Barcelona have put themselves in pole position for a Champions League semi-final spot after 17-year-old Bojan Krkic scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Schalke in Gelsenkirchen.
The Catalans were far from their best on the night but Schalke only started putting them under pressure in the final half hour and couldn't find a deserved equaliser.
Barcelona took the lead after just 12 minutes when Rafinha was caught trying to play the offside trap and Thierry Henry was allowed to latch onto a lovely ball by Andres Iniesta.
Henry then cut inside and side footed a poor shot towards goal, however, Manuel Neuer who was superb in the previous round against Porto, spilled the ball, allowing the off-balance Henry the chance to poke it across the goal for Bojan to tap in from close range.
With the goal Bojan, aged just 17 years and 217 days, becomes the second youngest goalscorer in Champions League history after former Olympiacos man Peter Ofori-Quaye.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Barca grind out win in Gelsenkirchen
Ronaldo and Rooney conquer Rome
Manchester United have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after beating Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Manchester United have one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after beating Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 36th goal of the season - and his seventh in Europe - before Wayne Rooney scored a second to give the Premier League side an advantage of two away goals to take into the second leg of the quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo timed his run well to burst forward with power to meet Paul Scholes's chipped cross and nod a solid header past goalkeeper Alexandre Doni as half-time was looming.
Rooney scored against Roma in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford during the group stage, and reacted quickly when Park Ji-Sung headed Wes Brown's diagonal ball back across goal. The ball broke free after confusion between Doni and Cristian Panucci, and Rooney pounced to bundle it over the line from close range.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
No change as top two draw in Italy
There was no change at the top of Serie A after leaders FC Internazionale Milano and nearest pursuers AS Roma both drew on Saturday.
Parity in Rome
Inter, who remain four points ahead of the second-placed Giallorossi, had to settle for a share of the spoils against S.S. Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Roberto Mancini's men gained an early advantage when Hernán Crespo scored from close range after good work between Maicon, who delivered the cross, and Dejan Stanković. However, the lead lasted only until the 59th minute when Tommaso Rocchi broke the offside trap and beat goalkeeper Julio Cesar in a one-on-one. Júlio César then saved Inter by touching a Valon Behrami shot on to the crossbar.
All-square in Sardinia
Earlier in the day, Roma had missed the chance to close the gap to Inter to just one point when they were held to a 1-1 draw at lowly Cagliari Calcio. Francesco Totti's 14th league goal of the season was not enough for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists, who had fallen behind to a Matteo Ferrari own goal after only three minutes. Totti equalised with a free-kick on the stroke of half-time, but the visitors' attempts to claim maximum plunder were thwarted by the excellence of goalkeeper Marco Storari. Roma next face Manchester United FC at the Stadio Olimpico in Tuesday's quarter-final first leg. Cagliari move clear of the relegation zone, one point above third-bottom AS Livorno Calcio. Lazio go ninth in the standings.
Bayern profit amid dropped points
A combination of results elsewhere in Germany and Lukas Podolski's equaliser in a 1-1draw at 1. FC Nürnberg kept FC Bayern München on course for the Bundesliga title.
Favourable scorelines
A share of the spoils against struggling Nürnberg might not have been the ideal outcome but it was enough for the leaders because none of their potential pursuers won. Second and third-placed Hamburger SV and FC Schalke 04 both drew while there were home defeats for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Werder Bremen. So Bayern maintained their seven-point advantage thanks to substitute Podolski's 81st-minute equaliser against Nürnberg. The home team had led in the Franconia-Bavaria derby through Zvjezdan Misimović's 44th-minute strike.
Points aplenty dropped
Hamburg, meanwhile, slipped up against a DSC Arminia Bielefeld side who sit two points above Nürnberg in the third and final relegation place. HSV also needed a late leveller, from Paolo Guerrero on 82 minutes, to cancel out a Markus Bollmann opener ten minute before. Schalke, with three successive victories before today, had to settle for a point at Karlsruher SC. Which was more than Leverkusen and Bremen managed between them. Leverkusen lost 2-0 against Eintracht Frankfurt who climbed into the top six courtesy of strikes from Stefan Kiessling and Evangelos Mantzios; the Weserstadion witnessed a 2-1 success for MSV Duisburg which lifted the victors out of the drop zone. Diego scored for Bremen after Duisburg had the cushion of a half-time lead earned by Ivica Grlic and Manasseh Ishiaku.
Six-goal thriller
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg won 1-0 at FC Hansa Rostock on Friday, before Saturday's mid-table collision between VfL Bochum 1848 and BV Borussia Dortmund finished in a 3-3 draw. Stuttgart, who had started the weekend in sixth position, visit Hannover 96 on Sunday when bottom club FC Energie Cottbus host Hertha BSC Berlin.
Arsenal revival while Man United response
Arsenal FC gained a vital victory by overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Bolton Wanderers FC – but they still trail Premier League leaders Manchester United FC by six points.
Title race
A stoppage-time own goal from Jlloyd Samuel snatched the points for Arsenal who had started the day in third place yet moved into second. However, Manchester United remain in charge of the title race after defeating Aston Villa FC 4-0 at Old Trafford in the Saturday evening kick-off. Chelsea FC, in third, host Middlesbrough FC on Sunday.
Arsenal revival
Arsène Wenger's men endured a miserable first half at the Reebok Stadium with two goals for Matthew Taylor sandwiching the 31st-minute sending-off of Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby. But the Gunners' ten men fought back after the interval. William Gallas reduced arrears before Robin van Persie's penalty restored parity and then Cesc Fabregas forced the decisive own goal. The result ended a five-match winless run for Arsenal in the Premier League.
United response
United responded to the news from Bolton by beating Villa with two goals in each half. A home victory looked likely from the moment Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front on 17 minutes with an outrageous flick between the legs of a defender. Carlos Tévez and then Wayne Rooney with a brace were also on target. Villa, seeking European qualification, missed several opportunities with Shaun Maloney the most culpable.
Derby relegated
If the Arsenal scoreline left Bolton four points adrift in the bottom three, the draw in the meeting of the two sides below them suited neither. Derby County FC scored first and last in the 2-2 home draw with Fulham FC but were relegated despite Emanuel Villa's late equaliser. The home victories elsewhere for Birmingham City FC and Sunderland AFC could also prove costly for Bolton and second-from-bottom Fulham. Birmingham survived the sending-off of Franck Queudrue to beat Manchester City FC 3-1 with two goals from Mauro Zarate. Sunderland owed their 2-1 success against West Ham United FC to an added-time strike from Andy Reid.
Portsmouth prevail
FA Cup semi-finalists Portsmouth FC consolidated sixth place courtesy of a 2-0 home win over strugglers Wigan Athletic FC. Blackburn Rovers FC sit three points behind them following a 0-0 draw at Reading FC.
Fernando Torres continued his rich goalscoring form as Liverpool FC beat Everton FC 1-0 in the Merseyside derby to complete a clean sweep for the Premier League top four, with Chelsea FC seeing off Middlesbrough FC.
Liverpool chances
Torres struck his tenth goal in eight outings after just seven minutes at Anfield. Xabi Alonso dispossessed Yakubu Ayegbeni, the ball falling favourably to Dirk Kuyt who guided the ball into Torres's path and the Spain striker rifled low into the far corner. It capped a vibrant start by the hosts, who could have gone into half-time further ahead but Kuyt and Ryan Babel both squandered chances before Steven Gerrard's dipping volley came back off the post.
Osman effort
Everton's best chance came when Leon Osman stooped to head Mikel Arteta's free-kick just wide soon after the restart, but Liverpool were rarely troubled as they moved five points clear of their rivals in the race for fourth in the Premier League. Chelsea second, though the west London side had Ricardo Carvalho to thank – not to mention some good fortune – as they beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to keep the pressure on Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC, both victors yesterday.
Alves misfortune
Without a goal in almost a year, Carvalho struck after just six minutes, heading in Wayne Bridge's free-kick to mark his150th appearance for the club in style. Yet any expectations of an easy afternoon for the hosts proved unfounded as struggling Middlesbrough were denied by the woodwork three times. Substitute Afonso Alves hit the post from 35 metres out midway through the second half and then both he and defender David Wheater headed against the bar in a late goalmouth scramble but nervous Chelsea held on.
Newcastle impress
The result means Middlesbrough slip to 13th, a point behind north-east rivals Newcastle United FC, who made it two wins in two with an impressive 4-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur FC. Trailing as half-time approached, Nicky Butt scored a timely equaliser just before the interval and the visitors did not look back as three goals in the second period completed the turnaround.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Man United move top as Arsenal slip again
Of the four English UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists, Arsenal FC were the only team not to win on Saturday - a home draw against Middlesbrough FC costing them the Premier League leadership after Manchester United FC triumphed at Derby County FC.
Touré leveller
Middlesbrough are the only team to defeat the Gunners in the top flight this season, and Gareth Southgate's side were on course for a memorable double thanks to Jérémie Aliadiere's 25th-minute opener with four minutes remaining, when Kolo Touré bundled the ball in following a corner. Arsenal have now drawn their last four league outings to relinquish top spot on goal difference to United, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
Ronaldo winner
Cristiano Ronaldo was the champions' match-winner at Pride Park, finally breaking the resistance of the beleaguered bottom club with a 76th-minute winner - his 22nd top-flight goal of the season. Chelsea FC are also firmly in contention three points further back, John Terry (10) scoring the only goal at Sunderland AFC.
Torres goal
Liverpool FC, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Reading FC 2-1 at Anfield. Marek Matejovsky (5) put Reading ahead, but goals from Javier Mascherano (19) and Fernando Torres (48) ensured a fifth successive league triumph for the Reds, who are three points ahead of Everton FC in fourth ahead of their city rivals' trip to Fulham FC on Sunday.
