Henry: Ronaldo Better Than Messi

There has been an intense rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - or at least their supporters - of late. The debate raged as to which of them should be given the title of the best player in the world, with Ronaldo claiming the FIFA World Player of the Year award in January for last season's successes, as well as the Ballon d'Or.

What about next time? This term, the Portuguese star has found it hard to repeat such form and many are tipping the Argentina international to dethrone the Manchester United man.

But Thierry Henry, who played for eight years in the Premier League, believes that Ronaldo is the better footballer right now.

"First of all, you have to take into account that Leo [Messi] and Cristiano Ronaldo are different players," he told Record. "For sure they can play on any position from the midfield up, they both have extraordinary technique, but they are different.

"And, if Messi is scoring more goals nowadays, Ronaldo is a player that has scored more and topped the scoring charts last season.

"Then, the greatness of a player is measured by the titles he has helped his team conquer. Therefore, I have to recognise that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Leo Messi."

Still, Henry praised Messi, whom he considers to be a player who "can make the difference at any moment".

"When Messi is playing well, he can do things that no-one else can.

"I honestly understand why there are those who compare him to Maradona but I repeat: at least right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. In the future... we will see."

Early

Meanwhile, Henry stressed that it is early to judge whether this squad is Barcelona's best ever: "I am not the one to say that. In fact, I believe that, at this moment, no-one can say that.

"You can praise this team how much you want, you can talk about the numbers you want, but the truth is that we have not won anything yet."

The Frenchman also commented on the impact of Pep Guardiola, who was appointed as manager of the club in the summer and has made the club mount serious challenges for La Liga and the Champions League.

"Guardiola came with his ideas and conquered the dressing room. He made us believe that, if we followed him, we would win things. In return, he only asks for us to work."

John Terry: Forget about Mourinho - Chelsea stars want Hiddink

John Terry has thrown his considerable weight behind the permanent appointment of Guus Hiddink.

The Chelsea skipper is adamant that the players are NOT being consulted on who should be their boss.

But with Chelsea taking a 3-1 advantage into their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool on Tuesday, he does believe Hiddink's credentials are becoming irresistible.

Terry said: "We'd love Guus Hiddink to stay. He's on at us every day in training, he always wants us to improve and be better. He lets no one get away with anything on the pitch or off the pitch and has done fantastically well.

"We need stability at the club now. The manager's come here and done brilliant, got the lads together and got us playing freely.

"He has a great relationship with the owner, Roman Abramovich, on the field and off it as well." As for talk of an unlikely return for the Special One, now coach at Inter Milan, Terry insisted: "Jose was a great manager and had some great times here. But it's someone else's turn now to kick on.

"Mourinho is a world-class manager, a lot of the players are still in contact with him.

"But you know when you get a good manager come through and you learn a lot from them you want to stay in contact and I'm sure players will be doing that for years on end.

"It's good to have good relationships with good people."

It has been claimed that the Chelsea players have been consulted over the managerial appointment.

But Terry said: "I won't and shouldn't be consulted over the appointment of a manager. Everyone always seems to think myself and Frank Lampard get a say in certain things.

"There are things the players are entitled to have a say on like things that happen around the training ground.

"But for issues like that it's down to the board." The impressive midweek win over Liverpool has given rise to a new sense of Chelsea confidence.

Terry added: "We're doing really well.

"Everyone's speaking about Manchester United and Liverpool at the moment and we would like to keep it like that.

"We're by no means out of the title race and I think they both know that."

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Barcelona Brush Recreativo Aside

Barcelona continue their relentless march towards the Liga title after an easy victory over struggling Recreativo Huelva.

A goal within 42 seconds from Andres Iniesta set the ball rolling for what looked initially like a goal feast, but in the end a relative lack of end product made for a more modest margin of victory.

Indeed, only an own goal was to add to the tally, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi even spurning a penalty opportunity late on.

The game started, though, with that early goal. With the very first attack of the game, Thierry Henry weaved his way down the left before playing the ball across goalmouth, where neither Bojan nor Nef could get to it, allowing Andres Iniesta to fire into an empty net.

Recreativo had a fine chance to equalise soon afterwards as Barber's cross was poorly cleared by Rafael Marquez, giving Nayar a chance to shoot unmarked from close range. However, Victor Valdes' great save kept the score at 1-0.

After that Barcelona were the superior side as they pressed forward, but the likes of Bojan Krkic, despite looking impressive when receiving the ball, were finding cutting-edge hard to come by.

Indeed, when Lamas of Recre threatened with a header that brushed just wide of the post at the other end, it was a reminder that Barcelona needed a second goal to truly kill off the tie.

Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta in particular were doing their best to make it happen, but a muted evening for Bojan and to a lesser extent Lionel Messi saw this task rendered difficult.

On the half hour mark, though, it should have been 2-0 as Daniel Alves' predatory cross only just missed Eidur Gudjohnsen at the far post.

Corners were a source of disappointment, Barcelona winning several but only one - a Rafael Marquez header that flashed over - seemed set to do any damage.

Two minutes before the break, though, came the best chance for Barcelona since the goal. Henry played it through for Gudjohnsen, whose run was excellent, and amidst the ensuing melee in the box Bojan's shot was cleared off the line amd Messi's was blocked!

Heading into the second period the Blaugrana were still holding the vast bulk of possession, but Recre's five-man midfield was protecting matters well enough.

On the hour mark Xavi and Seydou Keita came on, moments after Victor Valdes had prevented - albeit perhaps with too physical an aspect - a Recre chance, but the second goal was finally to come.

First, though, came one that was ruled out. Iniesta's superb run down the left and cut inside to the box resulted in Theirry Henry easily converting his low cross, but the Frenchman was judged offside.

But Iniesta's work was to reap benefits. Another cross in low from the left saw Nasief Morris slide and attempt to clear the ball, but succeed only in burying it in the back of the net.

