European Champions League

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Nov 25 - Champions League collated results after Tuesday?s matches


Group E
At Aalborg stadion.
AaB Aalborg 2 Celtic 1
Scorers:
AaB Aalborg: Caca 73, Gary Caldwell own goal 87
Celtic: Barry Robson 53
Halftime: 0-0
Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria)
- -
At the Madrigal, Villarreal
Villarreal 0 Manchester United 0
Red card: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal) 82
Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)
- - - -
Group F
At Allianz Arena, Munich
Bayern Munich 3 Steaua Bucharest 0
Scorers: Miroslav Klose 57,71, Luca Toni 61
Halftime: 0-0
Referee: Eric Braamhaar (Netherlands)
- -
At Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence
Fiorentina 1 Olympique Lyon 2
Scorers:
Fiorentina: Alberto Gilardino 45
Olympique Lyon: Jean Makoun 15, Karim Benzema 27
Halftime: 1-2
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
- - - -
Group G
At Emirates Stadium, London
Arsenal 1 Dynamo Kiev 0
Scorer: Nicklas Bendtner 87
Red card: Olexandr Aliyev (Dynamo Kiev) 89
Halftime: 0-0
Referee: Alain Hamer (Luxembourg)
- -
At Sukru Saracoglu stadium, Istanbul
Fenerbahce 1 Porto 2
Scorers:
Fenerbahce: Kazim Kazim 63
Porto: Lisandro 19, 28
Halftime: 0-2
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)
- - - -
Group H
In Minsk
BATE Borisov 0 Real Madrid 1
Scorer: Raul 7
Halftime: 0-1
Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway)
- -
At Petrovsky stadium, St Petersburg
Zenit St Petersburg 0 Juventus 0
Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)

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On his way out?

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Gallas a loner

Heading for the dressing room!

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FRANK LAMPARD saw red as frustrated Chelsea were left needing a final-game success to guarantee their Champions League progress. The Blues had been below par throughout but it looked like a Nicolas Anelka strike on the hour would hand them the points in the south of France. However, Alou Diarra was left unmarked to power home a header from a corner with 10 minutes left, forcing Phil Scolari's nervy side to hold on for a point.


Will they be dumped out?


STEVEN GERRARD headed Liverpool into the Champions League last 16.
Marseille gave the below-par Reds several nervous moments after Gerrard thumped a backpost winner on 23 minutes.

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Barcelona continued their impressive unbeaten run to win 5-2 at Sporting Lisbon to clinch top spot in Group C from the Portuguese side.

Shakhtar Donetsk beat Basel 5-0 in the other match in the section to clinch a UEFA Cup spot at the expense of their Swiss opponents.
Spanish league leaders Barcelona are unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions and were always on top in Lisbon after Thierry Henry opened the scoring in the 14th minute, brilliantly set up by Lionel Messi.
It was the former Arsenal star's 46th goal in his 100th game in the Champions League.

Gerard Pique put Barca 2-0 three minutes later before Messi made it 3-0 as he curled home a shot just after the break following a quickly worked free kick.

Sporting, who are also heading to the knockout stages, hit back with goals by Miguel Veloso and Liedson in quick succession just after the hour mark.
Barcelona refused to panic and grabbed a fourth almost immediately as Marco Caneira turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Sporting were reduced to 10 men when Rui Patricio was sent off for pulling down Krkic Bojan, the youngster getting up to slot home the resulting penalty in the 73rd minute to round off the scoring.

In Donetsk, Jadson scored a hat-trick in a one-sided match, opening his account in the 32nd minute, with Willian making it 2-0 five minutes after the interval.

Jadson then scored two goals in eight minutes and second half substitute Yevgen Seleznyov completed the rout in the 75th.
Barcelona have 13 points after five rounds from Sporting with nine and Shakhtar on six. Winless Basel have a single point.

Source:CNN

[Mpita Njia]

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FRANK LAMPARD saw red as frustrated Chelsea were left needing a final-game success to guarantee their Champions League progress. The Blues had been below par throughout but it looked like a Nicolas Anelka strike on the hour would hand them the points in the south of France. However, Alou Diarra was left unmarked to power home a header from a corner with 10 minutes left, forcing Phil Scolari's nervy side to hold on for a point.


Will they be dumped out?


STEVEN GERRARD headed Liverpool into the Champions League last 16.
Marseille gave the below-par Reds several nervous moments after Gerrard thumped a backpost winner on 23 minutes.

Hwa The Blues wajiangalie sana maana mwenendo wao unaonekana wa kusuasua wakati wenzao wanakaza buti

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Ranieri the tinker man kurudi stamford Bridge!


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Jose you can't do that!


Roma to Arsene!

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Ron sets sights on Inter scalp


CRISTIANO RONALDO has told his Manchester United team-mates: Kill or be killed. United face Inter Milan on Tuesday in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
And Ronaldo insists the reigning European champions must be at their best to beat the Serie A leaders. The 24-year-old said: "From now on, all games are important.

"Whoever loses will exit the competition and we don't want to lose. "It will be a difficult game but I think we have a better team ? it's time to kill or be killed. "They're a team we need to respect. They're a good side and first in Serie A so we need to be very careful. "We have a more experienced team, we're the reigning champions. "It will be a good game, a well-contested game, and the better team will win."





ARSENE WENGER says Arsenal cannot go for broke against Roma tomorrow because they have run out of attacking options. The goal-shy Gunners have scored just once in their last four league games in the build-up to their return to Champions League action.
And Wenger warns frustrated fans to expect more of the same against Roma in the first leg of their second-round clash at the Emirates.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Eduardo, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky are all ruled out by injury while Andrey Arshavin is cup-tied after playing in this season?s competition for Zenit St Petersburg. Wenger said: ?It is difficult to be bolder because I don?t see what more gambles I could take. ?I don?t believe Roma will come for a goalless draw. I think they will play in an Italian way and try to catch us on the break because they know that any away goal will give them a good chance.

?So we will have to give a spot-on defensive performance. ?At the moment I feel we become nervous when we don?t score early on and I don?t know if that is becoming a psychological problem. It?s an interesting challenge.? Roma will be able to field a full-strength team at the Emirates. The Italians, who are sixth in Serie A, warmed up with a 1-0 win over Siena although the performance was less than convincing with the goal coming from Rodrigo Taddei.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti thought he had lost Juan and Cicinho after the match but yesterday both came through fitness tests.

Halftime Arsenal 1 Roma 0

Manchester 0 Inter Milan 0

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ROBIN VAN PERSIE was spot on as Arsenal gained the upper hand against Roma. Van Persie went crashing in the box under a challenge from Philippe Mexes before slotting home the resulting penalty after 37 minutes.

The visitors offered little as an attacking force and Arsene Wenger's men are unlikely to have an easier night in the Champions League. Wenger became an increasingly concerned figure on the touchline as his side failed once again to make the most of their possession. But the Frenchman will be confident they can make the most of the one-goal advantage in the second leg to progress to the quarter-finals.

Arsenal are the happy team tonight after winning their encounter despite missing so many chances. It was the same for Manu who missed a lot of opportunities. All to play for in two weeks time.

[Mpita Njia]

Yule kipa wa Inter kiboko

[Angeris]

Haya tuone makeke ya The Blues leo Agaist Juventus!

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Yule kipa wa Inter kiboko

Manu has a job at old trafford in two weeks its goner be a different game. Lets wait.

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Haya tuone makeke ya The Blues leo Agaist Juventus!

Kabla ya mechi Drogba ametamba watawabamiza kwa goli 4 - 0 Kesha funga goli moja katika kipindi cha kwanza.

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Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1

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KOP THAT ... Yossi Benayoun celebrates his late winner in the Bernabeu



YOSSI BENAYOUN stunned Real Madrid as Liverpool beat Europe?s form team in their own backyard. The Israeli international nodded home Fabio Aurelio?s 82nd minute free-kick to put Rafa Benitez?s men in the driving seat to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. Real have been rampant of late and have won their last nine game in a row, but the Reds dug deep and Benayoun headed the late winner to give his side every chance of progressing to the next stage. Despite days of intensive treatment, Steven Gerrard did not make the starting XI, the midfielder initially left on the bench.

