Chelsea vs Everton (2-1) FA Cup 30.05.2009
Stadium: Wembley Stadium, London, England
Attendance: 89,391
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Howard Webb (Referee)
1' Louis Saha
21' Didier Drogba
72' Frank Lampard
Attendance: 89,391
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Howard Webb (Referee)
1' Louis Saha
21' Didier Drogba
72' Frank Lampard
Barcelona vs Manchester United 2-0 Champions League 27.05.2009
Stadium: Olimpico
Attendance: 72,700
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s): Massimo Busacca (Referee)
10' Samuel Eto'o Goal 1 - 0
70' Lionel Messi Goal 2 - 0
Attendance: 72,700
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s): Massimo Busacca (Referee)
10' Samuel Eto'o Goal 1 - 0
70' Lionel Messi Goal 2 - 0
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (1-0) Premier League 24.05.2009
38' Damien Duff (og)
Newcastle United's woeful season came to end in typical style as Damien Duff deflected a Gareth Barry shot into his own net to give Aston Villa a 1-0 win at Villa Park and relegate the Magpies from the Premier League.
Mix Highlights (Hull vs Manchester United)
Newcastle United's woeful season came to end in typical style as Damien Duff deflected a Gareth Barry shot into his own net to give Aston Villa a 1-0 win at Villa Park and relegate the Magpies from the Premier League.
Mix Highlights (Hull vs Manchester United)
Hull City vs Manchester United (0-1) Premier League 24.05.2009
24' Darron Gibson
Hull escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth despite slumping to a 1-0 defeat against an under-strength Manchester United.
Mix Highlight
Hull escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth despite slumping to a 1-0 defeat against an under-strength Manchester United.
Mix Highlight
Liverpool vs Tottenham (3-1) Premier League 24.05.2009
31' Fernando Torres
64' Alan Hutton (og)
77' Robbie Keane
81' Yossi Benayoun
64' Alan Hutton (og)
77' Robbie Keane
81' Yossi Benayoun
Sunderland vs Chelsea (2-3) Premier League 24.05.2009
47' Nicolas Anelka
53' Kieran Richardson
74' Salomon Kalou
86' Ashley Cole
90' Kenwyne Jones
53' Kieran Richardson
74' Salomon Kalou
86' Ashley Cole
90' Kenwyne Jones
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Werder Bremen (2-1) UEFA Cup 20.05.2009
Stadium: Sukru Saracoglu Stadium , Turkey
Attendance: 53,100
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s): Luis Medina Cantalejo (Referee)
Alfonso Perez Burrull (Fourth Official)
Roberto Diaz Perez del Palomar (Linesman)
Jesus Guadamuro (Linesman)
da Silva Luiz Adriano (25')
Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues Naldo (35')
Rodrigues Jadson (97')
West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool (0-2) Premier League 17.05.2009
Stadium: The Hawthorns, England
Match Time: 13:30 UK
Official(s): Martin Atkinson (Referee)
Steven Gerrard (28)
Dirk Kuyt (63)
Newcastle United vs Fulham (0-1) Premier League 16.05.2009
Stadium: St James' Park, England
Attendance: 52,114
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Howard Webb (Referee)
41' Diomansy Kamara
Newcastle were left in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League with one game to play after they were beaten 1-0 at home
Attendance: 52,114
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Howard Webb (Referee)
41' Diomansy Kamara
Newcastle were left in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League with one game to play after they were beaten 1-0 at home
Villarreal vs Real Madrid (3-2) La Liga 16.05.2009
Stadium: El Madrigal, Spain
Attendance: 18,668
Match Time: 21:00 UK
Official(s): Luis Medina Cantalejo (Referee)
Robert Pires (17)
Rafael Van der Vaart (46)
Cani (62)
Gonzalo Higuaín (88)
Joan Capdevila (90)
Attendance: 18,668
Match Time: 21:00 UK
Official(s): Luis Medina Cantalejo (Referee)
Robert Pires (17)
Rafael Van der Vaart (46)
Cani (62)
Gonzalo Higuaín (88)
Joan Capdevila (90)
Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa (1-1) Premier League 16.05.2009
Stadium: The Riverside Stadium, England
Attendance: 27,261
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Mike Riley (Referee)
14' Tuncay Sanli
57' John Carew
Middlesbrough's failure to win at home to Aston Villa means they are almost relegated to the Championship
Attendance: 27,261
Match Time: 15:00 UK
Official(s): Mike Riley (Referee)
14' Tuncay Sanli
57' John Carew
Middlesbrough's failure to win at home to Aston Villa means they are almost relegated to the Championship
Manchester United vs Arsenal (0-0) Premier League 16.05.2009
Stadium: Old Trafford, England
Attendance: 75,468
Match Time: 12:45 UK
Official(s): Mike Dean (Referee)
Cristiano Ronaldo & Anderson's Funny Interview
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United (1-2) Premier League 13.05.2009
28' Hugo Rodallega
61' Carlos Tevez
87' Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick struck an 87th-minute winner to sink Wigan 2-1 and move Manchester United to within a solitary point of retaining their Premier League title.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona (1-4) Copa del Rey 13.05.2009
9' Gaizka Toquero Pinedo
31' Yaya Toure
54' Lionel Messi
58' Bojan Krkic Perez
64' Hernandez Creus Xavi
Barcelona beat Athletic to lift 25th Copa del Rey
31' Yaya Toure
54' Lionel Messi
58' Bojan Krkic Perez
64' Hernandez Creus Xavi
Barcelona beat Athletic to lift 25th Copa del Rey
Newcastle United vs Middlesbrough (3-1) Premier League 11.05.2009
Newcastle United vs Middlesbrough
Stadium: St James` Park
Attendance: 51,252
Match Time: 20:00 UK
Official(s): Mike Dean (Referee)
3' Habib Beye (og)
9' Steven Taylor
71' Obafemi Martins
86' Peter Lövenkrands
Shearer's first win lifts Newcastle out of drop zone
Stadium: St James` Park
Attendance: 51,252
Match Time: 20:00 UK
Official(s): Mike Dean (Referee)
3' Habib Beye (og)
9' Steven Taylor
71' Obafemi Martins
86' Peter Lövenkrands
Shearer's first win lifts Newcastle out of drop zone
Arsenal vs Chelsea (1-4) Premier League 10.05.2009
Stadium: Emirates Stadium, England
Match Time: 16:00 UK
Official(s): Philip Dowd (Referee)
28' Alex
39' Nicolas Anelka
49' Kolo Toure (og)
70' Nicklas Bendtner
86' Florent Malouda
Match Time: 16:00 UK
Official(s): Philip Dowd (Referee)
28' Alex
39' Nicolas Anelka
49' Kolo Toure (og)
