Foes reunited in Champions League

There was a distinct air of deja-vu about Friday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, not least after English powerhouses Liverpool and Chelsea were paired together for the fifth successive season in the competition.

A keen rivalry has developed between the sides since a controversial goal by Liverpool's Luis Garcia settled their 2005 semi-final tie and paved the way for the Reds' stunning comeback in that year's final against AC Milan.

The teams met again in last year's semi-final, when a John Arne Riise own goal in the last minute of the first leg at Anfield shifted the momentum of the tie in favour of Chelsea, who advanced with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

"We need to make sure we don't make a mistake in the first leg like we did in last year's semi-final," said Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

"They will be two tough games but we are playing well and we are confident we can win."

Liverpool are on a high, with Benitez's new contract agreement coming hot on the heels of the 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg and a stunning 4-1 victory at the home of arch-rivals Manchester United.

The manner in which Benitez's men set about Real made headlines right across Europe, but interim Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink said he was "OK" with the draw.

"If you have great desire to get to the end in May, you have to play them - Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona," said the Dutchman, who guided PSV Eindhoven to the European Cup in 1988.

"Both teams like to play football and have players in their teams to play in an attacking way. That's a guarantee for big clashes."

The winners of the Liverpool-Chelsea tie will play either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, with Manchester United and Arsenal on course to meet if they can overcome Porto and Villarreal respectively.

"This is a good draw. We've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said.

"We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club, firstly with (former assistant manager) Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani so we understand Portuguese football."

Porto eliminated United en route to their shock 2004 Champions League triumph, while Arsenal are reunited with the side that they beat in the semi-finals of the 2005-06 tournament.

The tie will hold special meaning for Villarreal midfielder Robert Pires, who won two league titles and two FA Cups in six years at Arsenal before leaving for Spain in 2006.

"Of course it will be a special match," Pires said.

"Returning there makes me very happy but today, as a Villarreal player, I want to win to continue in the competition with my team."

Pires's former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry declared himself relieved that his Barcelona team had avoided being drawn against the Gunners, but warned that German champions Bayern - who notched a record 12-1 aggregate win over Sporting Lisbon in the last 16 - would be no push-overs.

"It is going to be a very difficult match," Henry said.

"They scored a lot of goals in the previous round, so it is not going to be easy."

Mourinho and De Rossi hit with fines

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi were on Friday both hit with fines for comments they made following this month's match between the two clubs.

Mourinho and Inter were fined 25,000 euros each, while De Rossi and Roma were each handed a 20,000-euro sanction.

A decision on a punishment against Mario Balotelli, for gestures he made during the match after scoring a penalty, was deferred.

Both Mourinho and De Rossi criticised the standard of officiating in Serie A following the game, while Balotelli was investigated for goading his opponents.

FIFA reports "huge" World Cup ticket demand

FIFA said on Friday that ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa were booming but world football's governing body voiced caution about the potential impact of a prolonged economic crisis.

"There are at least 28 matches of the 64 that are sold out, the demand is huge," said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke after a meeting of the executive committee.

Some 800,000 ticket requests had been made since tickets were opened for sale online on February 20, he added. The strongest demand came from the United States and England.

Valcke said the event's major sponsors also gave no sign of reconsidering despite fears about the impact of cost-cutting on sports sponsorship.

FIFA said it had weathered the financial turmoil so far, as it reported an increase in its annual financial result in 2008 to 184 million dollars - compared to 49 million dollars the previous year.

FIFA's equity stock also grew to 902 million dollars.

But officials also voiced caution since 95 percent of FIFA's revenues over its four year financial period - 2007 to 2010 - depend on World Cup revenues from ticket sales, broadcast rights and corporate sponsorship.

"The financial and economic crisis is not yet over," commented finance chief Markus Kattner.

The global economic crisis is proving to be harsher and more sustained than expected. Many countries are not forecasting a recovery until late this year or next year, and unemployment is rising.

Bayern happy with Barcelona draw

Bayern Munich were celebrating mildly on Friday despite being drawn against Spanish giants Barcelona - one of the title favourites - in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The German champions had been hoping to play the first leg away from home, and that wish was granted in Nyon Friday where Manchester United drew FC Porto, Liverpool drew Chelsea and Arsenal were handed a tie with Villarreal.

The first leg of Bayern's showdown with the Catalan giants and 2006 Champions League winners takes place at the Nou Camp stadium on Wednesday 8 April with the return in Germany on Tuesday 14 April.

"This is fantastic news for our football club," enthused Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness.

"As we've been saying all along, if we're to be drawn against one of the giants, we want the first leg away from home, and that's what we've got. Barcelona at the Allianz Arena in the return is a dream come true for our fans."

Klinsmann added: "Coming face-to-face with the best team in Europe at the moment is a terrific challenge for us all.

"It's something truly out of the ordinary. Barcelona will be exceptionally tough, but anything's possible. We believe in ourselves, and there's no need to be overawed."

Bayern last triumphed in the competition in 2001. Should they reach the semis the Bavarian giants would face either Liverpool or Chelsea in the last four, with the first leg at the Allianz Arena on 28/29 April, and the return in England on 5/6 May.

"It's a shame we don't have the same sequence [with the return at home] for the semi-finals," Hoeness commented.

The quarter-final tie will be an emotional affair for Mark van Bommel, a Champions League winner with Barcelona in 2006.

"It's a very special game for me," the Bayern captain told www.fcbayern.de.

Messi: I would stay at Barcelona forever

Lionel Messi wants to stay at Barcelona for the rest of his career, the Argentina forward said. "I have said many times that if it were up to me I would stay my whole life at Barca," he said at a book presentation in the Catalan capital.

"There are some things money cannot buy such as happiness and how good I feel here," added the 21-year-old while replying to a question about whether he would consider signing for arch-rivals Real Madrid.

So far, he has scored 18 goals in 24 league matches and netted six times in the Champions League and five times in the King's Cup.

Gerrard assault charge is dropped

An assault charge against England and Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard has been dropped. The 28-year-old still faces a charge of affray in connection with an incident at a nightclub in Southport. Six other men face the same charge.

Mr Gerrard had been in the Lounge Inn after a 5-1 win over Newcastle United when a disturbance broke out. A 34-year-old man had suffered facial injuries in the incident in December, North Sefton magistrates were told.

Nick Evans, prosecuting, told the court that after a "review of the evidence in full" it was decided that all seven defendants should only face affray charges.

Awesome Hamburg Fightback Stuns Galatasaray

Despite going 2-0 down on the night, three away goals from Hamburg saw them knock-out Galatasaray at the Ali Sami Yen.

Galatasaray 2-3 Hamburg (3-4 agg)

The Turkish side seemingly had both feet in the quarter-final after taking a two-goal lead via a Harry Kewell penalty and a goal from Milan Baros.

However Hamburg hit back with double strike from Paulo Guerrero to had the German side two away goals. The home side looked to respond with the goal which would see them through, but the result was put beyond doubt when Ivica Olic added a third in the last minute.

First Half

Knowing they had to score in the game, Hamburg began brightly and were committed right from the first whistle. The German side gained the upper hand in the opening minutes with Galatasaray seemingly content to sit back. HSV had more possession and created the first chance on 6 minutes when Ivica Olic headed a cross from Aogo just over.

The host countered well a minute later with Milan Baros sending over a cross from the right towards Arda. He laid the ball off well to Ayhan but his shot from a central position was easily saved by Frank Rost. The action was hotting up and on ten minutes a great reaction save from keeper de Sanctis was required to keep out a goal-bound effort from Olic.

As the game progressed the Turkish side were finding themselves a foothold in proceedings and although Hamburg were still enjoying more possession, they were not really threatening the Galatasaray goal.

The next moment of goalmouth action came on the half hour mark when Hamburg were unable to clear a Galatasaray free-kick sufficiently. Sabri got a shot away, but there was little control in his shot and it flew wide.