It meant Jamie Carragher captained the side with Benayoun on the right of midfield and Dirk Kuyt pushed forward in support of Fernando Torres. Gerrard?s absence was a bad blow but confirmed how the visitors would play the first leg. Contained defence, a combative and mobile midfield and hard running were the order of the day. In the opening exchanges there was a calmness about Liverpool in this intimidating arena, five tiers of fervent passion pouring down in support of Real.

They defended with discipline and long before the break Real were trying their luck from distance. The Spanish champions, who had scored 10 goals in their last two games, still had their moments. Arjen Robben?s pass gave Raul the chance of a shot on the turn held by Jose Reina, while Brazilian Marcelo also tested the goalkeeper. And it took a fine saving tackle by Carragher on Gonzalo Higuain to snuff out another dangerous moment. But the longer the game went on, the more Liverpool seemed in control defensively.

It also saw them coming out on the break and Torres should have done better after 20 minutes as he was allowed to run onto a Reina long clearance, but Iker Casillas palmed away a shot across the face of the goal. Casillas then got a firm block on Benayoun close-range shot as Liverpool sought to snatch something from a period of growing confidence. Higuain thought he had scored with a close-range header, only to be rightly penalised for offside, before Marcelo and Robben, twice, tried their luck unsuccessfully from outside the box. Real had most of the possession but it was Spanish international Xabi Alonso who almost broke the deadlock with an audacious shot from inside his own half.

The midfielder is famous for such effrontery, once scoring a similar goal at Luton, but this time Casillas had to scramble back to touch the effort over the bar.

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Manu has a job at old trafford in two weeks its goner be a different game. Lets wait.

I think Jose's Inter is in trouble.

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STEVEN GERRARD proved he is the Real deal as Liverpool cruised into the last eight of the Champions League. The Kop skipper hit two goals as he tore mighty Real Madrid to shreds. Spanish striker Fernando Torres hit the opener and Andrea Dossena the fourth as Rafa Benitez's men stayed on course to repeat their 2005 Euro heroics. Liverpool started on fire and Gerrard found Torres with a ball inside on four minutes.

The Spaniard's brilliant backflick took him clear into the penalty area but Iker Casillas denied him with his legs. From the corner, the ball broke to Javier Mascherano and his volley was brilliantly tipped on to the bar by the Spanish keeper. Gerrard tried his luck with a 20-yard free-kick but the ball was always too near the keeper. But the Kop finally made their superiority count as Real made a mess of a long ball.

Pepe looked to have the situation under control as Torres turned towards the penalty box. But the defender fell to ground under pressure from the striker, Dirk Kut squared and Torres tapped into an empty net. Martin Skrtel had Casillas stretching with a long-range header on 22 minutes. Casillas was in action again seconds later to keep out Gerrard's sliding effort after a Torres pull-back.

Gabriel Heinze was adjudged to have handled on 27 minutes to gift Liverpool a penalty. Gerrard faced Casillas and the England man sent the keeper the wrong way to put the Reds 3-0 in front on aggregate. Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was finally called into action on the half hour. And he needed to be at his brilliant best to palm away Wesley Sneijder's fierce 30-yard free-kick. Sneijder's next effort was easier for Reina as he plucked his right-footer out of the air.

Liverpool started the second half as quickly as the first and Gerrard soon put them three up on the night. Torres found more space down the inside right and his cut-back was emphatically smashed home by the Kop skipper. Casillas was keeping the score respectable as he pulled off further stops from Gerrard and Torres. But there was still time for Dossena to rub salt into Real's wounds with the fourth two minutes from time.





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Juventus 2 Chelsea 2


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WINNER ... Didider Drogba kills off Juventus' European dreams


DIDIER DROGBA guided Chelsea safely through to the Champions League quarterfinals. The Frenchman?s 83rd minute equaliser saw the Blues earn a 3-2 aggregate win over Juventus and secure their passage into the last eight. Juve had given Chelsea a scare by hauling themselves back into the last-16 tie thanks to a stunning strike from Vincenzo Iaquinta on 19 minutes. But Ghana international Michael Essien bundled the ball home on the stroke of half time after Frank Lampard?s 30-yard thunderbolt had crashed back off the crossbar.

Guus Hiddink?s side failed to trouble the Juve rearguard in the opening period and were guilty of giving away possession on countless occasions. The Italians set the pace of the game and Blues captain John Terry had to be alert to keep David Trezeguet from getting on the end of Alessandro Del Piero?s through ball in the 39th minute. Chelsea were not helped by some baffling decisions from Spanish referee Alberto Undiano ? and their own finishing.

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Man Utd 2 Inter Milan 0

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SUITS YOU, SERB ... Nemanja Vidic scores the opening goal



ALEX FERGUSON proved he is the Special One after downing Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Fergie's Euro champions saw off the Italians with goals from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mourinho's men had their chances to snatch a crucial away goal at Old Trafford after Vidic's fourth-minute header. But Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Dejan Stankovic both fluffed their lines.

And Ronaldo's header at the start of the second half killed off the Serie A side and put United into the Champions League quarter-finals. United found their fluid passing game immediately and won a couple of early corners. And the home side rocked Inter when Vidic shook off his marker Patrick Vieira and headed into the near corner to open the scoring.

Dimitar Berbatov and Ronaldo both volleyed off target as United continued to press. Ibrahimovic then fluffed a superb chance to level the scores when he dropped off Rio Ferdinand but headed a free-kick into the ground and on to the bar. Edwin Van der Sar brilliantly tipped Stankovic's 25-yard swerver behind.

John O'Shea should have put United 2-0 in front after a flowing United move. But he failed to lift his shot over the advancing Julio Cesar. Stankovic crept in behind Patrice Evra but failed to keep his effort down before Ibrahimovic drove wide of the far post as Milan finished the half strongly. The Italians came out strongly after the break but United's second, again four minutes into the half, proved decisive.

Ryan Giggs danced across the Inter penalty area before finding Wayne Rooney wide on the left.
The England man toyed with his marker before dropping in an unexpected cross which Ronaldo met before Cesar to nod home. Mourinho brought on Adriano for Stankovic with more than half an hour remaining. And the Brazilian's flying left-footed volley beat Van der Sar but hit the post. United broke and Rooney's drive stung Cesar's hands and the keeper reacted well to deny Berbatov's follow-up. Ibrahimovic found the side-netting but the oles from the Red Devils fans signalled the end of Inter's night.



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Dimitar Berbatov volleys goalwards

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Roma 1 Arsenal 0

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JOY ... Robin van Persie and Denilson celebrate
Arsenal's dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Roma


ARSENAL are through to the Champions League quarterfinals after surviving a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Roma. The Gunners were second best for most of the game but Max Tonetto missed his spot kick to put Arsene Wenger's team into the last eight. Eduardo saw his opening effort saved by Alexander Doni, but Mirko Vucinic stabbed his straight at Manuel Almunia three kicks later. Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Julio Baptista, Samir Nasri, Vincenzo Montella and Denilson all scored, before Francesco Totti stepped up to send the shoot-out into sudden death at 4-4.

Kolo Toure coolly dispatched his effort, as did Sagna and then John Arne Riise and Alberto Aquilani did the same for Roma. With the tally at 6-6, Diaby slotted home before the pressure got to Tonetto as he blazed the ball over to send the travelling Gunners fans into euphoria. Arsenal boss Wenger hailed his team?s mental strength following their shoot-out triumph. He said: ?We needed to show our nerve tonight and determination.

?We were a bit nervous at the start and gave a goal away more by nerves than them creating the chance. ?I must pay tribute to the nerves of my team. There is something in there that comes out, that is huge mental strength. ?Our character has been questioned many times. I?ve said many times that this team is very strong.? Brazilian defender Juan capitalised on some poor defending to fire Roma in front after just nine minutes of the match.

