Home | England | Italy | Spain | Transfer Rumors | Forums
Access Your PC from Anywhere - Free Trial Half.com - Hot Deals at Half.com Half.com - The Smartest Place to Buy and Sell

Thursday, March 31, 2005

France coach still confident of World Cup berth

France coach Raymond Domenech said it is ``unimaginable'' that the 1998 champions will not qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Zidane Come Back!-L'Equipe

France’s most popular sports daily L’Equipe has called for Zidane to return to the French national team following the series of disappointing performances on behalf of Les Blues.

Mourinho given a two-match suspension

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was suspended for two matches Thursday by UEFA for his claims that Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard influenced a referee during their game last month.

Chelsea prepare for Uefa hearings

Chelsea will discover their fate at a Uefa disciplinary hearing in Switzerland on Thursday.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

WCQ Results, Match Stats, Reports

WCQs Preview: Top spots up for grabs

The road to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany continues on Wednesday and it promises to be an exciting evening. Of the 42 teams in action, Slovakia, Portugal, Israel, France, Serbia and Montenegro and Spain are all involved in top-of-the-table encounters. uefa.com looks at the state of play in each of the eight qualification groups.

Monday, March 28, 2005

Watch WC2006 Qualifiers/ Video

Italy-Scotland 2 : 0
Pirlo
Pirlo
Romania-Holland 0 : 2
Cocu
Czech Republic-Finland 4 : 3
Baros
Rosicky
Litmanen
Polak
Riihlahti
Johansson
Lokvenc
England-Northern Ireland 4 : 0
Cole
Owen
Baird (og)
Lampard


Van Basten basks in victory

Marco van Basten, Marcello Lippi and Sven-Göran Eriksson were among the satisfied international coaches after the weekend's FIFA World Cup qualifying matches as uefa.com rounds up the reaction.

Sunday, March 27, 2005

World Cup host Germans ashamed for violent fans, performance after Slovenia match

Germany's friendly win over Slovenia was one the team and country would rather forget -- a dismal performance overshadowed by some of the worst violence by its fans in recent memory.

Uefa dismisses Man Utd proposal

Uefa has rejected Manchester United's call to change the format of the Champions League to help higher-profile clubs reach the last eight.

Portugal beats Canada 4-1 in friendly match

Portugal topped Canada 4-1 in a friendly match on Saturday, getting goals from Manuel Fernandes, Pedro Pauleta, Helder Postiga and Nuno Gomes.

England, Sweden, Italy and Netherlands win; France held to 0-0 draw in World

England, the Netherlands and Italy posted comfortable wins in World Cup qualifying on Saturday, but 1998 champion France was held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland.

Saturday, March 26, 2005

World Cup Qualifying results, match stats, reports

Spain v China: Preview

Spain coach Luis Aragones says his side are approaching Saturday's friendly against China in Salamanca as a dress rehearsal for next week's World Cup qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro.

European World Cup Qualifying Group One Preview

Group One is finely poised with the top four teams separated by just one point, although Holland and the Czech Republic have played a game less than Finland and Romania.

European World Cup Qualifying Group 2 Preview

As European World Cup Qualifying gets underway after a lengthy break, three matches in Group 2 figure to help clear up the group’s current situation. This is such a tight group that most observers believe it will only be decided on the final day of matches.

European World Cup Qualifying: Group Three Preview

All Group 3 teams will be in action in the next five days, as group leaders Portugal will play second-placed Slovakia in Bratislava on Wednesday in the most important group match of the next round.

European WCQ Group Four Preview

Ireland head the group on eight points with Israel and France, while Switzerland have taken five points from one game less. On Wednesday, Israel host France, so a return of four points from these two games is a must if they are to remain in contention beyond the week.

European WCQ Group 5 Preview: Italy-Scotland

When the new Scotland manager, Walter Smith, last came up against a side managed by Marcello Lippi, the experience was one to forget. Smith, then coaching Scottish champions Rangers, saw his team beaten 4-1 and 4-0 by Lippi's Juventus in the 1995/96 UEFA Champions League, and he will be desperate to avoid a similar outcome in his first match in charge of the Scotland side.