Four minutes before the interval and the award of a penalty gave the home crowd something to cheer about. Arda sent a through-pass to Baros, who was taken down just inside the penalty area by Jerome Boateng. Harry Kewell stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick at gibe the home side the lead.

Second Half

Both sides came out unchanged for the start of the second 45 minutes but three minutes into the second period the hosts grabbed a second goal. Arda got on the ball on the edge of the penalty area and played a great ball into Milan Baros after a clever turn beat took three HSV defenders out. The Czech lifted the ball over Frank Rost with an exquisite finish to put Galatasaray in the driving seat.

They then looked to put the result well and truly to bed with a third goal and when a long shot from Volkan deflected and fell to Baros, he could only fire wide.

However, it was the German side who struck next on 57 minutes. Jonathan Pitroipa danced down the left before passing inside to Peruvian Paulo Guerrero. He took a touch before drilling a superbly hit shot past de Sanctis in the Turkish goal.

The match was then turned completely on its head with a second away goal for Martin Jol’s Hamburg. A superb long pass out of the HSV defence saw Olic lay the ball off to Guerrero. The South American forward burst into the area, beat three men before firing a powerful shot into the back of the net.

The pressure then reverted to the hosts and they looked to push forward. Frank Rost had to parry a long distance effort from Baris Ozbek on 69 minutes. Hamburg looked to use the counter attack using the speed of Pitroipa. He combined well with Olic on 72 minutes, but the ball into the centre came to nothing.

‘Gala’ looked to attack at every opportunity although Baris Ozbek couldn’t hit the target with ten minutes left with a shot from distance. HSV for their part were not just content to sit back and they too looked to get a third goal. David Jarolim hit the post on 82 minutes and Jonathan Pitroipa fired narrowly over a minute later.

However, the icing was put well and truly on the cake on 90 minutes when Ivica Olic beat the offside trap to break through onto a Jansen pass and lob the ball over Morgan de Sanctis and into the net to dump Galatasaray out of the competition in front of their own fans.

Goals

1-0 Kewell (42 pen)
2-0 Baros (48)
2-1 Guerrero (57)
2-2 Guerrero (60)
2-3 Olic (90)

Galatasaray: de Sanctis, Sabri Sarioglu (Nonda 85), Kewell, Hakan Balta, Volkan Yaman, Baris Ozbek, Ayhan Akman, Serkan Kurtulus (Hasan Sas 77), Arda Turan, Lincoln (Umit Karan 66), Baros

Hamburg: Rost, Benjamin (Gravgaard 81), Boateng, Mathijsen, Aogo, Alex Silva, Jarolim, Pitroipa, Jansen, Olic (Rincon 92), Guerrero

Stankovic claims Inter are not helped by referees

“I have never felt so much pressure piled on a single team, however, that only helps us to become even more united,” Stankovic told Sportmediaset. “This story about referees and ‘small favours’ is just a joke.”

“The atmosphere has never been more relaxed here and Ibrahimovic has never been so serene,” insisted the 30-year-old. “We are all calm; Adriano and ‘Ibra’ feel good. They complement each other and always make the difference.”

Real Madrid prepared to offer up to €70 for Kakà

Milan’s Brazilian superstar Kaka just cannot avoid the spotlight this season, as he is forever being linked away from the club, despite his statements of being content in the fashion capital.

If the latest reports are said to be true, then Real Madrid could be set to launch yet another attack for his services, as several media outlets in Spain are suggesting that the Spanish giants have formulated a new offer for the player.

Florentino Perez and Real Madrid are prepared to offer up to €70 million for the Brazilian maestro, with a potential contract of around €12 million per season according to Sport.

Shootout king Given saves City's European dream

Shay Given rescued Manchester City's faltering European dreams on Thursday when he pulled off two stunning penalty shootout saves to put his team into the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

Big-spending City surrendered a 2-0 first leg, last 16 lead against Danish outsiders Aalborg in the last six minutes of normal time in the return tie.

Given then held his nerve to save from Thomas Augustinussen and former Sheffield United striker Luton Shelton while Ched Evans, Elano, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Richard Dunne were all successful with their spotkicks for Mark Hughes's side.

City could have wrapped the tie up with eight minutes of normal time remaining in Denmark when Robinho had a fierce drive come back off the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Shelton gave the Danes hope when he stabbed home a right-wing cross. Then, in the last minute, Evans was penalised for handball and Michael Jakobsen coolly stroked home the penalty.

"It's a great relief," said Irish international Given. "The tie should have been dead and buried after the first leg, but we did it the hard way.

"We're delighted to get through. We could have made it easier for ourselves but we're in the draw for the next round and that's the most important thing."

Defending champions Zenit St Petersburg went out 2-1 on aggregate to Udinese, the only Italian side left in European competition this season, to become the fourth UEFA Cup winners to exit at the last 16 stage.

Zenit beat Udinese 1-0, but the Serie A side made sure of their place in Friday's quarter-final draw courtesy of their 2-0 lead from the first leg.

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk was on target for Zenit in the 34th minute when he headed an Ivica Krizanac cross past Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk became the first Ukrainian sides to reach the last eight.

Dynamo lost 3-2 to fellow Ukrainians Metalist Kharkiv on the night but progressed on away goals having won the opening leg 1-0.

Metalist were ahead on the half-hour through Valentyn Sliusar with Jaja making it 2-0 after 56 minutes.

Goran Sabljic found the net on 68 minutes for Kiev to edge his side ahead on the away goals rule before Walter Anibal Acevedo swiftly made it 3-1 on the night for Metalist.

But an own goal from Andriy Berezovchuk eleven minutes from the end sent Kiev into the quarter-finals.

Shakhtar saw off 2005 champions CSKA Moscow 2-0 after trailing 1-0 from the first meeting with Brazilian imports Fernandinho, with a penalty, and Luiz Adriano scoring.

Galatasary, the 2004 champions, were knocked out, losing 3-2 at home to Hamburg and 4-3 on aggregate.

Peruvian international Jose Paolo Guerrero twice scored for the German visitors after Harry Kewell, with a 42nd-minute penalty, and Milan Baros's 48th-minute strike seemed to have put the Turks in charge.

Guerrero struck in the 57th minute and then on the hour with Ivica Olic sealing Hamburg's place in the last eight in the last minute.

Paris Saint Germain also made the quarter-finals with 1-0 win at Sporting Braga with Guillaume Hoarau heading in a Clement Chantome free-kick in the 81st minute just moments after coming on as a substitute.

On Wednesday, Marseille and Werder Bremen reached the next round with wins over Ajax and St Etienne respectively.

We want to miss Liverpool and Man Utd, admit Lahm

Both Bayern Munich boss Uli Hoeness and defender Philipp Lahm admit they would prefer to avoid English clubs Liverpool and Manchester United when the quarter-final draw of the Champions League is made on Friday.

"I would prefer it if we didn't get Liverpool, because at the moment they are very, very strong," said Bayern team manager Hoeness with all four English clubs through to the last eight.

"I would also like it if we play our first match away and then come back to Munich for the second leg.

"To play a return leg at Manchester United's Old Trafford would not be very agreeable."

And defender Philipp Lahm also admitted he would prefer to avoid Rafael Benitez's team.

"Against a team like Liverpool for example, we are still missing something," admitted Lahm.

But Bayern set a Champions League record earlier this month when they beat Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon 12-1 over the two legs to book their quarter-final berth.

"We sent out a clear signal to the competition that it will be necessary to take us into account. We are very hungry and we want still want more," said Bayern coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

"Nobody - not even Manchester United or Liverpool - should take us lightly."

But Bayern have injury problems in attack with Germany striker Miroslav Klose out for at least six weeks with a ankle injury.

Bayern have not reached the Champions League semi-finals since they won Europe's top competition in 2001.

Germany: Loew recalls Podolski, Friedrich and Jansen

Joachim Loew has named a 23-man German squad for their next batch of World Cup qualifiers. There are returns for Arne Friedrich, Marcell Jansen and Lukas Podolski

Germany play minnows Liechtenstein on March 28 in Leipzig before taking on Wales in Cardiff on April 1. All three of the aforementioned players missed the recent friendly defeat at the hands of Norway due to injury.

