Connect to share and comment

Malaga battling for European berth despite ban

April 18, 2013 05:30
By Iain Rogers MADRID (Reuters) - With seven games left in the season, Malaga's players have put the Qatar-owned La Liga club in a strong position to secure a lucrative place in Europe for next term even though they know their efforts could all be in vain. Fifth-placed Malaga, who play at fellow European hopefuls Valencia, one place below them in sixth, on Saturday (9 p.m. BT), have earned a UEFA ban from continental competition from next season due to delays in payments to creditors.

Football: Borussia-Real evenly matched - Marcelo

April 15, 2013 15:19
Real Madrid defender Marcelo said on Monday that he believes his side's clash with Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League will be a very open affair -- despite their recent record. The two have already met twice in the group stages of this season's competition, with Dortmund taking four points off the Spanish champions, and the Brazilian international knows Madrid face a fierce battle if they are to reach their first Champions League final in 11 years.

Football: Dream Barca, Real final possible after semis draw

April 12, 2013 12:01
The prospect of a dream all-Spanish Champions League final between Barcelona and Real Madrid next month remains alive after Friday's semi-final draw. But Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund can also set up an all-German affair in the Wembley title showdown. Last year's beaten finalists Bayern, who have already secured the Bundesliga title, take on Spanish league leaders Barcelona in one semi-final. In the other tie, Borussia will play Real Madrid, as representatives of Europe's current dominant footballing powers go head-to-head.

Benfica squad depth key to treble hopes, says coach Jesus

April 12, 2013 08:15
LISBON (Reuters) - Benfica coach Jorge Jesus' early season gamble of including a large contingent of forwards competing for a first-team start may just prove decisive as they close in on an elusive treble of Europa League, championship and cup. Jesus lauded his wide range of options after Benfica grabbed a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on Thursday to set up a Europa League semi-final clash against Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Football: Spanish, Germans kept apart in Champions League semis

April 12, 2013 08:00
The prospect of an all-German or an all-Spanish European Champions League final next month remains alive after Friday's semi-final draw. But with the Spanish and German teams kept apart when European football's governing body UEFA made the draw for the last four, the Wembley showpiece could just as easily feature yet another Germany-Spain clash. Last year's beaten finalists Bayern Munich, who have already secured the Bundesliga title, take on Spanish league leaders Barcelona.

Football: Dramatic Dortmund join Madrid in last four

April 9, 2013 18:48
Borussia Dortmund produced a stunning late comeback to beat Malaga and progress to the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, while Real Madrid saw off the challenge of Galatasaray. After a goalless draw in last week's first leg in Spain, Dortmund looked to be heading out of Europe when they trailed 2-1 on the night with the game at the Signal Iduna Park moving into injury time.

Football: Mourinho cheering PSG against Barca

April 9, 2013 18:48
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said he will be cheering on French league leaders Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final, second leg, against Barcelona on Wednesday. PSG face a tough task at the Camp Nou as they look to qualify for the semi-finals having drawn 2-2 at home in the first leg. But they have some star-studded support in the form of Barca's public enemy number one. "I have friends in Paris, I don't have any friends in Barcelona," Mourinho told BeInSport in French when asked who he'd like to see progressing.

Football: Real have everything to lose, says Mourinho

April 8, 2013 13:30
Real Madrid may have a comfortable 3-0 advantage over Galatasaray ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg here but coach Jose Mourinho is not resting on his laurels. The Portuguese boss, chasing a third European title with a third different team in a third different country, believes his side face a tricky situation as they have nothing to gain and everything to lose. "If we lose 4-0 or 5-1 or on penalties, the world will open their mouths, it would be a very bad situation for all of us," he said.

Real's Pepe doubtful for second leg at Galatasaray

April 8, 2013 12:46
By Ece Toksabay ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Real Madrid defender Pepe is doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at Galatasaray when Jose Mourinho's side are hoping to avoid "any unpleasant outcomes" after their 3-0 win in the first match. Raul Albiol is on hand to partner Raphael Varane if Portugal's Pepe fails to recover from injury with fellow centre back Sergio Ramos suspended.

Football: Spanish and German giants look to enforce dominance

April 7, 2013 20:16
Spanish and German heavyweights will go into the Champions League quarter-final, second legs this week aiming to ensure that no surprise package makes it into the final four. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both recorded convincing victories in last week's first legs while Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund secured useful draws away from home. It has left the competition with a feeling of impending inevitability as the continent's powerhouses flex their muscles.
Syndicate content