Champions League 2008-2009 Blog

Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema, Raúl Albiol goes for the Champions League 2009 - 2010

2009-07-16T17:05:00.000+01:00

Last week, French international Karim Benzema completed his transfer from Olympique Lyon to Real Madrid. Real Madrid’s chairman Florentino Pérez has now spent 209 million euros on new players.

According to Infostrada Sports, in the 2000/2001 season, Pérez spent 100.3 million euros on new players as Real Madrid’s chairman.

Biggest spending seasons by Florentino Pérez as Real Madrid chairman
Euro Season Player(s)

209.0 2009/2010 Cristiano Ronaldo (POR), Kaká (BRA), Karim Benzema (FRA), Raúl Albiol (ESP)
100.3 2000/2001 Luis Figo (POR), Flávio Conceiçao (POR), Claude Makélélé (FRA)
90.1 2005/2006 Sergio Ramos (ESP), Robinho (BRA), Julio Baptista (BRA), Antonio Cassano (ITA), Carlos Diogo (URU), Cicinho (BRA), Pablo García (URU)
75.8 2001/2002 Zinedine Zidane (FRA)
60.4 2004/2005 Walter Samuel (ARG), Jonathan Woodgate (ENG), Michael Owen (ENG), Thomas Gravesen (DEN)
45.0 2002/2003 Ronaldo (BRA)
35.1 2003/2004 David Beckham (ENG)

Top-15 Biggest Transfers by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Pérez
Euro Name Nation From Year

94.0 Cristiano Ronaldo POR Manchester United 2009
75.8 Zinedine Zidane FRA Juventus 2001
65.0 Kaká BRA AC Milan 2009
61.3 Luis Figo POR FC Barcelona 2000
45.0 Ronaldo BRA Internazionale 2002
35.1 David Beckham ENG Manchester United 2003
35.0* Karim Benzema FRA Olympique Lyon 2009
27.1 Sergio Ramos ESP Sevilla FC 2005
25.0 Flávio Conceição BRA Deportivo La Coruña 2000
24.5 Robinho BRA Santos 2005
23.0 Walter Samuel ARG AS Roma 2004
22.0 Jonathan Woodgate ENG Newcastle United 2004
20.0 Julio Baptista BRA Sevilla FC 2005
15.0 Raúl Albiol ESP Valencia CF 2009
14.0 Claude Makélélé FRA Celta de Vigo 2000
* transfer fee may rise to 41 million depending on Real Madrid’s results

FC Barcelona treble

2009-06-02T13:46:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday, FC Barcelona won the Champions League after beating Manchester United in the final. FC Barcelona is the ninth club to win a European treble, having already won the Domestic League and Domestic Cup this season.

Barcelona now have won the most coveted European trophy three times, equalling Manchester United for sixth most in the history of the Champions Cup/Champions League.

Accrding to Infostrada, the treble, with Champions Cup/Champions League, is now won in every decade since the 1960s. Celtic (1967), Ajax (1972), PSV (1988) and Manchester United (1999) are the clubs to do so before Barcelona.

Most Champions Cup/Champions League winners

# Club Nation Years

9 Real Madrid ESP 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002
7 AC Milan ITA 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007
5 Liverpool ENG 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005
4 Ajax NED 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995
4 Bayern München FRG, GER 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001
3 Manchester United ENG 1968, 1999, 2008
3 FC Barcelona ESP 1992, 2006, 2009

What a Bundesliga!

2009-05-14T20:05:00.002+01:00

With only two match rounds to go, Borussia Dortmund are sure that they will have the fewest defeats of all the teams in the 2008/2009 Bundesliga, according to Infostrada.

“Die Borussen” have lost only five matches so far in the season. VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart all have seven defeats.

Dortmund’s highest possible final ranking in the Bundesliga is fourth. The lowest ranking for a team to have the fewest defeats in a Bundesliga season is third.

Eighth ranked Schalke 04 are on pace to become the club with the fewest goals conceded in the 2008/2009 season.

In the 1995/1996 season only 1 FC Köln were ranked lower (12th) as the team that conceded the fewest goals that season in the Bundesliga.

Lowest ranked team with fewest defeats in a Bundesliga season

Final ranking	Club	Season	Matches lost
6*	Borussia Dortmund	2008/2009	5
3	Eintracht Braunschweig	1976/1977	6
3	1. FC Köln	1987/1988	4
3	Eintracht Frankfurt	1991/1992	6
3	Borussia Dortmund	2000/2001	8
3	Bayern München	2001/2002	6
2	Borussia Mönchengladbach	1977/1978	6
2	VfB Stuttgart	1978/1979	6
2	Hamburger SV	1979/1980	6
2	Werder Bremen	1985/1986	5
2	Borussia Dortmund	1991/1992	6
2	Bayern München	1992/1993	5
2	Bayer Leverkusen	1999/2000	3
2	FC Schalke 04	2000/2001	8

* Note: After 32 of 34 match rounds

Lowest ranked team with fewest goals conceded in a Bundesliga season

Final ranking	Club	Season	Goals conceded
12	1. FC Köln	1995/1996	35
8*	FC Schalke 04	2008/2009	32
6	1. FC Nürnberg	2006/2007	32
5	Fortuna Düsseldorf	1977/1978	36
5	FC Schalke 04	1997/1998	32
4	Hamburger SV	1974/1975	38
4	1. FC Kaiserslautern	1980/1981	37
4	Bayern München	1982/1983	33
4	VfB Stuttgart	2003/2004	24
4	Hertha BSC	2004/2005	31

* Note: After 32 of 34 match rounds

Arsenal vs Chelsea preview: the match of the week

2009-05-08T16:11:00.001+01:00

Chelsea visit Arsenal on Sunday, having collected just one point this season from their five previous fixtures against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. According to Infostrada, if Chelsea fail to win, they will have recorded the lowest total in Premier League history in matches between these four clubs.

Premier League matches between Big Four – 2008/2009 season
Rank Club P W D L Pts F A

1 Liverpool 6 4 2 0 14 14 7
2 Arsenal 4 2 2 0 8 9 7
3 Manchester United 5 1 1 3 4 7 9
4 Chelsea 5 0 1 4 1 2 9

Least points in PL matches between Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United
# Club P W D L Season

1 Chelsea 5 0 1 4 2008/2009
3 Manchester United 6 1 0 5 2001/2002
3 Liverpool 6 1 0 5 2004/2005
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 1994/1995
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 1996/1997
4 Chelsea 6 1 1 4 1997/1998
4 Liverpool 6 0 4 2 1998/1999
4 Arsenal 6 1 1 4 2005/2006
4 Liverpool 6 1 1 4 2005/2006
4 Liverpool 6 0 4 2 2007/2008
4 Manchester United 5 1 1 3 2008/2009

Alex Ferguson shouted five

2009-05-07T20:09:00.000+01:00

Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 to reach the 2009 Champions League final. Alex Ferguson will lead a team out for the fifth time in a European final, a feat achieved by only eight head coaches before him.

Giovanni Trapattoni is the record holder with seven European finals as head coach of Juventus, Internazionale and AC Milan.

Trapattoni is also the only head coach to win five European finals, a record which Ferguson can equal on 27 May having been on the winning side of his four previous European finals as head coach.

Most European finals as head coach
# Name Nation European finals as head coach

7 Giovanni Trapattoni ITA Champions Cup 1983, 1985; Cup Winners’ Cup 1974, 1984; UEFA Cup 1977, 1992, 1993
5 Miguel Muñoz ESP Champions Cup 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966; Cup Winners’ Cup 1971
5 Ernst Happel AUT Champions Cup 1970, 1978, 1983; UEFA Cup 1976, 1982
5 Udo Lattek GER Champions Cup 1974, 1977, 1987; Cup Winners’ Cup 1982; UEFA Cup 1979
5 Raymond Goethals BEL Champions Cup/Champions League 1991, 1993; Cup Winners’ Cup 1977, 1978, 1982
5 Johan Cruijff NED Champions Cup/Champions League 1992, 1994; Cup Winners’ Cup 1987, 1989, 1991
5 Sven-Göran Eriksson SWE Champions Cup 1990; Cup Winners’ Cup 1999; UEFA Cup 1982, 1983, 1998
5 Marcello Lippi ITA Champions League 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003; UEFA Cup 1995
5 Alex Ferguson SCO Champions League 1999, 2008, 2009; Cup Winners’ Cup 1983, 1991
4 José Villalonga ESP Champions Cup 1956, 1957; Cup Winners’ Cup 1962, 1963
4 Helenio Herrera ITA Champions Cup 1964, 1965, 1967; Fairs Cup 1960
4 Don Revie ENG Cup Winners’ Cup 1973; Fairs Cup/UEFA Cup 1967, 1968, 1971
4 Nereo Rocco ITA Champions Cup 1963, 1969; Cup Winners’ Cup 1968, 1973
4 Bob Paisley ENG Champions Cup 1977, 1978, 1981; UEFA Cup 1976
4 Vujadin Boskov YUG Champions Cup 1981, 1992; Cup Winners’ Cup 1989, 1990
4 Ottmar Hitzfeld GER Champions League 1997, 1999, 2001; UEFA Cup 1993

Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona preview: the match of the week

2009-05-02T17:53:00.000+01:00

Today, Real Madrid host La Liga leaders FC Barcelona in Bernabéu. Of all the current players, Raúl is the most experienced with 10 goals and 26 appearances in El Clásico.

According to Infostrada The only players with more goals in El Clásico are Alfredo Di Stéfano (Real Madrid) with 14 and César Rodríguez (FC Barcelona) with 12.

Only three players have made more appearances in fixtures between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Francisco Gento (31), Manuel Sanchís (29) and Carlos Santillana (28).

The first top flight encounter between these two clubs dates back to 17 February 1929 when Real secured a 2-1 win at FC Barcelona.

In total Real have the upper hand with 68 wins compared to Barça’s 59 victories.

Most goals in ‘El Clásico’ – current players # Name Club Era
10 Raúl Real Madrid 1995-2008
4 Ruud van Nistelrooy Real Madrid 2006-2008
4 Lionel Messi FC Barcelona 2005-2008
4 Samuel Eto’o FC Barcelona 2004-2008
2 Xavi FC Barcelona 2000-2008

Most matches in ‘El Clásico’ – current players # Name Club Era
26 Raúl Real Madrid 1995-2008
18 Carles Puyol FC Barcelona 1999-2008
17 Iker Casillas Real Madrid 2000-2008
17 Xavi FC Barcelona 2000-2008
16 Guti Real Madrid 1999-2008

Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona in La Liga Real Madrid FC Barcelona
157 Matches Played 157
68 Matches won 59
30 Matches drawn 30
59 Matches lost 68
260 Goals scored 237
237 Goals conceded 260
8-2 (03 Feb 1935) Biggest win home 7-2 (24 Sep 1950)
1-5 (27 Jan 1963) Biggest win away 0-5 (17 Feb 1974)
0-5 (17 Feb 1974) Biggest defeat home 1-5 (27 Jan 1963)
7-2 (24 Sep 1950) Biggest defeat away 8-2 (03 Feb 1935)

Juventus vs Internazionale preview: the match of the week

2009-04-18T15:34:00.001+01:00

On Saturday, 18 April, Juventus and Internazionale clash in the Serie A in Turin. Both clubs have scored at least once in every Serie A match since November last year.

Inter are currently on a run of 22 matches in which they have scored at least once. Their club record is 24 consecutive matches with at least one goal.

Juventus have scored in the last 18 matches. Juve also hold the all-time record in the Serie A with 35 matches in a row in which they have scored.

Longest scoring streaks Internazionale in Serie A
# Start date Last match before streak Match that ended streak

24 06 Nov 1949 Novara - Internazionale (30 Oct 1949) 0-0 Torino - Internazionale (30 Apr 1950) 1-0
23 10 Feb 2002 Internazionale - Torino (02 Feb 2002) 0-0 AC Milan - Internazionale (23 Nov 2002) 1-0
22 01 Nov 2008 Fiorentina - Internazionale (29 Oct 2008) 0-0 Still running
22 25 Oct 2006 Udinese - Internazionale (22 Oct 2006) 0-0 Reggina - Internazionale (07 Apr 2007) 0-0
19 31 Jan 1965 Internazionale - Varese (24 Jan 1965) 0-0 AS Roma - Internazionale (26 Sep 1965) 2-0
18 28 Mar 1954 AC Milan - Internazionale (21 Mar 1954) 2-0 Genoa - Internazionale (21 Nov 1954) 2-0
17 11 May 1997 Internazionale - Vicenza (03 May 1997) 0-1 Udinese - Internazionale (21 Dec 1997) 1-0
16 07 Mar 1971 Cagliari - Internazionale (28 Feb 1971) 0-0 Napoli - Internazionale (14 Nov 1971) 0-0
16 15 Apr 2007 Reggina - Internazionale (07 Apr 2007) 0-0 Palermo - Internazionale (28 Oct 2007) 0-0
16 08 Mar 2008 Napoli - Internazionale (02 Mar 2008) 1-0 AC Milan - Internazionale (28 Sep 2008) 1-0

Longest scoring streaks Juventus in Serie A
# Start date Last match before streak Match that ended streak

35 28 Apr 1957 Bologna - Juventus (14 Apr 1957) 1-0 Atalanta - Juventus (27 Apr 1958) 0-0
34 24 Apr 2005 Juventus - Internazionale (20 Apr 2005) 0-1 Juventus - AC Milan (12 Mar 2006) 0-0
26 07 Feb 1943 Torino - Juventus (31 Jan 1943) 2-0 Modena - Juventus (03 Feb 1946) 0-0
24 20 Nov 1960 Torino - Juventus (13 Nov 1960) 0-0 Padova - Juventus (30 May 1961) 1-0
21 07 Jun 1959 SS Lazio - Juventus (02 Jun 1959) 1-0 Juventus - Atalanta (28 Feb 1960) 0-1
19 11 Sep 1949 Padova - Juventus (05 Jun 1949) 3-0 Fiorentina - Juventus (15 Jan 1950) 0-0
18 29 Nov 2008 Internazionale - Juventus (22 Nov 2008) 1-0 Still running
18 10 Apr 1993 Udinese - Juventus (04 Apr 1993) 0-0 Parma - Juventus (07 Nov 1993) 2-0
18 30 Mar 2002 Parma - Juventus (23 Mar 2002) 1-0 Brescia - Juventus (08 Dec 2002) 2-0

Az Almaar Dutch Eredivisie champion? What an improvement!

2009-04-17T00:35:00.002+01:00

On Saturday, AZ can clinch the Dutch 2008/2009 Eredivisie title if they beat Vitesse at home. The Alkmaar based club will then have improved from an 11th place finish in the previous season.

Only DWS and Ajax have won the Eredivisie after finishing in a lower position in the previous season. According to Infostrada Sports, if AZ win the championship it will be their second title after winning the Eredivisie in 1980/1981.

Lowest rank Eredivisie Champions previous season
Final rank before Club Previous season Championship Season

1 (2nd level) DWS 1962/1963 1963/1964
13 Ajax 1964/1965 1965/1966
11 AZ 2007/2008 2008/2009
10 DOS 1956/1957 1957/1958
9 Sparta 1957/1958 1958/1959
6 Ajax 1958/1959 1959/1960
4 Feyenoord 1997/1998 1998/1999
4 Ajax 1996/1997 1997/1998
4 PSV 1973/1974 1974/1975
4 Feyenoord 1963/1964 1964/1965
4 Ajax 1955/1956 1956/1957

Chelsea 4 - Liverpool 4 goals and highlights

2009-04-14T21:49:00.004+01:00

Chelsea: Drogba (51), Alex (57), Lampard (76, 89)

Liverpool: Fabio Aurelio (19), Xabi Alonso (28 penalty), Leiva (81), Kuyt (82)

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Lazio vs AS Roma preview: the match of the week

2009-04-10T13:33:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, Francesco Totti can enter the goalscoring elite of Italy’s Serie A when AS Roma face city rivals Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico. Totti has scored 173 goals in the Serie A and he needs one goal to enter the top 10 of all-time Serie A goalscorers. He scored his first league goal on 4 September 1994 in a home match against Foggia (1-1).

Totti has scored 13 of his 173 goals against Parma, his favourite opponents. According to Infostrada Sports, Lazio have conceded six goals from the Roma captain.

Most goals in Serie A
Goals Name Nation Played

274 Silvio Piola ITA 537
225 Gunnar Nordahl SWE 291
216 Giuseppe Meazza ITA 367
216 José Altafini BRA/ITA 459
205 Roberto Baggio ITA 452
190 Kurt Hamrin SWE 400
188 Giuseppe Signori ITA 344
184 Gabriel Batistuta ARG 318
178 Giampiero Boniperti ITA 444
174 Amedeo Amadei ITA 423
173 Francesco Totti ITA 411

Federico Macheda profile: teenager able to score

2009-04-09T20:02:00.001+01:00

On Sunday, 17-year-old Federico Macheda became the youngest goalscorer in this season's Premier League when he scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Aston Villa (3-2).

The previous youngest goalscorer this season was Macheda's teammate Danny Welbeck at 17 years and 355 days.

On 10 April 2005, Everton’s James Vaughan became the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League era at 16 years and 270 days.

