Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 7:52 AM
Arsène Wenger is respectful about but unworried by FC Barcelona's strength after the 2006 finalists were paired in the last eight, leaving Gerard Piqué praising the Gunners' style and ability.
The UEFA Champions League quarter-final between FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC not only rematches the participants in the memorable 2006 decider in Paris, it also brings together two teams who produced stunning displays in the first knockout round.
Holders Barcelona underlined their intent to become the first team to win the UEFA Champions League two years running with their 4-0 defeat of VfB Stuttgart two days ago; Arsenal went one better the previous week, beating FC Porto 5-0 to overturn a first-leg deficit.
In the final four years ago, Barcelona recovered from conceding a Sol Campbell goal to win 2-1. In their previous meeting in the 1999/2000 first group stage, Barça were held 1-1 at Camp Nou but triumphed 4-2 at the Gunners' temporary European home of Wembley, Josep Guardiola captaining the eventual semi-finalists in both games. Thierry Henry was on the Arsenal side in those three encounters but is now with Barcelona, who once had Cesc Fàbregas on their books.
Arsène Wenger, who has tasted victory in two of his five UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as Arsenal manager, said: ""We respect what Barcelona have done but this competition is about what you do tomorrow". I believe what is important is that on the day everyone sees a good game and we win it. We are focused on us, not our opponents. In the quarter-finals you are bound to meet a good team and Barça are a good team."
Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué has met Arsenal once before at the top level, helping Manchester United FC win a league encounter 2-1 at Old Trafford on 13 April 2008, his last appearance for the club before rejoining Guardiola's squad the following month. ""I really like the way Arsenal play"," said the Spain defender.
"They got to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season before falling to Manchester United. In the Premier League this season they have a chance of winning the title so you can tell from those factors that Arsenal are a really good side and they'll demand that we be at our very best when we meet them. Cesc Fàbregas is the main man in their team. It's true that Arsenal have some good players in their side but he's probably their most important one."
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 7:42 AM
The path to Madrid has been blazed.The Champions League quarter-final draw has been completed in Nyon, with Arsenal against Barcelona the undoubted tie of the round.
Elsewhere, there is an all French clash as Lyon will play Bordeaux, Bayern Munich will tackle Manchester United, while Inter will pit their wits against CSKA Moscow.
The path to the final at the Santiago Bernabeu was all mapped out, with the draw also made for the two semi finals.
The winner of Bayern and Man Utd will play the victor of Lyon and Bordeaux in one semi, while the other last four clash will feature the winner of Inter and CSKA Moscow versus the winner of Arsenal and Barcelona.
CL Draw
Olympique Lyon - Bordeaux
Bayern Munich - Manchester United
Arsenal - Barcelona
Inter - CSKA Moscow
The first leg of each quarter final tie will be played on March 30-31, while the second leg will take place on April 6-7.
Stay tuned with Goal.com today as we will have all the news reaction, as well as editorial pieces on each of the remaining eight Champions League teams.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 4:10 PM
Former England skipper fearful he will not go to South AfricaAC Milan midfielder David Beckham is fearful that he might not be chosen to represent England at this summer’s World Cup.
Beckham recently returned to Old Trafford in Milan’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of his former club, Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, and the former captain of the Three Lions is afraid he might not make it a onto England’s final squad..
“I am not guaranteed to go to South Africa at all,” he told the Daily Mail.
“I'm going to have to work hard and hopefully win my place. There are a good few months left.”
If Beckham goes to South Africa he would become the first player in the country’s history to go to four straight World Cups, beating Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton who both went to three in a row.
Beckham has had a tough history at the World Cup, getting sent-off in a Round of 16 penalty shoot-out defeat against Argentina in 1998, and two successive quarter-final eliminations at the hands of Brazil and Portugal.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 3:56 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson: Cristiano Ronaldo Coming Back To Manchester United Not Out Of The Question The Portuguese star moved to Real Madrid last summerSir Alex Ferguson believes that the door is not closed for a possible return to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was transferred to Real Madrid in the summer window for a record £80million.
Real Madrid crashed in the Round of 16 of the Champions League for the sixth consecutive season when they lost out to Lyon 2-1 on aggregate, and there is a lot of pressure from the Spanish press to see the Real Madrid player live up to their transfer price tags.
Ferguson is aware that playing for the Spanish giants is a lot more difficult than playing for Manchester United.
“Cristiano knows the value of Manchester United. That’s the thing. What the players have got here is protection. They come to training every day and there is nobody here to disturb them," he told The Sunday Express.
“I don’t think Real Madrid is an easy club to play for. There is a circus attached to it. There are often loads of fans and an intensive media always filming them.”
Even though the Portuguese winger has only been in Madrid for a little under a year, Ferguson will not rule out Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford in the future.
“You would like to think that one day he will come back, but you never know. I don’t think he will stay at Real Madrid for life or anything like that.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 3:16 PM
Florentino Pérez did not spend £240m for this. The second galácticos era has opened as the first closed – with failure. This season was always going to be defined by the European Cup, the tournament Real Madrid consider their own. The final will be held at the Bernabéu but Madrid will not be there, except as frustrated hosts at someone else's party. For the sixth successive season they have been eliminated at the first knockout stage. "We'll be back," declared the banner at the south end of the stadium. Not this season they won't. When it comes to European competition it turns out that the biggest club of them all is not really a big club at all.
