Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Liverpool enter Tuesday's Champions League semifinal return leg at Anfield trailing Chelsea 1-0. However, you will not find a Liverpool player who has any doubts that the Reds will come out on top on their home soil and play in their second Champions League final in three years.

Much of this optimism can be traced back to Liverpool's 2005 win at Anfield against Chelsea under very similar circumstances. In their 2005 Champions League semifinal, the two teams played to a 0-0 first leg at Stamford Bridge before returning to Anfield where a Luis Garcia goal in the opening minutes allowed Liverpool to advance on to the final, where they would take out AC Milan.

This year, the Reds come home after a 1-0 defeat in London thanks to a goal by Chelsea's Joe Cole. The Reds are fortunate to be behind by just the lone goal as Chelsea dominated play for long stretches and should be carrying a bigger advantage into Anfield than the one-goal lead they have.

That result has given Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hope and he feels that the tremendous home-field advantage that Liverpool own at Anfield will be enough to carry his club through.

"We didn't play well in the first game, but we lost only 1-0 which means there is not a lot of difference between the teams," Benitez told the club's website. "If you can play below your level and only lose by a goal, it means if you raise your level you must have a really good chance. We can use the memories of two years ago to our advantage because we know what the players and fans can do working together."

While the home supporters will provide a big boost to Liverpool, they must also find a way to change things tactically as well. The Reds were very passive in the first leg against Chelsea, and allowed the Blues to bring the game to them. The Liverpool midfield in particular did a poor job of containing Frank Lampard, who was allowed to roam free and generate a number of good scoring chances.

Didier Drogba also gave the Liverpool back line a tough time, and the Reds know that one Chelsea goal on Tuesday will give them a massive hill to climb.

Liverpool has no choice but to take chances offensively, something they failed to do in London. They seemed to have no interest in grabbing a crucial away goal, and now they must play a great two-way game if they are to have a chance at booking a spot in Athens.

After such a poor performance in the first leg, Liverpool are fortunate to be behind by just one goal, but Benitez was able to rest most of his regulars over the weekend and should come out in attack mode.

Chelsea, meanwhile has to overcome a disappointing weekend in Premiership play if they are to reach the final. A 2-2 draw at home against Bolton dropped the Blues five points behind league-leaders Manchester United, and put their hopes of a third-straight Premiership title in serious doubt.

Manager Jose Mourinho will have a few lineup decisions to make, as he will be without star midfielder Michael Ballack, who is likely out for the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery. Mourinho will have the services of midfielder Michael Essien, but he is likely to fill in along the back line to help an injury-riddled defense. Should Chelsea fall behind, Mourinho will have a number of dangerous weapons offensively to call upon, as Arjen Robben is back from injury, and both Shaun Wright-Phillips and Salomon Kalou will be available.

In Wednesday's Champions League semifinal, AC Milan returns home to the San Siro looking a bit of home cooking themselves. The Rossoneri have to be disappointed after dropping an entertaining 3-2 contest at Old Trafford in the opening leg.

Kaka created havoc among the United back line as he scored two first-half goals to give Milan a huge edge at halftime. However, the Italian side sat back for much of the second half and allowed Wayne Rooney to score twice, including a last-minute goal, to give the Red Devils the lead heading back to Italy.

Milan does have two away-goals to its credit, and needs just a 1-0 result to move on to the final. They will once again have the benefit of playing against a weakened United back line, and should be able to take advantage. Playing without central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United was clearly vulnerable in the middle, and Kaka will once again look to exploit that area. Patrice Evra will not take part in the match because of an accumulation of yellow cards, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson will likely have regular outside back Gary Neville in the fold once again.

This contest will come down to how well Milan's defense can stop Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. With a weak back line, expect United to attack from the opening whistle, and with Rooney in top form, they will be tough to stop. United is capable of keeping up with any team offensively, but the question is whether or not that back line can hold out long enough to give them a chance at making the Athens final an all-England affair.

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(Soccer365.com) - Everton manager David Moyes admitted it was a shame that the club weren’t able to field Manchester United loan item Tim Howard against the Red Devils this weekend.

The American Abroad was not available because he technically remains property of United until summer, when his full transfer to the Toffees will take effect.

Sir Alex Ferguson stipulated in the loan deal that Howard could not be used against him, and the Premiership leaders stormed back from two down to win 4-2.

Though not wanting to discourage young stand-in Iain Turner after a couple of misplays, the Everton coach did rue the lack of his #1.

“I’ve known for a while what the situation was with Tim Howard,” Moyes told the Liverpool Echo.

“But it just shows that when you get to the big games you need your big players.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Rafael Benitez has fuelled his feud with Jose Mourinho by claiming that tinkering with his Chelsea team at the weekend "cost him the league title".

Liverpool boss Benitez has had to listen to Mourinho's suggestion that the Anfield men have been playing "testimonials" for weeks because they have only one trophy to play for.

The Chelsea manager has also been critical of Benitez's decisions to rest players ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clashes.

But now Benitez, ahead of tomorrow's decisive semi-final second leg at Anfield, claims that by trying to do the same in the 2-2 draw against Bolton on Saturday, Mourinho lost Chelsea their Barclays Premiership crown.

