Bolawood: Where football is a dream

Bayern Munich 1-0 OL Lyon: Robben great-finish, Ribery sent-off

2010-04-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

afp

Bayern Munich midfielder, Arjen Robben, scored a decisive 1-0 victory over Lyon team, first leg match in the Champions League semi-final, the Fussball Arena, Wednesday (21/4/2010). Given there is still a second leg, which will be held in a stable Lyon next week, this result was not convincing enough to make the finals Bayern favorites.

Playing at home, Bayern trying to find quick goals. However, Lyon was able to read intentions and conduct rigorous pressings.

The result, during the first ten minutes, although not threatened, Bayer difficulty creating a serious threat. However, during the next ten minutes, the game relies on the wings, they managed to damage the Lyon defense barricades and created two golden opportunities.

In the 13th minute, Schweinsteiger managed to reach the bait ball Robben and gore. Unfortunately, the shot was off the mark. In fact, back then, was a wrong move and Lloris Lyon goalkeeper to be empty.

Five minutes later, turn Ribery who throw a golden opportunity. Controlling the ball on the right side Lyon goal, he fired a shot which also deviated from the target.

Monday November 9, 2009 Finished Anfield
Bayern	1-0	OL Lyon
Robben 69’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Not wanting to be trapped by a fast game opponent, Lyon improve pengawalannya to Robben and Ribery. The result, though not attacked, they succeeded in crippling Bayern game creations.

Lyon makes Bayern defensive frustration. The climax occurs when Ribery got a red card in the 37th minute, following the infraction to Lisandro Lopez.

Ribery discharge directly change the course of the game. Lyon struggled from the beginning only in the region itself, ventured out of the nest and provide resistance. Unfortunately, poor coordination of the front lines to make the attack completely failed to lead to a threat to the goalkeeper Butt.

Not wanting to depressed, despite the lack of people, Bayern refused to fly the white flag. They are working more and more stubborn pursuit of the ball and so successfully mastered direct attack.

However, the loss of Ribery making their attacks less powerful grooves and easily legible. They were forced to close the first half with the score 0-0 draw.

Entering the second half, Bayern returned to secure the position by rolling the game quickly. After waiting until the 48th minute, they succeeded in creating opportunities through Pranjic goals.

Controlling the ball outside the penalty box, he took off his hard kick into the top left corner of the Lyon goal. However, the ball successfully ignored by Lloris.

Five minutes later, Lahm successfully penetrate the defense sector, Lyon and release the left cross to Mueller. Mueller managed to greet the bait. However, the ball deviated from the target. In fact, at that time, the fort Lyon Lloris were empty and were in the wrong position.

Even so, these pressures could not help Bayern Lyon players uncomfortable. The climax occurs when Toulalan receiving a second yellow card due to prop Schweinsteiger.

Create a balanced number of troops to attack opponents Bayern increasingly insistent. At minute 60, they once again creates a serious threat to Lyon through Arjen Robben goal.

Master ball in the penalty box, Robben off hard kick to the bottom left corner of goalkeeper Lloris, who unfortunately missed the target and exit the field.

Seven minutes later, Mario Gomez's turn to threaten the Lyon goal. From the middle of the penalty box, he Robben cross gore. However, the ball was so weak and drove straight to Lloris who caught it easily.

A minute later, Robben was again led the attack Bayern. This time, the ball out of the penalty box, he chose to execute the ball rather than feed. The result, after a time on to Mueller, hard kick that goalkeeper Lloris managed to rip the net.

The goal was not to give Lyon choice but to attack. However, their efforts hampered because Bayern got the ball to increase control and reduce mature games.

The result, instead of creating a counter-threat of goals, they almost conceded by Arjen Robben in the 74th minute. Luckily, this time Lloris deftly managed to secure the ball in his arms.

Lyon have not been able to hit when in the 83rd minute, Robben managed to reach the bait Mario Gomez and release accurate kick from inside the penalty box. Unfortunately, his effort was again thwarted Lloris.

Not wanting to lose the moment, Bayern hold Lyon drilled through the rear wing sector. Unfortunately, Bayern have lost passion play closed and successfully blocked attempts of the enemy. Score 1-0 to Bayern survives until the end of the game.

The composition of players:
Bayern: 22-Jorg Butt, 26-Diego Contento, 6-Martin Gaston Demichelis, 5-Daniel van Buyten, 21-Philipp Lahm; 23-Danijel Pranjic (33-Mario Gomez 61), 31-Bastian Schweinsteiger; 7-Franck Ribery , 25-Thomas Mueller, 10-Arjen Robben (8-Hamit Altintop 84), 11-Ivica Olic (44-Anatoliy Tymoschuk 45)
Lyon: 1-Hugo Lloris; 20-Aly Cissokho, 28-Jeremy Toulalan, 3-Cris, 13-Anthony Reveillere; 6-Kim Kallstrom, 6-Kim Kallstrom, 19-Cesar Delgado (14 Sidney Govou 79), 8-Miralem Pjanic (17-Jean Makoun 55), 10-Honorato Campos Ederson (7 Fernandes Michel Bastos 70), 9-Lisandro Lopez

Bordeaux 2-1 Olympiakos: Gourcuff great free-kick

2010-03-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

reuters

Girondins Bordeaux following the steps other French representatives in the Champions League Olympique Lyon reached the quarter-finals. They managed Olimpiakos guest menundukan in second round action with a score of 16 large thin 2-1, Wednesday (17/3/2010).

Although already pocketed 0-1 advantage in the opening leg, Les Girondins performed very carefully. They do not want missed by Erythrolefki.

Signs victory foster children appear Laurent Blanc since early minutes. Midfielder Yoann Gourcuff has made his team ahead when the fight has been running five minutes.

Asa Olympiakos had risen when they managed to equalize in the second round, exactly 65 minutes'. Substitute player is kicking a successful Konstantinos Mitroglou Cedric Carrasso breaking goal and made the position 1-1.

Wednesday March 17, 2010 Finished Stade Chaban-Delmas
Girondins Bordeaux	2-1	Olympiacos
* Gourcuff 5’ * Chamakh 88’		Mitroglou 65’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Unfortunately, that effort was made vice Greece dispersed late closing action. Bomber Moroccan Marouane Chamakh Bordeaux scored the winning goal in minute 88 and immediately dropped his opponent mentally.

Until the final whistle is blown tenure 2-1 to Bordeaux. Then they drove right into a big round of eight with a 3-1 victory on aggregate provisions.

Duel at the Stade Chaban Delmas itself went pretty hard. The proof, the referee must issue two red cards at once, each for Matt Derbyshire and Alou Diarra.

Team Line-Up:
Bordeaux: Carrasso; Ciani,Sane, Tremoulinas, Chalme; Diarra, Menegazzo; Chamakh, Gourcuff, Wendel, Plasil
Olympiakos: Nikopolidis; Mellberg, Papadopoulos, Bravo, Torosidis; Stoltidis, Maresca; Derbyshire, Lua Lua, Datolo, Zair (Mitroglou 62)

Barcelona 4-0 VfB Stuttgart: Messi great-double

2010-03-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

reuters

Barcelona saving face Spain in the Champions League. They became the only representative who made it to the quarter-finals after defeating VfB Stuttgart 4-0, Wednesday (17/3/2010).

If the duel last 16 of the previous two Spanish teams Real Madrid and Sevilla loss at the hands of Olympique Lyon and CSKA Moscow, it is not the case with El Barca. This time they managed to finish the fight Die roten 5-1 aggregate victory.

On Barca can first leg 1-1 draw with Stuttgart. But at the second meeting at the Nou Camp foster children instead appear Pep Guardiola 'reckless. "

Although not reinforced motor Xavi Hernadez team because of injury, Los Azulgranas still showing attractive attacking style of play.

Wednesday March 17, 2010 Finished Camp Nou
Barcelona	4-0	Vfb Stuttgart
Messi 13’, 60’ Pedro 22’ Bojan 89’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Lionel Messi who appear neatly on the game opening goal host a party at minute 13. He strike hard kick to the corner of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after a solo run from outside the penalty box Stuttgart. Barca lead 1-0.

Nine minutes later Pedro Rodriguez's turn to register names in the scoreboard. He went on measured feedback Yaya Toure from the left side of the field to load the position to be 2-0.

Stuttgart was not able to provide resistance throughout the game. This is different from their appearance in the opening leg.

Barca 2-0 to maintain the advantage down to drink. However, when the two new part-time to walk 15 minutes, the Messiah-nickname-back Messi scored his second goal and made the score change 3-0.

Won a lot, Barcelona has not loosened the attack. As a result, in minute 88 'Bojan Krkic substitute a new entry into perfecting his team victory 4-0.

Team Line-Up:
Barcelona: 1-Victor Valdes, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 19-Maxwell, 2-Daniel Alves, 24-Yaya Toure, 8-Andres Iniesta (11-Bojan Krkic 88), 16-Sergi Busquets (9-Zlatan Ibrahimovic 66), 17-Pedro, 14-Thierry Henry, 10-Lionel Messi

Stuttgart: 1-Jens Lehmann, 17-Matthieu Delpierre, 6-Georg Niedermeier, 2-Christian Molinaro, 27-Stefano Celozzi (13-Timo Gebhart 45), 28-Sami Khedira, 32-Zdravko Kuzmanovic, 23-Alexander Hleb, 35-Christian Trasch, 29-Pavel Pogrebnyak (9-Ciprian Marica 70), 18-Cacau

Sevilla 0-1 Barcelona: Fair winner

2010-01-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

espnstar.com

Barcelona were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Sevilla despite winning their second leg of their last-16 tie 1-0.

Spain international Xavi struck the only goal of the game in the 64th minute but that was not enough to prevent Pep Guardiola's side from going out on the away goals rule after losing the first leg 2-1 at home.

Following a goalless first half, Barca laid siege to the Sevilla goal after the break and home goalkeeper Andres Palop needed to produce fine saves to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry in quick succession.

Palop could do nothing about the goal that gave Barca a lifeline though, Xavi firing a low shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the box.

Barca continued to push forward after that and Messi missed with only Palop to beat before the Argentinian curled a shot against the far post.

Wednesday January 13, 2010 Finished Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan
Sevilla	0-1	Barcelona
		Xavi Hernandez 64’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The Catalan giants, whose Copa del Rey success last season was the first of a record-breaking six trophies, would not come any closer than that and when Palop produced another brilliant stop from Messi late on Guardiola's side must have known it was not going to be their night.

Sevilla will next meet Deportivo La Coruna, who dumped out 2008 winners Valencia 4-3 on aggregate following a thrilling second leg at the Riazor.

Depor had won the first meeting 2-1 but they looked in some trouble as they fell 2-0 behind tonight after just 30 minutes when giant Valencia striker Nikola Zigic twice headed in right-wing crosses from Miguel.

However, a mistake by Miguel allowed opposing full-back Filipe Luis to pull a goal back for Depor just after half-time and level the scores up on aggregate.

Then in the 71st minute more good work from Filipe Luis led to Juan Rodriguez making it 2-2 on the night.

Both sides had chances to win the game in the closing stages as the match swept from one end to the other, but the scoreline remained unchanged and it was Depor who were able to celebrate at the end.

Alcorcon's participation in the tournament came to an end after they played out a goalless draw at Racing Santander tonight to tumble out 3-2 on aggregate.

Alcorcon, who play in the third tier of Spanish football, caused a huge upset in the previous round when they humiliated mighty Real Madrid 4-1 on aggregate.

Segunda Division leaders Hercules also waved goodbye to the cup tonight on away goals after going down 1-0 to Osasuna.

The Primera Division side had lost the first leg 2-1 but Masoud Shojaei's goal just after half-time sent them through to the last eight, where they will meet Racing.

Getafe, runners-up in 2007 and 2008, progressed through after a 5-1 home mauling of Malaga tonight earned them a 6-3 aggregate win over their top-flight rivals.

Roberto Soldado (2), Rafa Lopez, Pedro Leon and Dani Parejo netted Getafe's goals and they will now face either Real Mallorca or Rayo Vallecano. Those two sides meet tomorrow night with hosts Mallorca trailing 2-1 from the first meeting.

Celta Vigo, who knocked out Villarreal last night, will meet the winner of tomorrow's other match between Atletico Madrid and Recreativo Huelva. Recre lead that match 3-0.

Source: espnstar.com

Juventus 3-0 Napoli: Win together

2010-01-14T00:11:00.000-08:00

afp

Diego insists that the 3-0 win against Napoli in the Coppa Italia is the “start of a new era” for Juventus.

The Brazilian maestro was delighted with his contribution in the match, after being called out in the press in the past few weeks.

"I am happy about my performance," the 24-year-old said. "But most of all, that of my team. We won, and we also had fun.

"I hope that this victory can be the start of a new era for us. We lose together, and we win together, and together, we will pull ourselves out of this situation."

Diego also confirmed that the players did hold a meeting after their crushing loss against AC Milan over last weekend.

"It was something that allowed the players to speak freely, and it did us good," Diego concluded.

Wednesday January 13, 2010 Finished Stadio Olimpico
Juventus	3-0	Napoli
Diego 25’ Del Piero 77’, 82’ (pen.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

Source: espnstar.com

AC Milan 2-1 Novara: Flamini late winner

2010-01-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

espnstar.com

AC Milan needed a late winner from Mathieu Flamini to edge past Novara 2-1 and reach the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Filippo Inzaghi put Milan ahead in the 12th minute, but Pablo Andres Gonzalez levelled in the 46th minute to give the visitors hope of staging an upset.

But Flamini struck with nine minutes remaining to spare the Serie A side's blushes.

Juventus enjoyed rather smoother progress with a 3-0 home win over 10-man Napoli to ease the pressure on under-fire coach Ciro Ferrara.

Wednesday January 13, 2010 Finished Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
AC Milan	2-1	Novara
Inzaghi 12’ Flamini 81’		Gonzalez 46’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Diego opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Alessandro Del Piero finished Napoli off with two late goals, his second coming in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot.

Napoli had Matteo Contini sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on Diego in the lead-up to the penalty.

Genoa conceded two goals in the first eight minutes and had two players sent off as they lost 2-1 to Catania.

Two goals from Gianvito Plasmati put the visitors two up before Marco Rossi pulled one back in the 57th minute.

But Genoa hopes of a comeback were dashed when first Socratis Papastathopoulos (58) and then Rossi (59) were sent off.

Source: espnstar.com

Liverpool 1-2 Reading: Long's winner header

2010-01-13T23:41:00.000-08:00

espnstar.com

Liverpool's disastrous season plunged to new depths as they suffered a humiliating FA Cup exit at Anfield to Reading.

The Reds lost Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to injuries and were stunned by the Coca-Cola Championship side, who forced extra-time before substitute Shane Long headed the winner in this third round replay.

Gerrard had seen a shot deflected home by Reading defender Ryan Bertrand to give Liverpool the lead in the final seconds of the first-half.

They held that lead until injury-time, when Gylfi Sigurdsson equalized from the spot. However, Liverpool were a shambles in extra-time and Long's winner was no more than Reading deserved.

Wednesday January 13, 2010 Finished Anfield
Liverpool	1-2	Reading
Bertrand 45’ (o.g.)		Sigurdsson 90’ (pen.) Long 99’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Liverpool were boosted ahead of the tie by confirmation that the deal to sign Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez had been completed.

The 29 year-old has signed on a free transfer, having negotiated his way out of a problem over his pay-off from Atletico Madrid which had held up the deal at the weekend.

The Royals were quick to make their presence felt with some uncompromising tackling. Matthew Mills got away with a warning for clattering into Torres, before Jem Karacan was booked for flattening Steven Gerrard in the first four minutes.

And although Liverpool had the majority of the early possession, Diego Cavalieri had to make a fine save from Sigurdsson's free-kick, then a shot on the turn from Simon Church.

Dirk Kuyt needed treatment following a fierce challenge by Bertrand, before Reading should have taken the lead after 22 minutes when Church's cross was allowed to reach the far post - where Grzegorz Rasiak missed the target from three yards.

Liverpool's problems worsened after 29 minutes when Torres went off, replaced by David Ngog. The Spanish international had never rally recovered from that early bodycheck from Mills and headed straight down the tunnel with Liverpool doctor, Mark Waller, for treatment seemingly to a knee injury.

The home side, at best, were aimless, but did manage to put together a 40th-minute move which almost bore fruit. Philipp Degen's strong angled run to the edge of the box produced a pass for Yossi Benayoun, who curled a shot narrowly wide.

Mills was booked for a foul on Benayoun before Liverpool grabbed a fortunate lead when Gerrard's angled shot clipped Bertrand and deceived Adam Federici at the near post.

Liverpool's troubles worsened when Gerrard failed to appear after the break, Ryan Babel coming on to join Ngog up front. The Liverpool skipper was believed to have suffered a hamstring strain.

With both talismen off the pitch and injured, it was left to Liverpool's supporting cast to get through this tie.

Degen was booked for diving by referee Phil Dowd, having fallen in the box but without a hint of an appeal.

Liverpool's response to their adversity was surprisingly positive, and they pinned Reading back, with the visitors bringing on midfielder Brian Howard for Kalifa Cisse on the hour.

Next on for Reading was Jimmy Kebe for Rasiak five minutes later - and someone they were still ahead after 80 minutes when McAnuff ran 60-yards right through Liverpool's defense before side footing wide from 12 yards with only Cavalieri to beat.

Reading continued to press for an equalizer, and Church sent a free-header over the bar from 10 yards with five minutes left.

But Reading got their reward when Benayoun was adjudged to have clipped Long's heels, and Sigurdsson stepped up to fire home the penalty which took the tie into extra-time.

Emiliano Insua's run created a chance for Babel to force Federici into a low save, but it was still Reading looking the more confident.

And they stunned the Kop by taking the lead after 100 minutes. Brynjar Gunnarsson pushed the ball between Insua's legs on the right and crossed for Long to head home from close range.

Liverpool tried to respond, but even when Benayoun was clear, he could only manage a weak shot that Federici saved with his legs.

The second period of extra-time saw Liverpool struggle desperately to save themselves. But their nervous play was riddled with mistakes and terrible passing.

Jamie Carragher, Babel and Ngog all had shots which failed to trouble Federici, and Reading more than deserved their victory.

Source: espnstar.com

Inter 4-3 AC Siena: Last gasp win

2010-01-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

afp

Champions Inter Milan scored two late goals to stun rock-bottom Siena 4-3 at the San Siro to open up an 11-point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A.

Earlier in the day 10-man AS Roma moved up to fourth and the final Champions League qualification position with a 1-0 home success against woeful Chievo.

Inter looked to be heading for their first home defeat under Jose Mourinho as they trailed 3-2 with just two minutes remaining.

But Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder curled home his second free-kick of the game and then three minutes into injury-time substitute Walter Samuel crashed home the winner to send the Inter faithful wild.

It was rough luck on the Serie A basement-sitters who fully deserved something from a thrilling match.

Saturday January 9, 2010 Finished Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Intermilan	4-3	AC Siena
Milito 24’ Sneijder 36’, 88’ Samuel 90’		Maccarone 18’, 65’ Ekdal 37’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Even without Algeria forward Abdul Kader Ghezzal Siena gave a good account of themselves from the off.

Macedonia forward Goran Pandev, on his home debut for Inter, had the first clear sight of goal on eight minutes and after jinking in from the right side of the box his low left foot shot was tipped around the post by goalkeeper Gianluca Curci.