European WCQ Group Six Preview: England-Northern Ireland

Not many people have given Northern Ireland much hope of getting a much needed result against England, but manager Lawrie Sanchez knows more than most that anything can happen in football.

European World Cup Qualfiying: Group Seven Preview

The top three look to have broken clear at the top of Group Seven, but Bosnia-Herzegovina and Belgium have games in hand which could change the whole picture.

European World Cup Qualifying: Group 8 Preview

Croatia will fancy their chances of being top of Group 8 by Wednesday night, though both Sweden and Bulgaria will have other ideas in what is shaping up to be a fascinating three-way tussle to qualify for Germany 2006.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Pires dismayed by 'excessive' fine

France midfielder Robert Pires believes the £35,000 fine he has to pay for wearing a rival sponsor's clothing is an excessive punishment.

Stoickov tops Player of 90's poll

Hristo Stoichkov has been named eurosport.com's Player of the 1990's after topping a poll of more than 900,000 votes. The current Bulgaria coach - who inspired the country to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals - pipped Gheorghe Hagi of Romania as the poll turned into a duel between the two left-footers.

Rui Costa Predicts Tense Euro Derby

The Milan midfielder believes that the Champions League derby against Inter will not be decided by technique nor tactics, but by tension.

British sports minister asks UEFA for crackdown on racism

British sports minister Richard Caborn told UEFA officials Thursday they are being too soft on racism in soccer.

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Kenyon: "Surprised and disappointed"

Premier League leaders Chelsea have responded to what they describe as an "unprecedented attack" by Europe's governing body UEFA, saying they will fight any charges all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Barthez Sets Retirement Date

The French goalkeeper has declared that he will retire next season at the age of 35 years.

Magath: We Are Better Than Chelsea

The Bayern Munich coach is confident that his side will prevail in the double Champions League quarter final encounter against Chelsea.

Germans negotiate record World Cup bonus

German players will receive a record bonus if they win the World Cup next year at home.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Kluivert denies Dutch quit talk

Patrick Kluivert has angrily denied retiring from international football after being left out of the Dutch squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Romania. Kluivert has 79 caps, but current national coach Marco van Basten has repeatedly left the Newcastle striker out of international games.

Jose expects to UEFA case to collapse

Jose Mourinho has predicted that the charges levelled against Chelsea by UEFA will be dropped next week.

Ronaldinho: Barcelona should've done far better in Champions League

In an official interview to celebrate his 25th birthday, the Brazilian ace said: "In the Champions League, all the games are like a final.

'Don't kick Chelsea out', pleads Rijkaard

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard insists he does not want Chelsea thrown out of the Champions League.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

United Call For Champions League Revamp

Manchester United chief David Gill has called for the Champions League to be revamped to protect the biggest clubs in the competition.

France needs injured Henry

France badly needs Thierry Henry for two vital World Cup qualifiers. The problem is, he's not even fit to play for Arsenal.

Monday, March 21, 2005

Kluivert fears permanent Holland exile

Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert believes his international career could be over.

Uefa Charge Chelsea

Chelsea have been hit by threat of expulsion from the Champions League after being accused by Uefa of purposely telling lies about Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard and referee Anders Frisk.

Germans determined to make Beckenbauer UEFA president

German Soccer Federation boss Theo Zwanziger called for a united campaign in Germany to help get Franz Beckenbauer the powerful post of UEFA president.

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Laporta calls for Jose ban

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has called for Uefa to ban Jose Mourinho, after labelling the Chelsea chief a liar.

Drogba Apologises To Frisk

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has publicly apologised to Swedish referee Anders Frisk, who quit football after receiving death threats following incidents during Chelsea’s Champions League first leg clash with Barcelona.

Aragones bites back at Wenger

Spain boss Luis Aragones has hit out at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Frisk received more threats

Swedish referee Anders Frisk said on Saturday he received more death threats this week after ruling bodies UEFA and FIFA tried to persuade him to return to refereeing.

UEFA to clamp down on abuse of referees

UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson says his organisation is prepared to clamp down on anyone who questions the integrity of officals in the wake of referee Anders Frisk's resignation.

