UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

[Samuel Eto'o]

Champions League: Barcelona 3 AC Milan 1

4 April 2012

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Barcelona reached the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-1 quarter-final second-leg win over AC Milan on Tuesday.Lionel Messi stole the headlines once again, with two penalties in the first half either side of an Antonio Nocerino goal bringing him up to 14 Champions League goals for the season, a record for a single campaign. Andres Iniesta sealed the victory early in the second half, as the home side progressed to the last four for a record fifth straight year.

With a 0-0 result from the first leg under their belts, Milan knew that a scoring draw would be enough to take them through.A blistering counterattack after only four minutes saw Messi glide into the penalty area in the blink of an eye, but his finish went straight to Christian Abbiati.Moments later and Messi was at it again, this time poking the wrong side of the post after being put clean through by a beautiful piece of combination play from Cesc Fabregas and Dani Alves.

The Argentine sprinted clear of the Milan backline once more in the 11th minute, but initially appeared to waste the chance with a square pass to Xavi.However, the ball was soon back at his feet, and Luca Antonini, so assured in the first leg, slid in far too rashly, conceding a penalty. Messi made no mistake, beating Abbiati with a low shot into the left corner to score a record 13th Champions League goal of the season and 50th of his career.

Milan equalised just after half an hour. Robinho found Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the top of the box, who in turn slid in the unmarked Nocerino on the left for a low finish past Victor Valdes to put the visitors ahead on aggregate. Milan were heading through as things stood thanks to their away goal, but could only hold onto their advantage for nine minutes. From a corner, a tug on the shirt of Sergio Busquetes by Alessandro Nesta was spotted, and referee Bjorn Kuipers awarded Barca another penalty.

Messi steadied himself once more from the spot, this time sending the ball into the right corner to put the home side back in front with a 2-1 aggregate lead at the end of the first half.The Catalans increased their advantage within eight minutes of the restart.Iniesta was perhaps fortunate to see a block by Philippe Mexes loop into his path, but did not hesitate, and stroked home from six yards.

Barca nearly added another just past the hour mark, as Messi played in substitute Thiago Alcantara for a shot that was dragged just wide.Barca now advance to their fifth consecutive Champions League semi-final, a tournament record, and will face the winner of the Chelsea-Benfica tie, with the first leg set for April 18.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Nesta bemused by penalty decision & hints he has played his last Champions League game for AC Milan
The former Italy international was mystified by referee Bjorn Kuipers' decision to penalise him for an alleged tug on Blaugrana defender Carles Puyol

Iniesta overjoyed as Barcelona reach fifth successive Champions League semi-final
The Blaugrana have not failed to make the last four since 2007 and are now bidding to become the first side to successfully defend the European Cup since AC Milan in 1990

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: Penalty calls were correct & we deserve to be in the semis
The Catalan coach has lashed out at the likes of Ibrahimovic and Mourinho after his side were awarded two spot-kicks during their Champions League quarter-final win against Milan

Seedorf: Referee got it wrong but is not to blame for AC Milan's exit
The veteran Dutch midfielder felt that Bjorn Kuipers should not have penalised Alessandro Nesta for his alleged tug on Sergio Busquets shortly before the break at Camp Nou

Champions League is no place to set a precedent: Referee robbed Milan, Barcelona & fans with ludicrous penalty call
Bjorn Kuipers awarded a spot-kick for an infraction that's rarely penalised. Thus, both teams and fans missed out on what could have been a thrilling finale to a thrilling tie

Ibrahimovic voices conspiracy claim and empathises with Mourinho after Camp Nou controversy
The infuriated Swede felt he should have been awarded a spot-kick during the clash versus Barcelona and claimed the game offered proof that Uefa wants the Blaugrana in the final

Allegri disputes refereeing decisions after AC Milan's quarter-final loss to Barcelona
The Rossoneri boss had his doubts on the legitimacy of a penalty awarded against his team, despite conceding that the Catalan giants were the superior side

Dani Alves: Referee showed character in awarding penalty for Nesta's tug on Busquets
The Rossoneri were furious at the official's decision to penalise the veteran defender for allegedly pulling the shirt of the Spain midfielder shortly before the break

I really dunno what to say. Barca always get "free gift" from referees. They so lucky one. As expected, penalties will hog today's CL news hehehe..