"It has cost him the league title," Benitez said.

And that, believes Benitez, will make the pressure-cooker atmosphere at Stamford Bridge even more difficult for Mourinho to handle.

Benitez even took a sly dig at Mourinho's 'Special One' tag, saying: "We have our special ones here, they are our fans, who always play with their hearts."

He added of Chelsea: "They know the pressure they have, but everyone has their own problems. We want to win this game, we want to finish third and, as for them, I do not need to put them under more pressure because they know full well what pressure they are under to win things.

"They try to win everything - that is enough pressure without me saying anything.

"They know the pressures they are under, you only have to ask Mr Abramovich what he wants, the Champions League or the Premier League. They know.

"It is clear they will be under pressure because they were talking about trophies, trophies, trophies. Maybe they have one less to win now and that makes the Champions League their priority."

Mourinho has also been critical of Liverpool's fans over the past week, but Benitez hit back by saying that, unlike Chelsea, Liverpool do not need to hand out free flags to get their fans in the right mood.

He added: "At Stamford Bridge, we showed that our supporters won their battle, even though Chelsea had their fans all with flags to wave. But our supporters were there with their hearts.

"We do not need to give away flags for our fans to wave - our supporters are always there with their hearts and that is all we need.

"I aim to be concentrating on one competition after the semi-final, and I do not worry whether Chelsea have one or two to think about.

"They will know that Anfield is a difficult place for them. I know they can say it is not a problem and they have experienced it before, but we know it will be a problem for them.

"Our supporters, they are the special ones, that is clear. Chelsea know why."

Two years ago, the Anfield hordes roared their team into the Istanbul final on a memorable night against Chelsea, and Benitez believes they can do it again, with the Merseysiders 1-0 down from the first-leg.

He said: "We can use the memories of two years ago to our advantage because we know what the players and fans can do working together.

"I remember before the game in 2005, the Chelsea players spoke a lot about being ready for the Anfield atmosphere, but when the game was played they could not handle it. It's very difficult for any opposing team to prepare to play against 12 men.

"Our fans cannot give red cards or award penalties, but they can score goals. I like this about our supporters because we know they will show they are in the best in the world again tomorrow night.

"The players can also use these positive memories. We will go into the game with a lot of confidence, but we know Chelsea are a very good team and we cannot afford to make mistakes.

"They are a team which has been built with a lot of money to win major trophies. They spent a lot of money on [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Michael] Ballack last year because their priority is the Champions League. Now they have more difficulties in the Premiership, it's clear if they're going to win a major trophy, this is the one they want to win."

And Benitez reveals he has spent time working on the mistakes made in the first leg last week at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "We are trying to learn from our mistakes in the first leg, they are very good, but I have confidence because playing with 12 men is a great advantage for us.

"It is no secret we will try to play with a high tempo from the beginning, something we didn't do in the first-leg. If we can keep a high tempo going for 90 minutes, that will be perfect.

"We did not play to our best level in the first leg, that is the key for me.

"If we play to our best, we will win."

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(Soccer365.com) - MLS champs Houston certainly haven’t been stingy with the trigger through the first four games of the season, but they sure have managed to be goal shy.

After their 1-0 loss to Chicago on Sunday night, the Texans were forced to rue a pair of shots off the woodwork and an ignored penalty shout.

The Dynamo have scored but once in four games, but defender Eddie Robinson assured it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

"I don't know that we could've done anything else but score a goal," he told the Houston Chronicle.

"It's pretty frustrating when you play well for, I'd say, 75 or 80 minutes and lose 1-0 - it kills you."

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(Goal.com) - Milan midfielder Kaka admits that they were frightened of Manchester United's onslaught during the second half, and paid for it dearly. The Brazilian called for a repeat of the first half display instead.

"The game at Old Trafford was a real spectacle and I'm convinced the second leg will be another amazing game, perhaps even more amazing than the first match," Kaka wrote on uefa.com.

"We left Old Trafford a little bit disappointed on Tuesday night but not with our heads down at all. I only say we were sad because of the late goal we conceded."

He was quick to commend Rooney's goal, though: "I don't want to take anything away from the quality of United's play, and Rooney's goal, though. It was an incredibly good finish.

"If the match had finished 2-2, I still feel we would have a mountain to climb, although those away goals are very important."

He also called for a repeat of the first half, as opposed to what he believes was a "frightened" second half display.

"We can beat Manchester United if we play like we did in the first half at the Old Trafford, with character, personality and confidence," he said.

"It’s too bad that we were lacking this in the second half. We were a bit frightened and that hurt us.

"But losing the first leg is not the end of the world and I believe we stand a great chance of turning the tie around at the San Siro."

The Brazilian playmaker also stressed on the impact the fans could have on the match, just like they did at Old Trafford last week.

"I was hugely impressed by the atmosphere inside Old Trafford," he admitted. "Even at half-time when they were losing 2-1 the United fans were still singing and getting behind their team.

"I'm sure our fans will show the same kind of spirit. We haven't enjoyed a great season but the fans have been brilliant and have been by our side throughout.

"It will be difficult, but we can do it."

