MILAN, Italy (AFP) - David Beckham admitted on Friday he has become frustrated over the protracted transfer saga surrounding his proposed move from Los Angeles Galaxy to AC Milan.
Beckham's mood was not helped by Milan's departure from the UEFA Cup on Thursday night as once again they blew a lead before crashing out of Europe's second-tier competition to Werder Bremen.
Milan were 2-0 up at half-time but the Germans fought back to draw 2-2 and qualify for the next round on the away goals rule after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
But it is the uncertainty surrounding his proposed permanent move to Milan that has left the on-loan Galaxy player feeling blue.
Asked if he was frustrated, Beckham simply replied: "Of course. There's a lot going on and a lot being said and every day there's someone asking me questions.
"It is being said every day but so far I've been able to concentrate on the football."
However, Beckham admitted that he felt in the dark over the transfer and said he knew of no new developments.
Last week Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said the Italian giants would not be increasing their reported three million dollars bid for the 33-year-old former England captain.
That was a bid that Galaxy described as "ridiculous", claiming it would not even come close to covering the amount they would lose should Beckham leave Major League Soccer.
Galliani had said that Milan would be prepared to wait until October or November when Beckham could invoke a get-out clause and leave Los Angeles for free.
At the moment he is due to return to Galaxy on March 9 but that is not something he wants to consider.
"You're better off asking someone else about that because it doesn't change me wanting to play at this club and I'm sure it doesn't change other people's desire for me to stay and play for this club either, so we'll just have to wait and see," he said.
"At the moment its all just being discussed and negotiated."
Last week the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had said he thought something would happen this week while insisting that he is determined to remain in the Italian fashion capital.
"I want to stay at Milan, I've not heard anything from Galaxy but when it's like that you could say it could be good news," he said after the 1-0 win over Cagliari.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rafael misses final and out for a month with broken ankle
LONDON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Manchester United’s teenage fullback Rafael will miss Sunday’s League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur after being ruled out for up to a month with a fractured ankle, the club said on Friday.
The 18-year-old Brazilian sustained the injury in last weekend’s league victory over Blackburn Rovers.
“Rafael is out for a month with a slight hairline fracture of his ankle,” Ferguson told the club’s website (www.manutd.com)
“It’s a blow for the kid because he’s been playing in all the games and he’s done so well. He deserves to be in the final.”
Ferguson confirmed he would keep faith with several of the fringe players who got the club to Wembley for Sunday’s game (1500GMT).
“Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck will both play and deserve to play,” he said.
“Jonny Evans has hopefully recovered from Tuesday’s (Champions League) match. He was feeling his injury towards the end of the game. Like Rafael he deserves to play in the final.
“Other than that everyone’s fit. Gary Neville’s in the squad, he’s been training well for about a week and will travel with us. Anderson played 45 minutes in the reserves last night and he’ll travel down with us.”
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is not expected to feature, leaving Ferguson to decide between Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak.
“It’s not an easy decision for me, it’s something I’ll have to mull over,” he said.
(Editing by Alison Wildey)
The 18-year-old Brazilian sustained the injury in last weekend’s league victory over Blackburn Rovers.
“Rafael is out for a month with a slight hairline fracture of his ankle,” Ferguson told the club’s website (www.manutd.com)
“It’s a blow for the kid because he’s been playing in all the games and he’s done so well. He deserves to be in the final.”
Ferguson confirmed he would keep faith with several of the fringe players who got the club to Wembley for Sunday’s game (1500GMT).
“Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck will both play and deserve to play,” he said.
“Jonny Evans has hopefully recovered from Tuesday’s (Champions League) match. He was feeling his injury towards the end of the game. Like Rafael he deserves to play in the final.
“Other than that everyone’s fit. Gary Neville’s in the squad, he’s been training well for about a week and will travel with us. Anderson played 45 minutes in the reserves last night and he’ll travel down with us.”
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is not expected to feature, leaving Ferguson to decide between Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak.
“It’s not an easy decision for me, it’s something I’ll have to mull over,” he said.
(Editing by Alison Wildey)
PREVIEW-Soccer-Spurs and United draw breath for Cup final clash
LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Rarely can a cup final have crept so low under the radar as Sunday’s League Cup showdown between holders Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United with both clubs pre-occupied for vastly different reasons.
While Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been juggling his squad for relegation scraps and UEFA Cup ties, his opposite number Alex Ferguson has watched his side surge to the top the Premier League while plotting a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan and his old adversary Jose Mourinho.
League leaders United appear unstoppable at present and are still on course for a possible five trophies this season having already taken FIFA’s Club World Cup in Tokyo although of the four still on offer, the League Cup is likely to be bottom of Ferguson’s priorities.
The Scot may even elect to leave the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench for the Wembley showpiece, although such are his attacking and midfield options and the Scot’s insatiable appetite for trophies that United will still start firm favourites to win the competition for the third time.
“Alex will want to win the game make no mistake,” Redknapp said on Wednesday with half an eye on a UEFA Cup tie with Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, a game which is proving a big distraction.
“Whoever he picks he’ll pick a strong team because he only knows one thing and that is he wants to win. That’s why he is the best in the business.
“So it’ll be a very, very hard game. It should be a terrific game, we’ve got good players and I think it will be a great spectacle.”
Complicating the issue for Redknapp, whose side have already been beaten by United in the FA Cup this season, is the fact that all five of the players he signed in the transfer window to revive the club’s season are not available.
Unlucky striker Jermain Defoe, who missed Tottenham’s 2-1 win in the final against Chelsea last year because he had joined Portsmouth and the FA Cup final because he was cup-tied, having played in the competition for Spurs, is out with a broken foot sustained soon after returning to White Hart Lane.
Striker and new club captain Robbie Keane, who played in last year’s final before his ill-fated transfer to Liverpool, is cup tied, as are goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, midfielder Wilson Palacios and Pascal Chimbonda, another player who returned to Spurs after joining Sunderland.
No wonder Redknapp has worn a hang dog expression all week, although the thought of leading the side out at Wembley restored his sense of humour. “I’ve got my suit ready to go,” he said. “They’ve all got their suits all the lads. I don’t know if they’ve got new suits, some of them have probably got them left over from last year. I wasn’t here last year so I’ve got my new suit.”
United arrive at the final on the back of 10 consecutive Premier League wins that have fired them seven points clear in the title race and an impressive display in 0-0 draw with Inter in the San Siro on Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Editing by Justin Palmer)
While Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been juggling his squad for relegation scraps and UEFA Cup ties, his opposite number Alex Ferguson has watched his side surge to the top the Premier League while plotting a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan and his old adversary Jose Mourinho.
League leaders United appear unstoppable at present and are still on course for a possible five trophies this season having already taken FIFA’s Club World Cup in Tokyo although of the four still on offer, the League Cup is likely to be bottom of Ferguson’s priorities.
The Scot may even elect to leave the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench for the Wembley showpiece, although such are his attacking and midfield options and the Scot’s insatiable appetite for trophies that United will still start firm favourites to win the competition for the third time.
“Alex will want to win the game make no mistake,” Redknapp said on Wednesday with half an eye on a UEFA Cup tie with Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday, a game which is proving a big distraction.
“Whoever he picks he’ll pick a strong team because he only knows one thing and that is he wants to win. That’s why he is the best in the business.
“So it’ll be a very, very hard game. It should be a terrific game, we’ve got good players and I think it will be a great spectacle.”
Complicating the issue for Redknapp, whose side have already been beaten by United in the FA Cup this season, is the fact that all five of the players he signed in the transfer window to revive the club’s season are not available.
Unlucky striker Jermain Defoe, who missed Tottenham’s 2-1 win in the final against Chelsea last year because he had joined Portsmouth and the FA Cup final because he was cup-tied, having played in the competition for Spurs, is out with a broken foot sustained soon after returning to White Hart Lane.
Striker and new club captain Robbie Keane, who played in last year’s final before his ill-fated transfer to Liverpool, is cup tied, as are goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, midfielder Wilson Palacios and Pascal Chimbonda, another player who returned to Spurs after joining Sunderland.
No wonder Redknapp has worn a hang dog expression all week, although the thought of leading the side out at Wembley restored his sense of humour. “I’ve got my suit ready to go,” he said. “They’ve all got their suits all the lads. I don’t know if they’ve got new suits, some of them have probably got them left over from last year. I wasn’t here last year so I’ve got my new suit.”
United arrive at the final on the back of 10 consecutive Premier League wins that have fired them seven points clear in the title race and an impressive display in 0-0 draw with Inter in the San Siro on Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Editing by Justin Palmer)
PREVIEW-Soccer-We are not dead yet, says Marseille coach Gerets
PARIS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Olympique Marseille, struggling to keep up with Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyon, refused to write off their title chances ahead of Sunday’s trip to Caen (1600).
Marseille, who travel to Dutch side Twente Enschede for a UEFA Cup last-32 second leg tie on Thursday, allowed Lyon to open a six-point gap over Paris St Germain at the top after labouring to a goalless draw against lowly Le Mans last weekend.
“It will not help to cry over this,” coach Eric Gerets told the club’s website (www.om.net). “We missed an opportunity but … it is not over.
“We are not dead yet. There was a time we were able to make forays into any defence. It has been a bit more difficult lately but it will come back.”
Third-placed Marseille can exert pressure on the leaders before Lyon’s home game against Stade Rennes, a team they have not beaten in the league at the Gerland stadium in the last three years, later on Sunday (2000).
INJURY LAYOFF
Gerets should be able to call on Senegal striker Mamadou Niang, who has recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
Second-placed PSG and Girondins Bordeaux, in fifth, also drew last weekend.
PSG host troubled Nancy on Sunday, the same day as Bordeaux entertain Lorient. Both teams also feature in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, at VfL Wolfsburg and Galatasaray respectively.
Brazilian defender Ceara said the league was PSG’s priority.
“Our first goal is the league and we will do whatever it takes to at least stay second,” he said.
Fourth-placed Toulouse travel to AJ Auxerre on Saturday when victory would lift them to second, four points adrift of Lyon.
Sixth-placed Lille, nine points off the pace, visit neighbours Valenciennes on Saturday
Marseille, who travel to Dutch side Twente Enschede for a UEFA Cup last-32 second leg tie on Thursday, allowed Lyon to open a six-point gap over Paris St Germain at the top after labouring to a goalless draw against lowly Le Mans last weekend.
“It will not help to cry over this,” coach Eric Gerets told the club’s website (www.om.net). “We missed an opportunity but … it is not over.
“We are not dead yet. There was a time we were able to make forays into any defence. It has been a bit more difficult lately but it will come back.”
Third-placed Marseille can exert pressure on the leaders before Lyon’s home game against Stade Rennes, a team they have not beaten in the league at the Gerland stadium in the last three years, later on Sunday (2000).
INJURY LAYOFF
Gerets should be able to call on Senegal striker Mamadou Niang, who has recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
Second-placed PSG and Girondins Bordeaux, in fifth, also drew last weekend.
PSG host troubled Nancy on Sunday, the same day as Bordeaux entertain Lorient. Both teams also feature in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, at VfL Wolfsburg and Galatasaray respectively.
Brazilian defender Ceara said the league was PSG’s priority.
“Our first goal is the league and we will do whatever it takes to at least stay second,” he said.
Fourth-placed Toulouse travel to AJ Auxerre on Saturday when victory would lift them to second, four points adrift of Lyon.
Sixth-placed Lille, nine points off the pace, visit neighbours Valenciennes on Saturday
PREVIEW-Soccer-Bayern’s Klinsmann pressed to win in Bremen
BERLIN, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich coach Juergen Klinsmann is under mounting pressure as the champions prepare to take on mid-table Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Bayern, who have suffered consecutive defeats, are down in fourth spot and stand four points behind leaders Hamburg SV.
Klinsmann, a successful former Germany coach who had never worked at club level before joining Bayern last year, has had to watch his team’s challenge falter in recent weeks.
After a shaky start to the season, Bayern caught up with the leaders following a successful run from October to December.
But since the winter break the champions have lost three out of four league matches and have shown no signs of the offensive creatLast week’s 2-1 home defeat by mid-table FC Cologne prompted Bayern chiefs Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness to lay down a marker for the coach.
“This is the first year of the Klinsmann era,” general manager Rummenigge said. “We have to meet our targets. We want to defend the championship… we will take stock in the summer.”
HIGH STANDARDS
Klinsmann said he was well aware of Bayern’s high standards and the side’s time at the top will come soon.
“We have a lot to do in the coming three months. Of course, I will be measured by this, that is clear,” he said this week. “Nothing has been lost yet, not even in the Bundesliga. Now we have to get a move on. We have to get points in Bremen.”
Bayern will have Italian striker Luca Toni back in the squad after he recovered from a minor foot injury but an inconsistent defence will have a tougher task against Bremen’s hungry attack.
Bremen, among the pre-season favourites to win the title, have slipped to 11th but have a potent strike force and are fourth in the scoring charts with 42 goals in 21 games.
However, they have not been firing on all cylinders in recent matches.
Thomas Schaaf’s team carved out 35 chances in a 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga two weeks ago and 31 in a 1-1 stalemate against visitors AC Milan in the UEFA Cup round of 32 last week.
Leaders Hamburg, on 42 points, host Wolfsburg, who have won three games in a row including last week’s 2-1 victory over third-placed Hertha Berlin.
Wolfsburg’s strikers Grafite and Edin Dzeko are on top form having scored 12 and 10 goals respectively.
Newcomers Hoffenheim, in second place with 40 points and ahead of Hertha on goal difference, visit Borussia Dortmund.
(Writing by Karolos Grohmann in Athens, Editing by Antonella Ciancio)
(kenneth.ferris@reuters.com; +44 20 7542 7933; Reuters messaging: kenneth.ferris.reuters.com@reuters.net; For the new Reuters sports blog Left Field go to: http://blogs.reuters.com/sport/))
Please double-click on the newslink:
[SOCC-LEN] for more soccerivity and defensive prowess displayed in the first stage.
Bayern, who have suffered consecutive defeats, are down in fourth spot and stand four points behind leaders Hamburg SV.
Klinsmann, a successful former Germany coach who had never worked at club level before joining Bayern last year, has had to watch his team’s challenge falter in recent weeks.
After a shaky start to the season, Bayern caught up with the leaders following a successful run from October to December.
But since the winter break the champions have lost three out of four league matches and have shown no signs of the offensive creatLast week’s 2-1 home defeat by mid-table FC Cologne prompted Bayern chiefs Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness to lay down a marker for the coach.
“This is the first year of the Klinsmann era,” general manager Rummenigge said. “We have to meet our targets. We want to defend the championship… we will take stock in the summer.”
HIGH STANDARDS
Klinsmann said he was well aware of Bayern’s high standards and the side’s time at the top will come soon.
“We have a lot to do in the coming three months. Of course, I will be measured by this, that is clear,” he said this week. “Nothing has been lost yet, not even in the Bundesliga. Now we have to get a move on. We have to get points in Bremen.”
Bayern will have Italian striker Luca Toni back in the squad after he recovered from a minor foot injury but an inconsistent defence will have a tougher task against Bremen’s hungry attack.
Bremen, among the pre-season favourites to win the title, have slipped to 11th but have a potent strike force and are fourth in the scoring charts with 42 goals in 21 games.
However, they have not been firing on all cylinders in recent matches.
Thomas Schaaf’s team carved out 35 chances in a 1-1 draw at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Bundesliga two weeks ago and 31 in a 1-1 stalemate against visitors AC Milan in the UEFA Cup round of 32 last week.
Leaders Hamburg, on 42 points, host Wolfsburg, who have won three games in a row including last week’s 2-1 victory over third-placed Hertha Berlin.
Wolfsburg’s strikers Grafite and Edin Dzeko are on top form having scored 12 and 10 goals respectively.
Newcomers Hoffenheim, in second place with 40 points and ahead of Hertha on goal difference, visit Borussia Dortmund.
(Writing by Karolos Grohmann in Athens, Editing by Antonella Ciancio)
(kenneth.ferris@reuters.com; +44 20 7542 7933; Reuters messaging: kenneth.ferris.reuters.com@reuters.net; For the new Reuters sports blog Left Field go to: http://blogs.reuters.com/sport/))
Please double-click on the newslink:
[SOCC-LEN] for more soccerivity and defensive prowess displayed in the first stage.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Inter teenager Santon proving class is ageless
ROME, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Inter Milan defender Davide Santon is out to keep proving that if you are good enough, you are old enough when the Serie A leaders entertain AS Roma on Sunday (1930).
The 18-year-old has produced assured performances since breaking into the first team in January and showed no stage fright when pitched against Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Tuesday’s goalless draw in the Champions League.
Coach Jose Mourinho has no doubts that the Inter academy product has a glowing future in front of him.
“I think it’s right to talk about Santon, who did fantastically in what was his first match in the Champions League,” Mourinho told reporters. “We can no longer say he is just a great talent, he is already a great player.”
That might seem a bit much for someone who has made just six Serie A starts, but Mourinho is not the only one raving about Santon. Italy coach Marcello Lippi went as far as to say that he reminded him of a young Paolo Maldini earlier this month.
The teenager’s pace and tidy work in defence have enabled him to push Brazilian left back Maxwell, a decent player himself, out of the champions’ starting line up.
His work coming forward has not been quite as impressive, but this may be because he is a right-footer playing on the left. The consistently excellent Maicon has proved hard to budge from right back.
Mourinho has praised Santon’s maturity and quiet professionalism, contrasting it with the attitude of fellow academy product Mario Balotelli, the striker who asked to be loaned out because of limited playing time.
“It’s easy for a coach to field an 18-year-old player, when the player is a man,” he said last month. “Off the field Santon is low profile, the opposite of what he is on it.
“Mario is a good lad, but some people want him to be high profile, and he’s not ready to be high profile, even less so off the field.”
Inter centre backs Marco Materazzi and Walter Samuel are likely to miss Sunday’s game at the San Siro with thigh and calf problems respectively.
Seventh-placed Roma were Inter’s main rivals for the title in the last two seasons but a terrible start means their ambitions are limited to securing a Champions League slot this term.
They have injury problems too, with Brazil centre back Juan and Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani unlikely to be fit.