Chelsea chief: Bayern Munich is big draw

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admits they face a tough task against Bayern. "It is a big draw, there are no easy games at this stage. We must give respect to Bayern as they have won it four times," said Kenyon.

Player of the 90's: Gheorghe Hagi or Hristo Stoichkov?

Over 670,000 Eurosport.com users have voted for the player of the 1990s, with nearly all selecting Gheorghe Hagi or Hristo Stoichkov.

Facchetti: The Derby Would Have Been Better In Istanbul...

Inter president Giacinto Facchetti would have preferred to meet Milan in Istanbul instead of in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Moggi: It Won’t Be Easy

The Juventus General Manager believes that Juventus will face a difficult task when they play Liverpool over two legs in the next Champions League round.

We Need To Improve To Beat Milan - Mancini

The Inter coach is confident that the Nerazzurri can overturn the current tide which sees his side unable to defeat Milan in recent matches.

Shevchenko Predicts Stressful Derby

The Ukranian forward would have preferred Milan to face any other team instead of Inter in the Champions League quarter finals.

Juventus to face Liverpool for first time since Heysel disaster

Juventus coach Fabio Capello admits the spectre of the Heysel disaster will overshadow his team's Champions League quarterfinal tie with Liverpool.

UEFA Cup Draw List

We can beat Chelsea - Magath

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath believes the fact that his side will have home advantage in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea stands in their favour.

Benitez: We can beat Juventus

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez predicts his side will overcome Juventus to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Friday, March 18, 2005

Champions League draw

Liverpool will face Juventus in the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League, while Milan will face city rivals Inter.

Europe's élite to gather in Nyon

The draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of this year's UEFA Champions League take place in Nyon, Switzerland at 12.00CET.

Uefa Cup Wrap: Sporting, CSKA, Parma, Auxerre & Vienna Progress

Sporting Lisbon remain on course to appear in the Uefa Cup final at their own stadium after beating Middlesbrough 1-0 in Lisbon and 4-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16. CSKA Moscow triumphed 2-0 at home to Partizan Belgrade to go through 3-1 on aggregate, while Parma beat Sevilla 1-0 in Italy after the first leg finished goalless. Auxerre, having beaten Lille 1-0 in the first leg, only needed a goalless draw at home to progress. In Spain, Real Zaragoza drew 2-2 with Austria Vienna, which means the aggregate score was 3-3 – so the Austrians go through on the away goals rule.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Toldo in confident mood

Internazionale goalkeeper Francesco Toldo believes the club are producing the type of form that will allow them to compete for silverware.

Tacchinardi and Ronaldo Suspended For Two Champions League Matches

The Juventus midfielder will have to miss both legs of the Champions League quarter finals.

Champions League goals

Inter Milan 3-1 Porto
Adriano
Adriano
Jorge Costa
Adriano

Juve's return to their roots leaves them fearing no-one

Having eliminated Real Madrid from the Champions League twice in the past three seasons, Juventus are unlikely to be trembling ahead of Friday's draw for the quarter-finals.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Uefa Cup Wrap: Newcastle & AZ Progress

As expected Newcastle United and AZ Alkmaar have both booked their places in the Uefa Cup quarter-finals after following up first leg victories with wins at home in today's second legs.

Bring on Milan, says Moratti

Inter chief Massimo Moratti says he wants to face Juventus or Milan in the last eight of the Champions’ League.

France name injured Henry for qualifiers

Read also Norway squad for World Cup qualifier in Moldova ,
Valente back in Portugal squad after injury ,
Baljic back for Bosnian tests, Huth and Ballack back for Germany , Georgia squad named

Del Piero Predicts English Opponents For Juve

The Bianconeri’s captain feels that his side will meet either Chelsea or Liverpool in the quarter finals of the Champions League.

UEFA Cup Preview

Shakhtar Donetsk must inflict AZ Alkmaar's first home defeat of the season if they are to overturn a 3-1 UEFA Cup deficit on Wednesday. Newcastle United join AZ on the bring of the last eight after also winning 3-1 away in their first leg, against Olympiakos.

Fresh blast for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has come under a fresh attack, this time from the fourth official in charge of Chelsea's clash with Barcelona.