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(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has warned his players not to expect any easy matches from now until the end of the season as the Catalan giants chase a third successive Primera Liga title.

Rijkaard was speaking after watching his side edge past relegation-threatened Levante 1-0 at the Nou Camp on Sunday, with Samuel Eto'o netting the only goal in the 28th minute.

Barca found it difficult to finish off stubborn Levante, who are fighting for their Primera Liga lives, and Rijkaard believes that could be a sign of things to come in the last weeks of the campaign

"In the final stages of a competition, all teams have to meet their objectives and therefore, there are no easy games," said the Dutchman, whose side now have six matches remaining.

"To win at these times is great and I'm happy. (Levante's) defence was solid and they were very physical."

Although he was pleased with the three points, Rijkaard, whose side are away to second-bottom Real Sociedad next weekend, admits he would have liked a more convincing winning margin in front of Barca's fans.

"When we play at home, we want more, we're used to a high level. We have to keep working in order to give a good impression in every game," he said.

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(Soccer365.com) - With the team set for a schedule breather, Toronto FC boss Mo Johnston now hopes to have wing threat Ronnie O’Brien healthy by the time they face the Fire on March 12th.

The erstwhile FC Dallas star is in the final stages of recovering from a knee strain.

The expansion side are still looking for their first goal, and O’Brien will be seen as a welcome attack addition.

"We have almost two weeks now before our next game, so it should give Ronnie plenty of time to get back into game shape," Johnston told the Globe & Mail.

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(Goal.com) - However the former Italian national team coach will not be returning to Turin to coach the Bianconeri as has been widely speculated in recent months.

Marcello Lippi has no intention of responding anymore to questions related to him being linked to Juventus as he believes that he has already answered that question too many times.

"It's a question which I don't want to respond to, also because now Juve has a coach who is doing well. I don't want to get involved in such matters; I have great respect for all of my colleagues.

"In Turin I was surely well, but it was the same for wherever I went to work, and still today I have a great rapport with the Juve fans."

Another possible destination for the World Cup winning coach is Valencia.

"It is an interesting club, but there was no contact with Amadeo Carboni (Director of Sports), with whom I have a very deep friendship."

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(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness cannot wait to write this season off and focus on preventing a repeat in future.

The defending German champions need a miracle if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season after a 2-1 home defeat to Hamburg which saw even the club's own fans lose their patience.

Hoeness has promised to clamp down on his team of losers and "never see such a team again".

He said: "We will put all of our efforts into getting a team on the field which has nothing to do with this one and can challenge for the title from the off.

"Many players have had their chance, but have clearly not taken it.

"Therefore, they have not deserved a second one."

With three games of the season remaining, Bayern are seven points behind third-placed Werder Bremen while the title is out of reach.

All of the management's efforts will now go into reconstructing the team in time for the start of next season.

"I am looking to July 1 and not back," admitted Hoeness. "We have qualified for the UEFA Cup and this season is over.

"Now the players can concentrate on what they will be doing next year."

Bayern are close to clinching the 18-million euro signing (£12.3million) of Luca Toni from Fiorentina, and they may fund that with the sale of Owen Hargreaves to Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Claudio Pizarro is set to move when his contract expires with several clubs in Italy, including Juventus, keen on the Peruvian striker, while Roque Santa Cruz also falls into the category of players who will not be given a second chance.

After a disappointing first season with Bayern, Daniel van Buyten is also a candidate to move on while Ali Karimi is surplus to requirements and Mehmet Scholl will retire this summer.

Signing new players, despite not having the Champions League to offer them, should not be a problem either, according to Hoeness.

"I can say we have been very busy and in four to six weeks, we will have some new players to unveil," he said.

"We are good buyers, but also people with a vision. We have enough money and will buy top class players."

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(Goal.com) - Barcelona whiz Lionle Messi has thanked Inter patron Massimo Moratti for his interest and admiration, but refused to move to Serie A, at least for some time yet.

"I know that he adores me and I am thankful for that," said Messi, when asked about Moratti's admiration. "But I will not leave Barcelona.

"I won't play in Italy. At least, not at the moment. I am happy at Barcelona and want to stay here for a long time.

"I have already said many times that I feel very wanted and loved here, and am thankful for all that the club have done for me."

He then went on to suggest that it would also be best if Ronaldinho stayed put in La Liga.

"I believe that Serie A is a very competitve league, and a competition very different from La Liga," he opined.

"However, I think the best thing for us is that both of us remained here next year, to be able to do some great things over the next few seasons."

He also spoke about Berlusconi's alleged willingness to pay 100 million euros for Ronaldinho: "We are speaking of the best player of the world, so I think if someone had that money to spend, it is normal that they would want to spend on such a player."

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Rotterdam, Holland (Sports Network) - AZ Alkmaar had a chance to win its first Eredivisie title since the 1980-81 season with a win against relegation- battling Excelsior, but was stunned 3-2 by the home side on the season's final day, allowing PSV to jump up from the third spot and grab its third consecutive league title with a 5-1 win against Vitesse.

Three teams entered Sunday level on points at the top of the table, as AZ, Ajax and PSV came in on even terms. However, AZ had a superior goal differential and needed just three points against lowly Excelsior to walk away as champions.