"It is great that Lukas is playing again for Bayern,” Loew told dfb.de. “Quite independently from that though, we would have selected him for both the upcoming internationals. We’ve always said that as soon as Lukas regained his training rhythm, then he would be a valuable striker for us.”

Barcelona: here's Guardiola's contract

Pep Guardiola's basic salary is one of the lowest of any coach in charge of one of Europe's major clubs, but his earnigns could triple if Barcelona win all three trophies they are still playing for, a report has revealed.

The Blaugrana boss agreed to a deal based heavily on incentives when he took over at Camp Nou last summer, at a time when few would have expected him or the team to reach those targets.

As a basic salary, Guardiola earns €1.5 million-per-year, which is nowhere near the huge amounts that coaches such as Jose Mourinho, Juande Ramos and many English managers are on, El Mundo Deportivo state.

Juventus prepare a David Silva attack

Juventus are set to make a concrete bid to Valencia for David Silva, but know that once they do then Barcelona are sure to become involved and push the price up, according to a report.

An offer of between €16 million and €18 million will be made by the club to test Valencia's resolve, and it could be increased to €20 million, La Stampa report.

The Serie A outfit's interest in Silva is nothing new, and the player himself has even stated that he would find it hard to say no to the club should a move materialise.

Demichelis and Van Bommel do Bayern deals

FC Bayern München have agreed a new 12-month contract with their 31-year-old Dutch captain Mark van Bommel while defender Martín Demichelis has extended his deal by two seasons until 2012.

Van Bommel's contract is set to be signed in the coming days: "Finally we have come to an agreement. I will stay and I'm looking forward to another season with Bayern", he said.

Argentinian defender Demichelis has also confirmed a new contract with Bayern. His existing deal was due to expire in the summer of 2010, but the 28-year-old has signed a new agreement which runs until 2012. "I'm happy I could sign here again and I want to achieve a lot with FC Bayern in the coming years", he claimed.

Arsenal, Fabregas has nothing to hide

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas is happy to go in front of the Football Association about the spitting incident he is being accused of, The Sun reported.

"I will leave it in the FA's hands for the time being - I will wait to see what they say," he told The Sun. "I've absolutely nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. The simple fact is I did not spit at the assistant manager of Hull City."

Fabregas also denied claims of spitting at Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack when he was playing for Bayern Munich during a UEFA Champions League match in 2005. "I remember the incident clearly. It was four years ago and I leant over and shouted at him," he added. "I did not spit at him."

Milan: Carlo Ancelotti says he's not a good guy

As speculation grows over Carlo Ancelotti's future, the Milan boss has discussed a variety of topics in an interview with newspaper La Repubblica, seemingly hinting at his desire to continue his relationship with the Rossoneri.

“There are a few things that I cannot stand and if I get mad I could turn into a beast,” said ‘Carletto’. “Who says I’m a good guy? Am I too condescending towards the club? No way… I love it here at Milan and I have a special rapport with several players, such as Maldini, Gattuso and Pirlo.

“I know full well that Berlusconi likes winning by playing good football and I have no problem with his views.”

Marseille beat Ajax on aggregate in UEFA Cup

An Englishman came to the rescue of French giants Marseille's UEFA Cup campaign on Wednesday as the journeyman defender Tyrone Mears scored a goal in extra-time to see them to a 2-2 draw on the night but a 4-3 aggregate success over Dutch side Ajax and a place in the quarter-finals.

Mears, the only Englishman playing in the top flight of French football, headed in in the second-half of extra-time to raise French morale after St Etienne had also foced a 2-2 draw at home to Werder Bremen but they went out 3-2 on aggregate.

The Ajax and Marseille clash got off to a tense start as the stadium announcer had to order a Dutch fan to stop shining a laser in the eyes of former Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden - who played for PSV Eindhoven during his time in the domestic league - which forced the referee to stop the match for around a minute.

Marseille surrendered their overall advantage in the tie when Ajax took the lead on the night and on away goals when Eyong Enoh scored in the 32nd minute after the French side's defence opened up beautifully for him and he made them pay as he tucked the ball away.

However the former European Cup winners were back on level terms and ahead overall just two minutes later as Baky Kone created a chance for Senegalese international Mamadou Niang, who slipped the ball between the legs of young 'keeper Kenneth Vermeer to make it 1-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate to Marseille.

It was justice for the club and Niang, who had had an earlier goal disallowed when Kone was adjudged rather harshly to be offside whilst Nigerian international Taye Taiwo had seen a vicious effort turned away for a corner by Vermeer.

The French side lost concentration early in the second-half which nearly cost them in the 53rd minute only for France 'keeper Steve Mandanda to pull off a miraculous save from Luis Suarez.

However, it was a brilliant piece of individual skill from Suarez that created the second goal as he turned on a sixpence in the box completely outwitting the defender and his cross was headed home by Miralem Sulejmani to force extra-time.

Mears was the unlikely hero as he restored Marseille's overall hold on the match when he made it 2-2 on the night in time added on of the first period of extra time heading past Vermeer.

Marseille's First Division rivals St Etienne virtually saw their chances of progressing disappear in the first-half as Werder Bremen took a 2-0 lead through Sebastian Prodl and veteran Claudio Pizarro.

Prodl effectively gave the relegation-threatened former European Cup finalists mission impossible when he headed home in the fifth minute from German international Torsten Frings's corner.

The hosts rarely threatened the German side's goal out of form and out of favour French international Bafetimbi Gomis forcing a save from Tim Wiese while exhilarating Brazilian Diego twice made St Etienne 'keeper Jeremie Janot into good saves as the Germans turned on the style.

Janot, though, was helpless to stop Pizarro scoring his fifth goal in European club football this season as the Peruvian headed home from Mesut Ozil's cross in the 27th minute.

St Etienne, though, did give themselves an outside chance of pulling off a miracle when Yohan Benalouane scored in the 64th minute after Frings had conceded a freekick and he headed home past Wiese.

The hosts at least saved face when they made it 2-2 on the night just before the final whistle as Sebastien Grax beat the Bremen goalkeeper with a shot from the right hand side of the box.

Among Thursday's matches holders Zenit St Petersburg could go out as they trail the only Italian side left in European competition Udinese 2-0, while former Cup Winners Cup winners Paris Saint Germain are away at Sporting Braga after a goalless draw in Paris.

Liverpool's Benitez ends saga, extends contract

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has ended months of speculation by signing a contract extension that will keep him at Anfield until 2014, the English Premier League club confirmed Wednesday.

The Spaniard, whose current deal ran until the end of next season, told Liverpool's official website: "My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal.

"I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool."

The former Valencia manager had been unhappy with what what he perceived as a lack of control over transfer policy, a situation not helped by the ongoing feud between Liverpool's American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Benitez had rejected five offers of a new contract but the announcement last month that Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will leave at the end of the season was seen as a sign that the manager would stay with the Merseysiders.

Benitez, who fell out with Parry over the latter's failure to close several transfer deals, added Wednesday: "The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.

"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies."

The news that Benitez was staying on at Liverpool came just the week after the team enjoyed two of their most impressive results of recent times.

They overwhelmed Spanish giants Real Madrid to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League and then won 4-1 away to Premier League leaders and reigning champions Manchester United to inject fresh life into a title race that threatened to become a procession for Liverpool's arch-rivals.

Both Hicks and Gillett insisted they were delighted by Benitez's decision.

"It is wonderful news that Rafa has made a long-term commitment to the football club," said Hicks.

"I know he will continue to build on his achievements as he has a tremendous hunger and desire to bring more success to the club."

Gillett added: "With Rafa continuing to manage the team, we can look forward to more great football and success on the pitch... Coming after our excellent wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United, this gives us great momentum going into the final stages of the season."

