-
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
UEFA Champions League 2012/2013
- Thread starter Weidenfeller
- Start date
Uefa backs referee Cakir in Nani dismissal aftermath
By Alex Ward
Mar 6, 2013 2:15:00 PM
The European football governing body has confirmed that Cuneyt Cakir will remain on its list of officials for the upcoming Champions League matches this season
Uefa has backed referee Cuneyt Cakir following his controversial decision to show Nani a red card during Manchester United's defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese winger was sent from the field after catching los Blancos defender Alvaro Arbeloa with a stray boot with United leading 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate in the sides' Champions League last-16 clash.
And, despite the Turkish official coming in for criticism after United went on to lose the tie courtesy of two quick-fire goals from the visitors against the 10-man Red Devils, Uefa insists there are "no issues" with Cakir.
"We have no problem with him," a spokesman told The Guardian. "There are no issues for us regarding the sending off.
"We will wait for the official reports of the match delegate and the referee's observer, as is procedure. If they raise concerns then we will act.
"He remains on our list of officials."
Cakir, who is set to officiate at the 2014 World Cup, is no stranger to red card controversy, having sent off John Terry during last year’s Champions League semi-final meeting between Chelsea and Barcelona.
We know you're upset, but there's no place for this sort of petulance! Rio left to sweat on UEFA charge for sarcastic clap
By CHARLIE SKILLEN PUBLISHED: 11:34 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 13:24 GMT, 6 March 2013
Rio Ferdinand faces a 48-hour wait to find out if he faces UEFA action for sarcastically clapping referee Cuneyt Cakir in the aftermath of Manchester United’s Champions League exit last night.Cakir caused controversy by sending off Nani in the 56th minute for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa, and Madrid went on to win the match 2-1.At full-time, Rio Ferdinand led a group of United players – including Patrice Evra, Ashley Young and Michael Carrick – in an ambush of Cakir, and took charge by sarcastically and exaggeratedly applauding in his face, before storming off.
Petulant: Ferdinand led United's players in a swarm around the referee and proceeded to sarcastically applaud the Turkish official
Ferdinand obviously realised his mistake, as he later returned to shake Cakir’s hand, but he could still face a UEFA sanction for his actions. Cakir and the UEFA match delegate have a 48-hour deadline to submit their match report to the governing body, and then it will be revealed if Ferdinand will face any ban.As he waited on a possible sanction, Ferdinand took to Twitter to give his thoughts on the game.'I must say last night our fans done us + our club proud. Best/loudest support I've heard at ANY ground throughout my career. Thank you,' posted Ferdinand, who also posted that he hadn't slept after the game.
Innocuous: Nani saw red for this challenge on Madrid's Arbeloa in an attempt to control the ball
To save further controversy, Ferdinand and his team-mates were banned from talking to the media after the game.Sir Alex Ferguson was so incensed at the decision that he, too, refused to speak after the match.The red card decision divided opinion, but Ferdinand’s display of petulance may not be overlooked.United are weighing up whether to appeal the ban following Nani's sending off, preventing the Portuguese winger from playing in the opening games of European competition next season.
Dejected: Ferdinand (right) was distraught to see his Manchester United side exit the Champions League
If UEFA decide to take Ferdinand to task, they would not have the same amount of support for defending an immature display from one of the most senior players on the pitch. Former Manchester City and England forward Rodney Marsh believes Ferdinand should have faced punishment for his display.‘Clapping in a dissentful manner in the referees face is automatic red card in international football. Rio should have got red,’ posted Marsh on his Twitter page. The incident brought to mind other acts of petulance towards referees from the top players in the country.
Petulant: Ferdinand led United's players in a swarm around the referee and proceeded to sarcastically applaud the Turkish official
Ferdinand obviously realised his mistake, as he later returned to shake Cakir’s hand, but he could still face a UEFA sanction for his actions. Cakir and the UEFA match delegate have a 48-hour deadline to submit their match report to the governing body, and then it will be revealed if Ferdinand will face any ban.As he waited on a possible sanction, Ferdinand took to Twitter to give his thoughts on the game.'I must say last night our fans done us + our club proud. Best/loudest support I've heard at ANY ground throughout my career. Thank you,' posted Ferdinand, who also posted that he hadn't slept after the game.
Innocuous: Nani saw red for this challenge on Madrid's Arbeloa in an attempt to control the ball
To save further controversy, Ferdinand and his team-mates were banned from talking to the media after the game.Sir Alex Ferguson was so incensed at the decision that he, too, refused to speak after the match.The red card decision divided opinion, but Ferdinand’s display of petulance may not be overlooked.United are weighing up whether to appeal the ban following Nani's sending off, preventing the Portuguese winger from playing in the opening games of European competition next season.
Dejected: Ferdinand (right) was distraught to see his Manchester United side exit the Champions League
If UEFA decide to take Ferdinand to task, they would not have the same amount of support for defending an immature display from one of the most senior players on the pitch. Former Manchester City and England forward Rodney Marsh believes Ferdinand should have faced punishment for his display.‘Clapping in a dissentful manner in the referees face is automatic red card in international football. Rio should have got red,’ posted Marsh on his Twitter page. The incident brought to mind other acts of petulance towards referees from the top players in the country.
