Chelsea striker Didier Drogba reckons the Blues now have the mental edge over their rivals in the race for the Premier League title.

The Blues restored their advantage over Manchester United to five points with an impressive 3-0 win at Arsenal, which leaves the Gunners some 11 points off the pace, albeit having played a match less.

Drogba - whose brace at Emirates Stadium continued his fine form against Arsene Wenger's side - believes victories over all three of their traditional rivals this season, without conceding, shows Carlo Ancelotti's men have the making of champions.

"Arsenal played their game, but we were stronger than them," said the Ivory Coast international, who now has 10 goals in 11 games against the Gunners.

"Every time we had the chance to score we did. We took our chances.

"Physically we defended well and were really strong, mentally as well.

"I don't know about Arsenal, but it is our strength to perform when it matters.

"Even against Manchester United, when the game was really difficult, we won.

"We know how to go through difficult periods when the game is hard.

"That is why when we get a chance we know how important it is to score."

Despite confidence in his teammates, Drogba, 31, knows full well the battle for the championship is not yet won.

However, looking down on the rest of the chasing pack rather than playing catch-up makes a big difference.

"The lead is not enough, but at the same time it's a good gap. We have to keep winning our games," said Drogba, one of several Chelsea players who will be away at the African Nations Cup during January.

"When you are top of the league, it is good - the others have to chase us. They have to produce and do more than us to win games.

"It is true that Manchester are still there.

"We were in their position last year, behind and chasing.

"It is very difficult and now they have to come and catch us.

"I hope we have the team to stay ahead for the rest of the season."

Chelsea certainly showed plenty of character at Emirates Stadium, weathering an early spell of pressure from the home side in a downpour.

Former Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole was resoundingly jeered every time he touched the ball, but had the last laugh at the final whistle.

Many Gunners fans have never forgiven the England international, who came up through the Highbury youth ranks, for the way in which he left to join Chelsea, and collect a much-bigger pay check, during August 2006 - a deal which saw defender William Gallas move in the opposite direction.

However, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, back from a thigh injury, is full of praise for Cole's determination, the defender having a hand in the opening two goals.

"I don't think booing ever works. I don't know when people will learn that it's not the way to do it," said Lampard, himself a target in the past for abuse from the terraces.

"I think the best thing is to stay quiet, watch the game and cheer on your own team.

"Putting all your efforts into just getting someone psyched up to do a good job against your team is obviously the wrong way to go about it."

Lampard added: "Ash is very experienced with dealing with it - he's had it a few times now and it obviously spurs him on to put in performances like he did.

"He's shown his quality for a long time. For probably the last two years he's been completely out on his own as the best left-back in the world."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas claims the 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico was 'unjust', and believes Real Madrid did enough to earn a draw.

The Catalans took all three points courtesy of a thumping second-half Zlatan Ibrahimovic volley, five minutes after coming off the bench, to send the Camp Nou into raptures.

Real were left cursing missed chances after their counter-attacking style opened up Barca on numerous occasions, especially in the first half when Cristiano Ronaldo could only fire straight at Victor Valdes with the goal at his mercy.

Barca captain Carles Puyol was inspired with three last-ditch blocks helping to preserve the hosts' lead after midfielder Sergi Busquets was sent off close to the hour mark for two bookable offenses.

"The defeat in Barcelona was unjust," Casillas said. "We have created the best chances. The chance for Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half was decisive.

"If Real obtain the lead then the situation would have been different. We deserved a draw.

"Barcelona capitalized with a great strike by Ibrahimovic. Now Barca is the leader in the table but La Liga is a very long season."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Andes Iniesta was left incensed after Cristiano Ronaldo told him to stop diving during Barcelona's win over rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.

The midfielder fell to the ground rather easily twice in the first half with the second time meriting a response from the former Manchester United winger.

However, Iniesta questioned whether the 24-year-old was the best person to offer advice on diving considering his own sketchy record of staying on his feet.

In the end Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench early in the second half and scored the only goal of the game at Camp Nou just five minutes after being introduced.