70' Nicklas Bendtner
86' Florent Malouda
Manchester United vs Manchester City (2-0) Premier League 10.05.2009
Stadium: Old Trafford, England
Match Time: 13:30 UK
Official(s): C Foy (Referee)
18' Cristiano Ronaldo
45' Carlos Tevez
Tevez Excellent Shot that hits the Pole
Match Time: 13:30 UK
Official(s): C Foy (Referee)
18' Cristiano Ronaldo
45' Carlos Tevez
Tevez Excellent Shot that hits the Pole
West Ham vs Liverpool (0-3) Premier League 09.05.2009
2' Steven Gerrard
38' Steven Gerrard (pen miss)
38' Steven Gerrard
84' Ryan Babel
===============================
Other Matches Highlights
West Bromwich Albion vs Wigan Athletic (3-1)
Fulham vs Aston Villa (3-1)
Hull City vs Stoke City (1-2)
38' Steven Gerrard (pen miss)
38' Steven Gerrard
84' Ryan Babel
===============================
Other Matches Highlights
West Bromwich Albion vs Wigan Athletic (3-1)
Fulham vs Aston Villa (3-1)
Hull City vs Stoke City (1-2)
Hamburg SV vs Werder Bremen (2-3) UEFA Cup 07.05.2009
Stadium: HSH Nordbank Arena, Germany
Attendance: 51,200
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s): Frank De Bleeckere (Referee)
12' Ivica Olic
29' Ribas da Cunha Diego
66' Claudio Pizarro
83' Frank Baumann
87' Ivica Olic
1st Half
2nd Half
Attendance: 51,200
Match Time: 19:45 UK
Official(s): Frank De Bleeckere (Referee)
12' Ivica Olic
29' Ribas da Cunha Diego
66' Claudio Pizarro
83' Frank Baumann
87' Ivica Olic
1st Half
2nd Half
Chelsea vs Barcelona (1-1) Champions League 06.05.2009
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Stadium: Stamford Bridge, England
Match Time: 19:45 UK
9' Michael Essien
90' Andrés Iniesta
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After Match
Ten-man Barcelona robbed Chelsea of a place in the Champions League final in the cruellest of fashions with a 93rd-minute away goal at Stamford Bridge.
A stunning first-half volley from Michael Essien looked to have earned Chelsea victory and set up a repeat of last year's Champions League final against Manchester United.
But Andres Iniesta beat Petr Cech in the third minute of added time to send the Spanish bench and their fans delirious and leave Guus Hiddink crestfallen.
At the final whistle, Chelsea's players confronted referee Tom Ovrebo, who had waved away at least four penalty appeals during the game.
The scenes descended into anger when Drogba emerged from the tunnel to confront the Norwegian official and was shown a yellow card.
Ovrebo had a poor game and was marshalled down to the tunnel by Chelsea stewards as Drogba continued to complain about his performance.
The Ivorian then vented his fury by shouting "it's a f***ing disgrace'' down the lens of a TV camera, and the fall-out from Drogba's behaviour may yet be met by a UEFA investigation.
It had all looked so promising for Chelsea when Essien, who missed six months of the season while he recovered from a serious knee ligament injury, despatched a 20-yard volley beyond the despairing Victor Valdes.
Chelsea's collective desire to reach the final once more was epitomised in the way they took the fire out of Barcelona's early football.
The Catalans, missing their two first-choice centre-backs through injury and suspension, played some neat, fast and accurate football in the first 20 minutes.
It was a perfect example of the beautiful game mastered by coach Pep Guardiola but it lacked the cutting edge in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry.
The Barca attack has shared more than 90 goals between them this season but Chelsea managed to prevent them scoring in 180 minutes of high-tempo football.
That Chelsea scored with their first real attack of the game would have left the Barca coach bitterly disappointed.
Frank Lampard's attempted cross cannoned off Yaya Toure and Essien despatched his volley into the net via the underside of the crossbar.
It sparked Chelsea into life and, for the remainder of the opening half, they bossed the game.
Lampard almost put Drogba through in the 22nd minute but Valdes managed to beat the Ivorian to the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
Barca were rocking now and a catalogue of fouls by Dani Alves was finally punished with a yellow card when he brought down Ashley Cole. It meant the full-back was out of the final.
But Ovrebo waved away penalty appeals from Chelsea when Drogba, a colossus in attack all night, was brought down by Eric Abidal.
The second half promised more drama and it did not disappoint. Drogba missed a gilt-edged chance when Florent Malouda and Anelka put the Ivorian clear in the 52nd minute.
Somehow, Valdes got a foot to his shot to keep Barca's hopes alive.
But the Catalans were in deep trouble in the 65th minute when Abidal brought down the free-running Anelka and, as the last defender, was shown the red card.
Chelsea continued to take the initiative as Barca were reduced to long-range shots.
In the 70th minute, Valdes saved Guardiola's side again when a Lampard shot took a wicked deflection.
But two minutes later Drogba was replaced by Juliano Belletti, much to the crowd's surprise and the Ivorian's clear disapproval.
As the clock ran down, Chelsea continued to pour forward in search of a decisive second to calm the nerves but, although they had made Barcelona look very ordinary, there was a sting in the tail.
Chelsea's heroes had fought for every ball as if their lives depended on it but they allowed Iniesta too much room and, when he beat Cech from 20 yards in the 93rd minute, chaos descended on Stamford Bridge.
But there was still time for more drama when Michael Ballack's goalbound effort seemed to hit a defender's arm only for Ovrebo to wave away more appeals.
Ballack was shown the yellow card for protesting and, when the final whistle sounded, Barca celebrated in unbridled fashion while Chelsea's players began their attacks on Ovrebo.
It was an unsavoury end to Chelsea's European campaign that may yet have further repercussions for the English side.
(credits:soccernet)
Stadium: Stamford Bridge, England
Match Time: 19:45 UK
9' Michael Essien
90' Andrés Iniesta
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After Match
Ten-man Barcelona robbed Chelsea of a place in the Champions League final in the cruellest of fashions with a 93rd-minute away goal at Stamford Bridge.