Old stomping ground: Former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo scored Madrid's winner, but refused to celebrate against his old club
Wayne Rooney, who started last night’s match on the bench, was sent off in Champions League against Villarreal in 2005 for a similar offence. Rooney’s actions were during the game in response to a booking, but he received an extra two match ban from UEFA. Ferdinand might count himself lucky to escape the same.
Previous: The incident brought to mind other hounding of referees, including Cole (left) and Keane (right)
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole prompted debate over harsher sanctions for player dissent towards referees in 2008 when he turned his back on referee Mike Riley, refusing to acknowledge a booking against Tottenham. Former United captain Roy Keane last night insisted Cakir was correct to send Nani off, but has caused controversy for his treatment of referees in the past.
In 2000 Keane headed a charge of players, including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Jaap Stam, towards referee Andy D’Urso after he awarded Middlesbrough a penalty at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney, who started last night’s match on the bench, was sent off in Champions League against Villarreal in 2005 for a similar offence. Rooney’s actions were during the game in response to a booking, but he received an extra two match ban from UEFA. Ferdinand might count himself lucky to escape the same.
Previous: The incident brought to mind other hounding of referees, including Cole (left) and Keane (right)
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole prompted debate over harsher sanctions for player dissent towards referees in 2008 when he turned his back on referee Mike Riley, refusing to acknowledge a booking against Tottenham. Former United captain Roy Keane last night insisted Cakir was correct to send Nani off, but has caused controversy for his treatment of referees in the past.
In 2000 Keane headed a charge of players, including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Jaap Stam, towards referee Andy D’Urso after he awarded Middlesbrough a penalty at Old Trafford.
Fatih Terim open to Serie A return
The former AC Milan and Fiorentina boss has revealed his connection with the country, while talking of his contentment with his side's current form
Beckham: Champions League is special
The former Blancos and Red Devils star has spoken of the unique appeal of Europe's elite competition
I was not sorry to see Man United lose, claims Pogba
The France starlet took a swipe at his former employers after helping to guide Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-0 aggregate win
Deschamps not surprised by Matuidi performance
The France coach hailed the midfielder's battling qualities on the back of his display on Wednesday evening
Celtic boss Lennon says star names may move on
The Parkhead boss expresses his pride in his young side as they manage to make their way into the last 16 of the Champions League before falling to defeat against Juventus
Valverde proud of Valencia showing
Los Che's coach insisted his team acquitted themselves well after their Champions League exit
Barcelona games were the highlight, says Celtic striker Samaras
The Greek striker hopes his side can make it back into the Champions League next season after reaching the last 16 before falling at the hands of Italian giants Juventus
Varane eyes Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League quarter-final
The French defender says he would "love" to face Carlo Ancelotti's side as the line-up for the next round of the competition shapes up
Ancelotti: It's very difficult for us to win the Champions League
The Italian hinted that lifting the famous trophy would be a big ask for his side, but promised les Parisiens would do their utmost in the next round
Victory over Celtic was not easy, says Matri
The 28-year-old striker opened the scoring for the Old Lady, but admitted the tie was tougher than the aggregate result suggests
Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Valencia (Agg 3-2): Lavezzi ensures nervous hosts edge into next round
Les Parisiens were uninspiring, but they ultimately had enough to see off the challenge of Los Che
Juventus 2-0 Celtic (Agg 5-0): Matri & Quagliarella ease Italian giants into last eight
Antonio Conte's men displayed their European pedigree with a perfectly-executed victory over the Bhoys
Mandzukic wants trophies over goals
The Croatia international has played down his goalscoring efforts this season and says medals are of greater importance
Wenger urges Arsenal to stay strong in wake of Tottenham defeat
Despite the club’s recent travails in domestic and European cup competitions, the French manager is confident the Gunners will rally as they approach the season’s home stretch
Uefa opens disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United and Nani
The European governing body have moved to sanction the club for Sir Alex Ferguson's failure to fulfil media obligations in the aftermath of the Portuguese's red card
Rio could face Uefa ban for sarcastically clapping referee Cuneyt Cakir in aftermath of Real Madrid defeat
The governing body is waiting on the reports of the Turkish official and the match delegate before deciding whether or not to take action against the England international
Messi: Don't write off Barca
The Argentine insisted the Blaugrana are still in with a fighting chance of progression, while he also commented on the national team, the Bundesliga and two British stars
Uefa opens disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United and Nani
By Shane Farrington
Mar 6, 2013 4:45:00 PM
The European governing body have moved to sanction the club for Sir Alex Ferguson's failure to fulfil media obligations in the aftermath of the Portuguese's red card
Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United and Nani following the club's defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
The Portuguese winger was sent from the field during the Champions League last-16 second-leg after connecting with Los Blancos right-back Alvaro Arbeloa with a high boot.
That decision left manager Sir Alex Ferguson infuriated, and the 71-year-old sent assistant Mike Phelan in his place to fulfil the club's media obligations after the game.
