champions league

Thigh injury robs Inter of Milito

2009-10-05T04:20:00.000-07:00

FC Internazionale Milano have been dealt a blow with the news that striker Diego Milito could be sidelined for at least a month because of a thigh strain suffered in the Nerazzurri's 2-1 victory against Udinese Calcio on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was replaced by Mario Balotelli 25 minutes into the Serie A fixture at San Siro and scans on Sunday revealed the player has a "first degree strain in his right thigh". Milito, who has scored five goals in seven league appearances this term, is thus a major doubt for Inter's UEFA Champions League Group F encounter with FC Dynamo Kyiv on 20 October. Lucio was also substituted with a similar problem but the club's medical staff revealed the centre-back has only strained the adductor muscle in his thigh, meaning the Brazilian is likely to recover in time for the visit of the Ukrainian side.

via uefa.com

Pjanić steps up to fill Juninho void

2009-09-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

Juninho Pernambucano left some big shoes to fill when he departed Olympique Lyonnais in the summer having won seven Ligue 1 titles in eight years, but in 19-year-old Miralem Pjanić the French club may have found the ideal replacement.
Pjanić scored the only goal in Lyon's Group E opener against ACF Fiorentina last Wednesday and also made a telling contribution in the previous round when his free-kick broke the deadlock against RSC Anderlecht, paving the way for a comfortable 5-1 first-leg win.

Of course I'm happy to have scored and played a decisive part. I am playing more now, but it is only thanks to the team that I can make the difference. I have tried to do so since the beginning of the season, and it has worked well up to now.

Pjanić watches his words carefully when he speaks to the press, but on the pitch everything he does comes naturally. Against Fiorentina he was quickest to react on 78 minutes when Sébastien Frey could only parry Kim Källström's strike and stole in to fire in the rebound. Then again, Pjanić is used to doing things quickly on the football field. After the war had driven his family from Tuzla, they settled in Luxemburg and Miralem joined FC Metz.
Aged 14 he made an immediate impression at youth level and by 2007/08 had established himself in the first team. He made 27 appearances that season and caught the eye for his control on the ball, set-pieces and knack for delivering when it mattered most. Enough certainly for Lyon to think that paying €7.5m for his services in June 2008 was a sound investment. That is exactly what it has proven to be. Pjanić started just five league games in his first season at the Stade de Gerland – not unusual for an 18-year-old – but having found his feet he has thrived since being handed Juninho's old No8 shirt.

via uefa.com

Ibrahimović to Barça, Eto'o to Inter

2009-07-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona have signed Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović from FC Internazionale Milano with fellow forward Samuel Eto'o plus midfielder Aleksandr Hleb going in the other direction and the UEFA Champions League holders also paying the Italian side €46m.
Ibrahimović, 27, has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona, while the 28-year-old Eto'o also agreed a deal until 2014 at Inter, with Hleb on loan until the end of the season. Signed by Inter from Juventus in 2006, Ibrahimović won Serie A in all his seasons in Milan and the former Malmö FF forward was last season's top scorer in the league with 25 goals. That took his tally with the Nerazzurri to 57 in 88 top-flight games, and he has struck 21 times in 58 appearances for Sweden.
Ibrahimović said:

Every player wants to come to Barça but not everybody can. It's hard to express how I feel at the moment; I'm the happiest man in the world. There are winners in every facet of this team and I want to learn from everybody here.

While Ibrahimović was unable to end Inter's 44-year wait to win the European Champions Clubs' Cup during his time in Milan, Eto'o has helped Barcelona lift the trophy twice, scoring in the 2006 and 2009 final wins against Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC respectively. The former Real Madrid CF player joined Barça from RCD Mallorca in 2004 and has won three Liga titles at Camp Nou and struck 130 goals in 200 appearances.
Eto'o also aided Cameroon to two African Cup of Nations titles and 2000 Olympic gold. He is expected to play alongside Diego Milito at Inter, newly signed from Genoa CFC.
Eto'o said:

I'm extremely happy to join Inter. I'm here to work hard and win the Champions League. I want to thank Inter president Massimo Moratti. He is a person with a great heart.