Youngest goalscorers Premier League 2008/2009
Age Player Nation Date Match

17-226 Federico Macheda ITA 05 Apr 2009 Manchester United - Aston Villa 3-2
17-355 Danny Welbeck ENG 15 Nov 2008 Manchester United - Stoke City 5-0
18-122 Rafael BRA 08 Nov 2008 Arsenal - Manchester United 2-1
18-330 Dan Gosling ENG 28 Dec 2008 Everton - Sunderland 3-0
18-358 Daniel Sturridge ENG 24 Aug 2008 Manchester City - West Ham United 3-0
19-129 Junior Stanislas ENG 04 Apr 2009 West Ham United - Sunderland 2-0
19-216 Theo Walcott ENG 18 Oct 2008 Arsenal - Everton 3-1
19-268 Ched Evans WAL 21 Sep 2008 Manchester City - Portsmouth 6-0
19-336 David N'Gog FRA 03 Mar 2009 Liverpool - Sunderland 2-0
20-004 Andy Carroll ENG 10 Jan 2009 Newcastle United - West Ham United 2-2

VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayern München preview: the match of the week

2009-04-03T22:32:00.001+01:00

On Saturday, a clash between VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern München, the two teams ranked second in the German Bundesliga, will take place in the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg. It is also a match-up of the best home and away teams in the Bundesliga this season.

Hosts Wolfsburg hold the best home record in the Bundesliga this season, having won 11 of their 12 home matches. Borussia Dortmund (4 wins, 9 draws) is the only other team still undefeated at home this season.

Opponents Bayern München have won six and lost only three of their 13 away matches in 2008/2009, which makes them the strongest Bundesliga side in away matches in 2008/2009.

Best teams in home matches - Bundesliga 2008/2009
Rank Club P W D L Pts Goals O-Rank

1 VfL Wolfsburg 12 11 1 0 34 32-10 2
2 Hertha BSC 13 10 2 1 32 24-10 1
3 Hamburger SV 12 10 1 1 31 20-9 4
4 Hoffenheim 13 8 4 1 28 26-12 5
5 VfB Stuttgart 13 8 3 2 27 25-13 6
6 Bayern München 12 8 2 2 26 34-20 2
7 Werder Bremen 13 7 4 2 25 33-16 10
8 Schalke 04 12 7 3 2 24 16-8 8
9 Hannover 96 13 6 6 1 24 26-18 13

Best teams in away matches - Bundesliga 2008/2009
Rank Club P W D L Pts Goals O-Rank

1 Bayern München 13 6 4 3 22 19-11 2
2 Bayer Leverkusen 12 6 2 4 20 23-15 7
3 1. FC Köln 13 6 1 6 19 18-18 11
4 Hertha BSC 12 5 2 5 17 15-19 1
5 Hamburger SV 13 5 2 6 17 19-27 4
6 Hoffenheim 12 4 4 4 16 26-22 5
7 Borussia Dortmund 12 4 4 4 16 18-21 9
8 VfB Stuttgart 12 4 3 5 15 19-23 6
9 VfL Wolfsburg 13 3 5 5 14 21-21 2

Note: O-Rank represents overall ranking in Bundesliga 2008/2009.

Firearm in the stadium. The referee goes with it!

2009-03-31T03:05:00.008+01:00

If you play in the Romanian Liga IV (8 groups, 48 teams) a Regional derby defending Conpet from Ştefan cel Mare colours against Unirea Dragalina and the referee decides that your goal- that could define a 2-2 draw - is invalidated…

Please, shut up! Or you can have problems with the referee. Like the Far West…

UEFA Champions League Schedule: quarterfinals and semifinals confirmed

2009-03-20T17:24:00.001Z

Quarterfinals

7th April

Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v Porto

8th April

Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich

14th April

Bayern Munich v Barcelona
Chelsea v Liverpool

15th April

Arsenal v Villarreal
Porto v Manchester United

Semifinals: 28-29 April and 5-6 May

Manchester United or Porto v Villarreal or Arsenal
Barcelona or Bayern Munich v Liverpool or Chelsea

UEFA Cup schedule: quarterfinals and semifinals confirmed

2009-03-20T14:17:00.000Z

Quarterfinals: April 9th and 16th

Hamburgo (GER) - Manchester City (ING)
Paris Saint Germain (FRA) - Dinamo Kiev (UKR)
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) - Olympique Marseille (FRA)
Werder Bremen (GER) - Udinese (ITA)

Semifinals: April 30th and May 7th

Werder Bremen or Udinese vs Hamburgo or Manchester City
París Saint Germain or Dinamo Kiev vs Ganador Shakhtar-Olympique Marseille

Final

Sukru Saracoglu Stadium 20.45

Liverpool – Aston Villa preview: the match of the week

2009-03-20T11:30:00.000Z

On Sunday, Aston Villa travel to Liverpool to take on the Reds. Manager Martin O’Neill has not won a Premier League match in March as Villa’s manager. His side has drawn five and lost six of 11 PL matches in the month of March since he took over at the club.

According to Infostrada, his last victory as a PL manager in this month came nine years ago when he won with Leicester City 2-1 at home against Leeds United on 26 March 2000.

Martin O’Neill’s Premier League record with Aston Villa in March
Season Played Won Drawn Lost Goals for Goals against Points

2008-2009 3 0 1 2 3 6 1
2007-2008 5 0 2 3 2 9 2
2006-2007 3 0 2 1 1 2 2
Total 11 0 5 6 6 17 5

Arsenal: the FA King

2009-03-19T16:58:00.002Z

On Tuesday, Arsenal reached the semifinals of the FA Cup for a record ninth time since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992/1993. Nasri and company go for the 10th FA Cup in the history.

Chelsea and Ronaldo's United are in the semifinals for the eighth time and other semifinalist Everton are in their second appearance in the last four since 1992/1993.

Clubs with most FA Cup semifinal appearances – since 1992/1993
# Club Years

9 Arsenal 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009
8 Manchester United 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009
8 Chelsea 1994, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001
4 Newcastle United 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005
3 Sheffield United 1993, 1998, 2003
3 Liverpool 1996, 2001, 2006
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 2002, 2006
2 Aston Villa 1996, 2000
2 Watford 2003, 2007
2 Blackburn Rovers 2005, 2007
2 Everton 1995, 2009

European Super League: UEFA prepared to discuss it

2009-03-18T17:08:00.003Z

UEFA is prepared to discuss plans from European teams to create a continental league to replace the Champions League and UEFA Cup, according the French media reports. It is believed that UEFA president Michel Platini is prepared to work with clubs in the European Club Association (ECA) to get plans for an elite three-tiered ‘Super League’ off the ground.

Platini told France Football: "Everybody knows my philosophy about European competitions...but the world is changing and we must be careful about that."

"If it was up to me, I would revert to European Cups as they were at the beginning, with just knockout rounds. But we must listen carefully to any suggestion. If (clubs) come and talk to us, we would listen to them and then decide."

According to SportBusiness it is believed the ECA - which represents 137 leading teams including Manchester United and Real Madrid – discussed the plan during a meeting last week in Nyon, Switzerland.

The proposed Super League would be made up of three divisions with 20 to 22 clubs in each tier, and promotion and relegation would occur between the divisions each season.

UEFA eager to help Liverpool

2009-03-17T01:15:00.002Z

Michel Platini has promised Liverpool that UEFA are keen to avoid forcing the club to play the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The anniversary falls on April 15, which is one of the two dates set aside for the second legs of the quarter-finals, the other being the previous day.

UEFA president Platini has not guaranteed Liverpool will not be asked to play on April 15 but pledged that European's governing body would "do our utmost" to avoid the scenario. UEFA have issued a statement reacting to reports claiming they had rejected an appeal by Liverpool to avoid playing on the anniversary date.

According The Press Association, Platini said: "We are aware of the huge significance of the April 15 date for both Liverpool FC and their fans, and that is why we will do our utmost to make sure that the club does not have to play its UEFA Champions League second leg quarter-final match on that day.

"I have been in regular correspondence with Liverpool FC on this matter for some time now and fully sympathise with the club's feelings as to the importance of respecting the date of April 15 for those who lost their lives at Hillsborough.

"This being the 20th anniversary of that tragic disaster in 1989 makes it even more relevant and we will take this into account."

Ninety six people died when Liverpool supporters were crushed at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough on April 15, 1989, as they attended their team's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

A cousin of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was among the dead, and the England midfielder has urged UEFA to be sympathetic to the club.

Gerrard said at the weekend: "We're still waiting to see whether UEFA will make us play on the day. That would be far from ideal given all the emotion that always surrounds the club on that day."

Giovani do Santos! Where are you going?

2009-03-13T20:49:00.006Z

What’s up with this guy?

From Barcelona to Tottenham. Result: twelve matches, one goal. From Tottenham to Ipswich Town... What team will be the next one?

Are you happy Gio?

Giovani dos Santos Ramírez memories (only memories) … next.

Wayne censured!: “I hate Liverpool”

2009-03-13T00:20:00.008Z

Manchester United were forced last night to remove comments on their website in which Wayne Rooney, the United and former Everton forward, claimed that he “hates” Liverpool.

Rooney, who grew up supporting Everton, claimed that he would love nothing more than to prolong Liverpool’s 19-year wait for the league championship. “We’re in pole position in the title race and we know if we can beat Liverpool then that’ll more or less end their chances of winning the league,” Rooney said. “I’m very excited about the game because I grew up as an Everton fan hating Liverpool — and that hasn’t changed.”

On Saturday, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to take on Premiership table leaders Manchester United, having beaten the Red Devils earlier this season 2-1 at Anfield Road. Liverpool can join Arsenal as the only team that has completed three double victories over Man Utd in the Premiership era.

Winning home and away against Manchester United within Premier League season (since 1992/1993)

Season Club Home Away

2007/2008 Manchester City 1-0 1-2
2006/2007 West Ham United 1-0 0-1
2006/2007 Arsenal 2-1 0-1
2005/2006 Blackburn Rovers 4-3 1-2
2004/2005 Chelsea 1-0 1-3
2001/2002 Arsenal 3-1 0-1
2001/2002 Liverpool 3-1 0-1
2000/2001 Liverpool 2-0 0-1
1997/1998 Arsenal 3-2 0-1
1993/1994 Chelsea 1-0 0-1

More Info: Times Online

Bayern Munich history has another page

2009-03-12T17:09:00.005Z

On Tuesday, Bayern Munich beat Sporting Lisboa 7-1 after having won the first leg 5-0. The aggregate goal difference of 11 goals is the biggest margin in the knockout phase of the Champions League.

The previous record was held by Olympique Lyon when they knocked out Werder Bremen by an aggregate score of 10-2. Liverpool beat Real Madrid by an aggregate score of 5-0 and this is listed joint fourth on the all-time CL list, according to Infostrada.

Biggest aggregate score in CL knock-out phase
# Score First leg Second leg

11 12-1 Sporting CP - Bayern Munich (25 Feb 2009) 0-5

Bayern Munich - Sporting CP (10 Mar 2009) 7-1

8 10-2 Werder Bremen - Olympique Lyon (23 Feb 2005) 0-3

Olympique Lyon - Werder Bremen (08 Mar 2005) 7-2

6 6-0 Bayern Munich - 1.FC Kaiserslautern (03 Mar 1999) 2-0

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Bayern Munich (17 Mar 1999) 0-4

5 8-3 AS Roma - Manchester United (04 Apr 2007) 2-1

Manchester United - AS Roma (10 Apr 2007) 7-1

5 5-0 AC Milan - Internazionale (06 Apr 2005) 2-0

Internazionale - AC Milan (12 Apr 2005) 0-3

5 5-0 PSV - Olympique Lyon (21 Feb 2006) 0-1

Olympique Lyon - PSV (08 Mar 2006) 4-0

5 5-0 Real Madrid - Liverpool (25 Feb 2009) 0-1

Liverpool - Real Madrid (10 Mar 2009) 4-0

FC Barcelona vs Lyon preview

2009-03-09T08:32:00.001Z

On Wednesday, 11 March, FC Barcelona host Olympique Lyon in the Champions League. Barça striker Thierry Henry is one goal short of equalling Alfredo Di Stéfano’s career total of 49 Champions Cup/Champions League goals.

Moreover Henry needs to score twice to reach 50 Champions Cup/Champions League goals. He can become the fourth player to reach this milestone.

Real Madrid’s Raúl holds the record with 64 goals in Champions Cup/Champions League competition.

Most goals in Champions Cup/Champions League
Goals Player Nation CL CL Qual. CC Matches

64 Raúl ESP 64 0 0 124
60 Ruud van Nistelrooy NED 56 4 0 80
56 Andri Shevchenko UKR 47 9 0 105
49 Alfredo di Stéfano ARG, ESP 0 0 49 58
48 Thierry Henry FRA 47 1 0 104
46 Eusébio POR 0 0 46 64
46 Filippo Inzaghi ITA 42 4 0 75
43 Alessandro Del Piero ITA 41 2 0 89
39 Fernando Morientes ESP 33 6 0 100
36 Ferenc Puskas HUN, ESP 0 0 36 41
35 Gerd Müller GER 0 0 35 35

Real Madrid – Atlético Madrid: the match of the week

2009-03-06T00:03:00.005Z

On Saturday, Real Madrid aim to continue their 10 match winning streak in La Liga, when they host city rivals Atlético Madrid in the Madrid city derby.

The last time Real Madrid failed to win a league match was on 13 December when they lost 2-0 at FC Barcelona.

Only four longer winning streaks have ever been recorded in the Spanish top flight.
According to Infostrada, the last one came in the 2005/2006 season when FC Barcelona won 14 straight league matches.

Real Madrid holds the all-time record, winning 15 successive league matches in 1960/1961. Earlier this season, between November and February, FC Barcelona also recorded 10 successive wins in La Liga.

Atlético Madrid can’t defeat Real Madrid since 1999. In that occasion, Atlético won 3-1 in Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, twice, and José Mari scored. Michel Salgado, Raúl, Guti and Iker Casillas were part of the loser team. Thanks to Migue who reminds us that this streak reach home and away matches.

However, Merengues are very far away for this historical record.

Most consecutive wins in La Liga
# Club Start date Match that ended streak

15 Real Madrid 27 Nov 1960 Real Oviedo - Real Madrid (19 Mar 1961) 0-0
14 FC Barcelona 22 Oct 2005 FC Barcelona - Atlético Madrid (05 Feb 2006) 1-3
11 Real Madrid 06 Jan 1963 Real Zaragoza CD - Real Madrid (24 Mar 1963) 1-0
11 FC Barcelona 25 Mar 1984 CR Murcia - FC Barcelona (12 Oct 1984) 1-1
10 Real Madrid 20 Dec 2008 Still running
10 CF Barcelona 01 Jan 1956 Sevilla CF - CF Barcelona (11 Mar 1956) 0-0
10 Atlético Madrid 20 Mar 1983 Athletic Bilbao - Atlético Madrid (01 Oct 1983) 2-2
10 FC Barcelona 29 Nov 2008 Real Betis - FC Barcelona (14 Feb 2009) 2-2

Last matches in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

1999/00 Real Madrid - Atlético 1-3
2002/03 Real Madrid - Atlético 2-2
2003/04 Real Madrid - Atlético 2-0
2004/05 Real Madrid - Atlético 0-0
2005/06 Real Madrid - Atlético 2-1
2006/07 Real Madrid - Atlético 1-1
2007/08 Real Madrid - Atlético 2-1

The Russian Premier League Comes to North America on Setanta Sports

2009-03-01T03:58:00.002Z

In March, the Russian Premier League will be available for the first time to Setanta Sports viewers in the United States and Canada. Setanta will offer 60 league fixtures live and delayed. The opening matches of the 2009-10 season will commence the weekend of March 13th.

Despite a lack of previous exposure to the North American audience, the Russian Premier League has become one of the most prominent leagues under the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). With Zenit St. Petersburg and CSKA Moscow winning the UEFA Cup in 2005 and 2008, Russian clubs are amongst the most competitive and skilled in Europe. Additionally, Russian-born players Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko have joined Barclays Premier League teams Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Russian Premier League joins Setanta's elite soccer programming roster, which includes the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Scottish Premier League, Le Championnat and other tournaments and highlights shows. Available in more places than ever, Setanta is available on RCN, Verizon FiOS TV, Dish Network, Dish Latino, Dish International, AT&T U-verse, WorldDirect, DIRECTV, WorldTV and in various locations on Cox and Comcast.

"We are very proud to include the Russian Premier League to our sports line-up," commented Shane O'Rourke, President of North American and Australian Operations. "With a list of leading teams, top players and a season that runs from March to November, we can provide our viewers with world-class programming all throughout the year.

To learn how to subscribe to Setanta, visit www.setanta.com/us/How-To-Subscribe

Setanta Sports operates the only dedicated international sports channel in America. In 2008, the 24-hour TV network aired more than 1,000 live events, including European and international soccer, such as the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, World Cup Qualifiers and the Carling Cup plus world-class rugby and other sports programming designed to meet the growing demands of international sports fans. Setanta Sports is owned by Dublin-based Setanta Sports Holdings, a leading international pay television broadcaster in the UK, providing top sports leagues and events to more than 100 million digital television homes globally and to commercial venues in six countries. www.setanta.com/us

Website: http://www.setanta.com/us

Carling Cup Final preview: Manchester United – Tottenham Hotspur

2009-02-27T14:26:00.001Z

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both play in their seventh League Cup final when they meet in the 2009 Carling Cup Final on Sunday, 1 March. Tottenham Hotspur are going for their fifth League Cup win in seven final appearances and Manchester United for their third.

