Manchester United advanced to the Champions League Final today with a 1-0 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes' half volley from distance in the 15th minute was enough to set up an all English final against the winner of tomorrow's Chelsea-Liverpool clash.

(soccer365.com) Manchester United are through to the Champions League final after Paul Scholes' stunning 25-yard strike gave them a 1-0 win over Barcelona.

United will play Chelsea or Liverpool at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday May 21 in what will be their third European Cup final.

Scholes struck a right-footed shot into the top corner from long range after a misplaced pass from Gianluca Zambrotta after 14 minutes of the second leg at Old Trafford.

United - without injured duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic - had chances to extend their lead in the first half but lived on the edge after the break as the Catalans threatened to score a crucial away goal.

But the hosts held on to their slim advantage and, with the first leg at the Nou Camp having ended goalless, United progressed 1-0 on aggregate to an all-English showdown in Russia.

The goal came against the run of play, after Cristiano Ronaldo had jinked past one challenge before losing out to Zambrotta.

But the Italian's attempted clearance found only Scholes, who lashed a shot into the top corner that left Victor Valdes helpless.

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(Soccer365.com) Weekend hat trick hero Landon Donovan says he can't be bothered with complaints on his goal celebrations aired by Chivas USA boss Preki.

The Galaxy won the match 5-2, with the U.S. star infuriating the Goats by leaping for joy in front of their derby rivals' bench after two fo the goals.

"I do not appreciate it, and we don't appreciate it as a club," said Preki after the game. "It shows a lot of disrespect."

Donovan, however, had a different take altogether.

"If you don't like me jumping to celebrate, then don't let me score," he told the Press Enterprise. "Secondly, I tried to apologize to him because he was upset about it and I didn't mean anything by it."

"If he is not willing to accept my apology, then he is not much of a man."

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(Soccer365.com) AC Milan midfielder Kaka admits he would relish the prospect of playing alongside his Brazil team-mate Ronaldinho at the San Siro next season.

The Rossoneri appear to be in pole position to acquire the playmaker, who is widely thought to be on the move after just 13 appearances for Barcelona this term.

He would add to a growing list of Brazilians already with the Serie A giants.

And Kaka believes the influence of compatriots Dida, Cafu, Serginho, Digao, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldo would help Ronaldinho settle in no time at all.

He told the Lancel newspaper: "He has not forgotten how to play football. He is not having a good time at Barcelona for different reasons that are not easy to talk about, as we are not with him every day.

"If he comes here to Milan, it will be a great signing for the club. He will be welcomed. The Brazilians here will help him a lot."

Kaka has his own goals to reach, at international as well as club level, earmarking the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as what he hopes will be his defining moment for the Selecao.

He said: "I want to get to the World Cup in the best form. I will be 28 years old by then and at the peak of my career, in maturity and experience.

"It could be a great World Cup for Brazil, with a new coach and new players."

Kaka also had words of comfort for injured team-mate Ronaldo, who was sidelined until at least November with a knee injury with doubts raised over whether he will play again.

He said: "Ronaldo has always been an example of recovery because of all he has suffered. I think he will prove it again. His will is an example.

"Ronaldo will be back. I do not know if he will do it in Europe, but I am sure he will play again."

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(Soccer365.com) Michael Ballack scored twice as Chelsea drew level with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League after a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

Ballack headed the Blues into the lead on the stroke of half time before Wayne Rooney levelled matters after an error from Ricardo Carvalho, only for Ballack to grab the winner from the penalty spot with four minutes to go.

The two teams are now level on 81 points but United have a far superior goal difference with two games remaining in the title race.

The home side flew out of the traps with Michael Essien twice going close in the opening 90 seconds while United were forced into a reshuffle in the 14th minute when Nemanja Vidic was forced off after taking a knee in the face from Didier Drogba - Wes Brown switching to the centre.

Avram Grant's men were unlucky not to take the lead in the 21st minute when Joe Cole burst through the middle but, after initially losing the ball, he lashed an effort against the post when it rebounded to him just inside the penalty area.

Cole fired wide again from an acute angle on the half hour while John Terry headed well over from a Ballack free-kick as Chelsea continued to dominate the champions.

And they deservedly broke the deadlock in first half stoppage time when Drogba worked an opening on the right edge of the area before crossing to the far post where Ballack was lurking to head across Edwin van der Sar.

United showed more intent at the start of the second period and drew level in the 56th minute after a shocking blunder from the normally reliable Carvalho.

The Blues were awarded a free-kick just inside their own half but the Portugal international blindly played the ball behind him where Rooney took control before racing through on goal and dispatching a clinical finish across Petr Cech - although the England star was injured in the act of scoring and replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Van der Sar had to be at his best to push out Drogba's fierce free-kick with 18 minutes to go while at the other end Ronaldo's set piece effort was well held by Cech.

But home side were awarded a penalty with five minutes to go when Michael Carrick was adjudged to have handled Essien's cross and Ballack sent van der Sar the wrong way from the spot.

Ashley Cole was on hand to clear Ronaldo's shot off the line in the last minute while Andriy Shevchenko did likewise to deny Darren Fletcher in injury time as United piled forward in search of an equalizer.