Defoe delight
Jermain Defoe's sixth goal in as many matches for Portsmouth FC set the south-coast club on their way to a 2-0 victory against fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa FC. Nigel Reo Coker also put through his own net as Villa were leapfrogged into sixth by the FA Cup semi-finalists. Finally, 18-year-old substitute Fred Sears enjoyed a debut to remember as he scored an 81st-minute winner as West Ham United FC came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers FC 2-1 and consolidate tenth spot.
Everton FC handed control to city rivals Liverpool FC in the race for the final UEFA Champions League qualification place after a 1-0 defeat at struggling Fulham FC.
Fourth victory
Despite both sides needing the three points for very different reasons, neither team was able to fashion any major chances of note during the opening period. However, Fulham upped the tempo after the restart and were rewarded when two former Everton players combined, Simon Davies' cross from the right being headed past Tim Howard by Brian McBride after 67 minutes. David Moyes' team offered little by way of response and remain fifth, three points behind Liverpool. Fulham's victory, just their fourth of the campaign, leaves the London club three points adrift of fourth-bottom Birmingham City FC on 23 points.
Madrid lose as Riazor curse strikes
Real Madrid CF wasted the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Primera División to eleven points on Saturday after losing 1-0 at RC Deportivo La Coruña – the champions' third defeat in six league fixtures.
Own goal
Chances were at a premium in an otherwise uninspiring first half at the Riazor – where Madrid have not won since 1991 – but the hosts struck the decisive blow in the 58th minute when Pepe turned Filipe's cross past Iker Casillas and into his own net. Bernd Schuster's team offered little by way of response and stay eight points ahead of FC Barcelona, who would trim that lead to five if they overcome UD Almería on Sunday. The victory moves Deportivo three points clear of the relegation zone.
Sinama-Pongolle goals
Also moving clear of the bottom three are RC Recreativo de Huelva following their 4-2 home success against relegation rivals Real Murcia CF. Enrique De Lucas (16) gave second-bottom Recreativo the lead but the hosts hit back when Florent Sinama-Pongolle (19 and 70) scored either side of Ruben's 59th-minute effort. Ivan Alonso reduced the arrears (74) with a penalty but Recreativo restored their two-goal cushion through Marquitos (85).
Abandoned
The Real Betis Balompié- Athletic Club Bilbao match was abandoned in the 71st minute with the visitors leading 2-1 after Athletic goalkeeper Armando was struck by an object thrown from the stands. The 37-year-old left the field on a stretcher, forcing the referee to call a halt to proceedings. "Armando suffered a blow to the right eye and has bruising and a cut in the same area. He has had stitches," said Bilbao on their website, while a Betis statement confirmed that the "aggressor was immediately detained ... and will be prevented from attending future sporting events."
Prolific Fabiano
In the late game, Luis Fabiano scored twice inside the first 22 minutes to see off Valencia CF at Mestalla and propel Sevilla FC into the UEFA Champions League qualification places. Raúl Albiol scored a last-minute goal for Los Ché who remain ninth.
AS Roma defeat AC Milan
Second-half substitutes Ludovic Giuly and Mirko Vučinić scored the goals as AS Roma came from behind to defeat AC Milan 2-1 at the Olimpico and close to within three points of FC Internazionale Milano ahead of the Serie A leaders' match against US Città di Palermo on Sunday.
Kaká opener
With Roma eyeing the title and the Rossoneri needing points to break into the top four, the first half was cagey with defences having little trouble establishing dominance. Milan were the first team to up the tempo following the restart and home goalkeeper Doni was twice forced to make smart stops to deny Kaká (50) and Clarence Seedorf (55). The Brazilian goalkeeper could do nothing in the 66th minute, though, when Massimo Oddo's low cross from the right was drilled into the top of the net by Kaká.
Two-goal burst
As Milan were seemingly in control, it was a surprise to see Roma turn the match around with a two-goal burst in three minutes. First, Giuly latched on to Simone Perrotta's pass and volleyed past ZeljKo Kalac. Then Vučinić controlled a raking ball from Daniele De Rossi after beating the offside trap and dispatched it low into the Australian's goal. Milan remain in fifth place, a point behind ACF Fiorentina ahead of the visit of Genoa CFC to Florence on Sunday.
Udinese held
In the day's earlier match, Udinese Calcio twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at home against S.S. Lazio. The visitors dominated the first half and took the lead eleven minutes in when Tommaso Rocchi rounded Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovič to score into an empty net. The Zebrette responded eleven minutes after the restart through defender Damiano Ferronetti, but fell behind again when Christian Ledesma (80) fired the Roman visitors in front with a long-range effort. The hosts were not to be denied, though, and Antonio Di Natale levelled with four minutes remaining to leave Udinese in sixth, two points above UC Sampdoria. The Biancocelesti are seven points further back in tenth.
Energie Cottbus beat Bayern
FC Energie Cottbus caused the sensation of the German season when they became only the second team to defeat FC Bayern München in the Bundesliga this term, Serbian striker Branko Jelić scoring twice without reply at the Stadion der Freundschaft.
Missed penalty
Energie started the day at the foot of the table, 33 points adrift of a Bayern team seemingly steamrollering their way to the title, but ripped up the form book to climb three places and out of the drop zone. Jelić, 30, opened the scoring after 18 minutes, although it looked like being business as usual when Bayern were awarded a penalty on 29. Gerhard Tremmel saved Franck Ribéry's spot-kick, however, and Jelić doubled the lead soon after to seal the victory for Energie who move on to 20 points from 24 outings.
Duisburg bottom
MSV Duisburg are now propping up the rest on 18 points following last night's 2-1 defeat at FC Schalke 04, level with 1. FC Nürnberg who meet fourth-placed Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Sunday. Like Energie, DSC Arminia Bielefeld have 20 points after drawing 2-2 at Hannover 96 today, while FC Hansa Rostock, on 24, remain in the scrap in the wake of their scoreless home draw against Hertha BSC Berlin.
Hamburg close
At the top of the table, Bayern's lead was cut to five points as Hamburger SV beat BV Borussia Dortmund thanks to José Paolo Guerrero's 63rd-minute winner. Werder Bremen can erode that advantage further by beating VfL Wolfsburg at home on Sunday. In the fight for UEFA Cup qualification, the sixth-placed champions VfB Stuttgart drew 1-1 at VfL Bochum 1848 to move on to 38 points, a place and two points clear of Eintracht Frankfurt for whom Michael Fink scored the only goal in the win at Karlsruher SC.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Real Madrid 1-2 AS Roma Agian
AS Roma reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the second successive season as second-half headers from Taddei and substitute Mirko Vučinić earned a memorable victory over ten-man Real Madrid CF.
Roma resolve
Despite winning 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico two weeks ago, the Italian side were widely considered as outsiders against the Spanish champions and Primera División leaders, who had bowed out in the last 16 of this competition in each of the last three campaigns. Both teams had their chance in an open encounter, but the 71st-minute dismissal of Madrid defender Pepe finally tipped the balance in Roma's favour. Taddei duly headed the visitors in front two minutes later and, although Raúl González levelled with 15 minutes left, Vučinić struck in added time to ensure it is Luciano Spalletti's Roma who take their place in the draw on 14 March.
Cautious opening
Both coaches had stressed the importance of concentration and the danger of committing errors, so it was perhaps no surprise that the cautious opening 15 minutes contrasted sharply with the thunderous welcome the sides received as they were led on to the pitch. Little was given away as Madrid probed down either flank and through the centre, with Roma content to sit back and wait for counterattacking opportunities. Soon enough, though, the chances began to arrive. Roma keeper Doni pushed away a fierce Julio Baptista shot and Alberto Aquilani delivered a delicate effort from distance that struck the post before Casillas kept out a thunderous attempt from the same player after Mancini had retrieved possession.
Madrid relief
Robinho, however, started to find space as the half wore on and set about pulling the strings for Madrid. The Brazilian, high on confidence after two goals on Saturday, picked out Baptista with a looping pass only for his compatriot to hurriedly slice high and wide. Opportunities were coming at either end in quick succession, Aquilani flashing another long-range shot wide, and it was the Roma fans who were the happier as the referee brought the opening period to a close, roaring their favourites into the dressing room.
Taddei delight
The second half was three minutes old when Madrid almost had the goal that would have levelled the tie, Baptista floating a free-kick over both the Roma wall and Doni yet being denied by the crossbar. The Serie A outfit responded accordingly and, after Simone Perrotta had collected the yellow card that rules him out of the quarter-final first leg, Casillas was again rescued by his crossbar, Vučinić rattling the woodwork from Max Tonetto's low cross. Madrid's ambitions then looked to have been all but ended in a disastrous three-minute spell as first Pepe earned a second yellow card for a block on Vučinić, then Tonetto's perfectly flighted left-wing centre was nodded beyond Casillas by Taddei.
Vučinić finish
Bernd Schuster's team revived their hopes almost immediately, Raúl sliding the ball in after good work from Guti and Robinho, and that was the cue for Madrid to throw men forward in increasing numbers in the last 15 minutes. Clear openings proved impossible to carve out, however, and two minutes into added time their challenge was extinguished as Christian Panucci floated in a right-wing free-kick for the unmarked Vučinić to head past the exposed Casillas.
Chelsea 3-0 Olympiacos
Chelsea FC underlined their class as they comfortably dismissed the challenge of Olympiacos CFP to book their accustomed place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.
Smooth progress
An early Michael Ballack header set Avram Grant's team on their way and confirmation came as Frank Lampard and Salomon Kalou added further strikes. It would have been more but for the defiance of Olympiacos goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis, who was setting a Greek record of 53 UEFA Champions League appearances.