Ribery looks forward to Real Madrid showdown after victory over Marseille
The France international is well aware of the threat posed by Jose Mourinho's star-studded lineup but he is looking forward to locking horns with Los Blancos nonetheless

'We tried our best' - Olympique de Marseille's Loic Remy after Champions League elimination
The L'OM striker stated that the French side did the best they could despite suffering a 4-0 aggregate loss against die Roten but remained adamant that the season is not over

Messi scores 13th and 14th Champions League goals of the season to break tournament record and equals all-time European Cup tally
The Argentina international forward is celebrating yet another major milestone in his career after netting once again in Europe's premier competition in 2011-12

Ramires expecting Benfica to pose a serious challenge to Chelsea’s Champions League hopes
The Brazilian is anticipating a tough tie against his former side, and has insisted none of the Blues squad are discussing a potential semi-final against Barcelona or AC Milan

Di Matteo warns Chelsea: It is only half-time in Benfica tie
The Blues' interim manager has stressed the importance of heading into Wednesday's match fully focused, despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Portugal

Uefa hands Chelsea goalkeeping coach one-match ban
Christophe Lollichon will miss the Blues’ vital Champions League match against Benfica after receiving his marching orders for his behaviour in the first-leg clash in Portugal

Ailton: We will be heroes if we hold Real Madrid scoreless at the Santiago Bernabeu
The Brazilian striker believes his side would make their supporters proud by keeping a clean sheet against Real Madrid despite suffering a 3-0 loss in the first leg in Nicosia

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

'We tried our best' - Olympique de Marseille's Loic Remy after Champions League elimination

The L'OM striker stated that the French side did the best they could despite suffering a 4-0 aggregate loss against die Roten but remained adamant that the season is not over

Apr 3, 2012 10:10:00 PM

By Mohammed Ali

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Olympique de Marseille striker Loic Remy admits that his side tried their best as the visitors bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, losing 2-0 to Bayern Munich, which sealed a 4-0 aggregate success for the Bundesliga side.

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Marseille squandered a goalscoring chance early on through Jeremy Morel, before Ivica Olic opened the scoring with the very next attack.

Toni Kroos rattled the post for Jupp Heynckes' side before the Croatia international netted his second goal six minutes before half-time to effectively seal the tie.

Remy also had chances to put Didier Deschamps' men ahead at the Allianz Arena, though he, along with Stephane Mbia failed to seriously trouble Manuel Neuer, as the Ligue 1 side suffered elimination from the Champions League.

However, the 25-year-old striker was quick to offer his thoughts on the defeat, and remained adamant that his side can turn around a testing season.

"We played against a very big team, we can measure now the path that is left to achieve. We tried our best, we fought, but they [Bayern] are too good." the striker told TF1 after the match.

"We have now got to hold our heads high in the league and we still have the League Cup [final against Lyon on April 14]. We'll see.

"It is a very difficult season but we'll fight for our remaining objectives."

Marseille face arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on Sunday, before facing leaders Montpellier in a week. Bayern Munich resume their title charge against Augsburg at the weekend.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Angry Allegri blasts penalty ´gift´

4 April 2012

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AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was left gutted by the crucial second penalty 'gifted' to Barcelona in their 3-1 Champions League victory.Lionel Messi converted from the spot twice to give Barcelona a 2-1 advantage before half-time in the sides' quarter-final tie, following their 0-0 draw in the first leg at the San Siro, before Andreas Iniesta killed off the contest in the second half with a cool finish at the Camp Nou.