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(Soccer365.com) Arsene Wenger believes Thierry Henry will prove himself at Barcelona - but he will not rule out the possibility of him returning to Arsenal.

Henry - who scored 174 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for the Gunners - has failed to light up the Nou Camp following his £16million move last summer.

There have been suggestions the 30-year-old could be set to leave the Catalan giants after only one season - with Newcastle among the suitors said to ready to tempt the France international to return to the Premier League.

Henry, though, claims he has no intentions of quitting Barcelona, who face Manchester United in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford next week.

However, the forward did also reveal Arsenal "are the only team in my heart" and would be the choice if he were to ever move back to the English top flight.

Wenger maintains a close relationship with Henry, whom he also worked with while coach at Monaco before bringing him to Highbury in the summer of 1999.

Wenger said: "Thierry said he is happy at Barcelona and if he comes back he will only play at Arsenal which I find really a very good statement.

"He is happy at Barcelona. You can never say never - but at the moment I do not think about that [signing him again]."

Wenger insists Henry is not a spent force, despite a below-par season in Spain where he has often been deployed out on the left.

"I think he has a lot to offer as a player," said the Arsenal manager.

"I still feel he is a world-class player and he will prove in Barcelona that he is one of their better players.

"Thierry is disappointed because things haven't gone as well as he would have liked them to go.

"The whole team in Barcelona has not worked completely, they were never in the race for the championship.

Wenger continued: "For me, Thierry is an efficient goalscorer - but Barca have two or three players in there.

"What was a little bit damaging to his success at Barcelona is that Ronaldinho has not turned up this season, so that the closest one who can play left wing is Thierry, and that is where he plays.

"That is not his preferred position and that is not where he is most efficient. In football, things can change quickly when you have talent, and he has plenty."

The Arsenal manager revealed that he is in regular contact with Henry even though he no longer players for the Gunners.

Wenger added: "I had a chat with him not a long time ago. He watches every Arsenal game and he can give me advice!

"When I can, I watch Barcelona, because I am always interested in how he looks, how is his sharpness, in what position he plays and I gave him my view about his game."

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(Soccer365.com) France international Franck Ribery has hailed himself as the successor to French legend Zinedine Zidane.

The Bayern Munich winger, who starred in France's run to the 2006 World Cup final alongside Zidane, has enjoyed a good first year in Germany and now feels ready to lead Les Bleus' charge at Euro 2008.

He told Le Parisien newspaper: "It's true that I am his successor, due to my game, my positioning and my qualities.

"When Zizou was playing I was often with him. He always told me to keep going, that he was happy with me, and plenty of other nice comments which I still receive now."

Ribery, who has been a member of the France national squad since May 2006, also said he is thriving in the national side thanks to a better relationship with coach Raymond Domenech.

"We speak more than before. I enjoy having a coach who's close to the players," he said.

"When I go to the French side I feel a lot better than before, both on the pitch and off it.

"I have more responsibilities. You could say I'm one of the leaders."

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(Soccer365.com) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to blame Cristiano Ronaldo for his side's failure to score an away goal at Barcelona.

The Scot revealed he thought the winger would score, but added: "He's a bit unlucky. Maybe it's come too early."

Of the second penalty incident, he said: "You're doing well to get one penalty kick. To ask for another one... I wasn't surprised."

Ferguson was pleased with his side's defending but felt they could have created more at the other end.

Describing United's performance as "professional", he said: "We sealed off the areas where teams don't normally do well against Barcelona.

"They didn't make a lot of chances. Our concentration defending the space was very good.

"We should have done better with our possession. We had opportunities to counter-attack and gave the ball away too easily."

But he added: "0-0 gives us a marvellous chance."

Ferguson singled out midfielder Paul Scholes, making his 100th Champions League appearance, for special praise.

"I thought he was one of our best players. His reading of the play outside the box was terrific. His interceptions were marvellous and he never gave the ball away."

United played without key defender Nemanja Vidic, who was ruled out by an upset stomach.

He remains a doubt for Saturday's Premier League title showdown with Chelsea.

"We think he's doubtful. We'll do our best," said Ferguson, who confirmed the Serb's condition had improved.

"Let's hope we can get him there on Saturday morning - he'll be desperate to play."

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(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard believes Fernando Torres can help Liverpool end their poor record at Stamford Bridge and reach the Champions League final.

In manager Rafael Benitez's four seasons in charge of Liverpool they have not even scored a goal on Chelsea's ground.

But Gerrard shrugged off those damning statistics by saying: "We haven't gone there with Torres in our side before."

Liverpool have fired blanks on eight occasions at Stamford Bridge under Benitez - two Champions League 0-0 draws and a goalless Premier League game there this term are the best the Merseysiders have managed.

Now all that has to change if Liverpool are going to reach the European Cup final in Moscow on May 21.

Chelsea have only been beaten at home by Barcelona in those four seasons, having built Stamford Bridge into a fortress.

So after Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg 1-1 draw at Anfield between sides who have clashed 19 times during Benitez's four-year reign, Liverpool will have to re-write history.

Gerrard and his team suffered the agony of John Arne Riise's 95th minute own goal as a priceless victory was snatched from them.

And they have it all to do in the capital next Wednesday to stop Chelsea reaching their first European Cup final.