The Gunners ? who left England winger Walcott and Croatia hitman Eduardo on the bench ? offered little attacking threat, with Diaby heading their best chance straight at the keeper. Arsenal were on the back foot, as the home fans cranked up the volume in a sustained spell of early pressure. After 26 minutes, Pizarro was cautioned for pulling over Nasri as the Frenchman looked to break from the centre circle. The home side were forced into a change when goalscorer Juan limped off, to be replaced by former Arsenal loan player Julio Baptista.

Ten minutes before the break Gael Clichy got away down the left, and floated over a cross into the area. Diaby arrived to meet it on the penalty spot, but his header was straight at Doni. After 41 minutes, Robin van Persie headed Nasri?s right-wing cross over after ghosting in at the near post. Emmanuel Eboue then blasted wide after good work on the edge of the Roma penalty area. The hosts were screaming for a penalty when Marco Motta charged into the right side of the Arsenal box and went down under the challenge of Clichy, but the referee waved their claims away. Diaby went into the book for a late sliding challenge on Riise as the defender broke down the left shortly after the re-start.

And Baptista came within inches of connecting with a right-wing cross as he arrived at pace in the Arsenal six-yard box. Almunia held on to a low, long-range strike from Riise following a free-kick as Roma threatened to take the overall lead in the tie. In a rare moment of action at the other end, Sagna almost squeezed a near-post header in from a corner, but Doni was well positioned in the Roma goal. Arsene Wenger turned to Walcott with 17 minutes left, as the England winger replaced Eboue. In a huge let off for the Barclays Premier League club, Baptista somehow managed to miss his kick with the goal there for the taking as the ball came across into the six-yard box. Eduardo came on for Nicklas Bendtner with five minutes left and Toure headed over from close range in the dying moments ? but there was no way through as the tie went to extra-time.

And with neither side able to score again during the additional thirty minutes. But the Gunners held their nerve and booked their place in the last eight of Europe's elite competition.



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Samir Nasri is sent flying by Marco Motta


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Well four English clubs against 4 European teams. Find out who will face who ... .... the draw is on Friday ...

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AL OF A VICTORY .... Manuel Almunia, Denilson and Co celebrate victory


Spot-on Gunners


ARSENE WENGER praised his young Gunners as they marched into the Champions League quarter-finals. Arsenal held their nerve and saw off Roma in a dramatic penalty shootout in the seething cauldron of the Olympic Stadium. That made it four English teams through to the last eight. And Emirates chief Wenger said: ?I am delighted and proud ? very proud of the mental strength because that is a quality that has been questioned a lot in our team. "You could see we have improved tremendously on that front.?

The Londoners went into this last-16 second-leg clash in the Eternal City with a 1-0 lead from the opening showdown at The Emirates a fortnight ago. But they were under the cosh from the 10th minute when Brazilian Silveira Juan took advantage of some poor defending to put the Serie A side level on aggregate. Both sides had their chances to go through in 90 minutes or extra time but fluffed them all.

Wenger added: ?I must congratulate Roma. They played very well tonight and made it difficult for us. ?I was apprehensive after the first game because I knew that here they would give absolutely everything. ?And I believe that England can be very proud to have four teams still in. ?I was very concerned that for us to be the only team to go out would be detrimental for the team and our progress so it really helps us that we went through.? Theo Walcott continued his comeback after a shoulder problem and came on as a late sub. He said: ?We showed great character and great spirit. We are really pleased and proud of what we did here tonight.?

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LUCK, determination and sheer balls of steel.


Say what you like about Arsenal?s kids but never EVER question their character. Against all the odds, Arsene Wenger?s starlets are somehow through to the last eight of the Champions League again. Battered and bullied for much of an unforgettable night in the Olympic Stadium, Arsenal refused to give up on their dream when it would have been easy to cave in. And when it came to the nerve-shredding ordeal of a shootout, it was Roma?s Max Tonetto who cracked under intolerable pressure.

Even the setback of Eduardo?s failure with the very first penalty of the night did not break Arsenal?s incredible resilience. Keeper Manuel Almunia ? not for the first time last night ? hauled them back into contention by blocking Mirko Vucinic?s awful effort with his knees. And the kids never faltered after that. Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Denilson, Kolo Toure, Bacary Sagna and Abou Diaby were all unerring with their efforts. So it was left to the luckless Tonetto to spoon his sudden-death kick over the bar to spark wild celebrations among the visiting fans. It might well have been the most unconvincing display from the Premier League?s Fab Four.

Yet it would take a brave man to bet against Arsenal if they maintain this defiance, bloody-mindedness and backs-to-the-wall resistance in the final rounds. They would have been dead and buried had Spanish referee Manuel Gonzalez awarded a 44th-minute penalty when Gael Clichy hauled down Marco Motta in the area. But the full-back somehow got away with it despite replays showing Motta was through on goal when he was bundled over from behind. Arsenal had already surrendered their slender lead from the first leg and a second goal would have left them with too much to do. They were behind after just nine minutes when centre-backs William Gallas and Toure inexplicably left Francesco Totti?s cross for centre-half Juan to score.

The Brazilian defender?s match had looked to be over four minutes earlier when he hobbled to the touchline clutching his leg in agony. Yet it clearly was not enough to stop him smashing his unchallenged shot past Almunia. Suddenly, Arsenal were on the ropes and one blow away from being out for the count. Urged forward by a sell-out crowd sensing blood, Roma piled on and should have doubled their lead midway through the first half. Motta was allowed to race away from the Arsenal defence to force a vital parry from Almunia. And when the ball eventually ricocheted to Rodrigo Taddei, Almunia saved at full stretch.

Arsenal were now clinging on and were lucky that everything created by Roma after the break fell to Julio Baptista. Wenger might have come under fire for his reluctance to spend big in the transfer market ? but he got it spot on when he decided not to sign Baptista on a permanent basis after his loan spell at the Emirates. First, Baptista headed hopelessly wide and allowed almost every pass to bounce embarrassingly off him. Another glorious chance from Totti?s clever pass was scuffed tamely at Almunia and as the crowd vented their fury, Baptista visibly shrunk in confidence.

He might be a Beast, he is certainly a donkey. The only surprise was that he scored in the shootout. Wenger, though, knows his youngsters may not be so fortunate in the next round. When the euphoria of last night has died down, there will be some tough talking ahead. Once again last night they suffered for their lack of a midfield hardman to shield the defence. And they were virtually non-existent as an attacking force even after Walcott was introduced in the 75th minute. Fortunately for Wenger, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky will all be available for next month?s quarter-finals. Arsenal are only going to get better. They will need to if they are going to go any further in this competition. But self-belief can work wonders and the kids are now convinced someone up there is on their side.

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Quarter-finals (all 19:45 British time)

First legs to be played on April 7 (second legs April 15)

Villarreal v Arsenal

Manchester United v Porto

First legs to be played on April 8 (second legs April 14)

Liverpool v Chelsea

Barcelona v Bayern Munich

Semi-finals

Manchester United or Porto v Villarreal or Arsenal

Barcelona or Bayern Munich v Liverpool or Chelsea

* First legs to be played on April 28 and 29

* Second legs to be played May 5 and 6




ARSENAL chief executive Ivan Gazidis reckons his side will be too strong for Villarreal when the clubs clash in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Gunners face the Spaniards in the last eight in a repeat of their semi-final match three years ago. The North Londoners won that game thanks largely to Jens Lehmann?s last minute penalty save from Juan Roman Riquelme, and Gazidis is praying it will be a less dramatic affair this time round. He said: ?We think we can get a result but when we played them in 2006 we only just squeaked by 1-0 on aggregate and I think it?s going to be a difficult test.

?I hope it?s not quite so dramatic this time. We?ve had our share of drama but I?m sure there?ll be a lot more.? An enthralling 7-6 penalty shootout victory saw Arsenal squeeze into the quarter-finals after their tie against Romahad ended 1-1 on aggregate. And Gazidis is looking for a similar determination against Villarreal, who count ex-Gunners Robert Pires and Pascal Cygan among their number. He added: ?The one thing we do believe is not just the quality of our team but also the character of our team. ?We saw a little bit of that in that really difficult environment out in Rome where young player after young player stepped up and made their penalty kicks. ?We?ll have to draw on those reserves of character to get by Villarreal.

