WORLD SOCCER

BARCELONA 1-0 REAL MADRID

2009-11-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

Nov 29, 2009 7:49:05 PM

After a deadlock in the first half, substitute Zlatan Ibahimovic became Barcelona's newest darling when he scored the only goal of the game in the 159th edition of El Clasico to bag three points to the Catalans.
Injuries and fitness issues had deprived to threaten the world’s Clasico of the biggest duel in football after reports emerged in the morning of matchday that neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo would start the game.
But the legions of fans and the global media were relieved to see both players in the starting XI, although the two other big guns, Ibrahimovic and Karim Benzema only started on the bench.
Barca wasted little time charging forward as Messi and Dani Alves looked to exploit Madrid’s weak left-back spot immediately, but the Brazilian wasted two early crosses as he uncharacteristically over-hit them.
Kaka launched the visitors’ first attack after four minutes when he lofted a through ball into the box but Gonzalo Higuain just couldn’t control, leaving Victor Valdes to gather easily.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first meaningful contribution was to carve up an opening on six minutes when he easily breezed past Carles Puyol down the left flank and dinked a low cross to Marcelo, who miscued his half volley and sent it well into the stands.
Minutes later, Messi danced past three players and slipped in Thierry Henry into the area down the left channel, but his tame shot was saved comfortably by Iker Casillas. Alves then sent yet another cross into empty space before Xavi pummelled in a 20 yard drive which sailed over the bar.
Ronaldo had a shooting opportunity of his own on 11 minutes as he stood over the ball for a freekick from nearly 30 yards out while deafening whistles rained down from the Camp Nou stands on 11 minutes when Ronaldo stood over the ball for a freekick from nearly 30 yards out, but his blistering effort crashed into Sergio Busquets in the wall, much to the delight of the Catalan faithful.
The best chance of the game came on 20 minutes. Kaka careened down the left, cut into the middle and squared the ball to Ronaldo, but his low drive was kick-saved by Valdes, leaving the Portuguese in disbelief. Barca’s normally flawless passing game collapsed a minute later when they lost the ball in their own half and Ronaldo’s deft backheel released Kaka, but Valdes dashed off his line to thump it clear.
The Blaugrana backline was sliced opened again on 25 minutes when Kaka teed-up an unmarked Marcelo, but Puyol lunged forward and blocked off the Brazilian’s shot.
Casillas was finally called to make his first big save of the game on 36 minutes when he tipped over Henry’s cheeky angled cross at the byline which was heading for the back of the net. The Madrid shot-stopper then dived low to save Iniesta’s left-foot drive as Barcelona looked to end the half the stronger, but both sides marched back into the dressing room even-stevens, although Los Blancos appeared the happier of the two sides with the way the contest was unfolding.

All the game needed was a goal to light the spark and Pep Guardiola decided to introduce the first of the two missing big guns as Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaced a quiet Henry after 50 minutes. And the Catalans immediately upped the tempo.
But it was again Madrid who looked the more likely to score. Barca failed to make the most of a corner and Sergio Ramos led the counterattack as he played in Higuain, who checked past one defender inside the box but Puyol again came to the rescue with a brilliant tackle just as the Argentine was about to pull the trigger.
The capital giants would pay for their profligacy as Barcelona surged infront on 55 minutes. Dani Alves drilled in an inch-perfect cross to Ibrahimovic, who stayed onside before he rifled in a masterful cushioned volley past Casillas at the back post.
But the Blaugrana were stunned on the hour mark when Busquets’ clumsy handball earned him a second yellow card and Guardiola suddenly found himself a man short. Ronaldo had another chance on 65 minutes but he thumped Marcelo’s cross over. That was his last contribution as Manuel Pellegrini made his first change, sending in Karim Benzema for ‘CR9’.
Gerard Pique almost killed off the contest in the 70th minute but hammered his header from a freekick agonisingly wide. Straight to the other end, Kaka danced his way past Alves at the byline and cut it back to Benzema, but Puyol, for the umpteenth time, made a pivotal interception to block the French striker’s close-range attempt.
Eric Abidal was next to queue up to become the hero for Barcelona when he latched onto Xavi’s through ball but pulled his shot marginally wide of Casillas’ left post. Over at the other side, Benzema almost became Madrid’s saviour when Xabi Alonso’s corner bobbled into this path, but the former Lyon man ballooned his shot from five yards out.
With two minutes left on the clock, Messi thought he had the icing on the cake. He ran onto Dani Alves’ squared ball but he was denied brilliantly by Casillas in a one-on-one. But it would be game over a minute later when Madrid’s midfield talisman, Lassana Diarra was dismissed.
It wasn't the goal rush fans around the world were expecting, as Barcelona did just enough to fight off a valiant Madrid in a fascinating encounter nonetheless.
KS Leong, Goal.com

CATANIA 0-2 AC MILAN

2009-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

Nov 29, 2009 9:42:38 PM

After Juventus lost away to Cagliari this afternoon, Milan had a chance to move into the second place in the away match at Catania.