But Gerrard remained defiant, saying: "We have the players and the belief. We've done it so many times, this team never knows when it is beaten.

"We may not have scored or won at Chelsea in four years, but we haven't been there with Fernando in the team before.

"Even the two games there this season, the league draw and the Carling Cup defeat, Fernando wasn't playing."

Torres, who has 30 goals this season, had a rare off-night under the close attention of centre-back John Terry.

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech also produced two wonderful saves from the Spaniard to keep the west Londoners in the tie.

Dirk Kuyt put the hosts ahead in the first half, and Liverpool had enough clear chances to put the game beyond Chelsea long before Riise's howler.

Gerrard said: "Chelsea know they will be in for a tough time next week, there may be a little more space for Fernando, and I don't hear any of their players thinking it's all over.

"Torres can cause any defence problems. You saw that in the first leg. He was very disappointed not to score.

"We've been to Inter Milan and Arsenal in this season's run and scored. So I can't see why we cannot score at Stamford Bridge.

"We created the better chances at Anfield and I don't recall Pepe Reina having anything to do except pick the ball out of the net.

"Cech pulled off two or three fantastic saves and we believe that even if we had come off that pitch winning 1-0, it should have been at least 2-0 or 3-0."

With full-back Fabio Aurelio now out for at least a fortnight with a recurrence of his abductor muscle injury, Riise will almost certainly have to play from the start in the second leg.

But Gerrard had words of encouragement for his Norwegian team-mate, whose future at Anfield has been in doubt for some months.

Gerrard said: "John has been here a long time and done great things for this club and as captain I cannot point any fingers. But we've got to get John's head right, because he will have an important job to play next week."

Centre-back Jamie Carragher also refused to blame Riise for Liverpool's last-ditch anguish.

The defender, who fought a tremendous running battle with Didier Drogba, said: "There is no blame attached to John because there's a couple of things we could have done to stop the cross coming into the box.

"It is a team game and we are all in it together. It affects all of us and we have got to move on now.

"We know it is going to be tough. There is a slight advantage to them now. But if we get a goal, it's advantage Liverpool.

"So we have got to go there and score with time to get another one. They are very tough defensively so it is going to be hard to score, but it's about time we did there.

"It is a different scenario now. We go there knowing we have got to score, so it is a different mentality altogether now."

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(Soccer365.com) AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi will stand down from his post at the club when he is invested as Italian president later this month.

The Italian media magnate is set to begin his third stint in office after winning the Italian general elections earlier in April.

Berlusconi has been president of the Milan giants since 1986, during which time he has held office as president of Italy twice.

But on Wednesday the president-elect told Italian radio station Radio Radio sport and politics were not compatible.

"Unfortunately I now have to step down from my role as president of Milan," he said.

"I believe that is incompatible with my role as president of Italy."

Berlusconi also revealed his government had no plans to set up a ministry of sport to control sporting matters in Italy.

"There will be no ministry of sport," he said. "As far as sport is concerned there is a fundamental principle that I have always followed: that it be totally and absolutely independent.

"Politics has to remain separate from sport, therefore there will not be any ministry.

"Sport has its own authorities and they should govern it democratically with everyone within them elected from those involved in all sports."

Berlusconi stepped down once before as president of the Rossoneri, in 2004, but reassumed his position in 2006 when he lost the general election to outgoing Italian president Romano Prodi.

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(Soccer365.com) Chelsea striker Didier Drogba says his side have nothing to be scared of ahead of their Champions League showdown with Liverpool.

The two rivals lock horns in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third time in four seasons in Tuesday night's first leg at Anfield.

Liverpool are hoping to complete a hat-trick of successes against Chelsea at the last four stage, but Drogba insists the Blues will be going to Anfield to win.

Drogba is expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the last few games and the Ivory Coast ace believes Chelsea hold all the aces with the second leg to come at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm not in the least bit worried about them," Drogba told The Sun.

"They may have beaten us in the last two Euro semis but this Chelsea team is perfectly capable of winning at Anfield.

"And how absolutely beautiful that would be!

"The key is to get hold of the tie at Anfield from the start.

"And I think it's also vital that this semi will be decided at Stamford Bridge, which neither of our two previous defeats to Liverpool have been.

"Their manager Rafa Benitez is clever at putting out a team which is fresh for the Champions League because they have such a big squad. Just look at the way they were almost out at 2-2 against Arsenal in the quarter-final.

But they shocked everyone with two goals in six minutes.

"But we've been visualizing lifting the trophy for so many seasons. Now we believe we can make it reality."

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(Soccer365.com) Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has warned his team-mates Lionel Messi could wreck their hopes of making the Champions League final.

The two Argentina team-mates will come face to face on Wednesday when United take on Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Nou Camp.

Tevez warmed up for the match by scoring the equaliser in United's 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday, while Messi was rested by Barcelona for their game with Espanyol.

Tevez, though, is looking forward to playing against his international team-mate at the Nou Camp.

He told Radio Mitre: "I am happy that Messi will play because this is a very important match.

"It is like a final played in advance. Everybody knows Messi is very fast and is always crucial in these type of matches. He can define games in just five or 10 minutes."

Looking beyond the tie, Tevez also denied he told Argentina coach Alfio Basile not to consider him for the World Cup qualifying match against Brazil on June 18.