?This journey is a challenge for us. Every team is here on merit and there is a reason why every team is here. ?So Villarreal are going to be a big challenge, but we?re laser focused on the next round.? In domestic competition, Arsenal are 13 points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League, but have reached the FA Cup semi-finals. And Gazidis is confident the Gunners can go on to claim silverware for the first time since their 2005 FA Cup success. He said: ?We?ve never lost our belief in ourselves. Our players believe in themselves and we believe in them. ?We?ve got a superb group of young players and we still believe there is potential for a really great season for Arsenal this year. ?We?ve proven we can play against the very best, we?ve beaten Chelsea and Manchester United this year, so we can beat anyone on our day.

?The question for us has to be as the players come back and we reintegrate them seamlessly back into our squad, can we allow our quality to rise to the surface? ?Coupled with our character and belief in ourselves we can go long way in all three of the competitions we?re still in this year.? Should Arsenal and United both progress in Europe, they will meet each other in a mouthwatering semi-final clash, but Gazidis insists he is not looking that far ahead. He said: ?We can?t think beyond Villarreal. The focus is just on that and we?ll worry about the next step if we can get by the Yellow Submarine.?

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Easy, easy


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HAPPY MAN ... Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson relaxes yesterday


ALEX FERGUSON got the easy Champions League draw he wanted yesterday.
His Manchester United side landed a quarter-final date with 66-1 outsiders Porto. But his Red Devils now face two vital games in just 48 hours as they bid to capture an historic trophy Quintuple. They entertain Aston Villa in a televised clash on Sunday April 5 and Porto on April 7. A Premier League spokesman confirmed: ?The Villa game will go ahead as planned.? Yesterday?s Euro draw, plotting the way to the final in Rome, saw Chelsea and Liverpool paired for the FIFTH season running. Arsenal got Villarreal.

But Fergie was licking his lips at the prospect of facing Porto. He said: ?This is a good draw for us. We?re happy and we?re looking forward to the tie.? The defending champions would then play the winners of the Gunners-Villarreal tie in the semi-finals and are now 2-1 favourites to retain their crown after the draw in Nyon yesterday. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admitted Fergie?s troops are a very decent bet and insisted: ?United have an easier draw than us.? The winners of the all-English clash face Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the last four. Arsenal beat Villarreal on their way to the final in 2006 with Jens Lehmann making a last-minute penalty save to deny the Spaniards. Emirates boss Arsene Wenger said: ?To knock any Spanish team out is very difficult. ?The return leg at Villarreal in 2006 was very difficult. We learned from that ? we have to prepare really well for the first game.?

Is it easy? We will see how easy it is.

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Vlrl 1 -1 Ars


Manu 2 - 2 Porto

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MANCHESTER UNITED must win in Porto?s Est?dio do Drag?o stadium for the first time ever if they are to keep alive their Euro dream. Despite strikes from Wayne Rooney and sub Carlos Tevez, Alex Ferguson?s side were held 2-2 at Old Trafford and now face the prospect of elimination at the hands of supposedly the weakest side left in the competition.
Cristian Rodriguez gave Porto an early lead as both sides created numerous chances in a rip-roaring Champions League encounter.

Rooney quickly equalised but after sub Tevez looked to have snatched it for United five minutes from time, Mariano popped up even later to stun the hosts. If United had the first-half possession, it was Porto who had the better of the chances. And the Old Trafford support were dumbstruck after just four minutes when Rodriguez latched on to a double mistake to give the visitors a shock lead. First Cristiano Ronaldo gave the ball away and then Jonny Evans fluffed a left-foot clearance straight to Rodriguez. The Uruguayan threw the young Irishman a dummy before curling a strike into the bottom corner.

It was Porto?s seventh goal in their last four away games in European competition and they continued to show their counter-attacking prowess throughout the half. Ronaldo almost made amends 10 minutes later when he forced Helton to palm away a goal bound header.
But the corner had barely been cleared when Rooney latched on to a terrible error from Bruno Alves to bring the scores level. Under no pressure, the 27-year-old Portugal international defender didn?t even look as he casually rolled the ball in the direction of goalkeeper Helton.
Rooney intercepted with ease and had the simplest of tasks to flick the ball past the stranded stopper.

Rodr?guez could have restored the lead with a gilt-edged opening but placed his header into the grateful arms of Edwin van der Sar. Raul Meireles had a shot tipped over and Rodr?guez got in for another header from the corner which, again, Van der Sar was called on to save.
The pace wasn?t letting up and at the other end Paul Scholes headed over from Patrice Evra's cross before the whistle went for a breather. Helton spilled a low drive from Park Ji Sung minutes after the restart and was shortly replaced by veteran Ryan Giggs as Ferguson pushed for the winner. Rooney tried a gloriously ambitious chip that Helton managed to tip over falling backwards before Nemanja Vidic powered a header from a Giggs? corner and the overworked keeper flung himself to his right to keep out.

Tevez and Gary Neville came on for Jonny Evans and Paul Scholes and in Tevez?s first act he upended the Brazilian Hulk on the goal line but the referee waved away the appeals. Rooney missed out on a glancing header before reacting superbly from a Neville throw to flick the ball into the path of Tevez who turned it into the roof of the net from six yards out. But United went back to sleep, leaving Mariano free at the far post to tuck away a late equaliser. It means United will have to become the first British team to ever win in the Est?dio do Drag?o if they are to continue to defend their crown.


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Cristian Rodriguez scores the opener


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Carlos Tevez scores

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Mariano Gonzalez scores for Porto

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Manchester United players stand dejected after Porto?s second goal

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Emmanuel Adebayor equalises for Arsenal


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Arsenal?s Emmanuel Adebayor scores a fantastic bicycle kick to make it 1-1


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Villarreal?s Joan Capdevila battles for the ball with Arsenal?s Theo Walcott


SENSATIONAL ... Emmanuel Adebayor scores with a bicycle kick to hand Arsenal the advantage against Villarreal


EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR?S sensational strike handed Arsenal a vital Champions League advantage over Villarreal. The Togo forward?s 65th minute goal equalised Marcos Senna?s ninth-minute thunderbolt in a scintillating game. Spanish midfielder Senna smashed a terrific 25-yard goal to give Villarreal the lead early on. The Gunners then lost goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and defender William Gallas to injury as their European hopes were put on a knife-edge.

However, the second half saw the visitors take control of the game, with Cesc Fabregas, Adebayor and Samir Nasri all going close. And just after the hour mark, Fabregas? delightful chip into the area saw Adebayor control the ball on his chest, swivel and smash the ball home. The last time Arsenal played at the intimidating Spanish ground was three seasons ago, when a dramatic late penalty save from Jens Lehmann guided them through to the European Cup final.

While that journey ultimately ended in defeat to Barcelona, there is growing belief Rome in 2009 could just prove the coming of age for Wenger?s young Guns. Villarreal have never lost at home in the Champions League and kept holders Manchester United to a goalless draw earlier this season.

So it was no surprise they settled quickly.

There was a goal-mouth scramble following a corner when Gael Clichy cleared off the line and Almunia smothered the loose ball as defender Gonzalo Rodriguez looked to capitalise. But the home side took the lead in stunning fashion after 10 minutes. The ball was worked down the right before being passed inside to Senna. The skipper took aim and drilled a wonderful 25-yard strike past Almunia into the top corner, setting El Madrigal alight. Arsenal looked to respond immediately and forced a couple of corners.

A smart turn and run by Theo Walcott fed Cesc Fabregas, who slipped in Samir Nasri on the left side of the area. But the Frenchman?s angled drive was pushed around the post by Diego Lopez. Arsenal were forced into a change after 27 minutes when Almunia, who sustained an ankle injury in the early goal-line scramble, was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski. The young Pole was immediately called into action, first saving low to his left from Senna and then producing a good reaction block at the near post to deny Joan Capdevila.