In the fifth minute, they came close as Alexandre Pato played it to Clarence Seedorf on the right, and the Dutch playmaker fired a shot that went just wide.

Ten minutes later, Catania had a chance as defender Giuseppe Bellusci sent in a dangerous low cross that was missed by Thiago Silva, who slipped, but Dida grabbed the ball in two attempts.

Bellusci again made himself dangerous in the 25th minute with a cross for Jorge Martinez, who couldn’t quite direct the ball properly as he barely managed to get a touch on it.

There were very few chances for both sides and the next dangerous moment came only a minute before half time, when Ronaldinho’s free kick from the edge of the area sailed just past the far post.

Ronaldinho in action...

During half time neither coach opted to make a change.

The first chance of the second half came in the 53rd minute, when Cristian Llama sent the ball just over the crossbar on a free kick for Catania.

On the hour mark Pato fired a dangerous shot from distance that was deflected out for a corner by a Catania defender.

The home side had a big chance in the 71st minute, when defender Nicolas Spolli was in a great position to head the ball on a corner kick, but his header was weak and easily grabbed by Dida.

Soon after that coach Leonardo brought in Filippo Inzaghi for Marco Borriello, and the 36-year-old immediately made himself dangerous, as in the 74th minute he controlled a pass from Ronaldinho, dribbled past Spolli and fired a shot toward the far post that was well cleared by Matias Silvestre.

Two minutes later, Seedorf came close with a shot from the edge of the area that went just over the crossbar.

With ten minutes to go, Milan continued to attack in search of a winner and Ronaldinho came very close in the 80th minute, as he amazingly hit the woodwork directly on a corner kick.

In the 88th minute Inzaghi made himself dangerous with a volley that went over the crossbar on a nice cross by Ignazio Abate from the right.

Five minutes later, substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave the Rossoneri the winner with a curling left-footed shot after a one-two with Inzaghi.

Amazingly enough, the Dutch star added to his tally with just seconds to go with an incredible lob from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.

This last-minute victory allowed Milan to climb to second place with 28 points, seven behind leaders Inter.

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

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ARSENAL 0-3 CHELSEA

2009-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Nov 29, 2009 5:57:21 PM

Chelsea proved exactly why they are considered the favourites for the title this season as they maintained their impressive recent record against Arsenal to claim a 2-0 win in the Premier League this evening.

Carlo Ancelotti's Blues poured on the misery for an Arsenal side that have only managed two wins from the last 15 encounters between the two London rivals as a Didier Drogba strike and an own goal from Thomas Vermaelen settled the match at the Emirates Stadium.

In a meeting between the Premier League's strongest attack and meanest defence, Arsenal had been on the front foot during the opening exchanges and had been taking the game to their west London counterparts.

It was Chelsea, however, who were presented with the first chance of the match after 18 minutes as Frank Lampard, passed fit to play despite concerns over a thigh injury, put Nicolas Anelka into the clear but Bacary Sagna tracked back to get in the vital challenge just as his international compatriot was about to pick his spot.

There were suspicions that Sagna had hauled Anelka to the ground in the process of making the crucial tackle although none of the Chelsea players appeared to appeal for the penalty as Lampard fired wide from the follow-up.

It would take 24 minutes before Arsenal created their first real opening as Samir Nasri drove forward before hitting a low shot from just outside the box. It was a decent effort from the 22-year-old but a lack of real power ensured Petr Cech made a comfortable save.

Despite a distinct lack of genuine efforts on goal, Chelsea grabbed the initiative when Drogba scored the opening goal of the game to continue his imperious record against Arsene Wenger’s side. A smart finish into the net via crossbar and post made it nine in his last nine outings against the Gunners following good work down the left from Ashley Cole.

Just two minutes later and the Blues had opened up a two goal lead as the unfortunate Vermaelen put through his own net. Ex-Gunner Cole was again the provider as his accurate cross was delivered into a really dangerous area and the Belgian international, undoubtedly worried by Drogba’s presence in the box, diverted the ball past Manuel Alumnia for 2-0 Chelsea.

Wenger made the decision to bring on Theo Walcott at half-time in an attempt to inject a bit of pace into his side and Arsenal were a little unlucky not to have reduced the arrears almost immediately after the break when Andrei Arshavin had a goal chalked off after an alleged foul by Eduardo on Cech.

The Czech Republic goalkeeper had initially saved well at the feet of Eduardo although as Cesc Fabregas played the ball back into the area, the Croatian forward was adjudged by referee Andre Marriner to have kicked the ball from Cech’s grasp before Arshavin slammed the ball into the net past a ruckus of Chelsea players on the line.