Antonio Nocerino had made it 1-1 with a neat finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass, after Messi had scored the opener from the spot.Alessandro Nesta fouled the Argentine for the first penalty, giving the referee little choice, but it was his second foul for an alleged pull of Sergio Busquets' shirt that left Allegri fuming."They had two penalties, one gifted by us, the other gifted by the referee," Allegri said.

"It's a shame, as it was a moment of the match where Barcelona weren't doing much and it was just before the break."Ibrahimovic was left disgusted by referee Bjorn Kuipers' decision, claiming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho's long-held view on perceived favouritism of Barcelona was starting to have some merit."We got back to 1-1 and then we saw a penalty decision given against us that I cannot understand.

"The ball was not in play, but he whistled. It was an odd decision, a strange decision. It ruined the game," Ibrahimovic said."They don't need to be given favours. We're talking about the best team in the world. I'm starting to understand Mourinho's reaction every time he comes here. I've been through it myself now. I understand more and more." Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola was happy for his players to do their talking on the pitch, claiming their 21 shots to Milan's three reflected their dominance.

"They have had three efforts on goal and we have had 21 and this is against a strong Italian team," Guardiola said.He went on to refute former Barca player Ibrahimovic's claims as his side made the semi-finals of the competition for a fifth-straight season."Ibrahimovic can say the same as Mourinho but we respond on the pitch. They were two penalties."They were fouls in the area and they were given so they were two penalties."

"This is what I have been taught since I was a child."If Ibrahimovic says it is thanks to the referees then fine, but we have qualified five times and the players speak on the pitch, which is where they should do their talking."The reigning champions could well face a repeat of their 2009 semi-final with Chelsea as the Londoners hold a 1-0 advantage over Benfica heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday."

"Chelsea still have a game to play, in the Champions League everything is very difficult. We have to be cautious with Benfica, Chelsea have a very good team but everything is possible," he said.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Ibrahimovic voices conspiracy claim and empathises with Mourinho after Camp Nou controversy

The infuriated Swede felt he should have been awarded a spot-kick during the clash versus Barcelona and claimed the game offered proof that Uefa wants the Blaugrana in the final

Apr 3, 2012 11:20:00 PM

By Mark Doyle

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed that AC Milan had been the victims of a Uefa conspiracy after Tuesday night's Champions League defeat by Barcelona and revealed he now understands why Jose Mourinho is always left so "upset" after his visits to Camp Nou.

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The Swede was incensed by referee Bjorn Kuipers' decision to award the Blaugrana their second penalty of the evening for a tug on Sergio Busquets by Rossoneri defender Alessandro Nesta, arguing that he should have had a spot-kick himself.

"How can he give a penalty like that?" Ibrahimovic told Mediaset. "If he gave that penalty, he should have given my penalty.

"The game is not about the man in green. It's a shame. I couldn't believe he called a penalty when the ball wasn't in play.

"It seems like Uefa wants a certain two teams in the Champions League final. Now I understand how Mourinho feels every time he comes to Camp Nou."

Messi had opened the scoring from the spot after being felled in the area by Luca Antonini but Milan had levelled the game and the tie through Antonio Nocerino, only to see the diminutive Argentine fire home for a second time from 12 yards out to restore the Blaugrana's advantage.

Andres Iniesta added a third goal for Barca after the break and the Catalans will now face either Chelsea or Benfica in the semis.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Barcelona's Pep Guardiola: Penalty calls were correct & we deserve to be in the semis

The Catalan coach has lashed out at the likes of Ibrahimovic and Mourinho after his side were awarded two spot-kicks during their Champions League quarter-final win against Milan

Apr 4, 2012 12:05:00 AM

By Keeghann Sinanan

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Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has launched a staunch defence of his side, with criticism mounting in from some quarters after the Blaugrana were awarded two penalties during their 3-1 win over AC Milan in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash at Camp Nou.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers’ decision to give the Catalans a pair of spot-kicks in the match has already attracted its fair share of controversy, with Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic claiming a Uefa conspiracy to put Barcelona in the final. However, a defiant Guardiola has maintained that both calls were fully warranted, and has hit out at detractors such as Ibrahimovic and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, insisting that Barcelona’s record speaks for itself.