Juventus, who trail Inter by nine points, welcome an out-of-sorts Napoli side to Turin on Saturday (1930).
AC Milan, who are two points further back in third, visit Sampdoria on Sunday (1400).
(Reporting by Paul Virgo, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
The 18-year-old has produced assured performances since breaking into the first team in January and showed no stage fright when pitched against Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Tuesday’s goalless draw in the Champions League.
Coach Jose Mourinho has no doubts that the Inter academy product has a glowing future in front of him.
“I think it’s right to talk about Santon, who did fantastically in what was his first match in the Champions League,” Mourinho told reporters. “We can no longer say he is just a great talent, he is already a great player.”
That might seem a bit much for someone who has made just six Serie A starts, but Mourinho is not the only one raving about Santon. Italy coach Marcello Lippi went as far as to say that he reminded him of a young Paolo Maldini earlier this month.
The teenager’s pace and tidy work in defence have enabled him to push Brazilian left back Maxwell, a decent player himself, out of the champions’ starting line up.
His work coming forward has not been quite as impressive, but this may be because he is a right-footer playing on the left. The consistently excellent Maicon has proved hard to budge from right back.
Mourinho has praised Santon’s maturity and quiet professionalism, contrasting it with the attitude of fellow academy product Mario Balotelli, the striker who asked to be loaned out because of limited playing time.
“It’s easy for a coach to field an 18-year-old player, when the player is a man,” he said last month. “Off the field Santon is low profile, the opposite of what he is on it.
“Mario is a good lad, but some people want him to be high profile, and he’s not ready to be high profile, even less so off the field.”
Inter centre backs Marco Materazzi and Walter Samuel are likely to miss Sunday’s game at the San Siro with thigh and calf problems respectively.
Seventh-placed Roma were Inter’s main rivals for the title in the last two seasons but a terrible start means their ambitions are limited to securing a Champions League slot this term.
They have injury problems too, with Brazil centre back Juan and Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani unlikely to be fit.
Juventus, who trail Inter by nine points, welcome an out-of-sorts Napoli side to Turin on Saturday (1930).
AC Milan, who are two points further back in third, visit Sampdoria on Sunday (1400).
(Reporting by Paul Virgo, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
PREVIEW-Soccer-Unpredictable Atletico to test Barca confidence
MADRID, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona’s creaking confidence has added new life to the Primera Liga title race and all eyes will be on the Calderon on Sunday when the leaders visit the unpredictable Atletico Madrid (1800 GMT).
A comeback draw away to Real Betis, a shock home defeat to city rivals Espanyol, and another comeback draw away to Olympique Lyon in the Champions League have shattered the illusion of Barca’s invincibility.
Their lead at the top has been cut from 12 points down to seven with chasing Real Madrid on a nine-match winning streak, and the belief is growing in the capital that they can overhaul their arch-rivals to snatch the title as they did in 2007.
Pep Guardiola’s team have already beaten Atletico three times this season, giving them a 6-1 league drubbing at the Nou Camp, and winning both legs of a King’s Cup last 16 tie.
Seventh-placed Atletico are hardly in the best of form with one win in 11 in all competitions since the turn of the year and were held at home by Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.
They are struggling to adapt to a change in tactics under new coach Abel Resino and there is growing media speculation that the out-of-form Sergio Aguero is unsettled.
The Argentina striker was substituted early in the second half against Porto to whistles of protest from the home fans, and to his obvious dismay.
“Taking Aguero off was not a good decision because he was playing a good game. He is a reference for us within the team and he should always be there,” Atletico midfielder Maniche told radio station Onda Cero afterwards.
REALITY CHECK
Atletico came from behind to beat Barca 4-2 at the Calderon in the league last season, however, and have a reputation for rising to the occasion against the Catalans when it best suits their city rivals Real Madrid.
The champions had a head of steam going before their Champions League meeting with Liverpool, but the 1-0 defeat at the Bernabeu as given them a sudden reality check.
On Saturday, they visit struggling Espanyol (2100) who received a massive lift with their abrasive 2-1 victory over Barca in the city derby.
“It was a turning point for us. We gave one of the best teams in Europe a lot of problems and now we need to do the same against Madrid. It is the way forward,” said striker Luis Garcia.
Third-placed Sevilla visit their King’s Cup semi-final opponents Athletic Bilbao on Saturday (1900). The Andalucians have a 2-1 first leg lead from last month, and can test the atmosphere at San Mames ahead of next week’s second leg.
(Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
A comeback draw away to Real Betis, a shock home defeat to city rivals Espanyol, and another comeback draw away to Olympique Lyon in the Champions League have shattered the illusion of Barca’s invincibility.
Their lead at the top has been cut from 12 points down to seven with chasing Real Madrid on a nine-match winning streak, and the belief is growing in the capital that they can overhaul their arch-rivals to snatch the title as they did in 2007.
Pep Guardiola’s team have already beaten Atletico three times this season, giving them a 6-1 league drubbing at the Nou Camp, and winning both legs of a King’s Cup last 16 tie.
Seventh-placed Atletico are hardly in the best of form with one win in 11 in all competitions since the turn of the year and were held at home by Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.
They are struggling to adapt to a change in tactics under new coach Abel Resino and there is growing media speculation that the out-of-form Sergio Aguero is unsettled.
The Argentina striker was substituted early in the second half against Porto to whistles of protest from the home fans, and to his obvious dismay.
“Taking Aguero off was not a good decision because he was playing a good game. He is a reference for us within the team and he should always be there,” Atletico midfielder Maniche told radio station Onda Cero afterwards.
REALITY CHECK
Atletico came from behind to beat Barca 4-2 at the Calderon in the league last season, however, and have a reputation for rising to the occasion against the Catalans when it best suits their city rivals Real Madrid.
The champions had a head of steam going before their Champions League meeting with Liverpool, but the 1-0 defeat at the Bernabeu as given them a sudden reality check.
On Saturday, they visit struggling Espanyol (2100) who received a massive lift with their abrasive 2-1 victory over Barca in the city derby.
“It was a turning point for us. We gave one of the best teams in Europe a lot of problems and now we need to do the same against Madrid. It is the way forward,” said striker Luis Garcia.
Third-placed Sevilla visit their King’s Cup semi-final opponents Athletic Bilbao on Saturday (1900). The Andalucians have a 2-1 first leg lead from last month, and can test the atmosphere at San Mames ahead of next week’s second leg.
(Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
PREVIEW-Soccer-Premier League season heads for familiar climax
LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - This has not been a classic Premier League season but the consolation for neutrals was supposed to be an end to the Big Four’s stranglehold and at least a couple of heroic survival stories from the newcomers.
With over two thirds of the season gone, a more familiar climax is looming and buoyed by midweek wins in the Champions League, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal can all strengthen their claims for top four places this weekend.
Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final on Sunday and Liverpool, who have not quite given up hope of catching them, have a chance to close to within four points when they play at Middlesbrough on Saturday (1500).
They will certainly be in good heart after seeing off Real Madrid 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, although Fernando Torres will be a doubt after he came off with an ankle injury.
“He twisted his ankle in the first half and we were waiting but we could see that he wasn’t fully fit and it would be a risk for the next games,” coach Rafa Benitez told reporters in Madrid.
Chelsea were also 1-0 winners at home to Juventus on Wednesday and they will be chasing a third victory from three under new coach Guus Hiddink when they host Wigan Athletic, also on Saturday (1500).
VILLA HUNT
With apologies to injury-ravaged Everton, fourth-placed Aston Villa are the one remaining hope for a shake-up in the established order.
Arsenal, in fifth, trail Villa by six points but after a 1-0 win over Roma in the Champions League, and with players returning from injury, Arsene Wenger’s team should be confident of staying in the hunt when they host Fulham on Saturday (1500).
Villa also have a comfortable looking game at home to Stoke on Sunday (1500).
Stoke are one of the three promoted clubs from last year and, perched one place above the relegation zone, their position is part of the other side of the season’s story.
West Bromwich Albion are bottom, while the third promoted side Hull City are in freefall, their early-season form a distant, if pleasant, memory.
A glance at the fixture list shows the Stoke match is one Villa need to win.
After facing Stoke they take on Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton in quick succession — a sequence that will test their Champions League credentials to the limit.
(Editing by Miles Evans)
With over two thirds of the season gone, a more familiar climax is looming and buoyed by midweek wins in the Champions League, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal can all strengthen their claims for top four places this weekend.
Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final on Sunday and Liverpool, who have not quite given up hope of catching them, have a chance to close to within four points when they play at Middlesbrough on Saturday (1500).
They will certainly be in good heart after seeing off Real Madrid 1-0 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, although Fernando Torres will be a doubt after he came off with an ankle injury.
“He twisted his ankle in the first half and we were waiting but we could see that he wasn’t fully fit and it would be a risk for the next games,” coach Rafa Benitez told reporters in Madrid.
Chelsea were also 1-0 winners at home to Juventus on Wednesday and they will be chasing a third victory from three under new coach Guus Hiddink when they host Wigan Athletic, also on Saturday (1500).
VILLA HUNT
With apologies to injury-ravaged Everton, fourth-placed Aston Villa are the one remaining hope for a shake-up in the established order.
Arsenal, in fifth, trail Villa by six points but after a 1-0 win over Roma in the Champions League, and with players returning from injury, Arsene Wenger’s team should be confident of staying in the hunt when they host Fulham on Saturday (1500).
Villa also have a comfortable looking game at home to Stoke on Sunday (1500).
Stoke are one of the three promoted clubs from last year and, perched one place above the relegation zone, their position is part of the other side of the season’s story.
West Bromwich Albion are bottom, while the third promoted side Hull City are in freefall, their early-season form a distant, if pleasant, memory.
A glance at the fixture list shows the Stoke match is one Villa need to win.
After facing Stoke they take on Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton in quick succession — a sequence that will test their Champions League credentials to the limit.
(Editing by Miles Evans)
The Full English: March Madness
Apparently trying to steal the thunder of NCAA basketball, the English Premier League has transformed the third month of 2009 (and every year, for that matter) into a spectacle of football fixtures that would make any fan or journalist or fanolist smile from ear to ear. This guy included.
There are 19 matches between this Saturday and next Saturday. Yes, you read that right, 19. This is exactly why I love this part of the season. The matches come sooner and sooner as the teams need to get their allotted 38 fixtures in before season’s end. It’s not like here in the States where the schedule is set almost a year ahead of time.
There is a guy at the head offices of the league playing puppet master with a huge white board in front of him, changing as he sees fit. What it usually comes down to is a huge schedule cluster…right around now.
We could see the title race wrapped up before Easter. Many people are saying it’s all finished now. I’m on the fence. But for those of you keeping track, Manchester United take on Liverpool during those 19 matches I just spoke about, and if the Red Devils take the full three points it’ll be job done. The other end of the table is a mystery and will remain that way until the last few weekends of the year.But here at “The Full English” it’s all about living in the now. Can’t get ahead of myself…or ourselves, I like including you guys in this. One weekend at a time and all that nonsense. Given the sheer volume of fixtures on the horizon I have been forced to look ahead a little bit and alter the schedule of TFE and “Fish & Chip Shots.” It will be as follows, unless there are some better suggestions…and “stop writing forever” won’t be taken into account:
Friday, February 27th: TFEMonday, March 2nd: TFEThursday, March 5th: Double Edition of FCSFriday, March 13th: TFE (with a sprinkling of FCS)
If you take a look at the EPL schedule for that time, it kind of makes sense. Just trying to break it up so you get your fill of my journalistic prowess, without having to go too hungry. I don’t want you to be without your not-so-subtle food references.
Anyway, let’s move on to this weekend. The only team in the top four not in action is league-leader Manchester United as they don’t play until Wednesday’s set of matches. What’s that mean? They have another game in hand. I’m a huge fan of the game in hand, particularly if I was in the position ManU is in. It allows you to realize what needs to be done before you even lace up your boots. Some say knowing is the hard part, but personally I want to know as much as I can before I take the field.
Given Sir Alex’s omission from the line-up, we’ll have to settle with a London-flavored clash, Guus’ second league match in charge and a battle of mid-table squanderers. Let’s get right to it.
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Arsenal v. Fulham (The Emirates, February 28th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
We all know that Arsenal’s biggest rival is Tottenham and that Fulham detest Chelsea. But anytime you get two clubs together who are separated by under 10 miles, it’s sure to be an exciting affair.
Fulham sit in 8th place on 33 points, while the Gunners are in relative no-man’s land alone in 5th with little chance of dropping, or climbing for that matter. Crooked Cesc Fabregas recently said that making the top four is the team’s priority at this point, and he’s right, it should be. There aren’t a great deal of other options open to them at the moment, and taking points from a spotty Fulham side will be essential if they want to catch Aston Villa.
As for the Cottagers, who are part of that huge mid-to-lower table mess, they are only five points from 16th place, somewhere they have no intention of being. It will be tough, however, as they have matches remaining against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea before the season ends. Roy Hodgson has done a marvelous job since taking over, but taking points here may be a bit much to ask.
In the prior meeting between the two, on the second week of the season, Fulham shocked Arsenal, taking a 1-0 victory at the Cottage. Repeating that at the Emirates will be a lot more difficult.TFE Prediction: Arsenal bring out the big guns here and stifle the low-scoring Cottages in a tight 2-1 match.
Chelsea v. Wigan (Stamford Bridge, February 28th, 9:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports Xtra)
So far, so good for Guus Hiddink. Two matches, two impressive and skeptics-convincing victories. Well done. I am a firm believer in the “new manager syndrome,” however, and don’t know how long it will last. He’s a great coach, don’t get me wrong, but some of the personalities on that squad are too big for the team, and it seems they may be rotting a bit from the inside, with Hiddink acting as a temporary varnish for the outwardly visible bits. We shall see, I suppose.
It’s been a bit of a boring time for Steve Bruce and co. lately, as Wigan haven’t scored a goal in three matches, and have only managed to net one in their last six matches. That’s got to change if they want to take anything away from Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which very few teams usually do.
Chelsea played very well against Juventus on Wednesday and I’m sure given the opponent this weekend, Hiddink will have his team play a very similar, attack-minded match. Wigan will be on their toes for most of the match, with captain and former Chelsea player Mario Melchiot having to shoulder a big portion of the pressure.
TFE Prediction: Chelsea are just too strong, and good old Guus will want to keep his strong start going. 2-0 Blues.
West Ham v. Manchester City (Upton Park, March 1st, 7:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
A noon kickoff for these two floundering teams. West Ham…much better team than last year, somewhat surprisingly. Manchester City…they should be a much much better team than last year, yet they aren’t.
I’m just waiting for one of them to make a push and play some consistent, dedicated football. Gio Zola has the Hammers in the right mind-set, and given the players he has, not to mention the finances, he’s done a bang up job. Mark Hughes can have pretty much the opposite said about him when you think about it.
The Citizens’ match against Liverpool was a big step. They played like a team, and deservedly took a point from the match. The question remains whether they can continue the remainder of the season.
TFE Prediction: My initial thought was West Ham in this one, but for some reason I see Manchester City putting together another solid performance, taking the match 2-1.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Salomon Kalou, Chelsea: There are a few things you don’t do when you’re a regular player at a club like Chelsea. You say nothing that is anti-Russian, you respect the Headhunters, and you most certainly don’t make it public knowledge that you long to be an Arsenal player. No matter which way you cut it, if you hear another manager may be interested in you, especially one who runs a cross-town rival, you just keep your mouth shut. English fans are a vicious bunch, and will not hesitate to turn your words against you. Rafa Benitez, Liverpool: The never-ending contract saga. Apparently the money isn’t the issue, it’s the control. You can’t put a price tag on that. He wants to have full autonomy in the transfer market, among other areas. My guess is a very exact compromise is made, which Rafa will grudgingly accept. Rafa is the right man for the job at Liverpool, and he has the backing of his biggest players (Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano). If he were to leave, it is conceivable that they follow him out the door.Manchester United: Did you see the first half of their match against Inter Milan?! They should have went into the dressing room up 3-0. They let Inter get back into the game in the second stanza and left San Siro after a tricky 0-0 tie. If Zlatan manages to slot one at Old Trafford, we could see the champs booted from the tournament in the early going.
The Dressing (as in What To Wear)
2005-2006 Chelsea Home - Frank Lampard #8
Yes, I said it…I own a Chelsea jersey. Two in fact, both Lampard. It’s a very nice shirt, as it was their kit during their centenary season. Sleek design, with a touch of gold at the shoulders, worthy of the champions they soon became.
Did that sound forced? It should have.
Leicester Update:
Manchester United had their a little streak going recently with all those clean sheets. My Foxes have their own, as they haven’t lost a league match since October, some 20 matches ago. Not too shabby. Up next is second place MK Dons. We beat them 2-0 on opening day back in August and a result similar on Saturday would practically put the trophy in our hands. I’ll be there in spirit.
And Finally…The Black Pudding of the Week:
Eric Cantona, Manchester United: For an unprecedented second straight week, Eric The King takes the Black Pudding. I’m not getting old, or even uninterested, but Cantona deserves his second straight week as the BP here at the Full English. The reason for it is quite simple: As if we were linked telepathically, Cantona came out earlier in the week and stated that he’d manage no other team but the Red Devils. My mention of him in the media goaded him to come out and speak on his desire to manage his illustrious former club. Hey, a guy can dream right. Long live the King!
There are 19 matches between this Saturday and next Saturday. Yes, you read that right, 19. This is exactly why I love this part of the season. The matches come sooner and sooner as the teams need to get their allotted 38 fixtures in before season’s end. It’s not like here in the States where the schedule is set almost a year ahead of time.
There is a guy at the head offices of the league playing puppet master with a huge white board in front of him, changing as he sees fit. What it usually comes down to is a huge schedule cluster…right around now.