The finals tages, though, provided little succour for Barcelona. They seemed likely to get a third as Casado had a penalty given against him for blocking a Dani Alves cross with his arm - a dubious decision - but Lionel Messi rolled the ball low for Asier Riesgo to save.

Then Recre had the ball in the net at the other end, although the two substitutes - Akale and Ersen Martin - correctly had the latter's strike ruled out for offside from the former's cross.

So, 2-0 it ended, and Barcelona did enough to leave the match casualty-free and with another three points en route to the title

Dida's Easter Miracle Sees Milan Past Unlucky Chievo

The Rossoneri had left it late last weekend to see off Lecce, and were hoping for an Easter treat this afternoon against another relegation battler. Carlo Ancelotti's injury list was still long, as Gattuso, Borriello, Nesta, Kaladze, Bonera, Abbiati, Emerson, and Maldini were sidelined. Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Pato played in behind lone frontman Pippo Inzaghi.Chievo were now looking good to beat the drop after a wonderful run of form that had seen them lose just once in their last 13 games. This included last week's dramatic 3-3 draw at Juventus. The Flying Donkeys were missing the injured Makinwa, Moro, Kerlon, and Frey, as well as Bentivoglio, who was not called-up. Turin hat-trick hero Sergio Pellissier led the attack alongside Erjon Bogdani.\
First Half
There was a minute's silence before kick-off, and all players wore black armbands in memory of the tragic Earthquake victims in Rome.Chievo started brightly, and Pellissier raced past Senderos before firing wide. The same striker tested Dida, while Giampiero Pinzi headed over. Down the other end, Zambrotta forced Stefano Sorrentino into action at his near post.Milan's first real chance arrived on 26 minutes, when Inzaghi made a trademark run to the near post at a corner, but headed wide.Sorrentino had to be alert on Pirlo's 30-yard free kick, and his opposite number Dida also had to be wide awake as Marcolini let fly from distance.Just past the half-hour mark, Pirlo was inches away from giving Milan the lead, as his free kick curled over the wall and missed the post by the smallest of margins.A few minutes later, Chievo went even closer. Andrea Mantovani's left-wing cross was met by the forehead of Pellissier, but his effort thumped off the crossbar. Seconds later Luciano went down under pressure from Dida, but the referee turned away the penalty appeals.Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with what he was seeing, and after a few choice words with the fourth official, he was sent to the stands by the referee.There was more controversy soon after, as Kaka roasted Yepes, and then went down in the area, claiming to have been pushed, but the referee didn't want to know.
SECEOND HALF
Milan started the second half well, and broke the deadlock on 53 minutes. A wonderful team move culminated in Inzaghi nodding Jankulovski's cross back to Seedorf, who lashed a volley past Sorrentino.Chievo tried to hit back, and Pellissier fired over an open goal at the back post, but he was spared the shame by an offside flag.Just past the hour mark, Dida came to Milan's rescue, saving from Colucci following a disastrous mistake by Jankulovski.Chievo had the ball in the back of the net on 65 minutes through Pellissier's deflected free kick, but it was chalked off for offside.The home side were looking dangerous, and Pellissier left Zambrotta for dead, and flashed a fierce shot just over.An equaliser seemed certain, and it would have arrived with 10 minutes to go, were it not for Dida, who performed a seemingly-impossible save with his foot to deny Colucci from six yards. It was a miracle stop from the Brazilian.Milan somehow held on for a barely-deserved win, and they close the gap on second-placed Juventus, who play their game-in-hand tonight against Genoa.TeamsChievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani (Esposito 85); Luciano (Colucci 49), Rigoni, Marcolini (Langella 72); Pinzi; Pellissier, BogdaniMilan: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Favalli, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Seedorf, Kaka (Ronaldinho 75), Pato (Shevchenko 84); Inzaghi (Flamini 59)GoalsSeedorf 53 (M)
There was a minute's silence before kick-off, and all players wore black armbands in memory of the tragic Earthquake victims in Rome.

Chievo started brightly, and Pellissier raced past Senderos before firing wide. The same striker tested Dida, while Giampiero Pinzi headed over. Down the other end, Zambrotta forced Stefano Sorrentino into action at his near post.

Milan's first real chance arrived on 26 minutes, when Inzaghi made a trademark run to the near post at a corner, but headed wide.

Sorrentino had to be alert on Pirlo's 30-yard free kick, and his opposite number Dida also had to be wide awake as Marcolini let fly from distance.

Just past the half-hour mark, Pirlo was inches away from giving Milan the lead, as his free kick curled over the wall and missed the post by the smallest of margins.

A few minutes later, Chievo went even closer. Andrea Mantovani's left-wing cross was met by the forehead of Pellissier, but his effort thumped off the crossbar. Seconds later Luciano went down under pressure from Dida, but the referee turned away the penalty appeals.

Carlo Ancelotti was not happy with what he was seeing, and after a few choice words with the fourth official, he was sent to the stands by the referee.

There was more controversy soon after, as Kaka roasted Yepes, and then went down in the area, claiming to have been pushed, but the referee didn't want to know.

Second Half

Milan started the second half well, and broke the deadlock on 53 minutes. A wonderful team move culminated in Inzaghi nodding Jankulovski's cross back to Seedorf, who lashed a volley past Sorrentino.

Chievo tried to hit back, and Pellissier fired over an open goal at the back post, but he was spared the shame by an offside flag.

Just past the hour mark, Dida came to Milan's rescue, saving from Colucci following a disastrous mistake by Jankulovski.

Chievo had the ball in the back of the net on 65 minutes through Pellissier's deflected free kick, but it was chalked off for offside.

The home side were looking dangerous, and Pellissier left Zambrotta for dead, and flashed a fierce shot just over.

An equaliser seemed certain, and it would have arrived with 10 minutes to go, were it not for Dida, who performed a seemingly-impossible save with his foot to deny Colucci from six yards. It was a miracle stop from the Brazilian.