Whistles and white hankies followed the defeat and few supporters imagined Manuel Pellegrini surviving as the coach but he was adamant afterwards that he expected the club to keep faith with him. "I have said it before that I will not resign," he said. "I think it's absurd to leave this behind when this is only just beginning. We are very disappointed about this and it really hurts. But I don't think this is a one year project, far from it."
Jorge Valdano, the club's director general, said he was "suffering like all Real fans" but gave Pellegrini his support and asked for patience. "It's a sad night but it's time for institutional calm. The plan is for him to continue being our coach."
A second-half goal by Miralem Pjanic had brought them to this. Cristiano Ronaldo's early opener had promised to clear an easy passage into the quarter-final. Instead, Madrid were beaten yet again. When Pjanic hit the ball past Iker Casillas in the 75th minute, the score was levelled at 1-1, leaving the French side 2-1 up on aggregate and Madrid needing two goals in quarter of an hour. They didn't get one.
It had started so well, too. Ronaldo steamed beyond Anthony Réveillère and Cris and with his left foot struck a diagonal shot between the legs of the goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Madrid still needed another but it felt like it was just a matter of time – as if, for all the talk of epic comebacks and a Bernabéu inferno, there would be no drama after all.
Events, though, did not go to script but there was certainly drama. Ronaldo had frightened Lyon but at the interval, Madrid were still waiting. A sharp save, a shot against the post, and a penalty claim turned down were responsible. Gonzalo Higuaín had spurned the best opportunity, stepping beyond Lloris only to hit the post from the right corner of the area confronted with an open goal.
As if suddenly frightened by the limitations of the scoreline, Madrid struggled as the second half began. Inside the first 10 minutes Sidney Govou's shot flew over and Casillas saved from Lisandro Lopez. Lyon were finding their feet and finding men, the introduction of Maxime Gonalons providing greater presence.
The Bernabéu went quiet. Kaká disappeared, so did Guti, and Madrid were bereft of ideas. After 70 minutes they had barely built a move, still less created any chances. And then it happened. Lisandro, with his back to goal, hit a first-time pass into Pjanic's path and when the ball sat up he hit it on the bounce. Madrid could scarcely believe it.
Pellegrini had insisted before the game that Madrid did not need an epic fight back. Now, they did. Raúl was sent on for Kaká. It was a symbol of Madrid's desperation. They not only failed to find a way through but never looked like mounting even a show of defiance. In fact, the best chances went the other way.
Pérez has not accepted failure in the past and that is exactly what this was. For him and his side the feeling was nothing new.
This is not a news report and may contain views expressed by the author which are not supported by GNM.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 9:11 AM
Arsene Wenger's side ruthlessly disposed of the Portuguese champions to progress...Arsenal 5-0 Porto (Agg. 5-2)
Champions League Results
Arsenal produced a dominant attacking performance this evening at the Emirates Stadium to defeat Porto 5-0 and march onto the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Two first half goals from Nicklas Bendtner set the tone for the evening, and further strikes from the influential Samir Nasri, a fourth from Emannuel Eboue, and a hat-trick goal from Bendtner left the visitors ruing a defensive display that was amatuerish at best.
Arsenal set the the tone for the evening by going at the opposition from the very first whistle. Facing a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, Arsene Wenger's side craved an early goal, and they were duly rewarded in the ninth minute as Bendtner pounced.
Andrey Arshavin raced onto a Nasri through pass and as his effort rebounded from the body of shot-stopper Helton, the Danish international was on hand for a simple tap-in to give Arsenal the dream start. There was a hint of offside, but the goal stood.
From there, the match opened up; whatever Porto’s game plan may have been prior to kick off, the early goal meant that attack was their only option.
Hulk and Falcao gave the Gunners’ central defensive pairing of Sol Campbell and Thomas Vermaelen some nervy moments but perhaps should have passed to better positioned teammates instead of shooting wildly.
At the other end, Diaby drilled a volley over the crossbar, then Arshavin jinked down the left and fired a dangerous ball across goal, but there were no takers.
However, the Russian found his man on 25 minutes, and Porto only had themselves to blame for some lackadaisical defending. Fucile attempted to let the ball run out of play, but instead was forced to hit s desperately poor clearance to the feet of Arshavin, who dribbled effortlessly into the area. His angled cross landed perfectly at the feet of Bendtner, who simply couldn’t miss from three yards.
Porto pleaded for offside again, but this time the Dane was level, and the Portuguese were in utter disarray defensively, the tie dangerously close to slipping away from them altogether.
On the half hour mark, it could and perhaps should have been three. Nasri’s marauding run took him to byline, and his cutback found Arshavin with the goal at his mercy, but the former Zenit star lifted his effort over the crossbar. He took a prolonged look at the empty net, knowing that would have put Arsenal in an extremely strong position in the tie.
Arsene Wenger’s side kept the pressure on right until the break. Diaby, Bendtner, and Nasri all brought saves from Helton as Porto clung on for dear life, but the Dragoes held out and given the opportunity to regroup.
Indeed, for a spell at the beginning of the second period, Porto looked capable of making their mark on this contest. Hulk drilled a teasing cross straight across goal, before Falcao warmed the fingers of Almunia with an instinctive shot inside the area. Moments later, substitute Cristian Rodriguez leapt highest to meet a corner, but his powerful header with blocked – just – by Nasri on the line.
