wing free kick.Having seen Motta try his luck, Nasri fancied his chances down the other end, as he fizzed a 30-yard effort not too far wide of the post. Abou Diaby fired well over from a similar position.Roma started to tame Arsenal after their strong start, and Julio Baptista lashed wide with his left foot just shy of the half-hour mark. Rodrigo Taddei then cut back to Totti on the edge of the box, who lashed over.Roma seemed to be coping well with the Arsenal attacks, but on 35 minutes they shot themselves in the foot, as Mexes tripped Van Persie in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. The Dutchman stepped up himself and made no mistake, sending Doni the wrong way to put Arsenal ahead.It could have been two moments later, as Van Persie skipped past Loria and cut-back for Bendtner, but Motta made a crucial recovery tackle.Roma received a big blow just before half time, as De Rossi was booked for a lunging tackle, meaning that he will miss the second leg in two weeks time.Second HalfThere was a curious start to the second half, as Arsenal began with nine players as Kolo Toure and William Gallas were late arriving from the changing rooms. Toure was booked for entering play without permission.Arsenal had the first attempt as Van Persie fired wide from a narrow angle, but on 52 minutes Bendtner missed a glorious chance to double the home side's lead. The ball eventually found its way to the Dane at the back post, but with just Doni to beat, he fired over the bar.Roma were giving the ball away for fun, and Bendtner laid the ball across the six-yard box, but it missed everyone, as the Italians survived.Arsenal were completely dominant now, and Doni flew to his left to make a wonderful save from Diaby's 20-yard piledriver. Roma had to make a change, and they introduced David Pizarro for Brighi.Arsenal continued to control the game, and they were guilty of another incredible miss on 66 minutes as Loria made a comical hash-up of a header, allowing Eboue a clean run on goal. However, the midfielder shot wide after dallying on the ball.John Arne Riise almost made Eboue pay for his miss minutes later, as he fired a daisycutter inches wide of the far post.Arsenal began to sat back in the closing 15 minutes, and they invited Roma to have more of the play. However, the Italians were struggling to break through, and indeed Arsenal substitute Aaron Ramsey forced Doni into action with a deflected shot on 85 minutes. Nasri also fizzed an effort wide moments later.The closing minutes passed by without too much note, and there is all to play for in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico in a fortnight's time.TeamsArsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy; Eboue (Ramsey 81), Denilson, Diaby (Song 61), Nasri; Bendtner (Vela 66), Van Persie.Roma: Doni; Motta, Mexes, Loria (Diamoutene 70), Riise; De Rossi, Taddei, Brighi (Brighi 56), Perrotta; Baptista (Vucinic 82), TottiGoalsVan Persie pen 35 (A)