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Platini targets Uefa presidency

Michel Platini is planning to run for election as Uefa president.

Adriano hat-trick sends Inter through

Brazilian striker Adriano scored a hat-trick as Internazionale ran out 3-1 winners over FC Porto at the San Siro (4-2 on aggregate). Roberto Mancini's team become the third Italian club, after AC Milan and Juventus, to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Best Champions League XI Of The Season So Far

Goal.com's best XI in Champions League

Becks backing Blues in Europe


England captain David Beckham believes Chelsea are "a major contender" for the Champions League.

Chelsea offers olive branch

Chelsea are considering asking UEFA for a peace summit after top referee Anders Frisk quit the game following claims he had received death threats from the club's fans.

Monday, March 14, 2005

CL Preview: Inter-Porto

The Nerazzurri will host the current holders Porto at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium of Milan for the second leg of the last-16 Champions League encounter.

Moratti: We Can Win The Champions League

The Inter patron is confident that his side’s last important objective of the season can be achieved.

Champs League return for Alonso?

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could return from injury in time to help the Reds in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

UEFA persuades refere to return

Read also Blatter joins Mourinho condemnation over Frisk retirement

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Mourinho given blame for Frisk

The chairman of UEFA's referee's committee says coaches are indirectly to blame for the kind of incidents that prompted Anders Frisk to retire and described Chelsea's Jose Mourinho as 'the enemy of football'.

Baros keen to avoid Blues

Liverpool striker Milan Baros is hoping to avoid Chelsea and instead be paired with an Italian club in next week's Champions League quarter-final draw.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

German co-leaders battle for edge down the stretch

Bayern Munich, sizzling in the Champions League, and Schalke 04, winner of four straight, battle for first place Sunday.

French influence still being felt

France may have only one club through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, but their players are almost everywhere.

Death threats force Frisk to retire

Referee Anders Frisk has retired after receiving death threats following Barcelona and Chelsea's Champions League tie. "It's not worth it. My family's security comes before everything else," said Frisk on the Swedish FA's website on Saturday. "I've received threats by phone, e-mail and post.

Friday, March 11, 2005

Albertini hits out at Jose

Read also Larsson blasts Chelsea

Cole: Much more to come

Joe Cole has promised Chelsea fans more memorable European evenings, following their thrilling UEFA Champions League victory over Barcelona.

Souness cautious despite away win

Graeme Souness believes that Newcastle still have work to do to reach the Uefa Cup quarter-finals, despite winning 3-1 at Olympiakos in the first leg.

Gravesen rues missed chances

Thomas Gravesen blamed Real Madrid's profligacy for their UEFA Champions League exit to Juventus.

Whither La Liga?

Writing the Spanish league's obituary is premature

Liverpool 'not to be underestimated'

Rafael Benitez has warned that no team in Europe can afford to take Liverpool lightly after his side progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals with a fine victory over Bayer Leverkusen last night.

Eurosport Champions League First XI

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Cech Impressed By Ronaldinho

Petr Cech admitted that he was very impressed with Ronaldinho after being beaten twice by the Brazilian in Chelsea's Champions League win over Barcelona.

Cruyff Blames Collina For Bar�a Exit

Johan Cruyff has laid the blame for Barcelona's Champions League exit firmly at the feet of referee Pierluigi Collina after the Italian allowed Chelsea's matchwinner on Tuesday night.

Uefa Cup Wrap: Newcastle & AZ In Control

Newcastle and AZ Alkmaar have one foot in the Uefa Cup quarter-finals after claiming 3-1 wins away to Olympiakos and Shakhtar Donetsk respectively.

UEFA probe Stamford Bridge

The latest Champions League incidents involving Chelsea and Barcelona are to be investigated by UEFA.

Madrid stars lament new setback after Champions League KO

Real Madrid returned from Italy on Thursday, ruing a loss to Juventus which brought Champions League elimination and a latest disappointment for the star-studded team.