"We didn't complain on penalties on the first leg. The replays show that it was a penalty both times. When you're holding the shirt of a player in the box, it’s a penalty. I’ve been taught this since I was a kid,” declared Guardiola to reporters after the match.

“If Mister Ibrahimovic or Mourinho think we don’t deserve our qualification and that we are winning thanks to referees, I’ll say to them that we are going to play a semi-final for the fifth time in a row. And that actually means something." The Catalan boss then went on to justify his side’s presence in their fifth straight semi-final, a record in the Champions League era.

“They [Milan] have had the odd counterattack, but they had three shots at goal and we had 21. We had a lot of goalscoring opportunities, with three defenders and with four,” observed Guardiola. “We were playing against Milan, who have seven Champions League trophies and very good players who could cause us problems. If people expected us to win 7-1, that's unrealistic. Things don't work like that.”

Guardiola also refused to speculate on his side’s next opponents, with Barcelona set to face the winners of the Chelsea-Benfica quarter-final tie, the English side holding a 1-0 advantage after the first leg in Lisbon. “We have to be very careful when we talk about our next rivals,” cautioned the Blaugrana coach. “Benfica created a lot of chances against Chelsea (in the first leg). They still have a good chance of getting through.”

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

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[Samuel Eto'o]

APOEL coach realistic over Real task

4 April 2012

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APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic remains upbeat despite facing a rampaging Real Madrid to stay alive in the Champions League on Wednesday.APOEL's remarkable run in Europe's elite club competition looks set to end at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Madrid holding a commanding 3-0 advantage in the quarter-final tie.

The Cyprus club held Jose Mourinho's side for 74 minutes in last week's first leg before a Karim Benzema brace and Kaka goal all but secured Real a semi-final berth.However, Jovanovic believes his side have much to gain from the experience and has taken APOEL's entire squad to the Spanish capital, including injured winger Ivan Trickovski and defender Marcelo Oliveria.

"We are in the best eight of Europe and there will be a lot of great experiences we can gain from this," Jovanovic said."These games are very important for the future of APOEL's football."In the important matches we've had strong rivals against us."These are teams that want to win the Champions League and I want my team to do well."

"In any case Real Madrid is almost in the next phase because the first result was very positive for them."Madrid is undefeated in all competitions since January and manager Mourinho will field a strong side for the second leg."Not many people think that APOEL can come here and win 4-0, but we have to respect our fans and the opponent," Mourinho said.

"There will be very few changes and we will play with a very strong team."Real will face Bayern Munich should they overcome APOEL, while Chelsea will host Benfica in Wednesday's other quarter-final, with the winner to take on defending champions Barcelona for a place in the final.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Uefa hands Chelsea goalkeeping coach one-match ban

Christophe Lollichon will miss the Blues’ vital Champions League match against Benfica after receiving his marching orders for his behaviour in the first-leg clash in Portugal

Apr 3, 2012 3:13:00 PM

By Shane Farrington

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Chelsea goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon will miss the club’s upcoming Champions League clash against Benfica after Uefa handed him a one-match ban for improper conduct.

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The Frenchman was sent from the bench during the latter stages of the first-leg clash in Portugal by referee Paolo Tagliavento.

The Blues hold a narrow 1-0 lead going into the second-leg but Lollichon will be unable to communicate with goalkeeper Petr Cech inside the ground.

Lollichon moved to Stamford Bridge in November 2007 from French side Rennes, where he had spent time alongside Cech.