Belarus midfielder Hleb, meanwhile, moved to Barcelona in 2008 after three seasons with Arsenal FC. The 28-year-old former FC BATE Borisov and VfB Stuttgart player is under contract at Barcelona until 2012 and appeared 35 times in their treble-winning campaign. Inter have the option to make the deal permanent next summer for €10m.

via uefa.com

Barça invest in Palmeiras prodigy

2009-07-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League winners FC Barcelona have agreed to sign Keirrison from Brazilian side SE Palmeiras for a fee which could rise to €16m, with the striker likely to be loaned out for the coming season.
The 20-year-old will sign a five-year contract at the Spanish and European champions on Friday provided he passes medical tests. Keirrison started his career at Coritiba FC, helping the club win promotion to the Brazilian top division and finishing 2008 as the league's joint top scorer with 20 goals in 31 appearances. He joined Palmeiras in January and has scored five league goals in six starts for the Sao Paulo side. Barça, who have also added Brazilian full-back Maxwell to their ranks, will begin this season's UEFA Champions League in the group stage.

via uefa.com

Group-stage hopefuls face fate

2009-07-21T01:56:00.000-07:00

The prospect of a meeting with Olympiacos CFP will keep ŠK Slovan Bratislava and NK Zrinjski on their toes, with shocks in the offing as the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round concludes.

Bosnian champions Zrinjski celebrated their first home win in UEFA Champions League qualifying last week, with Krešimir Kordić scoring the only goal in their win against Slovan. However, the Slovakian side have home advantage as the tie concludes on Tuesday, and will be eager to win through and earn a meeting with Greek titleholders Olympiacos, one of three sides who will join the existing Champions Path hopefuls in the next round.

The situation will be even more tense at the Ljudski vrt Stadium in Slovenia where NK Maribor host FC WIT Georgia after a 0-0 draw in the first leg, with the eventual winners meeting FC Zürich in the next phase of the competition. Things are a little easier for Moldova's FC Sheriff, who won 1-0 at FC International Turku last week and need only avoid defeat to link up with SK Slavia Praha in the next round.

The five former group-stage contenders on duty in the second qualifying round – FC BATE Borisov, PFC Levski Sofia, FC København, FK Partizan and Maccabi Haifa FC – all won comfortably last week and can be reasonably confident of progressing, but the same cannot be said of Austria's FC Salzburg or Wisła Kraków of Poland.

Austrian champions Salzburg drew 1-1 at home against Ireland's Bohemian FC last week and can expect a tough ride in Dublin. It took an added-time goal, meanwhile, for Wisła to snatch a similar scoreline at home against FC Levadia Tallinn, and – like Salzburg – they now need an away win or a high-scoring draw on Wednesday to forge on in the competition.

Guardiola salutes his treble winners

2009-05-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Josep Guardiola could barely contain his delight as he was applauded both in and out of the news conference that followed FC Barcelona's 2-0 defeat of Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League final:

We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season.
I'm leaving straight away tomorrow – I can't do anything to top this ... We're very happy, delirious. We're aware that we've done something magnificent. I'd like to congratulate the whole club and the fans. We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season. We've won three trophies but it's also about how we've won them. As a player it was great to win this trophy for the first time. Now we have three which isn't as many as other clubs but we're getting closer to a select group of mythical teams. I've said many times that we're fortunate to have the legacy of Johan Cruyff and Charlie Rexach. They were the fathers and we've followed them.
At the beginning of the game we didn't expect Manchester United to press so high. They caused us problems and we have to admit they had a great chance to score from Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick [in the second minute]. We scored with our first chance and then tried to move the ball inside. In the semi-final last year we noticed Messi had problems with Evra so we decided to move Leo from out wide to have one more player in midfield. He's the best right now and has written his name on the Ballon d'Or. Messi has a real talent and will never hide – when the going gets tough he really gets going.
I have to process my emotions now as we've done something wonderful. We're not a tall side and have defended without a few regular players but we attacked and defended well against the best team in the world. Give me a few days to rest and then I'll tell you how I'm going to tackle next year. I just want to play well and be back here again. You can play badly and still win, but if you are daring and attack you have a better chance of winning – there's nothing more dangerous than not taking a risk. You can enjoy a victory but with time you enjoy it even more. Tomorrow we will celebrate with Catalonia.

via uefa.com

Xavi Hernández celebrates rome 2009

2009-05-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

Xavi Hernández was left to reflect on a "wonderful" feeling after inspiring FC Barcelona to victory in the UEFA Champions League final with yet another midfield masterclass.