The visitors then stunned their hosts on 18 minutes as former Middlesbrough forward Massimo Maccarone ran unchallenged from the halfway line before smacking a 30-yard screamer past Julio Cesar's despairing dive into the top corner.

Inter's response was rapid as Brazil right-back Maicon stormed forward and shot wide from just outside the area.

Three minutes later, though, Diego Milito equalised after running onto Sneijder's long ball, cutting inside Sanchez Cribari with embarrassing ease and curling the ball around Curci.

Full normality seemed to have been restored on 36 minutes when Sneijder scored his first free-kick from 20 yards but 60 seconds later Siena equalised.

Reginaldo turned Inter captain Javier Zanetti easily out on the right flank and his cross was missed by all until Swede Albin Ekdal arrived at the back post to slip the ball under Julio Cesar.

A shock was then truly on the cards 20 minutes into the second half as Maccarone bagged his second as he beat Julio Cesar at the near post after arriving unmarked on the edge of the box to meet Reginaldo's pull back.

Last-gasp

But two minutes from the end Sneijder hit a 25-yard special and then Samuel, playing at left-back but thrown forward for the final moments, turned on the edge of the box to shoot left footed in off the far post.

Inter's main rivals Juventus and AC Milan will try to limit their losses as they clash in the big game of the weekend on Sunday in Turin.

Roma survived the 11th-minute sending off of goalkeeper Doni as Daniele De Rossi scored the only goal of the game in the opening minute, with former Italy striker Luca Toni making his debut following his loan move from Bayern Munich.

Coach Claudio Ranieri paid tribute to his new striker, who was only replaced late on due to tiredness.

"I hoped that Toni would be as ready as this for the commitment of a match, he played well and was a great help to us," he said.

"With 11 against 11 he would have run less but even so he managed to keep us high up the pitch, he created the chance for a penalty, he fought hard and won many battles."

Toni had a great chance to open his account on five minutes but flicked Rodrigo Taddei's inch-perfect cross wide of the near post.

Roma seemed to have shot themselves in the foot on 11 minutes when goalkeeper Doni came charging out of his box and blocked Elvis Abbruscato's chip with his arm, earning a straight red card.

Even so, the visitors created little and things could have been worse but for Stefano Sorrentino saving David Pizarro's spot-kick after Toni went down in the box.

Source:http://english.aljazeera.net/sport/2010/01/20101917218883561.html

Arsenal 2-2 Everton: Last gasp draw

2010-01-10T04:05:00.001-08:00

afp

At the Emirates, Rosicky's late goal saved Arsenal as the Londoners missed the chance to move within a point of Chelsea.

The Czech substitute finished off a flowing move with a deflected shot to grab a point for the hosts after Steven Pienaar's superb breakaway goal 11 minutes earlier looked to have won it for Everton in a second-half snowstorm.

Arsenal had won four and drawn one of their last five league games and crushed Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park on the opening day of the season.

However, David Moyes' team are enjoying their own good run at the moment and were far tougher opposition this time.

Saturday January 9, 2010 Finished Emirates Stadium
Arsenal	2-2	Everton
Denílson 28’ Rosický 90’		Osman 12’ Pienaar 81’

Match Details The Way of The Match

"We played really well and deserved a victory,'' Everton manager David Moyes said.

"We had better chances than Arsenal and a lot of possession - we deserved more than a point.''

Everton's US striker Landon Donovan makes his chilly EPL debut [AFP]
The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes when US international Landon Donovan, making his debut after joining on a short-term loan this week, swung over a corner and Leon Osman produced an excellent leap to power in a header.

Arsenal levelled after 28 minutes when Denilson's 25-metre shot deflected off Osman and beyond wrong-footed keeper Tim Howard.

Everton survived plenty of pressure as the snow made conditions awkward in the second half and then took the lead nine minutes from time when Tim Cahill sent Pienaar clear and the South Africa midfielder beat Manuel Almunia with a cool, dinked finish.

Almunia prevented a third Everton goal with a good save from James Vaughan before Arsenal roared back into the attack as another neat passing move left Rosicky clear and his shot was deflected past the unfortunate Howard.

"We didn't create many chances and scored two goals from deflections. We are lucky at the moment but I like to think that is because we are showing the right spirit," said Wenger.

"We dropped two points yes, but we gained a point as were closer to losing than winning," he said.

Source: english.aljazeera.net

Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United: Contentious goal

2010-01-10T03:59:00.000-08:00

afp

Only two matches were played in the English Premier League after some of the coldest temperatures for more than 30 years in Britain caused seven weekend matches to be postponed.

But of those two matches played, both results left league leaders Chelsea, who had their match at Hull City postponed, clear at the top of the table.

Defending champions Manchester United and Arsenal failed to take advantage when they were held to draws by Birmingham City and Everton.

United came from behind to draw 1-1 at Birmingham and missed an opportunity to top the table, while Arsenal rescued a point when a last-gasp Tomas Rosicky equaliser earned a 2-2 home draw with Everton.

Chelsea sit at the top with 45 points from 20 matches followed by United with 44 from 21 and Arsenal with 42 from 20.

Tottenham Hotspur, who had Sunday's trip to Liverpool called off, are fourth with 37 points from 20 games.

Saturday January 9, 2010 Finished St. Andrews
Birmingham City	1-1	Manchester United
Jerome 39’		Dann 63’ (o.g.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

Manchester United got lucky after a contentious Birmingham own goal salvaged a draw at Birmingham.

At a freezing St. Andrews, Birmingham went ahead in the 39th with their first decent chance.

United failed to deal with James McFadden's corner, Lee Bowyer headed the ball back across goal and it bounced off Johnny Evans to Jerome, who slotted home from six yards for his fifth goal of the campaign.

United levelled in the 63rd amid confusion. Dann was under pressure from Park Ji-Sung when he turned a low cross from Patrice Evra past Joe Hart, but the referee's assistant appeared to have been flagging for offside against Wayne Rooney.

Referee Mark Clattenburg consulted with one of his assistants before awarding the goal, leading to protests from Birmingham players and manager Alex McLeish.

Birmingham believed that defender Scott Dann's inadvertent goal should not have been given because Wayne Rooney appeared to be in an offside position.

But the draw enabled Birmingham to extend their unbeaten topflight run to a club-record 12 matches.

United ended the match with 10 men after midfielder Darren Fletcher was sent off in the closing stages for a second bookable offence.

Source:english.aljazeera.net

Hull City 1-3 Manchester United: Rooney stars

2009-12-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

uk.eurosport.com

Manchester United closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to two points after a 3-1 Premier League win over plucky Hull City at the KC Stadium.

Strikes from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov sandwiched an Andy Dawson own-goal, with Craig Fagan on target from the spot for the Tigers and Rooney involved in all four goals.

But the scoreline did not tell the full story as United flattered to deceive while Hull failed to get the rub of the green from referee Alan Wiley.

Sunday December 27, 2009 \| KC Stadium
Hull City	1-3	Manchester United
Fagan 59’ (pen.)		Rooney 45’ Dawson 73’ (o.g.) Berbatov 82’

Match Details The Way of The Match

United were given a battle by the hosts but shaded the first half and took the lead deep into injury time when Rooney finished a Darren Fletcher cross after a good spell of pressure from the visitors.

Hull felt aggrieved to go in behind at half-time as, along with matching their guests, they were denied a penalty when Wiley understandably failed to see Wes Brown's foul on Richard Garcia, understandably as it appeared from most angles that the United defender got the ball.

In between there were chances galore for both sides.

Source:http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27122009/58/premier-league-manchester-united-united-beat-hull-city-second.html

Team Line-Up:
Hull: Myhill; Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Olofinjana, Boateng, Hunt, Garcia (Hesselink 77 '), Altidore, Fagan

MU: Kuszczak; Vidic, Brown, Evra, Rafael, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs (Obertan 77 '), Valencia (Park 63'), Rooney, Berbatov

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa: Fabregas shines

2009-12-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

uk.eurosport.com

A brilliant Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to score twice to send Arsenal four points behind English Premier League leaders Chelsea after brushing aside Aston Villa 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's captain was exceptional in the second half and made a devastating impact when he was on the pitch, but lasted only 27 minutes before having to be replaced.

The Spaniard, who has recently returned from a hamstring injury, stamped his authority on the game with two goals in the space of 16 minutes before limping off six minutes from time in a bittersweet ending for manager Arsene Wenger.

Sunday December 27, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Arsenal	3-0	Aston Villa
Fábregas 65’, 81’ Diaby 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

With the third and fourth placed sides deadlocked at half-time, Fabregas came on for Brazilian midfielder Denilson in the 58th minute and immediately fired up the Londoners title challenge.

The Spaniard won a free kick on the edge of the area in the 65th after being downed by Richard Dunne and his perfectly-flighted shot from 25 yards sliced through the wall and curled into the top corner.

Fabregas then bagged his ninth league goal of the season in the 81st after being fed through by Theo Walcott, but was limping during the celebrations and holding his left hamstring.

Abou Diaby completed an emphatic victory by scoring the third goal in stoppage time.

"It's a recurrence of his hamstring," Wenger told British broadcaster Sky Sports when asked about Fabregas' condition.

"We knew before the game that it was not perfect, I decided to put him on the bench.

"But we were in the situation where he was needed. We will see if we will have long regrets or short regrets," added the Frenchman.

"I don't believe it is too bad. He doesn't think it is too bad...if it is a pull again then this time it is three weeks so lets hope its only a little bit of scar tissue," said Wenger.

Fabregas will undergo a scan on Monday to discover whether he has pulled his
hamstring again.

Arsenal's match against Villa pitted the league's highest scorers against the team with the stingiest defence.

Villa, who have already beaten Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool, had hoped to become the first club since Leeds United in 1994/95 to beat all of the big four in a single season.

Results & fixtures

Saturday December 26

Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea
Fulham 0-0 Tottenham
West Ham 2-0 Portsmouth
Burnley 1-1 Bolton
Man City 2-0 Stoke City
Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Wigan 1-1 Blackburn
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Sunday December 27

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa
Hull City 1-3 Man Utd

Monday December 28

Tottenham v West Ham
Blackburn v Sunderland
Chelsea v Fulham
Everton v Burnley
Stoke City v Birmingham
Wolves v Man City

Source: english.aljazeera.net

Team Line-Up:
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Traore; Nasri, Song Billong, Denilson (Fabregas 57, Ramsey 84)), Diaby, Eduardo (Walcott 64); Arshavin

Villa: Friedel; L. Young (Delph 76), Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock; A. Young, Petrov, Milner, Downing; Heskey (Carew 63), Agbonlahor

Manchester United 3-0 Wolverhampton: Winning is back

2009-12-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

uk.eurosport.com

Manchester United breezed past an under-strength Wolverhampton Wanderers to go joint top of the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark before Nemanja Vidic doubled the champions' lead just ahead of the break.

Antonio Valencia added a third on 66 minutes to seal victory and send United level on points with Chelsea at the summit of the Premier League.

Chelsea, who play Portsmouth on Wednesday, remain top by virtue of their superior goal difference.

Tuesday December 15, 2009 Finished Old Trafford
Manchester United	3-0	Wolverhampton
Rooney 30’ (pen.) Vidic 44’ Valencia 66’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy decided to make 10 changes for the trip north, with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann the only survivor from the weekend win at Tottenham. McCarthy clearly had one eye on the weekend's fixture against Burnley - an eminently more winnable fixture than this one.

United were forced into fielding a weakened side themselves, Michael Carrick deputising at centre-back in the absence of the injured-again Wes Brown. Young full-back Ritchie De Laet was handed a rare start, but with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov leading the line against Wolves' second string, the hosts started the match in confident mood.

Alex Ferguson's side made all the early running and enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, although the visitors managed to hold firm for the best part of half an hour.

It was a moment of fortune that gifted United the chance to break the deadlock, referee Steve Bennett correctly pointing to the spot after Ronald Zubar's flailing arm inadvertently connected with a cross. Rooney stepped up and made no mistake with a thumping effort from 12 yards.

Rooney had earlier been frustrated in his efforts to open the scoring, and was denied an early chance by Marcus Hahnemann, the Wolves keeper saving with his legs at close range after just four minutes.

Rooney went close again on 25 minutes, controlling Patrice Evra's cross before turning and firing a shot that was deflected wide of the post, while Vidic had a golden opportunity to get on the scoresheet moments later. The Serbia international blazed over from Darron Gibson's neat lay-off - a typical defender's finish.

Vidic was to make amends on 43 minutes as United took a 2-0 lead, his towering header proving too powerful for Hahnemann who got a big hand on it, just not big enough.

There was time for the lively Gabriel Obertan to bring Hahnemann into more action before the first-half was out, the Frenchman linking up well with compatriot Patrice Evra before firing on goal from a narrow angle.

But the opening period was not all United and there was the odd glimmer of hope for Wolves, most notably after 19 minutes when the ball fell kindly at George Friend's feet. His finish will not have made his too many new mates in Wolverhampton though, and the ball sailed high over the bar.

United made short work of wrapping up all three points after the break, Valencia netting the goal of the game on 66 minutes with a fierce first-time strike into the roof of the net. It was a fine finish, but the goal was all about Berbatov's artistry in setting up the chance, the Bulgarian hooking the ball over his shoulder to find the Ecuadorian's run.

At 3-0 up the result was never in doubt - there may even be those who argue it never was, given McCarthy's team selection - and the only question was how many United would score a the clock ran down.

A fourth nearly arrived in the 84th minute when Evra's drive forced Hahnemann into another save, but United settled for three in the end and a result that made some inroads into Chelsea's superior goal difference.

Wolves, meanwhile, slipped into the relegation zone after Bolton's victory at home to West Ham.
Mike Hytner / Eurosport

Source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16122009/58/premier-league-united-brush-aside-wolves-joint-top.html

Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City: Dive storm

2009-11-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

uk.eurosport.com

David N'Gog won a controversial penalty that spared under-pressure Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez a humiliating home defeat to Birmingham in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

The barely-fit Steven Gerrard, who came on as a substitute just before his side went behind, converted from the spot after N'Gog appeared to dive over Lee Carsley's 69th-minute challenge.

Midfielder Carsley got nowhere near the ball but it was clear from the outset that he did not touch the French striker, and replays hinted that he would not have done.

Monday November 9, 2009 Finished Anfield
Liverpool	2-2	Birmingham City
N'Gog 13’ Gerrard 71’ (pen.)		Benítez 26’ Jerome 45’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The visitors had led through goals from Christian Benitez - his first in England - and a wonder-strike from Cameron Jerome just before half-time.

N'Gog earlier put the Reds ahead with a 12th-minute volley into the roof of the net in a match that, in truth, Liverpool dominated and should have won with ease.

The draw means Liverpool, with only one win in nine matches, are seventh but 11 points behind leaders Chelsea. Birmingham stay 15th, two points above the drop zone.

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Team Line-Up:
Liverpool: Reina; Agger, Skrtel, Insua, Johnson; Lucas (Aquilani 82), Mascherano, Riera, Benayoun (Babel 77); Kuyt, Ngog
Birmingham: Hart; Dann, Roger Johnson, Ridgewell, Carr; Tainio, Bowyer, McFadden (Vignal 67), Larsson; Jerome, Benitez (McSheffrey 86)

Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid: Hold on win

2009-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Real were leading 3-0 when defender Sergio Ramos was sent off, with Atletico scoring twice in quick succession before Iker Casillas earned his team a vital win with a point-blank save from Sergio Aguero in injury time.

Until Ramos's 66th-minute dismissal, it had seemed that Real were in total control, dominating a lacklustre Atletico who defended atrociously at times.

Kaka opened the scoring with a trademark strike from the edge of the box into the top corner on five minutes, while Marcelo added a second with a rocket from a seemingly impossible angle 20 minutes later.

Gonzalo Higuain was gifted a third on 64 minutes after shocking defending from Luis Perea, although soon afterwards Real were reduced to 10 men when Sergio Ramos was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Sergio Aguero.

Saturday November 7, 2009 \| Estadio Vicente Calderón
Atletico Madrid	2-3	Real Madrid
* Forlán 79’ * Agüero 81’		* Kaká 5’ * Marcelo 25’ * Higuaín 64’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Atletico found the spirit they had lacked until that point and swarmed forward, with the introduction of livewire Argentine striker Aguero making the difference for the hosts.

Diego Forlan pulled one back with 11 minutes remaining after a sweet give-and-go with Tomas Ujfalusi, while Forlan set pulses racing for both sets of fans when he shrugged off a pathetic challenge from Pepe to drill past Casillas.

But the Spain keeper proved the hero when he saved with his legs from Aguero in the second minute of injury time.

Source:http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08112009/58/la-liga-real-hold-derby-win.html

Team Line-Up:
Atletico Madrid: Asenjo, Perea, Ibanez, Lopez, Ujfalusi, Santana, Garcia, Simao, Reyes (Rodriguez 60), Forlan, Jurado (Aguero 45)

Real Madrid: Casillas, Garay, Pepe, Arbeloa, Ramos, Alonso, Diarra, Marcelo, Kaka (Van der Vaart 85), Higuain (Raul 66), Benzema (Fernando Gago 69)

Barcelona 4-2 Mallorca: Super Pedro

2009-11-07T23:55:00.000-08:00

afp

A double from Pedro, Thierry Henry's first goal in six months and a late Lionel Messi penalty did the damage for the hosts, while Portuguese defender Nunes and striker Alhassane Keita were on target for Mallorca.

Barca took the lead on 11 minutes when in-form winger Pedro got his seventh goal for the club this season, finishing low to the left after a delightful backheel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic played him in.

Mallorca's Israeli keeper Dudu Aouate twice did well to keep the 22-year-old Pedro from netting at the far post, and Barca counterpart Victor Valdes kept Achille Webo from levelling with a superb save after Marti played the Cameroonian clean through.

But terrible defending at the subsequent corner allowed Nunes to head the visitors level and the Liga champions had a fight on their hands, as Borja Valero volleyed just over after a training-ground corner routine.

Barca were back in front five minutes before the break, despite the efforts of poor Aouate, who made a world-class triple save but was barely helped by his statuesque defenders as Pedro rammed home the third rebound for his eighth of the campaign.

Three minutes later the hosts were in cruise control as Henry scored his first goal in six injury-ravaged months when, after Pedro sent a left-wing free-kick to the far post, he stopped to head Sergio Busquets's knock-down into the empty net.

Barca were losing interest and making sloppy mistakes, while Mallorca sensed a route back into the match and threw on Chori Castro and Alhassane Keita.

Saturday November 7, 2009 Finished Camp Nou
Barcelona	4-2	Mallorca
* Pedro 11’, 40’ * Henry 44’ * Messi 87’ (pen.)		* Nunes 20’ * Keita 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Barcelona: Valdes, Chigrynskiy, Pique, Abidal, Puyol, Yaya Toure, Keita, Busquets (Xavi 61), Henry (Iniesta 82), Ibrahimovic, Pedrito (Messi 51)

Real Mallorca: Aouate, Ramis, Nunes, Ayoze, Josemi, Suarez (Keita 73), Marti, Webo (Casadesus 82), Valero, Tuni (Castro 59), Varela

Atalanta 2-5 Juventus: Super juve

2009-11-07T23:49:00.000-08:00

afp

Juventus coach, Ciro Ferrara, praised his team appearance. According to him, Gianluigi Buffon et al play cool and not panic. That is the key to their 5-2 over kemenengan host Atalanta, Saturday or Sunday (8 / 11) pm.