After their win in 2008, Spurs could become the third team to win the League Cup in back-to-back years.

According to Infostrada Sports, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are the only teams to have previously won two League Cup finals in a row.

Most Carling Cup Final appearances
# Club Years

10 Liverpool 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2005
7 Aston Villa 1961, 1963, 1971, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
7 Manchester United 1983, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2003, 2006, 2009
7 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1982, 1999, 2002, 2008, 2009
6 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1980, 1989, 1990, 1992
6 Arsenal 1968, 1969, 1987, 1988, 1993, 2007
5 Leicester City 1964, 1965, 1997, 1999, 2000
5 Chelsea 1965, 1972, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Norwich City 1962, 1973, 1975, 1985
3 West Bromwich Albion 1966, 1967, 1970
3 Manchester City 1970, 1974, 1976
3 Middlesbrough 1997, 1998, 2004

Most Carling Cup Final wins # Club Years

7 Liverpool 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003
5 Aston Villa 1961, 1975, 1977, 1994, 1996
4 Nottingham Forest 1978, 1979, 1989, 1990
4 Chelsea 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007
4 Tottenham Hotspur 1971, 1973, 1999, 2008
3 Leicester City 1964, 1997, 2000
2 Manchester City 1970, 1976
2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1974, 1980
2 Norwich City 1962, 1985
2 Arsenal 1987, 1993
2 Manchester United 1992, 2006

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Is any team able to defeat Manchester United?

2009-02-26T19:03:00.003Z

Manchester United drew 0-0 at Internazionale on Tuesday, to increase their unbeaten Champions League run to 20 matches and break the record they shared with Ajax and Bayern München.

The last team to beat Manchester United in the Champions League was AC Milan in the 2006/2007 semifinal second leg.

Longest undefeated streaks in Champions League
# Club Start date Won Drawn Match that ended streak

20 Manchester United 19 Sep 2007 11 9 Still running
19 Ajax 14 Sep 1994 14 5 Ajax – Panathinaikos (03 Apr 1996) 0-1
19 Bayern München 14 Mar 2001 13 6 Real Madrid - Bayern München (10 Apr 2002) 2-0
16 Manchester United 23 Oct 2001 10 6 Maccabi Haifa - Manchester United (29 Oct 2002) 3-0
16 Manchester United 04 Mar 1998 7 9 Olympique Marseille - Manchester United (19 Oct 1999) 1-0
15 FC Barcelona 14 Sep 2005 10 5 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (18 Oct 2006) 1-0
14 FC Barcelona 01 May 2002 11 3 FC Barcelona - Juventus (22 Apr 2003) 1-2
14 FC Barcelona 25 Nov 1998 10 4 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (05 Apr 2000) 3-1
14 Olympique Lyon 08 Dec 2004 10 4 AC Milan - Olympique Lyon (04 Apr 2006) 3-1
14 Liverpool 08 Dec 2004 8 6 Benfica - Liverpool (21 Feb 2006) 1-0

Lyon – Barcelona: “It’s an even tie”

2009-02-24T15:28:00.000Z

Far from agreeing with those who say Barça are favourites in the last 16 of the Champions League, Leo Messi believes that at this stage of the competition “anyone can beat anyone else” and so “it’s going to be a tough game”.

Just a fortnight ago Leo Messi was in France playing for Argentina in a friendly against France at Marseille. But this Tuesday the game at Stade de Gerlande will be competitive as Barça are back in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Leo Messi knows that Lyon think Barça are favourites but he doesn’t agree. “It’s an even tie,” he said. “At this stage of the competition anyone can beat anyone else and it’ll be a tough game.” The only advantage he sees is having the second leg at home.
After the weekend’s defeat to Espanyol, Leo Messi sees the Lyon match as a chance for the team to get back on a winning track. “It’s a great opportunity,” he noted.

Even though he was there when Barça won the Champions League in Paris, the Argentine didn’t play in the game as he’d only just come back from serious injury. So he’s particularly anxious to win the competition again. “I felt part of that win but not much,” he said. “That’s why I’d like to win it again and play in all the games.”

Messi is key in Josep Guardiola’s side while Lyon have Benzema. “He’s a great player and really important for them,” said the Argentine. “He really makes a difference.”

He also spoke about the threat posed by Juninho from free-kicks. “He’s one of the best free-kick takers around,” he said, “so we have to be careful not to give them away around the box.”

Source: FC Barcelona Press

Inter Milan - Manchester United: Berbatov´s Euro Dream

2009-02-24T15:24:00.000Z

Dimitar Berbatov is confident of fulfilling his dream of winning the Champions League, despite United being up against one of the best teams in the competition.

The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.

Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.

"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.

"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."

Source: Man Utd Press

Arsenal - AS Roma: “I must improve on my solid start”

2009-02-24T15:06:00.001Z

Samir Nasri is determined to improve on the impressive start he has made to his Arsenal career.

The Frenchman announced his Emirates Stadium arrival in perfect fashion, scoring the only goal on his debut against West Brom on the opening day of the season.

Nasri has since added Premier League goals against Everton and Hull either side of a superb match-winning brace against Manchester United in November.

Despite his solid start, the 21-year-old is not “completely happy” just yet.

“I’m content with my form,” Nasri told the Official Matchday Programme. “But I know I can do better as well. Of course I am never completely happy - you have to keep working, progressing, continuing to make improvements.

“For a professional that is very important.”

“I had to get into the rhythm of the Premier League but I think I have managed to acclimatise having strived to do so. I feel fine now and I’ve played in all the games recently.”

Source: Arsenal Press

Atletico Madrid - FC Porto: “It is going to be a tough match, but even”

2009-02-24T14:59:00.001Z

One of the Portuguese players on Atlético de Madrid, Nuno Maniche, attended to the Spanish and Portuguese press alongside his manager, Abel Resino. The midfielder will experience a special encounter, as he played at Porto for three seasons.

“It’s going to be a special match because I spent three very nice years there in which I won everything that a football player can win. It’s a stage of my life that I’m never going to forget. Now I’m at Atlético de Madrid and I’m professional, so I belong to these colours. Obviously I’m going to do everything I can to beat Porto,” said the international footballer.

Maniche revealed some of the secrets of the Portuguese team. “They’re a great team and have very good individuals. I’m sure that it’s going to be a tough match, but even,” he argued.

“Porto is a side that is used to a competition such as Champions League. The game on Tuesday is going to be very important for both teams. We both have chances of winning and we’re going to use our weapons,” he emphasized.

When asked whether there have been many changes at Porto since he left the Portuguese squad, Maniche assured that “there are still three or four players from the time I was there, but the foundation of the team is still the same. If I score, I won’t celebrate it. We’re two teams with lots of desire in this competition and with lots of motivation."

Nuno Maniche didn’t want to miss out on the chance to send a message of support to the family of the young ‘Alevín’ (one of the youth system teams) players who had an accident on 21 February in Las Rozas and said that “we’re very sad about that piece of news. I want to send the family a hug and we’re hoping for a miracle. We want to beat Oporto to dedicate a victory to him.”

Source: Atlético Madrid Press

Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund go for Manchester United

2009-02-20T03:53:00.002Z

Today, Schalke 04 host Borussia Dortmund in the 74th league edition of the highly anticipated Revierderby. This marks the showcase of arguably the most football crazy region in all of Europe, since both clubs rank among the top six in Europe when it comes to average attendance per league home match.

Borussia Dortmund draw 72,400 spectators to each home match and on a European level rank second only to England’s Manchester United, according to Infostrada Sports.

Schalke 04, averaging well over 61,000 spectators each home match, are ranked sixth in Europe.

Highest average attendance per 2008/2009 domestic league home match – European clubs
Avg Team Stadium Competition Spectators Matches

75,280 Manchester United Old Trafford Premier League (ENG) 828,076 11
72,400 Borussia Dortmund Signal Iduna Park Bundesliga (GER) 796,404 11
71,958 Real Madrid Bernabéu Liga BBVA (ESP) 863,500 12
69,000 Bayern München Allianz-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 621,000 9
66,384 FC Barcelona Camp Nou Liga BBVA (ESP) 796,604 12
61,496 Schalke 04 Veltins-Arena Bundesliga (GER) 553,465 9
60,010 Arsenal Emirates Stadium Premier League (ENG) 720,115 12
58,150 AC Milan San Siro Serie A TIM (ITA) 697,794 12
57,319 Celtic Celtic Park Premier League (SCO) 745,151 13
54,858 Hamburger SV HSH Nordbank Arena Bundesliga (GER) 548,584 10

Raúl, the recordman

2009-02-20T03:50:00.001Z

Raúl scored his 308th and 309th Real Madrid goal in all competitions on Sunday, 15 February, opening the scoring and netting the fourth goal in Real’s 4-0 win at Sporting Gijón. He therefore overtakes Alfredo di Stéfano to become Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer in all competitions.

Raúl’s second goal equalled Alfredo di Stéfano’s Real Madrid goalscoring record in La Liga.

All-time top scorer Real Madrid – all competitions
# Name Nation Era

309 Raúl ESP 1994 – …
307 Alfredo di Stéfano ARG/ESP 1953 – 1964
290 Carlos Santillana ESP 1971 – 1988
243 Ferenc Puskás HUN/ESP 1958 – 1966
208 Hugo Sánchez MEX 1985 – 1992
181 Francisco Gento ESP 1953 – 1971
172 Pirri ESP 1964 – 1980
171 Emilio Butragueño ESP 1984 – 1995
155 Amancio ESP 1963 – 1976
130 Míchel ESP 1984 – 1996
127 Fernando Hierro ESP 1989 – 2003
124 Pahiño ESP 1948 – 1953
121 Juanito ESP 1978 – 1987
104 Luis Molowny ESP 1946 – 1957
103 Ronaldo BRA 2002 – 2007
101 Iván Zamorano CHI 1992 – 1996
100 Fernando Morientes ESP 1997 – 2003 , 2004 – 2005

All-time top scorer Real Madrid – La Liga
# Name Nation Era

216 Raúl ESP 1994 – …
216 Alfredo di Stéfano ARG/ESP 1953 – 1964
186 Carlos Santillana ESP 1971 – 1988
164 Hugo Sánchez MEX 1985 – 1992
156 Ferenc Puskás HUN/ESP 1958 – 1966
126 Francisco Gento ESP 1953 – 1971
123 Pirri ESP 1964 – 1980
123 Emilio Butragueño ESP 1984 – 1995
119 Amancio ESP 1963 – 1976
108 Pahiño ESP 1948 – 1953
102 Fernando Hierro ESP 1989 – 2003

Raúl’s goals for Real Madrid per competition
# Competition

216 La Liga
64 Champions Cup/Champions League
18 Copa del Rey
7 Spanish Super Cup
3 Intercontinental Cup/Club World Cup
1 European Super Cup
309 Total

Internazionale – AC Milan preview: the match of the week

2009-02-13T21:30:00.001Z

On Sunday, 15 February, league leaders Internazionale host AC Milan in the Serie A. Since 1983/1984, when AC Milan most recently re-entered the Serie A, 15 players have played for both AC Milan and Internazionale in the Milanese city derby.

According to Infostrada, Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf can make his 18th appearance in the city derby having played 5 for Internazionale and 12 for AC Milan.
Hernán Crespo (Inter) and Giuseppe Favalli (AC Milan) are the only other current squad members to have represented both clubs in the city derby.
Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan) and Francesco Toldo and Patrick Vieira (Inter) have represented both Milanese clubs but have not played for both sides in the city derby.

Players that have played for AC Milan and Internazionale in the Milanese city derby - Serie A last 25 years

Apps Player Nation Last club AC Inter Goals Last derby Home team

17 Clarence Seedorf NED AC Milan 12 5 2 28 Sep 2008 AC Milan (1-0)
11 Christian Vieri ITA AC Milan 1 10 1 11 Dec 2005 Inter (3-2)
10 Sergio Battistini ITA Internazionale 4 6 0 20 Mar 1994 AC Milan (2-1)
9 Christian Panucci ITA Internazionale 7 2 1 05 Mar 2000 AC Milan (1-2)
7 Dario Šimic CRO AC Milan 3 4 0 11 Dec 2005 Inter (3-2)
6 Roberto Baggio ITA Internazionale 4 2 2 05 Mar 2000 AC Milan (1-2)
6 Thomas Helveg DEN Internazionale 4 2 0 21 Feb 2004 AC Milan (3-2)
6 Ronaldo BRA AC Milan 1 5 5 11 Mar 2007 Inter (2-1)
5 Maurizio Ganz ITA AC Milan 2 3 1 08 Nov 1998 AC Milan (2-2)
5 Hernán Crespo ARG Internazionale 2 3 1 04 May 2008 AC Milan (2-1)
4 Andrés Guglielminpietro ARG Internazionale 3 1 0 21 Oct 2001 Inter (2-4)
4 Cristian Brocchi ITA AC Milan 3 1 0 04 May 2008 AC Milan (2-1)
4 Giuseppe Favalli ITA AC Milan 1 3 0 04 May 2008 AC Milan (2-1)
3 Francesco Coco ITA Internazionale 2 1 0 23 Nov 2002 AC Milan (1-0)
2 Domenico Morfeo ITA Internazionale 1 1 0 23 Nov 2002 AC Milan (1-0)

Ryan Giggs: The Immortal

2009-02-13T13:09:00.002Z

On Sunday, 8 February, Ryan Giggs scored the winning goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win at West Ham United. It was Giggs’ first goal in the 2008/2009 Premier League season.

Giggs has now scored at least one goal in 17 different Premier League seasons.
This makes Giggs the only player to have scored in every Premier League season since its inception in the 1992/1993 season, according to Infostrada.

The only player who comes close to Giggs is Gary Speed, who scored in 16 Premier League seasons. However, he currently plays for First Division side Sheffield United and will not add to his total this season.

Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Nicky Butt (Newcastle United) are still to score in this Premier League season.

Most Premier League seasons with at least one goal scored - Players
# Name Nation Club (# PL seasons for club while scoring)

17 Ryan Giggs WAL Manchester United (17)
16 Gary Speed WAL Leeds United (4), Everton (2), Newcastle United (7), Bolton Wanderers (4)
14 Dwight Yorke TRI Aston Villa (6), Manchester United (4), Blackburn Rovers (2), Birmingham City (1), Sunderland (1)
14 Alan Shearer ENG Blackburn Rovers (4), Newcastle United (10)
14 Andy Cole ENG Newcastle United (2), Manchester United (8), Blackburn Rovers (3), Fulham (1), Manchester City (1), Portsmouth (1)
14 Paul Scholes ENG Manchester United (14)
14 Robbie Fowler ENG Liverpool (11), Leeds United (2), Manchester City (4)
14 Teddy Sheringham ENG Nottingham Forest (1), Tottenham Hotspur (7), Manchester United (4), Portsmouth (1), West Ham United (2)
13 Nicky Butt ENG Manchester United (9), Newcastle United (3), Birmingham City (1)
13 Kevin Campbell ENG Arsenal (3), Nottingham Forest (2), Everton (6), West Bromwich Albion (2)
13 Les Ferdinand ENG QPR (3), Newcastle United (2), Tottenham Hotspur (6), West Ham United (1), Leicester City (1), Bolton Wanderers (1)
13 Emile Heskey ENG Leicester City (4), Liverpool (5), Birmingham City (2), Wigan Athletic (3), Aston Villa (1)

Note: The total number of Premier League seasons with at least one goal scored can differ when divided among the separate clubs as a player can score for more than one club in each PL season due to in-season transfers.

Tottenham Hotspur – Arsenal: the match of the week

2009-02-07T22:10:00.000Z

On Sunday, Arsenal travel to their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners have an excellent record against Spurs in recent years.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League matches against Tottenham, since losing 2-1 at White Hart Lane on November 7, 1999. This is Arsenal’s longest ever unbeaten run against their rivals according to Infostrada.

If Arsenal avoid defeat on Sunday, it will equal their longest ever run without a defeat against another Premier League side – level with their 19-matches unbeaten against Chelsea (1995-2005) and Aston Villa (1999-2008).

Arsenal’s longest unbeaten streaks against a specific club – Premier League
Matches Opponent From Until

19 Aston Villa 16 May 1999 01 Mar 2008
19 Chelsea 16 Dec 1995 20 Apr 2005
18 Tottenham Hotspur 19 Mar 2000 Still running
18 Manchester City 28 Sep 1992 04 May 2006
15 Leicester City 11 Feb 1995 Still running

Wembley, Munich´s Fussball Arena, Lansdowne Road and Bucharest´s National Stadium chosen for 2011 and 2012 finals

2009-01-30T19:10:00.003Z

London, Munich, Dublin and Bucharest have won the right to host Uefa club competition finals in 2011 and 2012.

The Champions League final will be held at London’s Wembley stadium in 2011, and at Munich’s Fussball Arena in 2012.