Things could not have started off worse for AZ, as keeper Boy Waterman was sent off just 20 minutes into the match for taking down Excelsior's Andwele Slory inside the area. Luigi Bruins made him pay as he placed his spot kick past replacement keeper Khalid Sinouh for a 1-0 lead.

Down a goal and down a man AZ responded like champions just four minutes later to equalize. Simon Cziommer curled a beautiful free kick into the left corner of the net, giving Excelsior keeper Ronald Graafland no chance.

Henrico Drost then put AZ's title hopes in serious jeopardy as his long-range effort found its way into the back of net after kissing the post, putting the home side back on top 15 minutes after the restart.

AZ's top sniper, Danny Koevermans, then gave his team life as he took advantage of a defensive miscue inside the area by the Excelsior defense to tally his 22nd goal of the season and put AZ in position to snatch the win.

Rene van Dieren then made things easier for AZ as he received his second yellow card with 15 minutes to play, putting the team's back on level terms.

Koevermans nearly took immediate advantage of the opportunity as he rang a shot off the post, but AZ's fate would end in a cruel way on this day as Daniel Guijo-Velasco would knock home the game-winner from close range in stoppage time to crush the Alkmaar club's title dreams.

Meanwhile, it came down to Ajax and PSV with AZ out of the way. Ajax had a one-goal advantage in goal differential entering the day, but they were only able to record a 2-0 win over bottom-half club Willem II. Urby Emanuelson and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar found the net for the Amsterdam club, who were in position to claim the title if PSV won by two goals or less.

However, the Eredivisie crown will reside in Eindhoven for the third consecutive year as PSV put together a strong performance to snatch the unlikely title. After limping towards the finish line in the season's final month, PSV found one last surge and put together a resounding 5-1 win against Vitesse. With a 2-1 lead at halftime at Philipsstadion, PSV rallied for three second-half goals, and when all the results were in, a raucous celebration was kicked off to celebrate yet another league title.

In other results on Holland's final day, Heerenveen got four goals from the league's leading scorer, Afonso Alves, to claim a 5-1 win over Feyenoord and give the team the last Champions League qualifying spot. Utrecht blanked Groningen 2-0, NEC leaped over NAC for the final UEFA Cup qualifying spot with a 3-2 win over relegation side Den Haag, while NAC dropped a 2-1 decision to Twente. Roda slammed Heracles 7-0 and Sparta clipped RKC Waalwijk 1-0.

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London, England (Sports Network) - A dramatic Saturday in England saw Manchester United take a five-point lead on Chelsea in the Premiership standings with three matches to play, putting the Blues' hopes of a third consecutive EPL crown in serious doubt.

United pulled off an improbable 4-2 comeback win at Goodison Park against Everton, while Chelsea was held on home soil 2-2 by Bolton.

Early on it looked as though the day would belong to Chelsea as the Blues built a 2-1 advantage at halftime while United fell behind 1-0 at the break. Lubomir Michalik scored his first EPL goal of the season for Bolton, but Chelsea quickly canceled out the advantage as Salomon Kalou scored three minutes later to level the match, and a Jussi Jaaskelainen own-goal in the 34th minute handed the home side the lead.

Chelsea supporters were in a celebratory mood early in the second half as word circulated that United had gone behind by two goals as Everton's Manuel Fernandes gave the Toffees a two-goal lead with 40 minutes to play.

It looked as though this would be the day that Chelsea finally caught United and made it an even race over the final three games. However, that joy quickly turned to nervousness as Kevin Davies headed home a free kick from Idan Tal in the 54th minute to level the match.

Meanwhile, bad went to worse for the London club as United began its furious second-half rally in the 61st as John O'Shea poked home a rebound from close range and a Phil Neville own-goal just seven minutes later allowed United to pull level.

Back at Stamford Bridge, the pressure was mounting but Chelsea supporters still held out hope that their team would snatch another late winner as they have so many times throughout this season.

Chelsea threatened on a pair of occasions with 25 minutes remaining. Didier Drogba sent a free kick from 20-yards out menacingly close as his shot blazed just over the cross bar, and Michael Essien drove a free kick through the face of goal that came within inches of connecting with a Chelsea foot.

Bolton seemed content to play for a draw and allowed Chelsea to bring the game to them over the final 15 minutes.

While the Blues were desperately searching for a winner, United had no such trouble finding the net. Wayne Rooney continued his stellar run of play with the go-ahead goal against his former club in the 79th minute as an O'Shea cross found the young Englishman and he finished off the play by slotting his shot into the lower left corner.

Looks of shock were all around Stamford Bridge when news of Rooney's strike reached the Chelsea supporters and no matter how much they encouraged their team, a late winner was not in the cards.

Chris Eagles added an insurance tally in the 90th minute for United, and the Red Devils now look to be in position to claim their first EPL title since the 2002-03 campaign.

In other EPL action on Saturday, Blackburn thrashed Charlton 4-1 behind two goals from Jason Roberts, Aston Villa blanked Manchester City 2-0, Robbie Keane scored twice to lead Tottenham to a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough, while Portsmouth got past Liverpool 2-1. Sheffield United earned a big 1-0 win over Watford to move three points clear of the relegation zone and West Ham pounded Wigan 3-0 to move within one point of safety.