"It annoyed me that Cristiano told me not to dive because he is not exactly the best person to tell anyone that," the Barca ace told Onda Cero radio station.

"He should not be telling anyone whether they dived or not."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Barcelona full-back Eric Abidal claimed the impressive 2-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan was the team's best performance of the season.

Barca were facing possible elimination heading into Tuesday night's fixtures, where a home defeat to Group F leaders Inter combined with a Rubin Kazan victory over Dynamo Kiev in the evening's earlier match would have sent the defending champions tumbling out.

However, Pep Guardiola's side produced a classy display to see off the runaway Serie A pacesetters thanks to early goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro Rodriguez, and they are now two points clear at the top of the standings and close to a place in the last 16.

Abidal, who returned to the team after last week being struck down with swine flu, said: "We've played very well and we've won. We have high-quality players and great replacements who can help a lot. We've done our best work of the season."

Making Barca's performance even more impressive was the fact they were without key attacking duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, both of whom had been struggling with injuries in the lead-up to the match and, although they were named on the bench, played no part.

Yaya Toure was also missing having also contracted swine flu, while defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy was ineligible to play.

Midfielder Xavi said of the win: "We've felt very superior to Inter. We've dominated and we've always believed in ourselves. In general terms, it's been a great match (by Barca).

"The team have overcome their absences and have shown that we have an extraordinary squad."

The victory will also have boosted confidence ahead of this weekend's 'El Clasico' against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Madrid travel to Barcelona having replaced the reigning Primera Division champions in top spot last weekend.

A 1-0 win over Racing Santander, combined with Barca's 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao, saw Manuel Pellegrini's men climb from second place to a point above their arch rivals.

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes said on his club's website: "For the week that we have, the win (over Inter) was very important. We have gained a lot of confidence and morale.

"We've played pretty spectacular football."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is confident the Champions League holders will not crash out of the competition at the group stage.

The Spanish giants are in serious danger of becoming the first Champions League holders to go out at the first stage, as Group F is delicately poised with all four teams having a chance of progressing.

Barcelona face group leaders Inter Milan on Tuesday at the Nou Camp knowing defeat to Jose Mourinho's men and a win for Rubin Kazan over Dynamo Kiev would see them drop out of Europe's premier competition.

However Messi, who faces a late fitness test on a thigh problem ahead of the Inter game, is adamant Barca will prevail in the group.

"We have a very difficult group full of tricky games," Messi told Sky Sports News. "We had a very bad game and also bad luck at home against Rubin Kazan and that complicated the whole campaign.

"Now it is do or die.

"There are only two games to go and the good thing is that we are still relying on our own results so I remain positive."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe believes winning the Golden Boot this season will help his side qualify for the Champions League.

The 27-year-old leads the scoring charts after his five goals in the 9-1 demolition of Wigan on Sunday, taking his Premier League tally to 11 and moving Spurs back into the top four.

England boss Fabio Capello has warmed to Defoe so a ticket to the World Cup next year looks increasingly likely - and by that time the former Portsmouth striker hopes to be preparing to face the best at club level too.

"I'd like the Golden Boot as it would be my first," he said. "I'd like (Tottenham) to finish fourth to be honest, it would be fantastic for the club.

"I always watch football and I always watch Champions League games. It's a competition where you're playing against the best. I'd be playing against the best defenders in the world in a great competition."

With Defoe, Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch providing the goals for boss Harry Redknapp, there is genuine hope at White Hart Lane of staying in the top four if their strikers keep scoring.

"In my first season here I got 22," Defoe said. "I just want to keep doing it. At the end of the day it's good for the club if I score goals because it means we are winning games.

"It's the World Cup year and that is at the back of your mind but it's important to focus on your club, keep your head down and give yourself the best opportunity to get on the plane. That is all I can do."

Defoe has scored goals throughout his career but Redknapp has noticed a difference this year. His striker broke his foot in January and used the time on the sidelines to bulk up his upper-body strength.

When he returned to action he continued with his usual extra finishing practice after training, helped by former Spurs strikers Les Ferdinand and Clive Allen, who are now coaches at the club. Defoe also studies footage of ex-strikers such as Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.