Juventus's first winning 2-0. However, after 1-2 Atalanta time. We added one goal Juventus, Atalanta are also chasing a 2-3. Had no fear, the case against Napoli happen. At that time Juve winning 2-0, but eventually lost 2-3.

However, "I Bianconeri" learn from experience. They did not panic and stay cool look. Thus, they can continue to suppress and eventually won 5-2.

"In the last few games, apart from the opposing party of Naples, I can say Juventus played well. We also achieve satisfactory results. This is the game hard. There is understandable concern that when Atalanta scored twice. But, overall we look cool and I am very satisfied, "said Ferrara.

Saturday November 7, 2009 \| Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia
Atalanta	2-5	Juventus
* Valdés 51’ * Ceravolo 71’		* Camoranesi 36’, 37’ * Melo 55’ * Diego 85’ * Trézéguet 87’

Match Details The Way of The Match

"We have a game system that forces your opponent just played a long ball. But, all of our defenders have international experience," he added.

Ferrara also considered, the team can master the game despite two goals conceded. "Atalanta only do two kicks on goal and goals. On the whole we can hardly depressed. Atalanta second goal was also surprising, not much we can do to prevent it," he explained.

Ferrara admitted there was a strange feeling, because the team is trained to meet a former colleague at Juventus, Antonio Conte. "This is our first meeting as opponents and it was unique. I am very pleased to see him. To be honest, even more glad to see him rather than beat his team," he admitted.

Team Line-Up:
Atalanta: Consigli; Peluso, Talamonti, Belini, Garics; Guarante, Padoin, Valdes, Ceravolo; Doni, Titibocchi
Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Cannavaro, Grosso, Caceres; Poulsen, Melo, Giovinco (De Ceglie 72), Camoranesi; Diego (Immobile 88), Trezeguet

Wolverhampton 1-4 Arsenal: to Runner-up

2009-11-07T23:42:00.000-08:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Arsenal brushed aside the challenge of Wolves to move second in the Premier League with a 4-1 win at Molineux.

Defensive duo Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock contributed to the hosts' downfall with two first-half own-goals before Cesc Fabregas and Andrei Arshavin struck either side of the break to seal all three points.

Craddock made slight amends for his earlier own-goal with a late consolation for the hosts, but it was far too little too late as Wolves ended the day in the bottom three.

Victory for Arsenal saw Arsene Wenger's side move above Manchester United on goal difference and to within two points of league leaders Chelsea, who welcome the champions to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Saturday November 7, 2009 Finished Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers	1-4	Arsenal
Craddock 89’		* Zubar 28’ (o.g.) * Craddock 35’ (o.g.) * Fábregas 45’ * Arshavin 66’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Wolverhampton: Hennessey; Berra, Craddock, Stearman, Zubar; Castillo (Kightly 65), Henry, Milijas (Hennessey 73), Edwards (Mancienne 80); Ebanks-Blake, Doyle
Arsenal: Almunia; Vermaelen, Gallas, Gibbs, Sagna; Diaby, Ramsey, Eduardo (Rosicky 70), Arshavin (Nasri 74); Fabregas, Van Persie

OL Lyon 1-1 Liverpool: In trouble

2009-11-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

/uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Liverpool's Champions League hopes hang in the balance after a last-minute goal denied them Group E victory with a 1-1 draw in Lyon.

Lisandro Lopez cancelled out substitute Ryan Babel's late wonder-strike to give Lyon a second late goal in successive matches against the Reds.

A win would have put Liverpool three points behind group leaders Lyon and Fiorentina with two matches left.

But the late capitulation - a result of sloppy defending and a lucky rebound - leaves Rafael Benitez's side five points behind Fiorentina and six beyond Lyon, meaning they have to win their last two games, against Fiorentina and Debrecen, and hope Lyon do them a favour by beating the Italians in Florence.

Wednesday November 4, 2009 Finished Stade Gerland
OL Lyon	1-1	Liverpool
López 90’		Babel 83’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:

Barnsley 0-2 Manchester United: Owen class

2009-10-27T23:42:00.000-07:00

AFP

Holders Manchester United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup but for the second time in three days finished with ten men.

Gary Neville was sent off in the second half at Oakwell, following on from fellow defender Nemanja Vidic in the defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

Welbeck who made his mark just as he did in the last round when he scored the winner against Wolves. He was allowed a free header when Anderson delivered the corner and took advantage with a clinical finish.

Owen showed his class at 59' by making it 2-0, clipping the ball past Steele after getting between Foster and Darren Moore with Fabio supplying the pass.

Tuesday October 27, 2009 \| Oakwell
Barnsley	0-2	Manchester United
		* Welbeck 6’ * Owen 59’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Barnsley: Luke Steele, Stephen Foster, Robert Kozluk, Darren Moore, Julian Gray, Email Halfredsson, Hugo Colace (Jacob Butterfield 77), Adam Hammill, Anderson da Silva (Jammal Campbell-Ryce 71), Jonathan Macken (Iain Hume 65), Daniel Bogdanovic.

Manchester United: Ben Foster, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans, Fabio da Silva, Anderson, Michael Owen (Ritchie De Laet 65), Gabriel Obertan, Danny Welbeck (Zoran Tosic 53), Federico Macheda.

Alcorcon 4-0 Real Madrid: Humiliating result

2009-10-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

GettyImages

Real Madrid put out a fairly strong line-up against third tier side Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey, with the likes of Raul, Benzema, Guti, Diarra, Arbeloa, and Van der Vaart, but were devastated 4-0 , It was a truly humiliating result for the Los Galacticos.

Real were missing their two most expensive signings, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, as well as several other key players, but were undone by a club with a €1.1 million ($1.6 million) annual budget compared to Real's €420 million.

It was the third defeat in five matches for Manuel Pellegrini's side and piled more pressure on the Chilean coach after Saturday's 0-0 draw at Sporting Gijon and last week's 3-2 home defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League.

Tuesday October 27, 2009 \| Estadio Santo Domingo
Alcorcon	4-0	Real Madrid
15' Gómez 21' Arbeloa 40' Ernesto 52' Gómez

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Alcorcon: Juanma, Nagore, Inigo Lopez, Borja Gomez, Ruben Anuarbe, Ruben Sanz, Sergio Mora, Diego Cascon, Fernando Bejar (Carmelo 74'), Ernesto Gomez (Jeremy 64'), Borja Perez (Bravo 82')

Real Madrid: Dudek, Arbeloa, Albiol, Metzelder, Drenthe, Diarra, Van der Vaart, Guti H (Gago 46'), Granero (Marcelo 62'), Benzema, Raul (Van Nistelrooy 72')

Barcelona 6-1 Real Zaragoza: Back on track

2009-10-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

afp

Barcelona return to the top of La Liga with a thumping 6-1 victory over sorry Real Zaragoza. Barca back on track, but plenty of work for Marcelino's Zaragoza if, based on this performance, they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Mali international Seydou Keita scored a first ever hat-trick as champions Barcelona got back to their best, crushing Real Zaragoza 6-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to move three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Barca had experienced a blip with a Champions League home defeat to Rubin Kazan in midweek but responded with a football masterclass to punish Real's 0-0 draw at Sporting Gijon on Saturday.

Keita scored a memorable hat-trick (24 min, 41, 86) to take his season's tally to five while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice and also had two goals ruled out for offside.

Sunday October 25, 2009 \| Camp Nou
Barcelona	6-1	Real Zaragoza
* Keita 24’, 41’, 86’ * Ibrahimovic 29’, 56’ * Messi 80’		López 78’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Barcelona: Valdés; Chigrynskiy, Pique (Marquez 73'), Maxwell, Puyol, Busquets, Keita, Xavi (Jefren 82'), Iniesta, Ibrahimovic (Bojan 72'), Messi

Real Zaragoza: Carrizo; Pavón, Amo, Paredes, Pulido, Gabi, Abel Tapias, Herrera (Songo'o 78'), López, Pennant (Lafita 60'), Arizmendi (Ewerthon 68')

West Ham United 2-2 Arsenal: 2 goals come back

2009-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

West Ham came back from two goals down to win an unlikely point in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Upton Park.

Robin van Persie and William Gallas put Arsenal into a comfortable half-time lead but Carlton Cole's goal and a penalty from substitute Alessandro Diamanti pulled the hosts back onto level terms.

West Ham finished the game with 10 men after Scott Parker was dismissed for a debateable second bookable offence with five minutes remaining but the Hammers held on for a much-needed point.

Nevertheless, the result sees Gianfranco Zola's side remain second from bottom, once again two points behind Hull City.

Sunday October 25, 2009 Finished Upton Park
Westham	2-2	Arsenal
* Cole 74’ * Diamanti 80’ (pen.)		* van Persie 16’ * Gallas 37’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
West Ham (4-4-2): Green, Spector, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Kovac 92’), Parker (s/off 85’), Noble (Diamanti 55’), Collison, Franco (Hines 65’), Cole.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Eboue (Bendtner 82’), Fabregas, Diaby (Eduardo 88’), Arshavin, Van Persie.

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United: Breathing Space

2009-10-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

guardian.co.uk

Rafael Benítez savoured "the perfect response" to the worst spell of his Liverpool reign today as victory over Manchester United rescued the Anfield club's season and prompted another attack on a match official from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The United manager, charged by the Football Association for criticising Alan Wiley's fitness against Sunderland, claimed home fans had influenced referee Andre Marriner at key moments of Liverpool's 2-0 triumph. But not even Ferguson could deny that Liverpool merited a result that ended a damaging sequence of four successive defeats and lifted the pressure that had mounted on Benítez.

Defeat left United two points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table and Ferguson bemoaning two incidents involving Jamie Carragher, the first when he challenged Michael Carrick inside the Liverpool area and then when he hauled former Anfield striker Michael Owen to the floor but was only booked.

Sunday October 25, 2009 \| Anfield
Liverpool	2-0	Manchester United
* Torres 65’ * N'Gog 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Liverpool (4-1-3-1-1): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Mascherano (s/o 93’), Lucas, Benayoun (Skrtel 91’), Aurelio, Kuyt, Torres (N’Gog 80’).

Manchester United (4-4-2): Van der Sar, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic (s/o 90’), Evra, Carrick, Scholes (Nani 73’), Valencia, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov (Owen 73’).

Bayern München 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt: Attacking Mentality

2009-10-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

GALLO/GETTY

Bayern Munich recorded a late win courtesy of a last-minute goal by defender Daniel Van Buyten to secure a 2-1 victory over visitors Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany's Bundesliga.

The result lifts them to fifth place in the overall standings.

"We created many chances against an opponent who was very defensive. But we just could not score," said Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.

"Then I brought on Robben and Gomez and put Van Buyten up front instead of (Luca) Toni. I was very lucky with my substitutions. I am satisfied."

Bayern were eager to make amends for their disappointing mid-week Champions League defeat by Bordeaux and came storming forward, even without injured playmaker Franck Ribery.

Striker Miroslav Klose fired just wide in the sixth minute and in the 20th it was Italian Luca Toni's turn to head wide from point blank range.

Saturday October 24, 2009 \| Allianz-Arena
Bayern Munchen	2-1	Eintracht Frankfurt
Robben 69’ van Buyten 88’		Meier 60’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The hosts were again unlucky in the 43rd when the Italian striker, eager to win back his starting spot after an injury break, shot on the turn but hit the post.

In an even more one-sided second half, Bayern desperately poured forward as their fans started to jeer and Bastian Schweinsteiger went close.

But the Allianz Arena was silenced in the 60th when Meier chased down an Ochs pass, shaking off defender Danijel Pranjic, to slot home.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal immediately brought on Robben, just back from injury, and Gomez. The two combined well nine minutes later with Robben tapping in from close range.

In the dying minutes Van Buyten switched to an attacking role when Van Gaal brought on Argentine defender Martin Demichelis and the move paid off when the tall Belgian defender rose to head in a cross from Philipp Lahm.

Hoffenheim fired three goals past hapless Nuremberg to move into sixth place but troubled VfB Stuttgart sank deeper into trouble when they were beaten 1-0 by Hanover 96 courtesy of Ivorian Didier Ya Konan.

Stuttgart, who were one of the pre-season Bundesliga favourites, languish in fourteenth place having racked up only eight points in the season so far.
Source: english.aljazeera.net

Team Line-Up:
Bayern Muenchen: Butt, Badstuder, Van Buyten, Van Bommel, Pranjic, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Mueller, Tymoschuk (Gomez 62), Klose (Robben 59), Toni (Demichelis)

Eintracht Frankfurt: Nikolov, Russ, Chris, Spycher, Franz, Schwegler, Ochs, Liberopoulos, Meier (Fenin 77), Teber, Bajramovic

Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn Rovers: Perfect diamond formation

2009-10-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

AFP/Glyn Kirk

Since Carlo Ancelotti came as Chelsea coach, he tried to patent the new scheme, 4-4-2 diamond or 4-1-2-1-2. Businesses that had greeted the pros and cons.

Indeed, in a way, Chelsea was not too consistent. They had defeated 1-3 by Wigan Athletic and the 1-2 defeat of Aston Villa. Ancelotti diamond formation was again called into question.

However, the former AC Milan coach still confident in his strategy. Entertain Blackburn Rovers, Saturday (24/10/2009), Ancelotti can be puffed out his chest. Because, as the diamond formation to find perfection. Chelsea beat Blackburn 5-0 steadily.

Diamonds had been found. He is Joe Cole. Cast a long injury break for it, proving a major role in that victory, even mentioned as the spirit and perfecting Ancelloti diamond style.

Saturday October 24, 2009 \| Stamford Bridge
Chelsea	5-0	Blackburn Rovers
Givet 20’ (o.g.) Lampard 48’, 59’ (pen.) Essien 52’ Drogba 64’

Match Details The Way of The Match

After 10 months, was the first time Cole was featured as a starter. His influence was immediate. Although not scored, but the action and creativity to make Chelsea the game so alive.

Plays behind two strikers, Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba, he was able to make Chelsea attack is very sharp and effective. Bait-bait and creativity to make every pressure "The Blues" is always meaningful.

Many of these assess Chelsea's perfect game with a 4-4-2 diamond formation. So far, Ancelotti tried to put Frank Lampard behind two strikers. Sometimes trying to Deco. But still not satisfactory.

The existence of Joe Cole behind two strikers, the ideal game that Chelsea were expected to occur. Cole, who has gocekan nice and neat ball control, Chelsea also made the game more creative.

Though finally in the 77th minute replaced, but the game was giving the message that he's the right man to turn the diamond. In fact, this is Chelsea's best game all season.

Not be denied also, the other Chelsea players are playing well. Frank Lampard and Michael Essien showed impressive game. Similarly with other players.

This gives the message that Chelsea deserved to win the Premier League. If they play consistently, then it is very difficult to beat this gang Stamford Bridge.

They are also increasingly favored as a candidate worthy of the Champions League champions. 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid last week, became one of the proof. But, in the match Joe Cole did not appear and the diamond strategy Ancelotti was still not perfect.

Now, the presence of back Cole Chelsea increasingly raised expectations for success in various competitions. Yes, it turns out that the diamond is Joe Cole.

Team Line-Up:
Chelsea: Cech; Terry, Carvalho (Bruma 67), Belletti (Ferreira 61), Ivanovic; Essien, J Cole (Sturridge 77), Lampard, Ballack; Drogba, Anelka
Blackburn: Robinson; Givet, Nelsen, Olsson, Jacobsen (Salgado 60); Andrews, Emerton, Pedersen (Hoilett 69), Diouf, Nzonzi; Roberts (Kalinic 53)

Bordeaux 2-1 Bayern Munchen: Too terrible

2009-10-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Bordeaux - There is absolutely no defense of the stronghold Bayern Munich on their defeat of Bordeaux. Coach Louis van Gaal was angry, captain Mark van Bommel to not feel they are a big club.

Being a guest at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, Thursday (22/10/2009) morning WIB, Bayern came back with a 1-2 defeat. Excellent first own goal by an opponent in the sixth minute, then they conceded two goals in the first round.

What's worse is the FC Hollywood finish the match with nine players. Thomas Mueller received a second yellow card in the 30th minute, and veteran defender Daniel van Buyten red dikartu in the last two minutes.

Wednesday October 21, 2009 \| Stade Chaban-Delmas
Bordeaux	2-1	Bayern
Ciani 29’ Planus 40’		Ciani 6’ (o.g.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

"This defeat really makes me angry," said Van Gaal. "Once you can goals early minutes, we do feed a lot of mistakes. We even played better in the second half with 10 men than with 11 people in the first round."

Complained about his own performance is also recognized by Van Bommel. "The big club is not like this," said the Dutch international midfielder, was quoted as saying the official Bayern website.

"We get the opening goal and then throw it away. We should be calm and play the ball correctly so they fatigue. We'll see in the second round, Bordeaux tired. In the end we should feel happy just to lose 2-1. But, despite playing with 10 men , we should be able to make the score 2-2. "

Meanwhile, executive chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told a sharp evaluation. According to him, Bayern deserved to lose because they are very bad game and is still not consistent.

"You would not be able to survive in the Champions League with what tersuguhkan today. We now have two cage fight against Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa. We have to take six points or will be very difficult in 16 large," said Rummenigge.

Bayern may be more crushing defeat when goalkeeper Hans Joerg Butt did extraordinary rescue with foil two penalty Execution Yoann Gourcuff and Jussie Ferreira in the second half.

Team Line-Up:
Girondins Bordeaux - 1-Cedric Carrasso; 21-Matthieu Chalme, 2-Michael Ciani, 27-Marc Planus, 28-Benoit Tremoulinas; 5-Fernando, 4-Alou Diarra; 18-Jaroslav Plasil (7-Yoann Gouffran 85'), 8-Yoann Gourcuff, 17-Wendel (10-Jussie 85;); 29-Marouane Chamakh.

Bayern Munich - 22-Hans-Joerg Butt; 8-Hamit Altintop, 5-Daniel Van Buyten, 28-Holger Badstuber, 21-Philipp Lahm; 17-Mark Van Bommel (16-Andreas Ottl 78'), 44-Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, 31-Bastian Schweinsteiger; 25-Thomas Mueller; 18-Miroslav Klose (23-Daniel Pranjic 73'), 9-Luca Toni (33-Mario Gomez 78')

Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid: Chelsea cruise

2009-10-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

REUTERS/Toby Melville

Chelsea made it three wins out of three in Group D, with a comfortable win over disappointing Spaniards Atletico Madrid.

It was Salomon Kalou who was the Chelsea hero with two goals either side of the break, plus a first goal in ten matches for Frank Lampard and an Atletico own goal, that erased some of the woe from Saturday’s defeat at Villa Park and sees Chelsea top of their group, with one foot firmly in the next round.

Chelsea made four changes from the side that lost to Aston Villa at the weekend, with Branislav Ivanovic, Juliano Belletti, Michael Ballack and Kalou coming in - Ricardo Carvalho, Florent Malouda, the injured Jose Bosingwa and the suspended Didier Drogba making way.

Wednesday October 21, 2009 \| Stamford Bridge
Chelsea	4-0	Atletico Madrid
Kalou 41’, 52’ Lampard 69’ Perea 90’ (o.g.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

Atletico are a fine attacking unit, but Chelsea limited the threat of Diego Forlan and co. and Kalou made up for a couple of misses with goals on 41 and 52 minutes.

