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Jorge Jesus: I have not asked Mourinho or Villas-Boas for advice on Chelsea
The 57-year-old coach guaranteed that he had not consulted either of the former Blues' coaches ahead of the clash with the English club in Europe's elite tournament
Mar 27, 2012 10:47:00 AM
By Luis Mira
Benfica trainer Jorge Jesus has revealed that he had not asked Jose Mourinho or Andre Villas-Boas for advice on Chelsea ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.
The Portuguese giants host the Blues at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their quarter-finals tie, but Jesus was uninterested in receiving tips from either coach despite their knowledge of the English club.
"Of course I have not spoken with them," Jesus told reporters at a press conference. "Chelsea are a well-known side.
"My thoughts on Chelsea come from their matches which I have watched and not because I have spoken with Mourinho or Villas-Boas."
Jesus then admitted that Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo 'would be smart' if he asked David Luiz and Ramires for advice on Benfica as the Brazilian duo played for the Lisbon-based club in the past.
"If I were him, I would ask the players for information," the 57-year-old coach noted. "But I do not know if he is going to.
"Chelsea also have Paulo Ferreira and Hilario, so they have four players who have played under me and who know a lot about my philosophy."
The Portuguese coach noted that his side will have to turn in a great display in Tuesday's match in order to see off the threat of Chelsea.
"Every side in the quarter-finals has a lot of quality," Jesus noted. "We need to have the perfect match, in terms of defence and attack.
"We will need an inspired night for the dream of beating Chelsea to come true."
Wenger: AC Milan have no chance of winning the Champions League
The French coach is of the opinion that the Rossoneri will not be able to win Europe's elite club competition in the current campaign, despite being a quality side
Mar 27, 2012 11:17:00 AM
By Luis Mira
Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger thinks that AC Milan have no realistic chances of lifting the Champions League trophy this season.
The Serie A champions reached the quarter-finals of the continental competition after a 4-3 aggregate victory over the Gunners, despite suffering a 3-0 defeat in the return leg at the Emirates.
Speaking ahead of the first leg of AC Milan's tie against Barcelona, Wenger stated that the Rossoneri have too many flaws to be able to win the Champions League.
"I know Milan very well: they play very well as far as collective work is concerned, but I do not think they are up to the task of winning the trophy," Wenger wrote in his column for Eurosport.
"They have some weak points, although they have a player with the quality of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Robinho can also be very dangerous in attack, but 'Ibra' can score a lot of goals on a good day.
"Milan know what to do to win at San Siro: I hope the condition of their pitch has improved because against us it was a disaster!
"Everyone looks at Milan with respect, but I think they have no chance of winning the Champions League."
Remy out of Bayern clash, while Elinton Andrade to start in goal for Marseille - report
The France international is likely to miss Wednesday evening against the Bavarians, with the club's third-choice goalkeeper set to feature in the starting XI
Mar 27, 2012 12:15:00 PM
Olympique de Marseille could be without Loic Remy when they host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The 25-year-old, who is Les Phoceens' top scorer this term, was absent for the match against Nice last Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
He is unlikely to regain fitness in time for the game against Bayern Munich, adding to a big list of injuries for Marseille. In addition, Elinton Andrade is reportedly set to deputise in goal for suspended goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
"We will play without our backbone, which is a blow. Without Mandanda, the captain, without Diawara, our most experienced defender, and probably Remy, our top scorer," an unnamed source told RMC Sport.
Moreover, it is rumoured that Didier Deschamps will opt for third-choice goalkeeper Andrade and snub Gennaro Bracigliano after his disappointing display in the humiliating 3-2 extra-time defeat to third-tier side Quevilly in the Coupe de France last week.
Souleymane Diawara will also be missing against Bayern Munich on Wednesday after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in the 1-1 draw with Nice.
Champions League preview: Marseille v Bayern Munich
27 March 2012
Marseille must try to shake off an eight-game winless streak as they prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.The club from the French south coast have not won since their round of 16 first leg against Inter Milan as they have plummeted to ninth in Ligue 1. In fact, in that eight-game period, Marseille lost seven in a row, ending that run with a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday.
Playing away from home, Didier Deschamps' side threw away a one-goal lead when Nice defender Luciano Monzon's penalty cancelled out Andre Ayew's goal.Ayew is the clear star in Deschamps' squad, providing creativity, speed and goals from midfield.The 22-year-old Ghana international has been crucial in the Champions League, having scored four goals for Marseille, including the late winner in Marseille's 1-0 victory over Inter on February 22.