"I always do my finishing after training so when I get in that situation on match day I'm familiar with it and can take the chance," Defoe said.

"Every day for about 20 minutes a few of the boys stay behind with Les Ferdinand and Clive Allen. I watched some of Clive's goals on youtube and it's important to do that to learn.

"He got 49 goals in one season and that is unbelievable. If I did that I don't know what I'd do. It was harder playing up there on your own like he did. He's still got it and can still finish now.

"I've spoken to all the great strikers over the years like Les and Ian Wright. Wrighty tells me that no matter how many you score, always try to get another right until the final whistle. I've got that mentality now to try to get more."

That was the case against Wigan, with Defoe scoring his first goals since his dismissal against Portsmouth.

After 15 goals for club and country this season, it appears that only self-destruction could prevent Defoe from his World Cup place - but he insists he has learned from his red card for retaliation.

"The manager said what he said," added Defoe, who famously missed out on the World Cup in 2006. "When I got sent off I knew what I had done straight away and it was out of character. I can't remember the last time I was booked.

"It was important to come back like this because I owed something to the team. It was stupid and I shouldn't have got sent off.

"I was lucky because I only missed two weeks. At the end of the day it was out of character and when that happens it is not a big issue."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks to a second shootout victory in nine days, Real Salt Lake won their first MLS Cup, defeating the favored Los Angeles Galaxy after 120 minutes of play ended with the score tied 1-1.

Mike Magee put the Galaxy up in the 41st minute, only to have Robbie Findley scramble home a loose ball to equalize in the 64th minute.

A see-saw penalty kicks session saw RSL keeper Nick Rimando save twice and L.A. star Landon Donovan fire over, allowing defender Robbie Russell to bury the title clincher in the seventh round of kicks.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni concedes it will be "impossible" to replay his side's World Cup play-off with France but the FAI is holding out hope after requesting the FIFA replay the match.

Ireland’s World Cup dreams ended in controversial circumstances after Thierry Henry handled the ball twice in the build-up to William Gallas' crucial goal in the 1-1 draw in Paris.

Henry admitted he handled the ball, but the incident went unnoticed by the officials and France progressed to next summer's finals in South Africa.

Trapattoni is resigned to the fact that the game will not be replayed and Ireland will miss out in playing in next summer's tournament.

Questioned about the prospect of asking for the game to be replayed, Trapattoni said:

"We know it will be impossible for the game against France to be replayed. All fans saw what happened on the pitch. I would only like to say I would like FIFA to explain how they selected the referee for this important game. For this important game we needed a stronger referee - an important referee."

The veteran Italian also believes FIFA need to change the structure of the play-off games.

"I would give the advice to FIFA - maybe in the future change the rules about the play-off. Play two games and at the end of 90 minutes - no extra-time.

"I think there are mistakes in life...I've seen many situations in football but change the rules. All sports lose credibility with this situation - it affects the integrity of the game.

"I will go to FIFA and advise them 'go straight to penalties'. It's better for football."

"For me it's bitter. There are many questions - they changed the rules about the seeded teams, then us playing away last. There are many doubts that have to be eliminated. Out of the non-seeded teams we were the only ones to play the second game away - why?"

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Republic of Ireland were eliminated from World Cup 2010 in very controversial fashion as Thierry Henry's handball earned France a 1-1 draw and a trip to South Africa.

Giovanni Trapattoni's team were beaten 1-0 in Dublin in the first leg of the qualifying play-off on Saturday, but they gave themselves every chance of going through when Robbie Keane put them ahead just after the half-hour mark at the Stade de France.

That was the way it stayed for the rest of normal time as the game went to extra time but William Gallas scored in the 104th minute after a blatant act of cheating from Henry, and Ireland were beaten.

Trapattoni kept faith with the 11 that ran France so close in the first leg and his players were a credit to him from the outset as they harried and hassled the home side and looked to get forward at every opportunity.

The French were forced into an early change when Julien Escude, only in the side because of an injury to Eric Abidal, had to be replaced by Sebastien Squillaci, but they were first to try their luck through Lassana Diarra and Thierry Henry's long-range efforts.