The winners of the tie face either Barcelona or AC Milan in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite football competition.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Antonio Nocerino had made it 1-1 with a neat finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass, after Messi had scored the opener from the spot.Alessandro Nesta fouled the Argentine for the first penalty, giving the referee little choice, but it was his second foul for an alleged pull of Sergio Busquets' shirt that left Allegri fuming."They had two penalties, one gifted by us, the other gifted by the referee," Allegri said.

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[Samuel Eto'o]

AC Milan sweating over Pato fitness
The Brazil international has suffered yet another setback in his quest for full fitness as he picked up a knock in Tuesday's quarter-final loss in Europe's elite competition

Messi: We beat Milan because we took advantage of our strengths
The Argentine acknowledged that Massimiliano Allegri's men put up a good fight, but feels that his team made perfect use of their strengths to eliminate the Rossoneri

Chelsea have good strikers, but names do not win matches, warns Cardozo
The Paraguayan striker believes that his side can turn the tie around and agreed with the notion that the Blues did not deserve to win the first leg in Portugal

Mourinho: I’m concerned about all injuries
Los Blancos' coach has expressed his worries with the ongoing fitness problems at the Santiago Bernabeu side, but dismissed the notion that his players are tired

Abbiati: We made Barcelona suffer
The goalkeeper stressed that the Rossoneri bow out with their heads held high, and urged his team to now turn their focus to the Serie A title race again

Pique sustains thigh injury against AC Milan
The towering defender could face a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knock in his side's victory over Massimiliano Allegri's men in Europe's elite competition

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Chelsea have good strikers, but names do not win matches, warns Cardozo

The Paraguayan striker believes that his side can turn the tie around and agreed with the notion that the Blues did not deserve to win the first leg in Portugal

Apr 4, 2012 9:05:00 AM

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By Francisco Delgado

Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has warned Chelsea that they will have to prove their favourites' tag on the pitch in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second-leg contest.

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The Portuguese club travel to Stamford Bridge hoping to overturn a one-goal deficit following their 1-0 defeat at home in the first leg last week, which came courtesy of a late Salomon Kalou goal.

Cardozo believes that Chelsea have a slight advantage in the fixture, but insists that Benfica are capable of shocking the Blues in their own stadium.

"Perhaps the tie is 60-40 in Chelsea's favour now, but that does not mean it is lost," the Paraguayan striker said.

"It is perfectly possible to overcome a goal [deficit] in Europe.

"Chelsea's strikeforce is very good. Just mentioning their names proves that, but it is not always enough to win games."

Looking ahead to Wednesday's contest, Cardozo admitted that Benfica will have to go out on the attack from the first whistle to have a chance of going through.

"Benfica want an open and crazy game, not a tactical one," he explained. "That would suit the English, [who will look] to manage the situation with their goal advantage.

"The match is going to be very tough. We know that and we are prepared, but we are going there with the sole aim of scoring goals and winning.

"That way, we can obtain passage to the semi-finals, which is our great dream."

Questioned about the first leg at the Estadio da Luz, Cardozo agreed with Luisao that Benfica should have secured a better result against the English side.

"We deserved more in Lisbon, but football has those things and justice is not always shared out fairly on the pitch," Cardozo added.

"Now we have to take advantage of these 90 minutes or more to keep on making history in the Champions League."

The Paraguay international has scored four goals in Europe's premier club competition this season, and he assured his fans that he will try to make his mark on Wednesday.

"At Stamford Bridge we, the Benfica strikers, will need to be the protagonists because we need to score goals," the 28 year old said.

"I am up for that challenge and I want to play my best game of the season."

The winner of this quarter-final tie will face Barcelona in the last four, with the first leg to be played on April 18.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

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[Samuel Eto'o]

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[Samuel Eto'o]

Barcelona-Milan referee pleased with match officials' performance

The man in charge during Tuesday's Champions League encounter at Camp Nou has affirmed that he is satisfied with his display and has been receiving compliments

Apr 4, 2012 12:20:00 PM

By Stefan Coerts

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Referee Bjorn Kuipers has expressed his satisfaction with his and his fellow match officials' performance in Barcelona's 3-1 Champions League quarter-final win over AC Milan at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.