Phelan revealed that Ferguson was "too distraught" with referee Cuneyt's Cakir's performance to face the press in the immediate aftermath, despite his absence contravening Uefa rules.
The Red Devils also face sanctions over their failure to provide two players for press interviews after the game.
The current Premier League leaders could face further disciplinary action should veteran defender Rio Ferdinand's sarcastic applause of Cakir shortly after the final whistle be mentioned in the official's report.
Manchester United fan rings police over Nani red card
By Shane Farrington
Mar 6, 2013 5:20:00 PM
A disgruntled Red Devils supporter rang the emergency services to vent his anger following the Portuguese winger’s sending off in their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid
Nottinghamshire Police in England have revealed that a furious Manchester United fan rang them to vent his anger at Nani's sending off against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
Though many observers may have termed referee Cuneyt Cakir’s decision to send off the ex-Sporting Lisbon winger as "criminal", one 18-year-old Red Devils supporter took the description a touch too literally.
Of course, in terms of football lookalikes, Nani has regularly been compared with former 'Smooth Criminal' Michael Jackson, but it seems this fan believed the winger was the victim on this occasion.
Thankfully, the supporter later apologised for calling the police, and control room chief inspector Ted Antill has called on people to think before dialling emergency services.
He said: "While this recent example may be amusing, it illustrates the sort of insincere calls we have to deal with on a daily basis in the Control Room.
"They waste our time and they direct us away from genuine victims of crime, particularly if we dispatch officers out to something that turns out to be a bogus report.
"I would ask people to think before picking up the phone for emergency services. I would also advise parents to ensure your children are aware that prank calls and the reporting of made-up crimes is a crime in itself."
Yes, Manchester United fans, that says "children", not 18-year-olds!
I was not sorry to see Man United lose, claims Pogba
By Joe Wright
Mar 7, 2013 12:35:00 AM
The France starlet took a swipe at his former employers after helping to guide Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-0 aggregate win
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he was not disappointed to see Manchester United lose to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Red Devils were edged out 3-2 on aggregate by Jose Mourinho's side after a controversial Nani red card led to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and Pogba rubbed further salt into the wound by suggesting he was not sorry to see them depart the competition.
"Did I watch Manchester United yesterday? Of course I did. Was I sorry to see them lose to Real? No," he told reporters at Juventus Stadium.
A goal apiece from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella saw the Bianconeri overcome Celtic and book their place in the last eight of the tournament, and Pogba insisted his side are aiming to go all the way this season.
"We are pleased. It was a very difficult game and we played the right way," the 19-year-old went on. "There is a great confidence within the team and the staff, and we will try to win the Champions League because we are Juve.
"I know the fans always expect me to score, but today it didn't matter because the most important thing was to win. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight.
"I just want to play and win, that's all. The coach believes in me, and I'm glad I came here to play."
Matching Ibrahimovic's £50m wage bill may prove to be a stumbling block for PSG in swoop for Man United star Rooney
By CHARLES SALE PUBLISHED: 22:47 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:28 GMT, 6 March 2013
The details of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's salary at Paris Saint-Germain highlight the financial obstacles that would hinder any plan for Wayne Rooney to move to France. Rooney's omission from Manchester United's starting line-up against Real Madrid has increased speculation about a summer transfer.A possible PSG bid for the striker was first mooted by Sports Agenda in January after he was left out at Tottenham.
Benched: Wayne Rooney was left on the sidelines as Manchester United faced Real Madrid
End of the road: Rooney will be weighing up his future at Old Trafford after he was snubbed by Ferguson
The information came from high-up sources at Nike, who want the biggest seller of their football shirts in the shop window for all the big games. However, the crippling 75 per cent income tax on France's high earners means PSG have to pay Ibrahimovic €55million a year (£47.5m) for the Sweden striker to take home the annual €13m that brought him to Paris. A similar package would be needed for Rooney's advisers to contemplate a move - and even PSG's Qatari backers might baulk at a deal that would mean spending the club's entire annual turnover on two players.
Big bucks: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the highest earner at mega-rich French side Paris Saint-Germain
UEFA president Michel Platini personally asked for his organisation's website to include a feature on Ryan Giggs' 1,000th game. So the decision by Manchester United players not to speak to any media after Tuesday's Champions League exit was a particular problem for UEFA.com. Coincidentally, officials in Nyon wasted little time yesterday in opening disciplinary proceedings against United for failing to fulfil their media obligations at Old Trafford.
Big fan: Michel Platini (left) wanted a feature about Ryan Giggs on the UEFA website
Veteran: Giggs made his 1,000th senior appearance for United on Tuesday evening
Graeme Souness has emerged as a likely pundit for BT Sport's launch of their Premier League coverage next season. The former Liverpool great is an established member of Sky Sports' team and they would be particularly loath to lose him to their new rivals. But Souness has become unsettled because he is paid considerably less than fellow Sky analyst Gary Neville.
MCC's underwhelming 10-year strategic report containing sparse information on Lord's rebuilding proposals has led to rebel members calling for an independent inquiry into the fiasco surrounding renovations at HQ.