Lampard put some gloss on the performance with his first goal since August and an own goal in injury-time from Luis Perea saw Chelsea make it three wins from as many games in Group D.

Team Line-Up:
Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole (Florent Malouda 75), Juliano Belletti, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Deco, Nicolas Anelka (Daniel Sturridge 78), Salomon Kalou (Yuri Zhirkov 73).

Atletico Madrid: Sergio Asenjo, Alvaro Dominguez, Luis Perea, Antonio Lopez, Tomas Ujfalusi, Paulo Assuncao (Jose Jurado 54), Raul Garcia, Cleber Santana (Maxi Rodriguez 66), Simao (Jose Antonio Reyes 77), Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan.

Real Madrid 2-3 AC Milan: Pato Thriller

2009-10-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Alexandre Pato struck late on to give Milan a 3-2 win over Real Madrid in a hugely entertaining Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian settled the match with his second of the night in the 88th minute as Milan roared back from a limp first half display to move level on points with Real at the top of Group C.

Real took a first-half lead through Raul before Andrea Pirlo restored parity on 62 minutes. Pato put the Rossoneri ahead just four minutes later before Royston Drenthe pulled Real back on to level terms on 76 minutes.

But Pato had the final say in a remarkable match to ensure Leonardo's side bounced back in style from their defeat to Zurich last time out.

Wednesday October 21, 2009 \| Bernabéu
Real Madrid	2-3	AC Milan
Raúl 19’ Drenthe 76’		Pirlo 62’ Pato 66’, 88’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Real Madrid: 1-Iker Casillas; 4-Sergio Ramos, 3-Pepe, 18-Raul Albiol, 12-Marcelo; 8-Kaka, 10-Lassana Diarra, 22-Xabi Alonso, 24-Esteban Granero (15-Royston Drenthe 66); 11-Karim Benzema, 7-Raul.

AC Milan: 1-Dida; 44-Massimo Oddo, 13-Alessandro Nesta, 33-Thiago Silva, 15-Gianluca Zambrotta; 23-Massimo Ambrosini, 21-Andrea Pirlo, 10-Clarence Seedorf; 7-Alexandre Pato, 9-Filippo Inzaghi (22-Marco Borriello 60), 80-Ronaldinho (16-Mathieu Flamini 90+1).

CSKA Moskva 0-1 Manchester United: Valencia story

2009-10-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

afp

An Antonio Valencia halfvolley five minutes from time was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Mancester United at CSKA Moscow as they returned to the scene of their Champions League triumph back in 2008.

Sir Alex Ferguson looked to capitalise on his sides domination of play, and brought on Michael Owen for the final twenty minutes of the half. The striker missed a glorious chance to put United a goal up on 75 minutes, after great work by Valencia. Finding space inside CSKA’s box, Owen had a golden chance from six yards but failed to make contact with the ball to the dismay of the travelling support.

Valencia almost rewarded United with the lead they deserved when on 81 minutes the lightning quick wizard rattled Akinfeev’s crossbar after a great one-two with Nani.

However, the Ecuadorian was not to be denied for a second time. After more good wing wizardry from Nani, Berbatov’s knocked the ball down to the explosive midfielder, and Antonio Valencia out-paced his marker to fire a half volley past the impressive Igor Akinfeev with less than five minutes remaining on the clock.

United looked to seal the game in the final moments but to no avail. Nevertheless Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with his sides performance this evening, and more importantly the victory.

Wednesday October 21, 2009 \| Luzhniki
CSKA Moskva	0-1	Manchester United
		Valencia 86'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
CSKA: Akinfeyev; Odiah, V. Berezutsky, Ignashevich, A. Berezutsky; Krasic, Semberas, Rahimic (Carvalho 90), Shchennikov (Mamaev 62); Necid (Piliev 73), Dzagoyev

MU: Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand (Brown 57), Vidic, O'Shea; Valencia, Scholes (Owen 71), Anderson, Fabio (Carrick 88), Nani; Berbatov

Inter 2-2 Dynamo Kyiv: The Draw

2009-10-21T03:24:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Despite his goal not being able to secure all three points for Inter against Dynamo Kiev on matchday 3 of the Champions League, midfielder Dejan Stankovic is glad that his team can walk away with at least a point.

The 31-year-old's goal levelled the match at 1-1 in the 35th minute, however his focus has quickly turned to the return leg in a couple of week's time in Ukraine.

"Tonight, we came up against a very good side, who were very organised and gave us trouble, especially within the first 15 minutes," Stankovic admitted to TMW.

"It was important not to lose because had we done so, we would be out of the competition.

uesday October 20, 2009 \| Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Inter	2-2	Dynamo Kyiv
Stankovic 35’ Samuel 47’		Mykhalik 5’ Lúcio 40’ (o.g.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

"Even Barcelona's result [2-1 loss to Rubin Kazan] sits well with us, because we are still in the running. We are lacking a victory, but we gave it our all.

"Now, we are thinking about the return leg, and if we win in Kiev, we will be in a strong position. It did not go as bad as it could have this evening. The important thing is that we did not lose."

Inter's next opponents will be Catania at the San Siro on Saturday night.

Rick D'Andrea, Goal.com

Team Line-Up:
Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso (Materazzi 86), Muntari (Suazo 46); Stankovic (Vieira 86), Sneijder; Eto'o

Dynamo Kiev: Bogush; Eremenko, Khacheridi, Leandro Almeida, Magrao (Betao 70); Shevchenko, Mikhalik, Vukojevic, Ninkovic (Yusev 69), Yarmolenko; Milevskiy (Kravets 92)

Barcelona 1-2 Rubin Kazan: Biggest Shock

2009-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Rubin Kazan have created one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history when they stunned a seemingly indestructible Barcelona side 2-1 at the Camp Nou.

Aleksandr Ryazantsev gave the visitors an astonishing lead just two minutes into the game, but Barca’s incessant pressure paid off when they levelled through Zlatan Ibrahimovic two minutes into the second period. But Karadeniz Gokdeniz would have the last laugh when he smashed in the winning goal 15 minutes from time.

Rubin surprised mighty Inter two weeks ago when they took an early lead against the Serie A champions and the Russians went on to recreate their shock against the reigning Champions League winners.

Tuesday October 20, 2009 \| Camp Nou
Barcelona	1-2	Rubin Kazan
Ibrahimovic 48’		Ryazantsev 2’ \| Karadeniz 73’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Just 120 seconds into the contest, Aleksandr Ryazantsev pounced on a stray pass by Rafa Marquez and arrowed in a 30-yard thunderbolt past a hapless Victor Valdes.

Barca came close to an immediate equaliser two minutes later when Iniesta slipped Ibrahimovic into the box on the left channel but the Swede’s sidefooted shot was flicked away by Ryzhikov’s fingertips.

Ibra had another opening on ten minutes. Lionel Messi did all the hard work when he careened forward on the left channel, cut inside his defender and clipped the ball into the middle, but the big striker’s miscued half-volley was easily gathered by the Rubin goalkeeper.

Dani Alves was next to try his luck five minutes later when he latched onto Pedro’s long cutback but the Brazilian’s 20-yard piledriver flashed wide. Young Pedro himself had a glorious chance to restore parity on 25 minutes when he leapt above his marker to meet Dani Alves’ cross, but Ryzhikov managed to palm the header away.

The half-filled Camp Nou was starting to feel anxious as their treble heroes struggled to find a breakthrough. But Pep Guardiola’s men continued to pummel the visiting goal and on 40 minutes, Messi saw his low drive tipped away by Ryzhikov.

Rubin had an opportunity to double their advantage three minutes before the break when Alejandro Dominguez curled in a lovely free kick on the edge of the box but Valdes was equal to the task.

But what the visitors did to the Blaugrana in the first half, the hosts replied the favour in the second. Two minutes into the restart, the Catalans drew levelled when Xavi dinked a delicate through ball over the defence for Ibrahimovic, who took it on his chest before rifling a low cross shot past the goalkeeper.

Right on the hour mark, a free-flowing move involving Messi, Iniesta and 'Ibra' found Pedro inside the area but his shot from a tight angle sailed straight into Ryzhikov’s arms. The busy Rubin goalkeeper had to be alert again moments later to deny Messi’s effort on the edge of the box after the Argentine combined brilliantly with Dani Alves.

'Ibra' then attempted an ambitious free kick from 30 yards out and although he struck it sweetly, it flew wide of the mark. Just as Barca were starting to settle into a rhythm, Rubin stunned the Camp Nou into silence again on 72 minutes when they regained their lead. A rapid-fire counterattack led by Dominguez was finished off clinically when Karadeniz Gokdeniz fired in a superb first-time shot past Valdes inside the box.

Five minutes later, Barcelona came close to an equaliser. Messi cushioned down a header for Ibrahimovic, but he sent his searing volley from 12 yards out crashing against the bar.

The chances dried up for the home side as the clock ticked down but deep into injury time, the Catalans were denied by the woodwork again when Toure Yaya’s header from a corner cannoned back off the post.

Kurban Derdyev valiant soldiers held on not only to pull off one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s history but they now jointly lead Group F along with Barca and Dynamo Kiev.

KS Leong, Goal.com

Team Line-Up:
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves (Busquets 90), Pique, Marquez (Keita 80), Abidal; Xavi, Yaya Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Ibrahimovic, Pedro (Bojan 66)

Rubin: Ryzhikov; Navas, Sharonov, Ansaldi, Salukvadze; Ryazantsev (Kasaev 84), S. Semak (Murawski 43), Noboa, Karadeniz (Popov 90); Dominguez, Kaleshin

Liverpool 1-2 Lyon: Rafa unrepentant

2009-10-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that there was no gamble in playing Steven Gerrard against Lyon, despite the Reds skipper lasting only 25 minutes of the 2-1 Champions League loss.

Gerrard suffered a recurrence of his groin injury, sustained on England duty, midway through the first half - but Benitez refuted suggestions he was rushed back into action prematurely.

"It was not a gamble to play Gerrard. He wanted to play and had trained normally for two days," Benitez said on Sky Sports.

Tuesday October 20, 2009 \| Anfield
Liverpool	1-2	Lyon
Benayoun 41’		Gonalons 72’\|Delgado 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

"He was given the all-clear by the doctor, and what happened was just bad luck. He felt something wrong in his groin, and it was wise to come off.

"He felt that he had a problem with his groin and it could have been more serious so we had to change him."

Liverpool's talismanic midfielder is now a genuine doubt for Sunday's mega-clash against Manchester United. A loss to their North West rivals would surely send the Reds' season into crisis - if it isn't already.

The beleaguered Benitez admitted that his side faced an uphill battle to progress from the group stages of the Champions League.

Lyon's victory condemned Liverpool to a fourth successive defeat in all competitions for the first time since 1987 and sees them sitting third in the group - six points behind Lyon and three behind Fiorentina.

Benitez said: "It will be more difficult [to progress]. We have done it before, we won three games, so we have to do the same. We have to win three games.

"It is always important to think about the first game, to try and get the three points and then we will have more confidence."

Philip Wen, Goal.com UK

Team Line-Up:
Liverpool: Reina; Agger, Carragher, Insua, Kelly (Skrtel 74); Lucas, Mascherano, Benayoun (Voronin 85), Kuyt; Gerrard (Aurelio 24), Ngog
Lyon: Lloris; Toulalan, Cris (Maxime 43), Cissokho, Revelliere; Kallstrom, Pjanic, Makoun; Lopez (Delgado 85), Gavou, Ederson (Gomis 60)

AC Milan 2-1 AS Roma: Ronaldinho stars

2009-10-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Milan came from behind, fool error from defender, as Ronaldinho starred in a 2-1 Serie A win over Roma at the San Siro.

The Brazilian playmaker scored a penalty and created Alexandre Pato's winner as the Rossoneri overcame Jeremy Menez's early goal to hand Claudio Ranieri his first defeat in charge of the capital club.

Menez capitalised on a defensive error to put the visitors ahead but an inspired second-half performance from Milan helped them leapfrog Roma into the top half of the table.

Sunday October 18, 2009 \| Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
AC Milan	2-1	AS Roma
Ronaldinho 57’ (pen.)\| Pato 67’		Menez 3' \| Ronaldo 11' 61'

Match Details The Way of The Match

It was Burdisso who handed the Rossoneri a chance to equalise, when he slid in clumsily on Alessandro Nesta to give away a penalty, which Ronaldinho converted low to the left on 57 minutes.

Seedorf missed a great chance to put his side in front but scooped wide after Pato found him unmarked, but Milan finally did take the lead after a brilliant combination between their Brazil duo on 68 minutes.

Ronaldinho swung a superb cross-field pass from the left that Pato took on his chest to round Riise before beating Doni and sliding the ball into the empty net.

Milan's nerves were frayed further when skipper Massimo Ambrosini was shown a second yellow card, forcing them to play with 10 men for the last nine minutes plus stoppage time.

It was their night though as they battled to hold on to the win that moves them from 14thto ninth, behind Bari on goal difference. Roma slip to 11th.
Reda MAHER / Eurosport

Team Line-Up:
AC Milan:Dida (G), 33 Thiago Silva, 13 Alessandro Nesta, 15 Gianluca, Zambrotta, 44 Massimo Oddo, 23 Massimo Ambrosini, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 10 Clarence Seedorf, 20 Ignazio Abate/Filippo Inzaghi (45'), 80 Ronaldinho/Mathieu Flamini (84'), 7 Pato

AS Roma:32 Doni (G), 29 Nicolas Burdisso, 5 Philippe Mexes, 17 John Arne Riise, 77 Marco Cassetti, 16 Daniele De Rossi, 7 David Pizarro, 20 Simone Perrotta, 11 Rodrigo Taddei/Stefano Guberti (71'), 9 Mirko Vucinic/Stefano Chuka (71'), 94 Jérémy Menez/Julio Baptista (75')

Wigan 1-1 Manchester City: Ten-man City settle for point

2009-10-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Ten-man Manchester City missed out on the opportunity to go third in the Premier League when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

Charles N'Zogbia put Wigan ahead on the stroke of half-time only for Martin Petrov to restore parity soon after the restart and give City the platform to win their first game at the DW Stadium.

But those hopes were hit hard by Alan Wiley's decison to dismiss Pablo Zabaleta for a second bookable offence with 25 minutes remaining.

In the end, City had to settle for a point that sees them remain in fifth place, five points behind league leaders and local rivals Manchester United.

Sunday October 18, 2009 \| DW Stadium
Wigan	1-1	Manchester City
N'Zogbia 45’		Petrov 47’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Wigan, who had previously beaten City in three out of the teams' four Premier League clashes at the DW, also stayed put in 13th place.

The first half proved to be a tight affair and, despite the wealth of talent at City's disposal, they failed to trouble Chris Kirkland in the Wigan goal for the opening 45 minutes.

The home side could take much of the credit for that, Steve Bruce's side playing high up the pitch and pressing City whenever the visitors were in possession.

Given the pressure they were put under, more often than not City lacked a final ball and only Shaun Wright-Phillips, back in his preferred right wing berth having moonlighted on the left for England, offered any kind of incisive forward play.

That lack of incision was largely mirrored at the other end and aside from a 38th minute Hugo Rodallega shot which Shay Given had to beat away, Wigan failed to trouble the Republic of Ireland keeper.

At least that rang true until the stroke of half-time, when Jason Scotland bustled his way through and N'Zogbia finished, only to see his strike disallowed for a foul on Gareth Barry.

Just a minute later, as the first-half crept into stoppage time, N'Zogbia struck again and this time the whistle sounded only to signal the opening goal. The Frenchman slid in to prod home after Given could only parry Rodallega's shot from a tight angle.

Wigan's lead was shortlived though as Petrov drew City back onto level terms less than two minutes into the second half. The Bulgarian winger received the ball from Tevez on the edge of the area before picking his spot and finding the bottom corner with a sweet left-footed shot.

The goals opened up the game and the second half was a far more entertaining spectacle than the opening 45 minutes as City came forward in search of a winner.

Chris Kirkland, who suffered an injury to his hand, was forced to save from Wright-Phillips and Barry before Zabaleta received his marching orders from referee Wiley on 65 minutes.

Wiley, back in action after incurring the wrath of Alex Ferguson before the international break, sparked furious reactions from City players, who felt a red card was harsh given his first booking before the break was given for an innocuous challenge on Maynor Figueroa.

The decision changed the shape of the game and Wigan took over the mantle of pushing for a winner.

Mohamed Diame nearly did moments later with a fierce drive that flew inches over the angle of post and bar while Hendry Thomas had a goal disallowed for offside on 73 minutes.

Rodallega tested Given with a quarter of an hour to go but City held firm as Wigan ultimately failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Indeed, City could even have grabbed that elusive late winner with 10 minutes remaining after Wright-Phillips was bundled to the ground in the penalty box under the challenge of Figueroa. Referee Wiley waved play on, and City will have to wait until next season to register their first victory at the DW Stadium.
Mike Hytner / Eurosport
Source:uk.eurosport.com

Team Line-Up:
Wigan: Kirkland; Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Melchiot; Diame, Thomas, Rodallega, N'Zogbia; Scharner (Gomez 72), Scotland
City: Given; Lescott, Richards, Bridge, Zabaleta; Barry, De Jong, Petrov, Wright-Phillips (Ireland 83); Tevez (Cruz 83), Adebayor

Real Madrid 4-2 Real Valladolid: Raul Inspirates

2009-10-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

AFP

Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez, playing in his record 711th game for the club, deflected Esteban Granero's centred pass into goal with the side of his left foot in the 14th minute, and ran on to Marcelo's skipping pass four minutes later to send a right-footed shot beyond Jacobo Sanz for 2-0.

Valladolid struck back through Nauzet Aleman in the 29th, before Marcelo restored the two-goal lead with a powerful long-range shot to close the first half.

Marcos Garcia brought Valladolid back to within a goal in the 53rd, then substitute Gonzalo Higuain secured victory for Madrid – who were playing without injured star Cristiano Ronaldo - with a precise lob in the 79th.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Bernabéu
Real Madrid	4-2	Real Valladolid
Raúl 14’, 18’ Marcelo 45’ Higuaín 79’		Nauzet 29’ \| García 53’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Rivals Real Madrid bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a convincing 4-2 defeat of Valladolid, closing the gap on the Spanish leaders.

Barca's lead has been cut to just a one-point advantage over their rivals with 19 points.

Earlier, Deportivo La Coruna beat Sevilla 1-0 to join their Andalucian opponents on 15 points after a fifth win in six games. Valencia have 12 points.

Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez, playing in his record 711th game for the club, deflected Esteban Granero's centred pass into goal with the side of his left foot in the 14th minute, and ran on to Marcelo's skipping pass four minutes later to send a right-footed shot beyond Jacobo Sanz for 2-0.

Valladolid struck back through Nauzet Aleman in the 29th, before Marcelo restored the two-goal lead with a powerful long-range shot to close the first half.

Marcos Garcia brought Valladolid back to within a goal in the 53rd, then substitute Gonzalo Higuain secured victory for Madrid – who were playing without injured star Cristiano Ronaldo - with a precise lob in the 79th.

Present and past galacticos - including Zinedine Zidane - were among the 79,000 spectators at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, as Ronaldo missed a second straight game to an ankle injury.