Benitez joined Liverpool in 2004 after guiding Spanish side Valencia to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup triumph.

In 2005, Liverpool won the Champions League after an astonishing come-from-behind success against AC Milan in the 2005 final in Istanbul and were also the runners-up two years later.

Benitez also oversaw Liverpool's 2006 FA Cup success but he has been repeatedly criticised for not treating the Premier League with the seriousness it deserves.

Although the Reds have won a record 18 English league titles - a mark United will equal if they top the table at the end of this season - none have come in the Premier League era, with 1990 marking the last time that Liverpool could call themselves champions of England.

Ballack's charm offensive on Germany team-mates

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been working hard to build bridges with his team-mates following last autumn's spat with national coach Joachim Loew, senior players have revealed.

Chelsea midfielder Ballack caused a storm here last autumn when he accused Loew of failing to show senior players enough respect and loyalty after veteran midfielder Torsten Frings was kept on the bench for two World Cup qualifiers.

Ballack was later forced to issue an apology and backed down, but it became clear things were not entirely harmonious in the Germany camp.

And senior players defender Philipp Lahm and striker Miroslav Klose have revealed Ballack is now working hard to improve his image within the national team.

"He approaches players far more now than he used to," Bayern Munich's Lahm told Stern magazine.

And Klose, who misses both Germany's qualifiers against Leichtenstein, in Leipzig on March 28, and Wales, on April 1 in Cardiff, with an ankle injury, says Ballack must lead by example on and off the field.

"You notice that Michael tries to integrate himself more," said Klose, who has captained Germany in Ballack's absence.

"But he must also do that on the field, that will not happen today or tomorrow, but is something he must learn and create for himself."

After Germany lost the Euro 2008 final 1-0 to Spain in Vienna last June, several senior players criticised Ballack for using strong language, especially in his on-field row with team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

Ballack later justified his words by saying when he started his career, a football dressing room was the place where problems within the team were thrashed out.

"Things are different to how they were," said Ballack, who made his debut in 1999.

"My challenge is to conduct myself as the captain of the national team and to be approachable for the younger players."

And Loew himself says he has seen a change in attitude from his captain, who has won 90 caps.

"During the last game, I had the feeling that Michael was communicating more and that is good," said the national coach.

Germany have lost their last two games at home - the first time that has happened since 1956 - when they went down 2-1 to England at Berlin's Olympic Stadium last November and were then humbled 1-0 by Norway in February.

Minnows Leichtenstein - ranked 151 in the world - take on Germany on March 28 in a World Cup qualifier and Germany need a convincing win to underline their place as group leaders ahead of Russia.

Van der Sar turns down international offer

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar turned down a request to return to international football it was revealed by national coach Bert van Marwijk on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper - capped 130 times - retired from international football after The Netherlands went out of Euro 2008 but did accept to return for two World Cup qualifiers last year in which he didn't concede a goal.

Van Marwijk faces a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the next two World Cup qualifiers against Scotland on March 28 and Macedonia on April 1.

"I called him (van der Sar)," said van Marwijk.

"I find that normal given the alarming situation regarding goalkeepers in the Netherlands.

"I was pretty sure what his answer would be, but I tried anyway."

Van der Sar's replacement as number one Maarten Stekelenburg recently lost his place in the Ajax first team to young hope Kenneth Vermeer while Dutch number two Henk Timmer is often injured.

Beckham set for a return to Real Madrid?

David Beckham could be set for a return to Real Madrid this summer, The Sun reported. The Spanish giants may hijack Milan’s deal with LA Galaxy by paying the MLS club £10million if Florentino Perez becomes president.

Perez bought Becks from Manchester United for £24million in 2003 and is the favourite to win next summer’s presidential elections at the Bernabeu. A top Madrid source said: “Florentino will try to bring Becks back if he decides to run for the presidency. It would be silly to deny it.”

Keane: Without Benitez I would have been great

Robbie Keane believes he would have enjoyed a successful career at Liverpool had a different manager been in charge.

"Of course I wish it had gone differently, but I have no regrets," Keane told Icon magazine. I do believe with a different manager it would have worked for me, but different managers have different methods and some have different ideas than those you are used to or believe in".

"People have their own opinions of Benitez. I have nothing against him and will leave people to make their own minds up about him. When you've been around for a while as a player, all you want is a bit of respect and to be treated the way you feel you deserve to be."

Hiddink: Chelsea can catch Manchester United

Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has opined that it is perfectly possible for his team to catch and indeed overhaul Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title this season, but that it will require plenty of good, honest graft of they are to do so.

"That is the task we are facing but, objectively speaking, it will be extremely difficult to achieve," the Russian national team manager is reported by Setanta Sports News as telling Sovetski Sport.

"Don't forget that Manchester have a game in hand and, moreover, they have a lot of experience of winning the league. All I can promise is that Chelsea will fight to the bitter end”.

Spitting row puts Fabregas in the dock

Cesc Fabregas has been accused of spitting at Hull's assistant manager after Arsenal progressed to the last four of the FA Cup in a blaze of controversy.

Late goals from Robin van Persie and William Gallas sent Arsenal into a Wembley semi-final with Chelsea after Nicky Barmby had given Hull an early lead.

Hull boss Phil Brown -- justifiably it seemed -- complained that his side had been denied a replay by the officials' failure to spot that Gallas was in an offside position when he nodded in the winner, six minutes from time.

But the main focus of his anger was the currently sidelined Fabregas.

According to Brown's version of events, the Spanish midfielder spat at Hull's assistant manager, Brian Horton, in the tunnel, just after Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had walked through without shaking hands with his counterpart.

"You're not going to get the rub of the green when you come to the Emirates," Brown fumed. "But for their club captain, Cesc Fabregas, to spit at my assistant manager at the end of the game just shows you what this club (Arsenal) is about."

Brown later modified his comments by saying that Fabregas had spat at Horton's feet while the Gunners skipper categorically denied that the alleged incident had taken place.

"I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?" Fabregas said. "I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players."

Wenger meanwhile maintained that Gallas's winning goal was legitimate because a deflection off Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill had played the French defender onside, and, perhaps inevitably, the Frenchman said he had "not seen" the alleged incident involving Fabregas.

None of which cut any ice with Brown, who was convinced the referee had succumbed to pressure from the home crowd.

"It's an absolute disgrace to tell you the truth," he said. "We haven't been beaten by Arsenal, we've been beaten by a linesman's decision and a referee's decision."

Whether there is any follow-up to the alleged incident will depend on Horton, who could report Fabregas, who is close to a comeback from a serious knee injury, to the Football Association.

Hull had taken the lead after Arsenal's defence hesitated when confronted with a long ball from Andy Dawson, allowing Barmby to find the net with a volley and the help of a deflection off Johan Djourou.

Gunners goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, offered a chance to impress in place of the rested Manuel Almunia, then produced a fingertips save to prevent Hull's Brazilian playmaker, Geovanni, from doubling the lead from a free-kick.

Gradually however the Gunners began to assert themselves and efforts from Arshavin and Abou Diaby went close before van Persie forced Hull keeper Boaz Myhill into a fine save with a perfectly-executed free-kick from 25 yards.

The Dutch striker was not to be denied however, finally finding the net with 16 minutes left thanks to the persistence of substitute Nicklas Bendtner.

The big Dane's dogged determination enabled him to work the ball to Arshavin who provided the cutback from which van Persie fired Arsenal level.

Bendtner then had a close-range shot blocked behind by Michael Ricketts but Arsenal avoided a replay with six minutes left, with Gallas heading his much-disputed goal home.

Diego would like to play for Real Madrid

Brazilian playmaker, Diego, admitted today that any footballer would love to play for Real Madrid - and he would too. The Werder Bremen maestro is widely believed to be leaving Germany this summer and it was thought that Juventus would be his likely destination.

However, not only did he hint at a Real Madrid move today with the words he said, but also by the way he said them. In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, he spoke in Portuguese throughout, except when questioned about his future, when he switched to Spanish.