The visitors had some good spells of neat passing but were unable to make the best of promising positions. After 38 minutes, Villarreal were awarded a free-kick when Alex Song tripped Giuseppe Rossi, once a Manchester United player, just outside the penalty area, the Arsenal midfielder booked. Gallas was then clattered by the falling striker and had to be carried off on a stretcher for treatment, eventually being replaced by Johan Djourou.

Ariel Ibagaza struck the free-kick off the bottom of the wall. Cani then shot wide as the Spaniards pressed for a second. In stoppage time, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick in a central position after Adebayor went down in between two defenders. Fabregas took his shot early, rolling the ball into the net, but the quick effort was ruled out by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and the Arsenal captain was shown a yellow card. Kolo Toure?s strike was then blocked by the wall. As the hour mark approached, it was continuing to be a night of frustration for the Premier League side, who had been on a decent run of form heading into the game. Walcott floated a ball in from the right, which Adebayor glanced wide. Then, out of nothing, the big striker struck a superb equaliser to stun the home crowd in the 66th minute.

There seemed little danger when Fabregas, who set up both Adebayor?s goals against Manchester City on Saturday, lofted a high ball into the Villarreal penalty area. But surrounded by three markers and with his back to goal, Adebayor collected the ball on his chest before dispatching a brilliant scissor-kick into the far corner. Nasri drilled wide as Arsenal went looking for a second. Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires was introduced, to a warm reception from the travelling fans, for the final 21 minutes, replacing Joseba Llorente. Walcott blazed over after being played in on the right of the penalty area by Fabregas, before he was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.

There was still some defending to do for the Gunners as Rossi looked to get on the end of a near-post cross before Senna almost netted another 25-yard effort. But Arsenal remained strong under intense late pressure to give themselves every chance in the second leg.

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Villarreal?s Marcos Senna scores the first goal of the match



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Theo Walcott attacks the Villarreal defence


We wait for tomorrow show down at .... .... ....

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Fergie: I blew it


ALEX FERGUSON admitted his Euro gamble backfired.
The United boss went ahead with Sunday?s TV clash against Aston Villa, rather than bring it forward 24 hours. Fergie said: ?We showed tiredness because of the gamble I took playing Sunday which was not the best preparation.

?But we faced a situation and we took the best option hoping a European occasion would bring the adrenalin up.? Fergie wanted to give his top stars an extra day to rest at the weekend after returning from international duty. Now he admits his team face a battle to defend their Champions League title when they go to Porto next Wednesday for the second leg of the last-eight tie. And the Scot slammed his defence for allowing the visitors an 89th-minute equaliser.
Ferguson said: ?We should really have defended our lead here. ?We get a late goal through Carlos Tevez but then, through a lack of concentration and maybe some fatigue, we let one in. ?It?s a difficult job now, not made any better when you know no English team has won in Porto. We will just have to do that.? Porto have won five and drawn six against English sides on their own soil in Europe. Mariano Gonzalez pounced on sloppy defending to give the Portuguese side a second away goal.

United have now conceded 10 times in their last four games. Fergie, who lost Jonny Evans with a groin injury, said: ?It should be a normal situation for Manchester United to see the game out. ?And it was a terrible goal to lose ? we only have ourselves to blame. ?It shows the fragile nature of our defence at the moment.?

He said before it was ... ..

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Half time Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea

Barcelona 4 - 0 Bayern

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Chelsea poke their nose in front, a header from a corner, so far and Drogba put another one 64 minutes gone. Liverpool 1 - 3 Chelsea

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62' GOAL! IVANOVIC AGAIN! INCREDIBLE! FROM A CORNER AGAIN! It's an identical goal to his first and Chelsea lead 2-1! Terrible marking from the Liverpool defence

67' GOAL! DROGBA! 3-1! The Ivorian finishes off a lovely Chelsea passing move to put Chelsea firmly in the driving seat! It's Malouda's final ball into the middle that Drogba slides home! Amazing!

Livepool meltdown..... ....... Chelsea resurrection?..

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Anelka comes in for Drogba and Aurelio is off for Dossena 9 minutes to play.

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Liverpool are done ... .... they need to win by clear 4 goals at Stamfod Bridge on tuesday, and Bayern Munich as well they need 5 clear goals at home ......more to come.

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HEADS I WIN ... Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic powers home his first goal of the game



BRANISLAV IVANOVIC was the unlikely hero as Chelsea stunned Liverpool at Anfield. The Serb defender scored two headers as the Blues came from behind to grab a vital Champions League advantage. Ivanovic bagged a goal in each half to put Guus Hiddink?s team in command after Fernando Torres had given the home side a sixth-minute lead.
Didier Drogba then crashed home Chelsea?s third on 66 minutes after Michael Ballack?s slide-rule pass had sent Florent Malouda clear on the left wing.

The Frenchman delivered a pinpoint cross for the Ivory Coast star to ram the ball home and send the visiting fans into euphoria. The only sour point for Chelsea was John Terry?s 58th minute yellow card for a challenge on Reds stopper Pepe Reina, which means he will miss next Tuesday?s return leg at Stamford Bridge.


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Fernando Torres scores the first goal of the game to put Liverpool ahead


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Fernando Torres celebrates his goal

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Branislav Ivanovic equalises for Chelsea


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Branislav Ivanovic celebrates his goal

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Barcelona 4 Bayern Munich 0

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AWESOME ... Lionel Messi ran riot as Barcelona hammered Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp



LIONEL MESSI ran riot as Barcelona battered Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp. The 21-year-old wing wizard bagged a brace as the Spaniards put themselves in pole position to reach the Champions League semi-finals. Messi opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Samuel Eto?o slipped him through to finish neatly. The Argentinean wonderkid returned the favour three minutes later as he set up the Cameroon striker to slot home. Messi notched his second and his side's third on 38 minutes after Thierry Henry skinned Massimo Oddo with a deft turn of pace.

The former Arsenal star played the ball into the box and Messi slid in to convert the Frenchman?s cross from close range. Henry then added a fourth two minutes before the break after Mark van Bommel had crashed into Messi. The referee played the advantage and the ball fell to Henry, who smashed home his 50th Champions League goal. But despite continuing to press forward in the second half, the Spanish league leaders could not add to their tally. However, they will feel confident of progressing to the semi-finals after comprehensively beating Jurgen Klinsmann's outift.

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Torres plots a wonder fall


FERNANDO TORRES reckons his Anfield wondergoal can inspire Liverpool to yet another sensational Euro comeback. Rafa Benitez?s Reds must score three at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to save their Champions League skins after last week?s 3-1 first-leg mauling. Bookmakers rate the Merseysiders massive 14-1 outsiders to reach the last four.

And they need their biggest win at Chelsea since a 5-2 triumph way back in 1989 ? the year of their last league title triumph. Yet, after his stunning opener which paved the way for Saturday?s four-goal hiding of Blackburn, hitman Torres insists confidence is flooding through the Anfield ranks once more. And he sees no reason why the Kop kings cannot pull off another great escape ? especially as Chelsea leaked three late goals against Bolton on Saturday. The ?25million Spaniard insisted: ?We have kept our confidence after the Champions League game and it was important to win for the fans.

?Of course we know it is going to be very difficult to get three against Chelsea because they?re such a strong team. ?But we beat Manchester United at Old Trafford so we know we can do it. They scored but we still won 4-1. We have confidence that we can go there and win the game. ?I don?t think Chelsea will defend, I?m sure they will want to play for a win. They know if they score one or two it is over ? they will want to score themselves and that will give us a chance.? Team-mate Yossi Benayoun believes that with Torres in such red-hot form ? his double against Rovers took his tally to 14 this season and 47 in 78 games for the club ? then anything is possible.

Benayoun certainly would not swap the former Atletico Madrid star for any other front man on the planet. He claimed: ?The goals he scores are unbelievable ? he is the best striker in the world. ?Look at his first goal against Blackburn, he?s always a threat, and makes it look so simple too. It?s always easier for us as a team when he is playing. It was really important we responded after the disappointment of the Chelsea defeat, and Saturday?s win has restored our confidence. ?We know it will be very difficult at Stamford Bridge. We?ll just give 100 per cent and try our best.