The 29-year-old crowned a memorable 12 months in Rome by setting up Barça's second goal for Lionel Messi in the 2-0 win against Manchester United FC and was selected as the man of the match by the UEFA Technical Study Group, yet another personal accolade for the midfielder who was also named the player of the tournament at UEFA EURO 2008™:

I'm very happy, especially for the team and for my personal prize – we're very content. This is historic, for Barcelona and the squad.

Xavi, one of seven homegrown players in the Catalan club's starting lineup produced by the famed academy at La Masia, encapsulates the club's philosophy and has no doubts the Blaugrana's family spirit had been a crucial factor:

I feel very comfortable; I've said for a long time that it is wonderful with these team-mates around me. We worked hard and pressured United by attacking so they wouldn't feel comfortable. Apart for the first ten minutes, we dominated most of the game.

That has been the story of Barça's season, with 42 of their 61 matches ending in victory and the Spanish Liga and Copa del Rey titles already secured – although Xavi has no doubts which trophy means the most, saying simply:

This one, it's clear. It's the club's third European Cup and without doubt this is the best title. I don't know, I'll leave that for other people to say. I can only say it's a privilege to be considered in that debate. I don't know if we are the best team, but this treble is historic so we have to enjoy it.

via uefa.com

Xavi willing to play waiting game

2009-04-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

As far as Xavi Hernández is concerned, the template for FC Barcelona to overcome Chelsea FC and reach the UEFA Champions League final is to replicate the whirlwind first half the Catalan side produced in defeating FC Bayern München in the previous round.

On that day Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry mounted a four-goal onslaught in the opening 43 minutes of the first leg which, effectively, ensured Barça's presence in the last four. But even if that is the dream route to follow at the Camp Nou against Guus Hiddink's side, Xavi believes Chelsea are a much tougher prospect and that the decisive moments of the tie will come in London.

It would be a huge advantage, in fact it would be a bit of a dream, if we could hit four goals against Chelsea like we did that night. What we can repeat, however, is the level of play and the intensity with which we attacked Bayern. My opinion remains that we are not likely to finish the tie in the first leg – the match at Stamford Bridge will be decisive. Look what happened when Chelsea won at Anfield. Despite that victory they had to fight to stay alive in the second leg and what I feel is important is that we now have enough experience to play this cleverly over the two legs of the tie.
Chelsea do have the tremendous physical power and competitive spirit which everyone talks about but they are also now managed by a fine Dutch coach and I think it's important to point out that they have top-class footballers in the side. Lampard and Drogba stand out but there's also the experience of John Terry – he and Essien are among the best in the world in their positions. I admire Terry and have a great deal of respect for him. In fact I well remember how his aerial ability knocked us out of the competition four years ago.
I don't accept that the Premier League is the best in the world, in fact I'd say that in technical and tactical terms our league is superior. I know that a great deal was made of how Liverpool eliminated Real Madrid but one game doesn't prove anything conclusively. Barça are not in this semi-final by chance and we've defeated good sides like Bayern and Olympique Lyonnais to get here. We are ready for this test.

via uefa.com

United fired up for Dragons' visit

2009-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Manchester United FC may have only 48 hours' recovery time between the visit of Aston Villa FC and their quarter-final first leg against FC Porto but Sir Alex Ferguson believes his European champions will enter Tuesday's tie re-energised by Sunday's events at Old Trafford.
When Italian debutant Federico Macheda struck three minutes into added time to secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback win, he not only sent United back to the Premier League summit, but also restored hitherto flagging levels of belief. "You have to say that winning goal has just galvanised the club," said Sir Alex, who went on to describe it as a "defining moment" in their campaign.
From staring a third successive defeat in the face with eleven minutes remaining, United were celebrating the kind of victory that has become the Old Trafford trademark under the Scot.

We survived some hairy moments but when it went to 2-1 then you saw Manchester United, the risk came out, everyone started playing with abandon. We are sending some of our supporters into cardiac treatment, including the manager, but it is fantastic to watch.

Sir Alex, who said man-of-the-moment Macheda can expect a place on the bench, hopes the return of Wayne Rooney, suspended on Sunday together with Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidić, will provide extra impetus along with Cristiano Ronaldo's return to scoring form, although Dimitar Berbatov misses out with an ankle injury. "Our team will now hopefully start going into overdrive," said the 67-year-old. He must hope this goes for his suddenly fragile defence too. United have conceded eight goals in the last three domestic outings and even if Vidić returns and Rio Ferdinand shrugs off a groin problem, they cannot afford to repeat recent wobbles against opponents who have registered two goals in each of their last three European away games.
Moreover, the Portuguese champions secured an eighth successive league away win on Saturday in beating Vitória SC 3-1, and their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, arrived promising an attacking outlook.