Milan somehow held on for a barely-deserved win, and they close the gap on second-placed Juventus, who play their game-in-hand tonight against Genoa.

Teams

Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Yepes, Mantovani (Esposito 85); Luciano (Colucci 49), Rigoni, Marcolini (Langella 72); Pinzi; Pellissier, Bogdani

Milan: Dida; Zambrotta, Senderos, Favalli, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Seedorf, Kaka (Ronaldinho 75), Pato (Shevchenko 84); Inzaghi (Flamini 59)

Goals

Seedorf 53 (M)

The Italian Milan Clubs Association rewarded Andrea Pirlo with 286 votes, as best player of last season. In its sixth edition, the award was given to the Rossoneri's midfielder after the result of votes made by members of the Association itself.

David Beckham Tops Football Rich-List Of High Earners

Forbes magazine has released its list of the top 20 football earners on the planet for the year 2008.

Predictably, David Beckham leads the pack, while Ronaldo's time at AC Milan sees him join Becks, Ronaldinho and Kaka in the top 20, along with on-loan striker Andriy Shevchenko.

With parent clubs and leagues (as opposed to on-loan clubs) being measured, the most populous league in this top 20 is the English Premier League, with fully nine of the 20 players.

Serie A comes next with five (six if Beckham is included), La Liga of Spain is next with four, and the Brasileiro, Serie A and MLS have one apiece.

As for individual clubs, AC Milan currently have four players on their books - including three of the top four. However, two of these are currently on loan at San Siro.

One of these, Andriy Shevchenko, is owned by Chelsea, along with four more of the top 20. Chief amongst these is Frank Lampard, who is apparently also attempting to make a name for himself in the lucrative American advertising market.

The top England-based player in the rankings is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, while Thierry Henry of Barcelona is an overall third, largely due to a series of high-profile endorsements.

These figures, while open to debate, were gathered by Forbes from numerous sources.

In their words, "We looked through team filings and spoke with talent agencies and soccer experts in the U.S. and Europe. All earnings are for 2008 and are in U.S. dollars. We include soccer salaries and incentives but exclude transfer fees."

The figures, then, are as much a measure of a player's marketability as they are their talent.

Over two thirds - $66 million from $95 million - of David Beckham's income over the past two years has been from endorsements such as Motorola and Adidas.

At the other extreme, Lionel Messi has made just $7 million per year from advertising and product deals.

The full list, according to Forbes, is below. Current clubs are given, which may differ from 2008 teams. In the case of a player being on loan, the side for whom he currently is registered is given first.

Rank
Player
Income
Team
League

1
David Beckham
$46m
AC Milan/LA Galaxy
Serie A/MLS

2
Ronaldinho
$33m
AC Milan
Serie A
3
Thierry Henry
$28m
Barcelona La Liga

4
Kaka
$22m
AC Milan Serie A
5
Cristiano Ronaldo
$21m
Manchester Utd
Premier League

6
Lionel Messi
$18m
Barcelona
La Liga

7
Frank Lampard
$18m
Chelsea
Premier League
8
Wayne Rooney
$18m Manchester Utd
Premier League
9
John Terry
$18m Chelsea
Premier League
10
Steven Gerrard
$18m Liverpool
Premier League
11
Michael Ballack
$15m Chelsea Premier League
12
Ronaldo
$15m Corinthians
Brasileiro

13
Fabio Cannavaro
$15m Real Madrid
La Liga

14
Francesco Totti
$15m Roma
Serie A

15
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
$14m Internazionale
Serie A
16
Andriy Shevchenko
$14m AC Milan/Chelsea Serie A/PL

17
Rio Ferdinand
$14m Manchester Utd
Premier League
18
Didier Drogba
$12m Chelsea Premier League
19
Raul
$12m Real Madrid
La Liga

20
Alessandro Del Piero
$11m Juventus
Serie A

wikifreestyler

COMPILATION OF ONE OF THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD

inter vs milan

The Brazilian star has moved to quash speculation about his future and insisted he has no intention of leaving the Rossoneri.

when the Diavoli received a massive bid from Premier League big spenders Manchester City.The 26-year-old eventually turned down the move, but the Spanish media have claimed in recent weeks that things will be different when Real Madrid go knocking next summer.“I think that too many people have been speaking of late. Now it’s my turn,” Kaka said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.“I have not been contacted by Real Madrid. I believe I have already stressed that I wish to remain here. Milan for life? Yes - and that’s the fifth time I have said so.“This is getting quite tiresome, for the fans too. I feel I owe them and I have proved I want to stay. There was that moment of doubt with Manchester City but then I made up my mind. I repeat that I have not agreed terms with anyone.”Milan are expected to undergo a major face-lift in the summer after another dismal season and Kaka is confident that the good times will return for the Rossoneri.“We are as hungry as anyone,” he claimed. “When you are accustomed to winning and go through such difficult periods, you truly miss lifting trophies.“Some of our players are getting older; we should just freshen things up and bring the average age in the squad down.”

picture of the day

Beckenbauer: Barcelona Gave Bayern Munich A Footballing Lesson

Bayern Munich suffered their second cataclysmic embarrassment in the space of five days when they followed up last Saturday’s 5-1 disgrace at VfL Wolfsburg with a 4-0 defeat at Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
One of the club’s greats, Franz Beckenbauer, was horrified with his team’s performance against the Catalans, especially in the first 45 minutes when they conceded all four goals.
“What I saw in the first half was without a doubt the worst football Bayern have played in their entire history,” he said after the match.
“It was an exhibition. Almost a humiliation. Barcelona gave us a lesson in football.”
Die Roten chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge, meanwhile, refused to comment on the future of under-fire coach Jurgen Klinsmann but instead rallied his side to bounce back on the domestic front.
“We have no chance in the Champions League now, that is obvious,” he boomed.
“We must focus on the Bundesliga and make sure we qualify for the competition for next season. And we can start with our next match this Saturday against [Eintracht] Frankfurt.”