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The Dutch referee has received his fair share of criticism for his decision to award the Catalans a second penalty after Alessandro Nesta's infringement on Sergio Busquets five minutes before half-time.

However, Kuipers declared that he was pleased with his display and does not feel guilty about any of his decisions.

"We [the match officials] put in a good team performance. The match went as we expected it to go," Kuipers was quoted as saying by ANP.

Uefa doesn't allow its match officials to comment on specific situations, but Kuipers hinted that he has no regrets about his controversial calls.

"The fact that we have a good feeling about the match says it all. My phone has been ringing non-stop, and it's nothing but compliments."

Barcelona qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League following Tuesday's victory after drawing 0-0 in the first leg at San Siro.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Mascherano: Barcelona could have defeated Milan by a much bigger margin
The Argentine believes that Barca could have scored more goals against the Rossoneri, and added that he has no preference as to who the Catalans will meet in the final four

Mikel confident Chelsea can claim Champions League and a top-four Premier League finish
Midfielder thinks that recent form can carry the Blues to a successful end of season both in Europe and at home is delighted to find himself back in the starting line-up

Guardiola: Ibrahimovic is just making friends with Mourinho
The Blaugrana coach has responded to the Swedish striker's criticism, and advised the Milan star to focus on his performances on the pitch rather than cry foul play

Mexes takes blame for Barcelona's opener
The Frenchman has admitted that it was his mistake that led to the Catalans' first goal of the evening, and added that it was very hard for his team to deal with the pressure

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Kaka, Higuain, Sahin & the Real Madrid players with a point to prove against APOEL

Jose Mourinho is set to make up to seven changes to his side for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu - and several players need to take advantage

Apr 4, 2012 11:00:00 AM

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By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Editor

The game itself is a mere formality. Any aspirations of advancement in the Champions League harboured by APOEL ended in Cyprus last week when Real Madrid hit three late goals to claim a comprehensive victory on the island.

After that match, even Jose Mourinho admitted that the tie was over. The Portuguese promised, however, to field a full-strength side at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. And many of the players on show will have something of a point to prove in the sides' meeting in the Spanish capital.

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Nuri Sahin was a surprise starter in Nicosia and the Turkey midfielder earned praise from his coach after the match. "It was an ideal game for him because we knew we would have a lot of the ball," Mourinho explained. And he added: "We are happy because he is a fantastic lad and he has had to overcome a difficult situation in coming to a club like Madrid and not being able to train or play."

Sahin looks likely to finally confine his fitness problems to the past, with speculation he could be on the move this summer now seeming wide of the mark. The midfielder showed plenty of quality in the first leg and would have ended up with an assist had Karim Benzema hit the target from point-blank range instead of blazing inexplicably over the crossbar.

Turkish delights | But Sahin and Altintop have a point to prove at Madrid

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If the first match was seen as ideal, the second game should be even more suited to the Turkey international. Xabi Alonso is available again after suspension, but rest has been rare for the Basque midfielder this season and Sahin represents the perfect deputy for this match.

Kaka should also feature. The Brazilian playmaker has started more games at home than away this season, but came off the bench to inspire Madrid in Cyprus as he set up one and scored another. Like Sahin, the former AC Milan man has earned praise from Mourinho lately and now finally appears to have convinced his coach that his future lies at the Bernabeu - and not elsewhere. For the 29-year-old, Wednesday will be another opportunity to reaffirm his renaissance.

Another player linked with a January exit was Gonzalo Higuain, and speculation over the last few days has seen the Argentine striker associated with a part-exchange deal with Manchester City for compatriot Sergio Aguero. However, both Mourinho and Emilio Butragueno, now Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, have claimed those reports are false, and that the club are extremely happy with Higuain, whose double against Osasuna on Saturday saw him reach a century of goals for Real.