That was the turning point, however, for moments later the same player produced a piece of magic to extinguish the aspirations of the visitors. Nasri has only flirted with producing the kind of form that made him so coveted during his time with Marseille, but just after the hour mark he collected the ball on the touchline, bobbed and weaved past three Porto defenders before making the space to fire a sublime strike in off Helton’s far post. It was a special goal from a player who had been the outstanding individual on the pitch.
Porto may have felt hard done by, on the balance of play in the second half at least, but their woes were compounded two minutes later as Arsenal produced a breakaway goal to end the contest early.
Arshavin, another contender for man of the match on the night, timed his through pass perfectly to Emannuel Eboue as Porto were left brutally exposed, and the much-maligned midfielder showed superb composure to round Helton and slide the ball into the empty net. Arsenal’s offensive play had completely torn the now bedraggled away side asunder, and they had been left with simply no answer.
The remaining twenty-five minutes of the match were deemed irrelevant, despite Porto going through the procession of continuing to search for a route back into the match, but all in attendance knew that their heart had gone.
In the dying moments, Eboue burst into the area only to be tripped by the hapless Fucile, and Bendtner completed his first senior hat-trick with the resulting penalty kick. It merely rubber-stamped an evening that ultimately proved all too easy from the Premier League outfit.
The Gunners progressed, perhaps more easily than some may have expected, and Porto were left to rue a defensive display that deserved nothing less than failure. Credit must go to the English side, however, for the slickness of their demolition job.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 10:33 AM
Frenchman still unhappy with incident that left midfielder with a broken leg...Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his post-match comments about Ryan Shawcross's tackle that left midfielder Aaron Ramsey with a broken leg.
The Welsh midfielder was left fractured tibia and fibula after the tackle by the Stoke City defender, a challenge Wenger branded "horrendous and unacceptable" after the game.
And the Frenchman's view does not seem to have changed after a week to reflect on the incident.
"I stand by what I said 100%," Wenger said.
"I knew exactly what would happen the whole week, that was quite easy to predict."
Wenger appreciates there is always a place in the game for tough tackling, but believes players have to be more disciplined in their approach.
"I can understand people want to be committed against us, and I have no problem with that," he said.
"I love the commitment of the English game. I don't want to change that and it makes the game even more attractive, but high commitment demands fair intention as well.
"I admire a great technical tackle as much as a creative pass.
"A tackle is an art in itself - that means you always have your eye on the ball, never with a high foot, in your tackle you can already make a pass.
"To close your eyes and go in too physical, that does not mean it is intention, but there is danger. We have some good tacklers in this league, some who are not good - but that does not mean you go into it trying to break a leg.
"It is not Arsenal against the rest of the world. What I say here is valid for the Arsenal players as well."
Arsenal eventually emerged 3-1 winners in the game against Stoke, and can supplant Chelsea at the top of the Premier League with a four-goal victory over Burnley at the weekend. Wenger is hoping his players can put the Ramsey controversy to one side and concentrate on continuing their title challenge.
"All the rest is to go into unneeded controversy. I don't see how that can help football or Aaron Ramsey," Wenger said.
"For us, Stoke was a vital victory and has put us in a good position for the rest of the season.
"It is down to how consistent we can be, how much we turn up from the first minute until the 90th minute - all that will decide our championship."
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 8:52 AM
• La Liga has two biggest earners – but no other Spanish teams in top 20 • Premier League remains strongest with seven clubs • Champions League is ‘biggest money spinner’ • Emerging giants Manchester City are new entry in top 20 • Tottenham Hotspur biggest ‘over-achievers’ in revenue Real Madrid and Barcelona have topped a list of the highest earning football clubs in the world
The Spanish giants scored a double victory over their Premier League rivals, pocketing a combined €767 million during the 2008/09 season, according to the annual Deloitte Football Money League.
Real Madrid, whose commercial credentials have since been bolstered further with the signings of global superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, top the list for the fifth year in a row, becoming the first club in any sport to make €400 million in a year.
And after defeating Manchester United in last year’s Champions League final, Barcelona have also ousted the Red Devils from second place on the index – raking in €366 million in a extraordinarily successful season which saw the Catalans scoop a domestic double too.
But despite having the top two highest earning clubs– the La Liga ‘duopoly’ is underlined by the fact that there are no other Spanish clubs in the top 20 – the next wealthiest in the country is Atletico Madrid in 22nd place.
England has the largest representation of any country with seven clubs out of 20.
The ‘big four’ on the pitch remain the big four off it with Arsenal, Chelsea ad Liverpool occupying the 5th to 7th positions respectively, thanks largely to their sustained participation in the Champions League.
The Football Money League is compiled by leading business advisory firm Deloitte and focuses on the revenue earned by each club – not expenditure such as wages and debt management.
Dan Jones, a partner in Deliotte’s Sports Business group told Goal.com UK that Real Madrid’s and Barcelona’s ability to sell broadcasting rights to their matches individually gave them the edge on English opposition.
He said: “Obviously Real Madrid and Barcelona are huge brands and hugely successful clubs but the fact they are able to sell TV rights individually gives them the edge on the Premier League clubs, whose rights are sold as part of a package.