Chelsea nearly increased their lead with what would have proved a somewhat fortuitous goal on 64 minutes. Drogba got the ball onto his right foot before shooting from just outside the box although the former Marseille star’s effort was deflected first off William Gallas and then off Lampard’s chest to force Almunia into a smart save low down to his right.

Arsenal continued to press and probe for a way back into the match although Chelsea effectively put the game to bed with a terrific free-kick from Drogba.

The 31-year-old claimed his second of the match on 86 minutes as he dispatched a stunning strike into the corner of the net from around 25-yards out to increase Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League to five points ahead of Manchester United in second place.

Inter Milan 1-0 Fiorentina: Diego Milito Penalty Gives Nerazzurri Three Points

2009-11-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

Nov 29, 2009 3:52:59 PM

A late Diego Milito penalty proved the difference as Inter Milan downed Fiorentina 1-0 at the Giuseppe Meazza to increase the gap over Juventus.

Inter Milan were particularly active in the early stages of the match, when Muntari had two good chances to score, but in the first one his shot from inside the box went wide, while in the second one he opted for a powerful strike instead of squaring the ball for Eto'o.

The hosts went very close to scoring in the 16th minute after Milito was played through but his shot went straight at Frey, who rushed out to deny the Argentine from close range.

Inter outcast Ricardo Quaresma was eager to prove he deserved a spot in the starting XI, and he almost found the back of the net near the half-hour mark, when Muntari's cross was headed towards the far post by a Fiorentina man, where the winger volleyed it first time but his effort went just inches wide of the right post.

The second half began with an Inter goal in the 50th minute, which was disallowed by the referee, who claimed Walter Samuel had pulled the defender's shirt before heading home.

Inter did not lower their heads and it was thanks to Frey that they did not score 10 minutes into the second half, when Milito's shot from inside the area was denied by the French keeper.

The first real chance for Fiorentina came in the 80th minute, when Gilardino flicked the ball over two defenders before running clear on goal but he hit the post in a one-on-one situation with Julio Cesar.

Moments after this scare, Inter were awarded a penalty as Milito was brought down in the area by Comotto. The Argentina international stepped up and sent Frey the wrong way to put his team ahead.

Inter had a clear chance to make it 2-0 just two minutes before stoppage time, when Samuel Eto'o ran alone on the counter and had just the keeper to beat but he sent the ball against Frey.

Luís Mira, Goal.com

Samuel Eto'o Files €3 Million Lawsuit Against Barcelona - Report

2009-11-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Nov 26, 2009 7:53:16 PM
Inter striker Samuel Eto'o is pressing ahead with his compensation claim after his summer transfer from Barcelona, and it is now reported that he could receive up to €3 million from the Spanish champions.

Spanish news agency EFE report that he has filed a lawsuit claiming €3m in compensation, as he believes that he is entitled to 15 per cent of his own transfer fee.

His valuation was set at €20m during the summer, as he formed a makeweight in the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) state that players are entitled to 15 per cent of any fee.

However, this only applies to transfers between Spanish clubs - a fact that Barcelona have been keen to point out. The Blaugrana have also stated that any cut of the transfer fee should be paid by Inter.

A similar case took place in February 2008, when Albert Luque demanded compensation after his move from Deportivo La Coruna to Newcastle United. The striker demanded 15 per cent of his transfer fee (€14m) and was duly awarded €2.1m.

No agreement has yet been reached between the parties involved, and a trial has therefore been set for April 8 next year.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

LUCKY MILAN DRAW MARSEILLE

2009-11-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Nov 25, 2009 9:46:34 PM

AC Milan and Marseille will have to wait until the last matchday of this season's Champions League campaign to discover their fate as both sides played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at San Siro this evening.

Marco Borriello's early opener was cancelled out by Lucho Gonzalez but neither side could summon the requisite gumption to locate a winner.

Brandao should have given OM a second half lead when he missed a close ranger with the goal at his mercy but Didier Deschamps' side will now need to find a favourable result in their final game against Real Madrid while Milan visit FC Zurich with the odds stacked in their favour.

The openness of this encounter was as much down to poor defending as it was to capable attacking play. Defenders on both sides struggled to exert any sort of authority throughout, with the jitters not discriminating whom they struck.

Marseille had set themselves out to use a counter-attacking tactic, which was defenestrated once they submitted to an early-striking Milan. Gianluca Zambrotta, from an Andrea Pirlo pass, had forced a fine early save from Steve Mandanda but only nine minutes had elapsed when Borriello had his name in lights.

Alexandre Pato fed the Italian on the right side of the Rossoneri attack and in the absence of Taye Taiwo, the former Genoa man roasted a static Gabriel Heinze before firing a cool finish under the legs of Mandanda.

It did not take OM long to rouse themselves into a response though, with the leveller coming in the next significant passage of play and prompted again by some abject back work.

Lucho fed Mamadou Niang and the captain beat Massimo Oddo all too easily on the left wing to cross; Dida could only punch the ball into the area, from where Lucho stroked home a crisp equaliser.