He admitted that Real Madrid are a club that anyone would like to be at, and that he is no different. "Any footballer would love to play there and that includes me. Madrid are a team who are always fighting for titles on the continent, a great historic club," he declared.

Cohen sees signs of Ramsey in Capello

George Cohen believes that in Fabio Capello England have a manager with similar qualities to those of 1966 World Cup supremo Sir Alf Ramsey.

Cohen, England's right-back when they beat the then West Germany 4-2 after extra-time in the World Cup final at Wembley nearly 43 years ago, reckons that successive sides have too often been allowed to lose their way.

The 1966 World Cup remains the only major international football trophy that England have won and, for Cohen, the team's failure to reach the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland under Steve McClaren, Capello's predecessor, was a particular low point.

"Missing out a place at the qualifying for the European Championships last year was quite frankly a massive disappointment to all of us," Fulham great Cohen said Tuesday.

"It's been a long, long time since we won anything. I think the whole thing was poorly run for a long time - and without getting personal, the side has been badly managed."

However, Cohen is an admirer of Italian former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager Capello, insisting he has the necessary authority too many recent England bosses have lacked in their dealings with high-profile players.

"I think in Capello we have a real disciplinarian; he has players thinking only about the football, which is how it should be," Cohen said.

"In that sense he is the same as Ramsey. He would always make sure we concentrated on why we were there, with no asides, and he got results. Capello is the same.

"I think Capello is right to impose some discipline on them and to say 'you are expected here at a certain time - we all eat at a certain time'."

Cohen, whose nephew Ben was a member of the England team that won rugby union's World Cup in 2003, warned that although Capello's men had won all four of their qualifying matches so far for next year's World Cup finals it was still too early to make a judgment about how they might fare in South Africa.

"England have improved under Capello - there's no doubt about that. But it's very difficult to know if we are any closer to a second World Cup, because we haven't yet played the likes of Argentina."

Capello's England contract runs until 2012 but some reports in the British media have suggested that Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is already being lined-up by the Football Association as his successor when the time comes to appoint a new boss.

Cohen was one of many who thought the Northern Irishman deserved more consideration for the post than he ultimately received from the FA following McClaren's dismissal.

"I have a great deal of respect for Martin; I don't know what happened the last time he was interviewed or why they let it happen," said Cohen.

"He is a smart guy, loves football, loves the game. He knows the game and he's been around a bit. He would be a very decent choice."

O'Neill, a member of the successful Nottingham Forest sides of the late 1970s and early 1980s guided by the late Brian Clough, often labelled 'the best manager England never had', has won plaudits recently for overseeing Villa's push for a Champions League place while at the same time fielding English players such as Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Emile Heskey.

"It's very important that he's bought English at Villa, because there's not many who've been given that chance," Cohen said. "With the foreign imports, a lot of the younger English players have been left on the periphery."

Eleven bids for 2018, 2022 World Cups

There are a total of 11 announced bids, including combined bids, for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, FIFA said Tuesday after the deadline for candidates expired on Monday.

England, Australia, joint bids from Belgium/Netherlands and Spain/Portugal, also the USA, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia have applied for both tournaments while South Korea and Qatar have targeted solely 2022.

"We are very satisfied with the enormous enthusiasm which our top competition has engendered and to see that all the countries who initially declared their interest have officially confirmed their bids," said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Countries were asked by world football's governing body to bid for one of the two tournaments or submit proposals to stage both events.

Roberto Carlos mulling Real return

Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos says he is ready to move back to Real Madrid from Turkish side Fenerbahce if the Spanish club's former president Florentino Perez returns.

"If Florentino comes and says 'Roberto, come back', I will have to think about it and talk about it. I have never said I won't come back," he told Spain's Cope radio late Monday.

The 35-year-old played for Real from 1996 until 2007, when he joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a two-year deal.

Real "is the team of my life and I would be lying if I said that I don't want to go back, but we must wait and see the people who come back with Florentino and what their plans are," he said.

Florentino Perez was president of Real from 2000 to 2006, during which time he brought in several big name players such as Luis Figo, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.

Real is to elect a new president this summer.

Chelsea set sights on Barça's Daniel Alves

According to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror, Premier League club Chelsea are preparing an end of season offer for Barcelona's Dani Alves.

The Brazilian international full-back, who has won 19 caps to date, is apparently the west London outfit's top target this summer, although they may have to offer an astronomical sum of money to land him.

The 25-year-old only joined la Blaugrana last summer in a deal thought to be worth €27 million (£25m), so Chelsea may have to meet his €97.5m (£90m) minimum fee release clause if they are going to land him.

Tottenham, Woodgate sets sights on Europe

Jonathan Woodgate believes Tottenham Hotspur have a chance to turn the worst start to a season in the club's history into a seventh-placed finish that may well be enough to qualify for Europe.

"I'd rather be an optimist than a pessimist," The Guardian reported Woodgate said. "I'd rather look up than down. We've got to win as many games as we can. We're on a good run at the moment. We haven't been beaten in five games in the league. We're reaping the benefits of what the manager is telling us to do. We've got a chance [of Europe] but let's not get carried away. There's a lot of work to do. We've got a lot of teams to play around us so hopefully we can get involved [in the battle for Europe]."

Milan, Ancelotti: We still aim for the second place

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the club are interested in Inter full-back Maxwell and reassured the fans on Kaka's condition. "Maxwell is a player Milan like a lot, I think we will talk about it in a while," he said. "He is one of the best wing players around."

"Checks on Kakà have been made, it's nothing serious. Abbiati? This season, destiny has been against us," he continued, referring to the goalkeeper's season-ending injury.

On the team's objective in the league, Ancelotti said, "We are doing well and we are still aiming for the second place, we aren't getting complacent. We also have the direct encounter against Juventus to play at home".

Barcellona, Laporta dreams about the Treble

Barcelona are seen once again as favourites to land La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, but club president Joan Laporta is refusing to start thinking about treble celebrations.

“We are enjoying a good run now, but the season is far from over and we must remain prudent,” he said in an interview with RAC-1 programme ‘Tu diras’.

“What is important is that we continue to show we are the team to beat, and that we are back to our best. I believe that the Real Madrid fans are disappointed to see Barca so solid and strong again.

Juventus ready to make a £11m for Malouda

Juventus are preparing an £11million summer bid for Chelsea star Florent Malouda, The Sun reported. The Italian giants will swoop for the French international midfielder after making contact with his representatives.

Juve have targeted Malouda after Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedved, 36, announced last month he will retire at the end of this season. A top source at the Turin club said: “We have been looking at a number of options and Malouda is very high on this list. “Let’s see what happens at the end of the season.”

Calderon insists Ronaldo will join Madrid

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon may have been booted out of the Santiago Bernabeu offices earlier in the year, but that has not stopped him from pursuing his obsession with Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I believe that my work at Real Madrid was good. We won six titles, I doubled the club’s income and in addition, one of the best players in the world will join the club as soon as the current season is over, and that is all thanks to my work,” he crowed during an interview with Cadena SER programme ‘El Larguero’.

Arsenal agreed a new contract with Eboue

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the club have agreed a new contract with Emmanuel Eboue. Wenger has confirmed that an agreement over fresh terms is in place, telling the club's official website: "We have already tied up Eboue's contract - that has been done for a long time."

"Of course Eboue's an example for Bedtner: he will turn it around I am not worried about that, I was more worried about Eboue at one stage. Fans want performances and that is the only way we have to respond".

"I am pleased that Eboue starts to score because it looked to us that he could never score goals"

Benfica denies Afonso Alves interest

Benfica have dismissed speculation linking them with a summer move for Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves. The Brazilian has misfired at The Riverside after arriving from Dutch club Heerenveen in a record £12million move in January 2008.

In the face of persistent reports throughout the week, Benfica would like to clarify that it never asked about Afonso Alves," read a statement on the Lisbon-based club's official website. "Therefore, Benfica expects the focus of recent reports to end."