But a flying start was forgotten after Aleman scored by curling over the defensive wall and in off the near post.

"At 2-1 we lost our fear and we created occasions,'' Valladolid coach Jose Luis Mendilibar said.

"But to win at the Bernabeu isn't easy.''

Marcelo, who had earlier provided Raul's third goal of the season, cut across the field in the 46th before unleashing a right-footed shot past Sanz.

"I liked the first half a lot. We dominated,'' Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini said.

"We made two errors on the goals.''

Garcia received a pass from Diego Costa and curled a shot beyond Casillas to keep Valladolid in the contest.

Kaka and Higuain, both having just returned from South America World Cup qualifiers, came on in the 72nd before Higuain ensured the three points after getting the ball from Xavi Alonso down the right and chipping over Sanz.

Madrid's defence, which had allowed both goals from set plays in a 2-1 loss at Sevilla, was still unsettled and had to clear a chance from Costa off the goal line with five minutes to play.

Team Line-Up:
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Raul Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Lassana Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema (Gonzalo Higuain 72), Raul Gonzalez (Royston Drenthe 82), Rafael Van der Vaart (Kaka 72), Esteban Granero.

Real Valladolid: Jacobo, Nivaldo, Luis Prieto, Cesar Arzo, Pedro Lopez, Borja (Pele 79), Alvaro Rubio, Diego Da Silva, Hector Font (Alberto Bueno 77), Marquitos, Nauzet Aleman (Manucho 58).

Genoa 0-5 Inter: Fire five

2009-10-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

Gallo/getty

Inter Milan opened up a three-point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A with a blistering 5-0 thrashing of Genoa.

First-half goals from Esteban Cambiasso, Mario Balotelli and Dejan Stankovic all but wrapped up the game, but Patrick Viera and Maicon made sure of it in the second half.

Earlier, Amauri equalised for Juventus to draw 1-1 at home with Fiorentina.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Stadio Luigi Ferraris
Genoa	0-5	Inter
		Cambiasso 6’ Balotelli 31’ Stankovic 45’ Vieira 66’ Maicon 71’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The Brazilian scored from close range in the 19th minute, 13 minutes after Juan Vargas had scored for Fiorentina.

Inter now have 19 points at the top of the table, with Sampdoria next on 16 who meet Lazio on Sunday.

Juventus and Fiorentina each have 15 points. Genoa remain fifth with 13.

Team Line-Up:
Genoa: Amelia; Moretti, Bocchetti, Biava; Papastrathopoulos (Tomovic 69), Milanetto, Zapater, Modesto; Palladino, Floccari (Crespo 62), Sculli (Palacio 62)

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Samuel (Cordoba 77), Lucio, Chivu; J. Zanetti, Cambiasso (Vieira 46), Muntari, Stankovic, Sneijder (Mancini 73); Balotelli

Portsmouth 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Defoe sent off

2009-10-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Reuters

Harry Redknapp anger despite Tottenham Hotspur won from Portsmouth. The anger directed at his own players, Jermain Defoe, who just contributed one goal.

We entertained Pompey, Spurs managed to drink in the full points thanks to the 2-1 victory. Two goals by Spurs and Defoe, Ledley King, while Kevin-Prince Boateng scored for Pompey thins.

Well, Defoe had contributed one goal, but then he also made a scene. At 61 minutes, two minutes after goals Boateng, Defoe, Aaron Mokoena and treat roughly straight red.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Fratton Park
Portsmouth	1-2	Tottenham
Boateng 59'		Defoe 45' \| King 29'

Match Details The Way of The Match

"I am very disappointed with Jermain Defoe, dikartu red and act like it. I have said, this is a day for a calm head, do not react if it is not broken, go ahead game," Redknapp said on Sky Sports.

"Do not start to kick people or overreact, and I have repeated those words to him during a break in four or five events, and he just reacted, and he let himself and me too," he sue again.

Thus, Redknapp had no objection to the red card received by the trusty attackers. "If he's kicking your opponent, yes it was a red card and be careful you do not do it (step on your opponent)."

Team Line-Up:

Manchester United 2-1 Bolton: Reclaim top spot

2009-10-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

Gallo/Getty

Manchester United returned to the top of the English Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Bolton as Chelsea and Liverpool both recorded costly losses.

The Blues tossed away their lead to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa and the Reds were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Sunderland due to a freak deflection from a fans' beach ball that had drifted on pitch.

A fifth-minute own-goal by Bolton defender Zat Knight and Antonio Valencia's first United goal put the defending champions on the road to a seventh victory.

Matthew Taylor replied late for Wanderers at Old Trafford to make it difficult for the Red Devils in the last 10 minutes.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Old Trafford
Manchester United	2-1	Bolton
Knight 5’ (o.g.)\| Valencia 33’		Taylor 21'

Match Details The Way of The Match

United have 22 points from nine games, and Alex Ferguson said his team has a history of getting better in the second half of the season.

"It was harder than it should have been. In the last 10 minutes, there was a bit of panic because Bolton have that type of play that makes it difficult for everyone so we are happy to get a result,'' Ferguson said.

"But that's the Premier League, we always find that in the first half of the season when (other) teams are more motivated to win. I don't bother too much with that. It's when we get to March that real things happen.''

Team Line-Up:
MU: Van der Sar; Neville, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 83); Valencia, Anderson (Scholes 86), Carrick, Giggs; Berbatov, Owen (Welbeck 84)

Bolton: Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Knight, Cahill, Samuel; Chung-yong (Klasnic 54), Gardner, Muamba (Basham 76), Cohen (M. Davies 64), Taylor; K. Davies

Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool: Freak goal

2009-10-16T23:25:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Darren Bent continued his rich vein of form by netting a freak goal that went in off a beach ball in a 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.

The England hopeful controversially scored after just five minutes, his effort going in off the ball, which had found its way onto the pitch from the away fans, to deepen the gloom for Liverpool who dropped to their fourth defeat of the season with just nine games played.

The result saw Liverpool slip to eighth in the Premier League, seven points behind new leaders Manchester United, and while it is still too early to write off their title hopes entirely, it will now take a quite remarkable turnaround for Rafa Benitez's side to end the club's 18-year wait for the title.

Sunderland, who continue to impress this season, leapfrogged their opponents and moved into seventh.

Deprived of their three most influential players - Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were missing through injury, while Javier Mascherano started on the bench due to the rigours of his recent World Cup qualifiers for Argentina - Liverpool struggled throughout.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Stadium of Light
Sunderland	1-0	Liverpool
Darrent Bent 5'

Match Details The Way of The Match

But as much as Liverpool missed that trio, it still needed a sterling performance from Sunderland to take advantage of their opposition's injury woes. Steve Bruce's side duly obliged, and played a large part in the Reds' downfall.

Having only just missed out on claiming the scalp of Manchester United prior to the international break, Sunderland started out in determined mood to this time claim victory over a member of the 'Big Four'.

Bruce clearly sent out his side with instructions to disrupt and unsettle the visitors in the early stages of the game, and with Lee Cattermole, Lorik Cana and Steed Malbranque all biting at opposition ankles, those tactics initially worked.

Liverpool failed to find any cohesion to their early play and Sunderland enjoyed much the better of the opening stages.

The hosts were soon rewarded for their early hustle and bustle, although there was a rather large element of fortune to the goal.

After the ball found Bent at the back post in the fifth minute, the England striker's goalbound effort hit a large red inflatable ball which had been thrown onto the pitch, seemingly by a Liverpool fan, and took a slight diversion past a bemused Pepe Reina.

It was Bent's eighth goal of the season since joining from Tottenham in the summer and his sixth in his last five outings. He can do little more in his bid to win favour with England coach Fabio Capello ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Bent may even have added another to that impressive record but he glanced a first-half header wide of the mark and was then denied after the break by a big hand from Reina, having rounded the keeper and shot on target.

But the closest Bent came to a second stemmed from a terrible back-pass from Martin Skrtel on 61 minutes which allowed the striker to again round Reina, only this time he took the ball a little too wide and his effort struck the outside of the post.

Skrtel's error was indicative of the uncertainty apparent at the heart of Liverpool's three-man back line, with Jamie Carragher in particular doing little to silence his early-season critics or boost his own confidence with another shaky display.

Nevertheless, with Sunderland unable to kill off the game and with the score remaining just 1-0, Liverpool, as always, still posed a threat of nicking a late equaliser.

And nick a leveller they nearly did when, three minutes into seven of added time, Craig Gordon, who was largely untroubled throughout the game, was called into action to make a fine double save, first to deny Dirk Kuyt and then substitute David Ngog on the rebound.
Mike Hytner / Eurosport

Team Line-Up:
Sunderland: Craig Gordon, Anton Ferdinand, Michael Turner, George McCartney (Jordan Henderson 45), Phillip Bardsley, Lee Cattermole (Boudewijn Zenden 58), Lorik Cana, Steed Malbranque, Andy Reid, Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones (Fraizer Campbell 66).

Liverpool: Jose Reina, Martin Skrtel (Andriy Voronin 72), Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio, Glen Johnson, Jay Spearing (Javier Mascherano 73), Lucas, Ryan Babel (David N'gog 81), Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt.

Arsenal 3-1 Birmingham: Ease to win

2009-10-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Goals from Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby and Andrei Arshavin handed Arsenal a 3-1 Premier League win over Birmingham at the Emirates.
It was a dominant performance by Arsene Wenger's side, although Birmingham at times looked dangerous on the break, and Theo Walcott's return was blighted by a knock that forced him off during the first half.

Arsenal bossed possession and fully deserved the two goals they scored in as many first-half minutes.

Just after the quarter-hour mark and following incessant pressure, Alexandre Song slipped the ball to Van Persie on the left-hand side of the Blues' penalty area.

The Dutchman took Stephen Carr out of the equation with a delightful drag-back before firing a low drive across Joe Hart into the far corner.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Arsenal	3-1	Birmingham
van Persie 16’ Diaby 18’ Arshavin 85’		Boywer 38'

Match Details The Way of The Match

It was a superb piece of skill and an incisive finish to which Diaby added almost from kick-off when he put the ball into the top right from close range after Tomas Rosicky's drag-back wreaked havoc in the Birmingham box.

Arsenal were camped in their guests' half but Birmingham's policy to sit deep and look for the counter eventually started to reap dividends.

Just before the half hour, James McFadden won a free-kick on the edge of the box, and Sebastian Larsson's dipping effort forced Vito Mannone to parry.

They got an equaliser when, on 38 minutes, Bowyer rifled the ball home after Mannone failed to claim an aerial ball, but there was more than a shadow of controversy as Larsson collided with the flapping Italian keeper.

Walcott's return to the first team was short-lived, as he was forced off after failing to shrug off a knock picked up in a challenge with Liam Ridgewell, while replacement Arshavin was bright on his introduction, forcing a smart stop from Hart with a low drive.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the hosts dominating territory and possession but Birmingham occasionally threatening on the break.

Arshavin was guilty of a poor miss from close range but raised a smile when referee Lee Probert noticed a late flag, while a catalogue of errors following Larsson's back-pass almost saw the ball rebound off Cesc Fabregas into the net.

Arsenal came close to extending their lead after, following another Larsson back-pass, Hart picked the ball up: Van Persie rifled the close-range, indirect free-kick off the bar.

Defender Thomas Vermaelen almost made it a remarkable five goals in eight Premier League games but his header from Van Persie's corner was blocked by Hart.

Birmingham were denied a shock equaliser when, with 10 minutes left, Mannone's quick thinking denied Garry O'Connor and Gary McSheffrey on the line after a first-time ball from makeshift full-back Ridgewell left the home defence flat-footed.

Arsenal sealed the win soon afterwards when, with six minutes remaining, the visiting defence backed off Arshavin, who needed no invitation to pass the ball into the bottom right from just inside the penalty area.

They came close to a fourth, with a brilliant, point-blank stop by Hart foiling Diaby from close range, while Van Persie was denied a second when Hart parried his injury-time shot.

The win means that Arsenal have now scored more than three goals a game, with 27 in eight league matches comfortably ahead of Liverpool's 22.

Birmingham stay in the bottom half, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.
Reda Maher / Eurosport

Team Line-Up:
Arsenal:
Mannone, Eboue (Wilshere '90), Gallas, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby, Walcott (Arshavin '33), van Persie, Rosicky (Sagna ' 72)

Birmingham:
Hart, Carr, Roger Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, Carsley (Kevin Phillips '71), McFadden (McSheffrey '71), Jerome (O'Connoer '62)

Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea: Home win

2009-10-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Aston Villa condemned Chelsea to a second successive defeat away from home in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Villa Park in Saturday's early kick-off.

The Blues took the lead around the quarter-hour mark when Didier Drogba left James Collins for dead before smashing the ball into the bottom left corner from about 35 yards out.

Richard Dunne levelled the score in the 32nd minute when he headed home from an Ashley Young corner.

James Collins secured maximum points for the Villans thanks to his headed goal seven minutes into the second half from another Ashley Young corner.

Saturday October 17, 2009 \| Villa Park
Aston Villa	2-1	Chelsea
Dunne 32'\| Collins 52'		Drogba 15'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Aston Villa: Brad Friedel, Richard Dunne, James Collins, Stephen Warnock, Carlos Cuellar, Stiliyan Petrov, Steve Sidwell, Ashley Young, James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew (Emile Heskey 82).

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa (Branislav Ivanovic 69), Deco, Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba.

Argentina 2-1 Peru: Last minute drama

2009-10-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

AFP

Buenos Aires - Argentina step towards 2010 World Cup after defeat Peru with light score 2-1. This result is achieved due to a dramatic winning goal was created at the end of the fight.

In the game at the Stadio Antonio Vespucio, Saturday (10/10/2009) , Argentina has an obligation to win passes to South Africa to stay awake. Gonzalo Higuain then turns this hope through the goal in minute 47.

But right at minute 90, Peru equalized it can be 1-1 through goals from Hernan Rengifo. Action seemed to end in a draw and for Argentina is not making their move in the qualifying round was much lighter.

Oct 10, 2009 \| Monumental, Buenos Aires
Argentina	2-1	Peru
47' Higuaín \| 90+2' Palermo M.		89' Rengifo H.

Match Details The Way of The Match

Then as the game entered injury time, Martin Palermo appeared as a hero in the 94th minute. Goal Diego Maradona made these troops finally back and eventually winning 2-1 victory.

For Argentina, this victory dispelled previous three bad results, where they always lose - from Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay. Their position was moved up one rank in the standings while the South American zone qualifier.

They are now in the position of four the standings with 25 points, over Ecuador at the same time bent Uruguay 1-2. Ecuador is now down to fifth position with a collection of 22 value.

Team Line-Up:
Argentina: Sergio Romero, Gabriel Heinze, Rolando Schiavi, Jonas Gutierrez, Emiliano Insua, Pablo Aimar (Federico Insua 76), Javier Mascherano, Angel Di Maria, Enzo Perez (Martin Palermo 45), Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain (Martin Demichelis 67).

Peru: Leon Butron, Walter Vilchez, Amilton Prado, Alberto Rodriguez, Carlos Augusto Zambrano, Nolberto Solano (Roberto Palacios 65), Juan Manuel Vargas, Reiner Torres, Luis Ramirez (Marcio Valverde 90), Josepmir Ballon, Johan Javier Fano (Hernan Rengifo 72).

Armenia 1-2 Spain: Fabregas pleased

2009-10-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

After Spain made it 9 out of 9 against Armenia, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta offered their thoughts on the game.

Fabregas got on the scoresheet, but he was eager to give his midfield partner Xavi the credit, telling Marca, "I always credit my goals to those who assist me."

"Before people said that we could not play together. We do our talking on the pitch.

"We should be humble in Bosnia.

"We need to take things slowly and concentrate on football."

Saturday October 10, 2009 \| Hrazdan Stadion
Armenia	1-2	Spain
Arzumanyan 58’		Fábregas 33’\| Mata 64’ (pen.)

Match Details The Way of The Match

Andres Iniesta, meanwhile, made his comeback for La Furia Roja, and he was happy just to be on the pitch, stating, "It was a long absence."

"I missed eleven games and a very important tournament, but that is life. Fortunately, the knock I received was not serious, although it was in the same place that I had my injury.

"It seems that when you have any injury, all the knocks go to that area.

"We are in excellent form, and we will try to maintain our perfect record."

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Team Line-Up:
Armenia:
Berezovsky, Hovsepyan, Mkrtvhyan, Arzumanyan, Mkoyan, Goharyan (Melkonyan '60), Karamyan, Edigaryan (Arakelian '73), Mkrtchain, Karamyan, Pizelli (Alexanyan '73).

Spain:
Reina, Marchena (Pique '46), Puyol, Ramos, Monreal, Xavi, Mata (Iniesta '67), Senna, Fabregas, Cazorla, Torres (Negredo '54), Garcia

Portugal 3-0 Hungary: Simao Double

2009-10-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Portugal are now in second place in Group 1, after a comfortable win over Hungary.

Portugal were given a boost almost immediately after kick-off, with the news that Denmark had beaten Sweden, meaning that the hosts could climb to second with a win. However, it was the visitors who had the first chance, when Zoltan Gera cut in from the left, only to see his shot saved by Eduardo.

The Hungarians were causing plenty of problems, but it was Portugal who broke the deadlock on 17 minutes. Gabor Babos could only parry Ronaldo's drive across the box from the left, and Simao was on hand to slot home. He nearly doubled his tally minutes later, but was denied by the keeper after being released down the right.

Saturday October 10, 2009 \| Estádio da Luz
Portugal	3-0	Hungary
Simão 18’, 79’ Liedson 74’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Portugal looked set to score again, but the night took a turn for the worse when Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the pitch due to his ankle injury just before the half hour, to be replaced by Nani. The home team immediately lost some of their threat, and Hungary came close to equalising when Balazs Dzsudzsak cut inside from the right and fired just wide.

Both sides had chances to score just before the break, with Ricardo Carvalho's header flying wide, before Roland Juhasz nodded onto the bar, after Eduardo had missed a cross.

The host came out for the second half desperate to increase their lead, and they nearly did so when Liedson missed Simao's cross by a few millimetres. Just after the hour mark, Raul Meireles was set up by Nani, but he could only shoot tamely at the keeper.

The Manchester United winger was growing in confidence, but so was Babos. After parrying Nani's shot, he recovered quickly to save Simao's goal-bound effort. However, despite his efforts, Portugal did increase their lead on 74 minutes, when Liedson's diving header from Bruno Alves' cross just cleared the line before Babos could claw it out.

Hungary were deflated, and the night got worse for them on 80 minutes, as Simao unleashed a stunning volley following Duda's cross from the left, leaving Babos with no chance.

Thus Portugal catapulted into second place, and with a game against Malta to come, they have surely done enough to seal a play-off spot.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Team Line-Up:
Portugal: Carvalho Reis Eduardo, Jose Bosingwa, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Pedro Mendes, Duda, Raul Meireles, Simao Sabrosa (Miguel Veloso 80), Cristiano Ronaldo (Nani 27), Liedson (Nuno Gomes 83).

Hongaria: Gabor Babos, Laszlo Bodnar, Roland Juhasz, Vilmos Vanczak, Zoltan Gera, Balazs Toth, Szabolcs Huszti (Akos Buzsaky 67), Krisztian Vadocz (Tamas Priskin 56), Balazs Dzsudzsak (Jozsef Varga 84), Sandor Torghelle.