The 24-year-old is unable to play against Ecuador four days earlier, as he is suspended, but dismissed speculation he did not want to play through fatigue.

He said: "I want to talk to Basile. They are saying that I withdrew because I was physically tired but people know what I feel for the national shirt.

"If we beat Barcelona, the Champions League final is on May 23. The Brazil match is on June 18, so I will have more than 20 days to recover. It is a derby and everybody knows how we live for these type of matches."

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(Soccer365.com) Samuel Eto'o has warned Barcelona he will seek pastures new if they fail to make an improved challenge for silverware next season.

Saturday's goalless draw against Espanyol has all but ended Barca's hopes of winning the Primera Liga title while they need to get past in-form Manchester United if they are to reach the Champions League final.

Should they fail in both those objectives then it will be a second successive season without a major trophy for the Catalan giants, and Eto'o admits he will look to leave if things do not change next season, with a different country looking his likely destination.

"At Barcelona and in Spain I have reached the top," Eto'o was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca.

"If next year we continue the same without winning titles here, I will have to go to another place because what I want is to win titles."

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(Soccer365.com) Ronaldinho's proposed transfer to AC Milan appears to have stalled after the Serie A side failed to agree a fee with Barcelona.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani admitted preliminary discussions for a player had not been successful.

"Yesterday (Saturday) we had a conference call but the figures have not been right," Galliani told Sky Italia after Milan's 5-1 win over Reggina.

"Maybe Ronaldinho won't come."

Robert De Assis, Ronaldinho's brother and agent, has agreed personal terms with the Milan.

But there is competition from city rivals Internazionale and Premier League outfit Manchester City.

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(Soccer365.com) PSV Eindhoven won a fourth successive Eredivisie title with a 1-0 victory at Vitesse Arnhem on Sunday.

A point would have been enough for PSV to secure their 21st Dutch title, but former Vitesse striker Danko Lazovic struck two minutes after half-time to secure victory over his old club.

The hosts' misery was compounded when Sebastien Sansoni was sent off in the 77th minute.

Tension was running high during the match as PSV knew that defeat would spell the end of their title dreams if Ajax beat lowly Heracles Almelo.

Vitesse should have taken the lead in the eighth minute as Santi Kolk made a great run through the PSV defence before finding himself one-on-one with PSV goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes but he blazed over the bar from 10 yards out.

As news began to filter through that Ajax were winning comfortably, PSV began to up the pressure.

The visitors almost took the lead just before half-time as a corner was sent into a crowded penalty area.

Ibrahim Afellay managed to get on to the end of it but there were too many bodies between him and goal and his shot brushed past the right upright.

But the Eredivisie leaders got the goal they needed two minutes after the break.

Timmy Simons threaded the ball through to Lazovic and the Serb, finding himself one-on-one with Vitesse keeper Piet Velthuizen, calmly placed the ball into the back of the net to send the PSV fans into raptures.

Vitesse tried in vain to equalise with their best opportunity coming on the hour mark as Kolk embarrassingly blazed over from five yards out.

And PSV knew the title was all but wrapped up when Sansoni was sent off 13 minutes from time for a second bookable offence after tackling Simons from behind.

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(Soccer365.com) Lyon striker Karim Benzema has set his sights on winning the domestic double after firing his side into the semi-finals of the Coupe de France.

The France international scored the only goal of the game - a clinical finish from 12 yards - as Les Gones defeated fellow Ligue 1 side Metz 1-0 in a hard-fought last-eight match at the Stade Gerland on Tuesday.

Lyon, who are four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and closing in on a seventh successive title, join Amiens in the semis after the second division side beat Dijon 1-0 at home.

And Benzema said: "Even if a seventh title remains the priority, I hope we are going to claim the first-ever (league and cup) double won by the club.

"Of course I am delighted to score but we mustn't forget Gregory Coupet's amazing performance."

Indeed, the France goalkeeper was Lyon's man of the match, saving a series of shots in the second half as Metz poured forward in search of an equaliser.

Les Messins, who have already been relegated to Ligue 2, now have little to play for between now and the end of the season.

Coupet admitted he was alarmed at the way his team folded after the break.

"We tried really hard, but we submitted to them in the second half," said the custodian, whose side have picked up just one point from the last two league games.

"I am worried. It isn't good enough for us to go from dominating a match to looking feeble.

"If we want to win the title and the Coupe de France, we are going to have to tighten up and look at a lot of videos to see where it is not working.

"We must play better as a team."

Metz coach Yvon Pouliquen was left to rue another missed opportunity.

"That's the third match in a row that we have shown we are capable of competing with teams who are judged better than us," he said.

"The result is frustrating, having seen how many chances we created."

Roy Contout scored the only goal of the game for Amiens, who have qualified for the semi-finals for the third time.

"It really is a great pleasure to be there," said coach Ludovic Batelli.

"We are following a dream and we must continue to the end.

"We are waiting calmly for the draw and we are simply hoping for a home tie."

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(Soccer365.com) Legendary Argentina star Diego Maradona has compared Atletico Madrid winger Sergio Aguero to himself.

Aguero is the boyfriend of Maradona's daughter Giannina and the 1986 World Cup winner is pleased with the match.