We could see the title race wrapped up before Easter. Many people are saying it’s all finished now. I’m on the fence. But for those of you keeping track, Manchester United take on Liverpool during those 19 matches I just spoke about, and if the Red Devils take the full three points it’ll be job done. The other end of the table is a mystery and will remain that way until the last few weekends of the year.But here at “The Full English” it’s all about living in the now. Can’t get ahead of myself…or ourselves, I like including you guys in this. One weekend at a time and all that nonsense. Given the sheer volume of fixtures on the horizon I have been forced to look ahead a little bit and alter the schedule of TFE and “Fish & Chip Shots.” It will be as follows, unless there are some better suggestions…and “stop writing forever” won’t be taken into account:
Friday, February 27th: TFEMonday, March 2nd: TFEThursday, March 5th: Double Edition of FCSFriday, March 13th: TFE (with a sprinkling of FCS)
If you take a look at the EPL schedule for that time, it kind of makes sense. Just trying to break it up so you get your fill of my journalistic prowess, without having to go too hungry. I don’t want you to be without your not-so-subtle food references.
Anyway, let’s move on to this weekend. The only team in the top four not in action is league-leader Manchester United as they don’t play until Wednesday’s set of matches. What’s that mean? They have another game in hand. I’m a huge fan of the game in hand, particularly if I was in the position ManU is in. It allows you to realize what needs to be done before you even lace up your boots. Some say knowing is the hard part, but personally I want to know as much as I can before I take the field.
Given Sir Alex’s omission from the line-up, we’ll have to settle with a London-flavored clash, Guus’ second league match in charge and a battle of mid-table squanderers. Let’s get right to it.
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Arsenal v. Fulham (The Emirates, February 28th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
We all know that Arsenal’s biggest rival is Tottenham and that Fulham detest Chelsea. But anytime you get two clubs together who are separated by under 10 miles, it’s sure to be an exciting affair.
Fulham sit in 8th place on 33 points, while the Gunners are in relative no-man’s land alone in 5th with little chance of dropping, or climbing for that matter. Crooked Cesc Fabregas recently said that making the top four is the team’s priority at this point, and he’s right, it should be. There aren’t a great deal of other options open to them at the moment, and taking points from a spotty Fulham side will be essential if they want to catch Aston Villa.
As for the Cottagers, who are part of that huge mid-to-lower table mess, they are only five points from 16th place, somewhere they have no intention of being. It will be tough, however, as they have matches remaining against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea before the season ends. Roy Hodgson has done a marvelous job since taking over, but taking points here may be a bit much to ask.
In the prior meeting between the two, on the second week of the season, Fulham shocked Arsenal, taking a 1-0 victory at the Cottage. Repeating that at the Emirates will be a lot more difficult.TFE Prediction: Arsenal bring out the big guns here and stifle the low-scoring Cottages in a tight 2-1 match.
Chelsea v. Wigan (Stamford Bridge, February 28th, 9:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports Xtra)
So far, so good for Guus Hiddink. Two matches, two impressive and skeptics-convincing victories. Well done. I am a firm believer in the “new manager syndrome,” however, and don’t know how long it will last. He’s a great coach, don’t get me wrong, but some of the personalities on that squad are too big for the team, and it seems they may be rotting a bit from the inside, with Hiddink acting as a temporary varnish for the outwardly visible bits. We shall see, I suppose.
It’s been a bit of a boring time for Steve Bruce and co. lately, as Wigan haven’t scored a goal in three matches, and have only managed to net one in their last six matches. That’s got to change if they want to take anything away from Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which very few teams usually do.
Chelsea played very well against Juventus on Wednesday and I’m sure given the opponent this weekend, Hiddink will have his team play a very similar, attack-minded match. Wigan will be on their toes for most of the match, with captain and former Chelsea player Mario Melchiot having to shoulder a big portion of the pressure.
TFE Prediction: Chelsea are just too strong, and good old Guus will want to keep his strong start going. 2-0 Blues.
West Ham v. Manchester City (Upton Park, March 1st, 7:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
A noon kickoff for these two floundering teams. West Ham…much better team than last year, somewhat surprisingly. Manchester City…they should be a much much better team than last year, yet they aren’t.
I’m just waiting for one of them to make a push and play some consistent, dedicated football. Gio Zola has the Hammers in the right mind-set, and given the players he has, not to mention the finances, he’s done a bang up job. Mark Hughes can have pretty much the opposite said about him when you think about it.
The Citizens’ match against Liverpool was a big step. They played like a team, and deservedly took a point from the match. The question remains whether they can continue the remainder of the season.
TFE Prediction: My initial thought was West Ham in this one, but for some reason I see Manchester City putting together another solid performance, taking the match 2-1.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Salomon Kalou, Chelsea: There are a few things you don’t do when you’re a regular player at a club like Chelsea. You say nothing that is anti-Russian, you respect the Headhunters, and you most certainly don’t make it public knowledge that you long to be an Arsenal player. No matter which way you cut it, if you hear another manager may be interested in you, especially one who runs a cross-town rival, you just keep your mouth shut. English fans are a vicious bunch, and will not hesitate to turn your words against you. Rafa Benitez, Liverpool: The never-ending contract saga. Apparently the money isn’t the issue, it’s the control. You can’t put a price tag on that. He wants to have full autonomy in the transfer market, among other areas. My guess is a very exact compromise is made, which Rafa will grudgingly accept. Rafa is the right man for the job at Liverpool, and he has the backing of his biggest players (Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano). If he were to leave, it is conceivable that they follow him out the door.Manchester United: Did you see the first half of their match against Inter Milan?! They should have went into the dressing room up 3-0. They let Inter get back into the game in the second stanza and left San Siro after a tricky 0-0 tie. If Zlatan manages to slot one at Old Trafford, we could see the champs booted from the tournament in the early going.
The Dressing (as in What To Wear)
2005-2006 Chelsea Home - Frank Lampard #8
Yes, I said it…I own a Chelsea jersey. Two in fact, both Lampard. It’s a very nice shirt, as it was their kit during their centenary season. Sleek design, with a touch of gold at the shoulders, worthy of the champions they soon became.
Did that sound forced? It should have.
Leicester Update:
Manchester United had their a little streak going recently with all those clean sheets. My Foxes have their own, as they haven’t lost a league match since October, some 20 matches ago. Not too shabby. Up next is second place MK Dons. We beat them 2-0 on opening day back in August and a result similar on Saturday would practically put the trophy in our hands. I’ll be there in spirit.
And Finally…The Black Pudding of the Week:
Eric Cantona, Manchester United: For an unprecedented second straight week, Eric The King takes the Black Pudding. I’m not getting old, or even uninterested, but Cantona deserves his second straight week as the BP here at the Full English. The reason for it is quite simple: As if we were linked telepathically, Cantona came out earlier in the week and stated that he’d manage no other team but the Red Devils. My mention of him in the media goaded him to come out and speak on his desire to manage his illustrious former club. Hey, a guy can dream right. Long live the King!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Murray cruises, Djokovic struggles into Dubai quarters
DUBAI, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Britain’s Andy Murray roared into the quarter-finals of the Dubai Championships with a comfortable 6-2 6-3 win over Arnaud Clement of France on Wednesday, but top seed Novak Djokovic was made to toil for his place.
Second seed Murray broke to love to lead 2-1, and then held off two break points with aces at 3-2 before breaking again to lead 5-2.
An early break for 2-1 when Clement netted a backhand quickly gave him the advantage in the second set, and he broke again for the match with a forehand winner.
“I served very well in comparison to my last match,” Murray told reporters. “I was pushing out much better for my serve.
“I managed to dictate the match with my serve. I didn’t give him many chances after my first couple of service games, and I obviously managed to get into a lot of his service games and put a bit of pressure on him, and he made some mistakes.”
Murray will now face another Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, who needed over three hours to overcome Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-7 6-3 7-6.
Djokovic took more than two hours to defeat Czech Jan Hernych 6-3 3-6 6-4.
The Serbian world number three was never able to dominate an opponent who rallied well and played more consistently.
After a single break decided each of the first two sets, Hernych broke to lead 2-1 in the third. But Djokovic immediately leveled at 2-2, and broke again in the final game with a forehand volley down the line.
“I played well in the first set and had a couple of break points at the start of the second, and suddenly I started breaking up,” said Djokovic.
“I was too defensive, I had a lot of ups and downs and allowed him to come back into the match. But it’s important, matches where you don’t play well or you don’t feel well on the court, but you win. That is what matters.”
French third seed Gilles Simon took just 53 minutes to crush Russia’s Teimuraz Gabashvili 6-1 6-2, and fourth-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer also progressed smoothly with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Fifth seed Croatian Marin Cilic lined up a clash with Djokovic by edging Julien Benneteau of France 6-3 4-6 7-5, and sixth seed Igor Andreev defeated Dmitry Tursunov 5-7 6-4 6-3 in an all-Russian clash.
(Editing by Miles Evans)
Second seed Murray broke to love to lead 2-1, and then held off two break points with aces at 3-2 before breaking again to lead 5-2.
An early break for 2-1 when Clement netted a backhand quickly gave him the advantage in the second set, and he broke again for the match with a forehand winner.
“I served very well in comparison to my last match,” Murray told reporters. “I was pushing out much better for my serve.
“I managed to dictate the match with my serve. I didn’t give him many chances after my first couple of service games, and I obviously managed to get into a lot of his service games and put a bit of pressure on him, and he made some mistakes.”
Murray will now face another Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, who needed over three hours to overcome Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-7 6-3 7-6.
Djokovic took more than two hours to defeat Czech Jan Hernych 6-3 3-6 6-4.
The Serbian world number three was never able to dominate an opponent who rallied well and played more consistently.
After a single break decided each of the first two sets, Hernych broke to lead 2-1 in the third. But Djokovic immediately leveled at 2-2, and broke again in the final game with a forehand volley down the line.
“I played well in the first set and had a couple of break points at the start of the second, and suddenly I started breaking up,” said Djokovic.
“I was too defensive, I had a lot of ups and downs and allowed him to come back into the match. But it’s important, matches where you don’t play well or you don’t feel well on the court, but you win. That is what matters.”
French third seed Gilles Simon took just 53 minutes to crush Russia’s Teimuraz Gabashvili 6-1 6-2, and fourth-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer also progressed smoothly with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Fifth seed Croatian Marin Cilic lined up a clash with Djokovic by edging Julien Benneteau of France 6-3 4-6 7-5, and sixth seed Igor Andreev defeated Dmitry Tursunov 5-7 6-4 6-3 in an all-Russian clash.
(Editing by Miles Evans)
Nalbandian stunned by unseeded Koellerer in Acapulco
ACAPULCO, Mexico, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Top seed David Nalbandian was knocked out of the first round of the Acapulco Open late on Tuesday, losing 1-6 6-3 6-4 to unseeded Austrian Daniel Koellerer.
Nalbandian swept through the first set in 31 minutes but fell to pieces after that, producing a string of unforced errors as 116th ranked Koellerer charged into the second round.
“It’s the biggest win of my career, I can’t believe it’s happened,” Koellerer told ESPN television.
“I’m going to celebrate but I’m also going to talk to my coach to see where I went wrong in the first set.”
World number 12 Nalbandian also suffered a shock defeat to fellow Argentine Juan Monaco in the semi-finals of the Buenos Aires Open on Saturday.
(Reporting by Carlos Calvo, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
Nalbandian swept through the first set in 31 minutes but fell to pieces after that, producing a string of unforced errors as 116th ranked Koellerer charged into the second round.
“It’s the biggest win of my career, I can’t believe it’s happened,” Koellerer told ESPN television.
“I’m going to celebrate but I’m also going to talk to my coach to see where I went wrong in the first set.”
World number 12 Nalbandian also suffered a shock defeat to fellow Argentine Juan Monaco in the semi-finals of the Buenos Aires Open on Saturday.
(Reporting by Carlos Calvo, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
Williams survives at Acapulco, bests Arn
ACAPULCO, MEXICO (TICKER) —Venus Williams received all she could handle from Hungarian qualifier Greta Arn on Wednesday.
The top-seeded American survived her second-round matchup at the Abierto Mexicano TELCEL tournament, pulling out a 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory over Arn.
The worn-down Williams, who came into this $220,000 red clay event fresh off winning her 40th career title last weekend in Dubai, needed two hours and 43 minutes to dispose of Arn.
It was the second consecutive marathon-like match for Williams, who battled for nearly 2 1/2 hours before edging Spaniard Nuria Llagostera in the first round.
Williams was forced to grind it out in all three sets in this one, saving 9-of-12 break points that she faced. The world No. 5 and seven-time Grand Slam champion also relied on her powerful serve, blasting six aces.
The 160th-ranked player, Arn put up quite a fight. She remained competitive by winning 53 percent (21-of-40) of her second-return points.
Williams advanced to the quarterfinals to meet another Hungarian - lucky loser Agnes Szavay, who defeated Roberta Vinci, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Williams is the only seeded player left on her side of the draw following the second-round upsets of No. 3 Carla Suarez-Navarro of Spain and No. 5 Gisela Dulko of Argentina.
The seventh-seeded Italian Tathiana Garbin withdrew from the event with an abdominal strain and eighth seed Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain was upset by Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, in the second round.
Cetkovska will now face No. 2 Flavia Pennetta, who cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier on Wednesday. The Italian collected two aces and overcame committing four double faults.
Along with Williams and Pennetta, Iveta Benesova is the only seeded player remaining in the tournament. The fourth-seeded Czech recorded a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) win over compatriot Klara Zakopalova.
Benesova will now take on Frenchwoman Mathilde Johansson, who advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to Garbin’s withdrawal.
First prize is $37,000.
The top-seeded American survived her second-round matchup at the Abierto Mexicano TELCEL tournament, pulling out a 6-3, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 victory over Arn.
The worn-down Williams, who came into this $220,000 red clay event fresh off winning her 40th career title last weekend in Dubai, needed two hours and 43 minutes to dispose of Arn.
It was the second consecutive marathon-like match for Williams, who battled for nearly 2 1/2 hours before edging Spaniard Nuria Llagostera in the first round.
Williams was forced to grind it out in all three sets in this one, saving 9-of-12 break points that she faced. The world No. 5 and seven-time Grand Slam champion also relied on her powerful serve, blasting six aces.
The 160th-ranked player, Arn put up quite a fight. She remained competitive by winning 53 percent (21-of-40) of her second-return points.
Williams advanced to the quarterfinals to meet another Hungarian - lucky loser Agnes Szavay, who defeated Roberta Vinci, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Williams is the only seeded player left on her side of the draw following the second-round upsets of No. 3 Carla Suarez-Navarro of Spain and No. 5 Gisela Dulko of Argentina.
The seventh-seeded Italian Tathiana Garbin withdrew from the event with an abdominal strain and eighth seed Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain was upset by Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, in the second round.
Cetkovska will now face No. 2 Flavia Pennetta, who cruised to a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier on Wednesday. The Italian collected two aces and overcame committing four double faults.
Along with Williams and Pennetta, Iveta Benesova is the only seeded player remaining in the tournament. The fourth-seeded Czech recorded a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) win over compatriot Klara Zakopalova.
Benesova will now take on Frenchwoman Mathilde Johansson, who advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to Garbin’s withdrawal.
First prize is $37,000.
Martin O'Neill Defends Aston Villa's UEFA Cup Selection
ston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has today provided an explanation to justify his somewhat controversial decision toleave almost his entuire first-choice side at home for the second leg of the Villans' UEFA Cup tie at CSKA Moscow tomorrow night.
A fairly formidable list of names will be left behind in Birmingham, with Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Brad Friedel, James Milner, Carlos Cuellar, Stiliyan Petrov, Emile Heskey and Nigel Reo-Coker all missing out on the long trip to Eastern Europe.
With Villa now looking a lot likelier to hang on to a Champions League qualification spot than they did earlier in the season, priorities have changed for O'Neill, whose men worked hard to get in to the competition via the medium of the Inter-Toto Cup and its summer fixtures.
"Although it was a difficult decision, we have to trust the players who are going," the Irishman told The Birmingham Mail earlier.
"I think it's a great opportunity for some of the younger lads in the side, which is terrific. We're not going to be defeatist. We are going there to try and get through.
"But we've just had three games in six days and we looked a bit leggy to begin with against Chelsea. We need the players to try and stay as fresh as we possibly can, so that was the decision we made."
Villa's recent supreme form has faltered in the last week and a half, with the West Midlanders being dumped out of the FA Cup by Everton, before drawing at home with CSKA and then losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Villa Park on Saturday. With plenty of challenging tests ahead, O'Neill wants to keep his powder dry for the Premier League.
"We come back to Stoke on Sunday and are at it again on Wednesday night [against Manchester City], and that was going to be hard," he added.
"It's a pretty hectic schedule, and it was a difficult call. But the chairman has entrusted me with the decisions, and I believe what we're doing is for the well being of the football club."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
A fairly formidable list of names will be left behind in Birmingham, with Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Brad Friedel, James Milner, Carlos Cuellar, Stiliyan Petrov, Emile Heskey and Nigel Reo-Coker all missing out on the long trip to Eastern Europe.
With Villa now looking a lot likelier to hang on to a Champions League qualification spot than they did earlier in the season, priorities have changed for O'Neill, whose men worked hard to get in to the competition via the medium of the Inter-Toto Cup and its summer fixtures.
"Although it was a difficult decision, we have to trust the players who are going," the Irishman told The Birmingham Mail earlier.
"I think it's a great opportunity for some of the younger lads in the side, which is terrific. We're not going to be defeatist. We are going there to try and get through.
"But we've just had three games in six days and we looked a bit leggy to begin with against Chelsea. We need the players to try and stay as fresh as we possibly can, so that was the decision we made."
Villa's recent supreme form has faltered in the last week and a half, with the West Midlanders being dumped out of the FA Cup by Everton, before drawing at home with CSKA and then losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Villa Park on Saturday. With plenty of challenging tests ahead, O'Neill wants to keep his powder dry for the Premier League.
"We come back to Stoke on Sunday and are at it again on Wednesday night [against Manchester City], and that was going to be hard," he added.
"It's a pretty hectic schedule, and it was a difficult call. But the chairman has entrusted me with the decisions, and I believe what we're doing is for the well being of the football club."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Villa leave stars out of Russia trip
BIRMINGHAM (AFP) - Aston Villa will leave all their big name players at home when they travel to Russia for their UEFA Cup second round, second leg clash with CSKA Moscow on Thursday.
Manager Martin O'Neill confirmed on Tuesday that stand-in captain Gareth Barry, first-choice goalkeeper Brad Friedel, Emile Heskey, James Milner, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlos Cuellar and Stiliyan Petrov would all be spared the trip.