Sunday's lone contest features another relegation-battling team as Fulham faces a tough task in meeting Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The weekend rounds out on Monday as Reading hosts Newcastle.

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(Soccer365.com) - Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko believes AC Milan's Kaka is the best player in the world ahead of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Shevchenko played with 25-year-old Kaka at Milan before joining the Premiership champions last summer.

When asked, in an interview in La Gazzetta dello Sport, to choose between Brazil international Kaka and Portugal's Ronaldo, Shevchenko did not hesitate.

"Kaka is the strongest player in the world," said the 30-year-old Ukrainian.

"He deserves the Ballon D'Or (European player of the year award) and I'm certain he will get it, if not this time maybe in the not-too-distant future."

Shevchenko believes his former team still have the upper hand in the race to reach the Champions League final despite losing 3-2 at Old Trafford in Tuesday's semi-final first-leg against United.

"At Manchester, Milan played exceptional football in the first half and were hindered with the injuries to Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini," he said.

"Milan are a likeable team because they always play beautiful games.

"They play open football and in the Champions League they have played better. There is a respect for their top players and for the club.

"Milan have what it takes to progress to the final."

Shevchenko admits that meeting Milan in the final in Athens would be in some ways an ordeal for him.

"I still don't want to think about it," he said. "There are still games to play before the final.

"Of course, for me it would be a thrilling evening and complicated, because Milan is not my former team but a family, a part of my life."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from claiming their second CONCACAF Champions Cup title of the decade with a 7-6 spot kicks win over CD Guadalajara, Mexican power Pachuca have set their sights on FIFA World Club Cup glory.

The tourney, which brings continental champions from across the globe to Japan, will be fought out in January.

"A world's club championship is one of the most beautiful competitions after the World Cup, and we want to win," declared striker Damian Alvarez.

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(Goal.com) - Theirry Henry has pledged to stay at Arsenal, but only as long as Arsene Wenger does.

Henry's future as well as that of Wenger has been in the air in recent weeks as the Gunners reach the conclusion on their most disappointing season for a number of years.

Much of the speculation concerning their manager has centred around the recent departure of vice-chairman David Dein, who worked very closely with Wenger.

Dein's shock departure came as boardroom tensions over a foreign takeover boiled over.

However, Arsenal now have more than one reason to keep hold of Wenger as if they lose him they also look set to lose Henry, who they have missed terribly due to injury this season.

The 29-year-old told Sport magazine: "At the end of last season I signed a new contract.

"I believe in the boss and what he is trying to do here. As long as he is here then I will be here - it's just as simple as that."

Arsene Wenger’s side have now failed to win a trophy in two seasons and have been accused of letting teams off the hook by missing a succession of chances.

"I think perhaps we lose our concentration," Henry continued. "We don't do this on purpose. We have ended up losing so many points against teams we should have beaten.

"The talent is there but you need to put the ball in the back of the net, and I wasn't fresh enough, or there enough, to do that for the team this season.

"It was the same with Robin van Persie, who has been injured, and William Gallas, who was out for more than three months.

"I'm not complaining about these things, but it is a fact and it does make a difference. We have a lot of amazing youngsters at the club, but you need experience too.

"We'd be in a much better position if we had taken our chances. We do have something to build on, but we need to kill teams off. That's all that let us down this year."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake playmaker Freddy Adu has warned fellow teen phenom Josmer Altidore not to get caught up in his press clippings.

The U.S. Under-20 captain says the New York striker could possibly avoid some of the troubles he’s had.

"Expectations can be hard, especially since Jozy is doing so well right now," Adu told the Chicago Tribune. "He needs to learn not to get caught up in it."

"Honestly, when I first came into the league, I read every article written about me and I bought into the hype - that was the worst thing I could do for myself."

"Jozy just needs to keep working hard and listen to the closest people around him."

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(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, the club announced on Thursday.

The Germany international has been struggling with a calf problem believed to have its origins in a back injury, but following an MRI scan on Wednesday it was discovered that the 21-year-old has serious cartilage damage to his left knee.

Podolski, who has scored just seven goals in all competitions this season, is now set for a three-month spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on Thursday.

Bayern head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said: "He's almost certainly had the problem for a while.

"He could have continued playing, but there was always the danger the problem would have worsened."

The news is a further setback to a Bayern side who find themselves nine points behind Bundesliga leaders Schalke with just four games left to play in the season.

They already have injury concerns over Oliver Kahn, Owen Hargreaves and Mark van Bommel ahead of Saturday's crucial home encounter against Hamburg.

Bayern also revealed on Thursday that French centre-half Valerien Ismael will miss the rest of the campaign after the player suffered a reaction to the double leg break he suffered last year.

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(Goal.com) - AS Roma skipper Francesco Totti has admitted that there’s more chance of him watching this weekend’s upcoming derby than taking part in it.

“The chances of me playing against Lazio are about 20 per cent,” explained the Giallorossi fan favourite, apparently resigned to not being able to play the classic Roman derby.