Esteban Granero and Raul Albiol have not played much, but they responded well against Osasuna. I was also delighted with Sahin in Cyprus. I say thank you to these players
- Jose Mourinho after the Osasuna match

Higuain now has 24 strikes in all competitions this season, four less than Benzema, but his future seems safe at the Bernabeu, especially as Aguero has declared he is happy at City and the English club have no plans to sell their star striker. A few more goals on Wednesday would do no harm, however.

Elsewhere, winger Jose Callejon could be reinstated after recovering from injury, although Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to add to his incredible goal tally after failing to find the net in the first leg last week.

Antonio Adan is in line to deputise for Iker Casillas in goal, with Raul Albiol set to start again following his impressive performance in the 5-1 weekend win at Osasuna. Utility man Hamit Altintop, who has featured little in 2011-12, is another who will be playing for his place at the club.

For many, then, the match is not such a formality after all.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Jesus´ Benfica out to topple Chelsea

4 April 2012

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Benfica manager Jorge Jesus said his side will attack to try and overturn their deficit to Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals.Liga Sagres side Benfica trail 1-0 after the home leg in Portugal last week, and face a tough task to win at Stamford Bridge and continue their run in UEFA's elite competition.

But Jesus cited his team's attacking form in the first leg against the west London club, when the hosts had a large share of possession, as good reason to believe Benfica can come from behind to progress to a semi-final date with Barcelona. Jesus then referred to pre-emptive discussions about a possible impending re-match between Chelsea and Barca in the semi-finals - hinting the pundits should not get ahead of themselves.

"There's a feeling that Barcelona are being talked about more than this game," Jesus said."Chelsea have the upper hand and we are going to approach the game in the same manner as we would have if we'd have won the first game."Chelsea had quite a lot of luck in the first game, considering we dominated the game. We have the quality to win this game and I'm sure we can turn the tie around and do the same to Chelsea as they did in Lisbon."

Jesus has no doubts his side could penetrate the defences of Roberto Di Matteo's team, who have conceded just two goals in their past three in all competitions."The team's always been able to score away from home in the Champions League and yes, of course the away goals are important and we are going to approach this game by being offensive," he said.

"Obviously we need to play as a team and we need to score to progress and like I said we are going to play an attacking game and I'm sure we can take the game to Chelsea."

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Champions League: Real Madrid 5 APOEL 2

5 April 2012

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Real Madrid can boast the highest-scoring trio in Spanish football history as they strolled into the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema have now scored 101 goals between them in the 2011-12 season, beating the 100 goal mark of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry, set during Barcelona's treble winning campaign of 2008-09.The 5-2 victory over APOEL in their second-leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu was an enticing game from start to finish.

A brace from Ronaldo, alongside further strikes from Kaka, Jose Callejon and Angel Di Maria ended the fairytale run of the brave outfit from Cyprus with an 8-2 aggregate scoreline.However, Jose Mourinho will likely be frustrated with two lapses in concentration that allowed Gustavo Manduca to finish off a great APOEL move, before Esteban Solari struck from the spot after an infraction by Hamit Altintop.

With a 3-0 deficit to overcome after the first leg, APOEL were always going to need a near miracle to progress, particularly against a Madrid team in imperious form in Europe. The Spanish outfit had won eight of their nine matches on the continent this season while conceding only four times, the lowest in the competition.Indeed, Mourinho’s men picked up where they left off after the initial encounter in Cyprus, dominating play right from the start of the match.

Ronaldo sent a towering header just over the bar from Nuri Sahin’s free kick with 20 minutes gone, but the Portuguese forward would not be denied much longer, as six minutes later, he turned home a teasing cross by Marcelo at the far post.Ten minutes later, and Madrid were 2-0 in front after a goal of undeniable quality from Kaka. The Brazilian received a pass from compatriot Marcelo 25 yards from goal and took one touch before unleashing an unstoppable shot that bent past the helpless Pardo into the top corner.