Sticky: Watch UEFA Champions league Second Round Second Leg goals (Video)

Chelsea 4 - 2 Barcelona:
Gudjohnsen (8)Lampard (17)Duff (19)Ronaldinho (27)Ronaldinho (39) Terry (77)



Juventus 2 - 0 Real Madrid:



Sticky: Watch Champions League First Leg goals - Video

UEFA Cup Preview

Last season's UEFA Cup semi-finalists Villarreal and Newcastle United face tough away assignments in the first leg of their last 16 ties on Thursday.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

CL Wednesday Wrap: Juve, Bayern, PSV and Liverpool Progress

PSV make most of advantage

Last season's UEFA Champions League finalists AS Monaco FC bowed out as goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and DaMarcus Beasley took PSV Eindhoven through to the last eight.

García goals lead Liverpool through

Two goal from Luis García helped Liverpool FC reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Milan Baroš also finding the net as the English side progressed in style.

Bayern hold out at Highbury

FC Bayern München stayed calm and resolute under fierce late pressure from Arsenal FC to book their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Zalayeta settles titanic tussle

Having been 15 minutes away from elimination, Juventus FC overcame Real Madrid 2-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate, Marcelo Zalayeta settling a thrilling tie four minutes from the conclusion of extra time after David Trezeguet cancelled out the visitors' first-leg advantage.

Pires: 'We can beat Bayern'

Robert Pires is confident Arsenal can overcome Bayern Munich on Wednesday to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. The France midfielder says the Gunners have to attack cautiously to overturn their 3-1 first-leg deficit against the German giants, shorn of injured top scorer Roy Makaay.

Benitez predicts Gerrard to score

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has revealed his premonition that Steven Gerrard will score the vital Champions League goal at Bayer Leverkusen.

Crespo wants Chelsea clash

AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo knocked out Manchester United with a couple of goals and now he wants to do the same to Chelsea - the team that discarded him in the summer.

Humiliated Werder eager for chance to atone

Werder Bremen say their mortifying 10-2 aggregate defeat by Olympique Lyon has made the club all the more determined to qualify for the Champions League again next season and set the record straight.

Keane makes no excuses for defeat

Roy Keane has delivered a typically blunt assessment of another failed Manchester United Champions League campaign. Ferguson rues missed opportunity.

Luxemburgo: Counter Attack the Key

The Real Madrid coach tries to analyze tonight’s match at the Delle Alpi of Turin against Juventus. Read also Real Madrid 'flu victim Raul will start

Butragegno: Barca Superiour To Chelsea

Read also Eto'o In Bitter Attack On Chelsea,
Ronaldinho admits to 'confrontation' in tunnel ,
Barcelona blames referee Collina for allowing the last goal.

Marca Newspaper's prediction for Real Madrid's starting Lineup

Marca Newspaper's prediction for Juve's starting Lineup



Blues, Barca controversy reigns

Chelsea strode into the Champions League quarter-finals on a remarkable night which ended in further controversy, bitter accusations and another probable UEFA investigation.

Lizarazu fit to face Arsenal

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath expects to welcome back Bixente Lizarazu to his starting line-up for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Arsenal at Highbury.

Kewell blow for Liverpool

Harry Kewell will miss Liverpool's crucial UEFA Champions League second leg tie with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Henry Stresses: It’s A Team Game

As Arsenal prepare to try and overturn a 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League second round tie, striker Thierry Henry is prepared to be criticised if they fail – but he stresses that it is not all about him.

CL Reaction: Rijkaard Feels The Hurt

Read also Mourinho On Cloud Nine, Terry, Lampard ecstatic.

Prev: Juventus v Real Madrid

Juventus are without Pavel Nedved, who has not trained since a clash of heads with Raul Bravo in the first leg.

Prev: Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Arsenal midfielder Edu is a doubt for the visit of Bayern Munich after suffering a knee injury in training and will be assessed after having a scan.

Prev: Monaco v PSV

AS Monaco FC coach Didier Deschamps has said that his side must strike the right balance between attack and defence when they welcome PSV Eindhoven for the second leg of their first knockout round tie on Wednesday.

Prev: B Leverkusen v Liverpool

Liverpool welcome back captain Steven Gerrard back from a one-match ban for their Champions League second-leg match away to Bayer Leverkusen.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Ancelotti relishes Milan control

Carlo Ancelotti has taken his revenge on Sir Alex Ferguson and claims Milan were in complete control throughout the two legs.