However, it was Ireland that created the best opening in the 27th minute and Kevin Doyle really should have done better than glance wide Liam Lawrence's superb cross into the box.

The visitors were on top by now, though, and it was no more than they deserved when Keane put them ahead six minutes later. Kevin Kilbane set Damien Duff away down the left and his cut-back was perfect for the Tottenham striker to convert from 12 yards.

Sean St Ledger got in the way of two shots to ensure Ireland took their lead into the interval, but they really should have extended it a couple of minutes into the second half when Lawrence expertly picked out John O'Shea from a free-kick wide on the left.

The Manchester United defender almost had too much time at the far post and, instead of heading across goal, he chested down and volleyed high over the bar from just a few yards out.

Nicolas Anelka eventually forced Shay Given into his first save of the night with a long-range effort in the 55th minute but the Republic continued to look the more likely to score and missed another clear-cut opportunity shortly after the hour mark.

Lawrence was again the architect, his through ball splitting the home defense and sending Duff clean through, but the winger failed to beat Hugo Lloris with his right-footed effort.

Henry then went straight up the end and forced Given into a good save, and the missed opportunity appeared to spur them on as Ireland, who brought on Darron Gibson for Glenn Whelan, were forced to defend in numbers.

Yet despite all of France's pressure it was the visitors that went closest to another goal 10 minutes from time, with Lawrence this time playing in Keane, who rounded Lloris but ran out of pitch with the net gaping.

Ireland had to weather a storm to take the game to extra time and things did not get any easier once it was underway, with Anelka firing inches wide of Given's post three minutes in.

Then, five minutes later, the Chelsea striker caused controversy when he went to ground after the slightest of touches from Given in an attempt to win a penalty.

Thankfully for the Irish, referee Martin Hansson was wise to the play acting, and the linesman was similarly eagle-eyed to spot Sidney Govou was offside when he volleyed home in the 103rd minute.

However, less than 60 seconds later Trapattoni and his players were badly let down by the officials. Florent Malouda lobbed a free-kick into the box, two French players were offside, but the real controversy came as Henry clearly handled not once but twice before squaring for Gallas to head in on the line.

How the infringement was not spotted is anyone's guess but furious Irish appeals fell on deaf ears and a second-half rally never materialized as France sealed their place in the 2010 World Cup.

(soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

With Cristiano Ronaldo out injured, Portugal took care of business and defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 to win the two leg playoff 2-0 on aggregate and book their ticket at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The match was played with rain on and off and on a rain-soaked torn up pitch. Nani stepped up as playmaker on the goal finding Raul Meireles, who hit a low shot to make it 1-0, in the 56th minute.

It was all over for the hosts when Sajed Salihovic was sent off in the 76th minute

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Algeria earned the final African qualifying spot in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa with their 1-0 win over Egypt. Antar Yahia hit a great volley five minutes before the halftime break for the difference.

The game was played to a capacity crowd filled the Khartoum Stadium in Sudan with 5,000 more fans eager to get in to see the match. The match was played in Sudan after incidents over player safety came up in the last match in Egypt.

The back-and-forth match saw each team create chances with Algeria narrowly edging out the Pharoahs.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

After a 16 year absence, Greece is headed back to the FIFA World Cup earning their berth with a 1-0 win over Ukraine on Wednesday evening at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk.

Dimitris Salpigidis scored the game’s only goal in the 31st minute.

The hard fought game was played in less than ideal conditions with a rain-soaked pitch causing both teams troubles but with the first leg in Athens ending 0-0 the advantage was to the home side.

After surviving some early chances, one from Ukraine skipper Andrei Shevchenko, Greece broke through for the winner. Salpigidis made a great run and received a through ball from Samaras and the Panathinaikos striker made no mistake with his opportunity beating goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov.

"I'm proud of my players. They put all of their heart and soul into today's match," said Greece coach Otto Rehhagel said on FIFA.com after the match. "It was really tough to contain Ukraine's attacks throughout the match but we did our best and luckily we managed to do it and achieve the desired result."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Inter Milan defender Maicon is poised to sign a new deal at the club, ending speculation he was set to move to England or Real Madrid.