Such is the acrimony, the rebels have published private email correspondence on their website in which MCC trustee Anthony Wreford questions whether they had a financial interest in the aborted £400million Lord's Vision.Reform group leaders Nick Gandon and Paddy Briggs called Wreford's speculation about them 'groundless and improper'.
Stratford D-day looms
Debbie Jevans, chief executive of England Rugby 2015, has to make a huge call on Friday week over whether to include the Olympic Stadium in the list of 12 venues that the IRB have demanded ridiculously early in the four-year tournament cycle.
There is a wish on all sides for the capacious venue to stage rugby, especially as 2.9m tickets need to be sold. But Leyton Orient's fanciful request for a judicial review over the bid process only adds to the uncertainty around the stadium's readiness for rugby before West Ham's expected arrival in 2016.
D-day: Debbie Jevans will make a huge call on the Olympic Stadium next week
Orient chief Barry Hearn claims his groundshare proposal was ignored in breach of bid regulations and says his QC's view is that London Legacy Development Corporation have made a 'massive mistake'.
Previously, Hearn supported Spurs knocking down the Stratford stadium and building a new one in preference to West Ham moving there but he says: 'There was no chance of Spurs succeeding.'
Spotted dining together in the Rotisserie restaurant in Totteridge last Monday - the day after Arsenal's derby defeat at Spurs - were troubled Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and his close friend and neighbour David Dein, former Arsenal vice-chairman.
The pity for Arsenal and Wenger is that Dein's wise counsel hasn't been available to the manager during working hours on a day-to-day basis since 'irreconcilable differences' with the other directors led to his departure in April 2007.
His loss: Arsene Wenger has been missing out on the wise counsel of former director David Dein
The details of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's salary at Paris Saint-Germain highlight the financial obstacles that would hinder any plan for Wayne Rooney to move to France. Rooney's omission from Manchester United's starting line-up against Real Madrid has increased speculation about a summer transfer.A possible PSG bid for the striker was first mooted by Sports Agenda in January after he was left out at Tottenham.
Benched: Wayne Rooney was left on the sidelines as Manchester United faced Real Madrid
End of the road: Rooney will be weighing up his future at Old Trafford after he was snubbed by Ferguson
The information came from high-up sources at Nike, who want the biggest seller of their football shirts in the shop window for all the big games. However, the crippling 75 per cent income tax on France's high earners means PSG have to pay Ibrahimovic €55million a year (£47.5m) for the Sweden striker to take home the annual €13m that brought him to Paris. A similar package would be needed for Rooney's advisers to contemplate a move - and even PSG's Qatari backers might baulk at a deal that would mean spending the club's entire annual turnover on two players.
Big bucks: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the highest earner at mega-rich French side Paris Saint-Germain
UEFA president Michel Platini personally asked for his organisation's website to include a feature on Ryan Giggs' 1,000th game. So the decision by Manchester United players not to speak to any media after Tuesday's Champions League exit was a particular problem for UEFA.com. Coincidentally, officials in Nyon wasted little time yesterday in opening disciplinary proceedings against United for failing to fulfil their media obligations at Old Trafford.
Big fan: Michel Platini (left) wanted a feature about Ryan Giggs on the UEFA website
Veteran: Giggs made his 1,000th senior appearance for United on Tuesday evening
Graeme Souness has emerged as a likely pundit for BT Sport's launch of their Premier League coverage next season. The former Liverpool great is an established member of Sky Sports' team and they would be particularly loath to lose him to their new rivals. But Souness has become unsettled because he is paid considerably less than fellow Sky analyst Gary Neville.
MCC's underwhelming 10-year strategic report containing sparse information on Lord's rebuilding proposals has led to rebel members calling for an independent inquiry into the fiasco surrounding renovations at HQ.
Such is the acrimony, the rebels have published private email correspondence on their website in which MCC trustee Anthony Wreford questions whether they had a financial interest in the aborted £400million Lord's Vision.Reform group leaders Nick Gandon and Paddy Briggs called Wreford's speculation about them 'groundless and improper'.
Stratford D-day looms
Debbie Jevans, chief executive of England Rugby 2015, has to make a huge call on Friday week over whether to include the Olympic Stadium in the list of 12 venues that the IRB have demanded ridiculously early in the four-year tournament cycle.
There is a wish on all sides for the capacious venue to stage rugby, especially as 2.9m tickets need to be sold. But Leyton Orient's fanciful request for a judicial review over the bid process only adds to the uncertainty around the stadium's readiness for rugby before West Ham's expected arrival in 2016.
D-day: Debbie Jevans will make a huge call on the Olympic Stadium next week
Orient chief Barry Hearn claims his groundshare proposal was ignored in breach of bid regulations and says his QC's view is that London Legacy Development Corporation have made a 'massive mistake'.
Previously, Hearn supported Spurs knocking down the Stratford stadium and building a new one in preference to West Ham moving there but he says: 'There was no chance of Spurs succeeding.'
Spotted dining together in the Rotisserie restaurant in Totteridge last Monday - the day after Arsenal's derby defeat at Spurs - were troubled Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and his close friend and neighbour David Dein, former Arsenal vice-chairman.