Marseille face a tough test to continue their European adventure, with Bayern especially keen to make the final because it will be played at their home stadium in Munich in May.Bayern are in ominous form having scored over six goals in three of their past five matches, including a 7-0 demolition of Basel in their Champions League round of 16 second leg. Jupp Heynckes' team is second in the Bundesliga and trail Borussia Dortmund by five points.
Bayern beat Hannover 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez.Gomez has had a brilliant season, averaging a goal a game for Bayern across all competitions, including 10 goals in seven Champions League matches.The 26-year-old striker scored four against Basel and will be looking forward to taking on a Marseille side that has conceded an average of two goals per game over their last four matches.
AC Milan will be desperate for a home win over Barcelona in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the San Siro.Massimiliano Allegri's men were handed the tough draw of the defending champions, and a win on Wednesday is key in their bid to go through to the last four. The Serie A leaders, who played out a draw and lost to Barcelona in the group stages of the competition, enter the encounter in fine form, unbeaten in four matches.
Allegri's side have been guided by the excellent form of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who took his tally to 29 goals in all competitions with a brace in the 2-1 win against Roma on Saturday.They continue to dominate in the league despite several injury problems, with Thiago Silva the latest concern. Silva will miss a month with a thigh injury, joining Alexandre Pato, Ignazio Abate, Robinho and Alexander Merkel on the sidelines.
Mark van Bommel, who is missing with a back problem, is serving a one-match ban for the first leg.AC Milan welcome a red-hot Barcelona side, with Lionel Messi in particular starring in recent outings.Pep Guardiola's men have won nine straight games in all competitions, seeing them close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to six points. Argentine superstar Messi has been a standout, netting 12 times in their last five victories to take his tally to 55 this term.
The reigning champions are still without David Villa, although Alexis Sanchez and young gun Cristian Tello have filled the void. Guardiola had the luxury of keeping gun midfielder Xavi on the bench in his side's 2-0 win at Mallorca on Saturday, but the Spain international is a certainty to return against AC Milan. Allegri's side troubled Barcelona but were 3-2 losers when the teams met on November 23 last year, and he would love for his team to keep a clean sheet in their home leg.
A home win is almost a must if the Serie A champions are to progress to a semi-final clash with either Benfica or Chelsea.
Salomon Kalou scored an important away goal as Chelsea defeated Benfica 1-0 to take a vital lead in their Champions League quarter-final.The first half started very slowly but things heated up after the break, Mario Jardel coming close with a free header before Fernando Torres' impressive assist from the right wing opened up space for Kalou to tap home untroubled with 15 minutes to go. The home side lined up with reported Manchester United targets Nicolas Gaitan and Javi Garcia included in midfield alongside experienced Argentine Pablo Aimar, with Oscar Cardozo leading the line.
Roberto Di Matteo, however, opted to leave veterans Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien on the bench, with Torres starting up front and David Luiz at centre-back in place of Gary Cahill, while Paulo Ferreira made a shock start, his first of 2012. The opening stages were cautious and scrappy, the game not seeing any sign of life until, in the 19th minute, Cardozo moved ahead of John Terry to take control of an overhead pass from Bruno Cesar, the tall Paraguayan attempting to volley it in but unable to find sufficient space and shooting wide.
The game became more open, with Torres notably shooting over from distance, but Cardozo remained the main target of Benfica's attacks, first heading high from an awkward position before forcing Luiz to execute a difficult but stylish juggle of an attempted cross before he could hit it out of play.Torres was looking lively for the Blues and, on 38 minutes, he demonstrated some fine hold-up play outside the box before taking an ambitious shot, though knocking it high and wide.
Former Porto man Raul Meireles nearly capitalised with another long-range effort after Kalou teed him up. The Ivorian advanced down the left before pulling it back into the Portuguese's path, and the midfielder drew a fine low stop from Artur with his driven effort - but half-time arrived with neither side finding a breakthrough.The second period began with howls for handball. Benfica were forward in numbers for a long throw and Cardozo picked the ball up just outside the area.
The Paraguayan unleashed a rasping left-footed shot bound for goal but Luiz reacted on the line to block, to the fury of the home fans who felt that he had handled. Chelsea, though, should arguably have taken the lead a moment later. Torres continued his fine build-up play, this time cutting in from the left to dink a cross in for Kalou, who had stolen a crucial inch from his marker in the area, but the Ivorian's header ballooned ineffectively for naught.