The final of the Europa League – formerly the Uefa Cup – will be held at Dublin’s Lansdowne Road in 2011 and Bucharest’s National Stadium in 2012.

The venues were approved at a meeting of the Uefa executive committee in Nyon, Switzerland yesterday.

Wembley beat Munich’s Allianz Arena and Berlin’s Olympiastadion to the hosting rights, in a decision that had been expected, reports the AFP news agency. AFP says Uefa had delayed a decision on the 2011 venue to give the UK government time to push through an exemption on tax rules for players appearing in the final.

Wembley’s success meant that London-based English Premier League club Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium lost out on hosting the 2011 Europa League final to Lansdowne Road. Chairman of the FA, Lord Triesman, said, "As Wembley has been chosen to host the Champions League final this means the Emirates Stadium can't stage the 2011 UEFA Europa League final. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Arsenal for all their valuable support during the bid process and recognise the very strong bid that they put together."

FC Barcelona succeed 5000 league goals

2009-01-30T11:09:00.000Z

Four months ago, it was Real Madrid time.

Now, FC Barcelona is just two goals shy of scoring their 5,000th goal in the Spanish top flight. They can reach the milestone when they travel to Racing Santander on Sunday.

Barcelona’s first ever goal in the Spanish top flight was scored 80 years ago by Manuel Parera in a match at Racing Santander in February 1929.

Most goals in La Liga - clubs
Goals Club Matches

5040 Real Madrid 2440
4998 FC Barcelona 2440
4191 Athletic Bilbao 2440
3983 Atlético Madrid 2292
3897 Valencia CF 2342
3240 RCD Espanyol 2304
3161 Sevilla FC 2086
2853 Real Sociedad 2036
2524 Real Zaragoza 1834
2041 Celta de Vigo 1508

Milestone goals for FC Barcelona in La Liga
# Name Match Date

4000 Guillermo Amor Valencia CF - FC Barcelona 4-1 09 Mar 1996
3000 Enrique Castro Quini FC Barcelona - CD Castellón 4-3 24 Jan 1982
2000 Pedro Zaballa CF Barcelona - Valencia CF 4-0 12 Jan 1964
1000 Marcos Aurelio CF Barcelona - UD Lérida 6-1 22 Oct 1950
1 Manuel Parera Racing Santander – FC Barcelona 0-2 12 Feb 1929

Luca Toni is on fire: Hamburger SV – Bayern München

2009-01-29T19:59:00.001Z

On Friday, the German Bundesliga continues after the winter break. Luca Toni can enter an elite list of scoring in most successive matches in the German league. If the Italian nets for Bayern München at Hamburger SV his scoring run will be worth a top 10 listing in German top flight history, according to Infostrada.

In 2007, Greece’s Theofanis Gekas was the last player to score in at least seven successive Bundesliga matches. His streak ended after eight matches. The league record is 10 and was set by 1. FC Köln’s Klaus Allofs in 1984.

Earlier this season Bayern’s Franck Ribéry scored in six consecutive Bundesliga matches.

Scoring in most successive Bundesliga matches of club
# Name Club Start date End date

10 Klaus Allofs 1. FC Köln 21 Apr 1984 08 Sep 1984
9 Gerd Müller Bayern München 24 Aug 1968 19 Oct 1968
8 Gerd Müller Bayern München 27 Sep 1969 15 Nov 1969
8 Gerd Müller Bayern München 06 Dec 1969 28 Feb 1970
8 Roy Makaay Bayern München 23 Apr 2005 27 Aug 2005
8 Theofanis Gekas VfL Bochum 10 Mar 2007 05 May 2007
7 Uwe Seeler Hamburger SV 30 Nov 1963 15 Feb 1964
7 Friedhelm Konietzka Borussia Dortmund 02 Jan 1965 06 Mar 1965
7 Dieter Müller 1. FC Köln 24 Sep 1977 12 Nov 1977
7 Rüdiger Abramczik Schalke 04 25 Nov 1978 17 Mar 1979
7 Rudi Völler Werder Bremen 20 Nov 1982 05 Feb 1983
7 Anthony Yeboah Eintracht Frankfurt 22 May 1993 28 Aug 1993
7 Fredi Bobic VfB Stuttgart 04 Nov 1995 17 Feb 1996
7 Roy Makaay Bayern München 28 Feb 2004 10 Apr 2004

6 Luca Toni Bayern München 09 Nov 2008 TBD

The match of the week: Liverpool – Everton

2009-01-24T05:04:00.001Z

Liverpool play host to Everton in an FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday. It will be the 21st time that the two clubs have met each other in the competition which makes it the most frequently played FA Cup fixture.

Liverpool have won nine and Everton have won six of the previous 20 matches with five draws also being played.

They last met each other in the fifth round in 1990/1991, a tie which had two replays and the resignation of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish between the first and second matches.
Liverpool and Everton have met each other in 16 different editions of the FA Cup including this season which is also a record, according to Infostrada.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also play each other in this year’s fourth round. They have met each other 15 times which gives their tie a place in the top-10 most frequently played.

Most matches played in FA Cup (including replays)
# Match Years (#)

21 Everton - Liverpool 1902 (2), 1905 (2), 1906, 1911, 1932, 1950, 1955, 1967, 1971 (2), 1977, 1981, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991 (3), 2009
19 Everton - Sheffield Wednesday 1893, 1895, 1896, 1906, 1907, 1921 (2), 1937, 1947, 1954, 1965 (2), 1966, 1986, 1988 (4), 1990
18 Arsenal - Chelsea 1915, 1930, 1931, 1939, 1947 (3), 1950 (2), 1952 (2), 1973 (2), 2001, 2002, 2003 (2), 2004
16 Arsenal - Liverpool 1913, 1923 (2), 1927, 1936, 1950, 1963, 1964, 1971, 1980 (4), 2001, 2002, 2007
16 Newcastle United - Nottingham Forest 1892, 1908, 1921 (2), 1931, 1955 (3), 1967, 1974 (2), 1985 (2), 1991 (2), 1997
16 Chelsea - Sheffield Wednesday 1913 (2), 1932 (2), 1939 (3), 1966, 1967, 1968 (2), 1973, 1975, 1994 (2), 1999
15 Nottingham Forest - West Bromwich Albion 1892 (3), 1898, 1904 (2), 1958 (2), 1963 (2), 1973 (3), 1978, 2004
15 Aston Villa - West Bromwich Albion 1885 (2), 1887, 1892, 1895, 1914, 1924, 1925 (2), 1926, 1932, 1957 (2), 1990, 1998
15 Bolton Wanderers - Preston North End 1886, 1888, 1890, 1921, 1932 (2), 1958, 1959 (3), 1964 (2), 1965, 1966 (2)
15 Manchester United - Tottenham Hotspur 1899 (2), 1923, 1926 (2), 1962, 1968 (2), 1979 (2), 1980 (2), 1997, 2008, 2009

Liverpool – Everton preview: the match of the week

2009-01-15T20:13:00.000Z

On Monday, Everton travel to Anfield Road to meet Liverpool in another Merseyside derby, hoping they can build on their recent good form and win their first league match away at Liverpool since 1999.

Everton have won their last three Premier League away matches which equals their longest away winning record in the Premier League era and the longest in 23 years since they won four consecutive top flight matches from November to December 1985.

The Toffees have not conceded a goal in their last five PL matches, which is their joint third longest streak and only two matches shy of their all-time record of seven clean sheets set between November and December 1994.

Everton conceded their last Premier League goal on 7 December when they lost 2-3 at home against Aston Villa.

Longest clean sheets streaks in English top flight - Everton
# Start date Match that ended streak

7 01 Nov 1994 Everton - Sheffield Wednesday (26 Dec 1994) 1-4
6 29 Mar 1986 Oxford United - Everton (30 Apr 1986) 1-0
5 13 Dec 2008 Still running
5 20 Oct 1984 Norwich City - Everton (24 Nov 1984) 4-2
5 20 Apr 1985 Nottingham Forest - Everton (11 May 1985) 1-0
5 18 Jan 1986 Everton - Chelsea (16 Mar 1986) 1-1
5 03 Jan 1988 Tottenham Hotspur - Everton (09 Mar 1988) 2-1
5 27 Oct 2002 Newcastle United - Everton (01 Dec 2002) 2-1
5 14-Jan-1893 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Everton (18 Mar 1893) 2-4

Longest winning away streaks in the Premier League (started 1992/1993) - Everton
# Start date Match that ended streak

3 27 Oct 2002 Newcastle United - Everton (01 Dec 2002) 2-1
3 11 Sep 2004 Chelsea - Everton (06 Nov 2004) 1-0
3 30 Nov 2008 Still running
2 31 Dec 2005 Wigan Athletic - Everton (31 Jan 2006) 1-1
2 01 Jan 2008 Blackburn Rovers - Everton (02 Feb 2008) 0-0
2 25 Feb 2008 Fulham - Everton (16 Mar 2008) 1-0
2 23 Aug 2008 Hull City - Everton (21 Sep 2008) 2-2
2 29 Oct 2008 Wigan Athletic - Everton (24 Nov 2008) 1-0

Manchester United – Chelsea, the match of the week

2009-01-11T16:39:00.001Z

Today, Manchester United can stretch their streak of clean sheets to eight matches when they host Chelsea in the Premier League.

Chelsea hold the record of 10 consecutive clean sheets in the English top flight.
Manchester United have already equalled their own club record of seven clean sheets, which was set between May and August 1997.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar can stretch his clean sheet record to 763 minutes, which would be the third longest streak in the last 10 years.

Van der Sar needs 22 minutes without conceding a goal to overtake Peter Schmeichel’s club record for Manchester United in the last 10 years.

Consecutive clean sheets – English top flight
# Club Last match before streak Match that ended streak

10 Chelsea Arsenal - Chelsea (12 Dec 2004) 2-2 Norwich City - Chelsea (05 Mar 2005) 1-3
8 Liverpool Liverpool - Oldham Athletic (26 Dec 1922) 2-1 Blackburn Rovers - Liverpool (12 Mar 1923) 1-0
8 Arsenal Coventry City - Arsenal (17 Jan 1998) 2-2 Arsenal - Newcastle United (11 Apr 1998) 3-1
8 Liverpool Fulham - Liverpool (22 Oct 2005) 2-0 Everton - Liverpool (28 Dec 2005) 1-3
8 Chelsea Liverpool - Chelsea (20 Jan 2007) 2-0 West Ham United - Chelsea (18 Apr 2007) 1-4
7 Manchester United Arsenal - Manchester United (08 Nov 2008) 2-1 Still running
7 10 other occasions

Goalkeepers with most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal – Premier League since 1998/1999
Minutes Name Start date Match that ended streak

1025 Petr Cech 12 Dec 2004 Norwich City - Chelsea (05 Mar 2005) 1-3
827 Petr Cech 20 Jan 2007 West Ham United - Chelsea (18 Apr 2007) 1-4
762 José Manuel Reina 22 Oct 2005 Everton - Liverpool (28 Dec 2005) 1-3
694 Peter Schmeichel 05 May 1997 Manchester United - West Ham United (13 Sep 1997) 2-1
689 José Manuel Reina 12 Nov 2006 Blackburn Rovers - Liverpool (26 Dec 2006) 1-0
673 Edwin van der Sar 08 Nov 2008 Still running

Raúl González arriving to 500th match, goes for Manuel Sanchís

2009-01-09T22:34:00.001Z

On Sunday, Real Madrid captain Raúl is likely to make his 500th Primera División appearance when his club travels to RCD Mallorca.

Raúl will become the sixth player in Primera División history to reach this milestone. Former Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona and Valencia CF goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta holds the record with 622 Primera División appearances, according to Infostrada.

Furthermore, Raúl will become the second player to represent Real Madrid 500 times in a league match. Manuel Sanchís holds the record with 523.

Most matches in Primera División
# Name Clubs Era

622 Andoni Zubizarreta Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona, Valencia CF 1981-1998
543 Eusebio Real Valladolid, Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, Celta de Vigo 1984-2002
542 Francisco Buyo Sevilla FC, Real Madrid 1980-1996
523 Manuel Sanchís Real Madrid 1983-2001
504 Miguel Soler RCD Espanyol, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla FC, Real Madrid, Real Zaragoza, RCD Mallorca 1983-2003
499 Raúl Real Madrid 1994-2009
497 Fernando Hierro Real Valladolid, Real Madrid 1987-2003
483 José Maria Bakero Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona 1980-1996
482 Loren Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, Burgos CF 1984-2001
479 Joaquin Sporting Gijón 1977-1992

Most matches in Primera División – Real Madrid
# Name Nation Era
523 Manuel Sanchís ESP 1983-2001
499 Raúl ESP 1995-2009
461 Carlos Santillana ESP 1971-1988
439 Fernando Hierro ESP 1989-2003
428 Francisco Gento ESP 1953-1971
417 José Pirri ESP 1964-1980
414 José Antonio Camacho ESP 1973-1989
404 Míchel ESP 1984-1996
370 Roberto Carlos BRA 1997-2007
363 Chendo ESP 1983-1998

Chelsea seems to be the champion… of the year

2009-01-02T00:09:00.000Z

Chelsea lead the FA Premiership table for the 2008 calendar year, having accumulated 86 points in 38 league matches since January 1st. according to Infostrada, the Blues have finished ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Premier League ranking 2008 calendar year
Rank Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points Goals Diff.

1 Chelsea 38 25 11 2 86 74 - 20 54
2 Liverpool 39 24 12 3 84 69 - 29 40
3 Manchester United 36 24 8 4 80 72 - 21 51
4 Arsenal 38 20 11 7 71 67 - 38 29
5 Aston Villa 38 18 11 9 65 69 - 47 22
6 Everton 38 18 10 10 64 47 - 36 11
7 Wigan Athletic 37 14 10 13 52 38 - 36 2
8 Portsmouth 38 14 7 17 49 40 - 53 -13
9 Fulham 37 12 11 14 47 35 - 39 -4
10 Blackburn Rovers 38 11 13 14 46 45 - 56 -11
11 West Ham United 39 12 9 18 45 41 - 61 -20
12 Sunderland 38 13 5 20 44 37 - 49 -12
13 Bolton Wanderers 38 12 7 19 43 36 - 50 -14
14 Tottenham Hotspur 38 10 12 16 42 45 - 50 -5
15 Middlesbrough 38 10 12 16 42 42 - 49 -7
16 Manchester City 38 11 8 19 41 56 - 61 -5
17 Newcastle United 38 9 12 17 39 44 - 66 -22
18 Hull City 20 7 6 7 27 28 – 37 -9
19 Stoke City 20 5 5 10 20 18 - 33 -15
20 West Bromwich Albion 20 5 3 12 18 16 - 35 -19
21 Birmingham City 18 3 7 8 16 24 - 31 -7
22 Reading 18 4 2 12 14 12 - 24 -12
23 Derby County 18 0 4 14 4 10 - 44 -34

Celtic´s Mc Donald goal seems to define 43rd Scottish league against Rangers

2008-12-27T21:32:00.003Z

On Saturday, Rangers host Celtic in the 290th league installment of the all-Glasgow clash ‘The Old Firm’. The two sides are first (Celtic) and second (Rangers) in the Scottish table and will likely decide the title as they have divided it amongst themselves in every season since 1985/1986.

Rangers have won a world record 51 domestic league top flight titles.
Among European clubs, Celtic are ranked in the top three, having won 42 Scottish league crowns. Mc Donald goal seemed to define another Championship...

The last side to snatch the Scottish title other than Rangers or Celtic were Aberdeen in 1984/1985.

European clubs with most domestic league top flight championship titles
# Club Nation

51 Rangers Scotland
48 Linfield Northern Ireland
42 Celtic Scotland
36 Olympiacos Greece
33 Rapid Wien Austria/Germany
31 CSKA Sofia Bulgaria
31 Sparta Praha Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic
31 Benfica Portugal
31 Real Madrid Spain
29 Anderlecht Belgium
29 Ajax Netherlands

Happy Liverpool at Christmas

2008-12-25T20:21:00.001Z

Liverpool are the 2008/2009 FA Premiership table leaders at Christmas time, making them the frontrunners on December 25th for the 16th time in league history, equalling Manchester United’s English top flight record.

The Reds are the leaders at Christmas for the first time since 1996/1997, according to Infostrada. From the previous 15 times they led the way on 25 December, they have gone on to win the league title on 10 occasions. The last time they accomplished that feat was in 1987/1988.