“Real Madrid made €160.8m (£136.9m) from broadcasting last season – whilst Manchester United are quite far behind that earning €117.1m (£99.7m).
Jones said that despite English clubs losing out to their Spanish rivals, the Premier League had experienced a successful season.
He continued: “Yes you cannot ignore the fact that Spain has the top two, but if you go down the list you will see seven Premier League clubs. The ability to earn revenue is more evenly-spread.”
Jones said Tottenham Hotspur was a ‘classic example’ of a club punching above its weight in earnings.
“Tottenham have been in our top 20 every single year without playing in the Champions League. They are Premier League stalwarts, a London club, so are in a good market in that sense. The history of the club remains strong, so if they qualify for the Champions League they could get back into the top ten."
And despite being the wealthiest club in the world, ambitious and big-spending Manchester City are only 19th in the list – but break into the top 20 for the first time.
“Manchester City still have a lot to do to match the revenues of their more illustrious neighbour," added Jones.
"Qualifying for the Champions League can play a big part – and is the biggest money-spinner. The direct impact can generate €50 million-a-year. Also longer term if you repeatedly qualify it helps with sponsorships and kit deals. But you can see the club are putting all the building blocks in place – their supporter base is going up as is their matchday revenue.”
All of the top 20 clubs are from the ‘big five’ European leagues with Germany contributing five clubs, Italy four, and France and Spain represented by two clubs each.
There is little change in the top 20 clubs compared with last year with two new clubs, Werder Bremen and Manchester City, replacing VfB Stuttgart and Turkish club Fenerbahce.
The report also makes dismal reading for fans of Italian football. Juventus, Inter and AC Milan occupy positions eight to ten on the list.
But, as the Deloitte report warns: “There has been a gradual decline in Italian clubs’ positions in the list in recent years emphasising the need to address a number of issues specific to Italian football, particularly with regard to matchday revenues, if they are to remain competitive with the elite clubs in European football.”
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 10:50 AM
Guti, Benzema and Drenthe are absent from the squad.Why not have a go at picking Real Madrid's team for this weekend?
Karim Benzema and Guti have not been included in Manuel Pellegrini's squad list for tomorrow's Liga fixture against Tenerife in the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez while Drenthe remains out because of a muscle injury.
The Frenchman will be out with a sports hernia while Guti has recovered from his injury, but Pellegrini does not want to risk his visionary midfielder.
Youth team players Marcos Alonso and Mosquera have also been called up for the match.
The complete squad list is as follows: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gago, Diarrá, Raúl, Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lass, Marcelo, Dudek, Albiol, Garay, Higuaín, Metzelder, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Granero, Marcos Alonso and Mosquera.
We ask you to leave your choices in the comments box below, using hyphens to separate positions and working from right to left. For instance, here is a side that could line up in a 4-2-2-2 formation:
Casillas - Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos, Marcelo - Lass, Xabi Alonso - Kaka, Granero - Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 10:41 AM
Puyol says team-mates are the best around.Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has heralded team-mates Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta as the two best players in the world.
Speaking to Spanish daily Sport, the Barca captain was asked who he thinks the best player in the world is and he immediately responded, “I would say Messi and Iniesta.”
The Spanish international also revealed who he thinks is the best equipped team going into the World Cup.
"I would say Brazil and Spain are among the three or four options to do well and win [the World Cup]."
Finally, the defender spoke of his pre-match ritual, which involved listening to his favourite song.
“Te Esperare by Shuarma is a slow song and people may think that it might not motivate you, but I feel so strongly when I hear it because it reminds me of my father. I always listen to that before every game," he concluded.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 6:04 PM
Crucial away goal leaves Barca in the driving seat.Stuttgart gave Champions League holders Barcelona a real test at the Mercedes Benz Arena but the champions will be happy with the result given they trailed on the score board and in general play at half-time.
The Germans engineered a well deserved lead midway through the first half as Brazil-born striker Cacau headed them in front but ten minutes after the interval the scores were level when Zlatan Ibrahimovic stroked past Jens Lehmann for a vital away goal.
Pep Guardiola had spoken beforehand about his side needing to raise their game against the German outfit and that certainly proved the case as Christian Gross' side looked a vastly different team to the one that stumbled and stuttered through the group stages under the stewardship of Markus Babbel.
While Barca dominated possession, probing for an opening in typical fashion, it was Stuttgart that were demonstrating the necessary desire and looked the greater threat with the physical presence of Pavel Progrebnyak and Cacau giving the Barca rearguard plenty of food for thought.
Although their early endeavors never really stretched Victor Valdes, Cacau made no mistake as he leaped high at the back post to power a header back across goal from an inch perfect Timo Gerbhart cross leaving the Barca custodian with no chance.
Stuttgart were content to allow the Catalan's to dominate possession in the center of the park but whenever they got within 35 yards of Jens Lehmann's goal the defensive effort from Die Roten was a model of organized teamwork and precise positional play.
Even the dribbling danger of Lionel Messi came unstuck against the resolute rearguard and when the Argentinian did get a sight on goal good enough to force a Lehmann howler from a 20 yard effort five minutes before the interval, the 'keepers left hand upright proved his savior.
Under Gross' tutelage, Stuttgart have lost just once in nine attempts and their new found defensive solidity showed it was capable of keeping the very best at bay with ease while their offensive intensity had Barca's back line rattled.