The pity for Arsenal and Wenger is that Dein's wise counsel hasn't been available to the manager during working hours on a day-to-day basis since 'irreconcilable differences' with the other directors led to his departure in April 2007.
His loss: Arsene Wenger has been missing out on the wise counsel of former director David Dein
United in hot water as UEFA launch probe into Ferguson's reaction after Madrid defeat
By SIMON STONE, PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 16:33 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 17:36 GMT, 6 March 2013
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United over Nani's red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations after last night's Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.Manager Sir Alex Ferguson reacted angrily after Nani was sent off for a high challenge on Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute of the match, which United were leading 1-0 at the time.But with the man advantage, Madrid came back to win 2-1 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate.
Fury: Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly too 'distraught' to address the media after Manchester United's defeat
Debate: This challenge from Nani on Alvaro Arbeloa led to a controversial red card at Old Trafford
Ferguson did not appear for interviews after the match, with his assistant Mike Phelan attending the post-match press conference and saying the manager was too 'distraught' to speak. United's players did not stop to talk in the mixed zone.'There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,' said a UEFA spokesman. 'We will wait for the official reports of the match delegate and the referee's observer. If they raise concerns we will act.'UEFA issued a short statement today confirming disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the club regarding the two incidents.'The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday 21 March,' the statement said.
Champions League rules oblige managers to speak to the media after every match.Phelan had suggested he was at least likely to adopt a more diplomatic stance than his boss, who might have risked an even heavier sanction had he said in public what he thought in private.Today's statement from UEFA made no mention of defender Rio Ferdinand, who sarcastically applauded Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir after the final whistle when the players surrounded the officials.UEFA has already released a statement insisting it had no issues regarding Cakir's performance.
In hot water: Rio Ferdinand could be punished for sarcastically applauding the referee at the final whistle
'There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,' said a UEFA spokesman. Ferguson is due to speak to the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea.There has been an element of circling the wagons at Old Trafford, with former captain Roy Keane's suggestion that Nani deserved his punishment for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa coming in for stinging criticism. Former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand was particularly venomous, although others were equally incredulous.
Controversy: Roy Keane claimed Nani deserved to see red
'That decision was an absolute joke,' former United defender Viv Anderson said. 'The players will feel as though they have been cheated by the referee.'Another ex-player, Lou Macari, said: 'He was the same referee who sent John Terry off in the semi-final last season. 'When I read that I thought surely he is not going to be one of those who brings out yellow cards for fun. He brought a red out for fun instead.'Once his anger has subsided, Ferguson will be able to reflect on an outstanding first hour in which Danny Welbeck and Ryan Giggs were superb.
However, should the United boss watch the match again, he may concede Rafael could easily have been sent off for a handball on the line. He may also wonder at the speed with which Real adjusted to their numerical advantage, turning the entire tie on its head before United sorted themselves out. As Phelan pointed out, United are used to recovering from such shattering reversals of fortune and Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea is almost perfect, given the Premier League leaders have home advantage against a side mired in their own problems and tired by a midweek trip to Romania.
And although Europe remains the pinnacle, a fourth domestic league and cup Double would be welcomed with open arms at Old Trafford.
However, if it all goes wrong for Ferguson's team, a season that promised so much will suddenly not appear quite so positive, given the general acceptance that a 20th championship is already secure.
'If you are in the next round of the Champions League, all the pressure for Sunday is off,' said Macari. 'You get knocked out of the Champions League and suddenly you have a big game on Sunday. It adds a little bit of pressure. 'The players have to go out and deliver. 'It is not a foregone conclusion, though, and all of a sudden, from us talking about the treble, this defeat is an example of why it was silly. 'So many things can go wrong. I just hope they can rise to the occasion on Sunday.'
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United over Nani's red card and the non-fulfilment of post-match media obligations after last night's Champions League defeat by Real Madrid.Manager Sir Alex Ferguson reacted angrily after Nani was sent off for a high challenge on Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa in the 56th minute of the match, which United were leading 1-0 at the time.But with the man advantage, Madrid came back to win 2-1 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate.
Fury: Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly too 'distraught' to address the media after Manchester United's defeat
Debate: This challenge from Nani on Alvaro Arbeloa led to a controversial red card at Old Trafford
Ferguson did not appear for interviews after the match, with his assistant Mike Phelan attending the post-match press conference and saying the manager was too 'distraught' to speak. United's players did not stop to talk in the mixed zone.'There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,' said a UEFA spokesman. 'We will wait for the official reports of the match delegate and the referee's observer. If they raise concerns we will act.'UEFA issued a short statement today confirming disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the club regarding the two incidents.'The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Thursday 21 March,' the statement said.
Champions League rules oblige managers to speak to the media after every match.Phelan had suggested he was at least likely to adopt a more diplomatic stance than his boss, who might have risked an even heavier sanction had he said in public what he thought in private.Today's statement from UEFA made no mention of defender Rio Ferdinand, who sarcastically applauded Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir after the final whistle when the players surrounded the officials.UEFA has already released a statement insisting it had no issues regarding Cakir's performance.