The Brazilian's future at the San Siro has been the subject of conjecture in recent months with the likes of Real, Manchester City and Manchester United all linked with the right-back.

However, Inter are close to tying down the Maicon to a new long-term, according to the player's agent.

"It is practically a done deal," said agent Antonio Caliendo.

"It is basically what we expected and Inter paid special attention to his needs."

Maicon is expected to sign a two-year contract extension to keep him with the Nerazzurri until 2014.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Cristiano Ronaldo is desperate to face Barcelona and has set his sights on an imminent return to action.

The Real Madrid winger is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, with the problem initially picked up while Champions League duty against Marseille.

He then aggravated the injury while playing for Portugal in October and has been prevented from playing ever since.

The reigning World Player of the Year has missed crucial domestic and European fixtures for Real, while he is also set to sit out Portugal's World Cup qualifying play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ronaldo is, however, making steady progress in his return to full match fitness and admits he is hoping to be back in action in time for Real's 'El Clasico' encounter with arch-rivals Barca on November 29.

"Everything is going very well, I have started running again and I think I will start training with the team next week," he said.

"Of course I want to play against Barcelona, but I want to play again before then."

(soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Premier League clubs have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allow Celtic and Rangers to join the English top flight.

A proposal by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside to include the Old Firm clubs was rejected as neither "desirable or viable".

Other suggestions put forward by Gartside including having a two-tier Premier League will be fed into the league's ongoing strategic review.

The Premier League said in a statement: "Bolton Wanderers submitted a discussion paper detailing ideas concerning the restructuring of the Premier League into two tiers with the inclusion of Celtic and Rangers.

"The clubs welcomed the additional input into an ongoing process, however, they were of the opinion that bringing Celtic and Rangers into any form of Premier League set-up was not desirable or viable.

"The other relevant ideas contained within Bolton's paper will now be taken forward as part of the wider strategic review being undertaken by the Premier League since November 2008 with the aim of providing recommendations before December 2010."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insists the campaign for the Old Firm to be allowed to join the English top flight is over, saying: "No means no."

Scudamore told BBC Radio Five Live: "The clubs discussed this and, as far as Celtic and Rangers are concerned, it's a non-starter.

"The clubs constitutionally voted to say we are not going to take this any further.

"We have made a clear and unequivocal statement. No means no - Celtic and Rangers are not coming in."

(soccer365.com)

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

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed just how tough life can be under Sir Alex Ferguson, who he says is a "very complicated man".

In an in-depth interview with Portuguese newspaper 'I' - the United flyer reveals how quickly Ferguson can turn.

But he admits the boss does not just pick on certain players and that United legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are often on the end of his tirades.

"Ferguson is a very complicated man," he said. "He's tough. If things are all right, then they are all right. But when he thinks something is wrong, everything is screwed.

"He can go from complimenting you to just plain trashing you in a matter of minutes. Has it happened to me? Hell, yes! He'll say 'Nani, how could you miss this or this'?

"He shouts at players in front of everyone. No one escapes, everybody is the same. Giggs and Neville suffer most, because they have more experience. It is 'f***' here and 'f***' there."

And in what could rile Ferguson more than anything, Nani agreed with the interviewer that he was being a little 'mismanaged' by United.

"I think so, but there is still a long way in the championship remaining, but I did not play the important matches, against Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham," he said.

"Not playing these games, I am a bit sad - but I also played with an injury so let's see if things improve.

"People expect more from me and it's not easy. But they are also not doing what they said they were going to.

"I know it would be better if I scored more goals.

"I can have a spectacular game but nobody guarantees me I will be starting the next match. It shatters your confidence."

Despite some negative comments, Nani insisted he was not looking to leave Old Trafford.

"No, no," he said. "I don't even think about that."

(soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Charlie Davies has been released from the hospital after suffering severe injuries in the one car automobile accident on October 13. The U.S. national team forward still will require many months of rehabilitation.