English teams play with speed and high intensity at home but we must not lose our identity. We have an attacking spirit, we are not going to change and we will play to win. We want a victory above all but to score a goal will be important.

Porto eliminated United when these sides met in the 2003/04 Round of 16, their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford securing a 3-2 aggregate success. It was the only time they have avoided defeat on eleven previous visits to England but Ferreira, who could start with a front three of Hulk, Lisandro and Cristián Rodríguez, is determined his charges rise to the occasion: "We are top of our league and want to show what we can do." Sir Alex is certainly not underestimating opponents who finished ahead of Arsenal FC in the group stage, despite losing 4-0 in London.

The first thing Cristiano said to me when we had the draw is 'this is a difficult game'. We have watched them and they are a difficult side. Physically they are very strong, and Hulk up front is a very good player.

via uefa.com

Klose prognosis is bitter blow to Bayern

2009-03-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

FC Bayern München will go into both legs of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final next month without striker Miroslav Klose who has been ruled out for at least six weeks after ankle surgery.
The 30-year-old had the operation in Switzerland today after injuring his right ankle during Bayern's Bundesliga win at VfL Bochum 1848 on Saturday. It was reported initially that he faced a two-week lay-off, but in fact he could be sidelined for as long as two months. Although the surgery has been declared a success, the Germany centre-forward will miss Bayern's quarter-final matches – on 7/8 and 14/15 April – as well as the first leg of any semi-final, scheduled for 28/29 April.
Bayern coach Jürgen Klinsmann said it was a "bitter diagnosis and a severe blow" to lose the club's leading scorer, with Klose having hit ten league goals and seven in the UEFA Champions League this season. The attacker also sits out Germany's forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Wales. Bayern, second in the Bundesliga and into the last eight of Europe's élite club competition after putting 12 goals past Sporting Clube de Portugal, were already deprived of Luca Toni, Franck Ribéry, Tim Borowski and Hamit Altıntop for the Bochum game.
Klose was injured after half an hour at the Ruhrstadion when he caught his foot in a divot in the pitch. "We wish him all the best and hope he'll be back soon," added Klinsmann. The Bavarian team will find out their quarter-final opponents when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters on Friday.

via uefa.com

Chelsea let Cudicini move to Tottenham

2009-01-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Chelsea FC have allowed reserve goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to join English Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC on a free transfer, after taking time to thank the Italian "for his years of service and wish him well".
The 35-year-old was Chelsea's second-longest serving player behind John Terry, having joined the club from ASD Castel di Sangro Calcio in 1999 when the London side were still coached by fellow Italian Gianluca Vialli. Chelsea's 2002 Player of the Year was initially back-up for Ed de Goey, but became first choice for several years prior to Petr Čech's arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2004. He leaves the club after making 142 Premier League appearances, with a Chelsea statement reading:

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well.

via uefa.com

Podolski promises Bayern a leaving present

2009-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Lukas Podolski told uefa.com "the best way to say goodbye to Bayern and their fans would be to help win the German title, the German Cup and even the Champions League" as he reflected on his summer return to FC Köln.

Tough spell
The German international has concluded a deal in which he will rejoin Köln in the summer after failing to find his feet at FC Bayern München since his signing in 2006. The Polish-born 'Poldi', 23, thus has just six more months to run on his contract with the Bundesliga champions, but told uefa.com that he was determined to leave the club with something to remember him by.

I always set high goals for myself. There was no sense in me staying beyond the summer because I didn't really get a chance to play at Bayern. One match or a half is not enough for a player to get into his best form and maintain it.

Coming home

However, despite that frustration, he will leave Munich with fond memories.

I won a German title and every German player dreams about that. Bayern gave me the chance to do that and I will not forget it although, I repeat, I am not a player who will accept a place on the bench. Never. I waited, hoping something would change, but it didn't. That is why I took this decision. Now, I feel relieved. The whole of European football has been speculating about my future and I was tired of it. So, I am really glad it is over. Now, I am focusing on high goals with Bayern and then, in the summer, I am coming home.