Unstoppable Messi Leads Barcelona’s Demolition Of Bayern Munich

First Half

Barcelona, as expected, took the game to their visitors right from the start and they needed just five minutes to carve the Bayern defence apart.
Dani Alves galloped upfield down the right and squared the ball to Xavi, who sprayed the ball forward on the edge of the box to Thierry Henry and the Frenchman comfortably rounded Hans-Jorg Butt but his tame sidefoot shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line by Martin Demichelis.
But on eight minutes, the hosts went ahead. Again from another free flowing move, Henry played in Iniesta, who teed up Eto’o but the Cameroonian rolled the ball to an unmarked Lionel Messi on the left channel and the in-form Argentine took one touch to guide the ball into the box and clinically swept it past Butt with his left foot.
Even before the Bavarians could regroup and catch their breath, Barca doubled their advantage four minutes later. And Messi returned the favour with an assist in an identical move to their first chance, except it was Eto’o who got to the end of the Argentine’s gorgeous through ball and the striker coolly nutmegged the on-rushing goalkeeper.
The Camp Nou went berserk again on 17 minutes, but it wasn’t for a goal. Messi effortlessly shimmied past Christian Lell inside the box but he appeared to have been tripped by the left-back, but referee Howard Webb whipped the yellow card out for ‘El Mesias’ instead for simulation.
Pep Guardiola went ballistic on the touchline and he was promptly banished from the dugout to the stands. And moments later, Bayern had their first real look-in at goal after 20 minutes when Franck Ribery floated in a free kick from the left and Victor Valdes came out to punch nervously, but his defenders were there to clear the threat.
Right to the other end, Henry was released clean through on goal by Iniesta but the Frenchman just dragged his shot wide off-balance and ended up colliding studs with Butt. The game went into a lull after that as the German giants started to ease their way into the contest and Barca were limited to long range attempts.
But completely against the run of play, the Catalan behemoths went three up in the 37th minute. It was simpler move this time as Henry darted past Massimo Oddo on the left before squaring it to Messi and ‘Little Lionel’, surrounded by three, beat Butt to the ball at the near post to stab it home for his eighth goal of the competition.
Straight from the restart, Die Roten produced their first shot on target when Bastian Schweinsteiger thumped in a fierce drive inside the area on the left channel but Valdes dived low to his right to make sure he wasn’t beaten at his near post.
Just as Bayern were starting to threaten, the Blaugrana made it 4-0 on 43 minutes. Messi played a one-two with Alves to open space for himself to cut into the middle but he was swamped by a crowd of Bayern defenders who bullied him off the ball, but it somehow squirmed to Henry and the ex-Arsenal forward coolly dispatched it past a static Butt.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Ribery had the best chance for the visitors when he was released through on goal but with only Valdes to beat, he pulled his shot wide across the goalmouth. But a minute into first-half injury time, Barca almost made it five when Alves drilled in a low cross but it bounced off Henry at the far post and dropped for an unaware Iniesta, who thumped in a hasty volley wide.
Second Half
Barcelona made no attempts to take their foot off the pedal. Although they were more subdued and patient in their attacks, they still managed to pin Bayern back for large periods.
The first real chance of the second period fell, predictably to Messi, who swivelled infield from the right and unleashed a low left-footed piledriver on the edge of the box only for Butt to slap it away. Eto’o then took a shot from distance just on the hour mark despite having acres of space to run at and he blazed his effort well over the bar.
Guardiola’s men did eventually start to gradually downshift their gears to conserve energy as the clock ticked down, but more worryingly for Jurgen Klinsmann, his troops failed to look any more dangerous.
They did create one opening, though, on 70 minutes when Ze Roberto was put through on goal by Ribery but as he pulled the trigger from six yards out, Carles Puyol lunged forward with a superb last-ditch tackle to block the shot.
That sprung Barca to life and they swiftly went into assault mode again. Iniesta glided down the left flank before scooping the ball over the Bayern backline for Eto’o but it was just a touch too heavy. Moments later, Iniesta waltz into the box and jinked in between two defenders but his dipping shot aiming for the top left corner just shaved the crossbar.
Messi almost nabbed his hat-trick a minute into injury time when Iniesta jogged past a throng of defenders to the byline before clipping a cross to the middle for the Argentine, but his half-hearted shot was blocked by his own team-mate, Seydou Keita. That, however, was barely enough to dishearten the jubilant Camp Nou.
The only blemish for the home side was defender Rafa Marquez’s yellow card in the final minutes as the booking will force him to sit out the return leg at the Allianz Arena next week. For the Bavarians, this is their heaviest defeat in the Champions League in their storied history.
TEAMS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes – Dani Alves, Marquez, Pique, Puyol – Xavi, Toure Yaya (Busquets, 80’), Iniesta – Messi, Eto’o (Bojan, 89’), Henry (Keita, 73’)
Unused subs: Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho, Martin Caceres, Pinto
Bayern Munich (4-3-3): Butt – Oddo, Breno, Demichelis, Lell – Schweinsteiger, Van Bommel, Ze Roberto (Sosa, 76’) – Altintop (Ottl, 46’), Toni, Ribery
Unused subs: Podolski, Badstuber, Lahm, Borowski, Rensing
BARCELONA 4-0 BAYERN MUNICH
1-0: Barcelona (Messi, 8’)
2-0: Barcelona (Eto’o, 12’)
3-0: Barcelona (Messi, 37’)
4-0 Barcelona (Henry, 43’)
YELLOW CARDS
Barcelona: Messi (17’), Marquez (90’)

Chelsea In Dreamland After Victory Over Liverpool At Anfield

Chelsea turned in a performance of the highest quality at Anfield to take complete control of their Champions League tie with Liverpool.

Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea turned in a performance of the highest quality at Anfield to take complete control of their Champions League tie with Liverpool.
It had all started so well for the Reds when Fernando Torres swept them into a sixth minute lead, but the visitors soon got themselves together and squandered two great opportunities to level through Didier Drogba.
The tie was then turned on its head when Branislav Ivanovic scored two headers either side of half-time, before Drogba, not to be denied, added a third with Liverpool looking stunned.
Chelsea are now in complete control of the tie – Liverpool will have to score at least three times at Stamford Bridge in next week’s second leg if they are to stand any chance of reaching the last four.
Javier Mascherano was suspended for Liverpool; meaning Lucas Leiva came into the starting XI. Otherwise there was no major selection news for the Reds.
Chelsea, though, sprung a few surprises. Nicolas Anelka was left on the bench alongside the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Deco and John Obi Mikel. Florent Malouda was given a start, while Ivanovic played at right-back.
Chelsea’s coach, Guus Hiddink, had said prior to the game that his side would attack from the off, but it was the home side who came racing out of the traps. In just the third minute, a powerful Dirk Kuyt effort deflected off Ivanovic and just over the crossbar after the Blues failed to clear a corner
That was the warning, because three minutes later Rafael Benitez’s side were in front. After the visitors made a hash of clearing a long ball from defence, Kuyt cleverly sent Alvaro Arbeloa free on the right. The full-back squared the ball to the onrushing Torres, who confidently swept his shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech from 15 yards.
Incredibly, though, the Blues had a golden opportunity to level less than a minute later. Fabio Aurelio carelessly lost possession inside his own half to Salomon Kalou, who sent Drogba clean through on goal. However, the striker shot straight at Pepe Reina, wasting a glorious chance to equalise straight away.
The visitors next threatened in the 23rd minute when Kalou and Drogba worked passes on the flank to Malouda, who shot wide of the far post. At the other end, it was Frank Lampard’s turn to lose the ball in his own half - Torres pouncing before shooting just over from the edge of the penalty area.
On the half hour mark, Drogba had another clear opening on goal. He managed to lose Jamie Carragher and pick up Michael Ballack’s pass into the box, but could only blaze a left-footed effort over the bar from close-range, leaving Hiddink bewildered on the touchline.
But relief was only a few minutes away. As the half neared its conclusion, Lampard saw a long-range effort deflected wide. From the resulting corner, taken by Malouda, Chelsea had a deserved equaliser. The Frenchman floated in a delivery to the edge of the six-yard box and Ivanovic headed home after avoiding detection from Liverpool’s zonal marking system.
Moments later, the Reds almost got themselves back in front with Chelsea still stretched. Kuyt found his way past Terry before shooting straight at Cech from a difficult angle.
After the break, Drogba had his third gilt-edged opportunity of the match after Aurelio lost possession and Lampard sent him clear. The Ivorian fared better this time, riding the challenge of Martin Skrtel and slipping his shot past Reina, but Jamie Carragher crucially got back onto the goal-line to hook the ball to safety.
Gerrard and Torres then combined well at the other end - the Spaniard eventually shooting over after being put under pressure from the Blues’ defence as the game’s end-to-end nature continued.
On 62 minutes, in a near carbon copy of the first goal, Chelsea scored again through Ivanovic – the Serbian grabbing his second goal of the match. This time it was Lampard’s corner that found defender in space and he guided another header past the helpless Reina.
Just as you thought it couldn’t get any better for the visitors, they were in dreamland five minutes later. Ballack broke from midfield and fed Malouda down the left. The winger then sent in a glorious inviting cross to which Drogba, who had been enduring a difficult night, showed huge desire to beat Aurelio and Carragher to and power home from close-range.
Liverpool huffed and puffed in the final 20 minutes as they attempted to get back into the tie, but other than a Xabi Alonso shot from distance that was tipped over by Cech in the third minute of stoppage time, they struggled to threaten and looked out of ideas going forward.

Picture Of The Day

why dont they leave him alone??

PREMIER LEAGUE Run-In (England)

Last updated: 4 Apr 2009, 22:16 BST1

. Manchester United (68pts, 8 games remaining)Man Utd Fixtures: Sunderland A; Portsmouth H; Tottenham H; Middlesbrough A; Man City H; Wigan A; Arsenal H; Hull ARequirements: 21+ points to guarantee a title victory, or 20 and an improvement on current goal difference to beat Liverpool's (United have +32 to Liverpool's +34)2.

Liverpool (67pts, 7 games remaining)Liverpool Fixtures: Blackburn H; Arsenal H; Hull A; Newcastle H; West Ham A; West Brom A; Tottenham HRequirements: Assuming that Liverpool win all their games, they require United to drop four points, or five if Liverpool surrender their goal difference advantage.3.

Chelsea (64pts, 7 games remaining)Chelsea Fixtures: Bolton H; Everton H; West Ham A; Fulham H; Arsenal A; Blackburn H; Sunderland ARequirements: Assuming that Chelesa win all their games, they require United to drop seven points, or six if Chelsea can maintain a superior goal difference (currently they have +34 to United's +32.) They also require Liverpool to drop four points, or three if they can overtake them on goal difference (both currently on +34 but Liverpool's Goals Scored record is superior.)