A stunning first-half volley from Michael Essien looked to have earned Chelsea victory and set up a repeat of last year's Champions League final against Manchester United.
But Andres Iniesta beat Petr Cech in the third minute of added time to send the Spanish bench and their fans delirious and leave Guus Hiddink crestfallen.
At the final whistle, Chelsea's players confronted referee Tom Ovrebo, who had waved away at least four penalty appeals during the game.
The scenes descended into anger when Drogba emerged from the tunnel to confront the Norwegian official and was shown a yellow card.
Ovrebo had a poor game and was marshalled down to the tunnel by Chelsea stewards as Drogba continued to complain about his performance.
The Ivorian then vented his fury by shouting "it's a f***ing disgrace'' down the lens of a TV camera, and the fall-out from Drogba's behaviour may yet be met by a UEFA investigation.
It had all looked so promising for Chelsea when Essien, who missed six months of the season while he recovered from a serious knee ligament injury, despatched a 20-yard volley beyond the despairing Victor Valdes.
Chelsea's collective desire to reach the final once more was epitomised in the way they took the fire out of Barcelona's early football.
The Catalans, missing their two first-choice centre-backs through injury and suspension, played some neat, fast and accurate football in the first 20 minutes.
It was a perfect example of the beautiful game mastered by coach Pep Guardiola but it lacked the cutting edge in the absence of the injured Thierry Henry.
The Barca attack has shared more than 90 goals between them this season but Chelsea managed to prevent them scoring in 180 minutes of high-tempo football.
That Chelsea scored with their first real attack of the game would have left the Barca coach bitterly disappointed.
Frank Lampard's attempted cross cannoned off Yaya Toure and Essien despatched his volley into the net via the underside of the crossbar.
It sparked Chelsea into life and, for the remainder of the opening half, they bossed the game.
Lampard almost put Drogba through in the 22nd minute but Valdes managed to beat the Ivorian to the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
Barca were rocking now and a catalogue of fouls by Dani Alves was finally punished with a yellow card when he brought down Ashley Cole. It meant the full-back was out of the final.
But Ovrebo waved away penalty appeals from Chelsea when Drogba, a colossus in attack all night, was brought down by Eric Abidal.
The second half promised more drama and it did not disappoint. Drogba missed a gilt-edged chance when Florent Malouda and Anelka put the Ivorian clear in the 52nd minute.
Somehow, Valdes got a foot to his shot to keep Barca's hopes alive.
But the Catalans were in deep trouble in the 65th minute when Abidal brought down the free-running Anelka and, as the last defender, was shown the red card.
Chelsea continued to take the initiative as Barca were reduced to long-range shots.
In the 70th minute, Valdes saved Guardiola's side again when a Lampard shot took a wicked deflection.
But two minutes later Drogba was replaced by Juliano Belletti, much to the crowd's surprise and the Ivorian's clear disapproval.
As the clock ran down, Chelsea continued to pour forward in search of a decisive second to calm the nerves but, although they had made Barcelona look very ordinary, there was a sting in the tail.
Chelsea's heroes had fought for every ball as if their lives depended on it but they allowed Iniesta too much room and, when he beat Cech from 20 yards in the 93rd minute, chaos descended on Stamford Bridge.
But there was still time for more drama when Michael Ballack's goalbound effort seemed to hit a defender's arm only for Ovrebo to wave away more appeals.
Ballack was shown the yellow card for protesting and, when the final whistle sounded, Barca celebrated in unbridled fashion while Chelsea's players began their attacks on Ovrebo.
It was an unsavoury end to Chelsea's European campaign that may yet have further repercussions for the English side.
(credits:soccernet)
Arsenal vs Manchester United (1-3) Champions League 05.05.2009
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Stadium: Emirates Stadium, England
Match Time: 19:45 UK
8' Ji-Sung Park
11' Cristiano Ronaldo
61' Cristiano Ronaldo
74' Red Card Darren Fletcher
76' Robin Van Persie (pen)
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1st Half Highlights
2nd Half Highlights
Stadium: Emirates Stadium, England
Match Time: 19:45 UK
8' Ji-Sung Park
11' Cristiano Ronaldo
61' Cristiano Ronaldo
74' Red Card Darren Fletcher
76' Robin Van Persie (pen)
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1st Half Highlights
2nd Half Highlights
Liverpool vs Newcastle (3-0) Premier League 03.05.2009
Liverpool vs Newcastle
Stadium: Anfield, England
Match Time: 13:30 UK
22' Yossi Benayoun
28' Dirk Kuyt
87' Lucas
Team News:
Steven Gerrard will return from injury to lead Liverpool in the crucial Barclays Premier League home clash with Newcastle.
Gerrard has missed four games with a groin problem but has returned to full training this week and will be back in midfield against a side Liverpool have beaten in six of their last seven meetings scoring 19 goals in the process.
Liverpool have no other injury problems, with Swiss international Philipp Degen continuing his comeback from injury in the reserves in midweek, but the full-back will not be involved against Newcastle.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his own team will face a side now with rediscovered belief, following the Magpies' appointment of Alan Shearer, who is yet to taste victory in his spell as manager of the relegation-threatened side.
"It is a difficult situation when a club keeps changing the manager,'' said Benitez.
"Alan Shearer is there now but it is too soon to know what real effect that has had.
"But I have watched some videos of games, and I could see the passion from their team and the work-rate, they are trying very hard to make things change.
"We beat them 5-1 away this season, but this time it will be different. It is so close to the end of the season and they are fighting for their lives so it will be a tough game.''
He added: "We do not expect to score five again, it is too important now for them and us. It will not be easy in any way.
"They are under pressure, against Portsmouth in midweek they were working very hard and their commitment was fantastic.
"They are playing for something now. They will fight for everything to the end.''
Benitez still believes there is a chance of taking the title, despite Manchester United's lead at the top.
"We have to win every game, take three points and then see what happens to Manchester United,'' he said.
"They are in a better position than us but I still believe they will slip-up.
"They have some very difficult games, but we have to do our job and you never know what will happen.
"They have to play Arsenal and Manchester City, difficult games, so hopefully they will make some mistakes.''
Shearer has concerns in defence and will be without key defenders Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor.
Enrique is out with the hamstring problem he picked up in Monday night's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, while Taylor remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Jonas Gutierrez (ankle) is fit and midfielder Joey Barton, an unused substitute against Pompey, is also included in the squad once again.