?You never know in football ? anything can happen.? Torres? goal is being compared to Dutch star Marco van Basten?s volley against USSR in the 1988 European Championship final. But Torres, 25, insisted: ?People may compare it with Van Basten but I do not think so. ?He was one of the best players in football history and I have a bit to go before I am as good as him.? Boss Benitez added: ?Fernando?s first goal was very special ? but I am the kind of manager who always likes to push his players so I know he can do better. ?I suppose it was similar to Van Basten?s famous goal but if Fernando wants to be at the level of Van Basten then he knows he has to improve.? Torres has been limited to just 19 Premier League appearances by a succession of niggling injuries this season. And both Benitez and stand-in skipper Jamie Carragher ? who had the armband against Blackburn while Steven Gerrard was on the bench ? admit the Spaniard?s absence could eventually cost them the title. Benitez said: ?We have had some games this season that ended in draws which, had Fernando been playing, could have made a massive difference.

?With him and Gerrard on the pitch you know the team is much, much better.? Defender Carragher added: ?Fernando is one of the greatest strikers in the world, he scored two fantastic goals against Blackburn and it has been really good to have him back in the side and fit. ?It is frustrating thinking what we could have done this season if he had been fit all the time.?

There is no reason why Liverpool should fail to score at Stamford Bridge, Bolton rallied from 4 - 0 to 4 - 3 at the weekend Premiership. Chelsea have encouraged the mersyside team just to do that ... ... all actions tomorrow ...follow the bee

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Half time:

Chelsea 0 - 2 Liverpool

Bayern 0 - 0 Barcelona

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Updates on second half, Drogba scores.
Chelsea 4 - 4 Liverpool .

Bayern 1 - 1 Barcelona

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Updates above.

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Its all over now for all games, more to come.

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Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4

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Didier Drogba the star



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Liverpool fans before the game


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Alvaro Arbeloa beats Didier Drogba to the ball

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Liverpool duo Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano challenge Didier Drogba


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Xabi Alonso celebrates his goal with Dirk Kuyt

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Didier Drogba scores for Chelsea to make it 2-1 on the night

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CHELSEA survived a Champions League fright from Liverpool to book a semi-final clash with Barcelona. The Blues had Frank Lampard to thank after the England midfielder?s double salvo saw them progress 7-5 on aggregate. Fabio Aurelio had stunned Stamford Bridge by converting a 35-yard free-kick after Lampard had fouled Dirk Kuyt after just 19 minutes. And Xabi Alonso gave Liverpool hope of another memorable European win by converting a penalty just before the half hour mark. But Chelsea hit back in quick-fire fashion after half time, with Didier Drogba and Brazilian centreback Alex drawing them level.

Lampard then put the Blues 3-2 up on the night as the home side staged a remarkable fightback. But a double salvo from substitute Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt saw the visitors regain the lead in dramatic fashion. But Lampard sealed the win for the home side with a deft finish over Pepe reina with just two minutes remaining. Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio had struck an unlikely opener after Lampard had fouled Kuyt. The Spaniard completely deceived the blundering Petr Cech, who took an age to react and slipped when he did.

Aurelio was then involved as Liverpool stunned the Blues' crowd into silence with a second in the 28th minute. Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea?s two-goal hero from the first leg, had his arms wrapped around Alonso as the Brazilian?s free-kick sailed into the box and Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo pointed to the spot. Cantalejo made the correct decision and Alonso smashed the spot-kick into the left side of the net, leaving Liverpool just one goal away from a place in the semi-finals. Chelsea tried to respond to the double setback and Aurelio nodded a dangerous Drogba header clear with Lampard lurking shortly after substitute Nicolas Anelka had replaced Salomon Kalou down the right.

There were further problems in the Chelsea goal as Liverpool launched an assault on their goal with seconds of the half remaining, Cech flapping as he attempted to clear. But Chelsea hit back in the second half as Drogba slotted home from an acute angle after 51 minutes. And Alex levelled the score on the night five minutes later with a thunderous free-kick which rifled past Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. Lampard then slotted his first with a coolly-taken finish after good work from Drogba. But Lucas levelled the game at 3-3 after firing in a 20-yard shot that hit Essien on the chest and took a massive deflection to squirm past Cech and into the left-hand corner of the net.

And Albert Riera then broke down the left, and crossed for Kuyt to head home as Liverpool?s supporters started to dream of another semi-final appearance in Europe's elite competition. But Lampard ended their hopes with an 88th minute strike to send the Blues into the last four.

What a thriller next stop for Chelsea is at Wembly to meet Arsenal at the semi final of FA cup this Saturday ....

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GUUS HIDDINK reckons managing Chelsea is bad for your health after this sizzling Euro stunner.

The Blues boss was put through hell before his team ? leading 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield ? scored four times in the second half to clinch a Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.


Hiddink, 62, revealed: ?My heart is now around 100 beats per minute because the game?s been finished for 15 minutes. But at the time of the game it was up to 160 or 180. .....................

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Arsenal 3 - 0 Villareal

Porto 0 - 1 Manchester

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Half time Arsenal and Manu in control.

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Villareal in trouble penalty and one player send off. Van scores the penalty 3- 0

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Its Arsenal Vs Manu at Old Trafford and then to the Emirates in two weeks time.

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Arsenal 3 Villarreal 0
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CHEER UP ... Theo Walcott shows a touch of ex-Gunner Thierry Henry after opening the scoring


THEO WALCOTT was the star of the show as Arsenal booked their place in the final four of the Champions League. Walcott clipped the ball over Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez to open the scoring after 10 minutes. Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the advantage on the hour mark before Walcott won a penalty seven minutes later. The England ace was sent crashing in the box and Robin van Persie made it 3-0 from the spot after Sebastian Eguren was red-carded for a second booking. Arsenal started brightly with Walcott raiding down the right flank at every opportunity.

And it was no surprise when he opened the scoring after a flowing move. Emmanuel Eboue's ball was flicked on by Cesc Fabregas and Walcott raced away before finishing in style. The Gunners should have been home and dry before the half-hour mark but Adebayor saw his header cleared off the line.

Adebayor pounced after Van Persie's stinging free-kick was pushed away by Lopez. The striker's effort probably didn't have the power or direction to reach the net but Villarreal were lucky not to gift the hosts an own goal before hacking the ball to safety. Arsenal maintained the pressure after the break and Adebayor made amends for his earlier miss with 60 minutes on the clock. He was put clear by Van Persie and calmly slotted the ball past Lopez to make it 2-0 on the night and 3-1 to the Gunners on aggregate. Walcott was upended shortly afterwards and Van Persie rounded off a great night for the Arsenal faithful when he rammed home the resulting spot-kick.


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Theo Walcott fires in a cross



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Robin van Persie skips past Lopez Angel

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Theo Walcott clips home the opener

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Theo Walcott is mobbed by his team-mates



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Theo Walcott takes on Diego Godin

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Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski punches clear under pressure





Porto 0 Man Utd 1


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Cristiano Ronaldo cracks in the opener

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Will he go or stay ................... gone.........



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BEGGING ... Kaka wants Steven Gerrard at AC



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Ade hunting double glory


EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR insists he and his Arsenal team-mates are relishing the challenge of fighting for a cup Double. The Gunners are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League after a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes. They started the season struggling in the league and with a thread-bare squad after Gilberto, Mathieu Flamini and Alex Hleb all quit the club last summer.

But Arsene Wenger?s side are unbeaten in 18 Premier League games and have suffered only one defeat in 2009. And even that ? a 1-0 reverse at Roma ? felt like a victory after a triumphant penalty shoot-out at the Stadio Olimpico. Next up for the North Londoners is Saturday?s FA Cup encounter with Chelsea at Wembley. And Togo striker Adebyaor, 25, revealed confidence in the Gunners' camp is sky-high at the moment. He said: ?We know how good Chelsea are, but in football there are never any favourites.