Totti couldn’t travel to Bergamo last round due to nagging sciatica pain and a bruised lower back. After missing training on both Wednesday and Thursday he himself knows it’ll be tough.

“I’m not a man who surrenders easily, but I really am in pain. I suffered a lot from sciatica pain against Sampdoria and Inter,” explained the Roma captain.

“My leg hurts as soon as I stretch it.”

“The haematoma in my back is still there although it has decreased in size, but walking is nevertheless a real effort for me right now.

"Today I’ll try to run and we’ll see after I talk to Luciano Spalletti and decide the best thing to do.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus midfield ace Ned Grabavoy says he can’t wait to see star catch Guillermo Barros Schelotto start suiting up for the club.

The youngster was able to say hello to the Boca Juniors hero at the team hotel did his best to make the veteran feel welcome.

“I just expressed to him that I was excited to play with and I was glad that he’s here,” Grabavoy told the Washington Examiner.

“We’re excited to have a player with that experience, who’s played in some real big games to come to our team.”

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has insisted that Jose Mourinho's barrage of comments and criticism were not affectign his focus on the task at hand.

Mourinho had spoken out against Rafa's record and Liverpool's inability to challenge for multiple titles before the game, and then attacked the referee over a non-existent penalty after it.

Asked if it was difficult for him to concentrate amid all this, Benitez said: "No, because we know him. I have some friends in Portugal and they also know him."

Asked about the hits below the belt, he said: "When he has a very good team, and some of the best players in the world, he still has to do all this. That is the way he is."

Looking ahead to the second leg, he admitted he would be willing to risk third place in the Premiership in return for a spot in the Champions League final.

That could mean resting a few players against Portsmouth, who are fighting for a Uefa Cup berth..

"I will use my squad for this game and mix it up with some experienced and young players," he revealed.

"We want to win this game and to finish third would be better for us. It's clear it's not easy to turn our focus away from the Chelsea game but we will try to beat Portsmouth.

"If you asked me whether we want to reach a final or finish third then I would say reach a final, but we will go to Portsmouth with the idea of winning the match."

Almost simultaneously, Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at Mouinho, and asked why he has not been punished yet for riling clubs, referees, players, coaches and even associations.

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(Soccer365.com) - Vasco da Gama strike legend Romário says that struggling Mexican giants Necaxa are barking up the wrong tree with their hot interest.

The former Brazil superstar insisted on Wednesday that he has no intention of leaving his beloved Vasco for any of a number of shock suitors.

"I know about the interest that Necaxa has in me, but I have a contract at Vasco da Gama until December," Romário told Radio Tupi. "I gave my word to president Eurico Miranda that I am going to stay with this team until I score my 1,000th goal."

"To tell the truth, I am surprised about all the proposals that I have received - It's not common to receive proposals at the age of 41."

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(Soccer365.com) - Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose has been seen meeting with Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness and coach Ottmar Hitzfeld in a Hanover hotel, according to reports.

The Germany international has made no comment on his future amid speculation he is set to leave the Bundesliga title challengers this summer, despite being under contract until 2008.

It is believed Bremen are not going to block his exit since they could lose him on a Bosman free transfer next summer.

Furthermore, his form has slumped since his future became the focus of intense media interest with clubs in Spain showing an interest as well as Bayern.

He has scored just one goal in the last two-and-a-half months.

And reports in Germany claim Klose met with Bayern representatives at Hanover airport's hotel on Tuesday to discuss a possible move south.

"It would be no sensation if Miro decides to leave," admitted Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"I cannot imagine him going to a Bundesliga rival, though."

Bayern's chances of signing the 28-year-old appear particularly slim if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 11 years this season.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from recording his all-time league best 63rd clean sheet in Wednesday’s win over Toronto FC, Kansas City netminder Kevin Hartman conceded that it was a special night for him personally.

The longtime Galaxy man, brought over by the Wizards in an offseason deal, surpassed MLS icon Tony Meola to top the career shutout list.

"Out of all the goalkeepers, whether it is Zach Thornton or Tony Meola, they are all goalies I respect," Hartman told MLSNet. "Just to be mentioned with those guys is a compliment to me."

"It speaks to consistency, longevity, and playing at a high level, so for me that has always been my goal as a professional."

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(Goal.com) - Frank Lampard believes that Chelsea should have wo by more than the single goal that has given them the advantage in the Champions League semi final against Liverpool.

The Blues take a 1-0 lead to Anfield after Joe Cole netted in opening leg on Wednesday evening and are now slight favourites to qualify for the final in Athens.

But Lampard admitted that he was slightly disappointed that his side could not have virtually wrapped the tie up by putting away one or more of their other opportunities.

"It could have been more but that's they way it is," he said, before reflecting on a period of pressure before the goal was scored.

"That was the moment for us and normally we take our chances in situations like that. But it's good to keep a clean sheet as well - we defended well when we had to."

Looking ahead to the second game, Lampard recognised that Rafa Benítez's side will be confident in front of their own supporters, but he believes the Blues will be capable of snatching an away goal.

"Liverpool are a strong team and they can make chances," he explained. "I'm sure at Anfield they'll be confident of making even more chances but we're also a team confident we can go there and score goals."