The Argentinian was the midfield protagonist, playing ahead of the enforcer Eduardo Cisse, and put a limiter on Pirlo's contributions with some rough-house tackling.

By the middle of the half, les Phoceens were in charge; Fabrice Abriel fired narrowly over and Niang forced Dida into action. A move involving the neat Abriel, Niang, Benoit Cheyrou and Lucho was close to locating Brandao in the area but Milan managed to remain steadfast just after the half hour.

Alessandro Nesta's game form betrayed his recent hot streak and his loose pass then gave Niang the chance to cross for Brandao as the half drew to a close, but Pirlo was on hand to block in front of Dida before the Brazilian forward could strike.

For all their attacking fluidity, OM could have been undone by some maladroit defending during the first period.

Zambrotta should have made more from an excellent Clarence Seedorf pass and Souleymane Diawara was exposed twice from a pair of Thiago Silva long range passes.

The first fell to Borriello, who was denied by a great last ditch tackle from the Senegalese international; the second saw Pato lift a lob narrowly over the top.

Milan had an initial period of dominance at the start of the second period which eventually segued into sustained Marseille pressure, as the French side sought the win.

Early in the half, Borriello should have done better from a Seedorf cross when his header failed to register on target; Pirlo and Pato both had long-rangers that failed to trouble Mandanda sufficiently before Ronaldinho's exquisite flick put Borriello again in the clear. His finish, on his left foot, was again lacking.

Marseille re-announced themselves onto the game and should have led when Eduard Cisse's run and pass was turned into the centre by Niang; Brandao will not need reminding that his finish, over the bar, was the worst attempt on goal in this season's Champions League.

With the pressure on, OM went for broke and left gaps in their rearguard; on one such occasion, Clarence Seedorf, from a Pato, pass, was expertly denied by a block from Cisse. Borriello was again at fault when a headed attempt from a sumptuous 'Dinho cross hit his shoulder and it preceded a frenetic last few minutes when Marseille threw it all at the Diavoli.

Milan's legs were heavy in midfield as energetic OM came on strong in the closing stages. Had Bakari Kone's touch been better in the 85th minute he might have won more than a corner; nonetheless, Diawara stole a march on Nesta from the delivery and Dida could only look on as the African's header rebounded, cruelly, off a post.

Peter Staunton, Goal.com

Real Madrid 1-0 FC Zurich: Cristiano Ronaldo Returns In Rudimentary Merengues Victory

2009-11-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nov 25, 2009 9:51:16 PM

Real Madrid coasted past Swiss side Zurich thanks to a solitary first half goal from Gonzalo Higuain. The game will be noted more for the return of Cristiano Ronaldo than the footballing performance as the winger returned after an eight week lay-off.

Ronaldo almost grabbed all the plaudits with a stoppage time effort but his strike was well saved by Johnny Leoni in the Zurich goal.

The hosts started with real intent with Xabi Alonso and Kaka dictating the play and Zurich appeared to stand off them at times looking to contain Madrid before hitting them on the counterattack. Higuain seemed to find space at will and after a couple of sighters on Johnny Leoni's goal it seemed certain that the goal would come sooner rather than later.

The goal came at the 20 minute mark as the Argentinian evaded very slack marking from the Zurich defence, latching onto a tremendous through ball from Kaka and skipping into the box before beating the hapless Leoni at his near post.

Minutes later Alonso stung the palms of Leoni before Marcelo unleashed a stunning volley against the foot of the upright. Madrid were completely dominant and any hopes the visitors had of surprising them on the counter seemed highly unlikely with a tame Alexandre Alphonse effort from distance never troubling Champions League centurion Iker Casillas in the Madrid goal.

Silvan Aegerter and Alphonse each had half chances to test Casillas after the break, however both lacked the composure necessary to muster a meaningful strike on goal.

Bernard Challandes half-time team talk appeared to be having the desired affect as his team played with a far greater intensity in the second 45, not allowing Madrid's players time on the ball and closing them down at every opportunity.

Ronaldo's introduction for the final 20 minutes turned the otherwise hushed atmosphere at the Bernabeu up a couple of decibels and the Swiss resolve seemed to buckle at the very sight of the Portuguese winger as Marcelo crept to the byline and almost fashioned a near post goal for Higuain but it was blocked for a corner by Hannu Tihinen.

In the closing stages it was the Swiss that finished as the stronger side with a flurry of set pieces delivered into the Blancos box but the Madrid back line dealt comfortably with the threat and seemed content to run down the clock and take a single goal victory and another step towards the knockout stages.

The insurance goal nearly came in the dying minutes, firstly with Rafael Van der Vaart opting to shoot and firing over the advancing Leoni with Higuain better placed to roll the ball into an empty net before Ronaldo almost grabbed the headlines only to be denied by a fine save from Leoni from eight yards out.

