Archive soccer news from around the world
Dyer back in Toon with Newcastle fans (Feb 28, 2005)
Graeme Souness believes Kieron Dyer has succeeded in his battle to win back Newcastle supporters following his winner in the 2-1 Premiership victory over Bolton Wanderers. . . . more . . .
Gunners firepower blunted as Henry ruled out of FA Cup replay (Feb 28, 2005)
Premiership champions Arsenal suffered a serious blow on the eve of their fifth round FA Cup replay with Championship outfit Sheffield United with the news that leading striker Thierry Henry had been ruled out with an Achilles injury. . . . more . . .
Less than saintly Prutton hit by double FA charge (Feb 28, 2005)
Southampton's England Under-21 midfielder David Prutton faces a long ban after being charged with two counts of improper conduct by The Football Association (FA). . . . more . . .
Smith's high hopes for United (Feb 28, 2005)
Manchester United striker Alan Smith has set his team-mates the challenge of remaining unbeaten until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
China goalkeeper detained in Hong Kong for assault (Feb 28, 2005)
China's national goalkeeper Liu Yunfei and Tianjin teammate Wang Xiao were detained in Hong Kong for assault and battery but released without charge. . . . more . . .
Hearts draw favourites Celtic in Scottish Cup (Feb 28, 2005)
Hearts were paired with favourites and holders Celtic in the draw for the Scottish Cup semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Man Utd star Keane in court on assault charge (Feb 28, 2005)
Manchester United and Ireland football star Roy Keane grabbed a teenage boy round the neck, swore at him and swung a punch towards his face before stopping his fist at the last minute, a British court heard. . . . more . . .
Ajax rumours are just Jol-ly japes says Spurs manager (Feb 28, 2005)
Martin Jol has moved to allay Spurs fans fears he might leave for the managerial post at struggling Dutch giants Ajax by saying his future belonged with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Quiet please! Mourinho receives support of peers (Feb 28, 2005)
Colourful Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho received the full support of the League Managers' Association (LMA) following his sending-off during his side's 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the League Cup final. . . . more . . .
Landmark for Fowler as City beat 10-man Norwich (Feb 28, 2005)
A Robbie Fowler double inspired Manchester City to a come from behind 3-2 win at struggling Norwich. . . . more . . .
Chelsea boosted by Robben recovery pace (Feb 27, 2005)
Chelsea winger Arjen Robben could be back in action in time for the Premiership leaders' Champions League crunch with Barcelona on March 8, according to the doctor treating him. . . . more . . .
Chelsea pay first dividend on Abramovich investment (Feb 27, 2005)
A week of turmoil ended in triumph for Chelsea as they came from behind to beat Liverpool and win the League Cup, their first silverware under the management of Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Tangerines skin Aberdeen to book Scottish Cup semi final spot (Feb 27, 2005)
Dundee United striker James Grady scored a brace to inspire his side to a 4-1 win over Aberdeen in their Scottish Cup fifth round tie which secured the Taysiders a place in the semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Rooney to the rescue for United as Gunners stumble (Feb 27, 2005)
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooney as "absolutely magnificent" after the teenager kept Manchester United's bid to catch Chelsea at the top of the Premiership on track with a superb double strike against Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Barcelona bad but Madrid Real-ly suffer (Feb 27, 2005)
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard commented on Friday that the Spanish title would be won not at the Nou Camp, or Real Madrid's Santaigo Bernabeu, but away against teams like Numancia and Deportivo La Coruna. . . . more . . .
Bellamy opens Bhoys account as Celtic keep double bid on track (Feb 27, 2005)
Craig Bellamy scored his first goal for Celtic as Martin O'Neill's men cruised into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 hammering of hopelessly outclassed Clyde. . . . more . . .
Del Piero's double takes Juve clear (Feb 27, 2005)
Alessandro Del Piero scored twice as Juventus won 3-0 at home to lowly Siena to take sole ownership of top spot in Serie A and increase the pressure on title rivals AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Lyon surge ahead as Lille, Marseille held (Feb 27, 2005)
Lyon remained on track for a fourth consecutive French league title with a 3-2 derby win over St Etienne as title-chasers Marseille and Lille were both held. . . . more . . .