"I'm proud of him because he is a wonderful boy," Maradona told Mananas Informales on Channel 13 in Buenos Aires.

"He looks like me when I was a player. He is strong, with thick legs. I took notice of that when I was in Spain.

"He uses his body a lot to shield the ball. Against Valencia, he scored a great goal."

Maradona added he wants stay in the Olympic village when he attends this summer's Games in Beijing.

He said: "I'd love to live with the athletes every day. I'd love to cheer (Argentina basketball star) Manu Ginobili."

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(Soccer365.com) Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes that the Primera Liga is stronger than the Premier League.

Three English teams have reached the semi-finals of this season's Champions League, but Torres insists that the Spanish top-flight is the best in Europe.

Torres joined Liverpool last summer from Atletico Madrid and has made a superb start to life in England as he scored his 30th goal in all competitions in the Reds' 3-1 win over Blackburn on Sunday.

And Torres has hinted that he has found it easy to acclimatise to his career in England, when compared to his days in Spain.

"In England the top four are better than the ones in Spain, above all when it comes to consistency," Torres told Radio Marca.

"Apart from that, the rest of the teams in the Primera Liga are stronger as they have more quality."

Torres has also admitted that he is enjoying the patience afforded by English supporters.

"The fans aren't on top of you all the time here, they give you time, they get behind you but don't suffocate you. I'm very happy here," Torres added.

And the Spanish international has also indicated that he would rather face Barcelona in the final of this season's Champions League, than meet domestic rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool take on Chelsea in their semi-final, with the first leg at Anfield on 22nd April, while United are due to face Barcelona and Torres is in no doubt over who he would rather face in the final in Moscow.

"The people here (in England) would prefer to face Manchester United, but I think it would be great to take on Barcelona," Torres concluded.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan "have an advantage" over Inter in the race to sign Ronaldinho, according to the player's agent and brother, Roberto de Assis.

AC Milan made their interest in the Barcelona star known at the beginning of April when both coach Carlo Ancelotti and club president Silvio Berlusconi announced their intentions to bring him to the San Siro at the end of the season.

More recently neighbours Inter have joined the hunt, with their president Massimo Moratti warning on Sunday "if the market is open to Milan it is open to us too".

Speaking to French TV station Canal+ on Sunday De Assis reiterated that no deal had yet been done between Milan and Barcelona, but said the Rossoneri remain in the driving seat of any possible deal.

"Milan are enthusiastic about the signing of Ronaldinho," he said.

"People are a lot more together on where we stand for next season, but that's not to say the deal is done.

"At the moment we (Ronaldinho and De Assis) have a contract with Barca and we can't say the move is definite. But Milan have an advantage."

Milan seemed to be at a distinct disadvantage following their 3-2 defeat to Juventus on Saturday which left them four points adrift of the final Champions League spot in Serie A.

Inter, meanwhile, are four points clear of Roma at the top of the league and are certain to be in Europe's top competition next season.

But De Assis allayed Milan's fears that Champions League football may sway his brother's decision, saying on Saturday: "Ronaldinho would like to play for a big club and Milan are certainly in that category."

Milan technical director Adriano Galliani also confirmed on Saturday that negotiations with the player were moving along well while a deal with his club was yet to be struck.

He announced: "There's an agreement with Ronaldinho, but we still lack an agreement with Barcelona."

According to both Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport and Spain's Marca newspapers, an offer of 20 million euros has been made by Milan, while Marca add that Barca have returned that with a counter-offer of 30 million euros.

Whichever Milan club he choices, it now seems highly likely that he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

When asked by Canal+ if his brother was happy at Barca, De Assis replied: "There's respect. I'm not saying there's happiness, but there's respect.

"It is not only a bad season for Ronaldinho, but for all the team. It isn't a nice situation, but that's how it is."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford that ended the Gunners' Premier League title hopes.

Owen Hargreaves struck a glorious free-kick winner in the 72nd minute after Cristiano Ronaldo had brought the Red Devils back into the game from the penalty spot.

But this was the stuff of nightmares for Arsenal who had taken the lead through Emmanuel Adebayor.

They are now nine points behind United with only four games to go and it will need a miracle for them to overcome the deficit.

However, despite being knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool in midweek, they showed little signs of a hangover in the first half.

Arsenal enjoyed a lot of possession, stretched United and will feel they could have made the breakthrough.

Adebayor rattled in a shot that Rio Ferdinand did well to deflect to safety before Ji-Sung Park glanced a header wide of the post following a cross from Hargreaves.

It was end-to-end stuff at this stage of the game and Adebayor sent his shot into Edwin van der Sar's arms following a one-two with Cesc Fabregas.

Then Wayne Rooney went close in a swift counter-attack in what was developing into an open game.

Rooney almost made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute only to see his effort scrambled away at the near post after Ronaldo had created the opening.

Alexander Hleb then released Adebayor 13 minutes later. He had a clear sight of goal but only succeeded in sending his effort into Van der Sar's arms.

United hit back and Rooney got away from Kolo Toure a minute later and fired in a shot. However, Jens Lehmann stuck out his leg and steered the ball away for a corner to Arsenal's relief.

Fabregas then got away down the left for Arsenal and tried to pick out Adebayor at the back post but van der Sar was alert and made the interception.