Republic of Ireland 2-2 Italy: Play-offs for Ireland after late drama

2009-10-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

A last minute goal from Alberto Gilardino earned Italy a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland and booked their place in the World Cup as Group 8 winners.

Ireland looked to have snatched a dramatic winner three minutes from time when Sean St Ledger scored with a diving header, which would have taken things to Wednesday's final round of games, but Gilardino had other ideas as he sent the holders through to South Africa and consigned Ireland to the play-offs.

Glenn Whelan had put Ireland in front with a stunning strike in the eighth minute, only for a Mauro Camoranesi header to level matters in the 26th minute.

Saturday October 10, 2009 \| Croke Park
Rep. Ireland	2-2	Italy
Whelan 8’ St Ledger 87’		Camoranesi 26’ Gilardino 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The manner of the draw will hurt the Irish but in reality a point was the most they deserved as Italy won the possession battle for long periods of the game.

However, Giovanni Trapattoni must have been dreaming of getting one over on his countrymen after eight minutes when Whelan curled home a stunning strike from distance into the top corner after Liam Lawrence had picked him out with a knock back from a free-kick as the Italian defence waited for a cross.

Italy responded well to the goal and were already on top of things in the minutes before Camoranesi broke free to head home a corner from Andrea Pirlo.

There were few chances after that until the late drama but Italy always looked that little bit more comfortable on the ball. However, a conservative game-plan from Marcello Lippi's side meant that Shay Given had little to do.

The Italians did have the ball in the net, though, just after half-time when Vincenzo Iaquinta bundled in Giorgio Chiellini's flick on but he was just offside. If Iaquinta had not touched the ball it might have actually flown directly in for a valid goal.

Gianluca Zambrotta also forced Given into a smart save at his near post in the 71st minute but the game then looked all set to finish 1-1.

That was until Trapattoni decided to gamble and allow St Ledger to go up for a free-kick for the first time in the match with just four minutes remaining.

Substitute Stephen Hunt chipped in a great ball and St Ledger found space at the back post before diving low to head home from close range.

Croke Park erupted and the fans were ready to celebrate a famous win but the Irish lost their heads in the final moments and an ill-advised attack gave Italy sufficient space to launch a counter attack.

Salvatore Boccetti stormed forward down the left and his ball to Iaquinta was passed over to substitute Gilardino who guided a low effort home as St Ledger allowed him too much space in the box.

Italy can now prepare for life in South Africa but Ireland, who will be unseeded for the play-offs, must come through a massive two-leg test in November if they are to join them there next summer.

Source: Seán Fay & / Reuters

Russia 0-1 Germany: Klose scores

2009-10-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

Germany became the fourth European country to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa 2010. This results they embraced after the 1-0 win over hosts Russia, Saturday, October 10, 2009.

Miroslav Klose was the hero of Germany. Goal in the 35th minute enough to bring his country champion European Zone Group 4.

From nine games, the care team Joachim Loew has 25 points. With the same number of matches, Russia only got 21 points and only had one remaining party.

Russia still had a chance to play South Africa through the round off. Three other European countries that have escaped to South Africa first is Spanish, English and Dutch.

Tuesday 05 May, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Russia	0-1	Germany
		Klose 38'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Russia: Akinfeev; Ignashevich, Berezutsky, Aniukov, Zhirkov; Zurianov, Semshov (Pogrebnyak 77), Bystrov, Denisov (Torbinskiy 49); Arshavin, Kerzhakov (Pavlyuchenko 55)

Germany: Adler; Lahm, Westermann, Mertesacker, Boateng; Ballack, Rolfes, Schweinsteiger, Ozil (Friedrich 72); Klose (Gomez 89), Podolski (Trochowski 85)

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City: The Big Four

2009-10-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Daylife

Manchester City are only able to play against Aston Villa 1-1. However, the result was enough to make the Citizens go to the Big Four 16 points.

In the fight which took place in Villa Park, Monday (5/10/2009), Villa and City strengthen by their best squad. However, full support to make Villa fans appear more dominant.

Villa directly threatening the City goal was escorted Shay Given during a new game lasted for two minutes. Unfortunately, Gabriel Agbonlahor header successfully saved by Given.

Monday October 5, 2009 \| Villa Park
Aston Villa	1-1	Manchester City
Dunne 40'		Bellamy 68'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Villa had led the match through goals created Richard Dunne in the 15th minute. Goals scored after a header from ex-City defender managed to break into Given's goal. Villa led 1-0.

City have a chance to equalize 21 minutes keduduka on, through Carlos Tevez. However, Tevez kicks from a distance of about 23 are still rising above the Villa crossbar escorted Brad Friedel.

The Citizens again threaten Villa goal. This time the opportunity came from Emmanuel Adebayor in the 40th minute. Unfortunately, heading home Togo's bomber was straight at Friedel. 1-0 score stood until halftime.

City continued to try to equalize in the second half. The Citizens coach Mark Hughes decided to replace De Jong with more attacking player Stephen Ireland.

Business City managed to equalize through Craig Bellamy bombers. Goals scored the goal Given the 68th minute, after the use of bait Adebayor. 1-1 score stood until the game was over.

With this results mean Manchester City managed to rank fourth in the Premier League standings with a value of 16 from seven games. City winning one point from Arsenal to be down to fifth position.

Team Line-Up:
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Milner, Petrov, Sidwell, Ashley Young (Reo-Coker 82), Agbonlahor, Carew (Heskey 69).

Man City: Given, Zabaleta, Lescott, Toure, Bridge, De Jong (Ireland 50), Barry, Wright-Phillips, Tevez (Santa Cruz 69), Bellamy, Adebayor.

Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn Rovers: Six stars goal

2009-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Arsenal overcame an early deficit to rack up an incredible 6-2 win at home to a Blackburn Rovers side who ended the game in disarray.

With six different scorers, the home side delighted their support with a display that grew in confidence as the afternoon wore on.

Goals from Thomas Vermaelen, Robin van Persie, Andriy Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, the returning Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner completed what turned into a comprehensive rout.

The loss for Rovers continued manager Sam Allardyce’s run of having never won a game against Arsenal on his travels.

Sunday October 4, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Arsenal	6-2	Blackburn Rovers
Vermaelen 17’ van Persie 33’ Arshavin 37’ Fábregas 57’ Walcott 75’ Bendtner 89’		N'Zonzi 4’ Dunn 31’

Match Details The Way of The Match

There was little the former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper could do about Arsenal’s fourth goal however, as he was rooted to the spot when Fabregas finally converted, chesting down Rosicky’s pass before firing home on the half-volley.

Any threat of Blackburn clawing their way back into the game appeared to be subsiding as Rosicky twice struck at goal, until second half substitute David Hoilett volleyed at goal from close range, but was only able to find the post as Vermaelen got the slightest of touches.

Rovers’ chances were well and truly put to rest however, as Theo Walcott, returning to action in the second half after a back injury, slotted past Robinson after finding himself unmarked on the right.

With less than 15 minutes to go, Aaron Ramsey came on in place of the wonderful Fabregas, who received a standing ovation for his outstanding contribution, but it was Walcott who was gifted the opportunity to add a sixth, beating the offside trap through the heart of the defence before Robinson’s block weakened the shot and Gael Givet cleared.

In the closing stages of normal time, another substitute, Nicklas Bendtner, hit the sixth for Arsenal with a well-taken effort, to leave manager Arsene Wenger with a result to savour during the week of his13th year in charge of the club.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com UK

Team Line-Up:
Arsenal: 24-Vito Mannone, 5-Thomas Vermaelen, 10-William Gallas, 22-Gael Clichy, 3-Bacary Saga, 17-Alexandre Song Billong, 2-Abou Diaby, 4-Cesc Fabregas (16-Aaron Ramsey 75), 23-Andrei Arshavin (52-Nicklas Bendtner 76), 11-Robin Van Persie, 7-Tomas Rosicky (14-Theo Walcott 69)

Blackburn: 1-Paul Robinson, 5-Gael Givet, 39-Pascal Chimbonda, 21-Martin Olsson, 2-Lars Christian Jacobsen, 15-Steven Nzonzi, 17-Keith Andrews, 8-David Dunn (10-Benni McCarthy 62), 18-El-Hadji Diouf, 7-Brett Emerton (12-Morten Gamst Pedersen 55), 26-Franco Di Santo

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool : Two Good to win

2009-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

In the match we've been waiting for all weekend, Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea proved to be too good for Rafa Benitez's Liverpool. The Blues regained top spot with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Nicolas Anelka and substitute Florent Malouda.

The first half saw both sides begin cautiously with limited chances at both ends. As the half progressed both Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres had headed attempts on goal that were saved comfortably. Albert Riera almost scored with a long-range effort towards the end of the first half.

Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through an Anelka strike from close range. Liverpool struggled to break down the home side's defence until Yossi Benayoun was introduced midway through the second half. The Israeli wasted a great chance to score late on, but not before Malouda had extended Chelsea's lead after powerful work by Didier Drogba.

Sunday October 4, 2009 \| Stamford Bridge
Chelsea	2-0	Liverpool
Anelka 60’ Malouda 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Hilario was involved again in the 95th minute, saving a stinging strike from Gerrard. The Portuguese dived to his right to push the ball out for a corner. As the ball was cleared from the subsequent set piece the referee blew for full time, 2-0 to Chelsea.

Team Line-Up:
Chelsea: 40-Henrique Hilario, 26-John Terry, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 3-Ashley Cole, 2-Branislav Ivanovic, 20-Deco (15-Florent Malouda 76), 5-Michael Essien, 8-Frank Lampard, 13-Michael Ballack, 11-Didier Drogba, 39-Nicolas Anelka

Liverpool: 25-Pepe Reina, 23-Jamie Carragher, 37-Martin Skrtel, 22-Emiliano Insua, 2-Glen Johnson, 21-Lucas (19-Ryan babel 76), 20-Javier Mascherano, 11-Alberto Riera (15-Yossi Banayoun 67), 18-Dirk Kuyt, 9-Fernando Torres, 8-Steven Gerrard

Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid: Super Sevilla

2009-10-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

It was a high-profile clash between Sevilla and Real Madrid. The hosts wanted to prove they can keep up with the big boys and they certainly did, earning a 2-1 victory. Jesus Navas opened the scoring, Pepe responded, but Renato hit the winner on 66 minutes.

Sevilla began the game much better than their opponents and wasted a clear chance on goal in the fifth minute. A corner from the right was directed at the centre of the box, where Konko rose unmarked but his header went high and wide.

Sunday October 4, 2009 \| Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan
Sevilla	2-1	Real Madrid
Navas 33’ Renato 66’		Pepe 48’

Match Details The Way of The Match

In the last seconds of the match, Madrid could have equalised in a counter-attack, but Sergio Ramos' shot went wide of the post.

It was a well-deserved win for Sevilla, who had most of the chances here. Madrid are now three points adrift of Barcelona, and they will have to thank their keeper for not losing by a bigger margin.

Team Line-Up:
Sevilla: Palop; Dragutinovic, Squillaci (Navarro 24), Adriano, Konko; Zokora, Renato, Perotti (Capel 58), Navas; Negredo (Kanaoute 65), Fabiano
Real Madrid: Casillas; Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo, Ramos; Alonso, Diarra (Van der Vaart 73), Guti (Granero 81), Kaka, Raul; Benzema (Higuain 53)

Intermilan 2-1 Udinese: Sneidjer the savior

2009-10-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

Reuters

Inter Milan almost back to share points for the second time this weekend. Faced with Udinese at the Giuseppe Meazza in Serie A follow-up, Saturday (3/10/2009), Nerazzurri managed to win 2-1 thanks to a goal late for Wesley Sneijder.

José Mourinho had assumed a heavy burden on the game this time. Two poor results experienced in the last period of a week shadowing pace as entertaining Il Zebrette (nickname Udinese).

The Special One pair with Samuel Eto'o Diego Milito at the front lines. Meanwhile, Sulley Muntari, Sneijder, and Dejan Stankovic on duty to help build the attack.

Saturday October 3, 2009 \| Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Inter	2-1	Udinese
van Persie 76'		Park 8' \| Ronaldo 11' 61'

Match Details The Way of The Match

For 20 minutes the first half, Inter looked powerful in the field. Sneijder and Muntari got the opening goal opportunities in the early minutes of the game. However, Stankovic was the first goal finally struck at minute 22.

Starting from bait measured Eto'o, Serbian midfielder managed to fool the goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and donated the first points for La Beneamata.

Interisti celebration did not last long. Striker and captain Antonio Di Natale who escaped the offside trap to equalize Udinese, five minutes ago. Julio Cesar was not able to prevent Di Natale scored kesembilannya booked this season.

Goal Di Natale Nerazzurri squad certainly make a loss. Javier Zanetti et al must be reluctant to return to reap the results disappointing. Unfortunately, until the first round ended, there were no more goals created.

Threatened humiliated in front of supporters, Inter attack in the second round even more intense. Stankovic almost recorded a second goal in the 67th minute. Raw results tepisan ball fell to the feet Handanovic Muntari. Unfortunately, the kick Ghana midfielder is still rising on the ruler.

Udinese Inter disgrace opportunity to record a second goal with one minute before the fight ended. Cooperation Simone Pepe and Di Natale almost tore Cesar's goal for the second time. However, it's Brazilian goalkeeper was able to save a ball that comes right into his arms.

When the audience was almost certain action ended 1-1, Sneijder made all over the Giuseppe Meazza cheered. The Dutch international star scores the winning goal during injury time at the same time to put Inter to the top of the standings, displacing Sampdoria.

Team Line-Up:

Barcelona 1-0 Almeria: Barca at the top

2009-10-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Reuters

Barcelona evicted Real Madrid from the top of La Liga standings after the overthrow Almeria 1-0, Saturday (3/10/2009). Young stars Pedro Rodriguez was again a savior Catalan giants.

Appear before their own supporters, Barca start confident action. Despite losing Thierry Henry through injury, but coach Pep Guardiola could still smile. Midfielder Andres Iniesta who has recovered from a long injury re-paired with Xavi Hernandez. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Pedro is positioned behind a single striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Los Azulgrana dominated the first half with a series of opportunities from Iniesta, Messi, and Pedro. However, Almeria apparently still lucky because all three pillars of the effort that Barca have not managed to score a goal.

Saturday October 3, 2009 \| Camp Nou
Barcelona	1-0	Almeria
Pedro 31'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Still, seeing Barca play aggressive, goal has been waiting for it only a matter of time. Sure enough, at minute 31, who was escorted Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves finally shaking. Pedro increasingly established itself as a future star Barca with a beautiful goal into the net after receiving feedback Alves Maxwell.

Barca 1-0 advantage to continue to survive until the interval.

Barca continued dominance in the second round. Cooperation Xavi, Messi, and continue to threaten the goalkeeper Pedro Alves, although there is no additional goals are created.

Fleet Blaugrana recorded over ball possession to 71 percent. Carles Puyol et al almost did not provide an opportunity for Almeria to launch a counterattack.

Nevertheless, the European champions a few times a waste of opportunity with unnecessary mistakes. As a result, until the referee sounded the long whistle, Barca could not add to his goal coffers.
Team Line-Up:
Barcelona: Valdés, Márquez (Gerard Pique 60), Puyol, Maxwell, Alves, Busquets (Yaya Toure 76), Iniesta, Xavi, Pedrito (Seydou Keita), Ibrahimovic, Messi

Almeria: Diego Alves, Chico, Acasiete, Domingo, Pellerano, Bernardello, Míchel, Uche (Pablo Piatti 66) , Crusat (Miguel Nieto 73), , Guilherme, Ortiz (Fernando Soriano 80)

Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland: Saved by own goal

2009-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Manchester United (MU) survived the defeat of an own goal after Sunderland defender, Anton Ferdinand, at the time of injury time, which makes the position ended 2-2, in a duel continued Premier League at Old Trafford, Saturday (3 / 10).

The results were disappointing for the MU, since they are playing at home. Moreover, since the beginning, they are quickly establishing goals. However, their efforts to find quick goals through the wing and the middle sector, Sunderland aground by the diligent pursuit and cut bait MU flow.

Although appearing defensive, Sunderland are also diligent enough to find opportunities. Every time the ball successfully, they flow directly into the front of the ball. Utilizing the weak of MU defense, Sunderland even managed to excel through Darrent Bent in the seventh minute. From outside the penalty box, Bent long-distance kicks off the nest in the lower right corner of goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Saturday October 3, 2009 Finished Old Trafford
Manchester United	1-3	Sunderland
Berbatov 51’ Ferdinand 90’ (o.g.)		Bent 7’ Jones 58’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Translation: Indonesian » English

Manchester United (MU) survived the defeat of an own goal after Sunderland defender, Anton Ferdinand, at the time of injury time, which makes the position ended 2-2, in a duel continued Premier League at Old Trafford, Saturday (3 / 10).

The results were disappointing for the MU, since they are playing at home. Moreover, since the beginning, they are quickly establishing goals. However, their efforts to find quick goals through the wing and the middle sector, Sunderland aground by the diligent pursuit and cut bait MU flow.

Although appearing defensive, Sunderland are also diligent enough to find opportunities. Every time the ball successfully, they flow directly into the front of the ball. Utilizing the MU defense renggangnya, Sunderland even managed to excel through Darrent Bent in the seventh minute. From outside the penalty box, Bent long-distance kicks off the nest in the lower right corner of goalkeeper Ben Foster.

MU forced abandonment attacks increase tension. Rely on short passes and they were locked Sunderland seek to share the gap in their defense. Still, MU still difficulties meeting through Sunderland players in the penalty box.

Until minute 22, MU still unable to break the concentration of Sunderland defender. The more they insist on attacking, the more stringent Sunderland keep their defensive area. Indeed, Chelsea had tried to overcome the impasse is through long-distance kicks, soccer corner or free kick. After all their efforts in vain.

Continually failed to overcome the attacks and hassles behind Sunderland, frustration started creeping MU players. In minute 27, for instance, Paul Scholes difficulties Darrent Bent speed chase that was leading the attack. He also put the brakes on his run, but stretched out her legs Bent prop. Without further ado, referee Alan Wiley pointed straight to Scholes yellow card.

Seeing "Red Devils" dither, Sunderland onslaught try harder. In minute 28, for example, almost doubled Sunderland excellence through Kenwyne Jones. However, before he kicked the ball, Foster hurried to secure the ball dropped.

Entering the 41st minute, the game still lasted a lot. MU even began to lose control of the game, as Sunderland improved ball control. However, the map changes that force does not affect the results due. Score 1-0 to Sunderland last until the halftime whistle sounded.

Entering the second half, "Red Devils" kicked back with a quick game. After several unsuccessful attempts, the MU could finally equalized in the 51st minute through Dimitar Berbatov. Utilizing feedback gastric John O'Shea, Berbatov continued bersalto ball into the bottom left corner of goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who previously hardly ever threatened.

Berbatov scored a moral boost "Red Devils". They had more incentive to attack the fort Sunderland. Unfortunately, the aggressiveness of the discipline they do not follow the rear guard. As a result, Sunderland desperately trying to hold strikes, as well as seeking opportunities counterattack.

Sure enough, when the MU was busy attacking, Sunderland managed to steal the ball in the middle and got attacked. Sunderland then went back ahead in the 58th minute through Kenwyne Jones.