Villa face a struggle to reach the last 16 after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week and O'Neill believes the club's fight for a top four finish in the Premier League must take priority over the UEFA Cup campaign.
Villa are currently fourth in the league with a six-point advantage over Arsenal in the battle for the final qualifying spot for next season's Champions League.
O'Neill's squad started the year in impressive form but have shown signs of weariness of late however with the draw with CSKA sandwiched by defeats to Everton, in the FA Cup, and Chelsea, in the league.
"We want to keep momentum going in the Premier League - an opinion I am sure Villa fans would echo," O'Neill said. "But we don't really have the size of squad that Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal can call on. That's not being defeatist - that's just being realistic."
The Villa boss added: "It seems strange I know but had we been seventh, eighth or ninth, let's say, in the table, it would have been a different outlook.
"Chasing a top-four spot, though, to get you a place in the Champions League, is everything."
Manager Martin O'Neill confirmed on Tuesday that stand-in captain Gareth Barry, first-choice goalkeeper Brad Friedel, Emile Heskey, James Milner, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlos Cuellar and Stiliyan Petrov would all be spared the trip.
Villa face a struggle to reach the last 16 after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week and O'Neill believes the club's fight for a top four finish in the Premier League must take priority over the UEFA Cup campaign.
Villa are currently fourth in the league with a six-point advantage over Arsenal in the battle for the final qualifying spot for next season's Champions League.
O'Neill's squad started the year in impressive form but have shown signs of weariness of late however with the draw with CSKA sandwiched by defeats to Everton, in the FA Cup, and Chelsea, in the league.
"We want to keep momentum going in the Premier League - an opinion I am sure Villa fans would echo," O'Neill said. "But we don't really have the size of squad that Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal can call on. That's not being defeatist - that's just being realistic."
The Villa boss added: "It seems strange I know but had we been seventh, eighth or ninth, let's say, in the table, it would have been a different outlook.
"Chasing a top-four spot, though, to get you a place in the Champions League, is everything."
One goal will win it for us, warns Wenger
LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger has warned Roma that Arsenal only need one goal to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Wenger's side will travel to Rome for the last 16 second leg clash on March 11 with a slender advantage after Robin van Persie's first half penalty clinched a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Following three consecutive goalless draws in the Premier League this was the sort of poised, passionate performance that Wenger has been waiting for from his team of precocious talents.
Even without Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Eduardo, Emmanuel Adebayor and Andrei Arshavin, they still stretched Roma's defence time and again.
The only flaw was their failure to add to van Persie's 37th minute spot-kick, awarded for a Philippe Mexes foul on the Dutch striker.Nicklas Bendtner was guilty of two glaring misses and Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue will also feel they should at least have hit the target with chances that came their way.
But the Gunners manager took heart from the way his team dominated for long periods and he believes their vibrant display proved they are more than capable of scoring the vital away goal at the Stadio Olympico that would tip the tie in their favour.
"It puts us in a position where we know we need to attack over there. If we score once that should be enough," Wenger said.
"You never know what a good result is in the European Cup but our pace gave them problems in the first half and in the first 20 minutes of the second half we had one chance after another.
"Of course there was room to score more but one of the positives is we didn't concede a goal.
"The next game will be an interesting one because they will throw much more forward."
Wenger's only concern is that his squad - already stretched to breaking point by injuries to Fabregas and company - could be hit by further problems before the trip to Italy.
Abou Diaby limped off in the second half with a recurrence of a calf injury and Arsenal still have league games against Fulham and West Bromwich Albion, as well as an FA Cup clash with Burnley in the next 10 days.
"We have three more games between this tie and the second leg. At the speed we lose players it can be a difficulty for us," Wenger said.
"I am scared that we lost Diaby because he has a calf problem. Will anybody we back? We don't know. Could be Adebayor, maybe Eduardo but we are short in midfield at the moment."
The least Wenger should be able to expect in Rome is to see his team begin the match with 11 men on the pitch.
In an embarrassing start to the second half on Tuesday, Arsenal kicked off with nine men after William Gallas and Kolo Toure were late returning to the field.
Both were back in action within seconds of the restart but that wasn't quick enough to stop Danish referee Claus Bo Larsen booking Toure for his tardiness.
Wenger claimed the mistake was due to the Ivorian's desire to be the last player out of the dressing room.
"It's explainable by the fact that Kolo always goes out last. He waited for William but didn't know William had treatment," Wenger said.
"He didn't know the game had started without them. He was putting on his boots.
"I don't know if it is superstition. It is our fault. You have to be ready when the bell rings."
Although Roma were out-classed for much of the match, their manager Luciano Spalletti knows they are a different animal in their own environment.
The Italians have already beaten Chelsea at home this season and Spalletti expects a far more impressive effort from his team.
"I feel confident to say we have the same chances as Arsenal, maybe 49 percent for us and 51 for Arsenal because they have the goal," he said.
"But we can create chances and I'm sure it will be a completely different game in the second leg.
"I think the result is quite good considering the different between the teams in the first half.
"We should be completely different in everything compared to what we showed here."
Wenger's side will travel to Rome for the last 16 second leg clash on March 11 with a slender advantage after Robin van Persie's first half penalty clinched a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Following three consecutive goalless draws in the Premier League this was the sort of poised, passionate performance that Wenger has been waiting for from his team of precocious talents.
Even without Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Eduardo, Emmanuel Adebayor and Andrei Arshavin, they still stretched Roma's defence time and again.
The only flaw was their failure to add to van Persie's 37th minute spot-kick, awarded for a Philippe Mexes foul on the Dutch striker.Nicklas Bendtner was guilty of two glaring misses and Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue will also feel they should at least have hit the target with chances that came their way.
But the Gunners manager took heart from the way his team dominated for long periods and he believes their vibrant display proved they are more than capable of scoring the vital away goal at the Stadio Olympico that would tip the tie in their favour.
"It puts us in a position where we know we need to attack over there. If we score once that should be enough," Wenger said.
"You never know what a good result is in the European Cup but our pace gave them problems in the first half and in the first 20 minutes of the second half we had one chance after another.
"Of course there was room to score more but one of the positives is we didn't concede a goal.
"The next game will be an interesting one because they will throw much more forward."
Wenger's only concern is that his squad - already stretched to breaking point by injuries to Fabregas and company - could be hit by further problems before the trip to Italy.
Abou Diaby limped off in the second half with a recurrence of a calf injury and Arsenal still have league games against Fulham and West Bromwich Albion, as well as an FA Cup clash with Burnley in the next 10 days.
"We have three more games between this tie and the second leg. At the speed we lose players it can be a difficulty for us," Wenger said.
"I am scared that we lost Diaby because he has a calf problem. Will anybody we back? We don't know. Could be Adebayor, maybe Eduardo but we are short in midfield at the moment."
The least Wenger should be able to expect in Rome is to see his team begin the match with 11 men on the pitch.
In an embarrassing start to the second half on Tuesday, Arsenal kicked off with nine men after William Gallas and Kolo Toure were late returning to the field.
Both were back in action within seconds of the restart but that wasn't quick enough to stop Danish referee Claus Bo Larsen booking Toure for his tardiness.
Wenger claimed the mistake was due to the Ivorian's desire to be the last player out of the dressing room.
"It's explainable by the fact that Kolo always goes out last. He waited for William but didn't know William had treatment," Wenger said.
"He didn't know the game had started without them. He was putting on his boots.
"I don't know if it is superstition. It is our fault. You have to be ready when the bell rings."
Although Roma were out-classed for much of the match, their manager Luciano Spalletti knows they are a different animal in their own environment.
The Italians have already beaten Chelsea at home this season and Spalletti expects a far more impressive effort from his team.
"I feel confident to say we have the same chances as Arsenal, maybe 49 percent for us and 51 for Arsenal because they have the goal," he said.
"But we can create chances and I'm sure it will be a completely different game in the second leg.
"I think the result is quite good considering the different between the teams in the first half.
"We should be completely different in everything compared to what we showed here."
Ferguson frustrated not to score after dominating Inter
MILAN, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson was confident his side would progress despite being disappointed not to have grabbed an away goal in Tuesday’s 0-0 Champions League draw at Inter Milan.
The holders had several chances in the last 16 first-leg match at the San Siro, making Serie A leaders Inter look very ordinary in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov had the bulk of the opportunities but a combination of good goalkeeping from Julio Cesar and some slightly wayward finishing cost United ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on March 11.
“I think there is obviously a disappointment we have not won the game, that’s for sure, but in a two leg game, with the second leg at Old Trafford and with our record there, we have a good chance,” Ferguson told a news conference.
“What I think you are seeing in the team is a maturity, yes there’s always a threat you lose a goal at home… but that’s the beauty of European football.”
Ferguson said he had left Wayne Rooney on the bench because the striker has only just come back from injury and he wanted the tall Berbatov in the team to counteract Inter’s threat from set pieces.
He added that he would be making seven changes to the team for Sunday’s League Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur.
Mourinho, who has a good record against Ferguson from his days as Porto and Chelsea coach, was unhappy with the performance of referee Luis Medina Cantalejo after the Spanish official turned down Adriano’s penalty appeal.
“If we have a referee that gives the same protection to the away team (at Old Trafford), we will go into the quarter-final,” said the Portuguese, who was nonetheless happy with the result given that an away goal in Manchester will put Inter in charge.
“Obviously the team that plays the second leg at home is happy. But for us it is an important result. We have to score as soon as possible (at Old Trafford). That is the target.”
Mourinho exited the dugout at the end without greeting Ferguson, but the Inter coach said it was not a snub and he had left an expensive bottle of wine at Ferguson’s hotel.
“We are friends, he knows I will see him after the second game,” Mourinho said.
(Editing by Justin Palmer)
The holders had several chances in the last 16 first-leg match at the San Siro, making Serie A leaders Inter look very ordinary in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov had the bulk of the opportunities but a combination of good goalkeeping from Julio Cesar and some slightly wayward finishing cost United ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on March 11.
“I think there is obviously a disappointment we have not won the game, that’s for sure, but in a two leg game, with the second leg at Old Trafford and with our record there, we have a good chance,” Ferguson told a news conference.
“What I think you are seeing in the team is a maturity, yes there’s always a threat you lose a goal at home… but that’s the beauty of European football.”
Ferguson said he had left Wayne Rooney on the bench because the striker has only just come back from injury and he wanted the tall Berbatov in the team to counteract Inter’s threat from set pieces.
He added that he would be making seven changes to the team for Sunday’s League Cup final with Tottenham Hotspur.
Mourinho, who has a good record against Ferguson from his days as Porto and Chelsea coach, was unhappy with the performance of referee Luis Medina Cantalejo after the Spanish official turned down Adriano’s penalty appeal.
“If we have a referee that gives the same protection to the away team (at Old Trafford), we will go into the quarter-final,” said the Portuguese, who was nonetheless happy with the result given that an away goal in Manchester will put Inter in charge.
“Obviously the team that plays the second leg at home is happy. But for us it is an important result. We have to score as soon as possible (at Old Trafford). That is the target.”
Mourinho exited the dugout at the end without greeting Ferguson, but the Inter coach said it was not a snub and he had left an expensive bottle of wine at Ferguson’s hotel.
“We are friends, he knows I will see him after the second game,” Mourinho said.
(Editing by Justin Palmer)
Ribery inspires Bayern to 5-0 rout of Sporting
LISBON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich took a big step towards a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League as Franck Ribery inspired them to a 5-0 thrashing of Sporting in the first leg of their last 16 tie in Portugal on Wednesday.
Bayern came into the match following a home defeat against Cologne in the Bundesliga, but were a team transformed here, scoring goals from almost all of their chances.
“The result is positive for us as it opens the road to the quarter-finals,” Bayern manager Jurgen Klinnsmann said.
“It is positive, especially since the last games did not go that well for us, but we cannot become overly enthusiastic and must prepare calmly for the match on Sunday against Werder Bremen,” he added.
Sporting made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, but will not recall this baptism fondly.
“The feeling is one of frustration. It’s not normal to lose with this type of result in this phase of the Champions League” said Sporting manager Paulo Bento.
He added that Sporting had been the better team in the first half, but became “disorganised in the second half and let the more experienced and mature Bayern take control of the game”.
The Portuguese team created the first chance of the match after 11 minutes with Anderson Polga’s shot cleared off the line by Martin Demichelis, but Bayern responded moments later with Ribery shooting wide.
The Frenchman did not waste his next chance, stealing the ball in Bayern’s half, beating three defenders and scoring from inside the Sporting box on 42 minutes.
Sporting were unable to put Bayern under pressure at the start of the second half, and Miroslav Klose doubled the lead on 57 minutes from an assist by Luca Toni.
Ribery scored his second goal on 63 minutes, converting a penalty after a foul by Fabio Rochemback on Philipp Lahm, and and was also involved in Bayern’s fourth, crossing from the left wing for Toni to head in.
The Italian completed the scoring in the 90th minute from close range after some poor defending by Sporting.
(Reporting by Shrikesh Laxmidas; editing by Miles Evans)
Bayern came into the match following a home defeat against Cologne in the Bundesliga, but were a team transformed here, scoring goals from almost all of their chances.
“The result is positive for us as it opens the road to the quarter-finals,” Bayern manager Jurgen Klinnsmann said.
“It is positive, especially since the last games did not go that well for us, but we cannot become overly enthusiastic and must prepare calmly for the match on Sunday against Werder Bremen,” he added.
Sporting made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time, but will not recall this baptism fondly.
“The feeling is one of frustration. It’s not normal to lose with this type of result in this phase of the Champions League” said Sporting manager Paulo Bento.
He added that Sporting had been the better team in the first half, but became “disorganised in the second half and let the more experienced and mature Bayern take control of the game”.
The Portuguese team created the first chance of the match after 11 minutes with Anderson Polga’s shot cleared off the line by Martin Demichelis, but Bayern responded moments later with Ribery shooting wide.
The Frenchman did not waste his next chance, stealing the ball in Bayern’s half, beating three defenders and scoring from inside the Sporting box on 42 minutes.
Sporting were unable to put Bayern under pressure at the start of the second half, and Miroslav Klose doubled the lead on 57 minutes from an assist by Luca Toni.
Ribery scored his second goal on 63 minutes, converting a penalty after a foul by Fabio Rochemback on Philipp Lahm, and and was also involved in Bayern’s fourth, crossing from the left wing for Toni to head in.
The Italian completed the scoring in the 90th minute from close range after some poor defending by Sporting.
(Reporting by Shrikesh Laxmidas; editing by Miles Evans)
Late Benayoun goal earns Liverpool win at Real
MADRID, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Yossi Benayoun’s header eight minutes from time earned Liverpool a 1-0 win away to Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash on Wednesday.
The Israeli midfielder nodded in Fabio Aurelio’s freekick from wide on the right, after a tight tactical battle between the two former European champions.
Liverpool had the best two efforts in the first half, and it was just when the Spanish champions looked to be applying the pressure towards the end when Liverpool scored.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, out for three weeks with a hamstring strain, came on as a late substitute and should be able to play a more prominent role in the return leg at Anfield on March 10.“We came to play on the counter-attack and work hard in defence. Credit goes to the players because they worked very hard to adhere to our tactical plan,” Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez said.
After all the pre-match speculation over the fitness of Gerrard Benitez left him on the bench, and fielded a starting eleven with five Spaniards—compared to three in Real’s side.
In a crackling atmosphere the home side dominated the early possession and were keen to get Dutch winger Arjen Robben into the action at every opportunity.
Raul squirmed clear to test Pepe Reina with a weak shot after five minutes as Liverpool were forced on to the back foot but it all soon settled down into a cautious cat and mouse encounter.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a former player of Real’s city rivals Atletico, was booed every time he touched the ball, but broke clear down the right for the visitors’ first chance in the 21st minute, stinging Iker Casillas’ hands with a fierce shot.
Real had a goal ruled out for offside after 30 minutes but again it was Liverpool who threatened when Xabi Alonso’s speculative shot from just over the halfway line forced Casillas to scuttle back and push the ball over the bar.
Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Guti at halftime to try and open up the visitors and Torres, struggling after an ankle knock, gave way for Ryan Babel after an hour.
“Torres had a swollen ankle from almost the first minute though the doctors felt he could continue. But he was feeling uncomfortable so we changed him. It will be difficult for him to be fit for the next game,” Benitez added.
Robben shook off his markers and forced Reina to tip his long-range shot over in the 70th as Real steadily tightened their grip towards the end.
But a clumsy foul from Gabriel Heinze wide on the right gave Liverpool their chance and Benayoun’s powerful header gave Casillas no chance, as Real’s nine-mach winning streak was brought to an end.
Real coach Ramos said: “Liverpool’s main strength tonight was their defence. They didn’t take any risks and hardly created any chances apart from the one where they scored which came from a set play.
“We are down by one goal but are only halfway through the tie. They have the advantage but we are capable of going and winning at any stadium.” (Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Justin Palmer)
The Israeli midfielder nodded in Fabio Aurelio’s freekick from wide on the right, after a tight tactical battle between the two former European champions.
Liverpool had the best two efforts in the first half, and it was just when the Spanish champions looked to be applying the pressure towards the end when Liverpool scored.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, out for three weeks with a hamstring strain, came on as a late substitute and should be able to play a more prominent role in the return leg at Anfield on March 10.“We came to play on the counter-attack and work hard in defence. Credit goes to the players because they worked very hard to adhere to our tactical plan,” Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez said.
After all the pre-match speculation over the fitness of Gerrard Benitez left him on the bench, and fielded a starting eleven with five Spaniards—compared to three in Real’s side.
In a crackling atmosphere the home side dominated the early possession and were keen to get Dutch winger Arjen Robben into the action at every opportunity.
Raul squirmed clear to test Pepe Reina with a weak shot after five minutes as Liverpool were forced on to the back foot but it all soon settled down into a cautious cat and mouse encounter.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, a former player of Real’s city rivals Atletico, was booed every time he touched the ball, but broke clear down the right for the visitors’ first chance in the 21st minute, stinging Iker Casillas’ hands with a fierce shot.
Real had a goal ruled out for offside after 30 minutes but again it was Liverpool who threatened when Xabi Alonso’s speculative shot from just over the halfway line forced Casillas to scuttle back and push the ball over the bar.