Schalke keep up pursuit of mighty Bayern (Feb 27, 2005)
Schalke 04 kept up their dogged pursuit of mighty Bayern Munich with a 1-0 win over Hannover which kept them in second spot in the Bundesliga level on points with the Bavarian giants but behind on goal difference. . . . more . . .
Sevilla up to third as Valencia finally win (Feb 27, 2005)
Sevilla moved up to third place despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Racing Santander while reigning Spanish champions Valencia got their first win in seven games with a 2-1 victory over Real Betis. . . . more . . .
Juve and AC Milan still neck and neck in Italy (Feb 27, 2005)
Juventus and AC Milan remain neck and neck at the top of Italy's Serie A after they both recorded precious victories. . . . more . . .
United must wait to see return of real Ruud (Feb 27, 2005)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has warned Manchester United fans not to expect miracles as he seeks to complete his return to full match fitness. . . . more . . .
Sevilla squander chance to close the gap (Feb 27, 2005)
Sevilla squandered their chance to close the gap on leading pair Barcelona and Real Madrid when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Racing Santander. . . . more . . .
High-flying Magpies bring Bolton down to earth (Feb 27, 2005)
Kieron Dyer provided a timely reminder to the critics who claim his goal record doesn't stand up to scrutiny with a well taken winner as Newcastle United edged past Bolton 2-1. . . . more . . .
Mourinho confirms Rijkaard entered referee's room (Feb 27, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed for the first time that he witnessed Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard enter referee Anders Frisk's dressing room during half-time in their fiery Champions League match in midweek. . . . more . . .
Lyon flying high as PSG achieve hollow victory (Feb 27, 2005)
Leaders Lyon beat old rivals St Etienne 3-2 in a spectacular derby tie at their Gerland stadium to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the French championship. . . . more . . .
Rangers stretch SPL lead (Feb 26, 2005)
Rangers took another small step towards regaining the Scottish Premier League title with a 2-1 win at home to Kilmarnock. . . . more . . .
Kanoute and Keane KO Fulham (Feb 26, 2005)
Fredi Kanoute and Robbie Keane came off the bench to finish off Fulham as Tottenham laboured to a 2-0 win at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Lyon flying high as PSG achieve hollow victory (Feb 26, 2005)
Leaders Lyon beat old rivals St Etienne 3-2 in a spectacular derby tie at their Gerland stadium to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the French championship. . . . more . . .
Rampant Everton march on towards the Champions League (Feb 26, 2005)
Leon Osman netted two goals as Everton strengthened their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. . . . more . . .
Espanyol keep European hopes alive (Feb 26, 2005)
Barcelona-based Espanyol continued to press their claims to compete in Europe next season when they beat struggling Albacete 2-1. . . . more . . .
Johnson returns to haunt Birmingham (Feb 26, 2005)
A brace of penalties from striker Andy Johnson fired Crystal Palace to a 2-0 win over his old club Birmingham that lifted the Londoners four points clear of the relegation zone. . . . more . . .
Barcelona held by rock bottom Numancia (Feb 26, 2005)
Little Numancia, firmly rooted to the foot of the Spanish first division, stunned mighty Barcelona by holding the leaders and Champions League contenders to a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Deisler strikes back to keep Bayern ahead (Feb 26, 2005)
Troubled German international playmaker Sebastian Deisler hit back at his critics with a second-half goal which keeps leaders Bayern Munich ahead of Bundesliga rivals Schalke 04. . . . more . . .
Football rulemakers give green light for microchip ball experiment (Feb 26, 2005)
World football's rules-making body has given the green light for an experiment with a microchip-equipped ball designed to end disputes over goal-line decisions. . . . more . . .
Barcelona held by Numancia as Real slump (Feb 26, 2005)
Little Numancia, firmly rooted to the foot of the Spanish first division, stunned mighty Barcelona by holding the leaders and Champions League contenders to a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Gerrard out to put one over on England pal Lampard (Feb 26, 2005)
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard could well be sharing a dressing room with Frank Lampard at Chelsea next season. . . . more . . .