Zidane: I'm fit and raring to go

Real Madrid's French midfielder Zinedine Zidane said that he has recovered from a left leg muscle strain and was raring to go in Wednesday's Champions League first knockout round second leg match at Italian side Juventus.

CL Wrap: The Empire Strikes Back!

It was Star Wars part two at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League tonight – and Roman's Empire struck back!

Wenger: I believe in miracles

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident his side will complete a Champions League miracle by knocking out Bayern Munich at Highbury on Wednesday. Arsenal trail their German opponents 3-1 from the first leg but a late goal from defender Kolo Toure kept the English champions in with a shout.

Capello praises Gravesen

Fabio Capello has praised Thomas Gravesen ahead of Juventus' Champions League clash with Real Madrid, claiming that the Dane has brought stability to the Spanish side.

Wiltord leads Lyon procession

Olympique Lyonnais sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in style, thrashing Werder Bremen, with Sylvain Wiltord scoring a hat-trick to help his side wrap up an emphatic aggregate victory.

Crespo the hero for Milan

Hernán Crespo struck again to break Manchester United FC hearts and send AC Milan into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Terry header decides thrilling tie

Chelsea FC captain John Terry finally settled an extraordinary match with a header 14 minutes from time to put José Mourinho's side into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and kill off the challenge of FC Barcelona who had recovered from a dispiriting start to get back into the tie.

Henry: Bergy the best ever

Thierry Henry hailed Dennis Bergkamp as his best-ever strike partner as he tipped the Dutchman to mastermind Arsenal's Champions League recovery against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

Ruud: 'I'm fit again'

Manchester United marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy is hitting peak fitness just in time to make AC Milan suffer on one of the most dramatic nights in their illustrious history.

Gio: Barca fear Blues backlash

Giovanni van Bronckhorst admits there is apprehension in the Barcelona squad as they prepare for tonight's Champions League match at Chelsea.

Mourinho Wants Fairness From Collina, Less Diving From Barca

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho continues to court controversy ahead of tonight’s eagerly-awaited Champions League return clash with Barcelona.

Capello: Real Match Like A Final

Juventus boss Fabio Capello considers tomorrow evening’s match against Real Madrid like a final.

Casillas: "English Do Not Appreciate Keepers"

Iker Casillas has claimed that English teams will not win the Champions League because their goalkeepers are not good enough.

Zidane fears Zlatan factor

Real Madrid ace Zinedine Zidane feels that his side must stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they are to eliminate Juventus from the Champions’ League.

London welcomes motivated Barça

The FC Barcelona expedition has arrived in London, with an air of expectation surrounding the players. The importance of the match, on which both sides' Champions league futures depend, means there will be a lot to talk about over the next 24 hours.

Champions League Second Round, Second Leg Preview

The Champions League promises some titanic battles this week as the European big boys go head-to-head with a place in the Quarter-Finals up for grabs.

Dudek, Hamann and Kewell all fit

Liverpool's Jerzy Dudek, Dietmar Hamann and Harry Kewell should be fit for Wednesday's Champions League match against Bayern Leverkusen, coach Rafael Benitez said on Monday.

Rijkaard meets Jose's fire with his own

Read also Jose slams Uefa and Frisk

Monday, March 07, 2005

Mourinho mulls over Robben recall

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he will not unnecessarily risk Arjen Robben against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Scholes backs strike duo

Paul Scholes is hoping Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy can fire Manchester United to UEFA Champions League glory in Milan.

Chelsea out to silence doubters

Jose Mourinho has started the mind games early as he prepares for Tuesday's crunch Champions League match against Barcelona. The Chelsea coach moved his official press conference from 4.30pm to 7pm on Monday to ensure he speaks after his Barcelona counterpart Frank Rijkaard.

Neville and Saha miss Milan decider

Gary Neville and Louis Saha have been ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Ronaldinho Writes Off English Hopes

Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho believes Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will all be sent packing from the Champions League.

Juventus Are Scared Of Us-Zidane

Real Madrid midfielder and former Juventus superstar Zinedine Zidane is convinced the Merengues will oust the Italian Old Lady on Wednesday evening.