Fan campaign
Podolski joined Köln a boy in 1995, and started his professional career there, with 46 goals in 81 league games between 2003 and 2006. He received offers from several other clubs in recent months, but was determined to rejoin the 'Billy Goats'. His return to Cologne is the end of a long process of negotiations between the two clubs, and also the conclusion of a long fan campaign.

They tried to collect money for my transfer, they organised parties and even recorded a song encouraging my return. I also had very good talks with Köln officials. They didn't just say: 'Poldi, we spent all our money on you so we will not sign anyone else.' It was the opposite. They promised me they will buy other important players as the club does not want to be involved in relegation battles. In two or three years we will be ready to fight for bigger goals.

via uefa.com

Chelsea lose Cole for the season

2009-01-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

Reconstructive surgery
Cole ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during Chelsea's FA Cup replay win at Southend United FC in midweek and on Saturday had successful reconstructive surgery. Chelsea have confirmed his absence for the remainder of the campaign.

Scolari 'disappointed'
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "I am very sad for Joe to have suffered this injury and I am disappointed to have lost a very important player for me and the club at such a vital moment in the competition. However, I believe that with his spirit, Joe will come back to Chelsea even better than before." Cole had made 20 appearances in all competitions this term, scoring three goals. The London club sit third in the Premier League and will play Juventus in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on 25 February and 10 March.

via uefa.com

Villarreal lose Llorente to thigh strain

2008-11-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

Villarreal CF's leading scorer Joseba Llorente will play no part in the Spanish club's two remaining fixtures in UEFA Champions League Group E as he needs around a month to recover from a tear in his right thigh.

Great start
The striker – who will celebrate his 29th birthday on 24 November – was replaced by Guille Franco during the second half of the 2-2 draw away to Málaga CF on Sunday. Club doctor Juan Albors confirmed the injury this afternoon, having spent the morning examining the player. Llorente has enjoyed an excellent start to his career at El Madrigal after joining on a four-year contract from Real Valladolid CF in the summer, scoring six times in eleven Liga games including the second at La Rosaleda.

Eguren cleared
The former Real Sociedad de Fútbol forward has also made his mark in the UEFA Champions League, registering a hat-trick against Aalborg BK on Matchday 3, but will play no part in Villarreal's concluding games against Manchester United FC a week tomorrow and Celtic FC away on 10 December. The Yellow Submarine need just a point to reach the knockout stages. Meanwhile, midfield player Sebastián Eguren received the all-clear from doctors at an Andalusian hospital last night after the Uruguayan was carried off on a stretcher in the 72nd minute with a head injury following a clash with Málaga defender Hélder Rosario.

via uefa.com

Deco doubtful for Schalke opener

2008-03-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

Deco is rated a major doubt for FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against FC Schalke 04 after suffering a pulled thigh muscle.

The Portuguese international midfielder has not played a competitive game since appearing in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against Celtic CF on 4 March, and has now been signed off for 15 days with a sore muscle in his right thigh. It is touch and go whether the 30-year-old will be fit in time for the first leg against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on 1 April, but he should be fit for the return eight days later. Deco has played in 15 league games this season, scoring once, and four more in the UEFA Champions League.

M. United vs Lyon preview

2008-03-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

Old Trafford has long been one of European football's most redoubtable fortresses and Sir Alex Ferguson believes home advantage will prove telling when Manchester United FC conclude their first knockout round tie against French champions Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday.
Carlos Tévez's 87th-minute equaliser in the sides' 1-1 draw at the Stade de Gerland leaves United favourites to reach the last eight and their record of nine successive European home wins provides extra cause for confidence.
Sir Alex said:

Our home record in European football has been very good for a long time. The atmosphere at Old Trafford on a European night helps.
Lyon will come knowing they have to get a goal. He [Karim Benzema] is a very strong boy, he reminds me a little bit of [Zinédine] Zidane – physique wise and possibly pace wise too. He is a natural centre-forward.

United have not lost to continental opposition at this venue since AC Milan prevailed at this stage of the 2004/05 campaign – and a victory over Lyon would see the English champions equal Juventus's record of ten consecutive home wins in the UEFA Champions League, established between 1996 and 1998. Yet while Lyon went down 2-1 on their only previous trip here in 2004, Sir Alex is wary of the attacking potential of a visiting team beaten just once in their last seven away fixtures in the competition.
Having played wide left in Lyon's last two matches, Benzema will be happy to revert to a central striking role with Fred – scorer of the only goal against LOSC Lille Métropole on Saturday – dropping to the bench.
Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes Benzema capable of playing a decisive part in a contest where, by his own admission, the balance now rests with United:

He has the ability to make the difference on his own, to create opportunities even when space is restricted. We are out as things stand, so we have to attack. Their positioning is excellent and they are very experienced with players like [Rio] Ferdinand and [Nemanja] Vidić in the centre, who are good at winning their individual battles.