Most often leading English top flight at Christmas
# Club

16 Liverpool
16 Manchester United
12 Arsenal
9 Everton
5 Aston Villa
4 Blackburn Rovers
4 Burnley
4 Newcastle United
4 West Bromwich Albion
4 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Seasons in which Liverpool led English top flight table at Christmas
Season P W D L Pts GF GA Final rank

2008/2009 18 11 6 1 39 27 12 TBD
1996/1997 19 11 5 3 38 36 18 4th
1990/1991 17 14 2 1 44 37 14 2nd
1987/1988 19 14 5 0 47 44 11 1st
1983/1984 18 11 4 3 37 31 13 1st
1982/1983 19 12 4 3 40 45 17 1st
1980/1981 23 11 10 2 32 46 27 5th
1979/1980 20 12 6 2 30 45 14 1st
1978/1979 20 14 3 3 31 44 9 1st
1972/1973 23 14 6 3 34 45 26 1st
1968/1969 25 17 4 4 38 44 14 2nd
1965/1966 22 14 4 4 32 48 20 1st
1949/1950 22 11 9 2 31 40 23 8th
1922/1923 21 15 1 5 31 46 21 1st
1921/1922 20 9 9 2 27 29 18 1st
1905/1906 19 12 2 5 26 44 29 1st

UEFA Champions League schedule: Round of 16

2008-12-19T13:36:00.001Z

First knockout round, to be played 24th, 25th February and 10th, 11th March
Team named first at home in first leg

Chelsea FC (ENG) v Juventus (ITA)
Villarreal CF (ESP) v Panathinaikos FC (GRE)
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR) v FC Bayern München (GER)
Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) v FC Porto (POR)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
Real Madrid CF (ESP) v Liverpool FC (ENG)
Arsenal FC (ENG) v AS Roma (ITA)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)

Arsenal – Liverpool preview: the match of the week

2008-12-19T03:52:00.002Z

Arsenal welcome Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool team to the Emirates on Sunday, in the knowledge that they have the best record in Premier League matches between the Big Four sides over the last three seasons.

According to Infostrada, since the start of 2006/2007 season, Arsenal have picked up 23 points from 14 Premier League matches against the other Big Four sides – one more point than Manchester United.

This season, Arsenal and Liverpool have both won their league matches against Manchester United and Chelsea, and are thus unbeaten in Big Four clashes in the 2008/2009 season.

Premier League record in matches between the Big Four clubs since the start of 2006/2007
Club P W D L GF GA Pts

Arsenal 14 6 5 3 20 17 23
Manchester United 15 6 4 5 19 14 22
Liverpool 14 4 4 6 12 16 16
Chelsea 15 3 7 5 11 15 16

Arsenal vs Liverpool in Premier League since 2006/2007
Season Date Match Result

2007/2008 05 Apr 2008 Arsenal - Liverpool 1-1
2007/2008 28 Oct 2007 Liverpool - Arsenal 1-1
2006/2007 31 Mar 2007 Liverpool - Arsenal 4-1
2006/2007 12 Nov 2006 Arsenal - Liverpool 3-0

FC Barcelona can equal a Spanish top flight record if they beat Villarreal CF

2008-12-18T21:38:00.000Z

If they beat Villarreal CF on Sunday, 21 December, FC Barcelona can equal a Spanish top flight record.

Barcelona are on a streak of six consecutive away wins in La Liga. The record of seven away wins in a row was set by Real Madrid in the 1960/1961 season and later equalled by Real Madrid (1991) and Villarreal CF (2007). This is Barça’s fourth streak of six away wins in La Liga.

Most consecutive away wins in La Liga
# Club Last match before streak Match that ended streak

7 Real Madrid RCD Mallorca - Real Madrid (20 Nov 1960) 1-1 Real Oviedo - Real Madrid (19 Mar 1961) 0-0
7 Real Madrid Osasuna - Real Madrid (19 May 1991) 3-3 Real Zaragoza CD - Real Madrid (15 Dec 1991) 1-1
7 Villarreal CF Getafe CF - Villarreal CF (15 Apr 2007) 3-0 Osasuna - Villarreal CF (07 Oct 2007) 3-2
6 FC Barcelona Numancia - FC Barcelona (31 Aug 2008) 1-0 Still running
6 FC Barcelona Real Madrid - FC Barcelona (25 Feb 1984) 2-1 CR Murcia - FC Barcelona (12 Oct 1984) 1-1
6 Real Madrid FC Barcelona - Real Madrid (23 May 1987) 2-1 Athletic Bilbao - Real Madrid (31 Oct 1987) 0-0
6 FC Barcelona Racing Santander - FC Barcelona (04 Jan 2004) 3-0 Real Betis - FC Barcelona (14 Apr 2004) 1-1
6 FC Barcelona Deportivo La Coruña - FC Barcelona (15 Oct 2005) 3-3 Valencia CF - FC Barcelona (12 Feb 2006) 1-0

Current away winning streak FC Barcelona
Date Match Result

29 Nov 2008 Sevilla FC – FC Barcelona 0-3
16 Nov 2008 Recreativo Huelva – FC Barcelona 0-2
01 Nov 2008 Málaga CF – FC Barcelona 1-4
19 Oct 2008 Athletic Bilbao – FC Barcelona 0-1
27 Sep 2008 RCD Espanyol – FC Barcelona 1-2
21 Sep 2008 Sporting Gijón – FC Barcelona 1-6

Barcelona 2 - Real Madrid 0: goals and highlights

2008-12-14T15:32:00.005Z

Video of El Clásico: Samuel Etoo and Lionel Messi scores against Real Madrid and Barca maintain top position.

Barcelona – Real Madrid: the match of the week

2008-12-14T14:42:00.000Z

On Saturday, FC Barcelona host Real Madrid in the 157th edition of ‘El Clásico’. La Liga leaders Barça have a nine point advantage over Real Madrid after 14 matchdays.

If all points are recalculated to three points for a win, the biggest gap (13 points) in favour of Barcelona after 15 matchdays was in the 1929/1930 season.
Barcelona can hand Real Madrid their third consecutive defeat in La Liga.
According to Infostrada, the last time Real lost three league matches in a row was when they set a club record of five straight defeats between April and May 2004.

Biggest gap between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid after 15 matchdays
# Season Points Barça Points Real

13 1929/1930 31 18
11 1990/1991 38 27
9 2004/2005 38 29
8 1947/1948 24 16
7 1973/1974 28 21
7 1984/1985 35 28
7 1995/1996 32 25
Note: all points recalculated to three points for a win

Manchester United unbeaten streak reached 19 matches: They go for a new record

2008-12-14T05:07:00.000Z

On Wednesday, Manchester United drew AaB 2-2 at home, bringing their Champions League unbeaten streak to 19 matches.

United join Ajax and Bayern München for most successive matches in the CL without a defeat.
AC Milan are the last team that beat Manchester (02 May 2007).
Milan won in the semifinal of the 2006/2007 CL replay at home against Manchester (3-0).
According to Infostrada, the Red Devils also recorded two streaks of 16 matches without a defeat earlier.

Longest undefeated streaks in Champions League
# Club Start date W D Match that ended streak

19 Manchester United 19 Sep 2007 11 8 Still running
19 Ajax 14 Sep 1994 14 5 Ajax - Panathinaikos (03 Apr 1996) 0-1
19 Bayern München 14 Mar 2001 13 6 Real Madrid - Bayern München (10 Apr 2002) 2-0
16 Manchester United 04 Mar 1998 7 9 Olympique Marseille - Manchester United (19 Oct 1999) 1-0
16 Manchester United 23 Oct 2001 10 6 Maccabi Haifa - Manchester United (29 Oct 2002) 3-0
15 FC Barcelona 14 Sep 2005 10 5 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (18 Oct 2006) 1-0
14 FC Barcelona 25 Nov 1998 10 4 Chelsea - FC Barcelona (05 Apr 2000) 3-1
14 FC Barcelona 01 May 2002 11 3 FC Barcelona - Juventus (22 Apr 2003) 1-2
14 Liverpool 08 Dec 2004 8 6 Benfica - Liverpool (21 Feb 2006) 1-0
14 Olympique Lyon 08 Dec 2004 10 4 AC Milan - Olympique Lyon (04 Apr 2006) 3-1

Hoffenheim goes for the winter title

2008-12-14T05:03:00.000Z

After this weekend, the Bundesliga is halfway through its season and heads into a winter break for more than a month. On 31 of 45 previous occasions (76%), the leaders at the winter break eventually won the league title in Germany.

Hoffenheim currently are the table leaders in Germany. Bayern München had the same amount of points as Hoffenheim, but Hoffenheim have a better goal difference. Bayern drew at VfB Stuttgart, Hoffenheim host Schalke 04.

‘Herbstmeisterschaft’ titles by club - Bundesliga
# Herbstmeister Won title Missed title

16 Bayern München 14 2
6 Werder Bremen 3 3
4 Borussia Mönchengladbach 4 0
3 1. FC Köln 2 1
3 Hamburger SV 1 2
2 Borussia Dortmund 2 0
2 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1 1
2 Eintracht Frankfurt 0 2
2 Schalke 04 0 2
1 1. FC Nürnberg 1 0
1 1860 München 1 0
1 Eintracht Braunschweig 1 0
1 VfB Stuttgart 1 0
1 Bayer Leverkusen 0 1
45 Totals 31 14

Note: ‘Herbstmeisterschaft’ is awarded to club that tops the table at the season’s halfway point

Diego Maradona visiting Mother Teresa of Calcutta Center, India

2008-12-07T22:26:00.002Z

Video of Maradona visiting Mother Teresa of Calcutta Foundation in India.

Take a look at people watching him by the trees...

Bayern Munich 2 Hoffenheim 1: highlights and goals (tors)

2008-12-05T22:33:00.010Z

Bayern Munchen vs Hoffenheim 2008 - 2009 (trying to upload every goals and highlights in the blog)

Cristiano Ronaldo named European Footballer of the Year by France Football, as Eusebio and Figo

2008-12-05T15:07:00.004Z

Cristiano Ronaldo was named European Footballer of the Year for 2008 by France Football magazine on Tuesday. He is the third Portuguese player to win this award and the first English-based player since Michael Owen in 2001.

According to Infostrada, Cristiano Ronaldo is the fourth Manchester United player to be named European Footballer of the Year and the first United player to win for 40 years.

Portuguese players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Club

2008 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
2000 Luis Figo Real Madrid
1965 Eusébio Benfica

English-based players winning the European Player of the Year award
Year Name Nation Club

2008 Cristiano Ronaldo POR Manchester United
2001 Michael Owen ENG Liverpool
1968 George Best NIR Manchester United
1966 Bobby Charlton ENG Manchester United
1964 Denis Law SCO Manchester United
1956 Stanley Matthews ENG Blackpool

AS Roma goes for 1000th win

2008-12-05T15:04:00.000Z

On Saturday, AS Roma hopes to celebrate their 1000th win in the Serie A when they face Chievo in Verona.

AS Roma recorded their first win in the Serie A on 13 October 1929 when they thrashed Cremonese 9-0. Acording to Infostrada, Roma have secured 51 wins against Torino, the most against a specific Serie A club. Juventus have recorded the most Serie A wins (1336).

Most wins in Serie A
Won Club Matches Drawn Lost

1336 Juventus 2522 718 468
1264 Internazionale 2560 727 569
1194 AC Milan 2500 752 554
999 AS Roma 2515 784 732
922 Fiorentina 2340 726 692
847 Torino 2246 722 677
794 Lazio 2202 682 726
772 Bologna 2082 664 646
755 Napoli 2062 673 634
590 Sampdoria 1759 570 599

Most wins AS Roma against specific Serie A clubs
# Club
51 Torino
44 Atalanta
44 Lazio
43 Napoli
42 Internazionale
41 Fiorentina
41 Sampdoria
39 Bologna
36 Bari
36 AC Milan
35 Juventus

Bayern München vs Hoffenheim: the match of the week

2008-12-05T15:02:00.001Z

Today, Bayern München and Hoffenheim, the two top teams in the Bundesliga, face each other in München. Bundesliga debutants Hoffenheim are leading the Bundesliga, three points ahead of Bayern.

Bayern have lost 10 times at home against newly promoted teams in the Bundesliga.
The last time Bayern lost to a promoted team at home was against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on 2 August 1997.

That season FCK won the Bundesliga, becoming the only promoted team ever to win the German league title.

On the other nine occasions that Bayern lost at home to a promoted club, they always finished the season above the promoted team in the league table.

Home defeats Bayern München against promoted clubs in Bundesliga

Date Club Result Rank Bayern Rank promoted club

02 Aug 1997 1. FC Kaiserslautern 0-1 2 1
27 Apr 1996 Hansa Rostock 0-1 2 6
15 Feb 1992 Dynamo Dresden 1-2 10 14
05 Oct 1991 Stuttgarter Kickers 1-4 10 17
10 Aug 1991 Hansa Rostock 1-2 10 18
28 May 1983 Schalke 04 0-1 4 16
10 Mar 1979 Arminia Bielefeld 0-4 4 16
12 Nov 1977 1860 München 1-3 12 16
12 Mar 1977 Borussia Dortmund 1-2 7 8
21 Jan 1967 Fortuna Düsseldorf 1-2 6 17

Note: Rank indicates final position at the end of the season

Asteras Tripolis FC scored, but then….

2008-12-01T13:25:00.002Z

On Saturday, Adrian Bastia (Asteras Tripolis) scored against Panathinaikos in the Greek League but then the Argentinian player kicked a football fan. Watch the result...

Related: Nacional was too late for the match

Is Arsenal the Chelsea´s father in Premier League?

2008-11-27T23:49:00.000Z

On Sunday, 30 November 2008, Chelsea and Arsenal meet for the 33rd time in the Premier League. According to Infostrada, Chelsea have won six, Arsenal 15 and there have been 11 draws. Arsenal have more PL wins (15) and more PL points (56) against Chelsea than any other team in Premier League history.

Best Premier League records against Chelsea
Club P W D L GF GA Pts

Arsenal 32 15 11 6 47 34 56
Liverpool 33 12 7 14 36 42 43
Blackburn Rovers 29 11 8 10 35 38 41
Manchester United 33 9 14 10 40 43 41
Aston Villa 33 9 10 14 31 39 37

Franck Ribéry goals in Bayern Munich go for history

2008-11-27T23:21:00.001Z

Franck Ribéry has carried resurgent Bayern München by scoring at least once in each of their last six Bundesliga matches. If the mercurial Frenchman nets at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, 29 November, his scoring run will be worth a top 10 listing in German top flight history.

Greece’s Theofanis Gekas was the last player to score in at least seven successive Bundesliga matches, according to Infostrada.

The league record is 10 and was set by 1. FC Köln’s Klaus Allofs in 1984.

Bayern remain unbeaten in Bundesliga matches in which Ribéry has scored. He has found the net in 16 different matches of which Bayern have won 15 and have drawn one.

Scoring in most successive Bundesliga matches of club
# Name Club Start date End date

10 Klaus Allofs 1. FC Köln 21 Apr 1984 08 Sep 1984
9 Gerd Müller Bayern München 24 Aug 1968 19 Oct 1968
8 Gerd Müller Bayern München 27 Sep 1969 15 Nov 1969
8 Gerd Müller Bayern München 06 Dec 1969 28 Feb 1970
8 Roy Makaay Bayern München 23 Apr 2005 27 Aug 2005
8 Theofanis Gekas VfL Bochum 10 Mar 2007 05 May 2007
7 Uwe Seeler Hamburger SV 30 Nov 1963 15 Feb 1964
7 Friedhelm Konietzka Borussia Dortmund 02 Jan 1965 06 Mar 1965
7 Dieter Müller 1. FC Köln 24 Sep 1977 12 Nov 1977
7 Rüdiger Abramczik Schalke 04 25 Nov 1978 17 Mar 1979
7 Rudi Völler Werder Bremen 20 Nov 1982 05 Feb 1983
7 Anthony Yeboah Eintracht Frankfurt 22 May 1993 28 Aug 1993
7 Fredi Bobic VfB Stuttgart 04 Nov 1995 17 Feb 1996
7 Roy Makaay Bayern München 28 Feb 2004 10 Apr 2004

6 Franck Ribéry Bayern München 25 Oct 2008 TBD

Xavi Hernández reached 100 in Europe

2008-11-11T21:54:00.002Z

On Tuesday, 4 November, FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández Creus played his 100th European match. He is the fifth Spanish player to reach this total.

Xavi is the first FC Barcelona player to play 100 matches in European competition for the club, according to Infostrada.

Spanish players with at least 100 European matches
Total Name Played for Years

124 Raúl Real Madrid (124) 1995 - …
110 Fernando Morientes Real Zaragoza (7), Real Madrid (61), AS Monaco (12), Liverpool (11), Valencia CF (19) 1995 - ...
103 Fernando Hierro Real Madrid (103) 1989 - 2003
100 Xavi FC Barcelona (100) 1998 - ...
100 Manuel Sanchis Real Madrid (100) 1984 - 2001
Raúl and Morientes can add to their totals later this week.

Matches per competition – Spanish players with at least 100 matches
Total Name UCL CC/CLQ CWC UEFA ESC

124 Raúl 119 2 0 0 3
110 Fernando Morientes 89 11 5 1 4
103 Fernando Hierro 68 9 4 20 2
100 Xavi 80 6 0 13 1
100 Manuel Sanchís 31 27 6 35 1

UCL – UEFA Champions League, CC/CLQ – Champions Cup/Champions League qualifying, CWC – Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA – UEFA Cup, ESC – European Super Cup.