Crouch rescues point for struggling Saints (Feb 26, 2005)
Peter Crouch scored the goal that gave Southampton fresh hope in their fight against relegation and further dented Arsenal's fading hopes of retaining their Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Rooney double keeps Man Utd title hopes alive (Feb 26, 2005)
A Wayne Rooney goal nine minutes from time kept Manchester United's pursuit of Premiership leaders Chelsea on track despite being given a scare by plucky Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Super Sampdoria up to third (Feb 26, 2005)
Sampdoria boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a 1-0 Serie A victory at relegation-threatened Brescia. . . . more . . .
Lyon flying high after derby win (Feb 26, 2005)
Leaders Lyon beat old rivals St Etienne 3-2 in a spectacular derby tie at their Gerland stadium to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the French championship. . . . more . . .
Newcastle and Boro rescue English pride (Feb 25, 2005)
Newcastle United and Middlesbrough stormed to the rescue of England's battered football reputation by reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Confidence high as Milan look for derby delight (Feb 25, 2005)
AC Milan will be looking for their fifth consecutive Serie A victory when they face city rivals Inter Milan at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
United looking to kick Chelsea when they are down (Feb 25, 2005)
Manchester United will be on a double mission in Saturday's Premiership clash with Portsmouth at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
CSKA on Brazilian Dudu's trail (Feb 25, 2005)
Brazilian midfielder Dudu could be set to finally join up with Russian giants CSKA Moscow. . . . more . . .
Rafa tells Gerrard to be positive (Feb 25, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard to start thinking positively after the England midfielder said they had little hope of winning the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Bad loser Jose feels the heat (Feb 25, 2005)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, branded a pathetic loser by Barcelona after their 2-1 Champions League defeat and facing a probe by the Football Association, was handed some encouragement from England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Barca aim to kick rivals into touch (Feb 25, 2005)
Barcelona booted the backside of Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, at least metaphorically, on Wednesday and now they are looking to kick the rest of their Spanish championship rivals into touch. . . . more . . .
Campbell blow for Arsenal (Feb 25, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Sol Campbell would not be fit for the return leg of the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Valencia sack Ranieri after UEFA Cup flop (Feb 25, 2005)
Spanish giants Valencia sacked their Italian coach Claudio Ranieri after just seven months in charge following Thursday's UEFA Cup exit to Steaua Bucharest. . . . more . . .
O'Neill backs Rab as McLeish revels in new look Gers (Feb 25, 2005)
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has handed Rab Douglas a vote of confidence by confirming that the under-fire goalkeeper would retain his place in the line-up to face Clyde in Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Aussie chief rules out London for World Cup qualifier (Feb 25, 2005)
Australia's football boss John O'Neill has squashed any prospect of the Socceroos playing their "home" World Cup final qualifying leg later this year in London. . . . more . . .
Wenger takes pot-shot at English 'superiority complex' (Feb 25, 2005)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hit out at the 'superiority complex' of English football and claimed that no teams have a divine right to win in Europe. . . . more . . .
Everton cut ties with match ball sponsor after Rooney row (Feb 25, 2005)
Everton have severed their relationship with a match day sponsor following an on-pitch row with Wayne Rooney just before kick-off in last weekend's FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
United haven't given up on title race: Rooney (Feb 25, 2005)
England striker Wayne Rooney insists that Manchester United have not given up on the Premiership title race and has warned leaders Chelsea that the Old Trafford side will fight until the bitter end. . . . more . . .
Wenger hit by Edu injury blow (Feb 25, 2005)
Arsene Wenger's problems piled up when he lost the services of Edu to injury, adding to his misery caused by the suspension of Dennis Bergkamp and Jose Antonio Reyes. . . . more . . .
Rafa slaps down pessimistic Gerrard (Feb 25, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has rebuked Steven Gerrard for writing off the club's chances of winning the Champions League this season. . . . more . . .
Top clubs chase Lyon's Essien (Feb 25, 2005)
Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal are all chasing French champions Lyon's Ghana midfielder Mickael Essien. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy back in harness for United (Feb 25, 2005)
Ruud van Nistelrooy will make his first start for Manchester United in three months against Portsmouth in Saturday's Premiership clash at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Match-fixing ref granted bail (Feb 25, 2005)
Robert Hoyzer, the referee at the centre of the match-fixing scandal in Germany, was released from prison on strict bail conditions. . . . more . . .