Arsenal made the breakthrough in the 48th minute thanks to good work from Robin van Persie.

He got clear down the left and delivered a quick cross into the area.

While Ferdinand and Michael Carrick hesitated, Adebayor got beyond them to direct the ball into the net, though there was a suspicion that he used his hand rather than his head.

Either way, it was his 26th goal of the season and just the boost Arsenal were looking for.

They almost added a second a minute later when van der Sar was forced to make a smart save and prevent an own goal from Ferdinand after he got his bearings wrong following a cross from Adebayor.

United drew level, however, thanks to Ronaldo's 38th goal of a remarkable season from the penalty spot in the 54th minute.

William Gallas was adjudged to have handled Carrick's shot and referee Howard Webb had no hesitation in the pointing to the spot.

Ronaldo lashed his penalty into the top corner only for Webb to order him to retake it after spotting an infringement.

Such is Ronaldo's confidence, however, he again made no mistake to bring United level at 1-1.

Carlos Tevez then went close to giving United the lead after stepping off the bench, his 30-yard shot go narrowly wide in the 65th minute.

Arsenal swept forward again though in the 68th minute and Wes Brown's attempted clearance from Gael Clichy's cross came back off the post.

Hargreaves then gave United the lead with a superb free-kick.

With the Arsenal defence perhaps expecting a Ronaldo thunderbolt, the former Bayern Munich man curled his effort up and over the wall and beyond Lehmann.

It was only Hargreaves' second goal since his £17million move from the Bundesliga in the summer and it was one to savour.

Arsenal were stung after seeing United suddenly regain the ascendancy, knowing their title hopes were fading fast.

They kept driving forward in the hope of securing a point at least but it was all to no avail.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed he plans to open talks with Chelsea in a bid to take Andriy Shevchenko back to the San Siro.

The Ukraine striker has struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge since moving to England from Milan in 2006.

Galliani is keen to see him return and possibly form a strike partnership with Ronaldinho, whose agent is in talks with the Rossoneri over a summer move from Barcelona.

"It's possible that he (Shevchenko) will also arrive," said Galliani. "We will talk to Chelsea."

Shevchenko spent seven years with Milan and was the club's second all-time goalscorer when he left for London.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed he has been contacted about coaching Mexico.

Previous incumbent Hugo Sanchez was sacked last month and, with Scolari's contract up at the end of Euro 2008, the Mexico Football Federation are keen to make Scolari their next coach.

But the Brazilian insisted he was focused on this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

He said: "I am a football coach and I was very happy when I heard the news.

"However, I am attached to the Portuguese national team and I will decide everything in the future."

Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre and former Argentina head coach Jose Pekerman, currently managing Mexican side Toluca, are also on the list of candidates to succeed Sanchez.

Jesus Ramirez is in temporary charge.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United progressed to a Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona after Roma were beaten 1-0 on the night, 3-0 on aggregate.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had to survive a major scare in the first-half when Daniele De Rossi blasted a penalty high over the bar. But the Premier League champions moved through to the last four with relative ease, especially after Carlos Tevez headed them into a 1-0 lead on the night in the 70th minute, increasing their aggregate advantage to 3-0.

With Sunday's visit of Arsenal in mind, a much-changed United started positively and could have put the tie beyond the Romans before the ten-minute mark.

Park Ji Sung dragged wide in the sixth minute before Carlos Tevez miscued a header wide a minute later.

Wes Brown was also off-target with a free-header from Ryan Giggs' corner before the Welshman put Owen Hargreaves through on goal in the tenth minute. Goalkeeper Doni was up to the task though, making a fine block as the England midfielder attempted to chip home.

Mirko Vucinic had the visitors' first chance when his angled drive was blocked by Edwin van der Sar before Mancini's low effort from outside the box was also saved by the Dutch stopper.

Hargreaves was in fine form and he provided the ammunition from the right-hand side for Giggs and Anderson, who both drew fine saves from Doni but United were stunned in the 29th minute when Roma were awarded their penalty.

Mancini ran at Brown in the United box before the England full-back slid in with a challenge, seemingly winning the ball cleanly. The referee, who had a perfect view of tackle, thought otherwise and awarded Roma a spot-kick.

Justice was done however when De Rossi blasted high over the bar into the Stretford End, much to United's relief.

Marco Cassetti was inches away from pouncing on a rebound after Van der Sar had fumbled Vucinic's long-range shot early in the second half before Mikael Silvestre, on his return from a serious knee injury, made a fine block from Taddei's goal-bound shot as Luciano Spalletti's side looked to give themselves a lifeline.

The tie was over though in the 70th minute when Tevez headed United in front.

Hargreaves, who had provided several wonderful crosses throughout the night, delivered again from the right, and Tevez stooped to head past Doni to ensure United's passage through to the semi-finals.

With progression assured, Ferguson took the chance to hand Gary Neville a comeback from the ankle injury which has kept him out for the last 13 months. The United skipper took back the armband for the last ten minutes as the Red Devils saw out their record 11th-consecutive Champions League victory.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard described his performance against Arsenal as one of his worst for Liverpool - but said he knew he would convert his penalty.

Gerrard netted his side's crucial third goal from the spot to earn Liverpool a third Champions League semi-final meeting with Chelsea in the last four years.