After the break Stuttgart continued to squeeze the space and their swarming defensive system smothered the Barca attack but the champions refused to relent, relying on their game plan with an unshakable faith, patiently maintaining possession and biding their time for the all important chance.
The home side's enterprise and endeavor was eventually eroded when Swedish striker Ibrahimovic struck exposed a telling lapse at the back slipping the ball beyond Lehmann at the second attempt after Gerard Pique climbed high above Serdar Tacsi to nod into his path. The fact that Ibra had a second bite at the cherry will be particularly galling for Gross as his side were certainly proving a worthy test for the Champions League title holders.
The whole complexion of the tie turned with the away goal as the Blaugrana swapped their instability with Stuttgart's confidence and although the hosts were still willing, Jens Lehmann survived another howler at the other end which typified the cautious German jitters.
As the second hand evolved the game ebbed and flowed with both sides enjoying periods of possession but the cagey, chess-like exchanges meant clear goal chances were at a premium.
Tempers frayed in stoppage time as Sami Khedira wrestled Messi to the floor but Barca emerge from the first leg with a quarter final spot well within their sights.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 7:53 PM
After a disappointing defeat in the Champions League, Real Madrid resumes its chase of Barcelona on Sunday against Villarreal. There has been much debate in Madrid about what would constitute a success or failure this season after shelling out more than 250 million euros in the transfer market last summer. And while it might be unfair to demand trophies from any team that competes against Barcelona on every single front, losing to Lyon in the first knockout round of the Champions League would be considered an unmitigated disaster.
But it is a very real possibility following a 1-0 defeat in France on Tuesday that has Manuel Pellegrini in perhaps even worse shape than after the Alcorcon debacle. With Real showing no signs of recapturing its past European glory, the better bet for a trophy this season may indeed be the league, especially given Barcelona’s recent injury woes.
The Merengues enter the weekend just two points behind, thanks to Barcelona’s defeat last Sunday at the hands of city neighbors Atletico Madrid. But Pellegrini’s side faces a tricky fixture against Villarreal in front of what promises to be a very grumpy crowd at the Bernabeu. Madrid won the first meeting back in September 2-0 with Kaka scoring from the penalty spot, and the Brazilian will be under heavy scrutiny on Sunday.
Kaka has been given a longer leash than most superstars at Madrid, and it is easy to understand why. He remains the consummate professional, works hard in every game, and is able to make a positive contribution even when he doesn’t play particularly well. And there have been some encouraging displays, most notably in the defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou, probably his best performance in a Madrid uniform.
But two thirds into his first season in Spain, Kaka has yet to resemble the brilliant player who captured the Ballon d’Or with AC Milan, and patience is wearing thin. Some even feel it is no longer an issue of adaptation, rather he just arrived a couple of years too late. Final judgment will be withheld until the end of the campaign, however, and the Brazilian still has plenty of time to win over supporters.
Whether Madrid can put forth a convincing display on Sunday will depend a great deal on which Villarreal side shows up. So far the managerial switch from Ernesto Valverde to Juan Carlos Garrido appears to be paying off, as the team played well against both Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao. But Villarreal also enjoyed a fantastic run under Valverde, culminating in a 1-1 draw away to Barcelona, only to go off the boil again.
Garrido will be minus defender Diego Godin, sent off in the 2-1 win over Bilbao, but he can count on Brazilian striker Nilmar, who found the back of the net last week and is playing his best soccer of the season at the moment. Also in good form is playmaker David Fuster, and the pair will test a Madrid back line that hasn’t allowed a goal at home since early December, provided Fuster is declared fit.
Villarreal still maintains slim hopes of claiming a Champions League spot, but the two sides most likely to compete for fourth place collide on Saturday when Sevilla travels to Mallorca. Gregorio Manzano’s team has collected full points at home this season, but was extremely fortunate to knock off the Yellow Submarine two weeks ago and is showing signs of fading, while Sevilla has a knack for stepping up in big games.
Elsewhere, Barcelona hopes to bounce back from its first defeat of the campaign at home against Racing. Pep Guardiola will be without several key players, including Xavi, but Miguel Angel Portugal’s side is unlikely to put up much of a fight. Valencia hosts Getafe on Monday, while struggling Deportivo heads to Xerez badly in need of a win.
First Quest: Real Madrid vs. Villarreal
Sunday, 3:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes
Manuel Pellegrini held a meeting with his players on Thursday to address any lingering issues stemming from the Lyon defeat. Gonzalo Higuain looked particularly annoyed at being replaced in the second half, but the Argentine should feature in the first XI once again alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Pellegrini will likely be without midfielder Jose Guti, whose importance to the team was underlined this past Tuesday.
Ezequiel Garay returned in the win over Xerez, but it remains to be seen if the imposing defender will reclaim his starting spot, as the back line has played well with Sergio Ramos in the middle and Alvaro Arbeloa on the right. Madrid’s defense could have its hands full on Sunday against a dangerous Villarreal attack.
Nilmar has been the key man of late, but several different players chip in goals as well. Joan Capdevila found the back of the net last week against Athletic Bilbao, and Marcos Senna drilled home a free kick in the UEFA Cup match against Wolfsburg on Thursday. Villarreal faces problems at the back with Diego Godin suspended and Gonzalo Rodriguez out of action with a thigh injury.