After an optimistic penalty shout from Benfica when Maxi Pereira's shot cannoned back off Terry's arm following an admirable Ashley Cole block, the Blues' clearest chance arrived when Jardel failed to anticipate a long ball forward and allowed Juan Mata to run in behind him.The Spaniard circled Artur but was unable to apply the necessary finish, hitting the post as the angle closed too far.Axel Witsel gave Petr Cech a scare on 65 minutes when, having scrapped past John Obi Mikel, the Belgian's shot deflected heavily off Terry.
The Chelsea keeper was nowhere but watched it land on top of the net with relief. Benfica kept coming, crossing once from a corner and being repulsed before Gaitan delivered a second ball, this time finding Jardel unmarked at the post. His header was poor, however, and Cech's good reactions were enough to keep it out. Chelsea, though, found the vital away goal on 75 minutes. Ramires fought hard on the right of midfield, supplying Torres further forward on the wing.
The Spaniard did most of the work, closing in with purpose before feeding Kalou in the middle. With Artur taken out of the picture, the forward needed only to poke home simply to take the lead. The home side pushed desperately to even things up but it allowed the Blues to break, substitute Daniel Sturridge stretching play before passing to Mata on the left. The Spaniard looked to lob Artur but lacked accuracy and the chance was lost.
Benfica put hearts in mouths when Cole was forced to stick his leg out wildly to block a cross in stoppage time, the ball diverting just wide of his own goal, but they lacked punch and Chelsea were able to see the game through to assume control of the tie.
Real Madrid moved closer to a Champions League semi-final spot, after beating APOEL Nicosia 3-0 in their quarter-final in Cyprus on Tuesday. Three second-half goals - two to Karim Benzema and one to Kaka - gave Jose Mourinho's men a priceless away win at GSP Stadium, which virtually seals their spot in the final four after the first leg.
A diving header from the Frenchman Benzema saw Real break down a resistant APOEL, as he completed an in-swinging cross from substitute Kaka.A cool side-footed finish from Kaka himself and another easy strike for the former Lyon striker Benzema banished any Cypriot hopes of holding on for a stalemate, as the Spanish side's quality eventually shone through.
With APOEL playing the biggest game in their history, it was no surprise that they came out of the blocks full of energy, and the home side really tried to put Real under extreme pressure early on.It did not take long though before Madrid were establishing the natural order, as they started to dominate possession and create chances.
Within the space of three minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Benzema all had half-chances, but it took until the 15th minute when they had their first real opportunity to open the scoring.A ball from Ozil played in Fabio Coentrao, but the Portuguese full-back snatched at his shot and fired wide from inside the area.
The Cypriot champions were coping exceptionally well with the relentless wave of Madrid attacks, but they nearly found themselves a goal down on 33 minutes. A beautiful ball across the six-yard box from Nuri Sahin evaded APOEL keeper Dionisios Chiotis, found Benzema unmarked at the far post, but the French international missed the target and sliced his shot over the bar.
Mourinho's half-time speech seemed to work on his charges, as they increased their intensity and attacking impetus during the opening exchanges of the second half. Ozil, Sahin and Sami Khedira were creating some wonderful midfield triangles, but as with the first 45 minutes, Ivan Jovanovic's side were defending at their very best to block any attempts at their goal.
With an hour gone, the Spanish side had completed 416 passes compared to APOEL's 94; but it took until the 74th minute for the La Liga leaders' class to truly show. Kaka put in a dangerous ball from the left, found the head of Benzema, who got down low and slotted the ball into the back of the net from six yards. The tiring APOEL legs were starting to show and seven minutes later, Real doubled their advantage.
Again down the left, Marcelo played it back from the byline, and Kaka coolly slotted it past Chiotis to sink all Cypriot hopes.Madrid then took the tie out of sight on 90 minutes. A burst from midfield by Ronaldo took him to the edge of the area, he played it square to Ozil.The German superstar passed it first time across the six-yard box, for Benzema to tap in.
The Spanish giants looked for a fourth goal without success, but they will go into the second leg next Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu with one foot in the semi-finals.