Koeman resigns as Ajax coach (Feb 25, 2005)
Ronald Koeman has resigned as coach of Dutch champions Ajax following their elimination from the UEFA Cup at the hands of French side Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Crisis? What Crisis? - Mourinho comes out fighting (Feb 25, 2005)
Jose Mourinho has defiantly dismissed suggestions that Chelsea are on the verge of seeing their season disintegrate around them after being beaten by Newcastle and Barcelona in the last week. . . . more . . .
Ukraine's ex-powerbroker accuses government of destroying Dynamo (Feb 24, 2005)
One of the most powerful figures in Ukraine's former government accused the new authorities of destroying the top Ukrainian football club, Dynamo Kiev. . . . more . . .
China's troubled Super League postponed over sponsorship troubles (Feb 24, 2005)
The China Football Association voted to postpone the start of the new Super League season as clubs were having difficulty finding sponsors. . . . more . . .
Newcastle captain Shearer in confident mood (Feb 24, 2005)
Newcastle captain Alan Shearer was in confident mood before their UEFA Cup fixture at home to Dutch club Heerenveen, believing they could make it through to at least the last four. . . . more . . .
Crowd trouble stops UEFA Cup tie (Feb 24, 2005)
Feyenoord could face sanctions after the Dutch club's fans brought the UEFA Cup clash against Sporting Lisbon to a halt by throwing firecrackers onto the pitch. . . . more . . .
Bayern to forget transfer fees as cost-cutting begins (Feb 24, 2005)
Bayern Munich face writing off over 20 million euros in transfer fees with Brazilian international Ze Roberto and Croatian international Robert Kovac poised to leave for nothing at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Newcastle move on and set up Olympiakos clash (Feb 24, 2005)
Newcastle United stayed on course for two trophies this season when they beat Dutch side Heerenveen 2-1 for a 4-2 aggregate and clinch a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Reyes denies violent conduct charge (Feb 24, 2005)
Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes denied a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct. . . . more . . .
Blatter calls for professional refs after Hoyzer scandal (Feb 24, 2005)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for professional referees to be introduced throughout football to combat the corruption creeping into the game. . . . more . . .
Chelsea backpedal on Barcelona tunnel bust-up (Feb 24, 2005)
Chelsea insisted there had been no confrontation between manager Jose Mourinho and a member of the Barcelona coaching staff during their controversial 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp. . . . more . . .
Bremen wake up to Champions League hangover (Feb 24, 2005)
German champions Werder Bremen woke up with a thumping Champions League hangover after their campaign was virtually ended in a 3-0 humiliation to their French counterparts Lyon. . . . more . . .
Triple-top Lyon crush Bremen (Feb 24, 2005)
French champions Lyon made virtually sure of their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after crushing German counterparts Werder Bremen 3-0. . . . more . . .
United haven't given up on title race, warns Rooney (Feb 24, 2005)
England striker Wayne Rooney insists that Manchester United have not given up on the Premiership title race and has warned leaders Chelsea that the Old Trafford side will fight until the bitter end. . . . more . . .
Disgraced Juve doctor 'supplied EPO', says judge (Feb 24, 2005)
Banned blood booster EPO (erythropoietine) was prescribed and distributed to certain Juventus players, it was claimed by Giuseppe Casalbore, the president of the inquiry which has been investigating allegations of doping at the Italian champions. . . . more . . .
Ferguson sets sights on Italian job II (Feb 24, 2005)
Sir Alex Ferguson defiantly insisted his squad are capable of overturning AC Milan's 1-0 lead in the second leg of their Champions League second round tie next month. . . . more . . .
Moroccans pass the buck on Barthez affair (Feb 24, 2005)
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) have decided to wash their hands of the Fabian Barthez spitting affair, preferring instead to pass the case on to the French authorities. . . . more . . .
German nightmare as trio exit UEFA Cup (Feb 24, 2005)
VfB Stuttgart, Schalke 04 and Alemannia Aachen all crashed out of the UEFA Cup at the third round stage leaving no German team in the last sixteen of the competition. . . . more . . .