“I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has dealt with me in the Hospital Center and NRH for really putting in the time to help me get better as a person and as an athlete," Davies said. "I continue to improve every day and I look forward to getting back on my feet and attacking rehabilitation. Thank you for everyone’s support, it really means a lot to me.”

Davies's doctor James DeBritz, director of orthopedic trauma at WHC said the following: “Charlie faces a long recovery from his orthopaedic injuries. It will take time and extensive physical therapy for his bones and soft tissue to heal. However, his overall health, age and positive attitude should help him to have a good outcome.”

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Fernando Torres has undergone tests at a Liverpool hospital on the serious groin injury which is threatening to ruin his season.

The Spanish striker played 87 minutes of Liverpool's 1-1 Champions League draw with Lyon on Wednesday, a result which virtually ends their hopes of progress from Group E into the last 16.

Torres played with pain throughout the match, before flying back with the Liverpool party on Thursday morning.

Later on Thursday he attended a Liverpool hospital where more tests were carried out on his injury.

Manager Rafael Benitez fears that Torres will eventually need an operation on what he describes as a "poor man's hernia."

However, Liverpool are loathe to go down that route until every other avenue has been explored.

If Torres has an operation he could be out until after Christmas, and any further problems could even affect his participation in the World Cup finals for Spain.

A Liverpool spokesman said: "Fernando attended a Liverpool hospital today for further tests.

"It is nothing more dramatic than that, it is just further tests as part of his rehabilitation program."

Benitez said after the draw in Lyon: "Fernando played with pain, and after the game he still had the same problems that have troubled him for a few weeks.

"He wants to wait, rather than have an operation. He wants to work with the physios to try to solve his problems, but still he has pain.

"He told me he needed to keep stopping because of the pain. Whether there is the need for him or Steven Gerrard to have an operation is a decision we will not take straight away.

"We must see how he can improve, and by how much. Then we will decide about any possible operation."

Liverpool will assess the results of the tests before considering any further action.

The Reds have a home league game with Birmingham on Monday and it is unlikely that they will make any decision on an operation before then.

Skipper Steven Gerrard is also facing an operation on his groin problem, but the spokesman said: "Steven continues to progress after more treatment."

Benitez faces the choice of having his two best players under the knife at roughly the same time if they fail to respond enough to treatment.

Liverpool's injury problems meant they were without seven senior men in France, where they almost pulled off a dramatic victory against Lyon.

But after Ryan Babel had grabbed the lead with seven minutes left, Lyon striker Lisandro struck with an equalizer in injury-time that put his own side into the last 16, while leaving Liverpool's hopes of following them hanging by a thread.

They need to win their final two matches away to Debrecen and at home to Fiorentina and hope already-qualified Lyon can do them a favor against the Florence side if they are to have any chance of qualifying.

Four of Liverpool's walking wounded had a light training session today - Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar. Only Skrtel is believed to have a realistic chance of facing Birmingham at Anfield.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Fulham winger Clint Dempsey is hoping his side can continue on the positive path they have taken in recent weeks when they visit Roma.

Dempsey knows Thursday's Europa League Group E fixture will be a very tough game for the Cottagers, but he is hoping his side's impressive form can give them an extra morale boost to achieve what would be an important result at the Stadio Olimpico.

"We're unbeaten for the past six games," Dempsey said. "Clearly, the (3-1) win against Liverpool at the weekend and our other positive results gives us confidence and we hope to beat Roma."

Roy Hodgson's side are second in the group, one point behind leaders Basel and one point clear of Roma.

Dempsey, who scored against Liverpool on Saturday, is hoping to make the starting line-up as he did not feature in the 1-1 draw between the two sides last month at Craven Cottage.

"I hope I can play," he said. "But it will be down to the coach.

"We are getting accustomed to play two games every three or four days and it is something you get used to."

Dempsey believes his team has recovered from their disappointing result in London against Claudio Ranieri's outfit.

A last-gasp equalizer from Marco Andreolli denied Fulham three points.

"We took a point against Roma and we will see what happens now.

"We have been on a good run of form and we want to continue to do well and improve."

Dempsey needs no reminder of the importance of this match.