Second Quest: Mallorca vs. Sevilla
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes
The Ono Estadi remains an impenetrable fortress in the league, but just barely. Villarreal outplayed Gregorio Manzano’s side two weeks ago and very nearly became the first team to register points in Mallorca, falling 1-0 thanks to a late header by captain Nunes. Sevilla comes to town on Saturday for a clash between two sides battling for the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Mallorca needs to be perfect at home because the team seems incapable of achieving anything away from the Ono Estadi. Los Barralets lost to lowly Tenerife on Monday, two weeks after coming up short against last-placed Xerez. Mallorca has struggled offensively of late with striker Aritz Aduriz mired in a major slump.
Sevilla isn't playing its best soccer, either, but Manolo Jimenez’s side did beat Osasuna 1-0 at home last week thanks to a brilliant first-half header by Luis Fabiano. The Brazilian is a major doubt for Saturday’s game with an ankle problem, while fellow striker Frederic Kanoute could miss out as well due to a muscle injury. The good news for Jimenez is that defender Ivica Dragutinovic is likely to feature.
Ladies-in-waiting: Barcelona vs. Racing Santander
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. EST, Gol TV
Lionel Messi may well be the best player on the planet, but most close observers of Barcelona believe Xavi is actually the most important player on the team. And the 30-year-old will be sidelined for up to two weeks with a thigh problem that probably explains his atrocious outing last weekend against Atletico Madrid.
Fortunately for Pep Guardiola, also without Seydou Keita, Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal, Racing is struggling to overcome the disappointment from its Copa Del Rey elimination at the hands of Atletico. Miguel Angel Portugal’s side was beaten 3-0 at home by Malaga last week, and even youngster Sergio Canales has gone off the boil a bit. Barcelona won the first meeting this season 4-1, with Messi scoring two fantastic goals.
Ladies-in-waiting: Valencia vs. Getafe
Monday, 3:00 p.m. EST, ESPN Deportes
Earlier this season, Valencia had a much easier time picking up victories away than at home, but Unai Emery’s side has won all three matches at the Mestalla after the winter break. Los Che are coming off a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Sporting Gijon in which they had the better of the play but paid the price for some lousy finishing.
Sporting goalkeeper Juan Pablo also contributed greatly to the result, coming up with a number of big saves, but this week Valencia faces a goalkeeper looking to make amends for a terrible performance. Getafe’s Jordi Codina gifted Almeria a goal in the dying moments of the 2-2 draw last Sunday, costing his team two important points. Los Azulones must make do without suspended striker Roberto Soldado.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 7:38 PM
Scot full of praise for former player.Everton manager David Moyes has heaped praise on returning star Wayne Rooney ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on Saturday, saying he is now close to the best players in world football.
Rooney returns to the club he left in the summer of 2004 with the Red Devils as he enjoys the best goal-scoring form of his career to date.
After scoring a clinical San Siro double against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, the 24-year-old now has 25 goals in all competitions and is receiving plaudits from all corners of the footballing world.
However, a frosty reception is likely to be in store for Rooney when he takes to the field at Goodison Park, with the majority of Toffees fans yet to forgive the striker for the manner of his exit and the subsequent criticisms of Moyes and Everton in his autobiography.
Former Preston North End boss Moyes was full of praise for his former player ahead of the weekend’s game, though, saying it is only a matter of time before he is likely to be considered alongside the best players in the world.
“I think Wayne is a top player and I think he is going to be a great player,” Moyes is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"He has added goals to his game and understanding - all the things you would expect from a maturing player.
"I think time will be the test of whether he becomes the best in the world but he is certainly getting very close to it."
The Scot added that Rooney has since apologised for the derogatory remarks made in his book, where Moyes was branded an ‘overbearing’ presence.
“All credit to Wayne, he rang me to apologise about a year ago for all the things he wrote in his book,” said Moyes.
“That was something that made me realise he was a maturing man. He realised what he had been given at Everton was great and his development and what we tried to do was right.
“All in all, I think Wayne would probably look back on his time at Everton as being good.
“We probably weren't ready for Wayne Rooney at the time. I think we would be more ready now.”
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 6:53 AM
Inability to defend as a team has cost Arsene Wenger’s men according to former greatArsenal’s title challenge is now over. That’s the damning verdict of Gunners legend Martin Keown, who compares his old side to a heavyweight boxer that has been knocked out twice following their defeats against Chelsea and Manchester United.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK, the former England international blamed the north Londoners' inability to defend as a team and gung-ho attacking approach for their current malaise.
Clearly hurt by the recent run of poor results, Keown was full of criticism for the Arsenal back-line, blaming the centre-backs for their inability to win the battle with Didier Drogba and the full-backs for their relentless bombing forward.
Nevertheless, he insisted that for as long as Arsene Wenger is manager, Arsenal will never alter their attacking style of play to suit the opposition.
“It’s like watching two heavyweight boxers,” he explained, referring to the Gunners' recent matches. “If someone connects first, the guy gets knocked out cold and Arsenal have been knocked out cold twice now – now their Premier League season is over.”