He told ITV1: "That was possibly one of the worst performances I've ever put in in a Liverpool shirt.

"But I still had the confidence to score the penalty."

On an epic night at Anfield, Arsenal deservedly led through Abou Diaby before Sami Hyypia levelled.

Fernando Torres put Liverpool in front only for a superb Theo Walcott run to set up Emmanuel Adebayor to level on the night and put the Gunners ahead on away goals.

But substitute Ryan Babel was brought down in the box almost immediately with Gerrard scoring and the Dutchman netted a fourth as Liverpool won 4-2 on the night and to clinch the quarter-final 5-3 on aggregate.

Asked how the match compared to other Anfield nights of drama, Gerrard said: "That's up there with them.

"Arsenal are a fantastic team. A times today, they passed us of the pitch.

"In the end we've come through.

"It was a great team performance tonight."

Asked if he thought Liverpool were worthy winners, Gerrard was diplomatic, saying: "It's difficult to say because it would be unfair on Arsenal.

"But over two legs we're a match for anyone."

The skipper paid tribute to the club's fans.

"If those fans perform like that, it's a big help to us and other teams find it impossible," he said.

Those sentiments were echoed by Babel, who said: "They pulled out another level.

"It's like you play with 12 men."

The Dutchman insisted he was fouled for the penalty, saying: "They held me a little bit and they tried to take a chunk of me.

"I had a feeling to create something.

"If they take that away from me then I think it's a penalty."

Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn on the fact Arsenal saw two penalty appeals of their own waved away in the previous two matches at Emirates Stadium.

He hailed his players' "confidence and belief".

"We were losing, we drew and afterwards we were losing again," he said.

"We knew we need to work really hard and try and do the right things.

"At the end of the day, you must win, and we won."

Of the prospect of another semi-final against Chelsea, Benitez said: "We will try to enjoy it and after we will think about Chelsea."

Gerrard added: "We've got some big games coming up but we'll be ready for Chelsea."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho has been ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury, the club have confirmed.

The 28-year-old limped out of training on Thursday evening and also missed the session on Friday morning, and scans on Friday afternoon confirmed the Brazilian had suffered a pull in the adductor of his right thigh.

With just eight games left in the Primera Liga season, Ronaldinho will miss the bulk of the remaining matches.

It would also mean the Brazilian would miss the Champions League semi-finals, which could yet be against Ronaldinho's former suitors Manchester United.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea handed the advantage to Fenerbahce in their Champions League quarter-final after surrending a lead to lose the first leg 2-1 in Turkey.

Deivid's early own goal put Chelsea in charge and Avram Grant's side went on to squander numerous chances to put the tie beyond doubt.

However, Didier Drogba was among those culpable in front of goal and the Blues were made to pay as Colin Kazim-Richards and Deivid - this time at the right end - scored to earn Fener a shock success.

Chelsea will still be confident going into next week's return at Stamford Bridge but they will be well aware that they have made things tough for themselves.

There was a slow start to action in the intimidating atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium but Chelsea went ahead in the 13th minute when Florent Malouda's low cross was diverted into the home net by Deivid.

Essien could have doubled the lead five minutes later but his 30-yard drive, swerving away from the goalkeeper, hit the crossbar.

Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard sent headers wide soon after as Chelsea continued to dominate, while the former was also denied by a decent save from goalkeeper Volkan Demirel.

Drogba missed another chance after going clean through in the 34th minute; the Ivory Coast striker firing wide when several team-mates were better placed to finish.

And Chelsea were almost made to pay for their profligacy at the start of the second half when Alex glanced just wide from the hosts' best opportunity of the match.

Michael Ballack saw a 25-yard effort beaten away by Demirel in the 57th minute but the Blues increasingly found themselves on the back foot and Fenerbahce deservedly drew level through Kazim-Richards in the 64th minute.

The former Brighton and Sheffield United striker - famously dubbed the Coca Cola kid - had only been on the pitch 10 minutes when he latched onto Mehmet Aurelio's through-ball and smashed home past Carlo Cudicini.

Ballack forced Demirel into a good save almost immediately after as Chelsea sought an instant response but it was the hosts who went on to grab the third goal nine minutes from time.

Deivid had earlier put through his own net in bizarre circumstances but there was nothing strange about his goal at the right end with his 35 yard effort absolutely flying past Cudicini into the top corner.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool will fancy their chances of making the Champions League last four after earning a 1-1 draw at Arsenal in the quarter-final first leg.

Emmanuel Adebayor put the Gunners ahead in the 23rd minute but Dirk Kuyt drew Liverpool level just three minutes later and, despite dominating most of the game, Arsenal Wenger's side could not find a second goal at the Emirates Stadium.

The two sides meet in north London again in the Premier League on Saturday before action switches to Anfield next Tuesday for the return leg of this finely-balanced tie.

There was a predictably tentative start to action but Jose Reina almost presented Arsenal with the opening goal in the sixth minute when he came rushing out of his goal as Adebayor surged clear.

The Togo striker got to the ball first but Reina - still outside of the box - managed to block his attempted cross with an outstretched leg.

Robin van Persie missed a good chance on 20 minutes when he volleyed Mathieu Flamini's chip over the bar from eight yards, and the striker was denied again three minutes later when Reina tipped his low 20-yard effort around the post.