Goalkeeping change
An injury to Petr Čech brought a late change to the Chelsea lineup with Carlo Cudicini stepping up in his place. The initial signs were that it was going to be an easy night for the keeper as wave upon wave of attacks bore down on the Olympiacos defence. A John Terry header in the second minute was never threatening but 60 seconds later there was a real scare for the visitors as Joe Cole seized upon Didier Drogba's half-blocked effort and shot against the upright. An offside flag gave the Greek champions a reprieve from more serious damage but it proved only temporary.
Breakthrough
With five minutes on the clock, a dangerous low cross from Ashley Cole was cleared but from the throw-in Chelsea's alertness paid rich dividends as Lampard dispatched a cross and Ballack, afforded too much space, nodded in. The pressure continued as a difficult chance fell to Drogba while Claude Makelele was presented with enough room to have a rare crack at goal.
Easy finish
Olympiacos were finding it difficult to impose themselves, difficult to maintain any possession They were especially vulnerable down their left flank where Paulo Ferreira required no invitation to bomb forward. The second goal came from just that area as the ball was worked neatly to Ballack who had a second goal in his sights only for Nikopolidis to deny him at point-blank range. However, the keeper was unable to hold on to the ball and Lampard was on hand to finish.
Third blow
The opening goal need not have concerned Olympiacos unduly. After all, they had fallen behind in all three group-stage away trips and in two of those they had managed to go on and win the game. However, at 2-0, it was clear Chelsea had the measure of them and they were able to increase their lead further at the start of the second half. Lampard's corner from the left was missed by Ballack and then Ricardo Carvalho, which left Kalou with the simple task of prodding home from barely two metres for his first UEFA Champions League goal.
Away support
It was now a question of how many Chelsea would score while the fans who had made the long journey from Athens refused to be downcast, continuing to sing their hearts out. At least in the 61st minute they had something to cheer as Fernando Belluschi aimed a free-kick on target. Cudicini was behind it all the way. With seven minutes remaining Belluschi fired against the bar and Chelsea's long sequence without conceding a goal in the competition, nearly ten hours, was also at risk when Paraskevas Antzas headed goalwards but Cudicini again made the save.
Spot-on Schalke ruin Porto dreams
Manuel Neuer was FC Schalke 04's hero, capping an outstanding display with two penalty saves as the Bundesliga side won through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of ten-man FC Porto.
Penalty drama
Neuer kept out spot-kicks from Bruno Alves and Lisandro López, allowing Jermaine Jones to seal a 4-1 shoot-out victory as Schalke reached the last eight for the first time. It had looked like a series of fine Neuer stops would be enough for the German team in regulation time, before López scored on 86 minutes to cancel out their first-leg lead, despite Porto having been reduced to ten men moments earlier when Fucile was dismissed. Neuer performed more heroics in the additional half-hour, brilliantly denying Ricardo Quaresma when the winger was clean through, and he conjured even more magic in the subsequent shoot-out.
Porto purpose
Neuer had been busy from kick-off as Porto began brightly, although the No1 himself started shakily, spilling a second-minute shot from Bosingwa as Schalke's defence, so formidable in the first leg, struggled to settle. The goalkeeper did not wait long to redeem himself, however, first blocking López's 12th-minute strike with his legs then reacting well to stop Tarik Sektioui's header. It was all the Portuguese side, with Lucho González leading the charge – Porto's inspirational captain firing a long-range effort just wide as Schalke laboured. On 26 minutes Mirko Slomka's men had their first sight of goal, but Marcelo Bordon dragged a hopeful attempt harmlessly wide. Heiko Westermann fared better soon after, forcing Porto keeper Helton into action though his strike also passed the wrong side of the post.
Wasted opportunity
Little by little, Schalke were growing in stature, retaining possession, getting numbers behind the ball and frustrating Jesualdo Ferreira's Liga leaders. With half-time approaching Neuer was once again unconvincing as he parried Quaresma's drive, yet the best chance of the opening period fell to Kevin Kuranyi who was unable to head with the same accuracy with which Levan Kobiashvili's free-kick had found him in space, eight metres out.
Miracle save
Schalke were proving a tougher nut to crack than compatriots Hamburger SV, thrashed 4-1 here in last season's group stage, though they almost conceded eight minutes after the restart when López just failed to steer his header on target after beating Neuer to Raul Meireles's corner. It was a near miss and the hosts came even closer minutes later – Lucho nodded Quaresma's chipped free-kick on to the unmarked Sektioui, only for Neuer to make an astonishing save, keeping out the Moroccan international's header with his left boot.
Goalkeeper nerves
Both keepers seemed unsteady. Neuer was fortunate to see the ball trickle past the post after his clearance had cannoned back off the onrushing Mariano González. Helton was similarly fortunate, somehow blocking Kuranyi's shot outside his area following a defensive mix-up. Porto hopes appeared over eight minutes from time when Fucile was red-carded after a late challenge on Kobiashvili, yet López had not read the script. Four minutes later he received the ball from Lucho with back to goal, turned and rifled high into the net via the underside of the crossbar to send the Dragão wild. It took Neuer to silence it.
Describe for the penalty shoot out:
The penalty shoot-out is set to begin.
Rafinha (Schalke) scores from the penalty spot.
Right-footed Rafinha gives Schalke the advantage despite Helton getting a hand to his low shot.
Lucho González (Porto) scores from the penalty spot.
The long-haired Lucho González sends Neuer the wrong way and it is all-square.
Rakitić (Schalke) scores from the penalty spot.
Ivan Rakitić calmly side-foots the ball in to Helton's left, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Bruno Alves (Porto) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Neuer was the hero of the 120 minutes for Schalke and he could be the hero of the shoot-out and he dives to his right to save from Bruno Alves.
Halil Altıntop (Schalke) scores from the penalty spot.
Schalke stamp their advantage on the shoot-out as Halil Altıntop sends the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Lisandro (Porto) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Another glorious save from Neuer, getting his right hand to the ball to palm Lisandro López's kick around the post and put Schalke on the brink.
Jones (Schalke) scores from the penalty spot.
Jones puts Schalke through as he fires in off the underside of the crossbar to secure a 4-1 victory.
The penalties are over.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fenerbahçe wins over Sevilla after penalty shoot out
Volkan Demirel turned from villain to hero to send Fenerbahçe SK into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in their history, saving three spot-kicks after hosts Sevilla FC had won 3-2 to take their first knockout round tie the distance.
Redemption
Two errors from the visitor's goalkeeper had given the hosts the perfect start just seven minutes in, allowing Daniel Alves and Seydou Keita to score, but two Deivid goals either side of a Frédéric Kanouté effort forced the game into extra-time following Fenerbahçe's 3-2 first-leg victory in Istanbul. Andrés Palop denied Edu after no further goals were added, however Volkan Demirel grabbed all the headlines with saves from Julien Escudé, Enzo Maresca and Alves.
Alves free-kick
The local fans had put on a captivating spectacle before kick-off, full of colour and chanting, and their favourites soon gave them the goal they craved. Frédéric Kanouté won a foul 20 metres out and, with just five minutes on the clock, Daniel Alves curled in the resultant free kick via Volkan Demirel's misjudged attempt to save.
Second goal
That put Sevilla ahead in the tie and they quickly took advantage of Volkan Demirel's shattered confidence. The Fenerbahçe goalkeeper was returning to the side after being suspended at the weekend, and he still looked rusty when Seydou Keita thrashed a shot through his gloves from distance. Frustrated, Zico's men started picking up yellow cards, including one for Gökhan Gönül, who misses the next game.
Fenerbahçe revival
Volkan Demirel made some amends in the 22nd minute, denying Keita, and by that point Fenerbahçe had given themselves a lifeline from a Mehmet Aurélio corner, which found Deivid unmarked just inside the area. The Brazilian fired hard into the bottom left corner to claim his third goal in this year's competition, before his compatriot Alex and left-back Gökçek Vederson came close to putting Fenerbahçe back on top overall.
Kanouté volley
If that signalled a resurgence from the Turkish champions, Kanouté had other ideas and restored Sevilla's two-goal cushion four minutes before the break, when he chested down Alves's pass and volleyed in courtesy of a deflection off Gökhan Gönül. Zico's men refused to wilt, however, and it took a goalline clearance from Christian Poulsen to keep out Edu in added time
Intelligent football
If Sevilla's early goals had made for a thrilling match in the first half, they appeared more intent on defending their lead after the restart, no doubt with coach Manuel Jiménez's call for intelligent football ringing in their ears after a dressing-room reminder. That gave Fenerbahçe the breathing space to build threats, as Alex reminded everyone when he sent the ball just over from the left.
Attacking substitution
Sevilla were starting to betray nerves by this point, while Zico attempted to give the visitors more edge by sending on Semih Şentürk for Selçuk Şahin. The substitute had come on to score the winner in Istanbul, but after Keita and Alves both went close at the other end, it was Deivid who once again made the difference. With just eleven minutes remaining after being picked out at the far post, burying past the helpless Andrés Palop once his intitial attempt had come back off the woodwork.
Late chances
Both sides had late chances to win it, but the match headed into extra-time where, despite producing ten goals in the preceding 180 minutes, neither team could deliver the decisive punch. That meant penalties for the chance to make history and – for Volkan Demirel – the chance to return home a redeemed hero.
Desicribe for the penalties shoot out:
The penalty shoot-out is set to begin.
Kanouté (Sevilla) scores from the penalty spot.
Frédéric Kanouté opens the shootout by calmly rolling the ball in.
Gökçek Vederson (Fenerbahçe) scores from the penalty spot.
Left-footed Gökçek Vederson confidently sends the ball to Andrés Palop's right to level matters at 1-1.
Escudé (Sevilla) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Fenerbahçe have the edge as Volkan Demirel dives to his left and saves Julien Escudé's spot-kick.
Edu (Fenerbahçe) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Fenerbahçe cannot take advantage as Palop pulls off a wonderful save low to his right to keep out Edu's kick.
Dragutinović (Sevilla) scores from the penalty spot.