Higuain's first half strike was enough however as Real take a step closer to the next round while Zurich are condemned to last place in Group C.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

BARCA BACK ON TOP

2009-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

Nov 24, 2009 9:35:49 PM

Barcelona outplayed Inter from start to finish in their Group F Champions League clash at Camp Nou, running out 2-0 winners thanks to first half goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro.

The Blaugrana are now on the verge of qualification to the knockout stages after a dominant performance where the Nerazzurri rarely threatened.

In undoubtedly the biggest game of the competition so far, all eyes were on Catalonia as the respective coaches Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho locked horns.

Yaya Toure was omitted for Barcelona after picking up the H1N1 virus, while Dmytro Chygrynskiy was ineligible. The unfit Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sat on the bench meaning a forward trident of Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Pedro.

Inter, who could have qualified with a win, were without Davide Santon and Wesley Sneijder, the latter who failed a late fitness test before kick-off. They were otherwise at full strength as Samuel Eto'o partnered Diego Milito up-front.

Barcelona attacked right from the start, and Inter barely managed to get out of their own half in the opening stages as the home side launched wave after wave.

A goal was inevitable, and it arrived on 10 minutes as a corner from the left was flicked on for Gerard Pique to fire home at the back post.

Barca continued to attack. Iniesta got in behind enemy lines, but perhaps too unselfishly decided to cross the ball. Henry's ferocious drive was beaten away by Julio Cesar, although the Frenchman was offside.

The second Barcelona goal arrived on 27 minutes following a brilliant team move. One touch passes were exchanged before Dani Alves lifted the ball up to the back post for Pedro to volley into the far corner.

It took until the 35th minute for Inter to register their first shot as a mistake from Victor Valdes ended in an attempted lob by Dejan Stankovic, but his effort was well over.

Some of Barcelona's one-touch passing was a delight to watch, and there were long stretches where Inter could get nowhere near the ball, as the likes of Iniesta and Xavi ran the show.

Inter made one change at half-time as Sulley Muntari replaced Esteban Cambiasso.

The Nerazzurri had the first chance of the second half as Maicon released Milito. The Argentine opted to square the ball to Eto'o, who was shouldered off the ball by Dani Alves. Eto'o asked for a penalty, but the referee didn't want to know.

It should have been 3-0 on 53 minutes as Dani Alves crossed to Xavi, but the Spaniard's header was somehow clawed out of the bottom corner by Julio Cesar. It was a miraculous stop.

Julio Cesar continued to excel, and he got down well to turn a Xavi free kick around the post.

Eto'o managed to escape his man, but sliced the ball horribly off target, before Mario Balotelli was thrown on in the last 20 minutes in a 4-3-3.

Henry blazed over from distance, while Thiago Motta headed wide down the other end as Barcelona ran out 2-0 winners.

This result means that the final day in Group F will decide matters. Barcelona are top with 8 points, followed by Inter (6), Rubin Kazan (6) and Dinamo Kiev (5).

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com

We Can Beat Inter Without Lionel Messi & Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola

2009-11-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

Nov 23, 2009 10:05:05 PM

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has insisted his side can beat Inter in the UEFA Champions League, even without the services of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Both fowards are a doubt for the crucial group F clash but Guardiola feels that whatever eleven he chooses will be good enough to win and the absence of his top scorers will not be used as an excuse if they don't win.

"We will not complain if they [Messi & Ibrahimovic] do not play. If we do not win, it will not be because of that," he told a press conference.

"They are two very important players, but here we have always done everything together. If they don't play we still have eleven [players] and will have chances to win. If not, others will play to win, nothing changes, we need the fans to encourage us. The people have never failed us, we have always had their support."

Guardiola also stated that his side will play their normal attacking style against the Italians as it's they only way they know how.

""We're going out to win, to attack, there is no other way to play here," he declared.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Barcelona Have No Room For Error Against Inter - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

2009-11-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Nov 23, 2009 4:26:34 PM

Barcelona hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently suffering from an injury and could miss the club's key games against Inter and Real Madrid.

However, he told FIFA.com that, regardless of his own participation, he is confident of success against his former club when the sides meet on Tuesday.

"Inter are a very good team and this is a vital match in which we have no margin for error. If we win then we’ll take charge of the group. So far we’ve had a lot of bad luck in our Champions League games. It’s a very big game for me and I’m in an optimistic mood, I believe that it will turn out the way I want."

Ibrahimovic also believes that the Blaugrana will come out on top in el Clasico when Real Madrid visit the Camp Nou at the weekend, although he played down the idea that Pep Guardiola's side could replicate last year's 6-2 victory.

"I don’t know if it’ll be so one-sided, I don’t even think about how many goals we’ll score. But Barcelona have a very attacking mentality and I’m sure that we’ll win and score plenty of goals. It’s a very important game. Not just for us, but for the club, the supporters, even for the neutrals and the world at large. Nobody is indifferent to this match. We’re playing at home and I’m sure we’re going to win."