100+ European matches for one club
Total Player Nation Club

167 Paolo Maldini ITA AC Milan
131 Oliver Kahn GER Bayern München
124 Raúl ESP Real Madrid
122 Ryan Giggs WAL Manchester United
121 Roar Strand NOR Rosenborg BK
117 Giuseppe Bergomi ITA Internazionale
116 Alessandro Costacurta ITA AC Milan
116 Javier Zanetti ARG Internazionale
113 Paul Scholes ENG Manchester United
112 Roberto Carlos BRA Real Madrid
112 Gary Neville ENG Manchester United
110 Jamie Carragher ENG Liverpool
107 Alessandro Del Piero ITA Juventus
103 Fernando Hierro ESP Real Madrid
101 Bülent Korkmaz TUR Galatasaray
100 Xavi ESP FC Barcelona
100 Manuel Sanchís ESP Real Madrid

Maldini and Strand can add to their totals on 6 November.

Marseille - PSV Eindhoven preview: Holland team have arrived in Marseille

2008-11-03T19:15:00.002Z

On Monday afternoon, PSV arrived in Marseille, where they will meet Olympique on Matchday four in the Champions League. The plane, with, among other people, the 19-man squad on board, landed at Aéroport Marseille Provence, after which the groups from Eindhoven withdrew to their hotels.

PSV coach Huub Stevens will hold the customary pre-match press conference at 6.30m. The PSV first-team squad will train on the pitch of the Olympique Marseille stadium from 7pm. Olympique Marseille coach Erik Gerets will take his players through the motions at the La Commanderie training complex at 5pm. On arrival in France, the players, coaching staff, club officials, sponsors and media representatives went to their hotels.

PSV squad: Andreas Isaksson and Cássio Ramos; Eric Addo, Jan Kromkamp, Dirk Marcellis, Erik Pieters, Francisco Rodríguez, Carlos Salcido and Mike Zonneveld; Ibrahim Afellay, Otman Bakkal, Jason Culina, Edison Méndez, Timmy Simons and Stijn Wuytens; Balázs Dzsudzsák, Danny Koevermans, Danko Lazovic and Stefan Nijland.

PSV Press

Liverpool – Atlético Madrid preview: Atlético is already to take on Liverpool

2008-11-03T19:11:00.001Z

After earning an important victory in league play over Gregorio Manzano’s Real Mallorca on Saturday, Atlético de Madrid has their minds set on Champions League. Around 11 am, the ‘rojiblanco’ expedition took off from Madrid Barajas Airport, headed for Liverpool. The city where the Beatles are from will welcome the almost 3,000 Atlético supporters who will make the trip to cheer on their team for two days.

Before their departure from Terminal 3 towards the United Kingdom, the team was received by many fans, who made their way to the airport to hunt down an autograph or take a photo with their idols. Almost two hours after taking off, Atlético de Madrid arrived in Liverpool around 12:10 pm (English time). Upon their arrival, the footballers and the coaching staff went directly to the Hotel Marriot Liverpool, which will serve as their headquarters until kick-off time.

Along with the first squad, and as is usual on most of the trips, Mr. Enrique Cerezo (Chairman of Atlético de Madrid), Mr. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín (Managing Director), Don Lázaro Albarracín, Vice-President of the Social Department, Mr. Antonio Alonso (Vice-President of the Commercial Department), Mr. Fernando García Abásolo (Vice-President of the Economic Department), Óscar Gil (Board Member), Mr. Jesús Gil Marín and Mr. Miguel Pérez (Shareholders), Mr. Clemente Villaverde (Director) and Mr. Emilio Gutiérrez (Director of Marketing and Communication) also travelled with the squad.

They all wanted to accompany the team in its arrival in British lands to watch the team take on Liverpool (it should be recalled that the match played at Estadio Vicente Calderón ended in a one-all draw) and go up against an old ‘friend’ of Atleti in Spanish international striker Fernando Torres. It will doubtlessly be a special match for the player from Fuenlabrada and for all of those who shared so many years at the Atlético organization with him.

Atlético Madrid Press

Sporting Lisbon - Shakhtar Donetsk preview: Shakhtar arrive in Lisbon

2008-11-03T19:09:00.003Z

Shakhtar’s away Champions League group stage match against Sporting Lisbon will be shown live on TRK Ukraina. Transmission of the event begins at 21:30 (Kyiv time).

Russian channel NTV+Nash Futbol will show the clash again on 5 November at 06:00 and 19:35 (Kyiv time).

Plane with Shakhtar players onboard landed at the Lisbon international airport at about 22:00 (Kyiv time). The Portuguese capital met the orange-and-black outfit with pleasing temperature, same as it was in Donetsk as they were leaving the city - +12C.

Having completed all obligatory customs procedures the players and the staff were taken to a hotel.

FC Shakhtar Press

Anorthosis - Inter preview: "A win and we're through"

2008-11-03T19:02:00.002Z

José Mourinho briefed the Italian and Cypriot press in Nicosia ahead of Tuesday's Champions League Matchday 4 clash against Anorthosis Famagusta.

He said: "We know that we'll be through if we win tomorrow, and this is our first objective. The Champions League is a risky competition. You have to be careful not to slip up or make things complicated for yourself. But we know what to do. Our goal is first place.

"We face a tough opponent who prepared very well for the first match and created problems for us. So we're not expecting it to be an easy game. Anorthosis have won every game in front of their fans. They have beaten strong opponents so they will try to create problems for us too, but our goal is to win and we always go on the pitch to win."

Mourinho's 4-2-4 formation and tactics in Saturday's match against Reggio Calabria raised a few eyebrows in the Italian press. "I know that for many of you critics I should have inserted some defenders after Patrick Vieira's second goal," explained the coach, "but this isn't my football and, as I have already said many times, Italy won't change me, so I preferred to continue with a very offensive formation and this is why we won the match in the end."

The Inter coach also commented on the form of several players. On Ibrahimovic, he said: "I don't understand why everybody worries about Ibra's condition. Physically and psychologically Zlatan is a strong player who is very extremely well for the team. He played splendidly in Reggio Calabria and was involved in all the moves. I'm sure that if I put him on the bench one day, all the critics would be ready to underline my mistake. But I don't choose according to what the critics say, so if a player is in form, like Zlatan is, he plays."

On Julio Cruz: "Julio is with us and he'll go on the bench. It's important for the team to have a player of his quality and experience."

On Adriano: "I think that Adriano will get more playing time if he wants to, like he did before when he did very well. He's not with us for this match but there are two more Champions League games and I'm convinced he'll be with us if he wants to."

On Quaresma: "I wasn't worried before when he had a few negative games, and I'm not worried now after his positive performance in Reggio Calabria. I have known him for a long time, he has enormous potential."

Press FC Inter

Barcelona – Basel preview: “We aren’t in the last 16 yet”

2008-11-03T18:58:00.000Z

Josep Guardiola doesn’t want his side to be over-confident against Basle and says they could have a nasty surprise if they don’t concentrate and take the game seriously.

Josep Guardiola is not having his head turned by good form in the League and the Champions League. After training this Monday, he said the team needs to keep up its commitment if it wants to beat Basle and qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League. “We aren’t in the last 16 yet and we haven’t beaten Basel yet,” said the Barça manager. “If we think tomorrow’s game will be like the one a fortnight ago, we could be in for a nasty surprise, and we’ve got to remember who our opponents are and give them the respect they deserve. I don’t want to win five nil. All I want the players to do is to keep on as they have done so far.”

Guardiola is pleased that his side is top of the League, but once again pointed out that the competition has only just started. “We are top, one point ahead of Vila-real and two above Real Madrid, and I’m happy about that,” he said. “We must be doing something right to be on top, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m very pleased with the image the players are giving, as that’s the most important thing.”

Guardiola highlighted the fact that the entire squad and coaching staff are going to Navarra to attend the funeral of Juan Carlos Unzué’s father as a sign of the unity to be found in the dressing-room. “I’m happy with what the players have done here,” he said. “When the father of someone you work with so closely and for so long dies, it’s quite normal that people will want to go to the funeral. It’s nothing extraordinary and you’d find it in any workplace. The club’s provided us with a plane and we’re all going to Navarra.”

FC Barcelona Press

Real Madrid – Juventus: Van Nistelrooy goes for the fourth one

2008-10-31T20:33:00.001Z

On Wednesday, 5 November, Real Madrid host Juventus in the Champions League with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy aiming to close in further on a competition record.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only player who has scored in each of the three CL matches this season. Alessandro Del Piero and Sergi Rebrov are the CL record holders with at least one goal in the first five matches of a CL season.

Most consecutive matches from start of CL season with at least one goal scored
# Season Goalscorer

5 1995/1996 Alessandro Del Piero
5 1997/1998 Sergi Rebrov
4 1997/1998 Alessandro Del Piero
4 2002/2003 Ânderson
4 2002/2003 Filippo Inzaghi

3 2008/2009 Ruud van Nistelrooy

Karim Benzema x 10 goals

2008-10-31T20:31:00.000Z

On 21 October, Karim Benzema sparked an Olympique Lyon comeback victory in the Champions League by scoring twice against Steaua Bucuresti. The young Frenchman raised his career CL goal tally to double digits in only his 14th match in the competition.

According to Infostrada, only four players, Adriano, Simone Inzaghi, George Weah and Didier Drogba were faster to 10 goals than Benzema.

Fewest Champions League matches needed to score 10th goal in competition
# Name Nation Club(s) From / Until

11 Adriano BRA Internazionale 14 Sep 2004 23 Nov 2005
12 Simone Inzaghi ITA Lazio 29 Sep 1999 12 Sep 2000
13 George Weah LBR Paris Saint-Germain / AC Milan 14 Sep 1994 16 Oct 1996
13 Didier Drogba CIV Olympique Marseille / Chelsea 16 Sep 2003 12 Apr 2005
14 Ronaldinho BRA FC Barcelona 29 Sep 2004 07 Mar 2006
14 Karim Benzema FRA Olympique Lyon 06 Dec 2005 21 Oct 2008
15 Ruud van Nistelrooy NED PSV / Manchester United 04 Nov 1998 17 Oct 2001

Rafael Benitez searching for his first win against Big Four clubs

2008-10-24T15:03:00.000+01:00

Liverpool has not won in all 12 Premier League visits to the other Big Four sides since Rafael Benitez became manager.

According to Infostrada, since June 2004, they have picked up only two points from a possible 36 on the road against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and have scored only four Premier League away goals in this time.

Liverpool’s Premier League away record at the other Big Four clubs under Rafael Benitez

Club P W D L GF GA Pts
Chelsea 4 0 1 3 0 4 1
Arsenal 4 0 1 3 3 9 1
Manchester United 4 0 0 4 1 8 0
Total 12 0 2 10 4 21 2

PSV - Olympique Marseille: Kromkamp, Zonneveld and Manco miss Wednesday’s game

2008-10-22T03:48:00.001+01:00

A 19-man squad will withdraw in the woody surroundings of Oisterwijk to prepare for Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League game against Olympique Marseille. PSV coach Huub Stevens announced that Jan Kromkamp (groin) and Mike Zonneveld (back) will miss the game, along with Reimond Manco, who is ill.

PSV coach Huub Stevens presented a team update at the end of this morning’s press conference at the Philips Stadium. Zonneveld made an appearance in Young PSV’s 4-2 win over FC Groningen on Monday night. The defender picked up a knock in his back and is ruled out of the clash with Olympique Marseille. Kromkamp left the training session early, after he had sustained a groin injury in training. Reimond Manco will miss Wednesday’s game due to illness. One player will be dropped from the 19-man squad. Olympique Marseille manager Erik Gerets and former PSV player Boudewijn Zenden will be the guests at the Olympique Marseille conference on Tuesday afternoon from 5.30pm, before the French team train on the Philips Stadium pitch for one hour.

PSV Press

Shakhtar Donetsk - Sporting Lisbon preview: the match shall be won by a team that’d do fewer mistakes than their opponents

2008-10-22T03:47:00.001+01:00

Mircea Lucescu: “This is a very important match for both sides. Both, Shakhtar and Sporting, deserve to advance further in the competition. This is why both teams shall be doing everything possible to achieve a good result. Our main challenge is that we have lost two of our main players, Ilsinho and Luis Adriano. Now we are trying to wind the way out of this difficult situation. We are trying to find a replacement for these two players. The team should not feel their absence”.

“I hope the fair play rules will be observed in this match. There shouldn’t be any problems with it. The teams must show respect for the spectators, for their opponents and for the referees. This is very important. The teams shall be striving to win, but at the cost of the fair play idea”.

Shakhtar’s group stage rivals, Sporting, are staying at the Donbass Palace hotel and the group of Portuguese journalists at the Atlas hotel.

Paulo Bento has taken 23 players to Ukraine:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício, Tiago, Ricardo Batista
Defenders: Daniel Carriço, Anderson Polga, Pedro Silva, Tonel, Leandro Grimi, Michael Santos, Pedro Mendes, Abel
Midfielders: Adrien Silva, Marat Izmailov, Miguel Veloso, Bruno Pereirinha, Fábio Rochemback, João Moutinho, Leandro Romagnoli
Forwards: Derlei, Yannick Djaló, Hélder Postiga, Liedson, Wilson Eduardo

FC Shakhtar Press

FC Basel – Barcelona FC: back at Saint Jakobs

2008-10-22T03:46:00.001+01:00

Barça have trained at the place where they won their first ever Cup Winners Cup in 1979, and where on Wednesday they face FC Basel in the third game of their Champions League campaign.

Thirty years later, FC Barcelona are back where they won their first ever Cup Winners Cup. Things have changed, and the old Saint Jakob Stadium has now been replaced by the ultra-modern Saint Jakob Park, which holds 37,500 spectators. The pitch was in excellent conditions as the team trained in preparation for their key European encounter.

The session started at 19.30, and the light rain made the pitch much faster than usual. Only the first fifteen minutes were open to the media, during which time the 19 Barcelona players went through their usual warm up drills.

Next time Guardiola’s players set foot on the Saint Jakobs turf will be on Wednesday night for the game with Basel.

FC Barcelona Press

Panathinaikos- Werder Bremen: the program of the game

2008-10-22T03:45:00.000+01:00

Michael Riley (Eng) will be the referee of the match between Panathinaikos and Werder. The assistant referees will be Phillip Sharp and David Richardson (Eng). The fourth official will be Stuart Attwell (Εng)

The last training of Panathinaikos before the match started at 19.30 at OAKA. The last training of Werder before the match started at 18.30 at OAKA.

Inter Milan – Anorthosis preview: Mourinho squad

2008-10-22T03:44:00.000+01:00

José Mourinho has called up 20 players for Wednesday evening's Champions League Matchday 3 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.

Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu, 39 Davide Santon.

Midfielders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 5 Dejan Stankovic, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.

Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.

Inter Milan Press

Bayern Munich – Fiorentina preview: Violas hopes rest on potent duo

2008-10-21T01:54:00.000+01:00

To the untrained eye, Alberto Gilardino might have appeared nervous at the news conference ahead of Bayern’s meeting with Fiorentina on Tuesday evening. The Italian striker repeatedly burst into a torrent of speech even before the official interpreter had started translating the questions put by newsmen, a breach of the unspoken etiquette prevailing on official UEFA occasions. Is Signor Gilardino slightly fearful of the home side’s enviable reputation at the Allianz Arena?

The truth is undoubtedly a little different. The 26-year-old is Fiorentina’s most experienced player with 28 Champions League appearances already under his belt. Most of his team-mates are tasting life in Europe’s top club contest for the first time, but Gilardino lifted the trophy with AC Milan in 2007. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli is expecting his striker to carry the fight to Bayern on Tuesday. “Alberto simply has the right attitude,” the 51-year-old commented. The pair worked successfully together at AC Parma. Prandelli has twice been named Italy’s coach of the year (05/06, 06/07), as Fiorentina boss on both occasions.

Gilardino’s impatience at the news conference probably reflected his desire for hostilities to commence as soon as possible. “We want to cause Bayern as many problems as possible and win the match,” the 2006 World Cup winner confidently declared. “Tomorrow’s match is one of the most important in my coaching career, in one of the world’s finest stadiums,” Prandelli stated, doubtless speaking for many of his players too.

Fiorentina’s solitary Champions League campaign so far was back in 1999-2000, when they finished second in their group behind Barcelona, before losing out to holders Manchester United and eventual finalists Valencia in the second group stage. Last season, the Italians emulated Bayern in reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals, but they were absent from the European scene for five years previously.

Prandelli expressed delight at the return to fitness of Gilardino’s strike partner Adrian Mutu. “Thankfully, Adrian can probably play,” the coach reported. The Romanian sat out a 3-0 victory over Reggina Calcio at the weekend with a knee problem. “We’ve not played together very often so far, but I hope we’ll achieve a lot together in the future,” Gilardino commented.

Mutu was the Tuscan side’s leading scorer last term, but summer signing Gilardino has netted five of Fiorentina’s eight league goals this season, and both their goals in Group F. In the summer qualifying meeting with Slavia Prague, both strikers hit the target in a 2-0 return leg win. “Do you think you and Adrian are one of the best strike pairings in the world?” a journalist asked Gilardino on Monday. The player smiled knowingly – while waiting for the interpreter to finish his job on this occasion.

FC Bayern Press

Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool will train on Tuesday evening at Vicente Calderón

2008-10-21T01:50:00.000+01:00

As is usual for Champions League matches, both teams will hold their final training sessions prior to the encounter at Estadio Vicente Calderón. The Liverpool expedition is scheduled to land at Barajas Airport at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and Rafa Benítez and his players will stay at a hotel in the centre of Madrid. The Spanish manager, along with one player, will hold a press conference at Estadio Vicente Calderón at 6:45 p.m. Liverpool will then train afterwards at 7:30.