Ivica Dragutinović blasts the ball high into the roof of the net and Sevilla lead 2-1.
Aurélio (Fenerbahçe) scores from the penalty spot.
Right-footed, Brazilian Mehmet Aurélio rolls the ball down the middle and it is 2-2.
Maresca (Sevilla) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Sevilla are on the back-foot once more as Maresca's powerful effort hits Volkan Demirel's legs and goes over the top.
Kežman (Fenerbahçe) scores from the penalty spot.
Fenerbahçe are on the verge now after Mateja Kežman hits the ball high into the net, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Daniel Alves (Sevilla) missed the penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
Fenerbahçe have done it after Alves' right-footed shot is saved by Volkan Demirel, diving to his left. The goalkeeper has turned from villian to hero, saving three penalties in the shootout to give the Turkish visitors a 3-2 victory and a quarter-final place for the first time.
The penalties are over.
Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal by Fabregas & Adebayor
Late goals from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor sent Arsenal FC through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of holders AC Milan.
Fabregas decisive
With the game heading towards extra time an enthralling game was effectively decided with six minutes to go as Fabregas, who had earlier hit the bar, received the ball on the halfway line, ran 15 metres and unleashed a low shot onto the bottom corner of Zeljko Kalac's goal. Adebayor completed the memorable victory as substitute Theo Walcott raced down the right to square for the Togo international to score his first goal in the competition this season.
Maldini header
Arsenal knew an away goal would leave the European champions with a huge mountain to climb and set about trying to break the deadlock early on. Aleksandr Hleb shot over from distance but his effort only served to spark a flurry of activity at the other end, where Pato danced his way past four defenders and unleashed a venomous shot of his own. The fans in the Curva Sud were in full cry now and Milan almost fashioned the opening goal from a corner. Yet as in the first leg, Paolo Maldini's header was cleared off the line, in what was to prove the veteran's final game in this competition.
Milan opportunities
Milan's offensive approach left spaces at the back, and the Rossoneri rearguard opened up as Adebayor hared forward inside the quarter-hour mark, turning past Kakha Kaladze, before teeing up Abou Diaby who curled just wide from the edge of the area. Back came the hosts, Maldini crossing for Inzaghi, whose shot disappointed, while an unmarked Pato freed himself at the far post only to side-foot straight at Manuel Almunia.
Fabregas chance
Carlo Ancelotti's men were in charge for most of the first half, Kaká a livewire presence the visiting defence simply could not contain. The Brazilian twice raced through before flashing wide of goal. But as the rain that had started just before kick-off abated, so the Londoners appeared to have weathered the storm. Suddenly their trademark first-time passing was back and Kaladze was struggling to cope with the powerful runs of Adebayor, who set up Fabregas to rattle the crossbar with a 34th-minute strike.
Golden opportunities
Two further golden opportunities fell Arsenal's way shortly after the break. Philippe Senderos met Fabregas's corner only to send his first-time shot straight at Kalac, then on 53 minutes Andrea Pirlo sent a clearance straight at Adebayor, who fed Emmanuel Eboué, though the Ivorian thrashed wide from 12 metres. The visitors were seeing more possession, but lacked cutting edge. Walcott could have provided it when Hleb picked him out at the far post, but he opted to seek out Adebayor, his pass cut out by Kalac.
Late strikes
With ten minutes to go Pato sparked to life again, cutting in from the right before curling a low shot centimetres wide, but just as the game appeared to be heading for the extra half-hour Fabregas stepped up to silence the home fans.
Man United 1-0 Lyon by C.Ronaldo`s goal
It is next stop the quarter-finals for Manchester United FC after Cristiano Ronaldo's 41st-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory against Olympique Lyonnais and a 2-1 aggregate triumph. Ronaldo's sixth strike of this UEFA Champions League season proved enough for Sir Alex Ferguson's team but it was not all plain sailing against a Lyon side who ensured some nervy moments in the second half, notably when substitute Kader Keita struck a post.
Attacking impetus
A scoreless draw would have been sufficient for United yet the English champions know only one way to play and soon had Lyon on the back foot. The lively Anderson, given licence to roam ahead of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher in midfield, released Ronaldo down the right with a superb crossfield ball and very nearly got on the end of the return pass. Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet had told United's Patrice Evra that the French title-holders were only too conscious of the fate AS Roma suffered here when trying to play United at their own game last term; hence Alain Perrin's men were happy to sit back and bide their time.
Lyon under pressure
They lived dangerously when Ronaldo nearly connected with Nani's corner, then it took a fine tackle from Jérémy Toulalan to halt Anderon's surge into the box. At the other end Benzema found the space to drive over from 20 metres, but it was not until the half-hour that Lyon's attackers advanced in numbers. Benzema instigated the move by holding the ball up, despite the attention of three United defenders, allowing black shirts to stream forward. Although Juninho Pernambucano's ball into the area was cleared, Lyon came again and Kim Källstrom tested Edwin van der Sar from outside the box.
Ronaldo breakthrough
Ronaldo, however, made the breakthrough four minutes from half-time when Nani and Wes Brown combined down the right and the latter's cross was deflected by Fabio Grosso to Anderson. The Brazilian's low shot fell conveniently at the feet of Ronaldo in front of goal and, although François Clerc tried to clear, Ronaldo's reactions were quicker as he turned the ball inside Coupet's near post for his sixth goal in this season's competition.
Keita chance
Lyon had no option but to attack in the second period and some sloppy play by United afforded Hatem Ben Arfa – who later fooled Fletcher with a delightful dragback – an early sight of goal but he shot over. While committing more men forward, they struggled to pick holes in the home defence, however. Källstrom sent a speculative effort wide and Clerc and Benzema failed to contrive an opportunity after a dangerous-looking foray down the right. Eventually a chance did come, Keita collecting the ball from the increasingly dangerous Benzema and driving it low past Van der Sar, only to see it rebound off the near post.
Home help
With space opening up at the other end, Lyon were susceptible to counterattacks and United missed chances to kill the visitors off. Coupet did well to foil Rooney after the striker had latched on to a misplaced pass, Rooney then stabbed wide after combining with substitute Carlos Tévez. As it was, one goal was enough to ensure United progressed into the draw on 14 March and, in the process, equalled Juventus's record of ten successive home wins in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona 1-0 Celtic by Xavi`s goal
An early goal from Xavi Hernández booked FC Barcelona's place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with victory against Celtic FC, although the Spanish side were made to work hard for their victory by opponents who grew in confidence and will deeply regret the handful of errors which ultimately decided this enthralling tie.
Xavi decider
Having won the first leg in Glasgow 3-2, thanks in no small part to Messi's two goals, Barcelona were hot favourites to reach the last eight against the Scottish champions, who had never won a knockout tie in UEFA club competition after losing the first leg and were without an away win in the UEFA Champions League. Celtic's prospects looked bleaker still after Xavi increased's Barcelona's aggregate advantage in only the third minute with his fifth goal in eight matches, although the visitors never lost heart and pressed their opponents until the final whistle.
Early setback
Whatever else Gordon Strachan's team talk had included he will certainly have underlined the importance of not conceding an early goal yet sadly for Celtic their deficit almost instantly increased. The visitors were still feeling their way into an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation when Barça struck with thrilling speed. Celtic's right-back Mark Wilson was making his first start since September and was ill-prepared for the smart reverse-pass by Ronaldinho, allowing Sylvinho to race past the defender and deliver a cross which Xavi flicked past Artur Boruc.
Fizzing shot
That might have dispirited the visiting team, who had recorded 15 defeats in their 16 away matches in the UEFA Champions League and only one draw - at Camp Nou. Ronaldinho's fizzing shot which Boruc parried extremely uncomfortably added to the sensation that Barça were about to cut loose, but Strachan's side rallied and began to use possession with growing intelligence and calmness. However, no matter how difficult Celtic made it for the 2006 winners it was clear Ronaldinho was both back on form and enjoying himself. The Brazilian crafted openings for Xavi and Samuel Eto'o before producing one magical disguised pass into the path of Carles Puyol. The defender is no penalty-area expert but so good was the assist that it needed a fine reaction save from Boruc.
Messi off
The home side's momentum was momentarily interrupted as Lionel Messi limped off in tears following a collision with Massimo Donati and, despite his replacement by Thierry Henry, Barça reached the break without turning pressure into more goals. With Evander Sno replacing Donati Celtic began the second half with much more verve. Frustrating Barça and the home crowd, Sno and Scott Brown combined for a lovely crossfield move which needed a wonderful block from Sylvinho. Celtic were on the charge and the game was being stretched, although such an approach inevitably incited Barcelona, Boruc making a top-quality save form Eto'o after an elegant one-two with Ronaldinho.
McGeady class
A clever Deco shot brought another home corner on the hour, although for all Barça's pressure it was Celtic's Aiden McGeady who increasingly stood out. Quick, confident on the ball and always keen to take on his defender, his skills and work ethic gave the noisy Celtic fans something to cherish from a dignified end to their European season, but it is Barcelona who will take their place in the quarter-final draw in Moscow on 14 March.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Juventus 2-3 Fiorentina
Substitute Daniel Pablo Osvaldo struck an added-time winner as ACF Fiorentina moved a point behind Juventus with a 3-2 victory in Turin – their first away victory over the Bianconeri in two decades.
Open race
Osvaldo kept his cool in the dying seconds, capitalising on some lax defending to head in Papa Waigo's cross to seal a first Viola victory at Juve since 15 May 1988. It completed a memorable contribution for Senegalese winter-signing Waigo, who had made it 2-2 only 15 minutes before having come on as a second-half substitute. Until then Juve had seemed destined for victory after Mohamed Sissoko (29) and Mauro Camoranesi (60) had cancelled out Massimo Gobbi's 19th-minute opener. Victory would have sent Juve seven points clear in Italy's third UEFA Champions League berth but Osvaldo denied the, that, even if he did then receive a second yellow card for taking off his shirt in the subsequent celebration.