Newcastle still believe they can rescue themselves despite failing to beat Portsmouth, although they are likely to have to beat Middlesbrough and Fulham at home and possibly get at least a point from their trips to Anfield or, on the final day of the season, Aston Villa, to do so.
Shearer's side might have given themselves a lifeline if Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen or Mark Viduka had taken the one chance each that came their way against Pompey.
However, amid speculation Owen could be the man to make way at Anfield with Shearer extremely unlikely to field all three strikers in his starting line-up, Martins is convinced he can get himself back among the goals if he is given the chance.
"You just try to get on with your job, and all I am thinking about is scoring against Liverpool,'' he said.
"We have had difficulties lately, but if we go there positive, there is a chance. We are going there to get three points.''
Newcastle have a poor recent record at Anfield - they have won only once there in the Premier League - and Shearer, who won the title there with Blackburn in 1995 despite losing 2-1 on the day, admits keeping his home-town club in the top flight would be an even bigger achievement.
"I think it would be - without a doubt,'' he said. "It would be the biggest and best thing that's ever happened.
"It will be the most difficult game we have faced in my time here. But is it impossible? No.
"Not many people will give us a chance going there, but we have got to go there and believe, and all I'm asking from the players is to give me everything they've got. If they do that, I can't ask for any more.
"Yes, we will need a little bit of luck at some stage, and yes, we will be under the cosh at some stage.
"But can we ride our luck, work hard and come away with something? I hope so.''
(credits:soccernet)
Stadium: Anfield, England
Match Time: 13:30 UK
22' Yossi Benayoun
28' Dirk Kuyt
87' Lucas
Team News:
Steven Gerrard will return from injury to lead Liverpool in the crucial Barclays Premier League home clash with Newcastle.
Gerrard has missed four games with a groin problem but has returned to full training this week and will be back in midfield against a side Liverpool have beaten in six of their last seven meetings scoring 19 goals in the process.
Liverpool have no other injury problems, with Swiss international Philipp Degen continuing his comeback from injury in the reserves in midweek, but the full-back will not be involved against Newcastle.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his own team will face a side now with rediscovered belief, following the Magpies' appointment of Alan Shearer, who is yet to taste victory in his spell as manager of the relegation-threatened side.
"It is a difficult situation when a club keeps changing the manager,'' said Benitez.
"Alan Shearer is there now but it is too soon to know what real effect that has had.
"But I have watched some videos of games, and I could see the passion from their team and the work-rate, they are trying very hard to make things change.
"We beat them 5-1 away this season, but this time it will be different. It is so close to the end of the season and they are fighting for their lives so it will be a tough game.''
He added: "We do not expect to score five again, it is too important now for them and us. It will not be easy in any way.
"They are under pressure, against Portsmouth in midweek they were working very hard and their commitment was fantastic.
"They are playing for something now. They will fight for everything to the end.''
Benitez still believes there is a chance of taking the title, despite Manchester United's lead at the top.
"We have to win every game, take three points and then see what happens to Manchester United,'' he said.
"They are in a better position than us but I still believe they will slip-up.
"They have some very difficult games, but we have to do our job and you never know what will happen.
"They have to play Arsenal and Manchester City, difficult games, so hopefully they will make some mistakes.''
Shearer has concerns in defence and will be without key defenders Jose Enrique and Steven Taylor.
Enrique is out with the hamstring problem he picked up in Monday night's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth, while Taylor remains on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Jonas Gutierrez (ankle) is fit and midfielder Joey Barton, an unused substitute against Pompey, is also included in the squad once again.
Newcastle still believe they can rescue themselves despite failing to beat Portsmouth, although they are likely to have to beat Middlesbrough and Fulham at home and possibly get at least a point from their trips to Anfield or, on the final day of the season, Aston Villa, to do so.
Shearer's side might have given themselves a lifeline if Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen or Mark Viduka had taken the one chance each that came their way against Pompey.
However, amid speculation Owen could be the man to make way at Anfield with Shearer extremely unlikely to field all three strikers in his starting line-up, Martins is convinced he can get himself back among the goals if he is given the chance.
"You just try to get on with your job, and all I am thinking about is scoring against Liverpool,'' he said.
"We have had difficulties lately, but if we go there positive, there is a chance. We are going there to get three points.''
Newcastle have a poor recent record at Anfield - they have won only once there in the Premier League - and Shearer, who won the title there with Blackburn in 1995 despite losing 2-1 on the day, admits keeping his home-town club in the top flight would be an even bigger achievement.
"I think it would be - without a doubt,'' he said. "It would be the biggest and best thing that's ever happened.
"It will be the most difficult game we have faced in my time here. But is it impossible? No.
"Not many people will give us a chance going there, but we have got to go there and believe, and all I'm asking from the players is to give me everything they've got. If they do that, I can't ask for any more.
"Yes, we will need a little bit of luck at some stage, and yes, we will be under the cosh at some stage.
"But can we ride our luck, work hard and come away with something? I hope so.''
(credits:soccernet)
Real Madrid vs Barcelona (2-6) La Liga 02.05.2009
14' Gonzalo Higuaín
18' Thierry Henry
20' Carles Puyol
36' Lionel Messi
56' Sergio Ramos
58' Thierry Henry
75' Lionel Messi
83' Gerard Pique
18' Thierry Henry
20' Carles Puyol
36' Lionel Messi
56' Sergio Ramos
58' Thierry Henry
75' Lionel Messi
83' Gerard Pique
Middlesbrough vs Manchester United (0-2) Premier League 02.05.2009
Middlesbrough vs Manchester United
Stadium: The Riverside Stadium, England
Match Time: 12:45 UK
25' Ryan Giggs
51' Ji-Sung Park
Team News:
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will check on a series of minor knocks before naming his side to face Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Only Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) and Chris Riggott (ankle) have been ruled out of the game at the Riverside and Southgate is hopeful they will be the only absentees.
French midfielder Didier Digard, who was used as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last Sunday after a lengthy lay-off, will once again be in contention, although he is short of full match-fitness.
Southgate is confident of causing a shock based on Boro's results this season and hopes the result can kick-start their fight against the drop.
"We have got results against Arsenal and Liverpool here this season already, so that fills us with confidence,'' he said.
"There's nothing to lose because nobody would expect us to get anything from the game - and if we do, that's a huge boost for us.