As for the favourites tag that Chelsea have been given, Lampard is unsure and remained philosophical about making any rash predictions.

It's very close and it's difficult to know whether it's advantage us at this moment," he stated. "It's only half-time and we'll have to wait until the end of the second leg."

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(Goal.com) - FC Barcelona have targetted Miroslav Klose as one their main summer signings and have already made tentative enquireies regarding the striker's availability.

Werder Bremen are in the Catalan city for the UEFA Cup encounter with Espanyol on Thursday and the Bundesliga club's president, Juren Ludger Born admitted he knew the Blaugrana were monitoring the situation.

"There has been no official contact, but we are conscious of the interest," the German outfit's supremo said on Catalunya Ràdio.

"Economically we have no need to sell him because the club is on a very sound footing."

Txiki Begiristain, Barça's technical secretary, is repsonsible for helping coach Frank Rijkaard bring in new players and he is a big fan of Klose.

After losing Henrik Larsson last summer, Eidur Gudjohnsen was seen as the Swede's replacement, but the former Chelsea forward has failed to impress at Camp Nou.

A move last summer appeared on the cards for Klose before his value rose as he finished as the top goalscorer in the World Cup Finals.

German newspaper Bild have linked Klose to a summer move to Bayern Munich, but Werder have made it clear that they would not be keen on losing him to a direct rival.

The 28-year-old goalscorer has a contract at the Weserstadion until 2008, but could well be tempted to move to a giant of world football like Barça.

Next season Samuel Eto'o is set to miss around a month of domestic action as he represents Cameroon in the Afican Cup of Nations and the club want adequate cover.

Klose would undoubtedly recognise that any role at Barça would see him as a back-up, but with Javier Saviola set to leave he would see a fair amount of action.

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic admits he made "a mistake" by failing to secure David Beckham's long-term future at the Bernabeu.

The former England captain will head to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season after failing to agree a contract extension with the Spanish club.

And former Madrid striker Mijatovic admits media comments during negotiations "confused" all parties.

"When the season started we wanted David to stay, although we couldn't arrive at an agreement," he told The Sun.

"Looking back I realise that it was a mistake not to talk things through clearly.

"The comments in the press from me, the president and his agent confused the player and us and because of that mistakes were made."

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(Goal.com) - Mourinho seems to have turned his attentions towards compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting that the winger was "lying" about refereeing decisions not going Manchester United's way.

It began when Ronaldo dismissed suggestions from Mourinho that Manchester United had benefitted from refereeing.

"I really don't want to be dragged into Mourinho's complaints over referees - everybody knows how he is," Ronaldo said.

"He always has to say something because he can't admit his failures.

"We have to think about the game in Milan. We have a good squad and I think we are on course."

Mourinho handed in his response speaking to RTP TV: "If he says it's a lie Manchester United have conceded some penalties this season which have not been awarded against them he's lying.

"Ronaldo is a great player, perhaps the best in the world. But he needs to be mature enough to accept you cannot argue against facts.

"And if you lie then you may never reach the level which he aspires to as a footballer."

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Quieroz - another Portuguese - also got himself into the act, suggesting that the Chelsea coach was up to his usual tricks.

"Mourinho has his own style, he always tries to divert everyone's attention to the points which are convenient for him," he said. "These are his tactics and that's the way he is."

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London, England (Sports Network) - Joe Cole's 29th-minute goal was enough to propel Chelsea past Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the team's Champions League semifinal matchup.

Cole was set up on the play by some nice work from Didier Drogba, who gave the Liverpool back line all it could handle on Wednesday. Frank Lampard also played a strong match in the midfield for Chelsea, who were always the more dangerous team on this night and will now take a well-deserved lead into the return leg.

Chelsea opened the contest as the more aggressive team, taking the game to Liverpool and enjoying the majority of the possession. The first good chance of the match fell to Lampard, who slammed a half-volley from the penalty spot on target. However, the shot was right at Liverpool keeper Jose Reina, and he got enough of the ball to turn it aside.

Lampard threatened the Liverpool net again in the 23rd minute with a blistering free kick. The Chelsea midfielder drove a low shot past the wall that took a slight deflection off of Liverpool defender John Arne Riise and nearly found the lower left corner of the net.

The Chelsea pressure was beginning to mount and the Blues took advantage of a nice counter-attack chance in the 29th minute to go ahead.

Ricardo Carvalho took possession of the ball inside his own end and dribbled towards midfield before sliding a nice pass down the right flank to Drogba. The Ivory Coast international galloped down the wing and cut the ball back inside of defender Daniel Agger. He then threaded a pass to Cole eight yards from goal and the Englishman beat Reina with a lunging left-footed effort.

Liverpool did not test Chelsea keeper Petr Cech in the first half, but the Reds did show some signs of life in the final 10 minutes of the half as Dirk Kuyt found the head of Steven Gerrard inside the Chelsea area, but the Liverpool skipper's header went well wide of the target.

The visitors continued their positive play after the restart with Riise crossing from the left for Kuyt, who headed the ball just over the cross bar. Gerrard then forced a great save from Cech in the 53rd minute when he struck a left-footed volley from the top of the box that Cech punched to safety with a diving stop to his left.