Liverpool - Chelsea Buildup: Reina Calls Drogba A Pain In The Butt

The temperature is rising ahead of yet another European clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Anfield tonight, and Reds keeper Pepe Reina has admitted his concern that Didier Drogba will again be the one that ends up giving them a cold shower.It would have been safe to assume that nobody at Liverpool would have been glad to learn that the Ivorian scoring ace has managed to shake off an ankle injury to be available just in time for the heavyweight clash, considering it was his brace that was largely responsible for knocking Liverpool out of the semi-finals of the same competition a year ago.Speaking ahead of tonight's showdown, Reina told ESPN just what he thinks of the prospect of coming up against Chelsea's biggest scoring threat again.“To be honest, he’s one of my favourite players and when people ask me about the most dangerous striker or a real pain in the ass, I always say Drogba," revealed the Spanish keeper.“I think in a way he’s becoming stronger and stronger. He’s been having some injury problems in the last months but now he’s scoring goals again.“He’s scored five in the last seven games and, whoever plays up front, him or Nicolas Anelka, it will be difficult to stop them.”Liverpool have a couple of aces of their own up their sleeves, not least of which is Fernando Torres, who Reina suggested could even be a cut above Drogba.“He’s magic, one of our key players," boomed the Spanish keeper over his compatriot. "Obviously he’s one of the best strikers, if not the best — in the world.”

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Porto Snatch Late Draw At Manchester United In True Footballing Feast

First Half:
It took some time for the real Manchester United to stand up as the defending champions started as a pale shadow of their usual selves. United did not register a strike on target until after the ten minute mark, by which time Porto had made Edwin van der Sar work twice and pick the ball out of the net once. After only two minutes, Lisandro Lopez turned Jonny Evans and tried van der Sar from distance, earning a corner. Porto's second effort, two minutes later, yielded a deserved goal. Cristiano Ronaldo misplaced a pass while clearing a corner; the resulting cross saw Evans surrender his clearance to Cristian Rodriguez, who made no mistake. The Uruguayan buried a left-footer into the United bottom corner - the first goal conceded in this competition by van der Sar since last season's final. Lisandro had another shot sting the palms of van der Sar following more sloppy defending, before United gradually got going, shaking the shackles of a uncharacteristically sloppy start. Twelve minutes in and John O'Shea crossed sumptuously for Ronaldo to force Helton to work, and show Porto they were actually in a game. United were level moments later after a fatal error from Bruno Alves. Under no pressure, the Portugal defender laid a back pass towards Helton but failed to spot Wayne Rooney behind him, who cleverly anticipated the ball through. He bid his time and chipped over the goalkeeper for parity. Nonetheless, Porto stuck to their task; Lucho Gonzalez took a hold of proceedings temporarily too; he provided two good crosses in the space of a minute for Rodriguez, who headed at van der Sar, and Lisandro, who narrowly failed to make contact at the back post. Rui Meireles was next to examine the credentials of van der Sar with a fine long range drive, and O'Shea's mistake allowed Hulk to bend the ball narrowly past the post on the half hour. From there, it was United on top; Rooney used the length and breadth of Old Trafford to try and get things going. Paul Scholes too, was beginning to exercise a semblance of authority with his passing. United's best chance of the remainder fell to the veteran also; his header from Park's cross was just over the top.
Second Half:
United started the better side after the break, enjoying a good deal more possession than they did in the previous 45 minutes. It took only five minutes for the hosts to trouble Helton, when Park Ji Sung's half-volley from the edge of the box forced the Brazilian to save. Rooney was next to try his luck as Porto struggled to find a way out of their own half; the mercurial England forward executed a clever chip from an improbable angle outside the box, but Helton backtracked and tipped over. From Ryan Giggs' corner, Nemanja Vidic made Helton work to give Giggs another chance to cross. From his second bite of the cherry, the Serb nodded off target. Porto maintained their positivity and broke with relish whenever possible. Fernando exercised a discreet dominance in the centre of midfield while Cristian Rodriguez was becoming a linchpin, easing his side into enemy territory. He provided a chance for Hulk, who squeezed a shot wide after turning Evans. Rodriguez then found Lisandro on the edge of the box, whose on-target effort forced United to concede a corner. Aly Cissokho picked up the rebound and struck powerfully on van der Sar's goal. The Portuguese league leaders then had a legitimate call for a penalty; Hulk tricked Evra and escaped to the byline, as he tried to turn back into play, he was swept into the air by Carlos Tevez but no decision was forthcoming. As the game ebbed towards the last 15 minutes, the Red Devils had a great chance to sneak a lead on the night; Gary Neville provided an accurate cross, with which Rooney was inches away from making contact. The hosts ramped it up a notch and another inspired substitution gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side the advantage on the night. Gary Neville's throw caught Porto napping in their own area, and Wayne Rooney's back-flick found Carlos Tevez in front of Rolando to smash home from close range.There was to be a twist in the tale though and more than a passing echo of 2004. Two minutes were on the clock when Lisandro jinked his way down Patrice Evra's flank, after the Portuguese side played themselves again into an attacking position. His back post cross found substitute Mariano Gonzalez, who bundled past van der Sar from close range. Ryan Giggs' late free-kick whistled over the bar as United now contemplate a task achieved by no English side - winning in the Estadio Dragao.
Line-Ups:
Manchester United (4-3-3): van der Sar - Vidic, Evans (Neville 71'), O'Shea, Evra - Fletcher, Scholes (Giggs 71'), Carrick - Ronaldo, Park (Giggs 58'), Rooney
Porto (4-3-3): Helton - Bruno Alves, Rolando, Sapunaru, Cissokho - Fernando, Lucho, Meireles (Costa 78' (Madrid 90')) - Lisandro, Rodriguez (Mariano 78'), Hulk
Goals:Manchester United: Rooney 15', Tevez 85'Porto: Rodriguez 4', Mariano 88'

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Champions League Preview: Liverpool – Chelsea

Kick-off:

Wednesday, April 8, 20:45 GMT

. Anfield, Merseyside.