Despite their recent wobble in the league and their substandard performance in the Champions League group, the Swede declared that Barcelona could emulate last year's team and win the treble again. In addition, he maintained that victory in next month's Club World Cup is one of the team's goals for the season.

"I want to win everything, whichever club I play for. That said, repeating the treble will be a tall order. That would need the team to play at its very peak for two seasons in a row and I think that’s very difficult. On the other hand, we’re very strong mentally and we’ve got last year’s experience under our belts, so why not?

"The Club World Cup is something that so many players want to win, while remaining a competition in which relatively few take part. Barcelona have that opportunity now and we’re really fired up for it. Particularly because it’s a trophy we haven't won yet. It’s one of the main objectives for the club, players and fans this season."

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Maxwell: Barca-Inter Bakal Seru!

2009-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

24 Nov 2009 04:32:00
Oleh MT Rizky

Maxwell, pemain bertahan milik Barcelona, menyatakan pihaknya berambisi untuk meraih tiga angka ketika menjamu Inter Milan di Camp Nou, Rabu (25/11) dinihari WIB. Ia juga meyakini laga dua klub elite di pentas Liga Champions nanti bakal menjadi tontonan yang menarik.

"Pertandingan nanti akan menjadi sebuah pertandingan yang luar biasa dan spesial. Kami akan berusaha untuk memenangkan pertandingan ini. Saya juga meyakini pertandingan ini akan menjadi seru karena kami akan menghadapi tim terbaik dari Italia," kata mantan pemain Inter ini kepada Il Corriere dello Sport.

"Kami semua pemain-pemain profesional dan ini menjadi sebuah pertandingan Liga Champions yang sangat penting. Sejumlah emosi akan muncul sejak awal laga. Kami akan berusaha sebaik mungkin untuk menghapuskan ancaman-ancaman utama mereka dan juga berusaha untuk menang," lanjut pemain asal Brasil ini.

Dalam kesempatan tersebut, Maxwell tetap yakin bisa meraih kemenangan meski Blaugrana tidak diperkuat oleh Lionel Messi dan Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"Mereka berdua merupakan pemain sangat penting buat kami semua, keduanya dapat membuat sebuah perbedaan dalam setiap momen. Namun kami harus tetap yakin dengan skuad yang ada," ujarnya.

SPURS HANCURKAN WIGAN ! 9-1 !!

2009-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

23 Nov 2009 00:33:30

Oleh Ivena Kasatyo

Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic
Hotspur mencatat kemenangan terbesar di pertandingan Liga Primer Inggris saat membantai Wigan di White Hart Lane. Striker Jermain Defoe menjadi momok bagi pertahanan Wigan dengan mencetak lima gol. Ia menyamai rekor Andy Cole dan Alan Shearer yang mencetak gol banyak dalam satu pertandingan.

Hotspur sesungguhnya tak memperlihatkan bakal mencetak kemenangan besar karena hanya mencetak satu gol di babak pertama. Gol tersebut dihasilkan Peter Crouch saat pertandingan baru berjalan sepuluh menit.

Crouch yang menggantikan Robbie Keane berkali-kali mengancam gawang Wigan. Namun, hanya satu peluang yang membuahkan gol.

Memasuki babak kedua, kiper The Latics Chris Kirkland benar-benar mendapat mimpi buruk. Hanya dalam tempo tujuh menit, gawangnya sudah tiga kali kebobolan melalui hattrick Defoe.

Berawal dari gol yang tercipta pada menit ke-50 saat Defoe memanfaatkan umpan silang untuk membobol gawang lawan. Ia menambah gol sekaligus mengubah kedudukan menjadi 3-0, empat menit kemudian.

Wigan sempat memperkecil ketinggalannya pada menit ke-56. Hanya gol tim tamu diwarnai kontroversi. Paul Scharner sengaja menyentuh bola saat menerima umpan silang dari Rodallega sebelum menaklukkan kiper Gomes.

Namun, Defoe langsung merespon dengan gol ketiganya yang tercipta pada menit ke-58. Berikutnya pada menit ke-63 giliran Aaron Lennon yang menjebol pertahanan Wigan dan menjadikan skor 5-1. Defoe kemudian mencetak gol keempatnya pada menit ke-69.

Lennon kemudian ditarik keluar dan digantikan David Bentley. Ia mendapat standing ovation karena penampilannya yang gemilang. Ia memberi tiga assist dan mencetak satu gol.

Defoe masih belum puas dengan koleksi golnya. Ia melengkapi gol kelimanya pada menit ke-87. Dan, satu menit kemudian, tendangan bebas Bentley yang mengenai mistar gawang dan mengenai punggung Kirkland. Akibatnya, bola meluncur ke gawangnya.