With Ryan Giggs struggling with a calf problem, winger Nani should start and maintain his record as United's only ever-present in Europe this term. A goalless draw would be enough for United but Sir Alex, whose charges beat Fulham FC 3-0 on Saturday, promised "attacking football" and his programme notes dwelled on the influence of striker Tévez. The Argentinian is just one of the star forwards that a Lyon rearguard missing the suspended Anthony Réveillère yet featuring the fit-again Cris – fresh from his first appearance since August – will have to watch closely. "He has a knack of rising to the occasion," said the Scot, drawing comparisons with Eric Cantona.
via uefa.com

Milan vs Arsenal preview

2008-03-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti cut a relaxed figure before the make-or-break first knockout round visit of Arsenal FC as he revealed that the return of his leading lights offered plenty of cause for optimism.
By their standards the Rossoneri have struggled in Serie A this term. On Saturday, Massimo Oddo's equaliser against S.S. Lazio gave Milan a fifth draw in six matches, leaving them 18 points behind leaders FC Internazionale Milano and four adrift of fourth-placed ACF Fiorentina – with qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League in the balance. However, if Carlo Ancelotti's side have a split personality, the pros outweigh the cons. Last year, for example, a disappointing league campaign was more than tempered by a seventh European Champion Clubs' Cup success.
Ancelotti said:

It is difficult to explain why we play better in the Champions League other than to say that this competition has always meant something extra special to this club. We've been through a sticky patch over recent games. We've had to get by without a number of players, but the fact most of them are back and have worked really well in training gives me the belief that they'll give another great performance.
It is not by chance that we've always done well at home when we've had to. We always manage to play with the right attitude in these knockout situations. Nil-nil is a result which needs to be managed intelligently – we must call on all our skill and experience, we mustn't rush anything. In all our previous successes we managed to control the match. Patience is the key.

Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, Kaká and Filippo Inzaghi are all expected to start after being rested against Lazio, although Clarence Seedorf, who strained a hamstring in the first half of that match, may join Emerson (shin), Marek Jankulovski (knee), Dida (back) and Ronaldo (knee) on the sidelines. Milan won all three group-stage games at the Giuseppe Meazza in the autumn, and knockout-stage victories here against Celtic FC, FC Bayern München and Manchester United FC last term have heartened Ancelotti.
Arsenal may also look to bide their time as they know an away goal could suffice to see them through. As with Milan, the Gunners' domestic form has stuttered slightly, with draws against Birmingham City FC and Aston Villa FC, while injuries have deprived them of Eduardo (leg), Tomáš Rosický (hamstring) and Kolo Touré (calf). However, Abou Diaby is fit again and Robin van Persie has travelled with the squad to give the Premier League leaders what Arsène Wenger described as a "psychological edge".
Arsene Wenger said:

We are highly focused, team spirit is very high and we believe we can do it. This is a young team we have, but the foundations were laid two years ago when we went to the Santiago Bernabéu, to Juventus and we played [FC] Barcelona. These are the sort of matches that every player wants to play, and I believe what counts is to know that your side has the necessary quality to win these games. I am confident these players have the qualities to win.

via uefa.com

Cris closes in on Lyon return

2008-02-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

Olympique Lyonnais captain Cris will discover this weekend if he has a chance of facing Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round second leg on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Brazilian international centre-back has not played for the French champions since tearing ligaments in his right knee against Toulouse FC in August but, having appeared for the reserves last week, may return to action against LOSC Lille Métropole on Saturday:

One thing is obvious – if he does not play against Lille this weekend, I cannot pick him against United. I must talk to him to know [how he is], but he's aware that he's just coming back.

via uefa.com

Eduardo recovering after surgery

2008-02-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

Arsenal FC striker Eduardo da Silva is recovering from surgery in a London hospital after suffering a severe break to his left leg and ankle during Saturday's Premier League draw at Birmingham City FC which will keep him out for the rest of the season and Croatia's UEFA EURO 2008 challenge.
The match was stopped for nearly ten minutes as the Brazilian-born Eduardo was treated on the field before being carried off on a stretcher. Birmingham defender Martin Taylor was given a straight red card for his third-minute challenge on the forward.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, said:

The tackle was horrendous. I've seen some bad ones before but you are not always punished with a broken leg. The minimum is that the season is over and we're scared it is much longer. He is a fantastic guy and to see him in such pain and the shape of his leg was very difficult to take for our players.