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus: We didn't deserve to lose to Chelsea The Portuguese coach felt his side had been the better one in Lisbon and showed enough to suggest that they can triumph in next week's return fixture at Stamford Bridge
Kaka remains grounded after decisive display against APOEL and insists tie is not over The Brazilian attacking midfielder has struggled for form and fitness throughout his time at the Santiago Bernabeu but he made a big impact after coming off the bench in Cyprus
Collovati: Nothing to choose between Messi and Ibrahimovic
The pair will go head to head at San Siro on Wednesday night, as AC Milan host Barcelona in the eagerly-awaited first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie
Mourinho: The introduction of Kaka and Marcelo changed APOEL match in Real Madrid's favour
The Blancos boss was pleased with the effect of his substitutions as his side took a lengthy 74 minutes to open the scoring against a stubborn Cypriot side in Nicosia
Kalou delighted with 'important' away goal as Chelsea beat Benfica
The Ivorian forward got on the end of a Fernando Torres cross to give the Blues the edge going into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge
Heynckes braced for 'physical' examination against Marseille
The Bavarians have been in fine form of late but their coach is anticipating a rough ride against the Ligue 1 outfit, who dumped Inter out of the last 16
Guardiola praises Ibrahimovic: He helped Barcelona win the Liga title
The Catalans' head coach feels that the Milan striker played a big role in their 2010 Liga triumph, and is looking forward to the Champions League quarter-final at San Siro
Pique admits Barcelona are not invincible
The defender has attempted to lower expectations ahead of the crunch clash at San Siro and stressed that Milan are one of the best clubs in the history of the game
Papin: Bayern are on the same level as Real Madrid and only Barcelona are better
The former France international feels that only the Catalans are better than FCB, and thinks that the Bavarian side's forwards will make the difference against Marseille
Deschamps: Beating Bayern would not be a miracle
The Marseille boss stressed that his side are aiming to record a victory against the Bundesliga giants in their midweek clash at the Stade Velodrome
Allegri: AC Milan can't play like Mourinho's Inter so we will attack Barcelona
The Rossoneri coach is aware of the Catalans' strength, but has insisted that the Serie A champions need to score at San Siro in order to have a chance of progressing
Ribery warns Bayern to beware of 'aggressive' Marseille
The France international returns to his old stomping ground on Wednesday, and ahead of the clash, has issued a word of caution to his team as they visit the Stade Velodrome
APOEL boss Jovanovic: Real Madrid already in the Champions League semi-finals
The Serbian coach has already given up on the Cypriot outfit's hopes of reaching the last four but remains immensely proud of his side's remarkable run to the quarters
Mar 28, 2012 1:30:00 AM
By Mark Doyle
APOEL boss Ivan Jovanovic conceded that Real Madrid have already sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League after the Spanish side's 3-0 victory in Nicosia on Tuesday night.
The Cypriots frustrated their illustrious rivals for 74 minutes of the first leg of their quarter-final tie with Los Blancos, but then Karim Benzema opened the scoring with a header before adding a second goal late on after Kaka had doubled the visitors' advantage.
Jovanovic had no complaints about the final scoreline and was full of praise for a Madrid team that he believes is bound for Munich.
"The result was fair," the Serbian lamented in his post-game press conference. "We tried to contain them but they upped their tempo towards the end and we couldn't hold on.
<q>Madrid are in the semi-finals; there is no question about that. I even believe that they will reach the final and, hopefully, win it.
</q>It was very gratifying to play against a team like Real Madrid. We all saw first hand what a quality side they are.
"You could say this game was a crowning moment for the fantastic campaign we produced this season in the competition.
"My players have done themselves proud throughout this campaign and once again against superior opponents like Madrid."
However, Jovanovic conceded that his players could be in for a very long night at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday."The second leg will be harder," he admitted. "We need to try and exit the competition in the best possible fashion.
"Our campaign will forever be written in gold in the history of not just our club but Cypriot football also.
"The Champions League may have taken its toll on us in terms of injuries and fatigue but it has been worthwhile.
"The experiences of being here and playing here was worth it but there are many games left in our own league and we are still in with a chance of reclaiming the title."
Mourinho: The introduction of Kaka and Marcelo changed APOEL match in Real Madrid's favour
The Blancos boss was pleased with the effect of his substitutions as his side took a lengthy 74 minutes to open the scoring against a stubborn Cypriot side in Nicosia
Mar 27, 2012 10:55:00 PM
By Tom Webber
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho praised a resilient APOEL team but suggested individual talent saw his side run out eventual 3-0 winners in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the GSP Stadium on Tuesday.
It took Los Blancos 74 minutes to open the scoring after some stalwart defending from the hosts, but the introduction of Kaka turned things in their favour as the Brazilian assisted Karim Benzema's first goal before adding the game's second himself.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "It took many minutes to score the first goal, but APOEL were performing very well.