Udinese triumph
Fiorentina's win means AC Milan are now four points off fourth spot, and they will be wary of Udinese Calcio behind them after Pasquale Marino's men enjoyed a return to form with a 2-0 triumph at home to Atalanta BC. Two goals in as many first-half minutes from Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale helped Udinese to only their fourth Serie A win since the end of November. At the other end of the table there was also a welcome victory for bottom side Cagliari Calcio, whose 2-1 triumph against Genoa CFC – their second victory in five days – to move within four points of safety.
Diamante finish
AS Livorno Calcio moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of opponents Calcio Catania as Alessandro Diamante's effort just after the hour proved sufficient for the home side. Empoli FC also hosted a battle between two struggling sides as they met AC Siena, though this time the visitors prevailed, Christian Rigano wrapping up a 2-0 win in added time. Empoli's misery was compounded by the dismissal of Davide Moro and there was a sending off at UC Sampdoria too, Antonio Cassano receiving his marching orders to sully his earlier goal which earned a 2-2 draw with Torino FC. Reggina Calcio and US Città di Palermo also shared the spoils with a goalless draw.
Liverpool ease to welcome away win
Liverpool FC ended their barren recent away form as they eased to a 3-1 Premier League win at Bolton Wanderers FC to maintain their battle for fourth place with city rivals Everton FC.
Bizarre opener
The disappearance of the Reds' slender title ambitions over the past two months has largely been down to a run of four away games without a win, yet they enjoyed a timely return to winning ways at Bolton. The visitors made much of the early running though their 12th-minute opener owed a fair amount to luck. Steven Gerrard's shot looked to be going just wide but Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen dived to save it and in doing so contrived to help it into his own net thanks to vicious spin.
Second-half strikes
Without a league goal since the last time the sides met in December, Ryan Babel made it 2-0 on the hour, driving in a crisp, near-post effort after Dirk Kuyt's effort had cannoned back off the upright. Fábio Aurélio wrapped up the points 15 minutes from time with a well-taken volley, though substitute Tamir Cohen did head in a 79th-minute consolation for the home side. It was enough to lift Liverpool above Aston Villa FC and Everton to fourth, though their Merseyside rivals could retake the final UEFA champions League spot should they avoid defeat against Portsmouth FC later this afternoon.
Real Madrid go five clear
Real Madrid restored their five-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga by winning 3-2 at Recreativo Huelva while the Catalans lost 4-2 at Atletico Madrid.
Real, who had lost three of their last four league games, fell behind at Recreativo when Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres steered the ball in at the far post following a free kick.
The visitors equalised against the run of play on 28 minutes when Raul headed over Stefano Sorrentino as the Recreativo keeper tried to punch the ball clear.
There was a flurry of red cards early in the second half, Recreativo having defenders Beto and Quique Alvarez dismissed either side of Real fullback Sergio Ramos's sending off.
It was the appearance of Robinho 17 minutes from time that proved decisive.
The Brazilian put Real in front with his first touch, firing home after he had snapped up a loose ball on the edge of the area.
Robinho then made it 3-1 with a delightful chip before Recreativo pulled a goal back in added time as midfielder Carlos Martins curled in a free kick.
Second-placed Barca started well at the Calderon, Ronaldinho putting his side in front with a spectacular overhead kick, but the goal only served to spark an extraordinary rally from Atletico.
Teenage striker Sergio Aguero equalised with a deflected shot on 36 minutes before providing a clever assist for fellow Argentine Maxi Rodriguez to put the home side in front.
Diego Forlan extended Atletico's lead with a penalty after Carles Puyol had pushed Aguero and the Argentine youngster capped a brilliant performance with a virtuoso solo effort to make it 4-1.
Samuel Eto'o scored Barca's second 16 minutes from time but Frank Rijkaard's side still slipped to their first defeat in nine league matches.
Sevilla lost for the first time in six outings, 2-1 at relegation-threatened Deportivo Coruna, despite taking the lead after a neat strike from Frederic Kanoute.
Relegation-threatened Depor equalised 10 minutes later with a penalty from Sweden midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson and midfielder Angel Latifa earned a valuable win when he steered in at the near post midway through the second-half.
Espanyol moved up to fifth after they claimed their first points in four matches after a double from striker Luis Garcia earned a 2-0 win at home to Valencia.
The Spain forward put the Catalans in front in the fourth minute after latching onto a neat flick-on from Jonathan Soriano and wrapped up the win with a penalty early in the second half.
Valencia midfielder Hedwiges Maduro was sent off 10 minutes from time after picking up a second booking.
Bundesliga - Round-up: Bayern end Gelsenkirchen curse
Bayern Munich ended their Gelsenkirchen curse with a 1-0 win at Schalke 04 while Werder Bremen kept up the chase with a 2-0 victory at home to Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern were outstanding for the first hour against Schalke, regularly carving through the home defence and hardly giving their opponents so much as a sight of goal.
The goal began with a great piece of work from Bastian Schweinsteiger, who found Franck Ribery running into the penalty area with a clever pass inside.
The French playmaker took the ball on and crossed to the near post, where Klose, arriving late, surprised the Schalke defence to score with what looked to be his hip.
Klose headed against the bar in the 38th minute and early in the second half Ribery again strolled through the defence only to land a chip over the keeper and just wide.
Luca Toni brought a sharp save with a header in the 60th minute and, following up, Daniel van Buyten managed to head against the bar from two metres.
Bayern almost had cause to regret their generosity as Schalke missed two good chances to equalise when Marcelo Bordon headed over from a perfect position and Rafinha shot straight at Oliver Kahn from close range.
- - -
HANOVER 2-1 NUREMBERG
Arnold Bruggink scored with a left-foot shot that whistled under the bar from the edge of the area to set Hanover on their way to a first league win since December 8.
Nuremberg equalised through Zvjezdan Misimovic in the 52nd minute before Hanover clinched the points with a goal from Szabolcs Huszti with 25 minutes to go.
- - -
HANSA ROSTOCK 1-1 ARMINIA BIELEFELD
Bielefeld are still looking for their first win of 2008 after a match that started and ended badly for them.
The visitors should have taken the lead in the 17th minute only for Artur Wichniarek to hit a weak penalty that was easily saved.
Bielefeld continued pressing and took a deserved lead through Christian Eigler in the 84th minute only for Fin Bartels to equalise with a right-foot shot two minutes later.
- - -
KARLSRUHE 3-1 WOLFSBURG
Karlsruhe stepped up their bid for a European place with victory over Wolfsburg.
Mario Eggimann tapped the ball in from two yards to put them ahead in the 22nd minute.
Marcel Schaefer supplied a calm finish from 10 metres to equalise for Wolfsburg before Aleksandr Iashvili set up Josh Kennedy to make it 2-1 in the 73rd minute.
Georgian international Iashvili then added a third in injury time.
- - -
WERDER BREMEN 2-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Werder started slowly but made the most of a bit of luck to claim a win that keeps them in the title race.
Markus Rosenberg looked well offside in the 45th minute when he received a pass from Aaron Hunt but his stylish turn and back-heeled finish was allowed to stand.
Rosenberg then squeezed a shot just inside the post for the second in the 63rd.
- - -
Postponed: Energie Cottbus v VfB Stuttgart
Win preserves Roma title bid
Roma registered a comfortable 4-0 win over Parma at the Stadio Olimpico to move to within six points of league leaders Internazionale and keep alive their title dream. Elsewhere, Milan passed up the chance to reclaim fourth place as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio at the San Siro.
Roma 4-0 Parma
In the capital, goals from Alberto Aquilani, Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and a Giulio Falcone own-goal gave the Giallorossi a comprehensive victory - and kept up the pressure on Inter, who play at Napoli on Sunday.
Roma face Real Madrid in a crunch Champions League encounter next week, but coach Luciano Spalletti opted not to rest any key players ahead of the clash in Spain and named the strongest side available to him.
But his somewhat risky tactics paid off and Roma ultimately cruised to all three points after putting in a performance that served as good preparation for the Bernabeu test.
Aquilani - who later appeared to have a verbal spat with captain Totti - was the architect of the move which led to the opener, and it was the Italy international who also applied the finishing touch.
His neat turn in the centre circle took him away from two Parma players before the ball found its way out to Max Tonetto on the left wing. The full-back's cross was only partially beaten away by Luca Bucci and fell in the path of Aquilani who found the back of the net despite the keeper's best efforts to make amends for his error.
Roma continued to apply pressure to the visitors' goal, and they were rewarded soon after the restart when, under pressure from Christian Panucci, Falcone could only direct his attempted overhead clearance into his own net.
Totti then got in on the act, finding the top corner with a sumptuous drive with 10 minutes remaining before substitute Vucinic completed the scoring in injury time, following yet more calamitous Parma defending, this time from Damiano Zenoni.
The result leaves Parma anxiously looking over their shoulder with just two points separating them from the drop zone.
Milan 1-1 Lazio
Milan again failed to impress at the San Siro as the Rossoneri played out their tenth draw of the season so far.
A lacklustre first half in Milan exploded into life after the break as Lazio took the game to their hosts, creating an intense period of pressure that soon resulted in the opening goal.
Milan's veteran keeper Zeljko Kalac was by far the busiest player on the pitch after the restart and the Australian pulled off two good saves in as many minutes - first to deny Tomasso Rocchi and then Goran Pandev.
But he could do nothing about Rolando Bianchi's effort in the 54th minute as the man on loan from Manchester City slid in to poke Pandev's cross into the bottom corner and register his second in two games.
Milan's equaliser came in the 66th minute, but they had to rely on a refereeing decision to get it. The official spotted Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami tugging on Kakha Kaladze's shirt in the penalty area, and promptly awarded a spot kick which former Lazio player Massimo Oddo dispatched coolly.