Nigerian ace Aghahowa stuns Schalke (Feb 24, 2005)
Nigerian international striker Julius Aghahowa scored the only goal of the game as Shakhtar Donetsk stunned Schalke 04 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Drogba dismissal sours return to Barcelona for Mourinho (Feb 24, 2005)
Barcelona scored twice in seven second half minutes to come from behind and beat English Premiership leaders Chelsea 2-1 in their Champions League first knockout round first leg clash - but the match was marred by a sending off and a furious Chelsea protest. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeping curse returns to haunt Man Utd (Feb 24, 2005)
Manchester United's hopes of reclaiming the Champions League trophy were dealt a crushing blow after a blunder by goalkeeper Roy Carroll gifted AC Milan a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Porto share the honours with Inter (Feb 24, 2005)
Reigning champions Porto, who went so close to falling at the group stage, kept their Champions League title defence on course with a lively 1-1 draw in the first leg of their knockout round tie against Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Boro hold their nerve to make last 16 (Feb 24, 2005)
Middlesbrough survived an early scare to edge Grazer of Austria 2-1 for a 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Spanish media has no sympathy for bad loser Mourinho (Feb 24, 2005)
The Spanish and Catalan media was revelling in Barcelona's 2-1 defeat of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in a Champions League fixture sullied by Didier Drogba's sending off and a no-show by Chelsea at post-match press conferences following an alleged half-time row. . . . more . . .
South American stars to join Europeans in tsunami charity match (Feb 24, 2005)
Three former South American football internationals are to team up with some of Europe's former stars next week for a friendly against Indonesia to raise funds for tsunami victims, organizers said. . . . more . . .
Reyes banned for three games (Feb 24, 2005)
Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes was banned for three games after being found guilty of a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct at a disciplinary commission hearing. . . . more . . .
N.Korea to accept Japanese football supporters for game in Pyongyang (Feb 23, 2005)
North Korea has agreed to let thousands of Japanese football fans enter the closed communist state for a 2006 World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang in June. . . . more . . .
LuaLua spearheads asylum campaign (Feb 23, 2005)
Portsmouth's Congo international Lomana LuaLua is leading a campaign to save an asylum seeker from being deported from the United Kingdom. . . . more . . .
Bayer seek another European miracle against Liverpool (Feb 23, 2005)
The German media bemoaned Bayer Leverkusen's 3-1 Champions League defeat to Liverpool and insisted the Bundesliga side would need to repeat their 2002 heroics to reach the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Vieira refuses to write off Champions League (Feb 23, 2005)
Patrick Vieira puts the 3-1 hiding the Gunners got at Bayern Munich in Tuesday's Champions League debacle down to collective failure. . . . more . . .
Lampard the key to kill off Barca: Ranieri (Feb 23, 2005)
England star Frank Lampard will have a key role if Chelsea are to steer past Barcelona and reach the Champions League quarter-finals, says ex-Blues boss Claudio Ranieri. . . . more . . .
Nou Camp return for Barca apprentice turned Chelsea sorcerer Mourinho (Feb 23, 2005)
The apprenticeship consisted of a steep learning curve starting at Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona as assistant manager to Bobby Robson and ending with a shock European Cup triumph with Porto last season. . . . more . . .
Chinese clubs seek postponement of Super League due to lack of sponsors (Feb 23, 2005)
Eleven clubs from China's beleaguered Super League want to postpone the start of the coming football season due to difficulties finding sponsors after widespread allegations of corruption and match-fixing. . . . more . . .
Bergkamp red card appeal fails (Feb 23, 2005)
Dennis Bergkamp has failed in an appeal against the red card he received during Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Stam still bitter over United exit (Feb 23, 2005)
Three and a half years may have passed but the wounds created by Jaap Stam's abrupt departure from Manchester United have still not healed completely. . . . more . . .
Beckham learns to bend it like Beckham (Feb 23, 2005)
There are a few arguments over whether England captain David Beckham is actually the best taker of free kicks in the world but he is certainly the best known. . . . more . . .
Ismael urges Bremen to sink 'arrogant' Lyon (Feb 23, 2005)
Although Werder Bremen against Lyon is one of the less glamorous ties in the last sixteen of the Champions League both sides will be determined to show they can have an impact in Europe's premier competition. . . . more . . .