"I want to achieve success over the next few games for everybody at the club, not just the players. As the manager, you have to prepare for both scenarios. I have to plan budgets and look at the upheaval.
"It hits home to you how difficult it would be if the worst scenario happened because there would be so much uncertainty, such a financial shortfall to meet, so it would clearly set you back as a football club a long way.''
Wes Brown returns to the Manchester United squad for the first time since the end of January as Sir Alex Ferguson's men look to take another step towards clinching the Premier League title.
With Rio Ferdinand ruled out by a rib injury, Brown has been drafted into the United squad as cover for Jonny Evans following his recovery from a foot injury.
Ferguson is promising a number of changes, which could include the introductions of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, although more senior players could be involved than he first indicated immediately after United's Champions League win over Arsenal.
The United boss is not happy with the lunch-time kick off at the Riverside and believes his side should have had more time to recover from their midweek exploits.
"Teams who play in Europe on a Wednesday should not have a lunchtime kick-off on a Saturday,'' he said.
"That goes for all teams, not just us. You would think these guys sitting in an office all week would think about these things. But when you shake hands with the devil you pay the price.
"In any case, every game is so important and the incentives so great now, whether it is at midnight or 7am, it does not interrupt what we are doing.''
(Credits:Soccernet)
Stadium: The Riverside Stadium, England
Match Time: 12:45 UK
25' Ryan Giggs
51' Ji-Sung Park
Team News:
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will check on a series of minor knocks before naming his side to face Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Only Emanuel Pogatetz (knee) and Chris Riggott (ankle) have been ruled out of the game at the Riverside and Southgate is hopeful they will be the only absentees.
French midfielder Didier Digard, who was used as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last Sunday after a lengthy lay-off, will once again be in contention, although he is short of full match-fitness.
Southgate is confident of causing a shock based on Boro's results this season and hopes the result can kick-start their fight against the drop.
"We have got results against Arsenal and Liverpool here this season already, so that fills us with confidence,'' he said.
"There's nothing to lose because nobody would expect us to get anything from the game - and if we do, that's a huge boost for us.
"I want to achieve success over the next few games for everybody at the club, not just the players. As the manager, you have to prepare for both scenarios. I have to plan budgets and look at the upheaval.
"It hits home to you how difficult it would be if the worst scenario happened because there would be so much uncertainty, such a financial shortfall to meet, so it would clearly set you back as a football club a long way.''
Wes Brown returns to the Manchester United squad for the first time since the end of January as Sir Alex Ferguson's men look to take another step towards clinching the Premier League title.
With Rio Ferdinand ruled out by a rib injury, Brown has been drafted into the United squad as cover for Jonny Evans following his recovery from a foot injury.
Ferguson is promising a number of changes, which could include the introductions of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, although more senior players could be involved than he first indicated immediately after United's Champions League win over Arsenal.
The United boss is not happy with the lunch-time kick off at the Riverside and believes his side should have had more time to recover from their midweek exploits.
"Teams who play in Europe on a Wednesday should not have a lunchtime kick-off on a Saturday,'' he said.
"That goes for all teams, not just us. You would think these guys sitting in an office all week would think about these things. But when you shake hands with the devil you pay the price.
"In any case, every game is so important and the incentives so great now, whether it is at midnight or 7am, it does not interrupt what we are doing.''
(Credits:Soccernet)
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Premier League (0-3) 02.05.2009
Portsmouth vs Arsenal
Stadium: Fratton Park, England
Match Time: 15:00 UK
13' Nicklas Bendtner
41' Nicklas Bendtner (pen)
56' Carlos Vela
Team News:
Jermaine Pennant and Younes Kaboul could be recalled to Portsmouth's starting line-up for the home meeting with Arsenal.
Former Arsenal winger Pennant, on loan from Liverpool, has started on the substitutes' bench for the last three games but, with David Nugent aggravating a hip injury in Monday's draw at Newcastle, could be drafted in by manager Paul Hart, who admits "a few other bumps and bruises'' among his squad.
Midfielder Niko Kranjcar (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Armand Traore, on loan from Arsenal, has not figured at all since Hart took over as boss in February and is ineligible tomorrow.
Goalkeeper David James warns Pompey cannot afford to relax the tight grip on security which the uncomplicated methods of stand-in boss Paul Hart and his assistant Brian Kidd have reintroduced after the ill-fated Tony Adams reign.
James said: "We've got to try and get something from the Arsenal game - but with Blackburn and Sunderland coming up next there are two sides we actually need to get points from if we want a happy end to the season.
"It would be nice to win a home game again because our home form has not been what it should have been.
"But whatever side Arsenal put out we know it will be one with a lot of talent and hunger.
"They can't win the league so they must now be focused on the second leg of the Champions League and that could be nice for us but it is still going to be tough.''
Arsenal will be without leading scorer Robin van Persie, striker Eduardo and defender Mikael Silvestre for the match as they are all struggling with groin injuries.
However, Andrey Arshavin is available again having been cup-tied for the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg at Manchester United as manager Arsene Wenger looks set to rotate his side.
Left-back Gael Clichy (back) remains sidelined, while centre-half William Gallas (knee) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the campaign.
Wenger is keen for his side to put Tuesday's impending Champions League task to the back of their minds and focus on the game at Fratton Park.
"We have a good run and want to win the game tomorrow. Tuesday is not in our mind,'' Wenger insisted.
"Sometimes it is good to rest players, but we will have a strong team out and go there to win the game.
"When you are on a pitch, you focus on the game - you do not have in your mind what you do three days later, that is part of being a top-level footballer.''
(credits:Soccernet)
Stadium: Fratton Park, England
Match Time: 15:00 UK
13' Nicklas Bendtner
41' Nicklas Bendtner (pen)
56' Carlos Vela
Team News:
Jermaine Pennant and Younes Kaboul could be recalled to Portsmouth's starting line-up for the home meeting with Arsenal.
Former Arsenal winger Pennant, on loan from Liverpool, has started on the substitutes' bench for the last three games but, with David Nugent aggravating a hip injury in Monday's draw at Newcastle, could be drafted in by manager Paul Hart, who admits "a few other bumps and bruises'' among his squad.
Midfielder Niko Kranjcar (ankle) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Armand Traore, on loan from Arsenal, has not figured at all since Hart took over as boss in February and is ineligible tomorrow.