In hot water: Rio Ferdinand could be punished for sarcastically applauding the referee at the final whistle
'There are no issues for us regarding the sending off,' said a UEFA spokesman. Ferguson is due to speak to the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea.There has been an element of circling the wagons at Old Trafford, with former captain Roy Keane's suggestion that Nani deserved his punishment for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa coming in for stinging criticism. Former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand was particularly venomous, although others were equally incredulous.
Controversy: Roy Keane claimed Nani deserved to see red
'That decision was an absolute joke,' former United defender Viv Anderson said. 'The players will feel as though they have been cheated by the referee.'Another ex-player, Lou Macari, said: 'He was the same referee who sent John Terry off in the semi-final last season. 'When I read that I thought surely he is not going to be one of those who brings out yellow cards for fun. He brought a red out for fun instead.'Once his anger has subsided, Ferguson will be able to reflect on an outstanding first hour in which Danny Welbeck and Ryan Giggs were superb.
However, should the United boss watch the match again, he may concede Rafael could easily have been sent off for a handball on the line. He may also wonder at the speed with which Real adjusted to their numerical advantage, turning the entire tie on its head before United sorted themselves out. As Phelan pointed out, United are used to recovering from such shattering reversals of fortune and Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea is almost perfect, given the Premier League leaders have home advantage against a side mired in their own problems and tired by a midweek trip to Romania.
And although Europe remains the pinnacle, a fourth domestic league and cup Double would be welcomed with open arms at Old Trafford.
However, if it all goes wrong for Ferguson's team, a season that promised so much will suddenly not appear quite so positive, given the general acceptance that a 20th championship is already secure.
'If you are in the next round of the Champions League, all the pressure for Sunday is off,' said Macari. 'You get knocked out of the Champions League and suddenly you have a big game on Sunday. It adds a little bit of pressure. 'The players have to go out and deliver. 'It is not a foregone conclusion, though, and all of a sudden, from us talking about the treble, this defeat is an example of why it was silly. 'So many things can go wrong. I just hope they can rise to the occasion on Sunday.'
UEFA Champions League: PSG 1 Valencia 1 (agg. 3-2)
7 March 2013
Paris Saint-Germain were made to work hard for a 1-1 draw against Valencia to seal their Champions League quarter-final spot on Wednesday.
In what was an affair lacking in quality and excitement for long periods at Parc des Princes, the Spaniards grabbed the lead thanks to a well-taken strike from Jonas early in the second half.
PSG, who were missing suspended pair Marco Verratti and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, battled back quickly and Ezequiel Lavezzi scrambled them level.
From the outset it was clear that the home side were in an indecisive mood, and this allowed Valencia to set the tempo for much of the game.
Although they struggled to test Salvatore Sirigu in the PSG goal, Valencia deservedly grabbed the lead 10 minutes into the second period when Jonas blasted home with his unfavoured right foot from the edge of the area.
Ancelotti responded by introducing Kevin Gameiro, and the substitute would play a key role in invigorating the previously stale hosts. A positive run through the centre of defence was rewarded by a lucky break that saw the ball spill to Lavezzi, who needed two attempts to ultimately beat Vicente Guaita with his knee.
Even this equalising goal struggled to prompt much of a reaction from the home side, who had to withstand a good deal of pressure from their guests in the closing stages, with Alex and Thiago Silva outstanding in the heart of their defence, while Blaise Matuidi's energy in the centre of the field helped subdue Valencia.
The visitors would regret their failure to make headway earlier in the match, with Sirigu rarely tested.
With a quarter of an hour gone, Roberto Soldado should have made the Italian work harder when he got a clear sight of goal, while a scuffed effort wide from Tino Costa after 30 minutes summed up their efforts.
Only Jonas would show any serious intent during the opening period, but his shot in the 45th minute was punched clear by Sirigu.
The Brazil international was ultimately to be on the losing side, but this was a fate dictated by his side's 2-1 defeat in Spain rather than their considerable efforts in the French capital.
For the part of PSG, they looked a side well short of the quality to be serious Champions League contenders.
UEFA Champions League: Juventus 2 Celtic 0 (agg. 5-0)
7 March 2013
Juventus cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday.
With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured place in the last eight.
Joe Ledley attempted to give Celtic some direction from midfield, but it was not until the 21st minute that they looked liked breaking through a defence that had conceded just four times in their seven European matches this season.
The Wales midfielder arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards, only to see his shot go agonisingly close to finding the top corner.
But, against the run of play, Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Serie A champions took the lead three minutes later.
Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the centre-back fed Quagliarella inside the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri, who followed up for a simple finish.
Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball to safety.
However, there was nothing the Italy goalkeeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal, though Hooper failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his desperate lunge.
At the start of the second half Juventus showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled their lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety.
Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and cleared the crossbar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net.
Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring for Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played.
The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalised, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy.