Chelsea seek FA Cup redemption in Catalonia (Feb 23, 2005)
The Nou Camp serves up arguably the main dish of Wednesday's Champions League action with Chelsea aiming to take out their FA Cup frustration on Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Thousands of United fans in anti-Glazer protest (Feb 23, 2005)
Thousands of Manchester United supporters vented their fury at Malcolm Glazer's attempts to take over the club just before kick-off of the Champions League clash against AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Porto share the honours with Inter (Feb 23, 2005)
Reigning champions Porto, who went so close to falling at the group stage, kept their Champions League title defence on course with a lively 1-1 draw in the first leg of their knockout round tie against Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Benitez happy with Kewell return (Feb 23, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez declared himself happy with Harry Kewell's first outing in over two months but admitted the Australian could be back on the bench for Sunday's League Cup final against Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Fragile Arsenal defence gives Wenger food for thought (Feb 23, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger acknowledged his team needed to defend much better if they are to have any chance of overcoming Bayern Munich to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Triple-top Lyon crush Bremen (Feb 23, 2005)
French champions Lyon made virtually sure of their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after crushing German counterparts Werder Bremen 3-0. . . . more . . .
Drogba dismissal sours return to Barcelona for Mourinho (Feb 23, 2005)
The controversial sending off of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba saw Barcelona come back from 1-0 down to beat the English Premiership leaders 2-1 in their Champions League first knockout round first leg clash. . . . more . . .
Benitez defends Dudek after blunder lets Leverkusen off the hook (Feb 23, 2005)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has absolved his error-prone goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek from blame for the late goal that handed Bayer Leverkusen a Champions League lifeline. . . . more . . .
Newcastle put Owen on wish-list (Feb 23, 2005)
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness wants to play Alan Shearer alongside Michael Owen next season. . . . more . . .
Bayern win leaves Arsenal's European dream hanging by a thread (Feb 23, 2005)
The Champions League resumed after its winter break with a narrow win for nine-time titleholders Real Madrid and honours divided in England's bitter rivalry with Germany. . . . more . . .
Buzzing Barca welcome Chelsea in Mourinho return to roots (Feb 23, 2005)
Well-worn though the clash of the titans cliche may be in footballing terms, few would argue against its use for Barcelona's mouthwatering Champions League tussle against Chelsea on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern prepared to loan frustrated Deisler (Feb 23, 2005)
Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has indicated the club are willing to loan out German international Sebastian Deisler to help the playmaker pick up his fitness. . . . more . . .
Japan's goalkeeping saviour Kawaguchi injured (Feb 23, 2005)
Japan's first-choice goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi may miss a crucial World Cup qualifier against powerhouse Iran on March 25 after injuring one of his fingers. . . . more . . .
Nedved in hospital after head clash (Feb 23, 2005)
Juventus' inspirational midfielder Pavel Nedved underwent tests at a hospital after suffering concussion in a clash of heads with Real Madrid defender Raul Bravo in Tuesday's Champions League tie. . . . more . . .
Milan seek to relive happy memories at United's expense (Feb 23, 2005)
The last time AC Milan visited Old Trafford they went home with the Champions League title. . . . more . . .
Milan staffer arrested ahead of United clash (Feb 23, 2005)
A member of AC Milan's backroom staff has been arrested for alleged indecent exposure to a woman in a hotel ahead of their Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Greek police launch match-fixing inquiry (Feb 23, 2005)
Greek police are investigating alleged match-fixing connected to disgraced German referee Robert Hoyzer. . . . more . . .
Bayern win marred by costly late goal (Feb 23, 2005)
Bayern Munich were the toast of the German media after defeating English champions Arsenal 3-1 in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeping curse returns to haunt United (Feb 23, 2005)
Manchester United's hopes of reclaiming the Champions League trophy were dealt a crushing blow after a blunder by goalkeeper Roy Carroll gifted AC Milan a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
AC Milan doctor arrested for alleged indecent exposure (Feb 23, 2005)
AC Milan's team doctor is under arrest for alleged indecent exposure ahead of the Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
United fans set for anti-Glazer protest march (Feb 23, 2005)
Manchester United supporters groups hope to have as many as 5,000 fans involved in their protest march to Old Trafford against Malcolm Glazer's bid for the club. . . . more . . .