Goalkeeper David James warns Pompey cannot afford to relax the tight grip on security which the uncomplicated methods of stand-in boss Paul Hart and his assistant Brian Kidd have reintroduced after the ill-fated Tony Adams reign.
James said: "We've got to try and get something from the Arsenal game - but with Blackburn and Sunderland coming up next there are two sides we actually need to get points from if we want a happy end to the season.
"It would be nice to win a home game again because our home form has not been what it should have been.
"But whatever side Arsenal put out we know it will be one with a lot of talent and hunger.
"They can't win the league so they must now be focused on the second leg of the Champions League and that could be nice for us but it is still going to be tough.''
Arsenal will be without leading scorer Robin van Persie, striker Eduardo and defender Mikael Silvestre for the match as they are all struggling with groin injuries.
However, Andrey Arshavin is available again having been cup-tied for the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg at Manchester United as manager Arsene Wenger looks set to rotate his side.
Left-back Gael Clichy (back) remains sidelined, while centre-half William Gallas (knee) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the campaign.
Wenger is keen for his side to put Tuesday's impending Champions League task to the back of their minds and focus on the game at Fratton Park.
"We have a good run and want to win the game tomorrow. Tuesday is not in our mind,'' Wenger insisted.
"Sometimes it is good to rest players, but we will have a strong team out and go there to win the game.
"When you are on a pitch, you focus on the game - you do not have in your mind what you do three days later, that is part of being a top-level footballer.''
(credits:Soccernet)
Chelsea vs Fulham (3-1) Premier League 02.05.2009
Chelsea vs Fulham
Stadium: Stamford Bridge, England
Match Time: 15:00 UK
1' Nicolas Anelka
4' Erik Nevland
10' Florent Malouda
53' Didier Drogba
Team News:
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and defender Ricardo Carvalho for the visit of Fulham.
Stadium: Stamford Bridge, England
Match Time: 15:00 UK
1' Nicolas Anelka
4' Erik Nevland
10' Florent Malouda
53' Didier Drogba
Team News:
Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and defender Ricardo Carvalho for the visit of Fulham.
The pair are struggling to regain fitness following hamstring problems, while Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are out for the season with knee ligament injuries.
Boss Guus Hiddink will again take the opportunity to rest some players against a Fulham side chasing a place in next season's newly formed Europa League.
"There might be one or two changes,'' confirmed Hiddink. "Regarding that, it's not that we're going to decrease the quality of the players coming in.
"We have players on the bench with the quality to perform well. Maybe one or two will start tomorrow. We take this game very seriously.
"Roy Hodgson is doing a tremendous job at Fulham. He's one of the older managers, like me, who knows that the job is difficult.
"I respect the job he's doing. He's a man with a lot of experience and dignity.
"They've proved what can be achieved with a small squad for a prolonged period.''
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson is unavailable for the trip due to the knee injury he suffered in last weekend's 1-0 win over Stoke.
The former Everton striker has slight damage to knee ligaments, however, he is expected to be fit in time for next weekend's visit of Aston Villa.
Bobby Zamora will start in Johnson's place after he was passed fit after suffering a back spasm against the Potters and will partner Erik Nevland, who scored last week's winner after replacing him, up front.
Simon Davies will miss the remainder of the season as he needs surgery on a foot problem while Giles Barnes will miss the trip to Stamford Bridge with an Achilles injury but the midfielder is expected to return to training next week.
Manager Roy Hodgson has found preparation for the clash difficult because he has no idea which players Hiddink will select.
The match at Stamford Bridge is sandwiched between the two legs of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona and although Hodgson has an inkling Hiddink will want to rest players for Wednesday's crucial second leg, he admits he does not know what to expect.
"There is a chance the Chelsea management will look at this game and not want certain players to play three games in eight days and prioritise by giving someone a rest,'' he said.
"But on the other hand Chelsea are still in with a very serious shout of winning the Premier League.
"Manchester United still have some tough games and also are involved in Champions League semi-finals so Chelsea could say, `We believe Manchester United, with the injuries they have in their squad, will find it difficult to deal with the situation and that's going to open the door for us. We cannot afford to slip up in our last four Premier League games so we'll have to use our best players'.
"Which of those two scenarios is the right one I have no idea.''
(Credits:soccernet)Werder Bremen vs Hamburg SV (0-1) UEFA Cup 30.04.2009
Werder Bremen vs Hamburg SV
Stadium: Weserstadion, Germany
Match Time: 19:45 UK
28' Piotr Trochowski
Pre-Match News:
Hamburg coach Martin Jol has played down his side's recent cup disappointment against Werder Bremen ahead of their third meeting of the season in the UEFA Cup semi-finals.
Jol's side were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of Bremen last week but the Hamburg coach does not believe that defeat, which came in a penalty shoot-out, is representative of the form of both clubs.
Hamburg are still very much involved in the title battle at this late stage of the Bundesliga season while Bremen are languishing in mid-table after a below-par campaign.
Jol's troops also claimed victory in their only Bundesliga meeting to date this season, and the former Tottenham boss insists his players have nothing to fear ahead of the first leg of the all-German clash at the Weserstadion.
"We have played well against them twice, beating them in the Bundesliga and drawing in the cup,'' Jol said on the club's official website.
"It is the end of April and we are still high up in the Bundesliga while Bremen are 10th.
"If things were the other way around, then I would be worried.''
The two sides meet three more times over the next fortnight with their second Bundesliga match of the season following the completion of their two-legged last-four UEFA Cup tie.
Their familiarity with each other will not tempt Jol into a change of tactics, though.
"Of course people can claim that we have to be more creative, but we are how we are,'' he added.
"And we will certainly travel to Bremen full of confidence. They have still not beaten us yet.''
Jol is without striker Mladen Petric, who is also a doubt for the second leg at the HSV-Arena next week due to a cut on his shin, while Marcell Jansen has sore ribs and could also miss out.
Alex Silva is available again after being given leave at the weekend.
All eyes will be on Bremen's playmaker Diego after the club's director of sport Klaus Allofs confirmed talks had been held with Serie A side Juventus over the possible transfer of the Brazilian this summer.
"We have spoken,'' Allofs told the Kreiszeitung Syke newspaper.
"It is only normal to talk with each other on the phone when a club is interested, but we have not started negotiations with Juventus.
"We still want to keep Diego until the end of his contract in 2011 and, if possible, for even longer.''
Diego will be leading Bremen's attack against Hamburg while Frank Baumann was back in training yesterday and expects to be fit.