Eduardo was taken to hospital in Birmingham where he was diagnosed with compound fractures of the tibia and fibula, and medical staff at the ground were also reported to be shocked at the seriousness of the injury.
Born in Rio de Janeiro on 25 February 1983, Eduardo moved to Croatia aged 15 to join NK Dinamo Zagreb as an apprentice. After obtaining Croatian citizenship, he made his international debut against the Republic of Ireland in 2004 and is one of a number of Brazilians playing for other national sides. Eduardo, who joined Arsenal last July, was looking forward to playing for Croatia at this summer's UEFA European Championship. With ten goals overall, he was the second top scorer in qualifying for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.
via uefa.com

Cerltic vs Barcelona preview

2008-02-20T09:18:00.001-08:00

FC Barcelona playmaker Deco is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with Celtic FC on Wednesday. The Portuguese international has fond memories of the Glasgow club dating back to a steamy 2003 night in Seville when he helped José Mourinho's FC Porto edge out the Scottish side 3-2 after extra time to win the UEFA Cup.
Sixteen monCeltic are a team I likeths later, following a move to Camp Nou, Deco scored his first goal in Barcelona colours in a 3-1 victory at Celtic – still the only home defeat suffered by the Hoops in the UEFA Champions League. Little wonder, then, that the 30-year-old is in a positive mood ahead of this first knockout round first leg.

Deco said:

Celtic are a team I like. I have very good memories of the UEFA Cup final and my first Barcelona goal, so I'm very much looking forward to these two games. I have very good memories of the UEFA Cup final and my first Barcelona goal, so I'm very much looking forward to these two games. They need to take more risks because they are playing at home. This Celtic team is just as strong as the two previous teams I played against, but there is no Henrik Larsson now and he was a very good player for them.
We have come to win and we need to have a confident defence in order for us to control the ball. Celtic are a direct team and they will play until the final whistle to get a result. They also have very strong support which makes it easier for them to play at home. We know it will be tough but we're confident of getting a result.

via uefa.com

Liverpool vs Internazionale preview

2008-02-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

Rafael Benítez has called upon Liverpool FC's supporters to rally the team through these tough times as they prepare to meet FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round at Anfield on Tuesday.
Europe represents the only realistic hope of Liverpool – 19 points off the pace in fifth place in the Premier League – winning silverware this season after they were beaten 2-1 in the FA Cup by lower-league Barnsley FC on Saturday. However, manager Benítez draws strength from the club's famous anthem as he seeks to turn around a disappointing campaign, saying:

We know they [the fans] must be behind the team because they always are. When you have a legend that says You'll Never Walk Alone, that means something.
The players have confidence and know that this is now another competition, so we will try to win this game and I am sure we can do it. We must win because we have to change what's happening. Inter don't have too many weaknesses so it will be difficult to find them, but we have some ideas and we will try to use the quality we have in our own squad.

A late substitute against Barnsley, captain Steven Gerrard will return along with rested goalkeeper Pepe Reina while Fernando Torres is expected to shake off a hamstring strain. Fellow striker Andriy Voronin (knee) and defender Daniel Agger (metatarsal) remain out, however.
Italian champions Inter defeated AS Livorno Calcio 2-0 on Saturday to stretch their unbeaten run to 29 games in all competitions since losing 1-0 to Fenerbahçe SK on Matchday 1 – and their lead atop Serie A to eleven points.
Coach Roberto Mancini said:

Even though we are winning on the home front, it's still not enough. We want to improve, and to succeed in the Champions League is a huge goal for absolutely everyone. We are aware there is still a long way to go but that's certainly our aim. This stadium [Anfield] is part of the history of football, so it would be absolutely fantastic to come here and win. I suppose it is true to say that Liverpool are not playing particularly well in the league at the moment, but that means they have to give everything in the Champions League, so that might actually make it more dangerous for us. We are going to have to be very attentive and very careful. We have a great deal of respect for Liverpool and we know the next couple of games are going to be very tough. To play well here, in this kind of match and in this kind of stadium ... if we were to win, it would be a truly prestigious victory.