For his part, Javier Aguirre and one Atlético player will appear before the media at 8:30 p.m., and Atlético de Madrid will hold their practice subsequently at 9 o’clock.

Access to the Press Room shall be granted through Gate 0 and the media, who will only be able to record the first fifteen minutes of each training session, will not have access to the pitch.

Atlético Press

Manchester United – Celtic FC preview: Celts look forward to facing European champions

2008-10-21T01:49:00.000+01:00

Tradition dictates that tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League meeting of the reigning Scottish and English champions should make for an entertaining and eventful evening.

But despite the proud custom of attacking football embraced by both Celtic and Manchester United, Gordon Strachan is well aware of the pitfalls that this Group E encounter at Old Trafford will hold.

Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference in Manchester, the Celtic manager was fulsome in his praise of the UEFA Champions League holders, explaining that they were an improved outfit from the one that his team met two years ago in the same competition.

Those encounters turned out to be classics, with United winning 3-2 at home and Shunsuke Nakamura scoring the only goal of the game in an unforgettable tie at Celtic Park.

“The traditions of the clubs say that we have to try and entertain and attack,” Gordon Strachan said. “We will do our best, but a lot of teams come here and say that and the traffic always seems to go the one way.

“You come with great intentions when you come here and I’ve seen people say that teams sit in when they come here. No they don’t, they just can’t get out, there’s a big difference.

“We are going to play the best team in Europe, they are the champions of England, the champions of Europe and that tells you that they are the best team in Europe, with some of the best players in the world.

“The players know what’s coming and we are looking forward to the challenge. A lot of them were here two years ago, so they know what to expect. They enjoyed the experience two years ago and you can only enjoy the experience if you perform well and are happy with your contribution.”

The United squad list reads like a current ‘who’s who’ of world football, with the prodigiously gifted Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.

Celtic FC Press

FC Porto - Dynamo Kyiv preview: Match officials appointed for Tuesday's match

2008-10-21T01:48:00.000+01:00

Match officials from Norway have been selected to work at the Champions League group stage match FC Porto – Dynamo Kyiv.

The Norwegian referee Terje Hauge will take charge of Tuesday's encounter. Hauge was born in 1965 and currently lives in Bergen, Norway. He works as a referee advisor in addition to refereeing. Since he made his debut in 1990, Hauge has handled more than 200 matches in the top division and is considered one of the best Norwegian referees. He has been an authorised FIFA referee since 1993.

Hauge has refereed in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2000 and 2004. He also took charge of the 2004 UEFA Super Cup match between FC Porto and Valencia CF. On 17 May 2006, Terje Hauge became the first Norwegian to referee in a UEFA Champions League final. He took charge of the match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Stade de France in Paris.

The 43-year-old referee will be assisted by his compatriots Jan Petter Randen and Kim Thomas Haglund, with Kjetil Saelen, also from Norway, acting as fourth official.

Wolfgang Thierrichter from Austria and Patrick Kelly from Ireland have been appointed UEFA delegate and UEFA Referee observer, respectively.

Dynamo Kyiv Press

Juventus - Real Madrid preview: Historical duel

2008-10-21T01:47:00.000+01:00

Two of the greatest teams in European football history will face each other on Tuesday 21 October in Turin at 20:45 CET. Real Madrid and Juventus have clashed twelve times throughout their history, with seven victories for the Whites and five for the Italian team. The Madridistas have only won one of their five games in Turin.

Real Madrid have won four and lost only one of their five matches against the Italians at the Bernabéu, but the same can be said of Juventus at their home stadium. Two of the 12 clashes between them took place on neutral ground, first in the 1962 quarterfinal tie-break that gave Real Madrid a ticket to the semifinals, and in the legendary 1998 final in which the Madridistas won their seventh European Cup.

The Whites reached the quarterfinals in the 1986/87 edition of the tournament by defeating Juventus in the Last 16. Both sides won 1-0 at their own stadiums, but Real Madrid went through in the penalty shoot-out (3-1).

The first time the Italian side ever eliminated the Madridistas was in the 1996 quarterfinals. Raúl helped the team win 1-0 at home with a goal, but Juventus earned a 2-0 victory in the return leg. The Italians eventually won their second and last European Cup to date that year against Ajax.

Every Madridista remembers the 20 May 1998 clash between both sides in the Amsterdam Arena. The Italians were favourites to win the title due to their experience in the championship, their title of the previous campaign and by having Zinedine Zidane in their ranks.

Against all odds, Jupp Heinckes' Real Madrid won the title by defeating them 1-0. It was their first European Cup title in 32 years.

Both clubs were pitted against each other again in the 2002/03 and 2004/05 seasons. Real Madrid won at the Bernabéu by one goal both years (2-1 and 1-0, respectively) despite deserving much more. They eventually lost 3-1 and 2-0, respectively, in the Turin return legs.

Real Madrid Press

Fenerbahce – Arsenal preview: ready to win

2008-10-21T01:46:00.000+01:00

''We all know that Arsenal are the strongest team in our group from their previous results in the Champions League, but my players are also very qualified and experienced. Our only aim is to beat Arsenal infront of our fans, so we approach the task with this attitude and play with the same mentality and intentsity. We are aware of the fact that we really have to be very careful at defending and attacking. What we need to do is to show how much we really want to be successful in the Champions League.'', so revealed Fenerbahce coach Luis Aragonés today at the magnificient Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium.

Talented canary Edu also added: ''It's not only me and Lugano trying to close down the opposition," he said. "It's a team thing, preventing the opposition having opportunities. There are still areas which need to be improved and when we achieve this everything will be better. Despite not making an impressive start to our Champions League campaign, we still have a chance of qualifying.You need to judge each match on its own merits because every game has its own story. It's no secret that we go out to win every match. Last year we had a successful Champions League campaign but things have not gone as we wanted this year. Although we have started badly, I believe we can finish strongly. We attach a great importance to this match against Arsenal, because we got some bad results and now it is time for great victories again. We have worked hard, studied them, and will take the necessary precautions on the pitch.''

Fenerbahce Press

Atlético Madrid – Real Madrid: Colchoneros want a win in the derby

2008-10-17T20:00:00.002+01:00

On Saturday, 18 October, Atlético Madrid hope to end a 13-match winless streak in the Primera División against city rivals Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderón stadium.

If Atlético fail to beat Real they will equal their longest non-winning streak against their city rivals, which stretches to 14 matches.

According to Infostrada, this streak of 14 matches without a win is also the longest of Atlético against any club in the Primera División.

Atlético Madrid longest non-winning streaks against a club - Primera División
# Club Last match before streak Match that ended streak
14 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (04 Jan 1992) 2-0 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (12 Jun 1999) 3-1
13 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (30 Oct 1999) 1-3 Still running
12 Real Zaragoza CD Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (07 Oct 1962) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza CD (02 Feb 1969) 1-0
11 Atlético Club de Bilbao Atlético Madrid - Atlético Bilbao (31 Dec 1950) 2-0 Atlético Bilbao - Atlético Madrid (06 Jan 1957) 1-4
9 Real Madrid Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (07 Mar 1965) 0-1 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (15 Mar 1970) 3-0
9 Real Zaragoza Atlético Madrid - Real Zaragoza (23 Feb 1998) 2-1 Real Zaragoza - Atlético Madrid (21 Jan 2006) 0-2
8 Real Madrid Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (07 Oct 1951) 3-2 Atlético Madrid - Real Madrid (19 Feb 1956) 1-0
8 Las Palmas Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (16 Oct 1966) 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Las Palmas (03 Jan 1971) 2-1
8 Sporting Gijón Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (23 Apr 1978) 5-1 Atlético Madrid - Sporting Gijón (19 Dec 1982) 2-1
8 FC Barcelona Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Mar 1981) 1-0 Atlético Madrid - FC Barcelona (08 Sep 1985) 2-1
8 RCD Espanyol Atlético Madrid - RCD Espanyol (07 Dec 2003) 2-0 RCD Espanyol - Atlético Madrid (08 May 2008) 0-2

Chelsea - Aston Villa preview: league leader hoping to snap streak

2008-10-03T18:02:00.009+01:00

On Sunday, league leaders Chelsea host third placed Aston Villa in the seventh match round of the Premier League.

Chelsea has not won in the last five meetings with Aston Villa. Their last win over Aston Villa was three years ago on 24 September 2005 (2-1).

According to Infostrada, no other current Premier League team is on a longer unbeaten streak against Chelsea than Aston Villa.

Between 1995 and 2005, Chelsea suffered a 19 match winless streak against Arsenal.

Longest winless streak against specific opponent – Chelsea in Premier League
Matches Opponent Last match before streak First match after streak

19 Arsenal Chelsea - Arsenal (30 Sep 1995) 1-0 Chelsea - Arsenal (21 Aug 2005) 1-0
12 Blackburn Rovers Start Premier League Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea (21 Sep 1998) 3-4
8 Sheffield Wednesday Start Premier League Sheffield Wednesday - Chelsea (07 Sep 1996) 0-2
6 Everton Chelsea - Everton (03 Jan 1994) 4-2 Everton - Chelsea (11 May 1997) 1-2
6 Liverpool Chelsea - Liverpool (25 Sep 1993) 1-0 Chelsea - Liverpool (01 Jan 1997) 1-0
6 Coventry City Chelsea - Coventry City (01 May 1993) 2-1 Chelsea - Coventry City (24 Aug 1996) 2-0
5 Aston Villa Chelsea - Aston Villa (24 Sep 2005) 2-1 Still running

Last five PL meetings between Chelsea and Aston Villa
Date Match Result

26 Dec 2007 Chelsea - Aston Villa 4-4
02 Sep 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 2-0
02 Jan 2007 Aston Villa - Chelsea 0-0
30 Sep 2006 Chelsea - Aston Villa 1-1
01 Feb 2006 Aston Villa - Chelsea 1-1

Zenit’s Tomas Hubocan is part of the history

2008-10-03T17:59:00.002+01:00

On Tuesday, Tomas Hubocan of Zenit St. Petersburg netted an own goal in the fourth minute of his club’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.

The Slovakian thereby recorded the second fastest own goal in the history of the competition, according to Infostrada.

The record belongs to Benfica’s Scott Minto who beat his own goalkeeper in the third minute of a Champions League match on 4 November 1998.

Fastest own goals in Champions League history
Min. Goalscorer Nation Match Date

3 Scott Minto ENG Benfica* - HJK 2-2 04 Nov 1998
4 Tomas Hubocan SVK Zenit St. Petersburg* - Real Madrid 1-2 30 Sep 2008
10 Max Houttuin NED Olympique Lyon - sc Heerenveen* 3-1 12 Sep 2000
10 Vladislav Vashchuk UKR Anderlecht - Dynamo Kyiv* 4-2 18 Oct 2000
10 Gary Caldwell SCO Benfica – Celtic* 3-0 01 Nov 2006
12 Fernando Meira POR VfB Stuttgart* - Chelsea 0-1 25 Feb 2004
13 Sami Hyypiä FIN Besiktas – Liverpool* 2-1 24 Oct 2007
13 Deivid BRA Fenerbahçe* - Chelsea 2-1 02 Apr 2008
14 Jorge Andrade POR Deportivo La Coruña* - Liverpool 0-1 03 Nov 2004
16 Manuel Dimas POR Sporting CP* - Spartak Moskva 0-3 17 Oct 2000

* Denotes club that scored own goal

Champions League (in Africa) arrives to final four

2008-10-02T19:42:00.007+01:00

We know, UEFA Champions League is the most important tournament in club levels in the world.

But, be careful, many of the top players that will be playing UCL next seasons, are playing the African Champions League these days. An example: Kolo Touré, Yaya Touré, Ibrahim Touré, Emmanuel Eboué, Salomon Kalou, Bonaventure Kalou, Bakari Koné, Donald-Olivier Sié,Abdoulaye Traoré, Romaric N'Dri Koffi and many other had played in the Ivorian ASEC Mimosas.

Due to semifinals will start on Sunday, here we have an interesting article from The Offside.

Link: Dynamos in CAF Champions League Semis

Standard Liege – Everton: Saha starts

2008-10-02T18:15:00.002+01:00

David Moyes has handed Louis Saha a starting berth for tonight's Uefa Cup clash with Standard Liege.

The French international striker will partner Yakubu in attack as the manager makes two changes from the side that started against Liverpool at the weekend.

Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after playing for Liege in the Champions League qualifier, whilst Joseph Yobo drops out of the starting line-up in order to accomodate the return to the starting line-up of Leighton Baines.

Joleon Lescott will switch over from left back to the centre of defence alongside Phil Jagielka.

Leon Osman, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville will fill the midfield positions.

Yobo has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Segundo Castillo, Nuno Valente, the fit-again Steven Pienaar, Jack Rodwell and Victor Anichebe.

It is Pienaar's first inclusion in an Everton squad this term after recovering from the broken toe he sustained against PSV Eindhoven in pre-season.

Source: Everton Press

Valencia – Marítimo: Iberian contest

2008-10-02T18:01:00.002+01:00

Valencia CF carried out an intense morning training session. The team prepared the UEFA Cup first round second leg clash that will take place on Thursday 2nd October against Portuguese side CS Marítimo at Mestalla. Coach Unai Emery managed a training session that begun with some physical exercises. Then, the players carried out some tactical exercises, focusing on offensive and defensive movements with ball possession to improve speed. All Valencia CF players joined in this training session. The only absence was Curro Torres, who is still recovering from his injury.

Source: Valencia CF Press

Paris Saint Germain – Kayserispor: “Gather all our strength”

2008-10-02T17:56:00.002+01:00

This Thursday, against Kayserispor, PSG can confirm its place in the group stage of the UEFA Cup. PSG coach Paul Le Guen and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu fronted up to the press at the traditional pre-match press conference...

Paul, you have one foot in the group phase...
“We saw with the result from the first leg that we got off to the right start. That still stands, even if we’ve lost two league games since then, against Saint-Etienne and Grenoble. We have to be very wary, because to be eliminated now would be a huge disappointment. We don’t have that much room to play with. We can get back to winning ways, but we need together all our strengths, even though I can’t call on the entire squad sue to injuries.”

You have several key players missing with injuries...
“Of course I’m not happy to be without Sakho, Makelele and Giuly because, without any disrespect to the others, without those players, it’s not the same. We need all our players, but especially the big players. We hope to have them fit soon. Now it’s up to the other players to seize the opportunity. Clément Chantôme is back in the squad after his twisted ankle, and that’s obviously a positive.”

Péguy Luyindula also seems to be riding a wave of confidence...
“Péguy has never given up. He’s always kept working hard. It hasn’t always been easy, including during our discussions, but he hung in there. I’ve played him in the UEFA Cup and the League Cup because I knew he could do a job. His relationship with the Parc des Princes is a little hard, and I’m sorry about that because he works hard for the team. Péguy is a lovely guy and I know he’s worth more than he’s shown here at PSG.”

Are PSG going give this UEFA Cup 100 per cent?
“Obviously there’s a logical progression having qualified for this competition by winning last season’s League Cup. We have respect for this competition. The club’s aim is to qualify for the group stage and I think our fans will love the European nights back at the Parc des Princes.”

Source: PSG Press

Galatasaray - AC Bellinzona: host team need a draw or less...

2008-10-02T04:55:00.003+01:00

Galatasaray will play with AC Bellinzona in the UEFA Cup First Round, Second Leg. Turkish team was victorious in the first leg 4-3.

Galatasaray's Last Five Games
28.09.2008 Galatasaray 4-1 Konyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
21.09.2008 Kocaelispor 1-4 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
13.09.2008 Galatasaray 1-1 Antalyaspor (Turkcell Super League)
31.08.2008 Kayserispor 0-0 Galatasaray (Turkcell Super League)

AC Bellinzona's Last Five Games
26.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 1-1 Grasshoppers Zürich (Axpo Super League)
18.09.2008 AC Bellinzona 3-4 Galatasaray (UEFA Cup 1. Round)
14.09.2008 Bellinzona 1-2 BSC Young Boys (Axpo Super League)
01.09.2008 FC Zürich 3-0 Bellinzona (Axpo Super League)
28.08.2008 Bellinzona 2-1 FC Dnipro (UEFA Cup)

Source: Galatasaray Press

Zurich - AC Milan: the usual press conference by coach Carlo Ancelotti at the Letzigrund

2008-10-02T04:39:00.000+01:00

Ahead of the match against Zurich, valid for the second leg of the first round of the Uefa Cup 2008/2009, Carlo Ancelotti talked during a press conference:

"In tomorrow's match we start from a 3-1 result which is certainly an advantage for us, but we must not underestimate Zurich, because they will put us in difficulty.

It will be a different Milan compared to the first leg, because in the meantime the team has found a lot more balance. There won't be many changes, also because of the various injuries which prevent us from playing certain players. The most uncertain is Jankulovski, while Dida will start in goal. For the midfield there is a doubt between Ambrosini and Gattuso and up front between Ronaldinho and Pato.