PSG 1 Valencia 1 (agg 3-2): Beckham celebrates from the bench as Lavezzi secures progression to the last eight
PUBLISHED: 21:37 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 22:02 GMT, 6 March 2013
Paris Saint-Germain slugged rather than sashayed their way through to the Champions League quarter-finals tonight after drawing with Valencia at the Parc des Princes. It took the jolt of a fine Valencia goal from Jonas early in the second half to rouse the home side, and Ezequiel Lavezzi's equaliser secured a draw on the night and a narrow aggregate win.It was Lavezzi's second goal of the tie after he and Javier Pastore scored in Spain three weeks ago. PSG were in full control at the Mestalla until a dramatic injury-time period saw Adil Rami pull a goal back and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off, making tonight's second leg increasingly complicated on two counts.
Just about: Ezequiel Lavezzi bundled home the equaliser before receiving a yellow card for removing his shirt
Nice tats: Lavezzi showed off his tattoos, including Jesus and compatriot Diego Maradona
MATCH FACTS
Paris Saint-Germain: Sirigu, Thiago Silva, Alex, Maxwell, Matuidi, Chantome, Jallet (Van der Wiel 27), Motta (Gameiro 58), Lucas (Sakho 83) Moura, Lavezzi, Pastore
Subs not used: Douchez, Camara, Armand, Beckham
Goal: Lavezzi 66
Booked: Lavezzi
Valencia: Guaita, Cissokho, Barragan, Ruiz, Mathieu, Albelda (Banega 46), Feghouli (Piatti 63), Parejo, Facundo Costa, Jonas (Valdez 76), Soldado
Subs not used: Diego Alves, Joao Pereira, Guardado, Canales
Booked: Ruiz, Albelda, Soldado, Parejo
Goal: Jonas 55
Referee: Milorad Mazic
Ibrahimovic was given a two-match ban by UEFA, and the Sweden striker was certainly missed on the field for this return leg as he watched from the stands. Without him, the home side were toothless in the first half. They certainly did not appear a side capable of reaching the Wembley final on May 25, but on they go. Those looking for romance forged at home in the story of Parisian resurgence might prefer to overlook the fact it has been funded by overseas money, since the 2011 takeover by the Qatar Investment Authority.
Their budget is more Champions League than Ligue 1, and the personnel brought to the Parc des Princes over the last two years reflects it.The sudden wealth means tangible success in Europe is a requisite, so winning in Spain three weeks ago was not the achievement it might have been considered before the takeover and more another step in the plan for growth. PSG, founded in 1970, are unbeaten in their last 23 European home matches now but they were clinging on at the end as Valencia sought the goal that would have forced extra-time.
Overjoyed: David Beckham celebrates Lavezzi's equaliser from the sidelines
Pick that one out: Jonas rifled Valencia into the lead in the second half
Game on: Jonas celebrates his stunning goal after half-time to bring Valencia back into the tie
Twisting: Lucas (left) turns away from his marker Jeremy Mathieu
With Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti suspended, and winger Jeremy Menez injured, manager Carlo Ancelotti - who won the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 with AC Milan - had a weakened hand before kick-off. Lucas started alongside Lavezzi in attack.There was no room in the starting XI for David Beckham, squeezed out of central midfield by Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi. The former England captain was primed on the bench but stayed there.PSG fans might have been wary that their expensively-assembled team are prone to aberrations, such as their league defeat to Reims at the weekend. Jonas almost got in behind the home defence in the eighth minute but a foot in by Christophe Jallet denied him.Valencia had a further chance when Jonas linked up with strike partner Roberto Soldado. Salvatore Sirigu smothered his low 15-yard shot.
Ouch: Blaise Matuidi lies on the turf after taking a hefty challenge
Putting the boot in: Lucas Moura (right) swings in a cross
In midfield, Valencia had David Albelda, a veteran of the club's 2000 and 2001 Champions League final squads. He was an unlikely matchwinner, and a 30-yard shot from the 35-year-old flew way off target. Two minutes later and he was booked for tugging Matuidi to ground. Jonas sent a 20-yard shot bobbling wide, and Tino Costa cracked an ambitious effort several yards off target.Sirigu palmed away a stinging 20-yard drive from Jonas just before the break, but it was a ball he might have caught. From the corner that followed, Costa struck the ball so sweetly it was missed by everyone in blue and red, and also his team-mates as it swerved wide of the far post.
Limbering up: Beckham stretches ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's match
Eyes on the prize: The former England captain performs some kick-ups ahead of the game
Waiting in the wings: Beckham warms up ahead of the clash with Valencia
Benched: Beckham started the match on the sidelines
Ever Banega stepped out in place of Albelda for the second half, an attacking move by Valencia. Jonas made the breakthrough in the 55th minute with a crashing 25-yard drive inside the left post.Valencia had more zip about their game, but PSG were level 11 minutes later though and it was Lavezzi who woke the home crowd from an understandable stupor. Kevin Gameiro, on in place of Thiago Motta, bustled through a couple of challenges before the ball rolled kindly for his team-mate.
Vicente Guaita repelled Lavezzi's 15-yard blast but could then do nothing to prevent him tucking the ball over the line with his knee.Clement Chantome's 25-yard swipe drew a solid save from Guaita, with PSG on top for perhaps the first time in the match.Valencia poured pressure on the Paris goal in the closing minutes but they struggled to get in behind as their campaign reached its end.