Real coach Juande Ramos brought on Guti at halftime to try and open up the visitors and Torres, struggling after an ankle knock, gave way for Ryan Babel after an hour.
“Torres had a swollen ankle from almost the first minute though the doctors felt he could continue. But he was feeling uncomfortable so we changed him. It will be difficult for him to be fit for the next game,” Benitez added.
Robben shook off his markers and forced Reina to tip his long-range shot over in the 70th as Real steadily tightened their grip towards the end.
But a clumsy foul from Gabriel Heinze wide on the right gave Liverpool their chance and Benayoun’s powerful header gave Casillas no chance, as Real’s nine-mach winning streak was brought to an end.
Real coach Ramos said: “Liverpool’s main strength tonight was their defence. They didn’t take any risks and hardly created any chances apart from the one where they scored which came from a set play.
“We are down by one goal but are only halfway through the tie. They have the advantage but we are capable of going and winning at any stadium.” (Writing by Mark Elkington, editing by Justin Palmer)
Drogba ruins Ranieri's return to Chelsea in Champions League
LONDON (AFP) - Didier Drogba ruined Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri's return to Chelsea as the Ivory Coast forward sealed a 1-0 win in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Wednesday.
Ranieri spent four years at Chelsea before being cast aside by Roman Abramovich to make way for Jose Mourinho in 2004 and Drogba's first half strike at Stamford Bridge denied him the chance for immediate revenge.
The Italian coach could still have the last laugh though as Chelsea's failure to turn their pressure into more goals leaves the tie on a knife-edge going into the return in Turin on March 10.
Blues boss Guus Hiddink said: "It is a narrow result, so overall I'm not satisfied to be honest. A normal analysis is that over the whole game we can't be that happy.
"In the first part we started well but after the goal we dropped back too far. We were a little bit anxious."Of course it is good to have a cleansheet because now Juventus have to try to score at home."
Ranieri said that his game plan had not come off.
"Of course scoring an away goal is important so it could have been much better for us. That was our game-plan.
"One of the players said that after years of playing English teams this was one of our best performances. But to be frank I would rather have not played so well and scored a goal."
While Ranieri is fondly thought of at Chelsea, he was unable to deliver success during his reign.
Hiddink, the latest man to take his turn in the Chelsea hot-seat, was brought in as a replacement for Luiz Felipe Scolari earlier this month with the expectation of winning the Champions League and making Manchester United sweat for the Premier League title.
On the evidence of this energetic display, Hiddink, in just his second game in charge, has brought a sense of purpose and unity to a dressing room divided over Scolari's sacking.
Just as importantly Scolari's stubborn policy of not playing Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the same forward line has been scrapped.
Chelsea's fans extended a warm welcome to Ranieri as he emerged from the tunnel to take his place on the bench, but the hospitality clearly didn't extend to the pitch.
The chance to avenge last year's final defeat to Manchester United is a powerful motivation for the Blues and they made the kind of high-tempo start absent from the final days of Scolari's reign.
With Drogba back from exile and finally looking motivated, Chelsea are suddenly a team brimming with power and poise.
When Drogba is in the right mood he can be unstoppable. He had a penalty appeal waved away in the 10th minute but Juventus had no answer as he opened the scoring two minutes later.
Salomon Kalou threaded a pass that dissected the Juventus defence and found Drogba, just onside, lurking on the edge of the area. The Ivorian was calmness personified as he took a touch before firing past Gianluigi Buffon.
It was Drogba's first goal of 2009 and only his fourth this season. He should have added to that total when he muscled his way on to Frank Lampard's corner moments later but mistimed his header and the ball drifted harmlessly wide.
Ranieri's side responded with a lightning break that almost produced an equaliser. Former Chelsea midfielder Tiago's astute pass picked out Alessandro Del Piero and the Juventus captain forced a fine save from Petr Cech with an angled drive.
Del Piero had another effort deflected wide before half-time but Chelsea's relentless pressing gave Juventus little chance to settle.
Drogba showed no signs of easing up after half-time and he powered a header wide of Buffon's near-post from another Jose Bosingwa cross.
The darker side of Drogba's game is the penchant for theatrics that made him so unpopular when he first moved to England. He displayed that less flattering trait when a rampaging run ended in a dramatic tumble that failed to earn the penalty he sought.
Lampard tested Buffon from long range but Chelsea lost some of their rhythm as the game wore on and found it increasingly difficult to prise open the Juventus defence.
Marco Marchionni went close for the the Italians with a vicious strike that narrowly cleared the crossbar before Amauri's towering header forced Cech to save.
Although Anelka arrowed a fierce shot just wide in the closing stages, Chelsea were forced to settle for a perilously narrow margin of victory.
Ranieri spent four years at Chelsea before being cast aside by Roman Abramovich to make way for Jose Mourinho in 2004 and Drogba's first half strike at Stamford Bridge denied him the chance for immediate revenge.
The Italian coach could still have the last laugh though as Chelsea's failure to turn their pressure into more goals leaves the tie on a knife-edge going into the return in Turin on March 10.
Blues boss Guus Hiddink said: "It is a narrow result, so overall I'm not satisfied to be honest. A normal analysis is that over the whole game we can't be that happy.
"In the first part we started well but after the goal we dropped back too far. We were a little bit anxious."Of course it is good to have a cleansheet because now Juventus have to try to score at home."
Ranieri said that his game plan had not come off.
"Of course scoring an away goal is important so it could have been much better for us. That was our game-plan.
"One of the players said that after years of playing English teams this was one of our best performances. But to be frank I would rather have not played so well and scored a goal."
While Ranieri is fondly thought of at Chelsea, he was unable to deliver success during his reign.
Hiddink, the latest man to take his turn in the Chelsea hot-seat, was brought in as a replacement for Luiz Felipe Scolari earlier this month with the expectation of winning the Champions League and making Manchester United sweat for the Premier League title.
On the evidence of this energetic display, Hiddink, in just his second game in charge, has brought a sense of purpose and unity to a dressing room divided over Scolari's sacking.
Just as importantly Scolari's stubborn policy of not playing Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in the same forward line has been scrapped.
Chelsea's fans extended a warm welcome to Ranieri as he emerged from the tunnel to take his place on the bench, but the hospitality clearly didn't extend to the pitch.
The chance to avenge last year's final defeat to Manchester United is a powerful motivation for the Blues and they made the kind of high-tempo start absent from the final days of Scolari's reign.
With Drogba back from exile and finally looking motivated, Chelsea are suddenly a team brimming with power and poise.
When Drogba is in the right mood he can be unstoppable. He had a penalty appeal waved away in the 10th minute but Juventus had no answer as he opened the scoring two minutes later.
Salomon Kalou threaded a pass that dissected the Juventus defence and found Drogba, just onside, lurking on the edge of the area. The Ivorian was calmness personified as he took a touch before firing past Gianluigi Buffon.
It was Drogba's first goal of 2009 and only his fourth this season. He should have added to that total when he muscled his way on to Frank Lampard's corner moments later but mistimed his header and the ball drifted harmlessly wide.
Ranieri's side responded with a lightning break that almost produced an equaliser. Former Chelsea midfielder Tiago's astute pass picked out Alessandro Del Piero and the Juventus captain forced a fine save from Petr Cech with an angled drive.
Del Piero had another effort deflected wide before half-time but Chelsea's relentless pressing gave Juventus little chance to settle.
Drogba showed no signs of easing up after half-time and he powered a header wide of Buffon's near-post from another Jose Bosingwa cross.
The darker side of Drogba's game is the penchant for theatrics that made him so unpopular when he first moved to England. He displayed that less flattering trait when a rampaging run ended in a dramatic tumble that failed to earn the penalty he sought.
Lampard tested Buffon from long range but Chelsea lost some of their rhythm as the game wore on and found it increasingly difficult to prise open the Juventus defence.
Marco Marchionni went close for the the Italians with a vicious strike that narrowly cleared the crossbar before Amauri's towering header forced Cech to save.
Although Anelka arrowed a fierce shot just wide in the closing stages, Chelsea were forced to settle for a perilously narrow margin of victory.
English teams remain Europe’s premier performers
With every passing season, the UEFA Champions League has an increasingly English flavor, as Premier League teams continue to wield the ultimate power in Europe’s ultimate club competition.
The EPL’s four-strong contingent had another big week as knockout action got underway and, judging by their first-leg performances, the pro-Anglo trend shows no sign of abating.
Having produced three of the four semifinalists the past two seasons, including both finalists last May with Manchester United and Chelsea, the Premiership is once again in position to match that success. United, Chelsea, Liverpool and United still have to work to do, but with three wins over top-notch opposition and one away draw (United at Inter Milan), the EPL quartet will be feeling good heading into the second legs in two weeks.
That belief was reflected in our last Champions League rankings, as all of the Premier League teams made our top six. But in our new rankings, Bayern Munich – the only team that is effectively guaranteed a place in the last eight – gets the No. 1 position.
Here’s a look at all 16 teams one game into the knockout round.
1. Bayern Munich. The performance of the competition has the German giant on the verge of the quarters after exploding for five away goals against Sporting.
2. Liverpool. Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at Real Madrid will boost morale and spark dreams of more Champions League glory.3. Manchester United. The defending champion is still the team to beat but has to get past Inter Milan – and Mr. Mourinho.
4. Barcelona. The Catalans are arguably the most talented team in the tournament despite a slight recent dip.
5. Chelsea. Finally getting their act together under Guus Hiddink, the Blues want European success to make up for domestic disappointment.
6. Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is running out of time to achieve something special with his corps of youngsters.
7. Inter Milan. The Serie A leaders are in-form and feeling confident, but getting a positive result at Old Trafford is a monumental task.
8. Juventus. The matchup with Chelsea doesn’t suit the Italian club, which needs a huge second-leg performance at home to stay alive.
9. Real Madrid. The home defeat to Liverpool was a bitter blow to a team that has won 10 straight in Spain.
10. Roma. Rarely mentioned among the title contenders, Roma is desperate to reach the May 27 final at its home stadium.
11. Porto. Has a big chance to reach the last eight but will struggle to go any further.
12. Panathinaikos. Big-hearted team wants to continue its fairytale run but will eventually be outgunned.
13. Villarreal. Struggling for form and could be heading out of the competition.
14. Lyon. It’s hard to see the French champions getting a result in the Camp Nou against Barca.
15. Atletico Madrid. Atletico is not good enough to challenge for the crown, even if it scrapes past Porto.
16. Sporting Lisbon. Dead and buried after being thumped by Bayern at home.
Man of the matches
Franck Ribery. The Bayern Munich playmaker was at his best against Sporting Lisbon and showed why he is one of Europe’s very best.
Shock of the week
Liverpool. The Anfield side was looking shaky following its troubles at home (namely Rafa Benitez’s uncertain future as Reds manager), while Real Madrid was coming off an impressive run of form. But Yossi Benayoun’s late goal proved to be the difference and gave Liverpool a massive boost ahead of the second leg.
Milestone
Manchester United’s 0-0 draw at Inter Milan set a new record of 20 games unbeaten in the Champions League.
We’re happy
Bayern Munich. Who else? The Germans can relax and watch everyone else slug it out for a quarterfinal spot, while enjoying their five-goal advantage over Sporting Lisbon.
We’re not
Fans of Serie A. The possibility of having no Italian teams in the quarterfinals is now very real, with Inter, Juventus and Roma all underdogs heading into their second legs.
The EPL’s four-strong contingent had another big week as knockout action got underway and, judging by their first-leg performances, the pro-Anglo trend shows no sign of abating.
Having produced three of the four semifinalists the past two seasons, including both finalists last May with Manchester United and Chelsea, the Premiership is once again in position to match that success. United, Chelsea, Liverpool and United still have to work to do, but with three wins over top-notch opposition and one away draw (United at Inter Milan), the EPL quartet will be feeling good heading into the second legs in two weeks.
That belief was reflected in our last Champions League rankings, as all of the Premier League teams made our top six. But in our new rankings, Bayern Munich – the only team that is effectively guaranteed a place in the last eight – gets the No. 1 position.
Here’s a look at all 16 teams one game into the knockout round.
1. Bayern Munich. The performance of the competition has the German giant on the verge of the quarters after exploding for five away goals against Sporting.
2. Liverpool. Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at Real Madrid will boost morale and spark dreams of more Champions League glory.3. Manchester United. The defending champion is still the team to beat but has to get past Inter Milan – and Mr. Mourinho.
4. Barcelona. The Catalans are arguably the most talented team in the tournament despite a slight recent dip.
5. Chelsea. Finally getting their act together under Guus Hiddink, the Blues want European success to make up for domestic disappointment.
6. Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is running out of time to achieve something special with his corps of youngsters.
7. Inter Milan. The Serie A leaders are in-form and feeling confident, but getting a positive result at Old Trafford is a monumental task.
8. Juventus. The matchup with Chelsea doesn’t suit the Italian club, which needs a huge second-leg performance at home to stay alive.
9. Real Madrid. The home defeat to Liverpool was a bitter blow to a team that has won 10 straight in Spain.
10. Roma. Rarely mentioned among the title contenders, Roma is desperate to reach the May 27 final at its home stadium.
11. Porto. Has a big chance to reach the last eight but will struggle to go any further.
12. Panathinaikos. Big-hearted team wants to continue its fairytale run but will eventually be outgunned.
13. Villarreal. Struggling for form and could be heading out of the competition.
14. Lyon. It’s hard to see the French champions getting a result in the Camp Nou against Barca.
15. Atletico Madrid. Atletico is not good enough to challenge for the crown, even if it scrapes past Porto.
16. Sporting Lisbon. Dead and buried after being thumped by Bayern at home.
Man of the matches
Franck Ribery. The Bayern Munich playmaker was at his best against Sporting Lisbon and showed why he is one of Europe’s very best.
Shock of the week
Liverpool. The Anfield side was looking shaky following its troubles at home (namely Rafa Benitez’s uncertain future as Reds manager), while Real Madrid was coming off an impressive run of form. But Yossi Benayoun’s late goal proved to be the difference and gave Liverpool a massive boost ahead of the second leg.
Milestone
Manchester United’s 0-0 draw at Inter Milan set a new record of 20 games unbeaten in the Champions League.
We’re happy
Bayern Munich. Who else? The Germans can relax and watch everyone else slug it out for a quarterfinal spot, while enjoying their five-goal advantage over Sporting Lisbon.
We’re not
Fans of Serie A. The possibility of having no Italian teams in the quarterfinals is now very real, with Inter, Juventus and Roma all underdogs heading into their second legs.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Djokovic beats Zverev to reach Open 13 semifinals
MARSEILLE, France (AP)—Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the Open 13 by beating Mischa Zverev 6-3, 6-3 Friday.
The third-ranked Serb broke Zverev in the sixth game on a double-fault from the German before winning 12 points in a row to serve out the first set and take a 2-0 lead in the second.
“I was focused from the start,” Djokovic said. “Mischa was trying to get to the net, but I really returned well. That was the key today.”
Djokovic lost in Marseille in the first round in 2007 and in the second round last year.
“I haven’t got a lot of success in the last two years here,” Djokovic said. “But this year, everything is going well.”
Now he has to beat two Frenchmen for the title.
In the semifinals, Djokovic will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who defeated Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 6-7 (1), 6-4.
Tsonga, who leads Djokovic 3-1 overall, landed 78 percent of his first serves and hit six aces in the first set. Lopez fought back in the second set and saved two break points to force a tiebreaker.
“Feliciano was really good in the tiebreak,” Tsonga said. “He was very aggressive. He served well.”
The other semi features 2007 winner No.2 Gilles Simon against unseeded Michael Llodra, who advanced to beat Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).
Simon beat Julien Benneteau 6-2, 6-4 in an all-French quarterfinal, nailing three of 10 break points without losing his own serve.
Llodra broke Youzhny in the third game of the second set with a backhand winner, but squandered his lead while serving for the match at 5-4 with a double-fault.
He and Youzhny broke each other only once in the nearly two-hour match, but Youzhny missed eight other chances.
The third-ranked Serb broke Zverev in the sixth game on a double-fault from the German before winning 12 points in a row to serve out the first set and take a 2-0 lead in the second.
“I was focused from the start,” Djokovic said. “Mischa was trying to get to the net, but I really returned well. That was the key today.”
Djokovic lost in Marseille in the first round in 2007 and in the second round last year.
“I haven’t got a lot of success in the last two years here,” Djokovic said. “But this year, everything is going well.”
Now he has to beat two Frenchmen for the title.
In the semifinals, Djokovic will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who defeated Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 6-7 (1), 6-4.
Tsonga, who leads Djokovic 3-1 overall, landed 78 percent of his first serves and hit six aces in the first set. Lopez fought back in the second set and saved two break points to force a tiebreaker.
“Feliciano was really good in the tiebreak,” Tsonga said. “He was very aggressive. He served well.”
The other semi features 2007 winner No.2 Gilles Simon against unseeded Michael Llodra, who advanced to beat Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).
Simon beat Julien Benneteau 6-2, 6-4 in an all-French quarterfinal, nailing three of 10 break points without losing his own serve.
Llodra broke Youzhny in the third game of the second set with a backhand winner, but squandered his lead while serving for the match at 5-4 with a double-fault.
He and Youzhny broke each other only once in the nearly two-hour match, but Youzhny missed eight other chances.
Nadal picked to lead Spain’s Davis Cup team
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)—Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was picked Friday to lead Spain against Serbia in the first round of the Davis Cup.
Nadal pulled out of next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships to recuperate from a slight strain to his right leg so that he could be ready for the best-of-five Davis Cup series March 6-8.
Spain captain Alberto Costa also chose David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo. Lopez and Robredo are expected to play doubles.
Nadal’s injury is just below the right knee. Tendinitis in that same knee forced the Australian Open champion to miss out on the Davis Cup final in November, when Spain beat Argentina for its third title in eight years.
Fernando Verdasco, who was the star of the final and pushed Nadal to five sets in the Australian Open semifinals, will miss the match due to an ankle injury.
Nadal, who is likely to come up against third-ranked Novak Djokovic in Benidorm, is still planning to play at Indian Wells after the Davis Cup.