Saat memasuki injury time, Hotspur masih belum puas menambah gol. Gelandang Niko Kranjcar menutup kemenangan tuan rumah melalui golnya menjelang pertandingan berakhir.

Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn mengakhiri rekor tak pernah menang di kandang lawan. Blackburn meraih kemenangan atas rival lokal, Bolton,

Kemenangan Blackburn diawali oleh David Dunn melalui serangan balik yang cepat. Dunn kemudian melepaskan tendangan yang terarah melewati kiper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Tim tamu menambah satu gol lagi akibat kesalahan pemain belakang Bolton pada menit ke-73.

Jaaskelainen yang meninggalkan gawang karena hendak mengantisipasi bola silang dari Emerton justru keduluan oleh Samuel Ricketts. Sundulannya pun meluncur ke gawang yang kosong.

SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

2009-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Nov 22, 2009 3:50:26 PM

Milan's upturn in fortunes continued at San Siro with a thrilling 4-3 win over Cagliari in the 13th matchday of Serie A.

Clarence Seedorf, Marco Borriello, Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho scored the goals for the home side in a see-saw encounter that will live long in the memory. Alessandro Matri, Andrea Lazzari and Nene replied for the visitors.

After a miserable start to the campaign under new coach Leonardo, the Rossoneri had been picking up recently and went into this game full of confidence.

Milan were not at full strength as Daniel Bonera, Oguchi Onyewu, Marek Jankulovski, Rino Gattuso and Mathieu Flamini were injured, with Alessandro Nesta suspended. Kakha Kaladze replaced the latter alongside Thiago Silva, while Ronaldinho, Alexandre Pato and Marco Borriello launched a trident attack.

Cagliari, who had won four on the trot coming into the game, were minus star man Andrea Cossu who was banned. Lino Marzoratti and Francesco Pisano were injured as Alessandro Matri partnered Jeda up-front.

It took Milan just five minutes to break the deadlock, and it was Clarence Seedorf who got the goal. The Dutchman threaded through to Borriello, who turned the ball back into his path to sidefoot the ball home.

A couple of minutes later there was huge controversy as Matri raced onto Andrea Lazzari's pass and seemed to be taken down by Dida, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Matri soon had a smile on his face as, on nine minutes, he put Cagliari back on level terms, placing the ball into the bottom corner from Lazzari's hooked cross.

Lazzari and Matri were causing all kinds of problems, and the latter's powerful volley was pushed away with some difficult by Nelson Dida. On 19 minutes Dida produced a brilliant save from Jeda after good work again by Matri.

Dida was a busy man, and he saved well from Lazzari's header, before coming to the rescue once again from a Matri one-on-one.

A second Cagliari goal was inevitable, and it finally arrived on 28 minutes through Lazzari. The 25-year-old was completely unmarked at the back post from Jeda's pass, and he buried his angled drive into the far corner.

Milan had been second best, but an incredible burst before half time saw them score two goals in the space of a minute. First Borriello nodded home from a corner after Federico Marchetti somehow had clawed out Pato's initial header. Then, Pato arrowed home an unstoppable rocket into the top corner of the net to send the crowd berserk.

Milan carried on where they left off at the start of the second half, and Pato lashed wide from 25 yards out. The Brazilian also headed off-target.

Cagliari missed a good opportunity to equalise on 55 minutes, though, as Lazzari rose unmarked to head wide.

Milan were threatening on the counter, and just past the hour mark a break led to Borriello being taken down in the area by Davide Astori. The referee awarded a penalty, and Ronaldinho sent Marchetti the wrong way.

Dida continued his fine afternoon with another smart save from Daniele Conti, but the Brazilian could do nothing on 68 minutes as Cagliari substitute Nene re-opened the game by firing past the goalkeeper from Lazzari's through pass.

Another Cagliari substitute Joaquin Larrivey had the chance to make it 4-4 with five minutes remaining, but he headed straight at Dida from close range.

This success takes Milan temporarily up to second, while Cagliari's four-match winning streak comes to an end.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com

Real Madrid Ace Cristiano Ronaldo Aiming For Barcelona Outing

2009-11-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Nov 22, 2009 12:46:15 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his quest to be fully fit for Real Madrid's trip to Barcelona next weekend as he trained on Sunday away from the first team squad once again.

The Portuguese star has missed Los Merengues' last nine competitive games with an ankle injury, but is tantalisingly close to making a return with el Clasico just days away.

After watching Madrid from the stands as they moved back to the top of the table on Saturday, Ronaldo was at the Valdebebas training complex the following morning
to be put through his paces.

Working with a fitness coach alongside Lassana Diarra, the forward did physical and muscle-toning work-outs as he bids to rediscover his fitness.

All the players that began the game against Racing Santander the evening before had a relaxed session as they warmed down while looking ahead to the Champions league encounter against FC Zurich on Wednesday.