Makelele: It was just an accident

Claude Makelele wrote off Paris Saint-Germain's 3-1 defeat to Marseille on Sunday as "an accident," and admitted that Zoumana Camara's second-half red card had turned the match

"The card dominated everything. We had managed to get ourselves back into it, thanks to our qualities. Then, when we were down to ten men, it was very tough. They scored straight afterwards, and it's normal that we had problems. They got men behind the ball, and played on the counter-attack," said the ex-Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder.

Beer, bombs and bribery as Hertha scale Bundesliga

Bankruptcy, bombs, bribery and a steamboat have all played their part in Hertha Berlin's history as the capital city club now find themselves in the unusual position of Bundesliga leaders.

Hertha are four points clear at the top of the table with ten weeks left and their success is so unexpected midfielder Sofian Chahed has even promised to buy every Hertha fan a beer if they win the title.

"Nobody saw our success coming before the season started," admitted midfielder Patrick Ebert.

"We wanted to win as many games as possible and establish ourselves near the top of the table. We have done well so far, but we still have a lot of tough games to come."

Having finished 10th for the last two seasons, Berlin must still run the gauntlet of 10 league games if Swiss coach Lucien Favre is to become only the sixth coach from outside Germany to lift the Bundesliga title.

They confirmed their pedigree as genuine contenders last month with a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich on St Valentine's Day which won the hearts of their fans. Their history is as colourful as their blue and white strip.

The club was established in 1892 when one of their founders took a boat ride on the steamship 'Hertha' which bore the club's eventual colours.

Hertha were German champions in 1930 and 1931, but after more than 200 Allied bombs hit their Plumpe Stadium during the Second World War, the club was disbanded until 1949 when a group of players fled East Germany to sign for Hertha.

The club then started playing key games at the Olympic Stadium - built by Hitler for the 1936 Games - but when the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, the club found it hard to attract top class players to the isolated city.

The result was the German Football Federation (DFB) eventually found them guilty of bribery and Hertha were banished from the Bundesliga to the regional league in 1965.

They clawed their way back to Germany's top flight, but a match-fixing scandal in 1971 revealed the club had six million deutschmarks of debt and only the selling of their old Plumpe Stadium saved them from bankruptcy.

Since then, Berlin had failed to threaten the top of the Bundesliga - until now.

Germany defender and Hertha captain Arne Friedrich was the club's only household name when the season started, but 17 goals from strikers Marko Pantelic and on-loan Liverpool star Andrey Voronin have raised both Berlin's profile and league position.

After exiting both the UEFA Cup and the German Cup, Hertha now have just the domestic league on which to concentrate and with 58,753 supporters watching them beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 last Saturday their gates are also rising.

Ebert is typical of the hard-working ethic which has seen Favre forge his side into title contenders.

"It is a fantastic feeling to be doing so well," said the 21-year-old. "Team spirit is the crucial factor. Everyone is giving his all for the good of the team. That is what sets us apart."

Ebert says part of the success is down to Favre's training regime since he took over in July 2007.

"Firstly, his training sessions are always varied and interesting," he said. "In addition, he works hard with the young players to show them their weaknesses and help them improve.

"He always makes time to listen to us and his qualities as a coach are beyond question. He is meticulous with his studying of the opposition and is tactically astute."

But wilting finances are Hertha's main problem who may have to let Voronin return to Merseyside at the season's end. The Ukrainian has scored eight goals in his last six games and wants to extend his loan stay.

"This summer we can't spend a single cent to buy new players," warned Favre.

But for Ebert and Hertha, UEFA Cup qualification is the goal.

"I would love to read the papers at the end of the season saying we had reached the UEFA Cup - the Bundesliga title would be a bonus," he grinned."

Klose out for six to eight weeks, say Bayern

Germany striker Miroslav Klose will be sidelined for "six to eight weeks" following an operation on his injured right ankle, his club Bayern Munich said on Monday.

After sustaining ligament damage at the weekend, Klose went under the knife in Switzerland. As he does not need to wear a plaster-cast, he can begin rehab immediately, said the German champions.

The German championship does not finish until May 23 but Klose will miss the lion's share of the race for the Bundesliga title, as well as Bayern's quarter-final clashes in the Champions League.

It means Bayern have lost another top player following injuries to Luca Toni (Achilles tendon) and French midfielder Franck Ribery (tibia). Lukas Podolski, who is soon set to rejoin FC Cologne, is currently Bayern's only available striker.

Klose should also be sidelined for Germany's World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein on March 28 and Wales on April 1.

That could prove problematic for Germany as Klose, with 44 goals in 88 matches, is Germany's top goalscorer still in activity.

Wenger says only way is up for Walcott

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger marked the 20th birthday of Theo Walcott by predicting there was still more to come from the Gunners forward.

The former Southampton starlet returned to the Arsenal first team last weekend after a spell on the sidelines through injury and looked sharp as the London club put four goals past Premier League rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Thrust into the spotlight by then England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's shock decision to select him for the 2006 World Cup squad, Walcott has learned to live with high expectations.

A shoulder injury after a fine start to the season was a setback but now a fit Walcott is set to help in their bid to reach the last four of the FA Cup against Hull at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Wenger, speaking about Walcott's return to action, said: "He made a very good start and he became stronger and stronger.

"He gives us something that is important as well when we play home. He goes behind the defenders and creates room and he has a direct game. We need that, especially at home.

"It is important to have him back and he gives you something that can make a difference in any game," the Frenchman added.

"Compared to one year ago there is no comparison, that is what people sometimes have problems to accept. At that age, every three months you go higher up but how much, you can never predict.

"But there is still a lot more to come from Theo."

Also making an impact at Arsenal is Russia's Andrei Arshavin who helped create two of the Gunners' goals against Rovers and also scored with a superb solo effort.

Signed from Zenit St Petersburg in January, Arshavin is ineligible for Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final but could yet become a key figure in their bid for both the FA Cup and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.

"Arshavin cannot play in Europe but he had a good game against Blackburn and it will be good to have him for the cup games," said Arsenal's Bacary Sagna.

"I think he was outstanding at the weekend, he scored a great goal, it came naturally and I think he was very happy about it," the full-back added.

"Every time he plays he is good and he can play on the right, on the left and up front as well.

"He has shown he can score now and he is an important player who can do well in this team.

"He can play like that, pass the ball and arrive in different positions. He showed all of that (against Blackburn) and also his power. He is not very tall but he knows how to deal with that."

FA confirm Vidic's two-game ban

Nemanja Vidic will miss Manchester United's next two games, the Football Association confirmed here on Monday, after being sent-off in last weekend's shock 4-1 loss to title rivals Liverpool.

The Serbian centre-back received a red card at Old Trafford on Saturday after denying Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Vidic's second red card of the season - the other was also against Liverpool - in September means he will miss the Premier League leaders and reigning champions' match against Fulham on Saturday and the home fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 5.

UEFA ready to heed Liverpool plea on date

UEFA said on Monday that it would do its utmost to ensure that Liverpool do not have to play their Champions League quarter final tie on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

"We are aware of the huge significance of the 15 April 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," said UEFA President Michel Platini.

"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 15 April for those who lost their lives at Hillsborough," Platini added in a statement.

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

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard on Sunday appealed to UEFA to reschedule the club's second leg tie due on Wednesday, April 15.

Gerrard, who lost a cousin at Hillsborough, told the club's website: "We hope that UEFA show some common sense. You would think they would accept the significance of the date for the people of Liverpool, but unfortunately feelings like that don't always come into it.

"Hillsborough is always on my mind because I lost a member of my family there and any success we get as a club this year will be dedicated to those people who lost their lives."

The date will mark 20 years since 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield which was hosting the club's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

West Ham and Blades end Tevez dispute

West Ham United and Sheffield United announced on Monday they had reached an out-of-court settlement over the contoversial Carlos Tevez affair.

In a joint statement, the agreement was described as "satisfactory settlement for compensation" but the figure paid by West Ham - which has been reported to be as high as 25million pounds - was not confirmed.