"We won the match because we played well. APOEL were great defensively and they had great team spirit.
"We give 100 per cent so we can win. What APOEL are doing is fantastic."
Mourinho was pleased with the impact made by the introduction of Kaka and Marcelo, galvanising the side and ultimately making the difference.
"We knew it was going to be a complicated match but sending on Kaka an Marcelo was decisive," he continued.
"We were serious and we played well. This shows how much respect we have for APOEL.
"I would like to show the same respect at the [Santiago] Bernabeu. They are the most important team of this Champions League."
Mourinho looks set to continue his 100 per cent quarter-final record as Madrid host APOEL in the return leg in Spain next week with a comfortable three-goal advantage.
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus: We didn't deserve to lose to Chelsea
The Portuguese coach felt his side had been the better one in Lisbon and showed enough to suggest that they can triumph in next week's return fixture at Stamford Bridge
Mar 28, 2012 12:45:00 AM
By Mark Doyle
Benfica boss Jorge Jesus was left bemoaning his side's luck after Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, claiming that the English team had been unworthy winners of the Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at the Estadio da Luz.
Salomon Kalou scored the only goal of a disappointing encounter in Lisbon, slotting home from close range with just over 15 minutes to go after good work down the right-hand side from Fernando Torres.
However, Jesus felt that Chelsea's winner was unmerited and argued that Benfica had shown enough over the course of the game to suggest that they can turn the tie around at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday week.
"It was a good match, as expected," the Portuguese coach mused in his post-game press conference. "Chelsea are a strong side with a lot of experience in European competition.
"We dominated for almost the entire game and created more scoring opportunities but ultimately luck was not on our side.
"We were mature, played well and did not let Chelsea create a lot. I don't think we deserved to lose tonight.
"But there is still a game to play and we feel we have the quality to score in London."
Benfica's second-leg meeting with the Blues at Stamford Bridge will take place on April 4.
The Marseille boss stressed that his side are aiming to record a victory against the Bundesliga giants in their midweek clash at the Stade Velodrome
Mar 27, 2012 4:52:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
Olympique de Marseille coach Didier Deschamps was upbeat ahead of the first leg of his team's Champions League quarter-final tie at home against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Deschamps admitted that OM will not start the match as favourites, but insisted that they will do their utmost to gain an advantage in the tie.
"We are not favourites, but we will play to win. Winning against Bayern would not be a miracle, but we need to give two great performances; home and away," Deschamps said during a press conference.
"We are going to play a great game, write a piece of history for the club against a good team. Physically and psychologically, we will be here.
"Our full-backs will need to watch their two fast wingers if we are to counter their attacking football."
Wednesday's encounter at the Stade Velodrome kicks off at 20.45 CET.
Heynckes braced for 'physical' examination against Marseille
The Bavarians have been in fine form of late but their coach is anticipating a rough ride against the Ligue 1 outfit, who dumped Inter out of the last 16
Mar 27, 2012 10:30:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes is expecting his players to be given a stern physical examination in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on Wednesday night.
The Bavarians are currently one of the form sides in Europe, having racked up 22 goals during their last five games in all competitions. Marseille, by contrast, have now gone eight games without a victory.
However, after noting the way in which the Ligue 1 outfit outmuscled Inter in the last 16, Heynckes is very wary of the threat posed by Didier Deschamps' men.
"We play every three days so I spent the full day yesterday analysing OM's football," the German coach told reporters on Tuesday.
"They are a great team with a great coach that I know well. I have got positive feelings about OM.
"They play emotional football and will probably be 100 per cent motivated. We will try not to fall into their trap; Marseille are a difficult team, very physical.
"We expect a tough game in this stadium but we are confident. I am focused on this match and we have a lot of respect for this team."
It has been claimed that the free-scoring Bundesliga outfit will take the game to Marseille but Heynckes was giving nothing away when it came to talking tactics.
"We know that scoring away from home is crucial, but we did not score in Basel [in the last 16] so I am not too concerned about this."
Meanwhile, the game is of extra significance to Bayern's France international Franck Ribery, who spent two years with Marseille before moving to Munich, and Heynckes revealed that the winger has been looking forward to the game for weeks.
"Ribery wanted OM in the draw and we understand his feelings [about the game]," he admitted.
"He is having a sensational season and it would be great if he could win a European trophy in Munich."
Bayern's meeting with Marseille in the south of France gets underway at 20:45CET.