Arsenal gear up to breach Munich fortress (Feb 22, 2005)
With the English Premiership title seemingly out of reach Arsenal turn their attention to the Champions League hoping to gain the upper hand over German leaders Bayern Munich in the first leg of the last sixteen duel at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits back at Farina over Kewell claims (Feb 22, 2005)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has angrily denied claims by Australia boss Frank Farina that he was rushing back Harry Kewell for the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
No secrets from Mourinho as Gallas, Drogba start for confident Chelsea (Feb 22, 2005)
Nobody could accuse Chelsea's ultra-confident Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho of being secretive as he reeled off a team including defender William Gallas and striker Didier Drogba to face Barcelona in Wednesday's Champions League showdown. . . . more . . .
Chelsea withdraw Cudicini appeal (Feb 22, 2005)
Chelsea will be without goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini for this weekend's League Cup final after withdrawing their appeal for wrongful dismissal following the Italian's red card during the club's FA Cup defeat against Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Gerrard backs Liverpool stand-ins to keep Reds dream alive (Feb 22, 2005)
Steven Gerrard will be sorely missed when Liverpool begin their bid to claim a place in the Champions League quarter-finals against German side Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Chelsea set for Barcelona gamble (Feb 22, 2005)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho looks set to gamble on the fitness of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, Ireland winger Damien Duff and France defender William Gallas for the Champions League crunch with Barcelona at the Nou Camp. . . . more . . .
Spanish PM to break mould with Barca visit (Feb 22, 2005)
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will break the mould by becoming the first sitting Spanish leader to attend a Barcelona match in the Nou Camp when his team take on Chelsea on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Wenger to gamble on striker Ljungberg (Feb 22, 2005)
Arsene Wenger will gamble on Freddie Ljungberg as a strike partner for Thierry Henry in Arsenal's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Rooney excited by Milan test (Feb 22, 2005)
Wayne Rooney has said the lure of playing in Champions League matches such as Wednesday's Old Trafford clash against AC Milan was a key factor in his controversial 27 million pounds move from Everton to Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Juve's Old Lady bids to stay on her legs in Madrid (Feb 22, 2005)
Real Madrid and Juventus will both be aiming to put behind them this weekend's domestic disappointments with stirring performances in their Champions League first leg clash. . . . more . . .
Ferguson keeps Milan guessing over Ruud return (Feb 22, 2005)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will keep AC Milan guessing until the last possible moment as he mulls over whether to start Ruud van Nistelrooy in Wednesday's Champions League clash. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti backs Italian cunning to overcome United firepower (Feb 22, 2005)
Carlo Ancelotti believes his AC Milan side possess the cunning and know-how to blunt Manchester United's glittering array of striking talents and secure the Italians passage into the Champions League quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Henry can destroy Bayern on his own warns Hargreaves (Feb 22, 2005)
England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has warned his Bayern Munich team-mates to keep a close eye on Arsenal striker Thierry Henry who he admits could tear them apart. . . . more . . .
Helguera gives Real Madrid a slim advantage (Feb 22, 2005)
Real Madrid will take a slim advantage to Turin in two weeks time thanks to Ivan Helguera getting the only goal in a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League last 16 first leg match. . . . more . . .
Alex puts lights out for Monaco in Philips Stadium (Feb 22, 2005)
Brazilian Alex scored early on to earn dominating PSV Eindhoven a 1-0 Champions League home victory at the Philips Stadium over hapless Monaco who did well to keep down the winning scoreline. . . . more . . .
Arsenal defensive flaws exposed by ruthless Bayern (Feb 22, 2005)
English Premiership champions Arsenal have a mountain to climb to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League after German powerhouse Bayern Munich triumphed 3-1 in the first leg of the last sixteen encounter here. . . . more . . .
Stam still a sensitive subject for Ferguson (Feb 22, 2005)
Jaap Stam remains a taboo subject for Manchester United's notoriously prickly manager Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Deco forecasts a low-scoring affair (Feb 22, 2005)
Barcelona's Portuguese international midfielder Deco might have been lining up for Chelsea in Wednesday's Champions League encounter but rather than follow coach Jose Mourinho from Porto to Stamford Bridge the childhood lure of Barca proved too strong. . . . more . . .
Moroccan federation meet to rule on Barthez spitting case (Feb 22, 2005)
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was meeting to rule on what action to take against Fabien Barthez for spitting at a referee. . . . more . . .