Nadal pulled out of next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships to recuperate from a slight strain to his right leg so that he could be ready for the best-of-five Davis Cup series March 6-8.
Spain captain Alberto Costa also chose David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo. Lopez and Robredo are expected to play doubles.
Nadal’s injury is just below the right knee. Tendinitis in that same knee forced the Australian Open champion to miss out on the Davis Cup final in November, when Spain beat Argentina for its third title in eight years.
Fernando Verdasco, who was the star of the final and pushed Nadal to five sets in the Australian Open semifinals, will miss the match due to an ankle injury.
Nadal, who is likely to come up against third-ranked Novak Djokovic in Benidorm, is still planning to play at Indian Wells after the Davis Cup.
Venus upsets Serena to reach Dubai final
By Barry Wood
DUBAI, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Venus Williams defeated sister Serena 6-1 2-6 7-6 on Friday to reach the final of the Dubai Championships.
She next faces unseeded Virginie Razzano of France, who put out 16th seed Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1 6-2.
World number one Serena double-faulted twice as Venus broke for a 1-0 lead and then twice more when she broke again to go 4-1 up in the first set.
While Serena struggled to get going, Venus swept through her three service games without conceding a point.Serena struck the ball much better in the second set, forcing errors instead of making them, and broke serve in the third and seventh games to level the match.
In a highly competitive final set, Serena broke to lead 2-1. She then saved three break points with aces in a remarkable sixth game before conceding a fourth break point.
World number six Venus then had to serve her way out of trouble at 5-5, firing two aces on break points before going on to take the tiebreak 7-3.
“It was definitely a finals-quality match,” said Venus, who is back in the top five for the first time since August 2003.
BEST PART
“Obviously, winning a match that close is satisfying, especially against the top-ranked player. Of course, when I walk on to the court with Serena I have respect for her, so that’s obviously the best part about winning.”
Serena thought their serving had made the difference.
“I didn’t serve that well and I thought Venus served really well which I think ultimately helped her win the match,” she told reporters.
Serena appeared to be having problems with her left leg and put it down to playing so many matches this year.
“I’m just playing every match as hard as I can whether I’m hurt or not,” she said. “I’ve just been playing a lot of matches, more than I have in my career, and I’m a little tired.”
Razzano continued a remarkable run this week that has included upset victories over second seed Dinara Safina and number five Vera Zvonareva.
Kanepi, who beat world number three Jelena Jankovic on her way to the semis, broke serve in the opening game but looked weary for most of the match.
Razzano struck the ball more positively and was more mobile than her opponent. After breaking back for 1-1 she reeled off the next seven games to take the first set and lead 2-0 in the second.
The Frenchwoman had a break point to lead 3-0 in the second but netted her return and Kanepi went on to hold with an ace.
Kanepi then broke for 2-2 when her opponent double-faulted before netting a weak forehand.
Razzano, however, quickly regained control and claimed the final four games for the loss of three points to wrap up the match in 63 minutes.
“It was me who was the boss today,” said Razzano. “I wanted to do my best to reach the final.”
(Editing by Tony Jimenez and Ken Ferris)
DUBAI, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Venus Williams defeated sister Serena 6-1 2-6 7-6 on Friday to reach the final of the Dubai Championships.
She next faces unseeded Virginie Razzano of France, who put out 16th seed Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1 6-2.
World number one Serena double-faulted twice as Venus broke for a 1-0 lead and then twice more when she broke again to go 4-1 up in the first set.
While Serena struggled to get going, Venus swept through her three service games without conceding a point.Serena struck the ball much better in the second set, forcing errors instead of making them, and broke serve in the third and seventh games to level the match.
In a highly competitive final set, Serena broke to lead 2-1. She then saved three break points with aces in a remarkable sixth game before conceding a fourth break point.
World number six Venus then had to serve her way out of trouble at 5-5, firing two aces on break points before going on to take the tiebreak 7-3.
“It was definitely a finals-quality match,” said Venus, who is back in the top five for the first time since August 2003.
BEST PART
“Obviously, winning a match that close is satisfying, especially against the top-ranked player. Of course, when I walk on to the court with Serena I have respect for her, so that’s obviously the best part about winning.”
Serena thought their serving had made the difference.
“I didn’t serve that well and I thought Venus served really well which I think ultimately helped her win the match,” she told reporters.
Serena appeared to be having problems with her left leg and put it down to playing so many matches this year.
“I’m just playing every match as hard as I can whether I’m hurt or not,” she said. “I’ve just been playing a lot of matches, more than I have in my career, and I’m a little tired.”
Razzano continued a remarkable run this week that has included upset victories over second seed Dinara Safina and number five Vera Zvonareva.
Kanepi, who beat world number three Jelena Jankovic on her way to the semis, broke serve in the opening game but looked weary for most of the match.
Razzano struck the ball more positively and was more mobile than her opponent. After breaking back for 1-1 she reeled off the next seven games to take the first set and lead 2-0 in the second.
The Frenchwoman had a break point to lead 3-0 in the second but netted her return and Kanepi went on to hold with an ace.
Kanepi then broke for 2-2 when her opponent double-faulted before netting a weak forehand.
Razzano, however, quickly regained control and claimed the final four games for the loss of three points to wrap up the match in 63 minutes.
“It was me who was the boss today,” said Razzano. “I wanted to do my best to reach the final.”
(Editing by Tony Jimenez and Ken Ferris)
Solano inspires Universitario to surprise win
By Brian Homewood
BUENOS AIRES, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Nolberto Solano converted a penalty to lead Peruvians Universitario to a shock 1-0 win over Argentina’s San Lorenzo in the South American Libertadores Cup on Thursday.
Estudiantes completed an unhappy night for Argentine sides when they were thrashed 3-0 by Brazil’s Cruzeiro in the evening’s other game.
Peru captain Solano, who returned home after 12 years when he joined Universitario at the start of this year in a surprise move, controlled the midfielder as Universitario dominated the first half of the Group Eight game in Lima.
The former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham player was involved in the move which led to the 19th minute penalty, launching the ball to Calheira, who was upended by Jonathan Bottinelli.
Bottinelli was sent off and Solano calmly converted the penalty.
Solano was also close to a second near the end after a neat one-two but his shot was saved by Agustin Orion.
It was a welcome victory for Peru, whose teams have regularly struggled in recent editions of the tournament.
Cruzeiro scored three times in 10 minutes in their win at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
Fernandinho broke the deadlock with a 62nd minute penalty then Kleber, who come on as a substitute in the 60th minute, scored twice in quick succession.
Kleber completed an eventful evening when he was sent off in the 84th minute for a crude tackle on Juan Sebastian Veron. (Editing by Martin Petty)
BUENOS AIRES, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Nolberto Solano converted a penalty to lead Peruvians Universitario to a shock 1-0 win over Argentina’s San Lorenzo in the South American Libertadores Cup on Thursday.
Estudiantes completed an unhappy night for Argentine sides when they were thrashed 3-0 by Brazil’s Cruzeiro in the evening’s other game.
Peru captain Solano, who returned home after 12 years when he joined Universitario at the start of this year in a surprise move, controlled the midfielder as Universitario dominated the first half of the Group Eight game in Lima.
The former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham player was involved in the move which led to the 19th minute penalty, launching the ball to Calheira, who was upended by Jonathan Bottinelli.
Bottinelli was sent off and Solano calmly converted the penalty.
Solano was also close to a second near the end after a neat one-two but his shot was saved by Agustin Orion.
It was a welcome victory for Peru, whose teams have regularly struggled in recent editions of the tournament.
Cruzeiro scored three times in 10 minutes in their win at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
Fernandinho broke the deadlock with a 62nd minute penalty then Kleber, who come on as a substitute in the 60th minute, scored twice in quick succession.
Kleber completed an eventful evening when he was sent off in the 84th minute for a crude tackle on Juan Sebastian Veron. (Editing by Martin Petty)
Copenhagen Hold Manchester City To Draw At Parken
Line-ups
FC Copenhagen: Christiansen, Pospech, Laursen, Antonsson, Wendt, Kvist, Kristensen, Norregaard, Hutchinson, Almeida, Santin.
Man City: Given, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Zabaleta, Kompany, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Bellamy.
First Half
The teams were greeted with a rousing reception at the Parken Stadium tonight, both sets of fans determined to keep the spirits high despite the freezing conditions.
The early stages of the game did not boast much in the way of excitement, both teams playing wearily of their opponents and looking unwilling to be caught off guard. Perhaps the only notable mention was the man-marking job on Robinho, who was being double marked - The home side clearly intent on keeping the Brazilian quiet.Ten minutes into the game, Shay Given made a mess of a seemingly simple task, almost dropping a ball that he had clutched out of the air from a Copenhagen corner kick. Thankfully the City back-line was there to clean up and the crisis was avoided.
As the first half unfolded, both teams mellowed out slightly and started to test their opposition. Culmination of the home side's play always seemed to fall to Danish midfielder, William Kvist, who seemed to be lacking the technical ability to put the ball past Given, while at the other end of the field, Shaun Wright-Phillips squandered an almost surefire goal, peeling off his marker but shooting straight at ex-Rangers prospect, Jesper Christiansen.
Thirty minutes in and the deadlock was broken, the most unlikely of canditated providing the strike. City defender Nedum Onuoha stayed fairly advanced as the home side failed to cleanly clear from a set piece. The big Englishman sneaked through the opposition's defence, connected with a through ball from Stephen Ireland and drilled straight for goal. The weak strike was not dealt with properly by the Danish 'keeper, who failed to get low enough and smother the ball, resulting in Onuoha's shot trundling past him and into the net.
The half drew to a close with only Zabaleta making a notable attempt. The Argentine charged down the right flank, cut inside, and produced a drive that could only find the outside netting. A poor final decision from the wide player.
Second Half
The game offered no substitutions at half time, but it appeared both managers had a word with their teams, both sides looking hungrier at the start of the half.
Wright-Phillips quickly reiterated his presence on the field with the first attempt of the half. His charging drive sailed in at a rather difficult angle, but the fumbling Cristiansen overcame his nerves to easily stop the effort.
Craig Bellamy was another to produce a good appearance tonight, putting in a good shift as a target man and allowing his five-man midfield to play off him with relative success. Five minutes into the second half, the emphatic Welshman played on from the left hand side of the box to Ireland, who was looming in the centre. Ireland's shot was on target, but again blocked by the somewhat rejuvenated Danish stopper.
The home side made full use of some static defending by the Citizens, Brazilian striker Almeida cashing in on the 56 minute mark to even the scoreline and put Copenhagen back in the game. Wonderful positioning from the unmarked hitman.
The Danish Lions were reveling in their apparent comeback for all of five minutes, when Stephen Ireland popped up once again to capitalise on some wonderful play by Wright-Phillips, finishing emphatically past Christiansen, and putting the visitors in the lead once more.
City, looking eager not to make the same mistake twice, matched the Superliga outfit in their surge for a result. Both sides produced some outstanding play after Ireland's wonderous finish, but neither looked sharp enough to produce an end product.
Ulrik Laursen, Copenhagen's captain was let off the hook late in the game, as he mistimed his attempt at a clearance, which subsequently played in Robinho. The young Brazilian burst through the Danish defence, but his shot was only fitting to end up in the gloves of Cristiansen once more.
The first minute of the three added at the end of the match, City would throw their lead away once more. Copenhagen substitution Martin Vingaard was allowed a free header in the box and made no mistake, burying the ball in the net behind Given. The Danish youngster had been the greatest performer on the night for the homeside, and his efforts were duly awarded.
Attendance:30,159, Parken Stadium, Denmark.
F.C. Copenhagen 2 - 2 Manchester City.
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
FC Copenhagen: Christiansen, Pospech, Laursen, Antonsson, Wendt, Kvist, Kristensen, Norregaard, Hutchinson, Almeida, Santin.
Man City: Given, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Bridge, Zabaleta, Kompany, Ireland, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Bellamy.
First Half
The teams were greeted with a rousing reception at the Parken Stadium tonight, both sets of fans determined to keep the spirits high despite the freezing conditions.
The early stages of the game did not boast much in the way of excitement, both teams playing wearily of their opponents and looking unwilling to be caught off guard. Perhaps the only notable mention was the man-marking job on Robinho, who was being double marked - The home side clearly intent on keeping the Brazilian quiet.Ten minutes into the game, Shay Given made a mess of a seemingly simple task, almost dropping a ball that he had clutched out of the air from a Copenhagen corner kick. Thankfully the City back-line was there to clean up and the crisis was avoided.
As the first half unfolded, both teams mellowed out slightly and started to test their opposition. Culmination of the home side's play always seemed to fall to Danish midfielder, William Kvist, who seemed to be lacking the technical ability to put the ball past Given, while at the other end of the field, Shaun Wright-Phillips squandered an almost surefire goal, peeling off his marker but shooting straight at ex-Rangers prospect, Jesper Christiansen.
Thirty minutes in and the deadlock was broken, the most unlikely of canditated providing the strike. City defender Nedum Onuoha stayed fairly advanced as the home side failed to cleanly clear from a set piece. The big Englishman sneaked through the opposition's defence, connected with a through ball from Stephen Ireland and drilled straight for goal. The weak strike was not dealt with properly by the Danish 'keeper, who failed to get low enough and smother the ball, resulting in Onuoha's shot trundling past him and into the net.
The half drew to a close with only Zabaleta making a notable attempt. The Argentine charged down the right flank, cut inside, and produced a drive that could only find the outside netting. A poor final decision from the wide player.
Second Half
The game offered no substitutions at half time, but it appeared both managers had a word with their teams, both sides looking hungrier at the start of the half.
Wright-Phillips quickly reiterated his presence on the field with the first attempt of the half. His charging drive sailed in at a rather difficult angle, but the fumbling Cristiansen overcame his nerves to easily stop the effort.
Craig Bellamy was another to produce a good appearance tonight, putting in a good shift as a target man and allowing his five-man midfield to play off him with relative success. Five minutes into the second half, the emphatic Welshman played on from the left hand side of the box to Ireland, who was looming in the centre. Ireland's shot was on target, but again blocked by the somewhat rejuvenated Danish stopper.
The home side made full use of some static defending by the Citizens, Brazilian striker Almeida cashing in on the 56 minute mark to even the scoreline and put Copenhagen back in the game. Wonderful positioning from the unmarked hitman.
The Danish Lions were reveling in their apparent comeback for all of five minutes, when Stephen Ireland popped up once again to capitalise on some wonderful play by Wright-Phillips, finishing emphatically past Christiansen, and putting the visitors in the lead once more.
City, looking eager not to make the same mistake twice, matched the Superliga outfit in their surge for a result. Both sides produced some outstanding play after Ireland's wonderous finish, but neither looked sharp enough to produce an end product.
Ulrik Laursen, Copenhagen's captain was let off the hook late in the game, as he mistimed his attempt at a clearance, which subsequently played in Robinho. The young Brazilian burst through the Danish defence, but his shot was only fitting to end up in the gloves of Cristiansen once more.
The first minute of the three added at the end of the match, City would throw their lead away once more. Copenhagen substitution Martin Vingaard was allowed a free header in the box and made no mistake, burying the ball in the net behind Given. The Danish youngster had been the greatest performer on the night for the homeside, and his efforts were duly awarded.
Attendance:30,159, Parken Stadium, Denmark.
F.C. Copenhagen 2 - 2 Manchester City.
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
Late goals hand Shakhtar advantage over Spurs
* Late goals hand Shakhtar victory over Spurs
* Four times European champions Ajax win at Fiorentina
* Twente Enschede surprise winners at Marseille
By Justin Palmer
LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk left twice UEFA Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur staring at an exit from the competition after netting late goals for a 2-0 victory in their first knockout round first leg tie on Thursday.
Shakhtar, playing their first competitve match since early December, ended stubborn resistance from a makeshift Spurs side in the final 12 minutA gaffe from Tottenham’s goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes handed Shakhtar the lead after 78 minutes with substitute Yevgen Seleznov scoring just seconds after coming on.
Jadson swung a freekick into the box and fellow Brazilian Gomes was beaten to the ball by Seleznov who headed in.
Gomes, who appeared not to be touched by any player, fell to the ground clutching his head and was given treatment while a chorus of boos rang out from the home fans.
Shakhtar left Spurs with an uphill battle for next week’s return at White Hart Lane by adding a second goal two minutes from time. Jadson cut in from the right and played a one-two before creating space for a shot that comfortably beat Gomes.
Tottenham face a Premier League clash at Hull City on Monday in a battle to avoid relegation and a League Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley three days after the return leg but defender Michael Dawson said they were still in the tie.
“The last 15 minutes have cost us… we had coped well until then and we are disappointed to go home with a two-goal deficit,” Dawson told Chennel Five television.
“It’s going to be an uphill task but we still think we can do it. We know how good we are at home and we will have to take the game to them.”
NEAT MOVE
Swedish midfielder Kennedy Bakircioglu’s goal on the hour secured Ajax Aamsterdam, the 1992 UEFA Cup winners and four times European champions, a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence.
Bakircioglu finished off a neat move in the penalty area to leave Fiorentina, semi-finalists last season, a tough task in the second leg.
Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli told LA7 television: “We had chances but we were not on form in front of goal. I’m convinced that we can win (at Ajax).”
Alberto Gilardino had a great chance to equalise midway through the second half but the ball got stuck under his feet when he was free just eight metres out.
Twente Enschede, second in the Dutch championship, continued their good run of form under manager Steve McClaren with a surprise 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille at Stade Velodrome.
Austrian international Marko Arnautovic hit the only goal after 22 minutes, bundling in Blaise Nkufo’s left-wing cross.
Substitute Martin Vingaard headed an injury-time equaliser to earn FC Copenhagen a 2-2 draw with Manchester City at a snowy Parken stadium in the Danish capital.
City had twice led with their first goal on the half-hour coming after Copenhagen keeper Jesper Christiansen allowed a tame shot from Nedum Onuoha to squirm under his hands.
Brazilian Ailton Almeida equalised with a powerful header from a corner but the Danes were level for just five minutes before Stephen Ireland met a Shaun Wright Phillips cross with a crisp volley at the near post.
Lech Poznan staged a fine comeback from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Udinese, the Polish side scoring twice in a three-minute spell in the final 10 minutes.