Stop Playin' Those Mind Games

Who would have guessed that Liverpool would draw Chelsea in the last eight of the Champions League? Only those who didn't expect them to meet up in the semi-finals for the fourth time in five years, is probably the answer.These days, the Reds seem to have a permanent reservation in the competition up until the final four, a stage they have failed to reach just once since Rafael Benitez took the reins back in 2004. People just expect them to be there at the business end, regardless of how poor their domestic form might be. Whereas at the start of decade they had fallen away from the elite ranks, they are now the quintessential CL team - they showed that when they knocked out Real Madrid 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round.But this year it's different. For the first time in many a moon, the Merseysiders come into a European knockout encounter with Premier League ambitions still intact. In past seasons the continent was their sole focus by this time of the season but now they sit just one point behind Manchester United as they chase their first English title since 1990.Whether that will have any effect remains to be seen. In any case, Benitez has messed with his usual pre-match routine ahead of this particular clash. In an attempt to avoid the annual word-war that used to break out between he and Jose Mourinho, the Spaniard has called for a ceasefire as Guus Hiddink's men prepare to march on Fortress Anfield - not that he was expecting any trouble from the Dutchman."Some managers want to play too many mind games. With Hiddink, it will just be about football," he said earlier this week.So the media will be left to drum up some feud or frenzy of their own invention as Liverpool, fresh from a last-gasp win over Fulham, ready themselves for yet another date with the Blues - although this time they are the ones aiming to atone for the previous season's disappointment.

Golden Guus

The Reds well and truly had the wood over Chelsea heading into last year's semi-final clash, but it proved third time lucky for the Pensioners as they grabbed a 4-3 aggregate win - in extra time - to end their winless run against ‘Rafa's’ mob in Europe. Only John Terry's faulty studs and Edwin van der Sar's magic gloves kept them away from a first Champions League title, as Manchester United emerged victorious after a penalty shootout.That defeat in Moscow spelt the end of Avram Grant's brief (yet, on balance, fairly impressive) tenure. However, the Israeli's successor, the decorated Luiz Felipe Scolari, lasted no longer in hot-seat; a run of poor results saw Roman Abramovich wield his axe once more in February.And so in came Hiddink, who agreed to split his duties with the Russian national team so as to try and restore some sort of order at Stamford Bridge. And the Dutchman has delivered, boosting the Blues back into the title race, through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and past Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League.Now 'Tsar Guus' faces his biggest test yet. Not only does he come up against a team widely regarded as the masters of knockout football, and one who boast a historical advantage over his outfit, he must conquer a side that have done the double over Chelsea this season in domestic action - the very side that ended Stamford Bridge's 86-game streak of impregnability.But, in many ways, it is a situation tailor-made for Hiddink, and one in which he has thrived at international level. He will leave the club at the season's end (or so he keeps saying, anyway), meaning his accomplishments in these few months will reflect the entirety of his Chelsea legacy. No rebuilding phase, no grace period - just results.And so, walking tall after a hard-fought win over Alan Shearer's Newcastle United at the weekend, Chelsea will head to the north west confident of repeating (or bettering) last year's exploits and keeping alive their hopes of clinching an unlikely treble - although they haven't won an away match in the CL since beating Rosenborg on November 28, 2007.FORM GUIDELiverpoolApril 04 Fulham 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)March 22 Liverpool 5-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)March 14 Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool (Premier League)March 10 Liverpool 4-0 Real Madrid (Champions League)March 03 Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland (Premier League)ChelseaApril 04 Newcastle United 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)March 21 Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League)March 15 Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (Premier League)March 10 Juventus 2-2 Chelsea (Champions League)March 07 Coventry City 0-2 Chelsea (FA Cup)TEAM NEWSLiverpoolJavier Mascherano is suspended, meaning Lucas Leiva will almost certainly start in midfield. Albert Riera, meanwhile, is available once more after serving a one-match ban, although he now faces competition for his spot from a revitalised Andrea Dossena, who, along with Alvaro Arbeloa, is one caution away from a suspension himself.Daniel Agger has recovered from a back injury and played 180 minutes for Denmark last week, meaning he could make his first start for the Reds since February. Yossi Benayoun is also fit again, as he proved when he came off the bench at Fulham to blast home a late winner. Sami Hyypia is still carrying a knee knock.Fabio Aurelio sat out the win at Craven Cottage but should line up at left-back.Probable XI: Reina - Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio - Alonso, Lucas - Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera - TorresChelseaDidier Drogba is fighting a race against time as he seeks to shake off an ankle injury - a battle he is reportedly losing. Jose Bosingwa is also a doubt, having missed the win at Newcastle after sustaining a gash to his leg and a hamstring strain while on duty with Portugal.Bosingwa's compatriot Ricardo Carvalho also returned from the international break worse for wear, but he is expected to reclaim his place in defence for the trip to Anfield.Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are out of action with season-ending knee injuries, while Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole and John Terry are all one ban away from a booking.Probable XI: Cech - Alex, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole - Mikel, Essien, Lampard - Malouda, Anelka, KalouPLAYERS TO WATCHLiverpoolFernando Torres likes scoring against the Blues; he has netted against them four times in as many games and should cause John Terry and his rearguard all manner of problems. Steven Gerrard rarely misfires on a European night while the in-form Xabi Alonso should enjoy a fascinating tussle with Chelsea's muscular midfield.ChelseaSince returning from a long-term knee injury, Michael Essien has slotted back into the first team almost seamlessly. He is Chelsea's engine. Going forward, they will look to Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka to do the damage.PREDICTIONChelsea won't win - you simply don't when you travel to Anfield for a Champions League tie. They have the ability to score, certainly, but then few teams have been better at finding the net than Liverpool of late. Drogba's potential absence could be crucial, given the way these encounters tend to suit the Ivorian's style. A narrow win for 'Pool, then, is this punter's bet.