Kusturica to make documentary on Maradona (Feb 22, 2005)
Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona has asked celebrated Balkan director Emir Kusturica to make a documentary about his colourful life, a report said. . . . more . . .
Moroccan federation delay Barthez spitting hearing (Feb 22, 2005)
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) met to rule on what action to take against Fabien Barthez for spitting at a referee. . . . more . . .
Late goal mars perfect night for Liverpool (Feb 22, 2005)
Liverpool's stop-start season clicked back into gear after a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen left them firmly on course for a place in the last eight of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Champions League gets serious with Anglo-German showdowns (Feb 22, 2005)
England's bitter rivalry with Germany takes centre stage as Champions League football storms out of its winter hibernation with opening clashes in the first knockout round. . . . more . . .
Borussia Dortmund managers face possible criminal complaint (Feb 21, 2005)
Managers of Borussia Dortmund, Germany's only publicly traded football club, could face possible criminal charges in the current financial scandal that has pushed the six-time German champions to the brink of bankruptcy, lawyers revealed. . . . more . . .
Brentford handed United chance in FA Cup (Feb 21, 2005)
League One side Brentford were handed the mouth-watering prospect of a potential FA Cup quarter-final match at home to holders Manchester United when the sixth round draw was made. . . . more . . .
Juventus' Nedved still has a chance of playing (Feb 21, 2005)
Juventus' inspirational Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved could still play a part in their Champions League last 16 first leg match at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
DFB seek maximum punishment for ref Hoyzer (Feb 21, 2005)
The German Football Federation (DFB) confirmed they are seeking the highest possible punishment for tainted referee Robert Hoyzer claiming his actions have caused irreparable damage. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss Benitez facing key week (Feb 21, 2005)
Rafael Benitez is gearing up for arguably his most important week since becoming Liverpool manager. . . . more . . .
Wobbly Gunners worry Wenger (Feb 21, 2005)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he needs a full-strength side to cope with the challenge of Bayern Munich in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash in Germany. . . . more . . .
It's a new Real, says Juventus coach Capello (Feb 21, 2005)
Juventus coach Fabio Capello was very optimistic that they could beat Real Madrid when the Champions League last 16 draw was made in December but he sung a different song. . . . more . . .
Arsenal and Chelsea appeal red cards (Feb 21, 2005)
Arsenal and Chelsea have lodged appeals with the Football Association following the dismissal of key players during last weekend's FA Cup fifth-round ties. . . . more . . .
Invading fan jailed for five months (Feb 21, 2005)
A hooligan with a history of football-related offences was jailed for five months after running onto the pitch and confronting Blackburn's Robbie Savage during Rovers's derby FA Cup tie at Burnley's Turf Moor ground. . . . more . . .
PSV to put Monaco lights out (Feb 21, 2005)
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink has warned Monaco to expect a backlash when they clash in their UEFA Champions League tie at the Philips Stadium on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Fighting, missiles and pitch invasions - who said FA Cup is boring? (Feb 21, 2005)
Reports of the death of the FA Cup, the world's oldest knockout competition, have been exagerrated if the weekend's fifth round was any indication. . . . more . . .
Old Firm admit SPL title race will go to the wire (Feb 21, 2005)
Both Old Firm managers have agreed the destination of this year's Scottish Premier League may not be decided until the last ball is kicked. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko recovering after surgery (Feb 21, 2005)
AC Milan's European Footballer of the year Andrei Shevchenko was recovering in hospital after surgery on his fractured cheekbone. . . . more . . .
Injury worries boost Arsenal and Man United (Feb 21, 2005)
Arsenal and Manchester United have been given a boost for their UEFA Champions League matches with Bayern Munich and AC Milan by news of injuries to key players. . . . more . . .
Police arrest invading Burnley fan (Feb 21, 2005)
Lancashire Police announced they had arrested the Burnley fan who ran onto the Turf Moor pitch to confront Blackburn's Robbie Savage during Sunday's goalless FA Cup fifth round tie between the north-west rivals. . . . more . . .
Fans target Solskjaer for 'breakaway' United role (Feb 21, 2005)
Old Trafford hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could find himself being approached to manage a breakaway club if US businessman Malcom Glazer's 800 million pounds takeover bid for Manchester United is successful, a fans group said. . . . more . . .