The visitors ended the match with ten men after Lorenzo De Silvestri hacked down Alexandre Pato with six minutes remaining and received his marching orders.
The result left Milan in fourth place, a point behind Fiorentina, who will have a chance to put further daylight between themselves and the Rossoneri with victory at Juventus on Sunday.
More worrying for Milan though will be their continued inability to unlock defences in open play and win matches at home - especially with the visit of Arsenal in the Champions League next week.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Bendtner keeps Arsenal on top
Nicklas Bendtner's goal in the dying seconds earned English Premier League leaders Arsenal FC a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa FC but Manchester United FC moved within a point with a 3-0 win at Fulham FC.
United cruise
Arsène Wenger's side were set to lose top spot on goal difference but Bendtner pounced ten seconds from the end of three added minutes to cancel out a first-half Philippe Senderos own goal and keep them on top of the table. Manchester United had no such troubles against relegation-threatened Fulham with first-half efforts from Owen Hargeaves and Ji-Sung Park followed by a Simon Davies own goal after the interval giving them a comfortable win at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea response
Chelsea FC bounced back from their defeat in the League Cup final last Sunday with an impressive 4-0 win at London rivals West Ham United FC. Three goals in five first-half minutes killed the game off, with Frank Lampard's penalty, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack finding the net. Lampard was sent off before half-time but it did not affect Avram Grant's men as Ashley Cole rounded off the scoring after 64 minutes.
Reading relief
It was a mixed day for the teams at the wrong end of the table. Reading FC had lost seven games on the trot before their trip to Middlesbrough FC but a last-gasp James Harper goal boosted their survival chances by moving them level with fourth-bottom Bolton Wanderers FC. Birmingham City FC's Mikael Forssell scored a hat-trick as the strugglers picked up a significant 4-1 win at home to League Cup victors Tottenham Hotspur FC while Wigan Athletic FC secured a useful point with a 0-0 draw at Manchester City FC.
Keegan woe
Newcastle United FC are still searching for their first win under Kevin Keegan after Matt Derbyshire struck in added-time to give Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 win in the north east while Sunderland AFC were left disappointed as they failed to register their first away win at bottom side Derby County FC in a 0-0 draw.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tottenham win carling cup
Tottenham came from a goal down to beat Chelsea at Wembley and win the Carling Cup after extra-time.
Jonathan Woodgate won it when Petr Cech disastrously punched the ball on to his head from Jermaine Jenas's free-kick.
Pascal Chimbonda had hit the bar for Spurs, before Didier Drogba's 20-yard free-kick gave Chelsea the lead with Paul Robinson badly out of position.
Spurs levelled when Wayne Bridge handled in the box and Dimitar Berbatov coolly rolled in the resulting penalty.
Spurs' success is their fourth League Cup win and first since 1999, the last time they won a major trophy.
It also means their boss Juande Ramos has still never lost a cup final as a manager after five triumphs in Spain with Sevilla.
It ends Chelsea's quadruple hopes in Avram Grant's first season as Blues boss, though they are still in the hunt for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Spurs set their stall out early on and began in a positive fashion in the first League Cup final at the new Wembley.
With only 30 seconds on the clock Juliano Beletti inexplicably gave the ball away to Robbie Keane, the striker racing through and seeing his 20-yard drive deflected wide by John Terry.
Twice in a minute Spurs could have gone in front, first Chimbonda heading a corner on to the bar and then Berbatov heading wide from Keane's cross, before Chelsea came back into it.
After Frank Lampard shot off target and Drogba curled a 25-yard free-kick high and wide, the Blues made a decisive breakthrough.
Didier Zokora tripped Drogba 20 yards out and the Ivorian dusted himself down to curl the resulting free-kick into the bottom left-hand side of Robinson's goal.
Robinson - only recalled to the Spurs team on Thursday for their Uefa Cup tie after a month on the sidelines - was in completely the wrong position and remained rooted to his spot as the ball flew past him.
Spurs almost made an immediate reply but Keane's shot was straight at Cech and then Berbatov slipped as Keane attempted to send him through on goal.
Chelsea, a side well-drilled in the art of defending a one-goal lead, rarely looked like surrendering their advantage until, halfway through the second half, calamity struck.
Having struggled to make much headway against the Chelsea defence Spurs were gifted a penalty, Bridge bizarrely knocking the ball away with his left hand as he tussled with Aaron Lennon.
Berbatov, keeping his cool, waited for Cech to go left before he rolled the ball into the other side of the goal.
Suddenly Spurs were in the ascendancy and Zokora raced through, only for his first shot to hit Cech on the head and his second slice wide, before Berbatov stung Cech's palms with a fierce drive.
They only had to wait four minutes of extra-time to take a lead they would not relinquish, Cech punching a Jenas free-kick on to Woodgate's head and the ball trickling into an empty net.
Chelsea had to attack but the outstanding Woodgate and Ledley King stood firm, Blues substitute Salomon Kalou and Joe Cole both seeing shots saved by Robinson, but they were nothing more than half-chances.
Spurs deservedly hung on for a famous win and denied their London rivals back-to-back Carling Cup victories in the process.
Asenal lose ground
Liverpool 3-2 Middlesbrough
Fernando Torres grabbed a hat-trick as Liverpool came back from a goal down to beat Middlesbrough and move fourth.
The Reds went behind when Tuncay Sanli headed in from six yards before Julio Arca's mistake let Torres around keeper Mark Schwarzer to slot in and level.
Torres rifled in from 22 yards and side-footed in a third after Schwarzer rushed out of his goal without success.
Stewart Downing poked in a shot for Boro but the Reds held on with the help of Jeremie Aliadiere being red-carded.
The win was only Liverpool's second in the top flight since the turn of the year and came after a poor start when they quickly went behind following some terrible defending.
Boro striker Tuncay timed his run perfectly to move unmarked through Liverpool's flimsy offside trap and nod in Downing's free-kick.
The visitors have been an improving side in recent months and, while they showed plenty of energy in closing the Reds down, they also threatened with some promising attacking play.
Only a last-ditch Alvaro Arbeloa tackle on Boro striker Aliadiere stopped him breaking clear on the Reds goal.
But Liverpool were gifted an equaliser when midfielder Arca's header back towards his own goal went straight into the path of Torres and he capitalised on the error by equalising.
Torres added a second in as many minutes when he gathered the ball and powered a low shot into the bottom corner.
Boro refused to let the double blow change the way they played in an open game but had Tuncay booked when he put a cross into the net with the top of his arm.
Gary O'Neil shot wide against a Liverpool side that looked dangerous when going forward but uncertain at the back with the suspended Jamie Carragher missing.
Middlesbrough attacked with a purpose but were undone by defensive mistakes.
A long cross-field Liverpool pass brought Schwarzer rushing out of his goal to the edge of the box but Torres got to the ball ahead of him and central defender David Wheater before side-footing into an empty net.
Downing beautifully controlled and cut into the Liverpool box from the left late on before slotting a shot through the legs of keeper Pepe Reina to haul his side back to 3-2.
Aliadiere then was sent-off for Boro after lightly slapping Javier Mascherano, who appeared to provoke him by raising a hand to the striker's face.
The dismissal all but ended Boro's attempts to get a late equaliser as Liverpool held on for victory.
Newcastle 1-5 Man Utd
Two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney helped Manchester United beat Newcastle and close the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring when he volleyed in Cristiano Ronaldo's cross at the far post before the supplier slotted in from Michael Carrick's pass.
Ronaldo rounded Steve Harper for his second but Newcastle reduced the deficit when Abdoulaye Faye poked in.
Rooney curled in the fourth before Louis Saha slotted in late on.
The win puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly back in the hunt for the title following Arsenal's draw at Birmingham, while the defeat leaves Newcastle just six points above the relegation zone.
What will not help manager Kevin Keegan's cause is that the team have not won in 10 games and have only scored three goals in six games since his arrival, conceding 16.
Following their 6-0 drubbing at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture last month, Newcastle were keen to avoid another embarrassment.
And for the first 24 minutes, Newcastle's defence coped well and the midfield worked tirelessly to keep the impish Ronaldo and Nani at bay with some juicy tackles.
But one of the problems for the Magpies this season is the frequent lapses of concentration and for United's first goal, left-back Charles N'Zogbia was the guilty figure, allowing Rooney to steal in front of him and tuck away Ronaldo's peach of a ball at the far post.
With the seal broken and Newcastle beginning to look typically ragged, the Old Trafford side pinged the ball about from wing to wing with carefree supremacy, while Carrick in the middle was quick to seize on loose balls from the Newcastle midfield.
It was Wallsend-born Carrick who set up the second goal when his surge and well-weighted pass found the eager Ronaldo, who slotted his shot under Given and into the corner.
Ferguson's side should have added two more in the first half, but Carlos Tevez headed over from six yards after he was first to Nani's right-wing delivery, while Ronaldo screwed his 10-yard angled shot wide.
Newcastle did not unleash their first shot in anger until after the interval when Damien Duff twisted inside the area and fired a low drive that Edwin van der Sar had to punch away.
Had the hosts scored then the game might have taken on a different look. Instead, the visitors once again exploited the Magpies frailties to extend their advantage.
Abdoulaye Faye, back from Africa Nations Cup duty, misplaced a pass and the ball found its way to Ronaldo who motored his way towards goal.
The Portugal international fended off a foolish attempt at a tackle from Steven Taylor before rounding Harper, who came on for the injured Given at half-time, for his fifth goal against the Magpies in two matches.
Faye pulled one back for the hosts after smashing in substitute Andy Carroll's nod down from a corner, but that only angered the visitors who scored a fourth when Rooney curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the area.
And seconds before the final whistle there was time for ex-Magpie Saha to find the net with a low shot from Rooney's square ball.