Guti and Ruud van Nistelrooy both worked in the gym as they looked to recover from knocks, while C team goalkeeper Tito was promoted to traing with Iker Casillas and Jerzy Dudek.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

MESSI TERANCAM ABSEN LAWAN INTER&MADRID !

2009-11-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

22 Nov 2009 10:39:34

Oleh Henry AA

Kekhawatiran pelatih Pep Guardiola menghadapi pertandingan berat di pekan ini dan pekan depan mulai terasa. Masalah cedera kembali menghantui klub Catalan ini.

Cedera ikut menimpa Messi yang tidak bermain penuh saat Barca ditahan imbang Athletic Bilbao 2-2. Pep bukan saja kecewa dengan hasil tersebut tapi juga dengan cedera yang dialami salah satu pemain andalannya itu.

Menurut Marca, Messi mengalami cedera otot di kaki kirinya. Pemeriksaan lebih lanjut akan dilakukan hari ini, Minggu (22/11) untuk mengetahui apakah cederanya cukup serius atau hanya cedera ringan.

"Messi memang terpaksa harus ditarik keluar karena kondisi kaki kirinya yang terasa sakit, tapi ia tidak merasa terlalu terganggu dan kami berharap itu pertanda bagus," kata Pep seusai pertandingan.

Barca akan menghadapi Inter Milan dalam lanjutan pertandingan Liga Champions dan kemudian bertemu Real Madrid pada akhir pekan depan.

Pep tentu berharap Messi tidak akan absen dalam dua gim penting tersebut, apalagi sebelumnya ia sudah kehilangan Eric Abidal dan Yaya Toure yang terkena virus H1N1. Sementara kondisi Zlatan Ibrahimovic juga masih sepenuhnya fit

DANURWINDO PUJI PERSIPURA

2009-11-21T19:34:00.000-08:00

21 Nov 2009 23:58:55

Oleh Yuslan Kisra

Pelatih Persebaya Surabaya Danurwindo melontarkan pujian terhadap Persipura Jayapura, lawan yang akan dihadapi timnya pada laga lanjutan putaran pertama Superliga 2009/10.

Menurut Danur, sapaan akrab pelatih yang musim lalu menukangi Persija Jakarta, Persipura adalah tim hebat karena dihuni pemain-pemain hebat.

Meski demikian, ia mengaku akan berupaya keras mengamankan poin di laga kandang, saat bentrok dengan tim asal Papua tersebut.

"Kami akan berupaya tampil lebih efektif dengan tidak banyak membuang peluang untuk mencetak gol," sebut Danur menjawab pertanyaan wartawan seputar penampilan timnya saat menjamu Persipura di Stadion Gelora 10 November, Tambaksari, Surabaya, Minggu (22/11).

"Saya ingin melihat pemain menyelesaikan counter attack, entah itu bisa dikonvesi menjadi gol atau tidak, itu semua urusan nanti. Yang pasti, bagaimana pemain tampil sesuai instruksi."

UNTITED HANCURKAN EVERTON

2009-11-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

22 Nov 2009 02:24:55

Oleh Mohammad Yanuar Firdaus

Manchester United sukses mempertahankan selisih lima angka dengan Chelsea setelah meraih kemenangan meyakinkan 3-0 atas tamunya Everton di Old Trafford, Minggu (22/11) dinihari WIB.

Dengan kemenangan itu, United kini memiliki poin 28 dari 13 laga. Peringkat United juga naik satu strip ke posisi dua, menggeser Arsenal yang takluk 1-0 dari Sunderland di Stadium of Light.

Adalah tiga gelandang United yang menjadi pahlawan kemenangan timnya di pertandingan ini, yaitu Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick dan Antonio Valencia.

Fletcher menjadi pembuka gol United di pertandingan ini lewat tendangan kerasnya di menit 35, yang langsung disambut meriah oleh fans 'Setan Merah' yang memadati Old Trafford. Keunggulan itu berhasil dipertahankan hingga turun minum.

Di babak kedua, United masih menunjukkan dominasinya. Hasilnya, di menit 63, Wayne Rooney nyaris memperbesar keunggulan tim tuan rumah dengan tendangan melengkungnya. Namun akhirnya Michael Carrick yang bisa menjebol gawang Tim Howard setelah berhasil memaksimalkan bola kiriman Ryan Giggs dari sepak pojok di menit 65.

Tekanan United berlanjut setelah gol tersebut dan akhirnya tercipta gol ketiga oleh Antonio Valencia yang menempatkan bola dengan cerdik di menit 76.

Di menit 90, Jack Rodwell nyaris saja memperkecil ketertinggalan Everton dengan tendangan kerasnya. Namun Edwin Van Der Sar berhasil mementahkan bola hasil sepakan pemain muda Everton dan timnas Inggris itu, sekaligus mempertahankan skor 3-0 hingga berakhirnya pertandingan.