Known as ‘The Rash’ during his playing days because of his abrasive but effective man-marking methods, Keown believes he has the key to stopping Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. “Somebody had to upset his rhythm,” he says. “The problem with playing against Drogba is that you don’t deal with him when the ball goes to him, you deal with him well before he receives the ball. Way before that you need to make sure you take his space, you’re strong, you’re dominant, you win that battle.”
If Arsenal still had their famous back five in defence then perhaps they’d still be in the title race, but sadly, according to the veteran, the current lot simply don’t compare.
“OK, they still play the offside trap,” he says, “but they don’t press the ball like we did. Then again it’s what you get from the players in front of you - you need to make sure you defend as a team.
“As a defender, if the player in front of you doesn’t put pressure on the ball, then you have to drop off and that creates lots of space. That’s how the opponent gets time to hurt you – he can pick his passes or put the ball in the back of the net.”
The Gunners' French defenders Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna are then hit by Keown’s line of fire. “If you’re a full-back and you keep going forward all the time and they keep punishing us in that hole, then you have to start picking and choosing how many times you get forward,” he says. “You have to ask yourself the question, ‘are you creating a problem for the opposition or for the team?’.”
The Arsenal midfield doesn’t escape the gnarled ex-stopper’s ire either. “We can’t all go forward,” he says in exasperation. “Somebody has to sit in midfield and occupy space and slow the opposition down.”
Following this disastrous week that has seen them go from title contenders to defeated lightweights, many have pinpointed the Gunners' relentlessly attacking style of play as the cause of their demise. Nevertheless, Keown doesn’t expect Wenger to temper his approach any time soon.
“The philosophy of the manager is that he creates this belief in the players that they will conquer all with their own play,” he says. “Arsenal are losing games by trying to win them but when you’re playing against the heavyweights you’re going to get hurt sometimes.”
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 6:46 AM
The Brazilian was all smiles after his goal on Saturday...With a broad smile after a commendable performance this past weekend against Espanyol which was capped with a goal, Real Madrid's Kaka gave a press conference today after training.
Commenting on the goal that served as a catharsis after suffering a sports hernia that has kept him out of peak form for over 40 days, the Brazilian spoke of the weight being removed from his shoulders, as reported by AS.
"The goal was very special because it had been a few months since I had scored and a lot of time without playing. Against Espanyol, it was a good match and I felt more free. Every day my condition improves and one will see better things out of me."
As for reports that his sports hernia may be a chronic injury, Kaka spoke of leaving the past in the past. "The sports hernia is a thing of the past, I am no longer injured and we should consider this issue as good as gone."
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 6:19 AM
The qualifying draw for Euro 2012 was made in Warsaw, Poland with Group C arguably the toughest where Italy, Serbia and Slovenia were placed together.
Group A is also intriguing as Germany, Turkey and Austria were all drawn in the same pool while Portugal once again tackle Denmark in Group H.
Holders Spain have a relatively easy-looking group, although they will have to watch out for the Czech Republic and Scotland. England have an interesting British derby against Wales in Group G:
Group A
Germany
Turkey
Austria
Belgium
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan
Group B
Russia
Slovakia
Republic of Ireland
FYR Macedonia
Armenia
Andorra
Group C
Italy
Serbia
Northern Ireland
Slovenia
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Group D
France
Romania
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Belarus
Albania
Luxembourg
Group E
Netherlands
Sweden
Finland
Hungary
Moldova
San Marino
Group F
Croatia
Greece
Israel
Latvia
Georgia
Malta
Group G
England
Switzerland
Bulgaria
Wales
Montenegro
Group H
Portugal
Denmark
Norway
Cyprus
Iceland
Georgia
Malta
Group I
Spain
Czech Republic
Scotland
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 6:10 AM
With Arsenal fading...and fast, a midweek bout with Liverpool takes the top billing in today’s special edition of “The Full English.”
I never thought it possible, but could Arsenal, Arsene Wenger and Gooners fans across the world be running out of excuses? No way, right?! Two losses on the trot against Manchester United and Chelsea have our boys now holding on to third place by an ever-slimming margin.
Oh and look! Liverpool are coming to town with the hopes of piling more pressure on the bruised and beaten kids in red. Obviously, that’ll be our highlight match for this round of midweek fixtures.
From there it’s up to Villa Park for a tasty return match between Aston Villa and Manchester United. To top off this Monday TFE, I’ll cast my all-seeing gaze a bit further north to Lancashire and the Super Bowl-caliber bash between Blackburn and Hull.
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 1:00 PM
The fat lady is not yet in sight, but the Gunners' title hopes now rest on other teams dropping points. Is that it?
The fat lady may not have been sighted yet, but after Sunday’s comprehensive home defeat by Manchester United, Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the English Premier League title were, it seemed, reduced to little more than the academic.
Thumped by Chelsea, by three clear goals, at the end of November, and now beaten 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium by the defending champions, they can have few arguments against those who say the championship is now, almost certainly, a two-horse race.
It hardly matters now that those two punishing home defeats have book-ended a run of 10 unbeaten league games that earned 24 points. Without a centre-forward, following Robin van Persie’s injury last November, Arsenal were again made to look naïve by physically, and tactically, superior opponents on Sunday.
Unexpected collapses notwithstanding, only a victory at Stamford Bridge next Sunday, coupled with a Manchester United drop in form can, realistically, rescue their season…and, in the style stakes, what a pity that is for those who love the flowing, passing football that has characterised the best passages of Arsenal’s season.