APOEL gained some encouragement from the lethargic play of the hosts, and grabbed themselves a consolation with a well worked goal after 67 minutes.Some slick interplay in the Madrid half ended with a clever reverse pass from Ailton to Manduca, who coolly sidefooted home to send the away fans into raptures. However, Ronaldo brought the visitors back down to earth with a stunning set-piece with a quarter of an hour to go.

Taking aim from a tricky angle on the left side of the box, the Portuguese sent the ball past the despairing fingertips of Pardo into the top corner for his first goal direct from a free kick this season.Half-time substitute Callejon got in on the act in the 80th minute, smashing home Di Maria’s pass at the near post for the home side's fourth. Madrid were breached once again within two minutes though, after a foul by Altintop was spotted by the referee, allowing Solari the chance to beat Iker Casillas with a composed finish from the spot.

Di Maria added further gloss to the scoreline in the 84th minute with an impudent chip over Pardo, after sprinting in unopposed from midfield.Madrid march into an enticing semi-final match-up against Bayern Munich, with the first leg set to be played on April 17 at the Allianz Arena in Germany.

 

[Samuel Eto'o]

Champions League: Chelsea 2 Benfica 1

5 April 2012

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A penalty by Frank Lampard and a late goal from Raul Meireles helped Chelsea secure a Champions League semi-final place.But the 2-1 victory on Wednesday did not come without a scare as Benfica midfielder Javi Garcia’s late goal nearly cost the English side.The victory over the Portuguese outfit sees the Stamford Bridge side continue on the path towards the final in Munich, but they must now overcome the large roadblock of defending champions Barcelona.

Chelsea found themselves on the back foot early as Benfica looked to level the tie, with Nicolas Gaitan posing the threat down the left wing, but the Blues defence stood firm to protect both Petr Cech and their first-leg lead.Ashley Cole lifted Chelsea after breaking broke into the box but he was barged down by Garcia, leaving the referee Damir Skomina with no option but to point to the spot.Benfica skipper Maxi Pereira was shown a yellow card, which would cost the full back later on.

Lampard doive the ball under the outstretched arms of keeper Artur to give Di Matteo's side a two-goal lead on aggregate.Midway through the first half David Luiz allowed his former side to break into the box, allowing Gaitan to race forward, but the Argentinian midfielder's cross was blocked by John Terry.The Chelsea skipper came to the rescue again a minute later after a good move from a free kick found Axel Witsel at the back post.He knocked it down for Oscar Cardozo, who was free on the penalty spot, but his drive towards goal was cleared by Terry on the line.

Five minutes before half-time, things went from bad to worse for the Portuguese outfit as Pereira was shown his second yellow card for a lunge on John Obi Mikel.The visitors came out with a purpose for the second half and were nearly rewarded straight away as a slick passing move saw the ball arrive at the feet of Cardozo, but his strike was superbly tipped round the post by Chelsea stopper Cech.Chelsea hit back as Torres took Emerson one way, then the other, his strike was deflected by the Benfica defender for a corner.

The English side continued to search out the goal that would ultimately kill the game off as a contest, with both Juan Mata and Torres having strikes, but neither could find a way past Artur.Mata could have finished off the game as his bursting run into the box was found by Kalou, but the Spanish midfielder' strike could only go across the face of Artur's goal and out for a goal kick to the visitors.

Stamford Bridge, or at least the Chelsea end, went silent as a corner from the left wing found Garcia free in front of goal and from two yards out he headed the ball into the net to give Benfica a glimmer of hope.But Chelsea faithful need not worry as deep into injury time, with Benfica moving everyone forward the Blues broke and substitute Meireles unleashed an unstoppable strike to send the Blues into the semi-final stage of the Champions League.