We expect a Zurich team who will try to give everything at home, but Milan's objective is to go as far as possible in this competition and possibly to win the Uefa Cup, so we want to start by surviving this round."

Source: AC Milan Press

Liverpool 3 – PSV Eindhoven 1: 100 Red goals in Europe

2008-10-02T02:38:00.001+01:00

Robbie Keane scored his first goal for Liverpool and Steven Gerrard joined the 100 club as the Reds marked Rafael Benitez's 250th match in charge with a comfortable 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven.

The Ireland international's first-half strike was upstaged by Stevie's century in what proved to be a routine victory against the Dutch outfit with Dirk Kuyt also on target.

It means Liverpool remain level with Atlético Madrid at the top of Group D and will approach their double-header with the Spanish side in buoyant mood having taken maximum points from their opening two group fixtures for the first time ever.

Ahead of the match Benitez had suggested he would keep with faith with the players who had served him so well in the opening 10 games of the season, and he was true to his word.

Fabio Aurelio's return to action in place of Andrea Dossena was the only change from the team that beat Everton so convincingly at the weekend and it was a policy that would serve the Reds boss well.

Indeed, he didn't have long to wait for his reward with Kuyt firing the Reds in front after just four minutes of the contest.

A corner from the right was met on the volley by Fernando Torres and although Andreas Isaksson did brilliantly to deny the Spaniard, Kuyt was on hand to drill the rebound into the corner via the keeper's hands.

It was Liverpool's 100th goal in the European Cup under Rafa Benitez and it set the tone for a night that would be littered with significant milestones.

First Keane was denied a penalty after he appeared to be tripped in the area before Torres powered a towering header from Steven Gerrard's corner just wide.

Torres ghosted into space down the right hand side of the penalty area before crossing low for his strike partner who met the ball first time with a superb side-footed effort.

So often this season the 28-year-old has seen the ball bounce just wide or into the grateful arms of a goalkeeper - but not on this occasion as he expertly guided it into the far corner of the net. Cue a trademark celebration from the Irishman, whose finish was greeted by the biggest cheer of the night.

It already seemed like it would be a damage limitation exercise for Huub Stevens' men but they gave the home side a scare on 59 minutes when Nordin Amrabat smashed a 25 yarder inches wide of Pepe Reina's right-hand post.

It was rare foray forward for the visitors and the remainder of the match followed the same pattern that had preceded that attempt - with Liverpool in the ascendancy.

Keane went close to doubling his tally with a flicked header from Aurelio's free-kick before Torres saw a clipped effort bounce just wide after a burst of pace had sent him surging in on the left-hand side of the area.

On an evening where his teammates had been stealing the limelight with significant goals, Steven Gerrard had been surprisingly quiet.

The skipper is so often the man for the big occasion and he wasn't about to let it pass him by without notching his 100th for the club. On 76 minutes the Reds were awarded a free-kick in front of the Kop and as the midfielder raced on to Aurelio's touch-off there was only one place the ball was destined to land.

It was typical Gerrard - an exquisite drive that gave the keeper absolutely no chance and how fitting the goal came at the Kop end.

Source: Liverpool FC Press

Shakhtar 1 - Barcelona 2: Messi goals produce another late victory

2008-10-02T02:24:00.002+01:00

Barça turned their Champions League tie with Shakhtar on its head in the closing minutes with two goals from Lionel Messi to record their fifth consecutive victory and stay on top of Group C.

Just like on Montjuïc four days before, it was not until the very last moments that justice was done as a brace from the Argentinian forward won the game for the visitors in Donetsk. In a match of few chances at either end it was always going to take something special to claim all three points and Messi was able to produce just that.

Shakhtar complicated Barça's task by taking the lead before the break with a goal on the counter-attack. In the second half the hosts sat back even more, but Eto'o and Bojan both had chances before the Blaugrana finally drew level in the 87th minute thanks to a mistake by Andriy Pyatov that saw the ball slip through his hands. Not content with a point though, Barça pushed forward in the closing moments and Messi was able to show why he is so highly-rated with a superb finish to win the match for his team.
The home team was conscious of how important the game was for their aspirations to qualify for the next stage and did not want to take too many risks and allow Barça much space. After a bright opening, Shakhtar then sat back and the visitors took control but, unlike in previous games, they had to maintain possession in their own half and across the middle because an advanced Shakhtar side pressed them back and kept the ball away from their area.

The best chance for Barcelona in the opening stages came in the sixth minute when a superb pass through the middle found Thierry Henry clear and he was able to take one touch to control the ball before shooting, only for a good save from the keeper to deny him the opener. Fernandinho then looked to test Víctor Valdés, but it was the away team that maintained the pressure and ensured that their opponents had to keep several players back on the edge of their own area at all times. With Henry and Eto'o looking for space in front of goal and Iniesta creating down the flanks, Xavi was able to use his creative touches more and more.

Alves then kept Pyatov's eye in with a shot from outside the area shortly before Shakhtar tested Valdés. Brandão Broke forward in the 37th minute and picked out Luiz Adriano and he in turn found Ilsinho, but the Catalan custodian was prepared and made a superb save to tip the shot over the bar. The home side were not finished though and took the lead a minute before half time. A high ball forward was flicked on by Piqué and Ilsinho held off the challenge from Puyol before clipping the ball over the approaching Valdés.

With a one goal lead, Shakhtar looked to protect that and Barça controlled the second period from start to finish. Alves tested the keeper shortly after the restart with a low free-kick that was tipped round the post. Messi then entered the game just before the hour mark in place of Henry and he quickly showed a few touches that would later be used to undo Shakhtar's stubborn resistance. His first contribution was a superb pass through the middle to Eto'o and the Cameroonian forward looked set to score before losing his balance at the crucial moment before prodding the ball wide of the post. Bojan then came on and he almost scored too after steering his way into the area before shooting into the side-netting.

When the equaliser came it was at a time when Shakhtar were looking to wind down the clock and see out time. Justice was served though in an unexpected way as Krkic's cross was fumbled by Pyatov and Messi was in the right place to steer home from close range.

At 1-1 the game was there for Barcelona to take and, while they could have accepted a point, they moved forward in search of all three. In the 92nd minute they produced a superb move as Xavi's pass behind the defence found Messi and he superbly clipped it over the approaching keeper and into the net to win the game.

The victory sees Barça move clear at the top of Group C with six points.

Source: FC Barcelona Press

Atlético de Madrid - Olympique de Marseille preview: host team goes for another win

2008-10-01T01:09:00.000+01:00

The players of Olympique de Marsella have gotten to know the pitch at Estadio Vicente Calderón, where they will face off against Atlético de Madrid on Wednesday (8:45 p.m.). Eric Gerets’ lads worked out for approximately an hour on the grass, in their final preparatory session before the encounter. The French side fell at home to Liverpool on the first matchday of the group stage, so they are just about obligated to earn points against Atlético.

Pape Diouf, chairman of Olympique de Marseile, travelled at the front of the French club’s expedition and attended the practice of the squad managed by Eric Gerets. He had the opportunity to chat for a bit with Jesús García Pitarch, the General Manager Club Atlético de Madrid, for a few minutes in the stands.

The Olympique de Marseille squad list is formed by the following players:

Goalkeepers: Mandanda and Riou.
Defenders: Bonnart, Taiwo, Hilton, Zubar and Erbate.
Midfielders: Cana, Cheyrou, M’Bami, Kaboré, Ziani, Zenden, Valbuena and Ben Arfa.
Strikers: Niang, Samassa and Koné.

Liverpool - PSV Eindhoven preview: flight delayed

2008-10-01T00:51:00.002+01:00

PSV’s flight from Eindhoven Airport this morning eventually left two-and-a-hours late. The hold-up was caused when the plane did not take off due to mechanical problems. The PSV party had to wait for a second aircraft and arrived at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool two-and-half-hours later than planned.

Liverpool and PSV had never met until the 2006/07 campaign, when they faced each other four times. In the group stage Ronald Koeman’s team played out a goalless draw in Eindhoven on Matchday 1 before Liverpool won the return match 2-0 on Matchday 5. PSV progressed to the quarter finals after having eliminated Arsenal from the competition. Rafa Benítez's team then earned a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over PSV in the quarter-finals. They recorded a 3-0 win at the Philips Stadium in the first leg and claimed a 1-0 victory in the return leg at Anfield. PSV also made a trip to Liverpool in summer, when they met Everton in a pre-season friendly. Nordin Amrabat opened the scoring for PSV, but the hosts canceled out the deficit in the closing stages. All in all, PSV are in Liverpool for the fourth time and will play a competitive match at Anfield for the third time.

The plane with the PSV party, including players, coaching staff, officials, members of the board, sponsors and media representatives, landed at John Lennon Airport at 2pm. PSV coach Huub Stevens will preview Wednesday’s game at a press conference tonight at 6pm, after which the players will have a one-hour training session on the pitch at Anfield.

Source: PSV Press

Shakhtar Donetsk – Barcelona preview: “Another big test”

2008-10-01T00:48:00.002+01:00

Although the fact that the first team has won four games in a row indicates that things are on the right track, Pep Guardiola wants to put the past behind him, knowing that Shakhtar will be another big test.

Speaking in his press conference on the eve of the game with the Ukrainian club, the Barça manager has commented on how important it is to get a win to put them in a strong position in the group table. “We have another big test on Wednesday” he said. “A huge opportunity to make a big step towards the second round. We have to remember that not winning in the Champions League can penalise you heavily.”

The football first team has won on its last four outings, once in the Champions League and three times in the domestic championship. But Guardiola is keeping clam and reminded listeners that, especially in the league “a few days ago we were in the relegation zone … it is better to be prudent. The past belongs to the past. We know where we are going and that we need to persist.”

Guardiola was speaking about both the games Barça must face before the international break, and about how important both encounters are for their futures in both competitions. “Now we have to play two important matches before the break for different international commitments. The game on Wednesday is the priority for now, and is crucial in terms of qualification for the second round of the Champions League. The game on Saturday against Atlético Madrid is basic for getting closer to the top of the league.”

The Barça manager was giving nothing away regarding the side he might put out on Wednesday evening and also commented on Shakhtar Donetsk’s strength going forward. “I have enormous respect for Shakhtar” he said. “They are a very attacking and daring side. We’ll have to be very careful, because it is always difficult at their ground. But we know how they play, I know their players well, they have a high level and we’ll be trying to do them damage.”

The problem with Barça of late has been that despite creating loads of chances, they are struggling to covert them into goals. On this issue Guardiola said “getting goals is the most difficult bit … the most important thing is the good football and great team spirit we have. We have to persist in ensuring we do things well. With our strikers, we’ll manage it.”

Source: FC Barcelona Press

Inter Milan - Werder Bremen preview: Italians want another victory

2008-10-01T00:42:00.003+01:00

Inter finished off their preparations for Wednesday's UEFA Champions Group B Matchday 2 clash against Werder Bremen with an afternoon training session at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.

After a long session of warm-up and stretching exercises, José Mourinho's Nerazzurri performed tactical drills and played a training game. Luis Figo, Luis Jimenez and Maxwell trained separately.

José Mourinho has called up 20 players for Wednesday evening's Champions League Matchday 2 fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (kick-off 20:45):

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.

Defenders: 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 23 Marco Materazzi, 26 Cristian Chivu.

Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Sulley Muntari, 33 Amantino Mancini, 36 Francesco Bolzoni, 77 Ricardo Quaresma.

Strikers: 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 9 Julio Ricardo Cruz, 10 Adriano, 45 Mario Balotelli.

Source: FC Inter Press

Aalborg - Manchester United: historical visit

2008-09-29T19:14:00.004+01:00

Aalborg are the first Danish side to enjoy a second bite of the Champions League cherry, having previously made it through to the European top table in 1995/96. It proved to be a baptism of fire, as they lost their first five matches against Dynamo Kiev, Porto and Nantes before earning their first ever CL point with a 2-2 draw against the Portuguese champions. The Danes have had recent European experience, though. They won one only game in last year’s UEFA Cup group stage, but gave Spurs a huge fright at ‘The Lane’ by taking a two-goal advantage before losing 3-2.

Andreas Johansson has the dubious honour of being the last player to be sent off at Highbury… and that was without touching the ball after coming on as a substitute for Wigan! An attacking midfielder, Johansson wasn’t a hit with everyone at the JJB Stadium and scored just four goals in 29 games, but he’s proved a handful for Danish defences since arriving last summer. Most dangerous when given time to create, Johansson is also a handy ball-winner in the centre of the park. He enjoyed his best spell as a player in his native Sweden with Djurgardens, where he won two titles and a Swedish Cup.

A familar face... Bruce Rioch. The former Arsenal and Bolton manager (to name just a couple) took over the reins at AaB in July after Erik Hamren switched Scandinavian allegiances to join Norway’s Rosenborg BK. But what’s Bruce doing in Denmark? Well, it’s not his first stint in the country – he was in charge at Odense for 20 months until his wife’s illness forced him to resign in March 2007. While there he enjoyed a win over Hibernian in the third round of the Intertoto Cup in 2006.

American defender Danny Califf led Aalborg to their first Danish title in nine years. But he subsequently signed for FC Midtjylland, leaving the captain’s armband behind for Thomas Augustinussen. A striker in his formative years, Augustinussen has real aerial presence (he stands 6’ 4” tall) and scored five goals in his 20 games for Denmark’s Under-21 team. He has since dropped back into central.

Fenerbahçe - Dynamo Kyiv: Yuriy Semin has named 21-man squad for tomorrow's match

2008-09-29T19:03:00.001+01:00

Monday morning FC Dynamo Kyiv departed for the Turkish capital for tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League group stage encounter against Fenerbahçe SK (Istanbul, Turkey). The Matchday 2 fixture will take place at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul.

Dynamo head-coach Yuriy Semin has picked 21 players to bring to Turkey. 18 of them will be registered for the match. The list of players looks as follows:

Goalkeepers: Oleksandr Shovkovskyy, Stanislav Bogush, Oleksandr Rybka;

Defenders: Betão, Taras Mykhalyk, Pape Diakhaté, Malkhaz Asatiani, Badr El Kaddouri, Andriy Nesmachnyy, Oleksandr Romanchuk;

Midfielders: Ognjen Vukojević, Oleksandr Aliyev, Miloš Ninković, Tiberiu Ghioane, Roman Eremenko, Mykola Morozyuk,

Forwards: Ismaël Bangoura, Maksim Shatskikh, Artem Kravets, Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Zozulya.

Source: FC Dynamo press

FC Bayern Munich – Lyon: Jürgen Klinsmann goes for rotation

2008-09-29T03:18:00.003+01:00

In the eleven weeks from now until the mid-season break, Bayern will contest 17 competitive fixtures, with the club’s current internationals chalking up another three matches for a total of 20 games in 70 or so days. “It’s two games a week from now on,” Jürgen Klinsmann reacted, “so there’ll inevitably be rotation in certain positions.”

The coach initiated that process in the midweek DFB Cup clash with Nürnberg, making four changes to the team beaten by Bremen four days earlier: Daniel van Buyten, Mark van Bommel, Christian Lell and Lukas Podolski dropped to the bench, with Massimo Oddo, Andreas Ottl, Tim Borowski and Miroslav Klose in the starting line-up.

Line-up changes will be the order of the day from now on. “To compete in Europe and cope with the rhythm of the Cup, the Bundesliga and the Champions League, we need rotation – not in every position, but definitely in certain areas,” Klinsmann explained.

The key factor is the consistent depth and quality in the Bayern squad. “We have a very good playing staff,” the coach opined, “up front, in midfield, defence – we have two players for every position.“ That naturally means intense competition for places. “A few of our players have made great progress,” Klinsmann observed, pleased with the improving form of the stars involved at Euro 2008 last summer.

The best example is Miroslav Klose, scorer of the vital opening goal against Nürnberg. “It was a sensational strike, a goal of the month,” Klinsmann enthused, “he’s slowly but surely getting to where he should be and where he’s set his own benchmarks. You can clearly see he’s on an upward trend.“

That applies to the whole squad, the coach feels, singling out Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andreas Ottl in that respect. The Nürnberg tie also saw maiden 90-minute appearances for Tim Borowski, scorer of Bayern’s second, and Massimo Oddo. “He did a great job,“ the coach commented. “The increased competition livens the place up.”

The packed schedule means none of the stars need fear extended spells on the bench. “They’ll all get plenty of playing time. It’s a very, very long season,” said Klinsmann, hinting he may be ready for more rotation in Saturday’s trip to Hanover. “We’ll have to see who we allow to take a rest."

Source: Bayern Munich press

FC Zenit - Real Madrid: Fabio Cannavaro returns for the Saint Petersburg match

2008-09-29T03:04:00.001+01:00

Fabio Cannavaro had to miss the match against Betis because of Bernd Schuster's rotation system. This time around it's Christoph Metzelder's and Míchel Salgado's turn not to travel in order to rest. Guti, Fernando Gago and Wesley Sneijder will miss the match because they sustain injuries.

Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Codina
Defenders: Pepe, Torres, Heinze, Ramos, Cannavaro, Marcelo
Midfielders: De la Red, Van der Vaart, Drenthe, Diarra, Javi García
Forwards: Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, Higuaín, Saviola, Robben

Source: Real Madrid FC press