Del Piero Invites Juve To Play Perfect Match

The Bianconeri’s captain encouraged his team mates to play their best game of the season against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

CL Preview: Chelsea-Barcelona

It’s Mourinho v Rijkaard, Round 2! If Chelsea win, Mourinho is king of tactics and mind-games, and his idiosyncrasies, strokes of genius for the media! Rijkaard never stood a chance! A Barcelona win would be nothing short of 'the taming of the shrew' for media and fans alike, Rijkaard will be 'iceman', and Mourinho's antics despicable.

Magath confident of Bayern's chances

Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath is confident his side can weather an expected storm against Arsenal and successfully defend their 3-1 first-leg lead in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 return encounter at Highbury.

Sunday, March 06, 2005

Giuly fit, Marquez out for Barcelona

Barcelona winger Ludovic Giuly has been given the all-clear to play against Chelsea by Nou Camp medical staff - but Rafael Marquez will be missing.

Ronnie blasts Jose

Barcelona star Ronaldinho has hit back at Jose Mourinho saying that he would not sign for Chelsea because he does not like his attitude.

Collina Handed Chelsea-Barca Tie

The highly-charged Champions League second leg tie between Chelsea and Barcelona will be refereed by Pierluigi Collina.

Real injury concern for Beckham

England captain David Beckham is doubtful for Real Madrid's Champions League game against Juventus after suffering a back problem.

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Bayern: Henry chomping at the bit

Arsene Wenger warned Bayern Munich that Thierry Henry would be full of confidence to lead Arsenal's Champions League recovery act after hitting a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Portsmouth.

Makaay Out Of Highbury Visit

Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay is out of the midweek Champions' League clash with Arsenal at Highbury after being stretchered off in his side's 1-0 win over Werder Bremen at the Olympiastadion on Saturday.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Milan Come To Robben’s Aid

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben’s swift recovery from a broken foot has been aided by Milan’s medical team, it’s been revealed.

Sacchi: Juve Fear Ronaldo

The former Italian national team coach is convinced that the Bianconeri will try to stop the Brazilian in every way.

Giuly out of Chelsea clash

Talented midfielder Ludovic Giuly will miss Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash with Chelsea.

Aragones fine 'laughable' - Henry

Thierry Henry has called for Fifa to take a moral lead by imposing greater sanctions against Spain coach Luis Aragones for his racist comments.

Uefa Hit Chelsea With Double Charge

Uefa have hit Chelsea with a double disciplinary charge in relation to last weeks Champions League defeat away to Barcelona.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Collina set to hang up his boots

Italian referee Pierluigi Collina is reportedly set to end his career in the summer and take a desk job.

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Bayern thrashes Freiburg to reach last four

Claudio Pizarro scored four goals as Bayern Munich crushed hapless Freiburg 7-0 on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the German Cup.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Collina loses World Cup dream

Even if Pierluigi Collina’s Serie A career is extended by a change in the rules, FIFA have warned he won’t be eligible for the 2006 World Cup.

Inzaghi back and ready for United

AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi returned to full training on Tuesday and said he hopes to play some part in next week's Champions League tie with Manchester United. Inzaghi missed the bulk of this season with an ankle injury and then on his return suffered a fractured hand in late January.

Ballack Back For Bayern

Germany captain Michael Ballack is back in the Bayern Munich side as the Bundesliga leaders prepare to face Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal quarter-final on Wednesday evening.

STAM READY FOR UNITED GAME

Jaap Stam should be available to face Manchester United, with the Milan defender hoping to make a speedy return from the injury that kept him out of the first leg.

Pires joins injured list

French winger Robert Pires has joined a growing list of injured and suspended Arsenal players and will miss their Champions League match against Bayern Munich at Highbury next week, manager Arsene Wenger said on Monday.

Nedved to miss Madrid rematch

Juventus FC midfielder Pavel Nedved is out of the return leg of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against Real Madrid CF on 9 March due to a head injury suffered in the Spanish capital last week.

Nothing to tell between rivals

FC Porto and SL Benfica played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Estádio do Dragão on Monday night to allow Sporting Clube de Portugal to pull level at the top with a 4-0 victory against struggling GD Estoril-Praia.