Goals stems from the stomach bait Andy Reid into the middle of the penalty box. Ben Foster had to leave the nest and tried to catch the ball. However, for a moment before Foster's hand holding the ball, Jones went into the middle menanduknya the MU goal.

Do not want to missed, Sunderland again pressing the middle and rear rows. Front row also did not hesitate to retreat when the pressure defense host. This solidity could frustrate any attempt MU flow Sunderland ball into the fort.

To overcome the tight guard, Manchester United tried to play long passes and get the ball dead. However, the rapid reaction Sunderland opponent closed space, make a slip MU threat remains difficult.

In minute 69, for example, after a soccer corner countered Michael Turner, Nani again picked up the ball and release the cross. The ball then headlong Rooney managed, which unfortunately extended to the right side of the goal.

To overcome the impasse, Alex Ferguson put Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick replaces Darren Fletcher and Danny Wellbeck at minute 71. However, Ferguson's decision failed to produce significant improvements. Conversely, MU continues to decline due and began to lose control of the ball.

As the game entered the 80th minute, 2-1 position has not changed. Sunderland started looking rengkuhan three points in late action. However, that dream is threatened dispersed following a second yellow card received by Kieran Richardson in the 85th minute, for the offense to Valencia.

With a very short time, Manchester United tried to take advantage of the situation by re-raising potential attacks. After a while, MU had locked Sunderland in the penalty box.

Just looking for the opportunity goals, Manchester United also made a number of kick speculation. In the injury time, the miracle had happened. A shot from Patrice Evra and Ferdinand hit the body into the net Gordon. Goal penyama position immediately greeted by the whistle signaled the end fight.

With this result, "Red Devils" still topped the standings with 19 points or one point ahead of Chelsea in second place. Meanwhile, Sunderland are in sixth place with 13 points.

Team Line-Up:
MU: Foster; Evans, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea; Scholes (Anderson 45), Fletcher (Valencia 71), Nani, Wellbeck (Carrick 71); Berbatov, Rooney
Sunderland: Gordon; Ferdinand, Turner, Richardson, Bardsley; Cattermole, Cana, Reid (Henderson 74), Malbranque (McCartney 86); Jones (Campbell 84), BentJones (Campbell 84), Bent

Manchester City 3-1 Westham: Impressive performance

2009-09-28T21:49:00.002-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Manchester City moved into fifth place in the Premier League table with a convincing 3-1 win over West Ham United at Eastlands.

Former Hammers favourite Carlos Tevez did the damage for City with a strike in each half to add to Martin Petrov's first half free-kick.

Carlton Cole reduced West Ham's arrears after 24 minutes and should have contributed to another, which was disallowed, but the hosts were good value for the three points in an entertaining contest.

City opened the scoring after just five minutes with the visitors still mentally in the dressing room: it was a long ball from Shay Given that was the origin of the move.

Monday September 28, 2009 \| The City of Manchester Stadium
Manchester City	3-1	Westham
Tévez 5’, 62’ Petrov 32’		Cole 24’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The City keeper played the ball out to the returning Petrov, whose well-judged delivery made the close-range finish for Tevez a simple tap-in.

The Argentina striker then found favour with his former fans from West Ham by appearing to apologise for scoring against them.

The Hammers faithful should have had good reason to witness the muted celebration on at least two or three other occasions in the first half, however Tevez was initially unable to add to his tally despite several opportunities.

The first of these came with just nine minutes on the clock when a shot flew narrowly wide following a neat turn.

Perhaps a better chance came Tevez's way six minutes later when a left-wing cross took a deflection off Shaun Wright-Phillips and fell kindly for Tevez, but he blazed his finish over the bar.

West Ham finally found their game somewhat belatedly and after 24 minutes equalised when City failed to clear a free-kick from Alessandro Diamanti and Cole turned Radoslav Kovac's shot past Given.

The visitors were unable to keep the scores level for long however and Petrov stepped up to fire City back into the lead directly from a free-kick just after the half-hour mark.

City had several other half-chances to increase their lead, but found Robert Green in stubborn form in the West Ham goal and indeed it was the visitors that came close to equalising for a second time.

Cole showed good pace and power to harry Joleon Lescott off the ball before squaring for Scott Parker to slot home, but somewhat controversially the referee penalised Cole for a foul on Lescott and the goal was disallowed.

West Ham came out for the second half showing their intent to get back into the match, but they were stunned by Tevez's second strike of the match just after the hour mark.

It came from a Craig Bellamy set-piece which was played to the far post where Tevez was one of three unmarked City forwards - and he directed his header into the far corner past Green.

As the visitors chased the game, City exploited the gaps in the Hammers back-line and could have added at least two more goals, but the standard of their finishing did not quite match their approach play.

Green denied Gareth Barry with a fine save towards the end, while Cole could have pulled one back for West Ham had his team-mate Manuel da Costa not impeded him and Roque Santa Cruz - on debut for City as a sub - also missed when well-placed.

City were worthy winners as they closed in on the Champions League places.
Sean Calvert / Eurosport

Team Line-Up:
Man City: Given, Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (81 Santa Cruz) , De Jong, Barry (89 Johnson) , Petrov, Tevez, Bellamy.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Tomkins, Ilunga, Diamanti, Kovac (71 Stanislas) , Parker, Noble, Jimenez (71 Hines), Cole.

Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 Burnley: Super Keano

2009-09-28T21:22:00.004-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Robbie Keane scored four goals as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed Burnley 5-0 in the Premier League at White Hart Lane.

The Irishman's salvo, plus another strike from Jermaine Jenas, easily sealed the win over the Clarets, who are still yet to win on their travels this season.

Keane's strike partner Jermain Defoe had the beating of Andre Bikey down the wing, and the Cameroon defender could only trip the England striker just inside the area on 18 minutes and referee Mike Dean did not hesitate to point to the spot.

Jensen is formidable when guarding his goal from 12 yards, but Keane sent him the wrong way and stroked home with ease.

Spurs doubled their lead just after the half-hour when Niko Kranjcar's shot was blocked and landed at the feet of Jenas, whose half-volley deflected off the leg of Stephen Jordan and left Jensen with no chance.

Saturday September 26, 2009 \| White Hart Lane
Tottenham	5-0	Burnley
Keane 18’ (pen.), 74’, 77’, 87’ Jenas 33’

Match Details The Way of The Match

With 20 minutes to go, Burnley's tired legs and lack of ideas began to tell, and when Aaron Lennon scampered down the right Keane had more than enough space to lash the winger's square pass into the roof of the net.

The goal that sealed Keane's hat-trick was even more embarrassing for the visitors, as auxiliary centre-back Tom Huddlestone floated a ball over the top of the defence for Keane to calmly roll past Jensen.

With two minutes remaining, just after Gareth Bale came on as a substitute to finally record his first league win with Tottenham at the 25th attempt, Keane finished through the legs of Jensen after meeting Peter Crouch's flick-on.

It was not such a successful day for Defoe. Acutely aware of the in-form Crouch's presence on the bench, he was almost too eager to get his name on the scoresheet.

Defoe is currently struggling to reproduce the clinical form that had earned him such plaudits in the early part of the season and spurned several good opportunities, including an effort which he sidefooted wide from close range when one-on-one with Jensen. The England forward was replaced by crouch midway thrrough the second half, after withdrawing with a suspected broken finger.

Although Tottenham controlled the game throughout, Burnley's team work ethic ensured they at least started in competitive manner, with Steven Fletcher not afraid to take defenders on at every opportunity.

In between the first two goals, Fletcher had the ball in the back of the Spurs net after beating Carlo Cudicini at his near post. However, the Scotland striker looked across to see the linesman's flag raised, even though replays showed him to be level as the ball was played.

That piece of poor fortune aside, Burnley had other chances to score, with most of them falling to David Nugent. The striker, who was frustrated at his percieved mistreatment from Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp when the two were both at Portsmouth, would have loved to find the net to prove a point to his former boss, but had a handful of efforts saved by Cudicini.

However, with not even that crumb of comfort to take from their visit to the capital, Burnley must now prepare his team for the visit to Turf Moor of Birmingham next Saturday, a match that could go some way to determining the avoidance of relegation for both sides.
Tony Mabert / Eurosport

Team Line-Up:

Aston Villa 2-0 Portsmouth: Agbonlahor On Target Again

2009-09-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Struggling Portsmouth travelled to Birmingham looking to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat, with in-form Aston Villa awaiting them. Villa boss Martin O'Neill made one change from the side that won the second city derby last Sunday, with John Carew - who came on as a substitute at St Andrew's to set up Gabby Agbonlahor's late winner - brought into the starting XI in place of midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who was involved in a well-publicised training ground row with his manager.

Although Portsmouth boss Paul Hart had no such outburst to deal with during the week, he had plenty of other things to worry about following Pompey's dire start to the season. The south coast club, bottom of the Premier League table, went into the game looking for their first win, or point, of the campaign.

Saturday September 19, 2009 \| Villa Park
Aston Villa	0-2	Portsmouth
Milner 34’ \| Agbonlahor 43’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The match began with Agbonlahor nearly getting in behind the Portsmouth defence within seconds of the kick-off, but Younes Kaboul made a vital last-ditch tackle. Then Aaron Mokoena fired in a shot that flew just over the bar at the other end. Villa were the livelier but neither side were able to create a clear-cut opening. Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie O'Hara attempted an audacious shot from 45 yards out that caught Brad Friedel off his line but was well wide of the goal.

The tempo dipped and the excitement quickly became lukewarm, but Hart will have been pleased that his side were keeping on level terms and looking reasonably comfortable. Indeed, Frederic Piquionne was proving an aeriel threat to the Villa defence.

However, Villa's quality began to shine through as the half wore on, and they steadily asserted themselves. It was only good reflexes from goalkeeper David James that kept the game goalless, when an Ashley Young centre was deflected off the head of Pompey midfielder Mokoena. James reacted superbly to tip the ball over for a corner.

Hart must have been disappointed, though, when Nadir Belhadj sent Stiliyan Petrov sprawling in the box in the 34th minute for a clear-cut penalty. England hopeful James Milner made no mistake from the spot with a shot into the top left-hand corner that left James with no chance.

Then nine minutes later, Villa exposed further defensive vulnerability as they doubled their lead. Gabriel Agbonlahor, enjoying a hot streak of form, shrugged off the attentions of Tal Ben-Haim with a deft turn and fired the ball in off the post from the edge of the are to put the Midlanders in the comfort zone and leave Pompey with another mountain to climb.

The second half began with Ashley Young going down injured and needing treatment, after Michael Brown kneed the winger in the back, although it did not appear to be deliberate.

Petrov has tested James again but the visitors were still not able to conjure a decisive strike at the other end on the day that their misfit striker David Nugent hit two for Burnley against Sunderland.

However, Pompey were certainly not giving up, and Hart will be encouraged by the attitude shown by his players. Their determination to get back into the game was creating pressure on the hosts, and Brad Friedel was suddenly the busier keeper, making an oustanding save from Piquionne, who'd played a neat one-two with Boateng, and then being called into further action to thwart Boateng, Brown and Belhadj.

O'Neill sent on England striker Emile Heskey for Carew, but Fabio Capello will have been concerned to learn that the burly forward soon turned his ankle and was forced to leave the action, replaced by Fabian Delph.

Portsmouth, who upped their game in the second half, enjoyed more of the possession but clearly lack a cutting edge. They desperately needed a goal to take anything from the match, but rarely looked like getting it, and Villa were able to contain them as they collected another win - their fourth on the trot.

But Pompey have now made the worst start to a season in Premier League history with six straight defeats.

Team Line-Up:

Westham United 2-3 Liverpool: Sneak Away

2009-09-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

West Ham United and Liverpool produced an outstanding spectacle at Upton Park that was decided by a Fernando Torres header in the second half.

The first half was all action, with impressive youngster Zavon Hines spurning a glorious chance in the opening minutes after woeful defending by Jamie Carragher.

Torres opened the scoring for Liverpool with an wonderful solo goal before Alessandro Diamanti equalised for the Hammers from the penalty spot. Two goals from corners followed as Carlton Cole cancelled out Dirk Kuyt's goal for the Reds.

Inevitably the frenetic pace of the game dissipated in the second half, with West Ham trying to limit Liverpool's attacking play. The Hammers couldn't keep the Reds out as a Torres header saw Liverpool recapture their lead for the third time on the night.

Saturday September 19, 2009 \| Upton Park
Westham United	2-3	Liverpool
Diamanti 29’ (pen.) Cole 45’		Torres 20’, 75’ Kuyt 42’

Match Details The Way of The Match

West Ham didn't give the game up and nearly equalised within a minute. Kovac met a cross from the left with a looping header towards the far post, and Reina produced a smart save to deny the Czech's effort.

As the end of the exhilarating contest approached Liverpool tightened their control of possession. A valiant yet increasingly tired West Ham struggled to create chances and it was Liverpool that looked the more likely to score the next goal.

The outstanding Torres was withdrawn in stoppage time as Liverpool held on for the victory.

Team Line-Up:
West Ham: Green; Upson (Gabbidon 25), Tomkins, Ilunga, Faubert; Parker, Behrami (Kovac 27), Noble; Hines, Cole, Diamanti (Dyer 65)
Liverpool: Reinal; Skrtel, Carragher, Insua, Johnson; Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun (Aurelio 85), Kuyt (Babel 60); Gerrard; Torres (Riera 90)

Arsenal 4-0 Wigan: The gunner is back

2009-09-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Arsenal recovered well from their Premier League defeat against Manchester City last week with a comprehensive 4-0 destruction of Wigan at the Emirates. Thomas Vermaelen netted a brace, Eduardo scored and Cesc Fabregas put the icing on the cake for Arsene Wenger.

Following two Premier League defeats on the trot, Arsene Wenger's Arsenal needed to re-find their flow against Wigan Athletic, and collect maximum points.

The Latics themselves had recently bucked a worrying trend whereby consecutive losses began to be accrued, but the international break fell at an opportune moment and Roberto Martinez's burgeoning outfit slayed West Ham United last weekend.

Unfortunately for the rookie boss, Martinez was powerless as he watched a rampant Arsenal strike four times, and the damage could have been far worse had Chris Kirkland's goalkeeping skills been left on the team bus.

Saturday September 19, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Arsenal	4-0	Wigan
Vermaelen 25’, 49’ da Silva 59’ Fábregas 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Arsenal littered Wigan's final third throughout the opening 20 minutes. Creative forward Robin van Persie had a sniff early on but Titus Bramble, so often a maligned figure, duly quashed any goal-line confusion by booting the ball clear. Just four minutes later and the Dutch international saw another shot skip wide of the marker.

The domination of the home side paid off swiftly, though, as a set-piece leads to Wenger's sole summer signing Thomas Vermaelen powerfully nodding into goal after a good leap.

It took the Latics at least ten minutes to muster a sustained reaction, but Vito Mannone - who appeared nervy and flustered during his Champions League debut midweek - saved a good chance from Hugo Rodallega.

Whatever Martinez mentioned to his side at half-time: keep things tight, be wary of the early goal, and support Rodallega up front, all fell on deaf ears as Vermaelen needed just four minutes to double Arsenal's lead. The former Ajax captain scored a sensational effort that zipped into the top-left corner.

The Gunners' third drew debate. Eduardo da Silva relentlessly pummelled the Wigan goal, hoping one would eventually cross the line, but his final strike took a crucial clip off of Emmanuel Eboue. The Ivorian was credited with the strike, as had he left it, Kirkland would likely have saved. Eboue's diversion proved critical.

A consolation goal for Wigan was chalked off for offside on the 81st minute, preventing the Latics from leaving Ashburton Grove with a sense of pride, as a Mannone parry was follwed in by Scharner, but the move was flagged.

Moments from time, captain Francesc Fabregas - who had been abnormally quiet and was also seen to be carrying an injury - completed the rout after guiding a shot home from the near post after a thunderous Nicklas Bendtner cross.

The north Londoners' season is back on track, but the Greater Manchester side's calender is not getting easier, as they face Chelsea next weekend.

Team Line-Up:
Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Rosicky 73), Diaby (Ramsey 66), Fabregas, Song Billong, Eduardo (Bendtner 73), Van Persie.

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Bramble, Melchiot, Figueroa, Thomas, Koumas (Scharner 57), N'Zogbia, Gomez (Scotland 57), Diame, Rodallega (Sinclair 87).

Schalke 04 1-2 Wolfsburg:Dzeko scores double

2009-09-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

REUTERS

After a broing first half, Wolfsburg and Schalke played a riveting final 45 minutes that easily could have been won by either side. In the end, a brace from Edin Dzeko was all Wolfsburg needed to trump Benedikt Hoewedes' strike.

The first half was generally slow-paced and rather uneventful. Despite having a two-man disadvantage in midfield, Wolfsburg won the majority of possession. However, because Schalke used a system that featured seven defensive players, the Wolves were unable to make space in their attacking third.

Friday September 18, 2009 \| Veltins-Arena
Schalke	1-2	Wolfsburg
Höwedes 80’		Dzeko 55’, 81’

Match Details The Way of The Match

After the halftime break, the game finally picked up. Wolfsburg took the lead on 55 minutes as Sascha Riether played a perfect cross to Edin Dzeko, who powered his free header into the net.

In the 70th minute, Jefferson Farfan played a through ball to Altintop, but the Turkish international whiffed and Andre Lenz claimed the ball. Schalke finally equalised in the 80th minute as Benedikt Hoewedes nodded in Levan Kenia's corner kick delivery.

A minute later, Wolfsburg restored their lead as Dzeko completed his brace. Substitute Makoto Hasebe crossed to the Bosnian international, who finished coolly.

Team Line-Up:
SCHALKE 04: Manuel Neuer, Heiko Westermann,Marcelo Jose Bordon,Benedikt Höwedes, Lukas Schmitz b(Lewis Holtby '81), Vasilias Pliatsikas, Levan Kobiashvili (Kevin Kuranyi '65), Rafinha, Gerald Asamoah (Halil Altintop '65), Levan Kenia, Jefferson Farfan

VFL WOLFSBURG: André Lenz, Andrea Barzagli, Alexander Madlung, Josué, Marcel Schäfer, Fabian Johnson (Makoto Hasebe '31), Zvjezdan Misimovic, Christian Gentner (Jonathan Santana '65), Sascha Riether, Edin Dzeko, Grafite (Obafemi Martins '89)

Liverpool 1-0 Debrecen: Kuyt the breaker

2009-09-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Liverpool hosts slim 1-0 win over Hungarian team, Debrecen, in the opening match phase of the Champions League Group E. Printed single goal by Dirk Kuyt in the first half injury time.

Liverpool really controlled the game at Anfield Stadin, Wednesday (16 / 09/2009). From the beginning they were rolled in the opposite field, but Steven Gerrard et al more often threatened by gunfire speculation from outside the penalty box.

Before the first round completed, Albert Riera twice tested the efficacy Vukašin Poleksić goalkeeper, but both times he failed. Kuyt finally change the score to 1-0 after throwing the ball forward Fernando Torres kick.

Tuesday 05 May, 2009 \| Emirates Stadium
Liverpool	1-0	Debrecen
Kuyt 45'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Until the final whistle sounded, the score did not change for the hosts victory. Liverpool is now the same three values packed with Olympique Lyon, who also won 1-0 over Fiorentina.