Fulham, who are unbeaten in the competition, host CSKA Sofia next month before their final group game in Switzerland against Hodgson's former side Basel.

"We want to progress to the next round," he said. "A win against Roma would take us one step closer to that aim.

"For everyone in the team, including myself, these type of games are important and you want to play in big games.

"I am enjoying playing and I'm looking forward to this match."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Didier Drogba acknowledged he is in the best form of his career after helping Chelsea reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Drogba returned from a three-match European suspension to fire two goals in the last eight minutes and help the Blues come from behind to lead against Atletico Madrid.

But Atletico leveled to make it 2-2 although Drogba's two goals, which take his season's tally to 12, mean Chelsea progress safely from Group D.

And the Ivory Coast international striker, asked afterwards if he was in the form of his life, told Sky Sports: "I think so.

"A few years ago I was playing with the same confidence. It's always easier when you are playing injury-free."

On the late equalizer Drogba continued: "I think we could have done better with the wall and maybe avoided the free-kick.

"It's frustrating to concede a goal like this after the efforts we produced - but it was a good game.

"I've played many Champions League games before but it's good to be on the pitch - I always say I am happy to be on the pitch and playing.

"Madrid had to win so they gave everything but even after they scored we kept pushing and we played even better.

"We scored two goals but it wasn't enough to win the game."

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "I'm happy because we are in the next phase of the Champions League and this is important.

"It was a difficult match and I think the result is good because Atletico played well.

"They put a lot of pressure on us in first half but I think we did well - not the best but it was good.

"Didier is an important player for us. We have a lot of important players but he is doing very well and we are happy."

Chelsea now turn their attentions to a Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Drogba admitted: "I think we were also thinking about Manchester United tonight but we did everything we had to do today.

"Now we can focus on Sunday because it's very important to beat them (United) at home.

"We have to show different qualities and be better than today. Today was far from a good performance, we played well but were not good enough to win."

Ancelotti denied that Sunday's domestic match distracted his players.

He added on Sky Sports: "The players thought about this game.

"Now we have time to think about Manchester United and we have to prepare well, with calmness, to do our best."

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Manchester United, Porto, Bordeaux, and Chelsea all qualified for the Champions League last 16 while big names AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are fighting to make the elimination round.

Previous winners Manchester United and Porto were joined by Bordeaux and Chelsea in qualifying for the Champions League last 16 but AC Milan and Real Madrid could yet miss out on progression from the group stages.

Bayern Munich are in danger of missing out in qualification from Group A after Bordeaux claimed a 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena.

The pressure mounted on Bayern coach Louis Van Gaal after strikes from Yoann Gourcuff and Marouane Chamakh secured qualification for Les Girondins, who are unbeaten at the top of the Group A standings.

Juventus are two points behind the French side and four ahead of Bayern following their 1-0 win at Maccabi Haifa, courtesy of Mauro Camoranesi's winner in first-half injury-time.

Chelsea are assured of a place in the knockout stages courtesy of Porto's win over Apoel Nicosia.

The Portuguese side triumphed 1-0 in Cyprus, with Falcao on target six minutes from time.

In Group B behind Manchester United, Wolfsburg are in pole position for second place after a 3-0 win at Besiktas.

European giants AC Milan and Real Madrid, who have won the competition on seven and nine occasions, respectively, shared a 1-1 draw in Group C, with both teams a point above Marseille.

Karim Benzema gave Real the lead in the 29th minute, but Ronaldinho replied with a penalty 10 minutes before the break.

Alexandre Pato had a goal controversially disallowed moments later before Dida denied Raul a late winner in a dramatic game at the San Siro.

Marseille could yet progress at the expense of Milan or Real after a 6-1 defeat of FC Zurich, with two goals in the opening 10 minutes and three in the final 10.

An own-goal from Silvan Aegerter put them on their way before Fabrice Abriel, Mamadou Niang, Vitorino Hilton, Benoit Cheyrou and Brandao were on target. The visitors' Alexandre Alphonse made it 2-1 after 31 minutes.

(Soccer365.com)

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)