Allegri: AC Milan can't play like Mourinho's Inter so we will attack Barcelona
The Rossoneri coach is aware of the Catalans' strength, but has insisted that the Serie A champions need to score at San Siro in order to have a chance of progressing
Mar 27, 2012 3:47:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is looking forward to Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final clash against Barcelona, and stressed that the Rossoneri will start the match with attacking intentions.
Allegri is well aware that the Serie A champions face two complicated encounters against the holders, but has insisted that they need to score in the first leg in order to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals.
"Against Barcelona, we need to reduce the amount of errors. We have to play offensively, because we need to score to advance," Allegri said during the pre-match press conference.
"We can't play like [Jose] Mourinho's Inter did at Camp Nou. They were a more physical team and we are more technical. This Milan side is not built to defend with everyone near the penalty area.
"It will be two difficult matches, because they are the best team in the world. We have to be ready and play well."
The 44-year-old went on to discuss the absence of Thiago Silva, and insisted that the Rossoneri have what it takes to cope without the Brazil international.
"Thiago Silva is a champion and we will definitely miss him versus Barca. But [Alessandro] Nesta is ready and I have other players at my disposal. I would have liked to face Barca with my strongest team, but that doesn't mean that we are not ready to face them.
"[Kevin-Prince] Boateng and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic will start. I still have to decide who will be Ibra's partner in the attack. We will evaluate Robinho's condition today. If he doesn't make it, then we have Stephan El Shaarawy and Maxi Lopez ready."
Allegri also took the time to praise Ibrahimovic, and revealed that the Sweden star is very easy to work with.
"It's very easy to be Ibra's coach. He is an exceptional guy, and he gives a lot to the squad and his team-mates."
Wednesday's first leg at San Siro kicks off at 20.45 CET.
WAGs: Champions League special – AC Milan versus Barcelona
The Spanish side's season will be judged on their European adventure but how better to analyse their trip to Italy than to look at the four women behind the male protagonists?
Mar 28, 2012 10:16:00 AM
On Wednesday evening, AC Milan and Barcelona will face off for the third time this season. The European heavyweights met in the Champions League group stage and provided two fine games of football.
But, Extra Time wondered how an off-pitch battle may shape up between the finest WAGs available?
In the home corner, Melissa Satta, the girlfriend of Kevin-Prince Boateng stars alongside Wanda Nara, Maxi Lopez's other half. The visitors boast global superstar Shakira and model
Malena Costa. Make no mistake, it's as close a contest off the pitch as it is on it.
Melissa Satta
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Satta, you may remember, was the root of Boateng's injury problems, claiming in January: “The reason why Boateng is always injured is because we have sex seven to 10 times a week.”
The Ghanaian midfielder is thankfully on the mend, featuring in the weekend win over Roma and may well give Milan the midfield sparkle they will need to inflict any damage on Barcelona.
The Italian-American Satta does have WAG credentials as the former girlfriend of Christian Vieri. Back when 'Bobo' led the Italian frontline, she was often photographed with him - more often than not, on a beach.
And after the implosion of a five year relationship, Satta shacked up with the Prince. Or as he likes to call himself "The Ghetto Kid".
Wanda Nara
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Wanda Nara is Milan new boy Maxi Lopez's wife. She has a sister by the name of Zaira who was on the arm of Diego Forlan until recently.
Unfortunately, it would appear she comes with a bit of baggage.
Though Wanda has now settled with Maxi Lopez – the couple have two children – she reportedly had a relationship with Diego Maradona a few years ago. Yes – Diego Maradona. Perhaps there's something in the Argentine water.
Shakira
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Partnering Malena is Shakira – the girlfriend of Puyol's defensive partner Gerard Pique. Their relationship is one of the most high-profile in Spain, uniting the Colombian songstress and the Barca defender.
Yet, there are problems. Pique has seen his minutes dwindle in recent weeks amid rumours that Pep Guardiola disapproves of his relationship with Shakira.
The Spanish press have taken it a step further, labelling her as Barcelona's Yoko Ono. Against all probability, perhaps it is Shakira's fault that Barca are lagging behind Real Madrid in La Liga. These are the kind of conspiracy theories we like at Extra Time.
A recent tweet from Shakira showed the couple playing scrabble - a deliberate attempt to show Guardiola and co. that they just live normal lives? Perhaps.
NESN, an American sports network, claim Pique has consistently broken club rules - pointing to a white-water rafting incident last summer. Yet, despite this, the pair look set to deny the Colombian is a distraction.