The Italians looked to be heading home with a two-goal cushion after Fabio Quagliarella headed the opener five minutes after the break and then defender Manuel Arboleda deflected a shot past his own keeper.
Peruvian striker Hernan Rengifo was left unmarked to start the comeback after 81 minutes before Arboleda headed in to make it 2-2.
The final will be staged in Istanbul on May 20.es at a freezing Olympiyskiy Stadium.
* Four times European champions Ajax win at Fiorentina
* Twente Enschede surprise winners at Marseille
By Justin Palmer
LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk left twice UEFA Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur staring at an exit from the competition after netting late goals for a 2-0 victory in their first knockout round first leg tie on Thursday.
Shakhtar, playing their first competitve match since early December, ended stubborn resistance from a makeshift Spurs side in the final 12 minutA gaffe from Tottenham’s goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes handed Shakhtar the lead after 78 minutes with substitute Yevgen Seleznov scoring just seconds after coming on.
Jadson swung a freekick into the box and fellow Brazilian Gomes was beaten to the ball by Seleznov who headed in.
Gomes, who appeared not to be touched by any player, fell to the ground clutching his head and was given treatment while a chorus of boos rang out from the home fans.
Shakhtar left Spurs with an uphill battle for next week’s return at White Hart Lane by adding a second goal two minutes from time. Jadson cut in from the right and played a one-two before creating space for a shot that comfortably beat Gomes.
Tottenham face a Premier League clash at Hull City on Monday in a battle to avoid relegation and a League Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley three days after the return leg but defender Michael Dawson said they were still in the tie.
“The last 15 minutes have cost us… we had coped well until then and we are disappointed to go home with a two-goal deficit,” Dawson told Chennel Five television.
“It’s going to be an uphill task but we still think we can do it. We know how good we are at home and we will have to take the game to them.”
NEAT MOVE
Swedish midfielder Kennedy Bakircioglu’s goal on the hour secured Ajax Aamsterdam, the 1992 UEFA Cup winners and four times European champions, a 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence.
Bakircioglu finished off a neat move in the penalty area to leave Fiorentina, semi-finalists last season, a tough task in the second leg.
Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli told LA7 television: “We had chances but we were not on form in front of goal. I’m convinced that we can win (at Ajax).”
Alberto Gilardino had a great chance to equalise midway through the second half but the ball got stuck under his feet when he was free just eight metres out.
Twente Enschede, second in the Dutch championship, continued their good run of form under manager Steve McClaren with a surprise 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille at Stade Velodrome.
Austrian international Marko Arnautovic hit the only goal after 22 minutes, bundling in Blaise Nkufo’s left-wing cross.
Substitute Martin Vingaard headed an injury-time equaliser to earn FC Copenhagen a 2-2 draw with Manchester City at a snowy Parken stadium in the Danish capital.
City had twice led with their first goal on the half-hour coming after Copenhagen keeper Jesper Christiansen allowed a tame shot from Nedum Onuoha to squirm under his hands.
Brazilian Ailton Almeida equalised with a powerful header from a corner but the Danes were level for just five minutes before Stephen Ireland met a Shaun Wright Phillips cross with a crisp volley at the near post.
Lech Poznan staged a fine comeback from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Udinese, the Polish side scoring twice in a three-minute spell in the final 10 minutes.
The Italians looked to be heading home with a two-goal cushion after Fabio Quagliarella headed the opener five minutes after the break and then defender Manuel Arboleda deflected a shot past his own keeper.
Peruvian striker Hernan Rengifo was left unmarked to start the comeback after 81 minutes before Arboleda headed in to make it 2-2.
The final will be staged in Istanbul on May 20.es at a freezing Olympiyskiy Stadium.
LA Galaxy beats Japan’s Oita Trinita 2-0
CARSON, Calif. (AP)—Edson Buddle and Jovan Kirovski scored to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 2-0 victory over Japan’s Oita Trinita in the second game of the Pan-Pacific tournament’s opening doubleheader Wednesday night.
The Galaxy will play South Korean champion Suwon Bluewings for the championship Saturday night. Oita Trinita, the J-League Cup winner, will face Chinese Super League champion Shandong Luneng beforehand for third place.
Buddle gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 44th minute by blocking Yoshiaki Fujita’s errant pass, going on a breakaway and placing an 8-yard shot between goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa and the left post.
Kirovski converted a penalty in the 53rd minute. Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Wicks made two saves for the shutout.
Suwon Bluewings used Cho Yong-Tae’s goal in the 81st minute to defeat Shandong Luneng 1-0.
Cho, who entered the game in the 68th minute, scored after Lee Kwan-Woo passed to Choi Sung-Hyeon for a breakaway.
Shandong goalkeeper Li Leilei charged 10 yards out of the penalty area but Choi passed underneath him to Cho, who converted into an empty net from 17 yards.
Suwon goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae, who played in three World Cups for South Korea, earned the shutout without making a save.
Shandong captain Shu Chang left the field on a stretcher in the 10th minute with an undisclosed injury. Trainers wrapped Shu’s left elbow on the sidelines.
The Galaxy will play South Korean champion Suwon Bluewings for the championship Saturday night. Oita Trinita, the J-League Cup winner, will face Chinese Super League champion Shandong Luneng beforehand for third place.
Buddle gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 44th minute by blocking Yoshiaki Fujita’s errant pass, going on a breakaway and placing an 8-yard shot between goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa and the left post.
Kirovski converted a penalty in the 53rd minute. Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Wicks made two saves for the shutout.
Suwon Bluewings used Cho Yong-Tae’s goal in the 81st minute to defeat Shandong Luneng 1-0.
Cho, who entered the game in the 68th minute, scored after Lee Kwan-Woo passed to Choi Sung-Hyeon for a breakaway.
Shandong goalkeeper Li Leilei charged 10 yards out of the penalty area but Choi passed underneath him to Cho, who converted into an empty net from 17 yards.
Suwon goalkeeper Lee Woon-Jae, who played in three World Cups for South Korea, earned the shutout without making a save.
Shandong captain Shu Chang left the field on a stretcher in the 10th minute with an undisclosed injury. Trainers wrapped Shu’s left elbow on the sidelines.
Klinsmann Shines Negative Light On Donovan Transfer
Bayern Munich manager Jurgen Klinsmann recently spoke about the possibility of Landon Donovan’s permanent transfer to the club, and the outcome doesn’t look to be too bright for the American star.
"The club would have to spend a lot of money on Landon,” said Klinsmann in an interview with the German news agency, “Sports Information Service. “Since Ivica Olic has already signed, and given the financial crisis, it is legitimate that the club [is careful] about how much money it spends another striker."
Since joining Bayern Munich in January on a three-month loan, Donovan has been in impressive form, netting goals in their mid-season friendly tour. He’s come on as a substitute in three league matches for the club.
The 26-year-old has made it clear that he is ready for a new challenge, and a permanent deal with the German giants would be the perfect opportunity for him to grow as a player. Given Klinsmann’s recent comments about the financial struggles of the team, coupled with the lofty price tag placed on his head by the MLS, the move may be a difficult one to complete.
Before joining Bayern on loan in January, Donovan was a stalwart in the LA Galaxy line-up, making 96 appearances over his four years with the club, scoring 52 goals. He was the 2008 MLS Golden Boot winner, scoring 20 goals. Prior to joining the Galaxy he played with the San Jose Earthquakes on loan from German club Bayer Leverkusen. With San Jose he took the field 87 times, scoring 32 times.
"The club would have to spend a lot of money on Landon,” said Klinsmann in an interview with the German news agency, “Sports Information Service. “Since Ivica Olic has already signed, and given the financial crisis, it is legitimate that the club [is careful] about how much money it spends another striker."
Since joining Bayern Munich in January on a three-month loan, Donovan has been in impressive form, netting goals in their mid-season friendly tour. He’s come on as a substitute in three league matches for the club.
The 26-year-old has made it clear that he is ready for a new challenge, and a permanent deal with the German giants would be the perfect opportunity for him to grow as a player. Given Klinsmann’s recent comments about the financial struggles of the team, coupled with the lofty price tag placed on his head by the MLS, the move may be a difficult one to complete.
Before joining Bayern on loan in January, Donovan was a stalwart in the LA Galaxy line-up, making 96 appearances over his four years with the club, scoring 52 goals. He was the 2008 MLS Golden Boot winner, scoring 20 goals. Prior to joining the Galaxy he played with the San Jose Earthquakes on loan from German club Bayer Leverkusen. With San Jose he took the field 87 times, scoring 32 times.
Galliani optimistic over Beckham move
MILAN (AP)—AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said the club was closer to completing David Beckham’s transfer from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“In the past few hours we have taken steps forward,” Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport after arriving back in Milan following the team’s 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup late Wednesday.
There have been conflicting reports the past few days over the state of the negotiations following the expiration of last Friday’s Major League Soccer-imposed deadline.
Milan’s owner, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has said he is hopeful that the England international star would remain at his club.
Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Berlusconi said: “I would like it if he stays with Milan because his passing is essential.”
“In the past few hours we have taken steps forward,” Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport after arriving back in Milan following the team’s 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup late Wednesday.
There have been conflicting reports the past few days over the state of the negotiations following the expiration of last Friday’s Major League Soccer-imposed deadline.
Milan’s owner, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has said he is hopeful that the England international star would remain at his club.
Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Berlusconi said: “I would like it if he stays with Milan because his passing is essential.”
We can kill Chelsea's title hopes, warns O'Neill
BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) - Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned Chelsea that defeat at Villa Park on Saturday would kill off their hopes of winning the Premier League.
Guus Hiddink takes charge of Chelsea for the first time with the Blues 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.
Hiddink, who replaced sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari last week, publicly insists Chelsea, who are also two behind third-placed Villa, can still overhaul United.
But with United in such good form, O'Neill is convinced Chelsea cannot afford even one more slip.
"I think Chelsea need to win against us to stay in the title race with Manchester United having won their games in hand, and opened up that five-point gap over Liverpool and another five points on top of that over Chelsea," O'Neill said.
"With 13 games left, for Chelsea to stand any chance they will maybe need to win 11 games and be unbeaten in the 13 games.
"That would take some doing but, with that group of players who have been over the same course before, it is not beyond them to achieve that.
"Last season, with about this number of games left it looked as if they were out of the picture and then they had a very good run and only effectively lost the chance when they drew with Wigan who scored very late on.
"That was with only a couple of games left so they pulled it right around and then were within a width of a goalpost of winning the Champions League final."
Guus Hiddink takes charge of Chelsea for the first time with the Blues 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.
Hiddink, who replaced sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari last week, publicly insists Chelsea, who are also two behind third-placed Villa, can still overhaul United.
But with United in such good form, O'Neill is convinced Chelsea cannot afford even one more slip.
"I think Chelsea need to win against us to stay in the title race with Manchester United having won their games in hand, and opened up that five-point gap over Liverpool and another five points on top of that over Chelsea," O'Neill said.
"With 13 games left, for Chelsea to stand any chance they will maybe need to win 11 games and be unbeaten in the 13 games.
"That would take some doing but, with that group of players who have been over the same course before, it is not beyond them to achieve that.
"Last season, with about this number of games left it looked as if they were out of the picture and then they had a very good run and only effectively lost the chance when they drew with Wigan who scored very late on.
"That was with only a couple of games left so they pulled it right around and then were within a width of a goalpost of winning the Champions League final."
Hiddink to leave Chelsea at season’s end
LONDON (AP)—Guus Hiddink ruled out staying on as Chelsea manager beyond the end of the season on Friday because of his commitment to Russia’s national team.
The 62-year-old Dutch coach was hired as a stopgap by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, the Russian businessman who also helps bankroll his country’s national federation, to take charge of the Premier League club following last week’s dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
But Hiddink said the Russia job comes first.
“Chelsea asked me to help out till the end of the season,” Hiddink said at his first media conference with Chelsea. “I have my work with Russia, which I will fulfill.
“I have just done it because of the strong links between the Chelsea owner and the Russian federation.”
The British media had suggested that Hiddink could stay longer, and bookmakers made him a favorite to be in charge for the first game of next season, but the former Netherlands and South Korea manager said that won’t happen.
“I will help out to the end of the season, only to the end of the season,” Hiddink said.
Chelsea, which has won two Premier League titles with Abramovich’s backing, has slumped to fourth in the English standings after Scolari’s short-lived stint.
Hiddink said it would be tough to catch leader Manchester United, which is 10 points ahead of the Blues, but insisted that Chelsea remains “in the race” for the Champions League, which resumes next week.
Hiddink led PSV Eindhoven to the European title in 1988, while Chelsea lost last year’s final to Manchester United in a penalty shootout.
“I’m not just here to pass then time to until the end of the season,” Hiddink said.
Hiddink’s first match is at third-place Aston Villa on Saturday before a round-of-16 Champions League meeting with Juventus on Wednesday.
The 62-year-old Dutch coach was hired as a stopgap by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, the Russian businessman who also helps bankroll his country’s national federation, to take charge of the Premier League club following last week’s dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari.
But Hiddink said the Russia job comes first.
“Chelsea asked me to help out till the end of the season,” Hiddink said at his first media conference with Chelsea. “I have my work with Russia, which I will fulfill.
“I have just done it because of the strong links between the Chelsea owner and the Russian federation.”
The British media had suggested that Hiddink could stay longer, and bookmakers made him a favorite to be in charge for the first game of next season, but the former Netherlands and South Korea manager said that won’t happen.
“I will help out to the end of the season, only to the end of the season,” Hiddink said.
Chelsea, which has won two Premier League titles with Abramovich’s backing, has slumped to fourth in the English standings after Scolari’s short-lived stint.
Hiddink said it would be tough to catch leader Manchester United, which is 10 points ahead of the Blues, but insisted that Chelsea remains “in the race” for the Champions League, which resumes next week.
Hiddink led PSV Eindhoven to the European title in 1988, while Chelsea lost last year’s final to Manchester United in a penalty shootout.
“I’m not just here to pass then time to until the end of the season,” Hiddink said.
Hiddink’s first match is at third-place Aston Villa on Saturday before a round-of-16 Champions League meeting with Juventus on Wednesday.
The Full English: Full Plate
If I compared last week’s version of “The Full English” to an Adam Sandler movie, it’d be “Click.” Not very exciting, little going for it (Christopher Walken had a supporting role, usually all the credibility a movie would need), and wasn’t exactly a big hit with the public. Now, if I could compare this week’s edition to one of the Sandman’s films it’d be Billy Madison. It has everything, etc. I think you get the idea.
I won’t take the blame for last week’s subpar column as I had little to go off on. There was just not enough going on to produce a column worthy of my faithful Goal.com readers.
Thankfully for all the parties involved, this week is a whole different story. Not only do we have a full slate of EPL action this weekend to dig into, the Champions League resumes play on Tuesday with some of the juiciest match-ups I have seen in years. That’s right, those will be featured in this week’s Full English as well.Consider this my return to the big time. Consider this when Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy Osbourne after the Dio years. Consider this my rebirth as a born-again journalist. I take this stuff pretty seriously, it’s what I do for a living. So when I’m not pleased with some of the work I produce, I take it straight to heart. For that, I apologize.
The last time I checked, however, this wasn’t a self help column. It’s a football column and that’s what we’ll cover. Last week was a bit of a wash as Manchester United lengthened their lead at the top. In the other match, not a lot to discuss. Where we stand now, the season is about two-thirds completed, with a final third remaining that will be oozing excitement. There will be plenty of moments for nail-biting at the edge of your seat.
It’ll break down as the top six teams and where they finish. Then there's the other 14 teams and who gets relegated. It’s looking increasingly likely that the big four will be broken up by a certain Midlands team, and that two other teams from the same area could get relegated. We could see three-peat champions, but no 20-goal scorers. The last 13 matches will be a bumpy ride, so strap in Goal.com readers, I’ll be your guide on this exotic footballing safari that is the English Premier League.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; let’s concentrate on one week at a time.
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Aston Villa v. Chelsea (Villa Park, February 21st, 7:45 a.m. ET (not televised))
Unfortunately for all you footy fanatics out there, this one isn’t televised. Crazy, right? It is on kind of early, but that won’t stop some people. Regardless, this is hands down the top fixture of the weekend. Separated by only two points in 3rd and 4th place are Aston Villa and Chelsea; a win for either side would do wonders for their immediate league goals.
First off, Aston Villa. If they can take down the Blues it’d be Chelsea’s fifth loss this season, doubling the difference in losses compared to last season’s three. They don’t like to lose at Stamford Bridge, and haven’t been doing it regularly over the last few years. This match isn’t at Stamford Bridge, you say? That’s right, it isn’t and the droves of crazed claret and blue clad fans at Villa Park will make sure Guus Hiddink’s boys know where they are.
Knowing and caring are two different things.
In their prior meeting in October, Chelsea handily disposed of Martin O’Neil and co. 2-0, in a match that they dominated, with 35 shots, 14 on target, and the lion’s share of possession. It was an all-around, thorough beating. If it wasn’t for Brad Friedel’s heroics in net, the scoreline could have been way worse. That was October, however, and Aston Villa are a much different, much more confident team these days.
If Chelsea do manage to win, it’ll help restore the balance of things, putting them back up there with Manchester United and Liverpool in third place. They’d get three points under their belt with the new regime in charge. Most importantly, they’d get their heads back on straight after gaining three points from an extremely important confrontation with a team so close to them in the standings.
It’ll come down to who wants it more. Aston Villa are a much more united and level-headed club, while Chelsea have the edge in overall talent. It’s certainly an intriguing match-up. I have a slight wonder that revolves around the Blues line-up, considering they play a huge fixture against Juventus on Wednesday.
TFE Prediction: I like Chelsea in this one. Villa’s heads are still a bit low following their ouster from the FA Cup at the hands of Everton, while Chelsea will be temporarily buoyed by the new manager syndrome and take this one 2-1. A close match, for sure.Liverpool v. Manchester City (Anfield, February 22nd, 10 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Why even preview this game, right? It’s surely Liverpool’s for the taking. Their captain and driving force might be back, not to mention they’re welcoming one of the league’s most inconsistent teams to one of the league’s most consistently intimidating venues. What’s not to like in this one? Just skip to the prediction already.