Blackburn 4-1 Bolton
Benni McCarthy scored two penalties as Blackburn swept luckless Bolton aside.
McCarthy blasted home after Gretar Steinsson fouled David Dunn but replays suggested the ball was won cleanly.
Bolton were again unfortunate when Kevin Nolan struck the bar but Kevin Davies fired them level following a punt forward from Ivan Campo.
McCarthy netted after Cahill fouled Dunn, David Bentley headed in the third from Dunn's cross and Morten Gamst Pedersen swept in a fourth at the end.
Birmingham 2-2 Arsenal
James McFadden salvaged a point for Birmingham with an injury-time penalty but the game was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Arsenal's Eduardo.
The striker suffered a broken leg in the third minute after a tackle by Martin Taylor, who was sent off.
McFadden gave the Blues the lead with a 20-yard free-kick before Theo Walcott poked in his first Premier League goal.
Walcott made it 2-1 with a mazy run and shot before McFadden equalised after Gael Clichy fouled Stuart Parnaby.
Portsmouth 1-0 Sunderland
Jermain Defoe's late penalty earned Portsmouth only their fourth home win this season as Sunderland's miserable away form continued at Fratton Park.
An abysmal first half was typified by poor passing and scrappy play, and a Sulley Muntari shot that flew over was the closest either side came to a goal.
Sunderland were holding their own, though, until Phil Bardsley felled Nico Kranjcar and Defoe scored the penalty.
Grant Leadbitter had Sunderland's best chances but Pompey comfortably held on.
Fulham 0-1 West Ham
A late goal from Nolberto Solano gave West Ham a narrow win and put pressure on relegation-threatened Fulham.
The Hammers were frustrated in the first half as Carlton Cole saw a volley saved and another skim the bar, while Luis Boa Morte also went wide.
Fulham worked hard but West Ham's firm defence kept out Brian McBride's volley and Diomansky Kamara's effort.
Solano then bundled the ball in, to the fury of Fulham, who had Leon Andreasen sent off for his protests for handball.
Wigan 2-0 Derby
Paul Jewell's return to the JJB Stadium ended in defeat as second half goals from Paul Scharner and Antonio Valencia gave Wigan all three points.
Scharner pounced on the hour mark to turn the ball in at the far post after Emile Heskey's close range effort was parried by Derby keeper Roy Carroll.
Valencia wrapped up the points six minutes from time, crashing a shot into the roof of the net from six yards out.
The result moves Wigan up three places to 14th while Derby remain bottom.
Reading 1-2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa kept up their challenge for fourth place in the Premier League with a win at relegation-placed Reading.
Villa's Gareth Barry missed a dubiously-awarded penalty before the visitors went ahead when Ashley Young slotted home after a counter-attack.
Nicky Shorey had a shot parried as the Royals fought back, but Marlon Harewood curled in a shot to secure Villa's win.
Reading efforts did receive their reward in injury-time when Shorey scored with a 25-yard free-kick.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Celtic 2-3 Barcelona
Lionel Messi scored twice, including a late winner, as FC Barcelona came from behind in Glasgow to claim both a 3-2 victory and a sizeable advantage in their first knockout round tie against Celtic FC.
Headed goals
Celtic threatened to maintain their superb home record in the UEFA Champions League as they took the lead through fine headed goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson, but a pair of strikes by Messi – now the competition's six-goal leading scorer – and a delightful Thierry Henry effort make Barcelona favourites to reach the quarter-finals at Camp Nou in a fortnight.
Caddis clearance
Having been handed a European debut by Gordon Strachan, Celtic's 19-year-old full-back Paul Caddis found himself up against Ronaldinho, who was making his first start since December. The Brazilian helped the visitors dictate the early tempo, although it was Henry who created the first chance on 13 minutes for Andrés Iniesta whose shot was saved by Artur Boruc. From the ensuing corner Caddis headed a goalbound Henry effort off the line – settling nerves in the process.
Powerful finish
Despite their early subjugation, it was Celtic who struck first three minutes later. Scott McDonald appeared to have lost possession in the Barcelona box but the ball fell invitingly for Lee Naylor whose superb left-foot cross was headed in powerfully by Vennegoor of Hesselink. There was little time to enjoy the advantage – two minutes, in fact – as Messi drove at the Celtic defence from the right, exchanged passes with Deco before cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing Boruc, despite Naylor's sliding tackle.
Robson header
Barça also looked the team more likely to score the third goal of the night but again it was Celtic who went ahead, seven minutes from half-time. Aiden McGeady, often inspirational but largely peripheral until this point, outstripped Iniesta and Carles Puyol on the left before firing across a high ball for Robson who somehow looped a header over Víctor Valdés from close to the penalty spot – not a bad way to mark your first appearance in the competition.
Henry on target
In contrast, Barcelona are a side full of players who know all about success in this competition – having won it in 2006 – and they levelled again in the 52nd minute. Gary Caldwell paid for a weak pass out of defence as Ronaldinho intercepted and supplied Henry, who drifted towards the Celtic area and curled a sumptuous right-foot shot from the corner of the box beyond Boruc. Strachan responded by introducing all three substitutes in a ten-minute spell yet it made little difference to the flow of the game which continued towards the Celtic goal.
Messi winner
Henry prodded just past the post following an intricate move involving Ronaldinho and Eric Abidal as Barcelona sensed their chance. They finally took it with eleven minutes to play: a Stephen McManus clearance hit Massimo Donati and fell for Messi, who dragged the ball back to create an opening before drilling it into the net. It would have been four had Boruc not subsequently denied Henry twice to keep his team in the tie – just.
Lyon 1-1 Manchester United
Carlos Tévez's late equaliser boosted Manchester United FC's hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as Sir Alex Ferguson's team secured a hard-fought draw at Olympique Lyonnais, who had looked set to claim their first success against an English club for 40 years when Karim Benzema opened the scoring on 54 minutes.
Milestones for veterans
On a night when two veterans reached significant milestones, it was two younger players who stole the headlines with their goalscoring prowess. Ryan Giggs struggled to inspire United on his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance, and when the visitors did succeed in breaking through Lyon's determined defence, they were invariably denied by a commanding Grégory Coupet, playing his 500th match for the club. United never gave up, however, and will now be confident of progressing at Old Trafford in a fortnight, when Lyon will be without the suspended Anthony Réveillère.
Lyon threat
United issued an early warning when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot deflected wide off Jean-Alain Boumsong, yet it was Lyon who settled quicker. Only a last-ditch challenge from Rio Ferdinand prevented Sidney Govou from latching on to Fabio Grosso's low cross, and Benzema narrowly failed to make clean contact with Juninho Pernambucano's corner. With seven home goals conceded in the group stage, Lyon's defensive frailty was a source for concern and Alain Perrin's decision to deploy François Clerc in midfield hinted at a cautious approach. The tactic appeared to working, though, as Govou linked up effectively with Grosso on the left while Clerc made several threatening bursts on the opposite flank. With Lyon firmly in the ascendancy, Ferdinand almost sliced into his own net, then Benzema rifled narrowly over after another clever pull-back from Clerc.
Rooney denied
The English champions carved the clearest opening on 24 minutes, however, Wayne Rooney collecting Ronaldo's pinpoint through-ball and evading Sébastien Squillaci's challenge to race clear only for Grégory Coupet to stop his shot with his leg. Paul Scholes was then denied by Boumsong's timely intervention after being released by Giggs and, with Ronaldo increasingly influential the visitors finished the half in menacing fashion. The Portuguese winger forced Coupet into a two-fisted save from his curling free-kick, then glanced a header wide from the resulting corner.
Benzema breakthrough
Half-time arrived at the right time for the French title-holders, offering them an opportunity to regroup and return with fresh ideas in the second period. One of those ideas might have been to shoot on sight, which is exactly what Benzema did nine minutes in. After collecting Jérémy Toulalan's pass, the France striker turned brilliantly to his left before unleashing a fizzing low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. It was the 20-year-old's fourth European goal this term and his 26th in all competitions.
Tévez delight
Sir Alex reacted by sending on Nani and Tévez and the two-time European champions immediately played with more urgency. Both sides came close from set-pieces late on, Juninho's long-range effort sliding wide before Ronaldo was denied by Coupet. Seconds later, however, there was nothing the French goalkeeper could do when Tévez rifled in from close range after Fred had inadvertently directed Nani's right-wing cross into his path to tip the balance of the tie back towards United.
Fenerbahçe 3-2 Sevilla
Late substitute Semih Şentürk struck with three minutes left to give Fenerbahçe SK the edge over Sevilla FC in both teams' debut appearance in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.
Narrow margin
Mateja Kežman and Lugano scored early in each half for the hosts yet within minutes both leads had been cancelled out – first by an Edu own goal, then by a close-range Julien Escudé finish. However, Semih Şentürk, only just recovered from a knee injury, was thrown on and his shot deflected off Ivica Dragutinović to put the Turkish champions in front ahead of the return a fortnight hence in Spain.
Big chill
With the Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium snowbound until Tuesday, and frantic work having been needed to make the pitch playable, Sevilla coach Manuel Jiménez selected his lineup based on the previous night's training session. Those players who had coped best made the cut. When Duda, who obviously did enough to earn his first UEFA Champions League start, forced a fifth-minute corner that was only half-cleared, Frédéric Kanouté hit a shot which Volkan Demirel was well-positioned to save.
Early breakthrough
Nonetheless, the first goal came at the other end, from another player to have staked a recent claim for first-team action. Mateja Kežman endured a frustrating autumn with a knee problem that required surgery, but he has hit form this month. Just past the quarter-hour mark, he rose at the far post to head in a teasing left-wing centre from Uğur Boral. The first equaliser was not long in coming. Edu, who had inadvertently opened the scoring for PFC CSKA Moskva in Fenerbahçe's 3-1 win in December, suffered similar misfortune when he stretched to cut out a right-wing Daniel Alves cross only to turn the ball past Volkan Demirel.