?We are confident but sometimes when the team is playing very well, that is when you have to be careful. "We know it will be tough from now until the end of the season. "We have Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final to come and Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday. ?All the big games are coming but as a player, those are the games we enjoy the most ? we?re looking forward to them.? Adebayor followed up his strike against Villarreal last week by netting against them again in last night?s 3-0 triumph in the return leg as the Gunners booked their place in the last four. And he is determined to do everything he can to add to his 16-goal tally for the season ? and vowed to end United?s Champions League dreams.

He added: ?I am enjoying myself at the moment and I hope I will keep up this form until the end of the season. ?If I say ?no, we can?t beat Manchester United?, it means I am not a footballer and the boss should leave me to go on holiday. ?I believe we can beat them. We?ve already beaten them this season in the Premier League so there is no reason why we can?t do it again.
?We have a strong squad and play good football so if we believe ourselves we have a good chance of going through.

?The first leg is at Old Trafford, which we know quite well, and it will be tough there but we have to believe in ourselves that we can do it.?

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BARCELONA hadn?t failed to score at the Nou Camp this season - until tonight.

Guus Hiddink?s rearguard action and the occasional roughhouse tactics of his players meant they had to live on their nerves at times but eventually nullified the threat of the Catalans. And with Petr Cech returning to his form of old, it gives Chelsea every chance of progressing to the Champions League final in Rome.

Other than a glorious opening handed to Didier Drogba by a Daniel Alves slip just before half time, the Blues didn?t create a chance throughout the entire 90 minutes. No sooner was possession won by Hiddink?s side than it was given back to Barca to weave their intricate passing in wave after wave of attack. But after Cech had flapped at two routine crosses in the first five minutes, he went on to have an inspired night. In front of him, skipper John Terry was assured and the resurgent Alex coped admirably with the pace and trickery of Samuel Eto?o and Thierry Henry. With Ashley Cole suspended, Jose Bosingwa deputised at left-back in an attempt to shackle Lionel Messi - and for the most part he did an exceptional job.

But the 21-year-old Argentine is simply irrepressible and was still at the heart of many of Barca?s thrusts. Xavi hit a powerful drive wide from the edge of the box just before the half hour mark and, after Michael Ballack was cautioned, Henry twice cut in from the left to hit low drives that Cech kept out at his near post. An ongoing feud between Alves, Drogba and Florent Malouda ensued as tempers frayed and Yaya Toure saw yellow for whinging about a foul on Andres Iniesta. On 38 minutes came the chance of the game for Drogba.

A shocking back pass by Alves was seized upon by the burly frontman, Valdes beat out his first effort and when the Ivorian tried to lift the rebound over him, the Barca stopper threw out two big hands to claw the ball away. The second-half didn?t get going for 10 minutes with a trio of Barca players left writhing in agony. First Henry was pole axed after a clash of heads with Alex, then Rafael Marquez had to be stretchered off and replaced by Carles Puyol. Finally, Alves was sent sprawling after the faintest of touches by Drogba Messi volleyed high from a corner on the hour, Alves powered in a drive that Cech blocked and then Eto?o ran from the halfway line, turned Alex, only for the indomitable stopper to again thwart him from close in. Ballack escaped a second yellow for what looked a blatant body check on Iniesta with five minutes left. Eto?o was replaced by Bojan Krkic with 10 minutes remaining as Pep Guardiola rolled the dice. And the teenager missed the home side?s best chance, turning a close range header over from an Alves cross. Fellow sub Alexander Hleb could also have scored in the dying seconds but Cech, who else, was again on hand to save.




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Rival bosses Guus Hiddink and Josep Guardiola



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Michael Ballack shadows Andres Iniesta

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Samuel Eto?o lunges to tackle Alex

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Petr Cech watches Samuel Eto?o head this chance for Barca


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John Terry battles with Xavi Hernandez

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Alex sticks out a leg as Lionel Messi attacks


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Daniel Alves and Xavi sandwich Didier Drogba


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Victor Valdes tries to halt Didier Drogba

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Branislav Ivanovic holds off Thierry Henry

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Daniel Alves tussles with Florent Malouda


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Florent Malouda is tackled by Barcelona?s Daniel Alves

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Didier Drogba defends against Rafa Marquez


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Michael Essien closes on Abidal


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Didier Drogba touches the ball with his arm in front of Rafael Marquez

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Didier Drogba shields the ball from Gerard Pique


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Frank Lampard challenges Lionel Messi

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EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has vowed to silence the Old Trafford boo-boys with another crucial European away goal tomorrow night. The Arsenal striker has shrugged off a hamstring problem and will face Champions League holders Manchester United in the semi-final, first leg. Adebayor netted a magnificent scissor-kick to secure an away goal against Villarreal in the last round and would like nothing more than to grab another in the Red Devils? own backyard.

He said: ?When you get onto the pitch the people around will be singing against you, they will be hating you, and that can give you more motivation." The Togo ace, 25, scored at Old Trafford last season and bagged the winner there in September 2006. He added: ?I know they do not like me there because I managed to get a goal and you just feel like ?OK, I will show you again how good I am. ?In three games there I have scored two goals and I know it will not be easy to get another one but I will do everything it takes to score or to help my team win the game. ?As a player, two or three days before the game you close your eyes and put yourself in every difficult situation, in front of the goal, at a free-kick or a corner, how you are going to finish if you are in front of the keeper one-on-one.

?Those are the things you have to imagine. "If you are not doing that then you will never score because what you can do on the pitch is what you have prepared for in your head before it comes. ?As soon as the head asks for something, the body will follow.? United were beaten 2-1 at Emirates Stadium in November and there will be another meeting between the pair in the Premier League on May 16. Adebayor said: ?We know how good they are and it is going to be an exciting game for English football. ?It is going to be tough, but we just have to believe we can do it, that we can win this cup. That is why we are here. ?We have the quality in the squad and are in form.?

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BARCELONA star Bojan Krkic has sent Chelsea a blunt warning ahead of next week's clash at Stamford Bridge: Give us a fair ref in London and we'll go through to the final in Rome. The fuming Catalan giants believe referee Wolfgang Stark turned a blind eye to the Blues' rough-house tactics at the Nou Camp last night. Guus Hiddink's men fought tooth and nail for a goalless draw that leaves their Champions League semi-final on a knife-edge ahead of next Wednesday's return leg in West London.

Speaking at the club's training ground on the outskirts of Barcelona, Bojan said: "Yes, I believe if the referee is 50-50 in London we will go through to the final. "We would not be talking about the referee of course if I had scored my big chance just before the end. "Referees can make mistakes or take the right decisions but this referee certainly made many mistakes." Barca boss Pep Guardiola has launched a vicious blast at Stark for failing to send off Michael Ballack when he brought down Andres Iniesta. Guardiola was furious with Stark, who also denied his side a clear penalty when Jose Bosingwa brought down Thierry Henry.

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UNSTOPPABLE ... John O'Shea smashes the ball home to put Manchester United 1-0 up

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Oshea celebrates

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John O?Shea celebrates his goal


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John O?Shea celebrates his goal with his Manchester United team-mates


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Manuel Almunia is dejected after conceding the first goal

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JOHN O?SHEA?S thunderbolt handed Manchester United a vital Champions League advantage over Arsenal. The home side dominated the game and the Irish fullback put them ahead when he smashed the ball home from close range after 16 minutes. Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia had an inspired night between the posts and kept the Gunners in it but United will feel they should have killed off the tie with the amount of opportunities they had.
Asked if they should have scored more, O?Shea said: ?Possibly with the chances we had.

Their ?keeper has made a couple of great saves. "On our first-half display we could have been a couple more goals up. ?But we have the goal, we kept a clean sheet and we know we?re capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. ?But it?s definitely not over. We tried to squeeze play up the pitch as much as we could, to keep the pressure on Arsenal. ?It worked very well, especially in the first half. Arsenal are a good team, they kept the ball well at times and it?s hard to get it back from them.