Malena Costa
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Ah Malena Costa. Looking at her and learning that she was once with Carles Puyol – a rugged bastion of defensive nous – brings warmth. If there's any justice in the world, and it seems there is, the good men of football deserve to be cared for by the Malenas of this world.
As is the case with most WAGs, she is a model, but her website also indicates a strong love for animals - horses in particular...a possible explanation for the attraction to Puyol?
Unfortunately for the Barca skipper - as you may have cottoned on to with my hints - they are sadly no more.
So as far as the off-pitch WAG battle goes, I think Milan would take this one. Barca's effort would be too cordial. Shakira's status as a UNICEF representative would prevent her using any underhand tactics, whilst Malena Costa may simply not care anymore.
Bayern Munich took a big step towards progression in the Champions League after a 2-0 win away to Marseille on Wednesday. Franck Ribery's return to the Stade Velodrome was not exactly a comfortable one, but the visitors overcame stiff resistance as they ensured a sizable advantage ahead of the second leg of the quarter-final clash in Munich.
One minute before half-time, Mario Gomez found the net under some controversy, after a suspected handball at the other end.The goal counted nonetheless, and Marseille were forced to try to overturn the deficit. However, Arjen Robben scored a crucial second goal on 69 minutes, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.Chances were few and far between in what was a physical opening half.
Though cautious in their approach, the hosts were first to pose a threat on goal and were unfortunate not to take the lead on seven minutes. Following a corner, Rod Fanni's header was tipped wide by Manuel Neuer. Loic Remy was first to the rebound, but blasted into the side netting. After a tough start, Bayern gathered some fluency in midfield and carved out a couple of openings inside the Marseille penalty area.
However, Robben slipped before seeing his window to shoot close, and Thomas Mueller's low cross found no team-mate in the centre before rolling wide.Marseille recovered, and shortly before half-time a botched clearance from Jerome Boateng saw the ball roll to Remy. The striker was quick to shoot from the edge of the penalty area, but Neuer pounced to make a save.
Bayern would benefit from a mistake shortly after, but the Germans took their chance as Gomez fired in off Elinton Andrade's hands. Seconds before, Mathieu Valbuena had kicked the ball off Philipp Lahm's hand, but play continued as Robben slipped in Gomez, whose finish appeared to be covered by the goalkeeper before it deflected into the net. After the break, Marseille had an encouraging start, with Valbuena nodding over the bar from Remy's cross.
Andre Ayew headed on goal in the 56th minute, but Neuer had little trouble in making a stop. Shortly before the hour mark, Remy muscled Boateng off the ball, but Neuer was quick off his line and blocked the forward's attempt.The balance swung in the visitors' favour around the hour mark, however. Andrade did well to deny Gomez, but with 21 minutes left, Robben made it 2-0, handing the visitors a big advantage heading into the second leg.
The Dutchman played a 1-2 pass with Mueller, and curled his finish inside the left post.The most significant action late in the game was a booking for Bayern substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger, who will miss the second leg through suspension. In addition, Marseille's Alou Diarra will sit out, having been booked earlier in Wednesday's match.
The result sees Bayern take a commanding lead into the second leg, which will be played on April 3. The winner of the two-legged tie will face either APOEL or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
AC Milan held Barcelona to a 0-0 stalemate in their Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash at San Siro on Wednesday night.The visitors had their chances, among them a no-call on a penalty claim on Alexis Sanchez, but a sterling defensive display by Massimiliano Allegri's men saw the Spanish outfit frustrated and sets up an enthralling second leg at Camp Nou next Tuesday.
An end-to-end start to the match saw Milan nearly storm into the lead after only three minutes. A scramble inside the penalty area saw the ball spill to Robinho in space, but with the goal at his mercy, he could not find the target as his volley flew over the bar. The early shock did not faze Barcelona, who slowly began to cause problems at the other end of the pitch.
With 10 minutes gone, Lionel Messi's low drive was fumbled by Christian Abbiati, who was fortunate to see Dani Alves scoop the rebound the wrong side of the post.Abbiati was in the thick of things again within minutes, after he charged off his line to bring down Sanchez in the area. There did not appear to be much contact with the ball from the Milan keeper, but no penalty was forthcoming, leaving the visitors to remonstrate furiously with referee Jonas Errikson.