Chelsea seemed content with its one-goal lead and began to let the Liverpool midfield dictate play. The Reds were unable to take advantage of their opportunities, however, and Chelsea nearly extended its lead in the final 12 minutes.

A dangerous free kick from Lampard almost provided the second goal as his chip was met by the head of Drogba inside the area. Drogba outjumped Liverpool's Jamie Carragher but his header went inches wide of the left post.

Drogba and Lampard teamed up once again three minutes later to give the home side another great scoring chance. Drogba took a long ball from the back and laid it off for Lampard, who ran onto it and drilled a hard volley towards the upper right corner. Only a fantastic save from Reina kept the ball out as the keeper got his left hand to the shot to knock it over the net.

Chelsea had one final opportunity to extend its advantage as a stoppage-time corner kick allowed Drogba to get his head to the cross, but the ball sailed wide of the far post and Chelsea will now take that one-goal lead to Anfield next Tuesday in an effort to keep its hopes alive for the quadruple.

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading attacker Bobby Convey claims an important lesson learned from manager Steve Coppell has helped him grow as a player: avoid emotional peaks and valleys.

The U.S. ace, out for the season with a knee injury, spent nearly a year playing for the second team before becoming a key member of the Royals during their promotion season.

Convey struggled again in adapting to the Premiership, but says this too shall pass.

"I guess the main thing I learned from Coppell is that soccer is just a game and that you always need to keep a level head," he told ESPN. "Whether you succeed or fail, tomorrow is another day."

"He is very level-headed and understands that players have lives and he realizes there is a lot of pressure to perform well every week."

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(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston is ruing the fact that his young players and foreign recruits can’t catch MLS matches on Canadian television, which he believes slows their introduction to the league.

The expansion team have lost their first two games by a combined 6-0 tally and the boss is concerned that his boys must work harder to keep tabs on the opposition – such as Kansas City, who the club play twice this week.

"I'm a great believer that you have to be able to know your opposition inside and out," he told the Toronto Star. "We have guys who don't even know who Eddie Johnston is, but it's not their fault."

"It's vital that we have every game available, not only for one week, but for the upcoming weeks."

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(Goal.com) - Samuel Eto'o has insisted that there is nothing to the rumours of a continuing rift between him and Ronaldinho, or to suggestions that he might be on the way out at the end of the season.

"Ronaldinho plays for Barça, like I do, why do you want a war?" asked Eto'o rhetorically.

"Those that try throw such s**t are morones, and I can say this to their faces."

The duo combinied beautifully last night against Al Ahly; sublime passes from the Brazilian setting up both of the Cameroon international's goals.

Eto'o also dismissed rumours that Barça may be open to offers, allegedly because Rijkaard believes he is destabilizing the dressing room.

"If I want to go, I will tell the club. This is all rubbish, because every week some try to send me out," he said.

"It bothers them that I score goals and help my teammates, so they try to use the name of Rijkaard and Laporta to throw me out.

"In my heart I have three fans - firstly those of Cameroon, secondly those of Mallorca, and thirdly Barça.

"I can only thank all the Barcelona fans, and the day they think I am unable to give them what they expect, I will leave.

"If some believe that I cannot give what they expect of me, I am happy to listen to the partners [of the club], who pay me and are the ones who must tell me what they think."

Tabloids have linked him with Arsenal and Liverpool recently. While that might be a case of smoke without fire at the moment, there will be no dearth of takers if he does decide to leave.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from arriving in New York, Red Bulls strike catch Juan Pablo Angel says he can’t wait to get his visa paperwork cleared up so he can train and play with his new teammates.

"I'm desperate to start playing," the former Aston Villa man told MLSNet. "There is a togetherness among the lads, I'm just excited to be part of it."

The Colombia international is optimistic over joining the squad Bruce Arena has put together.

"I'm just very impressed with everything in the time I've been here," said Angel. "I know that first of all we're a very good team - we're well balanced with good young players."

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(Goal.com) - Luciano Moggi has claimed that Gianluigi Buffon is on his way to the red and black half of Milan.

There has been much speculation over Buffon's future, with nobody knowing where he will be come next season.

Luciano Moggi offered his insight on the subject, and in particular Juventus' transfer plans, speaking to an Italian radio station.

"Buffon will go to Milan, not Inter," he said. "They are sure that [Christian] Abbiati will return to Juve, and that Dida will go abroad."

Abbiati is currently on loan at Torino after spending last season in Turin, and it is believed that Milan will be happy to offer him along with some cash in order to seal Buffon's deal.

Livorno's young keeper Amelia has also been on Juve's radar, ever since Buffon himself admitted that he will contemplate departure.

"Juventus are a great club, founded 109 years ago, and many great champions have come and gone during those years," said Buffon," the Azzurri number one had told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If I decide Juventus can exist without me, I will leave, else I will stay. But I am sure they would remain strong even if I were to leave.

"I want to play the last five years of my career at the highest levels, that will make the difference in the next decisions I make. In the end, what I miss most is the chance to play in the Champions League.

"I will only discuss my future with my agent and the club's management after we s