Team Line-Up:
Liverpool: Reina; Skrtel, Carragher, Insua, Johnson; Lucas, Gerrard, Riera (Babel 80), Benayoun (Mascherano 87); Torres, Kuyt (Aurelio 91)
Debrecen: Poleksic; Meszaros, Komlosi, Fodor, Bodnar; Kiss, Ramos (Laczko 67), Szakaly (Feczesin 79), Czvitkovics; Coulibaly, Leandro

Standard Leige 2-3 Arsenal: The gunner mentality

2009-09-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Daylife

Thumbs up was given to Arsenal deserved after melakoni action qualifier early in the Champions League Group H against representatives 2009/2010 Standard Liege of Belgium. Coming from behind two goals at the beginning of action, the Gunners could be reversed position at the end of the match 2-3, Wednesday (16/9/2009).

Mainstay bomber appeared without Robin van Persie is still injured and main goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, Arsenal immediately struck by two quick goals the home team in minutes 3 and 5.

Wednesday September 16, 2009 \|Stade Maurice Dufrasne
Standard Liège	2-3	Arsenal
Mangala 2’ Jovanovic 5’ (pen.)		Bendtner 45’ Vermaelen 79’ da Silva 81’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Created the opening goal defender Eliaquim Mangala center. The next goal while midfielder Milan Jovanovic is entered through a white spot after he violated William Gallas in the forbidden box.

Arsenal themselves trying to get up. In abandonment, Arsene Wenger team to rebuild the ruins of the spirit that had ravaged.

Catch up with their own hopes eventually emerged at the end of the first round. A goal from the Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner have been nesting on the goal goalkeeper Sinan Bolat into initial capital to start the next midterm.

Opened the second half, Arsenal raced. Games with high determination shown blood-young blood's Emirates Stadium.

Their efforts apparently paid off, in the 79th minute defender Thomas Vermaelen anyar second and scored the 2-2 equalizer. These goals raises more cash for mental Arsenal camp.

Yes, not satisfied with this situation, Arsenal play the more insistent. As a result two minutes later striker Eduardo Da Silva reversed a 2-3 situation.

Team Line-Up:
Standard Liege: Bolat; Mangala, Sarr, Rocha, Camozzato; Carcela-Gonzalez, Witsel (Traore 84), De Camargo, Jovanovic (Nicaise 59), Dalmat (Goreux 80); Bezua.
Arsenal: Mannone; Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Sagna 78); Song, Fabregas, Rosicky (Ramsey 70), Diaby; Bendtner, Eduardo (Wilshere 86).

Intermilan 0-0 Barcelona: Anticlimax game

2009-09-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Foto: Daylife

'Big Match' which bring together two giant European Club, Barcelona contra Inter Milan in the fight with the prime qualifier Group F Champions League 2009/2010 disappointing ending. Staying would present interesting treats, a duel is in fact only a goalless draw ended 0-0, Wednesday (16/9/2009).

Not for bragging voiced each team before the match in starting. Match times are pride at the stadium of Milan is running quite cool, because both teams played with great caution.

Both Inter and Barca come up with the main squad. Two of the bombers newer material on the stock exchange transfer last summer Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic falling since the early minutes.

Wednesday September 16, 2009 \| Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Inter	0-0	Barcelona

Match Details The Way of The Match

The game started, Ibrahimovic opened the Catalans opportunities in the 8th minute. Unfortunately, he's Swedish striker was less calm and failed to complete midfielder Xavi Hernandez sweet.

Inter apparently did not want to lose, they immediately respond to that threat by doing something similar to El Barca goal. Cooperation wing defender Douglas Maicon and Eto'o to penetrate the defense Catalan club, but failed to reach the target.

Furthermore, some opportunities presented alternately on each team. Starting from Seydou Keita to Wesley Sneijder again nothing could change the position.

The rescue effort is the goal that goalkeeper Julio Cesar La Baneamata from Messi hard kick into action closing early rounds.

After halftime, both teams immediately speed up the mobility of their game. Fierce duel at midfield in cash was presented.

Time showed 47 minutes to get a chance Sneijder scored for the second time. Although lead straight to the goal, Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes had seemed more alert so that it can handle with ease.

Barca themselves could control the game. But, already set up Inter-covered bunker that made the death spear sonny Los Azulgranas can not move slightly at all.

Approached the last minute, both teams tried to play open slightly. However, the stamina of the players are exhausted.

Until the game was over glasses score has not changed. Jose Mourinho's foster children who acted as host a party are the losers because they had to share a point with his guest.

Team Line-Up:

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Walter Samuel, Lucio, Sulley Muntari, Cristian Chivu, Maicon, Wesley Sneijder, Javier Zanetti, Thiago Motta, Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito.

Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Eric Abidal, Dani Alves, Yaya Toure, Seydou Keita, Xavi Hernandez, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi.

Maccabi Haifa 0-3 Bayern:Muller double

2009-09-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Bayern Munich prodigy Thomas Muller scored twice as the German giants won 3-0 at Maccabi Haifa in their Champions League Group A opener.

Results of Maccabi make Bayern on the top of Champions League Group A which also inhabited Juventus. From this one away games, Bayern aka reap the full three points.

The victory in the first fight was born from Bayern Munich Daniel van Buyten scored and a pair of goals from Thomas Mueller are all present in the second half.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Ramat-Gan
Maccabi Haifa	0-3	Bayern
		van Buyten 64’Müller 85’, 88’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Team Line-Up:
Maccabi Haifa: 1-Nir Davidovitch; 27-Eyal Meshumar (Lior Rafaelov '74), 21-Dekel Keinan, 5-Jorge Teixeira, 17-Tsepo Masilela; 23-Baram Kayal (Shlomi Arbeitman '68), 7-Gustavo Boccoli, 16-Mohammad Ghadir (Ali Ottman '68), 20-Yaniv Katan, 15-Eyal Golasa; 9-Vladimer Dvalishvili

Bayern Munich: 22-Hans-Joerg Butt; 21-Philipp Lahm, 28-Holger Badstuber, 5-Daniel van Buyten, 23-Danijel Pranjic; 31-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 44-Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, 25-Thomas Mueller; 7-Franck Ribery (Mario Gomez '64), 11-Ivica Olic (Jose Ernesto Sosa '86), 10-Arjen Robben (Andreas Ottl '77).

Chelsea 1-0 Porto: Fast second half goal

2009-09-16T01:26:00.000-07:00

AFP/GLYN KIRK

Striker Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea victory at first for the Champions League this season. He scored a goal that brought Chelsea's 1-0 win over FC Porto in a duel playoffs Champions League Group D on Tuesday (15 / 09/2009) .

The match was going hard and tight from the beginning. Both sides boldly displays the game open. Alternately, both sides creating chances.

In the second minute, for example, Frank Lampard fired long-range goal into the left side of Helton. However, it was still kicking hard to ditepis Helton. Interval of two minutes later, the Hulk, Porto turn disturb the peace Petr Cech. Though surprised, Cech able to dismiss it Hilk shots.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Stamford Bridge
Chelsea	1-0	Porto
Anelka 47'

Match Details The Way of The Match

Entering the second half, Chelsea trying to find quick goals. Their efforts to fruition. Entering the 47th minute, they succeeded in winning 1-0 over Nicolas Anelka.

At that time, after a breakthrough bait Salomon Kalou, Anclka fired the ball straight into the goal. The ball then managed ditepis Helton. Unfortunately, the ball fell at the feet of Anelka, who immediately sent the ball into the bottom left side of the Porto goal.

With the result that, Chelsea had mastered the top of Group D with three points. Meanwhile, Porto himself lying at the bottom of the standings. Ranking second and third filled by Atletico Madrid and APOEL Nicosia is only a 0-0 draw.

Team Line-Up:
Chelsea: Cech; Terry, Carvalho, Cole, Ivanovic; Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Anelka, Kalou (Beletti 75)
Porto: Helton; Rolando, Alves, Pereira, Fucile; Fernando, Meireles, Guarin; Rodriguez (Varela 63), Hulk, Gonzalez (Falcao 55)

Besiktas 0-1 Manchester United:Scholes heads up

2009-09-16T01:19:00.000-07:00

uk.eurosport.com

Paul Scholes popped up to head home the only goal as Man Utd kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win at Besiktas.

Besiktas may not be the force of recent seasons, but Istanbul is an intimidating place and United had to ride out a storm and keep the crowd in check.

That they did in polished style and were rewarded with the winning goal, Scholes' 22nd in the Champions League, at a time when the crowd were roaring on the home side.

A win on the road in Europe is welcome at any time, but Sir Alex Ferguson is sure to be thrilled to have got this potential banana skin out of the way at the advent of the campaign.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Inönü
Arsenal	0-1	Manchester United
		Scholes 77’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Entering the second half, MU were still difficulties to break opponent's defense. In minute 62, the coach Sir Alex Ferguson put Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney replacing. The decision was made Rooney disappointed. He sat on the bench as he slammed his shoes.

This was Owen's first appearance in the Champions League after five years. He also began trying to disrupt the opponent's defense. Unfortunately, the supply of ball to Owen is still rare, because Besiktas it more pressing.

But, a MU counter-attack on 77 minutes can be completed perfectly. Kick Nani could only Besiktas goalkeeper blocked. The ball led to Paul Scholes and he nudged. Goal, Manchester United winning 1-0.

Since then, Besiktas seemed to lose concentration. They're just trying to attack, but without a strategy. MU makes it easier to break, even reverse the attack. However, there was no change in MU score , and they come back home with a value of 3.

Team Line-Up:
Besiktas: Hakan Arıkan, 84, 27-Matteo Ferrari, 6-Tomas Sivok, 19-Ibrahim Uzulmez, 4-Ibrahim Kas, 28-Fabian Ernst, 17-Ekrem Dag, 11-Marcio Nobre, 15-Rodrigo Tabata (14-Rodrigo Tello 69), 21-Serdar Ozkan (29-Yusuf Simsek 59), 23-Filip Holosko (8-Nihat Kahveci 84)

Man. United: 12-Ben Foster, 23-Jonny Evans, 15-Nemanja Vidic, 3-Patrice Evra, 2-Gary Neville, 16-Michael Carrick (9-Berbatov 63), 18-Paul Scholes, 8-Anderson, 17-Nani , 25-Antonio Valencia (13-Park Ji-Sung 84), 10-Wayne Rooney (7-Michael Owen 64)

Zurich 2-5 Real Madrid:Ronaldo brace

2009-09-16T00:24:00.001-07:00

uk.eurosport.com

The nine-times European champions appeared to be cruising in their first Champions League outing since their 250-million-euro spending spree when Ronaldo, Raul and Gonzalo Higuain scored in an 18-minute spell before halftime in the Group C game.

The Swiss champions hit back with two goals in a minute during the second half but two late goals restored Real's three-goal lead.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, taunted by Zurich fans insulting him in Spanish, opened the scoring with a rasping free kick from the edge of the area, his third goal in as many games since his record £80 million move from Manchester United.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Stadion Letzigrund
Zurich	2-5	Real Madrid
Margairaz 64’ (pen.)Aegerter 65’		Cristiano Ronaldo 27’, 89’ Raúl 34’ Higuaín 45’ Guti 90’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Two goals that seemed to wake from sleep Madrid. Raul et al tried to get up and look for opportunities to widen the distance. This time is definitely not Raul because kicks twice hit the tight defense of Zurich.

Ronaldo finally managed to add a goal for the visitors, again through a free kick in the 89th minute. From the distance of 25 meters, Portugal winger's hard shot off the goal Leoni.

Guti scored the movement concluded that night with one goal in the last minute. Receive feedback Kaka, Guti opened fire into the middle of the left foot goal. 5-2 score lasted until the end.

With a three goal difference, Madrid now leads the standings Group C, two more goal difference from AC Milan. Milan are in second position after conquering Olympique Marseille by 2-1.

Team Line-Up:
Zurich: Leoni; Rochat, Tihinen, Philippe, Stahel (Gajic 88); Margairaz, Okonkwo (Abdi 67), Aegerter, Alphonse, Vonlanthen; Hassli (Djuric 46).
Real Madrid: Casillas; Albiol, Pepe, Drenthe, Arbeloa; Diarra, Alonso (Gago 58), Ronaldo, Kaka; Raul, Higuain (Guti 68).

Marsielle 1-2 AC Milan: Inzaghi sees off

2009-09-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

Two goals from Filippo Inzaghi were enough for Milan to record their first ever Champions League victory over Marseille.
The veteran striker was on the mark once in each half to punish Marseille, whose slack marking cost them dear despite controlling the game for long periods, particularly in the second period.

The star of the show for Milan on a tricky night for skilful football was Clarence Seedorf, whose precise touches set up both goals for Inzaghi.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Stade Vélodrome
Marsielle	1-2	Milan
Heinze 49’		Inzaghi 28’, 74’

Match Details The Way of The Match

The next game running fast. Not long ago, Edouard Cisse almost brings superior host. Kick shot from outside the penalty box, but the ball of the foot of Alessandro Nesta and wide in the side of the goal.

The host seems to know that Milan a little slack when attacked quickly. Mamadou Niang et al continued to flow the ball relentlessly and repeatedly make a fort against Milan. However, Marseille could not penetrate the opponent's penalty box and just off the shooting distance without results.

Marseille just as careless when Seedorf returned to give feedback to pippo in the penalty box. Taye Taiwo was not closing pippo that 36-year striker managed to welcome the first ball and poked him straight to the goal Mandanda.

After that, there's hardly a golden opportunity from both teams and the action ended with the visitors victory. Milan now under Real Madrid, who won 4-2 over host FC Zurich.

Team Line-Up:
Marseille: Mandanda; Kaboré, Diawara, Heinze, Taiwo; Cissé (Morientes 88), Mbia, Cheyrou; Lucho (Ben Arfa 76); Brandao, by Niang
Milan: Storari; Oddo, Thiago Silva, Nesta, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Flamini; Seedorf (Abate 93); Pato, Inzaghi (Huntelaar 87)

Juventus 1-1 Bordeux: Held at home

2009-09-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

AFP/Christophe Simon

Turin - Shown at home to entertain Bordeaux in Champions League Group A, Tuesday or Wednesday (16 / 9) in the morning, Juventus failed to develop the game instead. They even often depressed. Could lead 1-0, 1-1 Juventus finally arrested ..

Juventus did lose his best game. They're just trouble holding your opponent attacks, as well as develop his own game.

In the 3rd minute, Juventus just depressed. Yoann Gourcuff made it through Fabio Grosso. He was free to release the kick into the goal. Dangerous. But, with extraordinary Guanluigi Buffon saved his goal.

Juve tried to respond to attacks. But, they are still difficulties. In the 8th minute, Juve back depressed. Mathieu Chalme managed to send a good feedback to Gourcuff. Again and again, kicking the former AC Milan player is not perfect, so easily foiled Buffon.

Tuesday September 15, 2009 \| Stadio Olimpico
Juventus	1-1	Bordeux
Iaquinta 63’		Plašil 75’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Although at home, Juventus party just so depressed. They were attacked several times, but not too much danger. On the other hand, Bordeaux is often threaten the goal "I Bianconeri".

In minute 19, Marouane Chamakh strikes the goal. This golden opportunity and should be a goal. However, Fabio Cannavaro made a quick movement to block the ball. Again Juve survived.

23 minutes, Juventus tried to suppress. Sebastian Giovinco who replaced Diego Ribas able mengkreasi just started the game. However, Vicenzo Iaquinta who tried to solve the attack, still failed.

After that, replace direct Bordeaux attack. They got a kick around. Alou Diarra could headed it, but a little off the mark.

Entering the second half, Juventus are still difficult to develop the game. Instead they often made trouble by the opponent's attack. Several times, threatening Bordeaux goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

However, the high spirit makes Juve finally able to gather a dangerous attack. In addition, because Bordeaux seems to drift too busy attacking.

In minute 61, Vicenzo Iaquinta able to release a sweet shot into the goal. Lucky, Bordeaux goalkeeper able to save him.

But in 63 minutes, kicking Iaquinta could no longer hold. After receiving the ball from Cannavaro, Iaquinta hard strikes the opponent's goal and scored.

This makes the game even more hot and tight. Both teams pushed each other. Amauri Juve almost double the advantage on 72 minutes. But, the ball can still be saved kicks Bordeaux goalkeeper.

74 minutes, Felipe Melo Menegazzo offense to near the penalty box. Yoann Gourcuff is taking a free kick, managed to send the ball into the front of goal. Jaroslav Plasil and cut straight goals, 1-1.

These results do not make more intense Juve attack. On the contrary, in fact often harm Bordeaux goalkeeper Buffon. Including a first kick Gourcuff in the 86th minute, failed to save by Buffon. Lucky, the ball just hit the goalpost. Lucky, Juve avoid defeat.

Team Line-Up:
Juventus: 1-Gianluigi Buffon, 33-Nicola Legrottaglie, 5-Fabio Cannavaro (15-Zebina 67), Felipe Melo-4, 6-Fabio Grosso, 2-Martin Caceres, 20-Sebastian Giovinco (16-Camoranesi 73), 30 -Tiago (18-Christian Poulsen 81), 8-Claudio Marchisio, 11-Amauri, 9-Vincenzo Iaquinta

Bordeaux: 1-Cedric Carrasso (Ulrich Rame 16-55), 27-Marc Planus, 2-Michael Ciani, 28-Benoit Trémoulinas, 21-Mathieu Chalme, 4-Alou Diarra, 5-Fernando Menegazzo, 29-Marouane Chamakh, 8 -Yoann Gourcuff, 17-Wendel, 18-Jaroslav Plasil (7-Yoan Gouffran 77)

Inter 2-0 Parma: Eto'o fires

2009-09-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

AFP/ALBERTO PIZZOLI

Parma coach, Francesco Guidolin, can surrender only to see his team beaten by Inter Milan on Sunday (13 / 9/2009). However his condition, Inter still stronger, let alone have to play like Samuel Eto'o. Once Eto'o scored, as Parma players feet trimmed and difficulty playing.

Inter are performed very well when he took AC Milan, two weeks ago, startled by the insistence of Parma at Giuseppe Meazza. So hard to overcome an opponent, "I Nerazzurri" can just scored the opening goal from Eto'o feet in 71 minutes. Diego Milito's closing night duel with the score 2-0 for the hosts victory.

After the match, admitted the greatness Guidolin Serie A champions are. "Inter are a very strong team. Despite their difficulties like today, they still have the patience to score goals and win," quoted above Goal.com Guidolin interview with television station Rai.

Sunday September 13, 2009 \| Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Inter	2-0	Parma
Eto'o 71’ Milito 88’

Match Details The Way of The Match

Guidolin specifically praised the ingenuity of the Eto'o in action. The former Barcelona player was carrying the bait Mario Balotelli and poke the ball into the corner of the goal. Goal was to show that the Cameroon striker was of good quality. "Today there is a great goal from Eto'o who like to cut our feet, we stopped the game," I Guidolin.

Thanks to the victory, Inter climbed into third place standings. They packed the value of seven or two points behind Juventus and Sampdoria.

Team Line-Up:
Inter : Cesar, Samuel, Lucio, Vieira (Muntari 70'), Santon, Maicon, Motta (Balotelli 46'), Zanetti, Sneijder (Krhin 78') , Eto'o, Milito.

Parma : Mirante, Panucci, Paci, Lucarelli, Zenoni, Mariga, Zaccardo (Amoruso 76'), Morrone, Beghora, Galloppa (Lanzafame 55'), Paloschi (Bojinov 80').