Arsenal did not have to wait long to take the lead, though, as Adebayor headed in the resulting corner after finding space in the box.

Liverpool hit back immediately, drawing level in the 26th minute when Steven Gerrard drove past two players into the box before delivering a low cross that Kuyt stabbed home after getting ahead of Gael Clichy and Phillippe Senderos.

Ryan Babel tested Manuel Almunia from 20 yards before half-time as Rafa Benitez's side sought an even more crucial second goal, while Theo Walcott, introduced as a half-time substitute, curled an effort inches wide 10 minuets into the second period.

A superb move involving Adebayor and Walcott presented Emmanuel Eboue with an opportunity in the 65th minute but the wideman was stretching and his flick towards goal was cleared.

The ball was soon back with Alex Hleb, though, and he thought he had won Arsenal a penalty when he appeared to be pulled back in the box by Kuyt, with the referee instead pointing for a corner kick.

It was almost one-way traffic now and Liverpool had an unbelievable let-off in the 71st minute when Nicklas Bendtner - only just on as a substitute for Eboue - got in the way of Fabregas' shot on the line after Reina had punched Adebayor's cross straight to the midfielder in the box.

The visitors managed to hold on, though, and they will now count themselves as favorites going into next week's return leg at Anfield.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United were well worth their victory in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Roma.

Ronaldo's brilliant header put United on their way to a 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico, with Wayne Rooney netting the second.

"It's a very good performance. Everyone knows it's a tough game. Roma played very well, but we created a few chances," Ronaldo said on ITV1.

"I think we deserved this win."

Of his 36th goal of an incredible season, the Portugal star added: "It's a good header, and I feel very happy because I scored the goal and I helped the team."

Ronaldo was quick to praise United's defence of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown.

He said: "Rio, Vid and Pat and everyone played very well."

The winger believes United now have a fantastic opportunity to win the whole competition.

"I think we have a great chance. The team played fantastic. The team is more mature," he said.

"Of course, Manchester United want to win this season."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted the victory was far from comfortable, despite the scoreline.

"It's a very good team we played against of course," he said. "We had to defend really well at times.

"We had some lucky breaks in the second half - they could have scored a couple."

Ferguson admitted to a tactical mistake, saying: "I should have put Wayne Rooney through the middle quicker. I waited too long."

But he was nevertheless delighted with the result.

"We didn't lose a goal, which was really vital," he said. "It's a fantastic scoreline for us and I'm very, very pleased."

The one concern for United was an injury to Vidic, who was substituted in the first half.

"It's a knee injury," Ferguson revealed. "We're just praying it's not anything other than a nerve injury."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) In-form striker Fernando Torres says Liverpool are full of confidence heading into their Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal.

The Spain international has scored 11 goals in his last 10 matches - including the winner in Sunday's Merseyside derby - and has found the net four times in his previous four European outings.

Torres has 28 goals for the season and would dearly like to score at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to give Liverpool an important advantage heading into the second leg of the quarter-final tie.

"The first game at the Emirates will be very difficult. The most important thing is to score - if we score it is very good for the Anfield game but Arsenal play very well and it is very difficult to win," he said.

"They won a very difficult game on Saturday (beating Bolton 3-2 with 10 men) but we have confidence again now and we have the confidence to go and win against Arsenal."

The team produced the perfect response to the defeat to Manchester United a week last Sunday by claiming derby day bragging rights thanks to Torres' solitary strike.

And that goal, which saw him become only the fifth player in the club's history to score in six successive home games, has boosted the Spaniard ahead of Tuesday's crucial encounter.

"Whenever you have a bad result, you need a big game with a good result," added the 24-year-old.

"Every player is over the Manchester United result and the important thing is to win.

"Now we have an important game coming against Arsenal and six games in the league."

If there is anything Torres needs to add to what has been a stunning debut season in England it is the ability to score regularly away from home.

So far 19 of his 21 league goals have come at Anfield, with 15 of those coming in front of the Kop.

Torres admits he is more comfortable playing at home but cannot explain why.

"I always feel confident that I can score at Anfield. I've got 19 Premier League goals here now which is fantastic for me, and I seem to score most of those in front of the Kop," he said.

"I don't know why that is, but I'm always scoring at that end. It must be something about the stand, it is just different. I always feel confident when I'm facing that end of the pitch."

Despite the majority of Torres' goals coming at home, Liverpool's legendary record goalscorer Ian Rush believes the Spaniard has the necessary credentials to become feared across Europe.

"Torres has something that can make him really special," said Rush.

"When you've got pace and can kick with both feet, like he can, you are always going to cause the opposition problems.

"Defenders don't actually know which foot he is going to kick with. That's what makes him special. He has been a revelation."

Rush believes Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will play his usual tactical game against Arsenal and will probably look to win the tie back at Anfield.

"I think the game will be really tight and Liverpool will have the advantage simply because of the second leg," he told UEFA's website.

"I think they will go to Arsenal in the first game and just try to contain them. If you let Arsenal play, they're a joy to watch and I feel Liverpool's job will be to try and stop them playing.

"If they can get a draw, I think they can win back at Anfield. The atmosphere and the support Liverpool will have there will give them a head start."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)