To divulge a bit more (as this is my big comeback column), I can say so many bad things about Manchester City. Their coaching has been pretty terrible of late, and apparently it’s led to bust ups between the gaffer and some key players. They may score a ton of goals (tied for third in the league…with Liverpool), but they let in a ton.
One thing you cannot question however, is the talent that is up and down this roster. They have it. It’s just a matter of using it. They didn’t last weekend, but they did the week before. Maybe they’re due this week in front of the Kop. I’m sure Craigy boy would love to blast a couple past his old team.
TFE Prediction: I love upsets. I love the underdog. They are the best. Don’t count on either showing up in this one. Reds up 3-1.
Newcastle v. Everton (St. James’ Park, February 22nd, 3:00 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel (delay))
An intriguing match-up. Similar to Man City, Newcastle are a team one never knows which edition will show up. It could be the team that beat Aston Villa 2-0 or the team that got spanked 5-1 by Liverpool. Everton don’t suffer the same affliction, as they have been the model of strong form under David Moyes, rarely suffering more than a handful questionable results in a row.
The Magpies have slowly been pulling themselves out of the cellar and now sit in 13th place. As I feel like I mention every week, they are within a fingertip’s reach of the drop zone, sitting only three points out of 18th. So in actuality, their standing has no standing with me. Unless you’re 10th or above, you don’t hold a place in my heart. Sorry to say, but the bottom half of the table is a mess.
My guess is Everton makes a point of this on Sunday. Even if it is at the beautiful park known as St. James’, Newcastle will do little to prove their worth against a superior team.
TFE Prediction: Maro Fellaini does his thing and nets for Everton as the Toffees win convincingly, 3-1.
Champions League Calamari (Flash Fried Edition)
Inter Milan v. Manchester United: The most interesting of all the EPL match-ups in the Champions League. Two-time defending Italian champions against the two-time defending champions of England. My two favorite mangers. My two favorite teams to play as in FIFA 09. How do you separate them? Form, that’s how. Manchester United have it, and will settle for a well-deserved draw going back to Old Trafford. Prediction: 1-1 tie.Arsenal v. Roma: Luciano Spalletti’s team boast my favorite player outside of England in the talismanic Francesco Totti. Arsenal have very few players that I like. This isn’t a popularity contest though, and right now the Gunners are a better team and will take the first leg. Prediction: ArsenalChelsea v. Juventus: Another tough call as the teams are similar in lots of ways. My gut is telling me the Bridge shows outsiders how tough a place it can be to play in, momentarily restoring the old glory of years past. Prediction: ChelseaReal Madrid v. Liverpool: Would be a great final, don’t you think? The Spanish influence of Liverpool playing the Spanish giants themselves. It’s not to be, however, as these two meet in the first knockout round. I think the Reds will hold out for a draw in this one, despite being dangerously outplayed. Prediction 1-1 tie.The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Joe Kinnear, Newcastle: The gaffer has apparently recovered well from the serious heart surgery he had a week ago, and is thanking well-wishers through the club’s website. Good to see he made it through ok and I hope to see him back on the touchline soon.
Jimmy Bullard, Hull: I put the blame on Phil Brown for breaking the bank for him. It’s karma, really. He left Fulham, a perfect situation in many regards, because they wouldn’t give him more money. Now he’s out for the season with a knee injury and is staring relegation in the face with a floundering Tigers side who have one win in their last 10 matches.Paul Scholes, Manchester United: Another one of my all-time favorites, Paul Scholes is playing some brilliant football at the moment, similar to what he has done his entire career with the Red Devils. His opening goal against Fulham was beautiful. I just wish Mark Schwarzer would have realized it and let it go in without the awkward deflection he put on it. Simply put, Scholes is one of the most intelligent and visually aware football players I have ever seen.
The Dressing (as in What To Wear)
2008-2009 Real Madrid Away - Sergio Ramos #4
In honor of the resumption of the Champions League next week, the jersey for this edition has a bit of Spanish flavor. One of the brightest young stars in the world, Sergio Ramos is as complete a defender as you’ll find. Plus, the jersey itself is a tasty shade of blue that compliments me quite well.
Leicester Update:
14 matches to play, 10 points clear. No need to worry, all things are well in Fox-land. I just wish I was there for the last part of the season when I could see Walkers Stadium go wild when we actually lift some sort of silverware. It’s been a while…
And Finally…The Black Pudding of the Week:Eric Cantona, Manchester United: I’m feeling a bit nostalgic (and a bit too tired to think), but I feel like my favorite player of all-time deserves a mention in “The Full English.” There has never been anyone like him, and I doubt there ever will be. His charisma was immense and the pitch could barely contain him. Just a unique personality like few the game has ever seen. How could you not love him in those Nike “Joga Bonito” commercials? He comes off a bit crazy (just ask Matthew Simmons, Crystal Palace supporter), but it works as his game bleeds emotion and intensity. His face when he scored that amazing chip shot against Sunderland will forever be etched in my mind…and he’s French.
I won’t take the blame for last week’s subpar column as I had little to go off on. There was just not enough going on to produce a column worthy of my faithful Goal.com readers.
Thankfully for all the parties involved, this week is a whole different story. Not only do we have a full slate of EPL action this weekend to dig into, the Champions League resumes play on Tuesday with some of the juiciest match-ups I have seen in years. That’s right, those will be featured in this week’s Full English as well.Consider this my return to the big time. Consider this when Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy Osbourne after the Dio years. Consider this my rebirth as a born-again journalist. I take this stuff pretty seriously, it’s what I do for a living. So when I’m not pleased with some of the work I produce, I take it straight to heart. For that, I apologize.
The last time I checked, however, this wasn’t a self help column. It’s a football column and that’s what we’ll cover. Last week was a bit of a wash as Manchester United lengthened their lead at the top. In the other match, not a lot to discuss. Where we stand now, the season is about two-thirds completed, with a final third remaining that will be oozing excitement. There will be plenty of moments for nail-biting at the edge of your seat.
It’ll break down as the top six teams and where they finish. Then there's the other 14 teams and who gets relegated. It’s looking increasingly likely that the big four will be broken up by a certain Midlands team, and that two other teams from the same area could get relegated. We could see three-peat champions, but no 20-goal scorers. The last 13 matches will be a bumpy ride, so strap in Goal.com readers, I’ll be your guide on this exotic footballing safari that is the English Premier League.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; let’s concentrate on one week at a time.
The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Aston Villa v. Chelsea (Villa Park, February 21st, 7:45 a.m. ET (not televised))
Unfortunately for all you footy fanatics out there, this one isn’t televised. Crazy, right? It is on kind of early, but that won’t stop some people. Regardless, this is hands down the top fixture of the weekend. Separated by only two points in 3rd and 4th place are Aston Villa and Chelsea; a win for either side would do wonders for their immediate league goals.
First off, Aston Villa. If they can take down the Blues it’d be Chelsea’s fifth loss this season, doubling the difference in losses compared to last season’s three. They don’t like to lose at Stamford Bridge, and haven’t been doing it regularly over the last few years. This match isn’t at Stamford Bridge, you say? That’s right, it isn’t and the droves of crazed claret and blue clad fans at Villa Park will make sure Guus Hiddink’s boys know where they are.
Knowing and caring are two different things.
In their prior meeting in October, Chelsea handily disposed of Martin O’Neil and co. 2-0, in a match that they dominated, with 35 shots, 14 on target, and the lion’s share of possession. It was an all-around, thorough beating. If it wasn’t for Brad Friedel’s heroics in net, the scoreline could have been way worse. That was October, however, and Aston Villa are a much different, much more confident team these days.
If Chelsea do manage to win, it’ll help restore the balance of things, putting them back up there with Manchester United and Liverpool in third place. They’d get three points under their belt with the new regime in charge. Most importantly, they’d get their heads back on straight after gaining three points from an extremely important confrontation with a team so close to them in the standings.
It’ll come down to who wants it more. Aston Villa are a much more united and level-headed club, while Chelsea have the edge in overall talent. It’s certainly an intriguing match-up. I have a slight wonder that revolves around the Blues line-up, considering they play a huge fixture against Juventus on Wednesday.
TFE Prediction: I like Chelsea in this one. Villa’s heads are still a bit low following their ouster from the FA Cup at the hands of Everton, while Chelsea will be temporarily buoyed by the new manager syndrome and take this one 2-1. A close match, for sure.Liverpool v. Manchester City (Anfield, February 22nd, 10 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Why even preview this game, right? It’s surely Liverpool’s for the taking. Their captain and driving force might be back, not to mention they’re welcoming one of the league’s most inconsistent teams to one of the league’s most consistently intimidating venues. What’s not to like in this one? Just skip to the prediction already.
To divulge a bit more (as this is my big comeback column), I can say so many bad things about Manchester City. Their coaching has been pretty terrible of late, and apparently it’s led to bust ups between the gaffer and some key players. They may score a ton of goals (tied for third in the league…with Liverpool), but they let in a ton.
One thing you cannot question however, is the talent that is up and down this roster. They have it. It’s just a matter of using it. They didn’t last weekend, but they did the week before. Maybe they’re due this week in front of the Kop. I’m sure Craigy boy would love to blast a couple past his old team.
TFE Prediction: I love upsets. I love the underdog. They are the best. Don’t count on either showing up in this one. Reds up 3-1.
Newcastle v. Everton (St. James’ Park, February 22nd, 3:00 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel (delay))
An intriguing match-up. Similar to Man City, Newcastle are a team one never knows which edition will show up. It could be the team that beat Aston Villa 2-0 or the team that got spanked 5-1 by Liverpool. Everton don’t suffer the same affliction, as they have been the model of strong form under David Moyes, rarely suffering more than a handful questionable results in a row.
The Magpies have slowly been pulling themselves out of the cellar and now sit in 13th place. As I feel like I mention every week, they are within a fingertip’s reach of the drop zone, sitting only three points out of 18th. So in actuality, their standing has no standing with me. Unless you’re 10th or above, you don’t hold a place in my heart. Sorry to say, but the bottom half of the table is a mess.
My guess is Everton makes a point of this on Sunday. Even if it is at the beautiful park known as St. James’, Newcastle will do little to prove their worth against a superior team.
TFE Prediction: Maro Fellaini does his thing and nets for Everton as the Toffees win convincingly, 3-1.
Champions League Calamari (Flash Fried Edition)
Inter Milan v. Manchester United: The most interesting of all the EPL match-ups in the Champions League. Two-time defending Italian champions against the two-time defending champions of England. My two favorite mangers. My two favorite teams to play as in FIFA 09. How do you separate them? Form, that’s how. Manchester United have it, and will settle for a well-deserved draw going back to Old Trafford. Prediction: 1-1 tie.Arsenal v. Roma: Luciano Spalletti’s team boast my favorite player outside of England in the talismanic Francesco Totti. Arsenal have very few players that I like. This isn’t a popularity contest though, and right now the Gunners are a better team and will take the first leg. Prediction: ArsenalChelsea v. Juventus: Another tough call as the teams are similar in lots of ways. My gut is telling me the Bridge shows outsiders how tough a place it can be to play in, momentarily restoring the old glory of years past. Prediction: ChelseaReal Madrid v. Liverpool: Would be a great final, don’t you think? The Spanish influence of Liverpool playing the Spanish giants themselves. It’s not to be, however, as these two meet in the first knockout round. I think the Reds will hold out for a draw in this one, despite being dangerously outplayed. Prediction 1-1 tie.The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Joe Kinnear, Newcastle: The gaffer has apparently recovered well from the serious heart surgery he had a week ago, and is thanking well-wishers through the club’s website. Good to see he made it through ok and I hope to see him back on the touchline soon.
Jimmy Bullard, Hull: I put the blame on Phil Brown for breaking the bank for him. It’s karma, really. He left Fulham, a perfect situation in many regards, because they wouldn’t give him more money. Now he’s out for the season with a knee injury and is staring relegation in the face with a floundering Tigers side who have one win in their last 10 matches.Paul Scholes, Manchester United: Another one of my all-time favorites, Paul Scholes is playing some brilliant football at the moment, similar to what he has done his entire career with the Red Devils. His opening goal against Fulham was beautiful. I just wish Mark Schwarzer would have realized it and let it go in without the awkward deflection he put on it. Simply put, Scholes is one of the most intelligent and visually aware football players I have ever seen.
The Dressing (as in What To Wear)
2008-2009 Real Madrid Away - Sergio Ramos #4
In honor of the resumption of the Champions League next week, the jersey for this edition has a bit of Spanish flavor. One of the brightest young stars in the world, Sergio Ramos is as complete a defender as you’ll find. Plus, the jersey itself is a tasty shade of blue that compliments me quite well.
Leicester Update:
14 matches to play, 10 points clear. No need to worry, all things are well in Fox-land. I just wish I was there for the last part of the season when I could see Walkers Stadium go wild when we actually lift some sort of silverware. It’s been a while…
And Finally…The Black Pudding of the Week:Eric Cantona, Manchester United: I’m feeling a bit nostalgic (and a bit too tired to think), but I feel like my favorite player of all-time deserves a mention in “The Full English.” There has never been anyone like him, and I doubt there ever will be. His charisma was immense and the pitch could barely contain him. Just a unique personality like few the game has ever seen. How could you not love him in those Nike “Joga Bonito” commercials? He comes off a bit crazy (just ask Matthew Simmons, Crystal Palace supporter), but it works as his game bleeds emotion and intensity. His face when he scored that amazing chip shot against Sunderland will forever be etched in my mind…and he’s French.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Chelsea rallies to beat Watford in FA Cup
LONDON (AP)—Nicolas Anelka scored three times in the last 15 minutes to lift Chelsea to a 3-1 victory at Watford on Saturday and avoid embarrassing FA Cup defeat.
When Hungarian forward Tamas Priskin broke away from the Chelsea defense to give the second tier League Championship side the lead in the 69th minute, the wealthy west London club appeared in danger of becoming one of the upset victims of soccer’s oldest and most famous club competition.
After firing coach Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sat next to Guus Hiddink, the man who is replacing Scolari until the end of the season, while the Watford fans cheered for a major upset.
But Anelka equalized with an overhead shot off Frank Lampard’s corner in the 75th minute and headed home Ashley Cole’s leftwing cross for the second two minutes later.
After Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech blocked what would have been a Watford equalizer by Jobi McAnuff, Chelsea broke away and Anelka scored the third in the final minute with a low left-footer.
The result made Chelsea the first team into the quarterfinals because Saturday’s other four fifth-round games were tied and will go to replays.
Christopher Samba scored a last minute equalizer in Blackburn’s 2-2 draw with Coventry, another Championship club. West Ham and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 in a meeting of two Premier League teams, but Hull was held 1-1 by Sheffield United and Fulham tied 1-1 with Swansea.
Manchester United, which holds a record 11 FA Cup titles, visits League Championship side Derby on Sunday and Everton hosts Aston Villa in the highlight game of the fifth round.
On Monday, Arsenal hosts last season’s runner-up Cardiff in a fourth-round replay that was postponed because of heavy snow. The winner faces Burnley.
In the weekend’s lone Premier League game, Portsmouth beat Manchester City 2-0 five days after firing manager Tony Adams.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Andriy Voronin fired Hertha Berlin to the top of the Bundesliga with both goals in a 2-1 victory over defending champion Bayern Munich.
The victory moved Hertha past Hoffenheim, which lost 4-1 on Friday at home to Bayer Leverkusen. After losing for the second time in three games, Bayern dropped to third and could drop even further if Hamburg beats Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Andrew Driver headed the winner in a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen and Hearts moved up to third place in the Scottish Premier League.
After Darren Mackie had given visiting Aberdeen a 20th minute lead at Tynecastle, Christian Nade equalized in the final minute of the first half and Driver headed home a cross by David Obua in the 66th.
The victory enabled Hearts to jump into third place behind Celtic and Rangers and two points ahead of Dundee United, which was held 1-1 at home by last-place Inverness. Celtic is two points ahead of Rangers and hosts its big rival on Sunday.
When Hungarian forward Tamas Priskin broke away from the Chelsea defense to give the second tier League Championship side the lead in the 69th minute, the wealthy west London club appeared in danger of becoming one of the upset victims of soccer’s oldest and most famous club competition.
After firing coach Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sat next to Guus Hiddink, the man who is replacing Scolari until the end of the season, while the Watford fans cheered for a major upset.
But Anelka equalized with an overhead shot off Frank Lampard’s corner in the 75th minute and headed home Ashley Cole’s leftwing cross for the second two minutes later.
After Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech blocked what would have been a Watford equalizer by Jobi McAnuff, Chelsea broke away and Anelka scored the third in the final minute with a low left-footer.
The result made Chelsea the first team into the quarterfinals because Saturday’s other four fifth-round games were tied and will go to replays.
Christopher Samba scored a last minute equalizer in Blackburn’s 2-2 draw with Coventry, another Championship club. West Ham and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 in a meeting of two Premier League teams, but Hull was held 1-1 by Sheffield United and Fulham tied 1-1 with Swansea.
Manchester United, which holds a record 11 FA Cup titles, visits League Championship side Derby on Sunday and Everton hosts Aston Villa in the highlight game of the fifth round.
On Monday, Arsenal hosts last season’s runner-up Cardiff in a fourth-round replay that was postponed because of heavy snow. The winner faces Burnley.
In the weekend’s lone Premier League game, Portsmouth beat Manchester City 2-0 five days after firing manager Tony Adams.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Andriy Voronin fired Hertha Berlin to the top of the Bundesliga with both goals in a 2-1 victory over defending champion Bayern Munich.
The victory moved Hertha past Hoffenheim, which lost 4-1 on Friday at home to Bayer Leverkusen. After losing for the second time in three games, Bayern dropped to third and could drop even further if Hamburg beats Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Andrew Driver headed the winner in a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen and Hearts moved up to third place in the Scottish Premier League.
After Darren Mackie had given visiting Aberdeen a 20th minute lead at Tynecastle, Christian Nade equalized in the final minute of the first half and Driver headed home a cross by David Obua in the 66th.
The victory enabled Hearts to jump into third place behind Celtic and Rangers and two points ahead of Dundee United, which was held 1-1 at home by last-place Inverness. Celtic is two points ahead of Rangers and hosts its big rival on Sunday.
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