Aaron Hunt and Daniel Jensen are the only confirmed absentees for Thomas Schaaf's side while Petri Pasanen is a major doubt due to a toe injury.
(Credits:Soccernet)
Stadium: Weserstadion, Germany
Match Time: 19:45 UK
28' Piotr Trochowski
Pre-Match News:
Hamburg coach Martin Jol has played down his side's recent cup disappointment against Werder Bremen ahead of their third meeting of the season in the UEFA Cup semi-finals.
Jol's side were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of Bremen last week but the Hamburg coach does not believe that defeat, which came in a penalty shoot-out, is representative of the form of both clubs.
Hamburg are still very much involved in the title battle at this late stage of the Bundesliga season while Bremen are languishing in mid-table after a below-par campaign.
Jol's troops also claimed victory in their only Bundesliga meeting to date this season, and the former Tottenham boss insists his players have nothing to fear ahead of the first leg of the all-German clash at the Weserstadion.
"We have played well against them twice, beating them in the Bundesliga and drawing in the cup,'' Jol said on the club's official website.
"It is the end of April and we are still high up in the Bundesliga while Bremen are 10th.
"If things were the other way around, then I would be worried.''
The two sides meet three more times over the next fortnight with their second Bundesliga match of the season following the completion of their two-legged last-four UEFA Cup tie.
Their familiarity with each other will not tempt Jol into a change of tactics, though.
"Of course people can claim that we have to be more creative, but we are how we are,'' he added.
"And we will certainly travel to Bremen full of confidence. They have still not beaten us yet.''
Jol is without striker Mladen Petric, who is also a doubt for the second leg at the HSV-Arena next week due to a cut on his shin, while Marcell Jansen has sore ribs and could also miss out.
Alex Silva is available again after being given leave at the weekend.
All eyes will be on Bremen's playmaker Diego after the club's director of sport Klaus Allofs confirmed talks had been held with Serie A side Juventus over the possible transfer of the Brazilian this summer.
"We have spoken,'' Allofs told the Kreiszeitung Syke newspaper.
"It is only normal to talk with each other on the phone when a club is interested, but we have not started negotiations with Juventus.
"We still want to keep Diego until the end of his contract in 2011 and, if possible, for even longer.''
Diego will be leading Bremen's attack against Hamburg while Frank Baumann was back in training yesterday and expects to be fit.
Aaron Hunt and Daniel Jensen are the only confirmed absentees for Thomas Schaaf's side while Petri Pasanen is a major doubt due to a toe injury.
(Credits:Soccernet)
Dynamo Kiev vs Shakhtar Donetsk (1-1) UEFA Cup 30.04.2009
Dynamo Kiev vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Stadium: Valeri Lobanovski Stadium, Ukraine
Match Time: 17:30 UK
22' Dmytro Chigrinsky (og)
68' Luis Fernandinho
Pre-Match News:
Ukrainian rivals Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk face off in the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg happy to put domestic issues aside for 180 minutes.
Dynamo currently sit 12 points clear of Shakhtar in the domestic table with the Premier League title within their grasp, but Shakhtar boast the superior European record in recent seasons.
The pair meet in the final match of the domestic season but realise their two UEFA Cup clashes will be more significant with the league title race looking certain to be over by the time they face off at the end of next month.
An aggregate victory for Dynamo in the next fortnight will leave them in line to win an impressive domestic and European double, should they overcome the winner of the all-German semi between Werder Bremen and Hamburg at the Sukru Sracoglu stadium in Istanbul.
Experienced Shakhtar defender Razvan Rat has urged his team-mates to remain calm as five players risk collecting a second yellow card which would rule them out of the second leg.
"I am sure they know they should be careful,'' he told his club's website. "They must prove they are able to keep their emotions at bay.
"We know our opponents pretty well and they know us. It's not the first time that we have met in a match of such importance.
"We must remain focused on the game and we'll have more briefings before the match and the coach will explain to us how we should play against Dynamo.''
Shakhtar will be able to call on midfield pair Fernandinho and Ilsinho with highly-rated Marcelo Moreno in line to start in attack.
Dynamo destroyed in-form French side Paris St Germain to reach the last four and will be slight favourites over two legs due to their domestic superiority.
Dynamo president Igor Surkis insists the side should be able to continue fighting on two fronts rather than relaxing in the Premier League with the title all-but won.
"This is unlikely,'' he said. "I have never concealed that the priority for our club is success on the European scene.
"But we must not forget that our current first placing in the national championship is our chance to reach the Champions League directly next season.''
Dynamo coach Yuri Syomin has to wait and see over the fitness of Roman Eremenko (illness) and Artyom Kravets (injury) ahead of Shakhtar's visit.
(credits: Soccernet)
Stadium: Valeri Lobanovski Stadium, Ukraine
Match Time: 17:30 UK
22' Dmytro Chigrinsky (og)
68' Luis Fernandinho
Pre-Match News:
Ukrainian rivals Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk face off in the UEFA Cup semi-final first leg happy to put domestic issues aside for 180 minutes.
Dynamo currently sit 12 points clear of Shakhtar in the domestic table with the Premier League title within their grasp, but Shakhtar boast the superior European record in recent seasons.
The pair meet in the final match of the domestic season but realise their two UEFA Cup clashes will be more significant with the league title race looking certain to be over by the time they face off at the end of next month.
An aggregate victory for Dynamo in the next fortnight will leave them in line to win an impressive domestic and European double, should they overcome the winner of the all-German semi between Werder Bremen and Hamburg at the Sukru Sracoglu stadium in Istanbul.
Experienced Shakhtar defender Razvan Rat has urged his team-mates to remain calm as five players risk collecting a second yellow card which would rule them out of the second leg.
"I am sure they know they should be careful,'' he told his club's website. "They must prove they are able to keep their emotions at bay.
"We know our opponents pretty well and they know us. It's not the first time that we have met in a match of such importance.
"We must remain focused on the game and we'll have more briefings before the match and the coach will explain to us how we should play against Dynamo.''
Shakhtar will be able to call on midfield pair Fernandinho and Ilsinho with highly-rated Marcelo Moreno in line to start in attack.
Dynamo destroyed in-form French side Paris St Germain to reach the last four and will be slight favourites over two legs due to their domestic superiority.
Dynamo president Igor Surkis insists the side should be able to continue fighting on two fronts rather than relaxing in the Premier League with the title all-but won.