Not long after, the Catalans managed to find the back of the net, but the goal was correctly disallowed as Messi was in a clear offside position when he turned home Alves' cross.Milan survived the scare, and saw another golden chance go begging with 20 minutes gone. A swift move saw Clarence Seedorf put Zlatan Ibrahimovic through on goal, but his finish was weak and easily smothered by Victor Valdes.
Barcelona were unsurprisingly able to control nearly two-thirds of possession, but some dogged defending from the hosts and the questionable state of the San Siro pitch prevented them from getting fully into their stride.The Milan backline was caught out 10 minutes before half-time though, as Sanchez was put clean through, but Luca Antonini matched him stride for stride and got back to make a fantastic block just as the Chilean was about to pull the trigger.
Andres Iniesta sent another warning Milan's way coming out of the interval, with a quick dart into space ending with a snap shot from the edge of the area that flew just wide.However, Barcelona were finding it increasingly difficult to get a clear sight on goal as the second half wore on, with Milan keeping their discipline and organisation at the back.
With 67 minutes gone, substitute Urby Emanuelson nearly made an immediate impact seconds after his arrival when he raced onto a through pass deep in the area, but his first touch was woeful and halted the move in its tracks. Barcelona hit back soon after through a substitute of their own, with Tello finding space on the right side of the box and letting fly with an effort that rippled the side netting.
Tello caused more Milan hearts to flutter when his dangerous cutback saw Messi's volley deflected just over the bar, as the resulting corner was headed just wide by Carles Puyol. Minutes before the end, Abbiati was on hand to deny Messi, beating away the Argentine's low drive, with Tello also thwarted from the rebound by another brilliant tackle from Antonini as Milan preserved the 0-0 scoreline.
Barcelona's Xavi: We deserved to win against AC Milan The 32-year-old midfielder says that the Blaugrana did enough to secure a better result, while noting that his side should have been awarded a penalty
Pep Guardiola: Barcelona 'dominated' the match against AC Milan The Spanish coach praised his side's combative display against the Rossoneri in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, while lamenting the condition of the pitch at San Siro
Allegri: AC Milan must be happy with Barcelona draw The 44-year-old trainer was happy with his side's defensive display against the Catalans, while club supremo Silvio Berlusconi confessed that he was "proud" of the result
Puyol: The referee did not want to signal a penalty against AC Milan
The 33-year-old stopper was unhappy with the standard of refereeing at San Siro, while team-mate Victor Valdes said the team will have to work hard to win the return leg
AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic pleased with draw against Barcelona
The Swede believes that the result leaves his side in with a shout in the tie, while team-mate Urby Emanuelson wants to move on from his missed chance during the first leg
Ribery hails 'perfect result' against Marseille
The France international was delighted with the Bundesliga club's performance at the Stade Velodrome and reiterated that he is thrilled with life in Germany
'The return leg will be very complicated' - Marseille's Deschamps after Champions League defeat to Bayern
The World Cup winner was left to rue his side's missed chances in the 2-0 defeat to die Roten, and does not expect a straightforward return fixture next week
Puyol: The referee did not want to signal a penalty against AC Milan
The 33-year-old stopper was unhappy with the standard of refereeing at San Siro, while team-mate Victor Valdes said the team will have to work hard to win the return leg
Mar 28, 2012 11:18:00 PM
By Luis Mira
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol was very critical of the work of referee Joan Eriksson in their goalless Champions League draw against AC Milan at San Siro.
The Spanish defender was pulled by Djamel Mesbah inside the Milan penalty box during the second half of their quarter-final first-leg encounter, but the referee waved play on.
Barca had another penalty claim unattended as Alexis Sanchez appeared to have been brought down by Christian Abbiati, and Puyol admitted to being frustrated with the officials' work.
"Everyone saw what happened," Puyol told AS after the game. "As I was trying to head the ball, I had my shirt pulled.
"The referee did not want to award us a penalty. I saw it on the screens.
"But we do not have to look for excuses. We have to play. Refereeing is very hard.
"We had a good match and the goal was the only thing we lacked."
Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes also expressed his disappointment with the standard of refereeing, saying: "This has happened a lot of times, we get tired of this.
"I will have to see the replay, from where I was standing I could not see if it was a penalty."
Valdes then called on Barcelona to turn in an improved display in the return leg at Camp Nou and stressed that his side will go out on attack against the Rossoneri next week.
"It is always important to score away from home," the Spanish goalkeeper noted. "We could not do it and now we will have to work very hard in the second leg, especially in defence.
"As coach Pep Guardiola said, if we have to deploy nine strikers, we will. We have to win."