A statement from Sheffield chairman Kevin McCabe and West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end.

An independent tribunal which had been set up to look into the matter will thus be discontinued.

West Ham were fined 5.5 million pounds at the end of the 2006/07 season for breaching league rules on the ownership of players in fielding the Argentinian striker, but escaped a points deduction which could have resulted in the club being relegated.

An FA-appointed tribunal then ruled that the illegally-employed Tevez was instrumental in keeping West Ham in the Premier League, opening the door to Sheffield United, who were relegated on the final day of the season, to claim substantial compensation.

Tevez, whose economic rights and transfer activities are owned by a group of investors called the Media Sports Investments (MSI), subsequently joined Manchester United and still plays at Old Trafford.

McCabe said: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham. Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both the Blades and Hammers advisory teams.

"We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next season.

"We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with West Ham at all levels."

Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line under this whole episode. We have had very positive discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs."

Juventus Chiellini to undergo nose surgery

Juventus central defender Giorgio Chiellini sustained a broken nose during Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico and will be operated.

“Giorgio Chiellini suffered a nasal fracture in the match with Bologna,” a statement on the Old Lady’s official website reads. “The player will undergo surgery on Monday to reduce the fracture. The operation will take place at the Chivasso Hospital and will be performed by Professor Libero Tubino.

“It is likely that the player will resume training 48 hours after the surgery by wearing a guard.”

Bayern Munich, Ribery tired of transfer talking

Bayern Munich will be pleased to hear Franck Ribery state that he has is happy at the club and that he is tired of the stories linking him with a move away, although he stopped short of stating that he wishes to remain in Germany long-term

"Everyone keeps asking me about my future, they only want to talk about when I will leave," he told L'Equipe. "But it is useless because I don't want to talk about it anymore. I am fed up".

"Staying or leaving? I don't reply to that question anymore. I am enjoying life at Bayern and I feel fine here."

Pato knows he can do even better for Milan

Milan forward Alexandre Pato scored two goals against Siena on Sunday afternoon during his team's 5-1 win in Tuscany, which consolidated their third position in Serie A.

“I’m happy for the team’s win today and for my goals, but I know that I must always do better and help Milan to reach the Champions League for next season,” declared the Brazilian to the club's official website.

“I compliment Inzaghi, who is an example for me, and I must learn to stay a bit behind. Pippo is very good inside the penalty box, and I’m happy that today he reached the target of the 300 goals as he really wanted it.

Lyon to hint at new Trezeguet bid

Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas has hinted at a summer move for Juventus striker David Trezeguet, sparking rumours of a swap deal involving Karim Benzema.

"We wanted him two-and-a-half years ago," Aulas told Tuttosport. "That is no secret, even if at the end of the day nothing came of it. Could we bring Trezeguet to Lyon now?

"I haven't spoken to our coach about it, nor to Juve, but we do like the player. He is an extraordinary marksman, but we have Benzema..."

Hiddink warns United race is far from over

Guus Hiddink insisted the Premier League title race is far from over after Chelsea narrowed the gap on leaders Manchester United to just four points.

Hiddink's side responded to United's shock 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool by beating Manchester City courtesy of Michael Essien's first half goal.

While the Chelsea manager acknowledged that the advantage still lies with Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have played a game less, he claimed the weekend's results could have a major impact on the eventual destiny of this year's championship.

Hiddink believes the decisive factor will be how United react to the shock of being humbled at Old Trafford by one of their fiercest rivals.

Hiddink said: "If it was just four points it would be very close, but they have that game in hand. But it's clear that after yesterday's unexpected result that the tension has come back in the league.

"It's a boost. But if we want to track them, we have to keep on winning. That'll give tension at the end of the season, which is good for everyone.

"Every now and then you get a defeat you don't expect. Sometimes you don't expect it at home because you have a beautiful record at home, then all of a sudden it happens. But they're a very experienced team.

"Let's see how they react in the up-coming days. It's not the first time that it's happened, but the big teams always react.

"It depends on their calmness if it goes on. When you are in the driver's seat and someone else is coming, you can get a little bit nervous."

Essien's goal was the midfielder's second in two starts since he returned from the knee injury that has kept him out since March, underlining the belief that the Ghanaian will have a major role to play in the closing weeks of Chelsea's campaign.

"It was important for the team and the crowd that he came back after a long period of recovery," Hiddink added. "We played him at Juventus and he did a good job, not just by scoring... like today.

"But by being in the team gives him and us a lot of confidence, and that's good to see. I knew before he's very strong, and he gives a lot to the team as well. Plus, it gives me tactically some options to play differently with other players as well.

"When we go to the end of the season, being in three competitions, having him available is important."

But a successful afternoon's work was marred by a recurrence of Deco's thigh injury that could keep the Portugese midfielder out for the season although Hiddink was more optimistic about the knee injury that forced Didier Drogba off in the second half.

"I don't think Deco will be recovered very shortly," added Hiddink. "Drogba is not a big problem. He likes to be with the team, to play, to train, so I think he will be recovered very soon. He was in a collision, so we'll see. Tomorrow, the day after, it'll be okay."

City manager Mark Hughes was forced to confront another disappointing away display, particularly from Robinho who had been set to join Chelsea until a deadline-day swoop by Hughes lured the Brazilian to the City of Manchester Stadium.

"You can't just expect one player to carry the team," Hughes said. "We have other players who have to stand up to the plate and be counted. Today wasn't Robi's day.

"His general performances have been good. Goalscoring wise he's scored 11 league goals and had a real impact for us. It's been more difficult for us to get him in the right areas to score, but he's created a number of goals for us and is helping the team."

Trabzonspor held by Galatasaray

Trabzonspor haven't been able to keep up with leaders Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig, being held to a 2-2 draw by Galatasaray on Sunday.

Alanzinho put Trabzonspor in the lead after just seven minutes but Czech striker Milan Baros equalised in the 19th. Arda Turan then made it 1-2 six minutes after the hour.

The home side would get one point as Gustavo Colman levelled with six minutes to go. Galatasaray's Yaser Yildiz had been red-carded shortly before.

Sivasspor remain in first place with 49 points from 24 games. Besiktas have one point less and Trabzonspor follow at another two points.

Bojan brace keeps Barcelona six clear

Forgotten striker Bojan Krkic scored his first league goals of the season as Barcelona restored their six-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish first division with a 2-0 win at Almeria on Sunday.

Coach Pep Guardiola chose to rest Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry giving Bojan a rare start and the 18-year-old seized his opportunity scoring a second half brace inside three minutes.

Even an inspirational game from Almeria's Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Alves could not keep Barcelona at bay as they continue their treble bid.

Real had thrashed Bilbao 5-2 on Saturday to temporarily cut the gap to three points and the pressure was on Barca to respond.

The Catalan side had crushed Almeria 5-0 at Camp Nou earlier in the season so the hosts wanted to give a better account of themselves while Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez, a former Real Madrid legend, wanted to do his old club a big favour.

Eto'o scored a hat-trick in the Almeria thrashing but started on the bench as Guardiola decided some of his stars needed a rest with the Champions League quarter-finals to come.

Seydou Keita, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique were all thwarted by Alves in a goalless first half.

However, the breakthrough arrived in the 53rd minute with Bojan following up after Messi had hit the post with a curling shot.

It was Bojan's first league goal of the campaign and the second came three minutes later when he completed a wonderful team goal involving Dani Alves, Messi and Andres Iniesta.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid came from two goals down to defeat 10-man Villarreal 3-2 at the Vicente Calderon to pull themselves back into the Champions League race.

Goals from Diego Forlan, who also missed a penalty, and Antonio Lopez in the final ten minutes secured a crucial win for Atletico who are now two points behind fourth-placed Villarreal.

"It was impossible to have any more chances than we had in this match," said Atletico coach Abel Resino.

"Diego Lopez (the Villarreal goalkeeper) was fantastic for them but I told the players to keep going and carry on playing like they were."