"This is unlikely,'' he said. "I have never concealed that the priority for our club is success on the European scene.
"But we must not forget that our current first placing in the national championship is our chance to reach the Champions League directly next season.''
Dynamo coach Yuri Syomin has to wait and see over the fitness of Roman Eremenko (illness) and Artyom Kravets (injury) ahead of Shakhtar's visit.
(credits: Soccernet)
Manchester United vs Arsenal (1-0) Champions League 29.04.2009
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Stadium: Old Trafford, England
Match Time: 20:45 CET
17' John O'Shea
Highlights (Non-English)
Match Preview:
Sir Alex Ferguson has almost a full-strength squad to choose from for Manchester United's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
Only Gary Neville is missing after injuring his foot last week but John O'Shea is fit and could start at right-back at Old Trafford ahead of 18-year-old Brazilian Rafael.
Ferguson's main dilemma will be how attacking to make his starting line-up - in the second half against Tottenham on Saturday Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo all played together.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Ferguson has admitted he may be tempting fate, but he has his eyes fixed on creating another chapter of footballing history.
In the euphoria of the Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow last year, it was pointed out to Ferguson that no team has managed to retain the trophy since it changed from the European Cup.
Milan, Ajax and Juventus were all beaten finalists in the mid 90s a year after becoming European champions, but no side have managed to go one better.
Yet it was in Moscow, with the celebratory bubbly still fizzing in his glass, that Ferguson started to turn his mind to a successful European title defence.
''When we won it in Moscow the point was made in the press conference about no side having ever retained the cup in the Champions League format,'' he said. ''I didn't know that was the case at the time, but you say to yourself it would be great if we could be the first do that. We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us.
''Talk is cheap, but faint heart never won fair lady and it's something I would dearly love to do.
''Some might say I am tempting fate but at Old Trafford we have always set our sights high.''
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs is a major doubt for the trip north.
Gibbs is struggling with an ankle injury, while his likely replacement Mikael Silvestre is not certain to be involved either as he tries to shake off a back complaint.
Captain Cesc Fabregas (ankle/knee) and defender Johan Djourou (knee) also got through training this morning but leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) and left-back Gael Clichy (back) remain sidelined, while Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin is ineligible. Centre-half William Gallas (knee) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the campaign.
Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor is focused on silencing the Old Trafford boo-boys with another crucial European away goal on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old has shrugged off a hamstring problem and will be fresh to face the Red Devils after starting on the bench for the win over Middlesbrough on Sunday, which saw the Gunners extend their unbeaten league run to 20 matches.
The Togo striker netted a magnificent scissor-kick to secure an away goal against Villarreal in the last round and would like nothing more than to grab another in United's own backyard.
''When you get onto the pitch the people around will be singing against you, they will be hating you, and that can give you more motivation,'' Adebayor who scored in the league at Old Trafford last season and bagged the winner there in September 2006, told Arsenal TV Online.
''I know they do not like me there because I managed to get a goal, and you just feel like 'Okay, I will show you again how good I am.'
''In three games there I have scored two goals and I know it will not be easy to get another one, but I will give 100%, to do everything it takes to score or to help my team win the game.''
(credits: soccernet)
Stadium: Old Trafford, England
Match Time: 20:45 CET
17' John O'Shea
Highlights (Non-English)
Match Preview:
Sir Alex Ferguson has almost a full-strength squad to choose from for Manchester United's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
Only Gary Neville is missing after injuring his foot last week but John O'Shea is fit and could start at right-back at Old Trafford ahead of 18-year-old Brazilian Rafael.
Ferguson's main dilemma will be how attacking to make his starting line-up - in the second half against Tottenham on Saturday Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo all played together.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Ferguson has admitted he may be tempting fate, but he has his eyes fixed on creating another chapter of footballing history.
In the euphoria of the Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow last year, it was pointed out to Ferguson that no team has managed to retain the trophy since it changed from the European Cup.
Milan, Ajax and Juventus were all beaten finalists in the mid 90s a year after becoming European champions, but no side have managed to go one better.
Yet it was in Moscow, with the celebratory bubbly still fizzing in his glass, that Ferguson started to turn his mind to a successful European title defence.
''When we won it in Moscow the point was made in the press conference about no side having ever retained the cup in the Champions League format,'' he said. ''I didn't know that was the case at the time, but you say to yourself it would be great if we could be the first do that. We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us.
''Talk is cheap, but faint heart never won fair lady and it's something I would dearly love to do.
''Some might say I am tempting fate but at Old Trafford we have always set our sights high.''
Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs is a major doubt for the trip north.
Gibbs is struggling with an ankle injury, while his likely replacement Mikael Silvestre is not certain to be involved either as he tries to shake off a back complaint.
Captain Cesc Fabregas (ankle/knee) and defender Johan Djourou (knee) also got through training this morning but leading scorer Robin van Persie (groin) and left-back Gael Clichy (back) remain sidelined, while Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin is ineligible. Centre-half William Gallas (knee) and long-term absentee Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the campaign.
Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor is focused on silencing the Old Trafford boo-boys with another crucial European away goal on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old has shrugged off a hamstring problem and will be fresh to face the Red Devils after starting on the bench for the win over Middlesbrough on Sunday, which saw the Gunners extend their unbeaten league run to 20 matches.
The Togo striker netted a magnificent scissor-kick to secure an away goal against Villarreal in the last round and would like nothing more than to grab another in United's own backyard.
''When you get onto the pitch the people around will be singing against you, they will be hating you, and that can give you more motivation,'' Adebayor who scored in the league at Old Trafford last season and bagged the winner there in September 2006, told Arsenal TV Online.
''I know they do not like me there because I managed to get a goal, and you just feel like 'Okay, I will show you again how good I am.'
''In three games there I have scored two goals and I know it will not be easy to get another one, but I will give 100%, to do everything it takes to score or to help my team win the game.''
(credits: soccernet)
Barcelona vs Chelsea (0-0) Champions League 28.04.2009
Barcelona vs Chelsea
Stadium: Camp Nou, Spain
Match Time: 20:45 CET
Stadium: Camp Nou, Spain
Match Time: 20:45 CET
1st Half Highlights(English)
2nd Half Highlights(English)
1st Half Highlights (English 2nd Option)
2nd Half Highlights (English 2nd Option)
Best Odds @ 1700 CET
(subjected to changes with time)
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