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Pre-Match And Team News

Heading into this match, Milan were certainly expected to win, despite the fact that the likes of Ronaldinho, David Beckham and Massimo Ambrosini, were left on the bench for this match. Carlo Ancelotti opted to utilize Pato and Pippo Inzaghi up front for the Rossoneri, whilst Dida remained in goal, due to the absence of Christian Abbiati who is out for the remainder of the season.Meanwhile, Lecce were almost at full strength for what seemed to be mission impossible, as they were only without the services of the injured Daniele Cacia. Luigi De Canio’s men were winless in seven matches prior to this contest; however three points in this clash would see them leap out of the relegation zone, as both Bologna and Torino went down in their respective fixtures earlier in the day.First HalfMilan got the play underway in this match, and it certainly was a very positive, free flowing match early on, as both sides were confident to get numbers forward with the hope of breaking the deadlock. The home side managed to create the first major opportunity of the contest, as Pirlo’s brilliant long ball forward was met by Pato, who then placed the ball into the path of Inzaghi with his head, only to see the veteran smash the ball over the bar from close range.The Rossoneri began to dictate the play, as the visitors struggled to impose themselves in the match. Having said this though, Lecce did have the chance to score on 10 minutes, after an impressive play between Giacomazzi and Tiribocchi, which saw the latter volley the ball first time out of mid air, after a perfect long ball forward from his tea- mate, only to see it sail over the bar.The Giallorossi continued to play the traditional counterattacking game, and they saw themselves create their second glorious opportunity in the space of five minutes, as Caserta’s perfect through ball, was met by Tiribocchi, who easily got around Favalli; however Dida was up to the challenge of denying the hitman with a solid save between the sticks.The match dropped a little in intensity as the half hour mark passed, however it was brought back to life in the 34 minute mark, when Pato beat two opponents and tested his luck from long range. The 19-year-old won the ball out of sheer will, and then powerfully struck a curling effort from all of 35 yards, only to see it curl just wide of the top right corner.Ancelotti was forced to make the first change of the match with just five minutes remaining in the first half, as Senderos came on to replace the captain of the club Maldini, who picked up a heavy knock earlier on. Despite the premature switch, nothing changed from a Milan point of view, as they went about their business in the same manner, and continued to threaten the Lecce goal.As the half came to a close, Pato amazed the fans, as he launched an incredible solo effort that deserved to end with a goal. Running at full pace, the young Brazilian managed to once again skip past two defenders, before chipping it over a third in Esposito, and then see his shot beat Benussi, however trickle inches wide of the target yet again. The wonder kid was certainly his side’s most dangerous player in the opening half; however he had not done enough to break the deadlock to this point, as it was scoreless at the break.

Second Half

The visitors resumed the play in the second half, however unsurprisingly it was the home side that picked up from where they left off. Immediately Milan were given the space and time to move forward with real purpose, and it took them less than three minutes to create a brilliant opportunity on goal, as the likes of Kaka, Pato and Flamini all linked up, as the latter eventually tested his luck from the edge of the area. His effort was weak however and easily dealt with by Benussi.Ancelotti made his second switch of the night, and it was a decision that was applauded by the Milan tifosi, as the out of sorts Seedorf made way for the Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho. It didn’t take the 2004 and 2005 FIFA World Player of the year long to make his mark on proceedings either, as he was involved in a number of impressive attacking plays as the hour mark approached. Most notably, a glorious switch by the Brazilian, led to Zambrotta crossing it into the area where he picked out Pato. The starlet failed to hit the target with his header though, as he saw it sail agonizingly close to the top corner yet again.It was becoming a Brazilian show at the San Siro, as the inclusion of Ronaldinho seemed to lift Kaka and Pato, who both looked even more menacing than they already did. The latter in particular continued to threaten the Lecce goal on a countless number of occasions; however it seemed as if nothing was going right for him in this contest.As the match entered the final 20 minutes of play, it was evident that the Rossoneri players were beginning to fear another disappointing draw was on the cards. Pato continued to dominate the match, as he initiated his umpteenth individual run, as he easily skipped around two opponents, before seeing his shot well saved by Benussi again. Something had to be done by Ancelotti, and it was, as the legend of the club Shevchenko was introduced on 78 minutes for Kaka.The Rossoneri were absolutely dominant in terms of the statistics in the contest, as they had over 70 per cent of the possession for the large majority of the match. Despite this fact though, they failed to lead on the scoreboard, and incredibly they almost saw themselves go a goal behind in the final 10 minutes, when Munari’s glorious ball into the area was met by the head of Tiribocchi. The resulting header took a slight deflection however, and a corner was the result.Milan won themselves a free kick in a wonderful position on 86 minutes, with Ronaldinho stepping up to test his luck. His free kick struck the wall, however the referee judged that the wall had crept forward prior to the kick being taken, so the Brazilian was given another chance from a dead ball situation, however this time it was taken from the edge of the area. Benussi was called upon to make a world class save to deny the Rossoneri, and once again a corner was the result.Incredibly in the 91st minute of play, a free kick by Pirlo into the area was met by the head of Senderos, who celebrated what surely seemed to be the winning goal. Replays later showed that the ball deflected off the head of Ronaldinho, meaning that the Brazilian was credited with the goal. Astonishingly, Inzaghi doubled the home side’s advantage just two minutes later, when a glorious cross by Shevchenko, allowed the Milan veteran to head home his eighth goal of the season at the back post.The referee’s final whistle meant that the Rossoneri recorded a crucial victory in order to maintain a comfortable buffer over the likes of Genoa and Fiorentina, whilst Lecce remain in 19th place, two points adrift of safety. It was a deserved result for Ancelotti’s men, as they were the better side from start to finish on the night.

TEAMS

Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Zambrotta, Maldini (Senderos, 40’), Favalli, Jankulovski; Flamini, Pirlo, Seedorf (Ronaldinho, 53’); Kaka (Shevchenko, 78’); Pato, InzaghiLecce (4-4-1-1): Benussi; Polenghi, Esposito, Fabiano, Vives; Angelo (Giuliatto, 80’), Giacomazzi, Munari, Ariatti (Konan, 89’); Caserta, Tiribocchi (Papadopoulos, 89’)GOALS91’ Ronaldinho (Milan)93’ Inzaghi (Milan)

source GOAL.COM

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