This time, against a team that denied them space and time, Arsenal were left stripped naked and chasing shadows – made to look slow in defence, second-best in midfield, and lacking focus and penetration in attack. It is a pity, for football-loving neutrals, that the real Arsenal of 2009-10 just did not turn up. Or froze on the night.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, not for the first time, had a miserable afternoon, scored a ridiculous own goal, lacked authority and did little to inject confidence in a defence that seemed paralysed by fear of Wayne Rooney’s movement and pace.
In that respect, it was a reprise of last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg when the speed of United’s counter-attacks, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, cut Arsenal apart.
Of the defence, as a whole, it was the left side – the triangle of Gael Clichy, Thomas Vermaelen and Denilson – that was most vulnerable with the Brazilian, like Almunia, enduring a nightmare afternoon.
He was slow and late to make a challenge on Nani in the creation of the first goal, when the Portuguese winger’s cross, after he had eluded Clichy and Samir Nasri, was flapped into his own net by Almunia. For the second goal, Denilson was caught unawares as Rooney, from his own half, ran past him, played in Nani again and left the Brazilian in his wake as he met the return pass to score his 100th Premier League goal.
Punctured twice in the same place before the interval, it was all over for Arsenal in reality long before Ji-Sung Park capitalised on a blunder in midfield, where the Gunners’ struggled to keep possession, and simply ran clear of a non-existent defence to score easily.
Of the midfield trio, only Alex Song emerged with any real credit for a mature, abrasive and spirited performance. Captain Cesc Fabregas, despite a few sharp individual forays, was too easily marked out of the game and Denilson was poor in all respects; his frailty contributing directly to this defeat. It was surprising he lasted an hour before being hooked off for the equally hapless Theo Walcott, a winger who specialised in running down blind alleys.
In attack, despite all their technical gifts and obvious natural talent, Nasri, Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky were unable to combine successfully and find a way to unlock a pedestrian United defence. Vermaelen’s late, deflected consolation goal was just that and hardly signalled a revival. Arshavin, in particular, was much too selfish.
Wenger, often blind to some of his own team’s shortcomings, recited a litany of failings afterwards, but will know that most of his boys were unable to cope with the experience and strength of their opponents. That kind of durability and cohesion, that comes from years of battle at the highest level, coupled with the threat of Rooney, gave United the psychological ascendancy.
This was manifested clearly in the disjointed and selfish way that Arshavin and Co repeatedly lost the ball, wasted openings and lost their patience and composure. The ill-judged attacking charges of both Gallas and Vermaelen, borne out of frustration, did nothing but leave Almunia exposed – Clichy was the only defender back when Park ran to score the third goal. At times, it was like watching a schoolboys’ team.
All of which must have left Wenger ruing his reluctance to spend money during the transfer window. His team, in this game against these opponents, was crying out for a genuine target striker. By the time that Nicklas Bendtner was sent on, half-fit, after 70 minutes, it was too late anyway. The Gunners were out-played, seemingly unprepared for the intensity of the contest, and looked like a team trying to play if off the cuff. Not even the greatest artists can rely on that kind of inspiration to save them every time.
The results against Chelsea and Manchester United have to be taken to heart. No more self-delusion should be accepted. Everyone loves to see the beautiful flowing football, but success requires other more prosaic features too – like closing people down, denying space, tracking back to defend and stopping the opposition from playing, and scoring.
In this game, Denilson’s failings made it clear why Abou Diaby has become such an important part of this team – and how sorely he is missed when he is unavailable. It is hard to believe he would not have tracked Rooney’s run for United’s second goal or tackled Nani before the first – and thereby kept alive their chances in the game and the title race.
Diaby is sorely missed. His physical presence glues the team together and he will be needed at Chelsea...
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 4:31 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooney as ‘world class’ last night after the striker’s late goal sent Manchester United to Wembley and left bitter rivals City heartbroken.
A pulsating Carling Cup semi-final was heading for extra-time when Rooney struck in the 92nd minute to give United a 4-3 aggregate win and earn Ferguson a record seventh final against Aston Villa next month.
But United could face FA sanctions after City’s Craig Bellamy was felled by a coin thrown from the stands in the second half as he prepared to take a corner. A full bottle of cider narrowly missed him moments later.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246653/Madchester-II-Wayne-Rooneys-Manchester-Uniteds-hero--Citys-Craig-Bellamy-hit-coin-night-fury.html#ixzz0e13QOvka
Posted by FOOTBALL.MN on 4:29 PM
Los Blancos will be without their main man for two matches...
Meeting this morning to discuss the red card shown to Real Madrid's Crisitiano Ronaldo in Los Blancos' weekend fixture against Malaga, La Liga's Competition Committee has decided to suspend the €94 million man for two matches, as reported by Marca.
Madrid have decided to appeal the ruling in a bid to have the punishment reduced to one match. The Appeals Committee meets on Thursday and will make a final decision at that time.
In the initial ruling the Competition Committee did not classify the player's action as 'aggressive', which would have carried a ban of at least three matches.
Arsène Wenger is respectful about but unworried by FC Barcelona's strength after the 2006 finalists were paired in the last eight, leaving Gerard Piqué praising the Gunners' style and ability.