Advantage Barcelona As Henry Header Levels Lyon Tie

Thierry Henry doesn't often score with his head, however, such an effort levelled Barcelona's tie with Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Gerland this evening. Juninho's stunning free kick had given les Gones an early lead but Claude Puel's side faded in the second half.In the opening few minutes of the tie, Barcelona strutted as if the weekend’s loss against Espanyol had simply not happened. The ball was stroked nicely about without ever really penetrating Lyon’s midfield, which would quickly up the tempo, harrying their visitors and forcing them into errors.Les Gones first real opportunity of the match arrived in the form of a free kick near the corner flag. In customary fashion, Juninho trotted over to the ball, perhaps improved his angle a little so he was ten yards from the touchline, and placed the ball seemingly into a crossing position – or at least that’s what Victor Valdes, the Barcelona goalkeeper though. Juninho would send the ball high into the air, spinning in towards the back post and dipping vicariously so the ball dropped into the top corner of the net, sending the Stade Gerland into raptures.Barcelona suddenly looked rattled again and Karim Benzema was afforded much too much space in the left channel only moments later. Uncharacteristically for the young striker, he fluffed his lines on the big stage, his shot trickling wide of goal when he perhaps should have made the score 2-0.Ederson was the other main protagonist in the first half and he combined with Benzema and Juninho nicely moments later. His step-overs couldn’t take him away from the defence but the ball was quickly shuffled back to Makoun, who never really caught his shot as it bounced wide of Valdes goal.Lyon were rampant and could have added another goal in a crazy opening quarter as Kader Keita bounced an effort wide after the visiting custodian had taken an unconvincing flap at a corner. But Barcelona had already begun to steady themselves. A slight error from Cris in the home defence – one of only a few he would make – allowed Eto’o to gallop onto a delicious through ball from Xavi, however, his effort was scuffed past Lloris and onto the post. Fortunately for OL, the ball zipped just to the onrushing Henry’s right.Benzema has been tipped to replace Eto’o in Catalonia this summer and gave a glimpse of just when he turned and span 25-yards from goal, unleashing an outrageously early shot that had Valdes beaten but not the post.This kind of attack was becoming less typical of Lyon’s play, as les Gones started to toil under the intense heat that they had been placing Barcelona under. A Sergio Busquets header just before half-time, which flashed over the bar, gave the home fans a taste of what was to come in the second period.Pep Guardiola clearly had some stern words for his troops at half-time, keeping them in for an inordinate amount of time to get his ideas across to them.There did not appear to be any great tactical changes in Barca’s game during the second half, rather, they would continue to plug away and attempt to grind Lyon down. Chances were far fewer in a second half played with less intensity. Those opportunities that did arise tended to come from set-plays and, surprisingly, it would be Barca that would profit from this facet of the game.Dani Alves was a thorn in les Gones’ side all evening with his driving runs down the right, however, these did not produce much of note. Instead, a free kick from 25-yards that took a big deflection off Fabio Grosso would prove his starring moment. Home goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, tracking the original flight of the ball, actually ran past the new trajectory but stuck out a hand to produce something of a minor miracle to keep the ball out.Ten minutes later, the young French international was at it again. Lyon were found wanting at a corner as Gerard Pique stole in to glance a header at goal from six yards, however, Lloris reactions were again exemplary.Just as it was beginning to look like Barca might not find a way past the former Nice shot-stopper, Thierry Henry popped up with a rare headed goal to level the game. A centre was zipped in to the near post, where a touch on by Marques found France’s record goal scorer unmarked at the corner of the six yard box to execute a relatively simple diving header into the net.From this position, with Lyon apparently tiring, it seemed likely that Barcelona would go on and win the match. However, the Blaugrana struggled to prise open the home defence again, despite the best efforts of Lionel Messi, who would only show in flashes his undoubted potential. Instead, Lyon finished the stronger of the two side but, although Benzema and Kim Kallstrom delivered centres into a dangerous area of the Barcelona box, there would be no takers and the sides travel to Spain in a fortnight level.This situation will certainly suit Barca, who never clicked into top gear, although Lyon would argue that they were not allowed to. It would seem that les Gones’ chance has gone, but if they can muster the kind of energy they showed for the first hour of the game up again, they do have an outside chance of causing a real sensation. Never discount any side with Benzema in their ranks.Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 Barcelona

Inter 0-0 Manchester United

With the blockbuster Champions League tie of the round finally upon us, one coach named his expected line-up and one something a little more obscure. Inter tactician Jose Mourinho paired the resurgent Adriano with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, while both of Manchester United's defensive injury doubts, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea, were fit enough to make the starting line-up. Sir Alex Ferguson pulled a couple of surprises out of his bag, including Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher in midfield, with Wayne Rooney starting on the bench.First HalfThere was some mist in the air as the sides kicked off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, but nothing murky about Manchester United's sharp performance, which they sustained for the opening half-hour. During that period, they should have been at least one to the good.Cristiano Ronaldo, booed by the home faithful, looked threatening in the early stages, attacking a Ryan Giggs corner only to see his bullet header beaten away by Julio Cesar.The Red Devils dominated the early possession and were able to win numerous free-kicks in Ronaldo territory. The Portuguese winger's first effort was pushed away by the 'keeper.As Inter player after Inter player was whistled by the ref, Ronaldo was able to come ever closer with his attempts. After a Sulley Muntari foul, he swerved one wide of the right-hand post, much to the relief of the tense Nerazzurri support.United created chances from open play, too. A Giggs through-ball found Dimitar Berbatov, whose driven cross was deflected away before it could reach Park.Then, Ronaldo's ball from the right hit a confused Giggs on the back. The Welshman, in a great position, couldn't locate it and the chance was gone.Berbatov the was next to go close, leaping to nod Patrice Evra's cross back across goal and wide of the post.Inter, for their part, couldn't really get the cogs turning in the final third and were limited to hopeful efforts from distance.At the busy end, a wide-open Giggs drove a shot at the 'keeper with Berbatov better placed in the middle and Julio Cesar had to push another Ronaldo free-kick away with strong hands, before he looped a header off-target from a Giggs cross.Having weathered the storm, Inter started to look a bit more comfortable. Ibrahimovic and Adriano dropped deeper to seek the ball and the and the pair almost combined to deadly effect. Ibra teased Carrick before clipping a cross just too far in front of the Brazilian.Inter were becoming increasingly frustrated with the referee and the half ended on a sour note, with the bench up in arms after the umpteenth foul was called against them.Second Half