?At the Emirates, we need to improve on retaining possession. ?But overall we have to be happy.? Spanish stopper Almunia clawed Wayne Rooney?s looping header away from the far post in the opening minute of the game and blocked Carlos Tevez?s close-range effort 15 minutes later. But the Gunners failed to trouble Edwin van der Sar in the United goal during the opening exchanges, despite a continued spell of possession towards the end of the first period. Rooney flashed a curling shot just wide from 20 yards as United looked to finish the half on top. A short backpass from rookie left-back Kieran Gibbs almost allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to nip in, but Almunia once again made a sliding block to make the save.

The second half started brightly for the home side, with Brazilian midfielder Anderson trying his luck from 20-yards out, only to see his shot blaze over the bar. The visitors pushed forward but Emmanuel Adebayor was deprived of service from the Arsenal midfield and cut a frustrated figure up front. However, ten minutes into the second half, the Togo hitman made space for a half-volley after chesting the ball down 18 yards out, but fired his effort over. United then brought on Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov for the final 24 minutes, as Anderson and Tevez made way. The Red Devils continued to dictate the play and Ronaldo?s speculative 30-yard effort on 68 minutes rattled Almunia?s crossbar. Arsenal made a change when Nicklas Bendtner replaced the ineffective Theo Walcott on 71 minutes. Michael Carrick fired wide from 30 yards as United then stepped up a gear in search of a second goal. Ronaldo then threatened to make it two when he got on the end of Rooney?s cross, but the World Player of the Year headed over from six yards out. Giggs then had the ball in the back of the net after latching on to Rooney?s through ball before rounding Almunia, but his effort was ruled offside.

Arsene Wenger hauled Adebayor off with seven minutes remaining, the African forward being replaced by Eduardo. But the Croatian's introduction failed to spark a comeback from the away side and O'Shea's early strike means United will take a vital advantage into next Tuesday's second leg at the Emirates Stadium.



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UEFA president Michel Platini looks on ... ... alikuwepo kushuhudia.

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Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal battles with Manchester United?s Cristiano Ronaldo


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Carlos Tevez skips away from Alex Song

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Darren Fletcher beats Abou Diaby

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Cristiano Ronaldo shields the ball from Kieran Gibbs


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Abou Diaby skips past Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher

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Manuel Almunia saves from Carlos Tevez at point blank range

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Carlos Tevez goes in hard on Manuel Almunia

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Emmanuel Adebayor and Darren Fletcher jump for the ball

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Emmanuel Adebayor lashes a shot at goal


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Mikael Silvestre tackles Cristiano Ronaldo


It was all Manu today Arsenal never really got going but expect fire works back at the Emirates. The occassion got into the youngsters Arsene wenger will expect some reactions .... ....

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Arsene Wenger was left to reflect on the most disappointing night of his Arsenal career following the Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester United, but vowed his young side will one day compete with the best again

gunners wataishi kwa matumaini mpaka lini? young side si awaache wakue kwanza, ona wanavyomuonea gibbs wa watu- apate depression bure!

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Manchester fans are descending in Rome ahead of their clash with Barcelona tomorrow night. at leats more tha 52 flights are expected to leave tomorrow from Manchester for the Italian capital.

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Nike nicked ... Rooney's boots



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Nike nicked ... Rooney's boots


MAN United ace Wayne Rooney was reeling last night after his boots were STOLEN hours before the Champions League Final. United chiefs were frantically trying to organise a replacement pair in time for tonight's clash with Barcelona in Rome.

Rooney's sponsors Nike had flown in a specially-made pair of T90 laser boots for the striker to wear. But the England star, 23, was stunned when told a thief had intercepted the delivery. Roo had planned to wear the boots in training yesterday, but instead was forced to use an old pair.
A United source said: "Everyone is staggered that someone would actually steal Rooney's football boots.

"They were signed for at the airport and were being couriered to the team hotel when they were intercepted. "This was either an opportunistic crime by someone who knew the worth of these boots, or sabotage by a Barcelona fan. But Rooney's a model pro so fans can rest assured that his performance won't be affected. However, we'd dearly love to get our hands on the thief."

DO YOU know who nicked Rooney's boots? Call The Sun's newsdesk on 020 7782 4104.

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9' GOAL BARCELONA!!! The Catalan club score with their first real attack. Andres Iniesta gets past Anderson too easily and finds Eto'o who cuts inside Nemanja Vidic and toe pokes the ball under Edwin van der Sar from close range.

28 minutes gone first half

Manu 0 - 1 Barcer

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Half time Manu are trailling Barcelona by 1 goal.

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Barcelona 2 - 0 from Messi 20 minutes to go

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77' Ronaldo has lost his cool here and Xavi is having words with him.

Manu are waiting for 10 minutes extra time .... they still think its a Premier League .... ....

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Its all over for Manu, Barcelona are Champions.

More to come ... ...

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FINE MESS .... Thierry Henry helps Lionel Messi celebrate his vital goal for Barcelona



WE'VE the best of the pictures as Barcelona's pass masters killed off Manchester United's Quadruple dream. Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi struck early and late in Barca's deserved 2-0 Champions League final victory in Rome.


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Manchester United fans

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A bubbly Barcelona fan


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A Manchester United fan shows a bit tattoo much

Absolutely MANURE!


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Ronaldo a shadow of himself

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Cristiano Ronaldo fires in an early free-kick


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Victor Valdes saves an early Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick



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Cristiano Ronaldo flashes a shot

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John O?Shea races with Thierry Henry


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Thierry Henry evades Rio Ferdinand


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Edwin Van der Sar sees Xavi?s free-kick hit the post

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Barcelona scorer Lionel Messi


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Lionel Messi heads Barcelona 2-0 up

As you like it ....

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Another view of Lionel Messi?s scoring header

Rio a spectactor

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Barcelona players run to congratulate Lionel Messi



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Edwin van der Sar reacts to Lionel Messi?s goal

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Cristiano Ronaldo realises Utd?s dream is over

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Samuel Eto?o outpaces Nemanja Vidic



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Manchester United supporters near the end



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Barcelona players celebrate victory

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Barcelona react to victory


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Ryan Giggs and Edwin Van der Sar look dejected in defeat
Kufungwa kubaya .... ...



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Nemanja Vidic shows his anguish at defeat

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Carlos Puyol lifts the Champions League trophy aloft



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Carles Puyol with the Champions League trophy

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Barcelona players rejoice

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Thierry Henry with the cup


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Lionel Messi fends off Michael Carrick

Messing around with manure






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Barcelona players revel in victory

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Barcelona players throw coach Pep Guardiola into the air

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Dejected Man Utd supporters

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Man Utd players pick up their runners-up medals


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Dimitar Berbatov

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Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand


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Man Utd players prepare to watch Barcelona pick up winners medals



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ETO'O NO ... Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o scores Barcelona's first goal against Manchester United


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Manu msiwe na kinyongo party inaendelea.

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Sorry Man U


Ronaldo's rage at Messi-cre


CRISTIANO RONALDO blasted boss Alex Ferguson's tactics as Manchester United became victims of a Euro Messi-cre. United were slayed 2-0 by Spanish giants Barcelona, ending their dream of becoming the first team to win two consecutive Champions League crowns. Leo Messi won his personal duel against Ronaldo as he headed in Barca's second.

And Ronaldo risked Fergie's wrath by saying: "We didn't do well. The tactics were not good and everything went wrong for us. We were only in it for 10 minutes and we never found ourselves again." Ronaldo's rant could cast further doubt on his United future with Real Madrid desperate to land the Portuguese winger this summer. Ferguson blamed his defence after goals from Samuel Eto'o and Messi stunned United.

The United boss said: "Our whole season has been built on defensive strength, but they were very shoddy goals to concede. We didn't play as well as we can." Fergie also believes some of his players will feel they let themselves down on the night. He added: "It was a disappointing performance and some individuals will feel it themselves. With the players we have we expected to do better.

"That was our 66th game of the season and I have to say the players have shown great courage.
"We have played some great football at times but we were not at our best tonight. We just couldn't get going how we wanted to." Centre-back Rio Ferdinand said that no United player could come away from the Stadio Olimpico with their head held high. He said: "Not one of us can say we played well tonight. It's a shame we didn't play well, but we still created five or six chances. "They were the better team and scored from their first attack.

"Special moments decide these games and they were deserved winners today."