If Atletico had lost, Villarreal would have been eight points clear of their rivals and they took a 2-0 lead through Matias Fernandez and Ruben Cani.

Earlier in the season these two sides played out a 4-4 draw when Atletico trailed 3-1 and they came from behind again to get their Champions League exit to FC Porto out of their system.

Sergio "Kun" Aguero quickly reduced the arrears and Villarreal then had Javi Venta sent off in the 65th minute for a second yellow card.

Atletico took full advantage with Forlan shrugging off his third minute penalty miss to equalise in the 80th minute. Two minutes later Lopez rose to head in a corner and leave Villarreal deflated.

Sevilla's faint hopes of challenging Real for second place looked to have ended after a 2-2 draw with Malaga left them nine points behind the champions.

Luis Fabiano scored an 84th minute equaliser to snatch a point for Sevilla who were 2-0 down against their Andalucian neighbours.

Veteran striker Salva Ballesta, winner of the Pichichi top goal-scorers crown in 2000 with Racing Santander, scored a first half brace (19 min, 32) to put Malaga ahead before Freddy Kanoute pulled a goal back and Fabiano sealed the comeback.

"I still feel as if we were the ones who lost two points," explained Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez. "It was one of those days when nothing went in.

The pre-season target for Malaga was survival but they are in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot, and possibly even a Champions League place, lying sixth two points behind Villarreal.

Spurs knock Villa off Champions League track

Aston Villa's Champions League hopes suffered another setback on Sunday when they slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against Tottenham.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill whisked his players away to Dubai last week to recharge their batteries but they looked to be running on empty as goals from Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent hammered a dent into Villa's ambitions of a top four finish.

John Carew produced a late consolation but Villa have only secured two league wins on their own turf since December and the optimism that had been building so steadily towards the end of last year is evaporating with each passing week.

This damaging defeat leaves Villa in fifth place, with an inferior goal difference behind Arsenal, and O'Neill must be growing increasingly worried at the alarming transformation of his side.

It was only a month ago that hopes of the title were being spoken of in hushed tones around this particular corner of the West Midlands but now even a fifth place finish is under threat.

It was sweet revenge for Spurs boss Harry Redknapp on his return to the ground where earlier this season he was hit by a coin thrown by a Villa supporter, while in charge of previous club Portsmouth.

The first goal was always going to prove crucial. Neither of these sides had lost a league game this season in which they have opened the scoring.

And just as the masses of Villa fans in the giant Holte End began to bait Redknapp, they were swiftly silenced when the visitors took a fourth minute lead.

Aaron Lennon's cross from the right caught Brad Friedel in two minds and the goalkeeper's attempted punch went awry, presenting Jenas with a simple header from four yards.

"Champions League, you're having a laugh," was the inevitable taunt from the visiting supporters.

Redknapp wants to be in Villa's position next season but his mission for this campaign is rather more humble, with Premier League survival his only remit.

They were forced to weather a substantial storm after taking such an early lead with Didier Zokora enduring a nightmare afternoon at the hands of Ashley Young, the England international winger.

Young tormented Zokora for large spells in the first half, before the makeshift defender was put out of misery by being substituted, but just could not deliver the killer cross.

Stiliyan Petrov drilled over while Gareth Barry forced a smart reflex save from the mercurial Heurelho Gomes in the 12th minute.

Spurs finally carved out another opportunity two minutes before half-time when an excellent flicked pass from Jenas released Luka Modric in the area and the Croatian's fierce shot was palmed away by Friedel.

But Villa's frustrations only increased in injury time when Emile Heskey rose majestically to head Barry's volleyed cross against the crossbar. Indeed, there was a sense of sheer disbelief that Villa had failed to make their complete dominance count.

Disbelief became incredulity four minutes into the second half when Spurs added a second.

Wilson Palacios' shot was saved by Friedel but Robbie Keane pounced to beat the Villa keeper, with Bent scraping the ball over the goalline just to make sure.

Substitute Carew headed a James Milner cross into the top corner with six minutes remaining but there was to be no grandstand finish.

For Villa, the result was about as depressing as the next two fixtures. Trips to Liverpool and Manchester United await.

Atletico stun Villarreal to revive hopes

Atletico Madrid came from two goals down to defeat 10-man Villarreal 3-2 at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday to pull themselves back into the Champions League race.

Goals from Diego Forlan, who also missed a penalty, and Antonio Lopez in the final ten minutes secured a crucial win for Atletico who are now two points behind fourth-placed Villarreal.

If Atletico had lost Villarreal would have been eight points clear of their rivals and it looked like it was heading that way after Matias Fernandez and Ruben Cani put the visitors into a fortunate 2-0 lead.

Earlier in the season these two sides played out a 4-4 draw when Atletico trailed 3-1 and they came from behind again to get their Champions League exit to FC Porto out of their system.

Sergio "Kun" Aguero quickly reducing arrears following Cani's goal and Villarreal then had Javi Venta sent off in the 65th minute for a cynical second yellow card.

Atletico took full advantage with Forlan shrugging off his third minute penalty miss to equalise in the 80th minute. Two minutes later Lopez rose highest to head in a corner and leave Villarreal deflated.

Sevilla's faint hopes of challenging Real Madrid for second place in the Spanish first division looked to have ended after a 2-2 draw with high-flying Malaga on Sunday left them nine points behind the champions.

Brazilian international Luis Fabiano scored an 84th minute equaliser to snatch a point for Sevilla who were 2-0 down against their Andalucian neighbours.

Veteran striker Salva Ballesta, winner of the Pichichi crown in 2000 with Racing Santander, scored a first half brace (19 min, 32) to put Malaga ahead before Freddy Kanoute pulled a goal back and Fabiano sealed the comeback.

"I still feel as if we were the ones who lost two points," explained Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez. "It was one of those days when nothing went in.

"Malaga showed what a good team they are but it would have been harsh not to have got at least a point."

Sevilla stay third but are nine points behind Real who defeated Athletic Bilbao 5-2 on Saturday to close to within three points of Barcelona at the top.

The pre-season target for Malaga was survival but they are in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot, and possibly even a Champions League place, lying fifth two points behind Villarreal.

Frontrunners Barcelona are in action at Almeria later on Sunday aiming to restore their six-point cushion over Real at the summit.

Real cut Barcelona's lead to three points on Saturday with a 5-2 thrashing of Bilbao to go some way to easing the pain of their 4-0 Champions League humiliation against Liverpool in midweek.

"The team responded and did what it had to," said manager Juande Ramos. "It was especially important after the intense match we played on Tuesday against Liverpool."

In the relegation dogfight, strugglers Real Mallorca and Espanyol shared a thrilling 3-3 draw. Espanyol trailed 3-1 and had one man less but showed great spirit to come back and snatch a point.

Espanyol stay bottom six points from safety while Mallorca hover three points above the drop zone.

Second from bottom Numancia were crushed by Racing Santander in a 5-0 drubbing with all the goals coming in the first half.

Osasuna, who occupy the final relegation spot, drew 0-0 with Real Betis who are just three points above the drop.

Freefalling Getafe, Spanish Cup semi-finalists the past two seasons, are two points above Osasuna after a 1-0 defeat to Valladolid on Sunday.

Gerrard makes Hillsborough disaster appeal to UEFA

iverpool skipper Steven Gerrard on Sunday appealed to UEFA to make sure the club do not have to play on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

The club has asked European football's governing body not to schedule its Champions League quarter-final, second leg for Wednesday, April 15.

The date will mark 20 years since 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield which was hosting the club's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Gerrard, who lost a cousin at Hillsborough, told the club's website: "We hope that UEFA show some common sense. You would think they would accept the significance of the date for the people of Liverpool, but unfortunately feelings like that don't always come into it.

"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. It should be a time that Liverpool Football Club remembers the people who were lost and their families.

"Hillsborough is always on my mind because I lost a member of my family there and any success we get as a club this year will be dedicated to those people who lost their lives."