Inter had to improve and obliged immediately after the interval, with Ivan Cordoba now on for Nelson Rivas. They were soon appealing for a penalty when, with Dejan Stankovic's cross hanging in the air, Adriano went to ground as he tussled with Rio Ferdinand.
Stankovic was again the architect as Inter attempted to pose more of a threat. He picked out runner Ibrahimovic from the half-way line and the Swede thought he was in, only to be incorrectly flagged offside.
A decision went against Inter again soon after: Esteban Cambiasso's follow-up shot was blocked virtually on the line after Maicon had challenged Edwin Van der Sar in the air. The play was whistled dead for a foul on the goalie.
United weren't creating as many chances as they had before the break, but did have a couple of decent openings. First, Ronaldo played a one-two with John O'Shea down the right, drove to the byline and watched as his ball across goal evaded his colleagues. Cordoba then made a superb block on Giggs as the veteran tried to find a shooting angle.
The best chance of the half fell – or nearly fell – to Cambiasso, who arrived at the back post just in time to meet a dangerous corner, but couldn't make killer contact with the ball at an awkward height.
Both managers used their wild cards as time wore on. The hosts introduced Mario Balotelli and Julio Cruz, with United bringing Rooney into the mix. Rooney chased a promising through-ball inside the last 10 minutes, but his 82nd minute introduction perhaps came too late.
The last kick of the game nearly became a sensational Ronaldo exclamation mark, but his dipping free-kick was scooped away by Julio Cesar and thus it finished: goalless.

Milan Deny Abu Dhabi Link

AC Milan have moved to swiftly deny rumours of an impending takeover by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan - the Abu Dhabi-based billionaire at the helm at Manchester City. Murmurs in the Italian press suggested that negotiations had already begun...

Eto'o Is Better Than Benzema

Ludovic Giuly is a man with his finger on the pulse in both Barcelona and France's Ligue 1. Up-close observations have led the former Barca star to declare that Blaugrana striker Samuel Eto'o is a much stronger player than his Lyon counterpart, Karim Benzema...

Matrix And Vieira Furious

Marco Materazzi and Patrick Vieira were omitted from Inter's matchday squad to face Manchester United in this week's Champions League clash, and the World Cup winning duo are said to be seething with coach Jose Mourinho's decision...

Real Madrid Must Beat Liverpool By Two Goals At Bernabeu - Robben

Arjen Robben has acknowledged this evening that even though they closed the gap on Barcelona at the weekend, ten points is still a lot, and that his side need to beat Liverpool by two goals in the Champions League first-leg.Real Madrid managed to bring the difference down from 12 thanks to Real Betis, who drew with Barcelona at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.Robben told Marca how his side will keep on fighting for the title, even though it looks like a tough task."We have a very good team with a lot of quality. Ten points is a lot but we cannot do anything besides win our matches," he mused."We always have to think that we can win it because if we play to be second it would not go well, although we have to be realistic."After the game with Real Betis this weekend Real Madrid meet Liverpool in the Champions League at the Bernabeu.For Robben it will be a familiar encounter from his time at Chelsea, and one that he wants to win this time."Liverpool are a strong team, they have a good coach tactically and know how to win matches. It is important to score at home, we must win by two goals at least because to play at Anfield is hard," he declared."I want to beat Liverpool because I have lost two times in the semi-finals to them. [Pepe] Reina saved a penalty of mine, so I would like to take another and score."The Dutchman also settled a recent debate as to who is better, himself or Lionel Messi, by admitting that "Messi is the best in the world, he does things that only he can do".Lastly, he acknowledged that he would sign Franck Ribery for Madrid because he likes "players who are on the wings."

Berba Targets CL

The dapper Bulgarian, Dimitar Berbatov, has ruminated on the honours he could win this season, and has decided he'd like the Champions League best. The former Tottenham player declared that he joined the club just so that he could win the prestigious trophy...

Madrid 3-0 liverpool

Madrid 3-0 'Pool
Real Madrid president, Vicente Boluda did not shy away from beaming his confidence after declaring that Los Blancos will sweep past Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu in Wednesday's Champions League clash. Find out what his prediction is for the return leg at Anfield...