Redemption
It took fully ten minutes for Zico's Fenerbahçe to get the wind back in their sails. Then, only goalline acrobatics from Andrés Palop denied a Mehmet Aurélio header following another probing Uğur Boral ball. When Sevilla immediately broke, Edu redeemed himself by heroically blocking a Jesús Navas shot. In fact, the Fenerbahçe centre-back nearly cancelled out his unlucky strike altogether but Palop stopped his header and Alex lashed the rebound into the side-netting.
Level pegging
With Sevilla beginning the second period in the same positive mindset as the first, Duda and Kanouté both made Volkan Demirel work. Yet once again Fenerbahçe got themselves ahead. Uğur Boral tenaciously won a corner on the left that Alex placed perfectly for Lugano to climb and nod in from close to the penalty spot. Jiménez's side visibly needed a lift so the Sevilla coach sent on Diego Capel for Duda. And within three minutes the youngster's corner was flicked on by Christian Poulsen for Julien Escudé to power in a volley that nearly took out the back of the net. To make matters worse for the home team, Roberto Carlos suffered a deep cut to his shin and was replaced by Gökçek Vederson.
Super sub
But having required five group-stage campaigns to get this far, Fenerbahçe were still keen to snatch an advantage to take to Seville and Kazım Kazım was introduced, followed by Semih Şentürk. It was the latter's strike from just inside the box that skidded past Palop, via Dragutinović, for the late winner.
Arsenal 0-0 AC Milan
Arsenal FC and AC Milan will move on to the San Siro with this UEFA Champions League tie evenly poised after an absorbing encounter in north London ended goalless.
Kalac strong
Gunners manager Arsène Wenger had called the tie the "ultimate test" for his young side and they proved worthy of the challenge as they pressed the European champions back for long stages. A faultless display from Zeljko Kalac in the Milan goal, though, kept the English Premier League leaders at bay though he was grateful to the woodwork when Emmanuel Adebayor headed against the crossbar from point-blank range in the closing seconds.
Maldini chance
The emergence of Pato has given Milan's season fresh impetus and he was quickly involved on his return from injury here. Kolo Touré was forced off on seven minutes after blocking the 18-year-old's powerful shot and from the resulting corner Rossoneri old boy Jens Lehmann spectacularly tipped away Paolo Maldini's header. At 38 and 39 respectively, two of the game's old guard were showing they still have plenty to offer.
Touré off
Even with Touré making way for Philippe Senderos, Arsenal were unfazed. Wenger had urged them to play with the "handbrake off" and they purred seamlessly up through the gears early on, memories of Saturday's defeat at Manchester United FC forgotten. Despite plenty of possession, chances were few, with the front line in midfield where Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo kept Cesc Fabregas in check. When the 20-year-old did release Adebayor the prolific striker shot over, though Kalac – recovered from a dislocated finger – was finally called into action on 36 minutes to smother Mathieu Flamini's low drive.
Senderos praise
Having successfully subdued Kaká for much of the opening period Flamini was beginning to press forward himself and he drew another save from Kalac with a low cross after twisting free of Pirlo just before the break. Prior to that the biggest cheers had been for Senderos, first for diligently blocking the electrifying Pato as he burst into the box, then for a crunching tackle on Kaká.
Adebayor denied
Like Arsenal at the start of the first half, Milan had to reshuffle their back line five minutes into the second when Alessandro Nesta picked up a knock. On came Marek Jankulovski but before Milan could regroup Kakha Kaladze almost headed into his own net from a corner. Tails up, Arsenal came close again soon after when Emmanuel Eboué curled just wide. The home side were finding their fluency and had the ball in the net on 54 minutes only for Adebayor's effort to be ruled offside.
Fabregas denied
The European champions were being pinned back, struggling to escape the confines of their own half, with Kaká and Pato isolated up front. Even so, they remained a danger. Kaká shot wide on 69 minutes, then Pato sent Arsenal hearts racing as the ball bobbled dangerously in their box. The Rossoneri's hero of the night, though, was at the other end. Kalac has dislodged Dida as Milan's first-choice goalkeeper and it was clear to see why as he dived low to block Fabregas's drive with 15 minutes left, then repeated the feat as Milan escaped unpunished – with a little help from the crossbar.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Liverpool 2-0 Internazionale
Dirk Kuyt's deflected shot and Steven Gerrard's raking low drive in the last five minutes put Liverpool FC in command of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie with FC Internazionale Milano, who battled bravely for almost an hour with only ten men only to fall short at the last.
Red card
Inter central defender Marco Materazzi was shown a second yellow card after only 30 minutes but Liverpool, who dominated proceedings for long spells, could not make their numerical superiority pay off until the 85th minute when Jermaine Pennant's deep right-wing cross was allowed to bounce through to Kuyt at the far post for a shot that beat Júlio César with the help of a considerable deflection off Maicon. Liverpool took a firm grip on the tie in the 90th minute, Gerrard beating the Inter goalkeeper with a low shot from the corner of the penalty area that evaded everyone and went in off a post to finally reward the home side for a vibrant display.
Materazzi off
Liverpool started the stronger and Fábio Aurélio had the first real strike on goal in the fifth minute with a curling free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, but the full-back's attempt flew just over the crossbar. Júlio César then touched over a Sami Hyypiä header before Materazzi was booked for a foul on Fernando Torres and, after tugging on the shirt of the same player, was dismissed with just 30 minutes gone – a defining moment. Down to ten men, the Serie A leaders were always likely to be up against it and Liverpool held sway throughout the first half, Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano especially effective at keeping Inter pinned back.
Inter regroup
For all their attacking intentions, the five-time European champions struggled to create any genuine opportunities as Inter regrouped and expertly reshuffled their defensive lines. Ryan Babel cut inside from the left and blazed one shot high and wide, before Gerrard was unlucky not to find a red shirt with a dangerous low cross, but Liverpool could not make any significant inroads as the opening period came to a close.
Torres denied
A moment of confusion early in the second half almost presented Inter with the lead as Hyypiä's rash attempted clearance eventually fell to Zlatan Ibrahimović, who set up Esteban Cambiasso for an instant shot which flew well wide. Inter coach Roberto Mancini introduced Patrick Vieira, but the substitute's first contribution almost cost his side a goal and he was dispossessed by Lucas Leiva and the ball broke for Torres to race clear, only for Júlio César to touch behind his low shot. Hyypiä then grazed the top of the net with a header and Torres fired narrowly wide as Liverpool turned up the heat on a bitterly cold night on Merseyside.
Late drama
Rafael Benítez introduced Peter Crouch and Pennant in the hope of breaking down Inter's rearguard and defender Iván Córdoba was carried off with a serious-looking leg injury with 15 minutes to play, yet still the visitors looked like holding out. The breakthrough finally came as the clock ticked down and Kuyt put Liverpool in front before Gerrard earned them a potentially vital two-goal lead to defend at San Siro on 11 March.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
AS Roma 2-1 Real Madrid
AS Roma came from behind to record their first home win over Real Madrid CF, Mancini's second-half strike earning the Giallorossi a slender advantage to take to the Santiago Bernabéu for the conclusion of this first knockout round tie in a fortnight's time.
Turnaround
Trailing to Raúl González's eighth-minute goal, Luciano Spalletti's side drew level through David Pizarro midway through the first half before Mancini's winner raised their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals for the second season running.
Madrid settle quickly
Madrid had prevailed on their three previous trips to Roma and the home fans in a freezing Stadio Olimpico could have been forgiven for fearing the worst when Raúl gave the visitors an early lead. Despite an injury list that included Robinho, their joint-leading scorer in the group stage, Madrid settled quickly to their task and struck when Arjen Robben surged down the left and pulled the ball back to the edge of the box for Guti to take a first-time shot which Raúl – played onside by Pizarro –helped on its way past Doni.
Roma reprieved
Although Marco Cassetti tested Iker Casillas low to his left moments later, Madrid had the ball in Roma's net again within two minutes but Ruud van Nistelrooy, burying the rebound after Doni had parried a Robben drive, was adjudged offside. There was another reprieve for the hosts in the 21st minute when the lively Robben got to the byline down the right and crossed for Raúl who aimed a free header wide of the far post.
Mancini threat
There had been much talk in the build-up about Roma's recent dip in form and Francesco Totti, in particular, was slow to find his touch on a night when he surpassed Aldair's club record for appearances in Europe with his 65th. Instead their main threat in the first period came from Mancini and, after Simone Perrotta had failed to connect with the Brazilian's pull-back, his next ball into the box led to Pizarro's equalising goal after 24 minutes. Although Fernando Gago turned Mancini's centre away from Totti, the ball went only as far as Pizarro. The Chilean's shot was hard and low but deflected off Gago and flew high past Casillas.
Totti class tells
Madrid still looked the more fluent side as half-time approached, Raúl threading a ball through to Van Nistelrooy who fired wide on the stretch. Come the second period, though, it was Roma who seized the initiative with Totti the architect of their second goal in the 58th minute. The No10's class finally told as he collected a high ball under pressure from Gabriel Heinze, span away from the Argentinian and threaded a perfectly-weighted pass through to Mancini. After sidestepping the onrushing Casillas, Mancini slipped the ball into the empty net.
Hanging on
Sergio Ramos blazed wide of the near post from 20 metres almost immediately and Roma were soon defending in numbers as Madrid sought a reply. It took a superb interception from Juan to stop Raúl converting the rebound after Doni had spilled a Robben cross and from the resulting corner Perrotta bravely got his head in the way of Mahamadou Diarra's piledriver. Madrid went even closer in the 80th minute when Van Nistelrooy lashed the ball against the near post but Roma held on.