Key striker Zlatan Ibrahimović and Nicolás Burdisso are available again after suspension – the defender having served a six-match ban – although midfielder César is suspended and Luis Antonio Jiménez injured. In midfield, Patrick Vieira lacks match fitness but could play along with Luís Figo. The Portuguese made his comeback as a substitute against Livorno after fracturing his fibula in November.

via uefa.com

First knockout round

2008-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Uefa Champions League starts today. Here are the matches for today and tomorrow and the date for the second leg:

Match		First leg	Second leg
Shalke 04	Porto	1-0	05/03
Roma	Real Madrid	2-1	05/03
Olympiacos	Chelsea	0-0	05/03
Liverpool	Internazionale	2-0	11/03
Celtic	Barcelona	20/02	04/03
Lyon	Man. United	20/02	04/03
Fenerbahçe	Sevilla	20/02	04/03
Arsenal	Milan	20/02	04/03

Update 1

Deco determined to learn from mistakes

2008-02-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

Deco was talking to Julio Gomes Filho:

I am delighted to return to UEFA Champions League action after missing four games in the group stage because of injuries. I am completely fit again after my injury, although it has been difficult to regain my rhythm and match sharpness. This is my fourth season at Barcelona, and in the last three years we have faced British sides in the first knockout round. We lost to Chelsea in 2005, beat them in 2006, and lost to Liverpool last season.
We should learn our lesson from that defeat. These ties are decided over two games, not one. We took too many chances in the first leg against Liverpool because we were playing at home, and forgot we could still win away. Having lost 2-1, though, things became very difficult. The first result has always a huge influence on the second game. We can't make the same mistakes this time against Celtic. We played them in 2004/05 and we were the first team to beat them in Glasgow in a Champions League match.
We've played Rangers twice this season, so we're pretty used to the Scottish style. They are aggressive, fight for every ball, and put pressure on you by getting a lot of crosses into the box. Celtic supporters are the best in Europe alongside Liverpool fans. They are really noisy and you end up listening to them. Once a game starts, footballers tend to ignore the noise. But it helps a lot to motivate their team. What they do is marvellous.
We have been criticised for a lack of goals, but I think there is no need to worry. We've been creating chances. That's the important thing. We need to be more clinical with our chances, but it is a matter of time. It is also a factor that we've never had all our forwards available. There is always someone injured or away. Now Samuel Eto'o is back, Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry are fine, and Ronaldinho is regaining his form.
The Champions League is our big dream. It would be fantastic to win it again. But I'm not ruling out catching Real Madrid in the league either. Although it's not in our hands any more, I think we can win more games than them and fight for our third title in four years. It is difficult, but far from impossible. Beyond the job with Barcelona, my other objective this year is to win UEFA EURO 2008 with Portugal. We recently lost to Italy in a friendly in Switzerland, which shows how difficult the tournament will be. One of the things we have to improve is to be more alert during games. We've been conceding silly goals and we have to avoid doing that on the big stage.

via uefa.com

Oleguer injury leaves Barça short

2008-02-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

FC Barcelona have announced that defender Oleguer Presas is likely to be sidelined for the next six weeks after breaking a bone in his hand.
The 28-year-old started Saturday's game at Sevilla FC having missed the last two months with a calf injury. Oleguer played the full 90 minutes but was taken to hospital after the match where an x-ray confirmed he had fractured the third finger on his left hand. The injury leaves Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard short at right-back as both captain Carles Puyol (thigh) and Gianluca Zambrotta (calf) are also out, although the Italy defender is expected back for next weekend's game against Real Zaragoza. Oleguer, who has played ten league games this term, is likely to miss both legs against Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.

Gattuso doubtful for Arsenal tie

2008-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is almost certain to miss the first leg of the holders' UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie with Arsenal FC because of the thigh problem he sustained against Reggina Calcio on Wednesday.
Gattuso, an ever present for Milan in the group stage before Christmas, was ruled out for between three and four weeks after undergoing tests on his injured right thigh on Friday. The Italian international is unlikely to be fit for the first leg against Arsenal in London on 20 February but could be back in time for the return in Milan on 4 March. Gattuso's injury means he will also Italy's friendly game against Portugal next week.