Paris Saint-Germain slugged rather than sashayed their way through to the Champions League quarter-finals tonight after drawing with Valencia at the Parc des Princes. It took the jolt of a fine Valencia goal from Jonas early in the second half to rouse the home side, and Ezequiel Lavezzi's equaliser secured a draw on the night and a narrow aggregate win.It was Lavezzi's second goal of the tie after he and Javier Pastore scored in Spain three weeks ago. PSG were in full control at the Mestalla until a dramatic injury-time period saw Adil Rami pull a goal back and Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off, making tonight's second leg increasingly complicated on two counts.
Just about: Ezequiel Lavezzi bundled home the equaliser before receiving a yellow card for removing his shirt
Nice tats: Lavezzi showed off his tattoos, including Jesus and compatriot Diego Maradona
MATCH FACTS
Paris Saint-Germain: Sirigu, Thiago Silva, Alex, Maxwell, Matuidi, Chantome, Jallet (Van der Wiel 27), Motta (Gameiro 58), Lucas (Sakho 83) Moura, Lavezzi, Pastore
Subs not used: Douchez, Camara, Armand, Beckham
Goal: Lavezzi 66
Booked: Lavezzi
Valencia: Guaita, Cissokho, Barragan, Ruiz, Mathieu, Albelda (Banega 46), Feghouli (Piatti 63), Parejo, Facundo Costa, Jonas (Valdez 76), Soldado
Subs not used: Diego Alves, Joao Pereira, Guardado, Canales
Booked: Ruiz, Albelda, Soldado, Parejo
Goal: Jonas 55
Referee: Milorad Mazic
Ibrahimovic was given a two-match ban by UEFA, and the Sweden striker was certainly missed on the field for this return leg as he watched from the stands. Without him, the home side were toothless in the first half. They certainly did not appear a side capable of reaching the Wembley final on May 25, but on they go. Those looking for romance forged at home in the story of Parisian resurgence might prefer to overlook the fact it has been funded by overseas money, since the 2011 takeover by the Qatar Investment Authority.
Their budget is more Champions League than Ligue 1, and the personnel brought to the Parc des Princes over the last two years reflects it.The sudden wealth means tangible success in Europe is a requisite, so winning in Spain three weeks ago was not the achievement it might have been considered before the takeover and more another step in the plan for growth. PSG, founded in 1970, are unbeaten in their last 23 European home matches now but they were clinging on at the end as Valencia sought the goal that would have forced extra-time.
Overjoyed: David Beckham celebrates Lavezzi's equaliser from the sidelines
Pick that one out: Jonas rifled Valencia into the lead in the second half
Game on: Jonas celebrates his stunning goal after half-time to bring Valencia back into the tie
Twisting: Lucas (left) turns away from his marker Jeremy Mathieu
With Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti suspended, and winger Jeremy Menez injured, manager Carlo Ancelotti - who won the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 with AC Milan - had a weakened hand before kick-off. Lucas started alongside Lavezzi in attack.There was no room in the starting XI for David Beckham, squeezed out of central midfield by Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi. The former England captain was primed on the bench but stayed there.PSG fans might have been wary that their expensively-assembled team are prone to aberrations, such as their league defeat to Reims at the weekend. Jonas almost got in behind the home defence in the eighth minute but a foot in by Christophe Jallet denied him.Valencia had a further chance when Jonas linked up with strike partner Roberto Soldado. Salvatore Sirigu smothered his low 15-yard shot.
Ouch: Blaise Matuidi lies on the turf after taking a hefty challenge
Putting the boot in: Lucas Moura (right) swings in a cross
In midfield, Valencia had David Albelda, a veteran of the club's 2000 and 2001 Champions League final squads. He was an unlikely matchwinner, and a 30-yard shot from the 35-year-old flew way off target. Two minutes later and he was booked for tugging Matuidi to ground. Jonas sent a 20-yard shot bobbling wide, and Tino Costa cracked an ambitious effort several yards off target.Sirigu palmed away a stinging 20-yard drive from Jonas just before the break, but it was a ball he might have caught. From the corner that followed, Costa struck the ball so sweetly it was missed by everyone in blue and red, and also his team-mates as it swerved wide of the far post.
Limbering up: Beckham stretches ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's match
Eyes on the prize: The former England captain performs some kick-ups ahead of the game
Waiting in the wings: Beckham warms up ahead of the clash with Valencia
Benched: Beckham started the match on the sidelines
Ever Banega stepped out in place of Albelda for the second half, an attacking move by Valencia. Jonas made the breakthrough in the 55th minute with a crashing 25-yard drive inside the left post.Valencia had more zip about their game, but PSG were level 11 minutes later though and it was Lavezzi who woke the home crowd from an understandable stupor. Kevin Gameiro, on in place of Thiago Motta, bustled through a couple of challenges before the ball rolled kindly for his team-mate.
Vicente Guaita repelled Lavezzi's 15-yard blast but could then do nothing to prevent him tucking the ball over the line with his knee.Clement Chantome's 25-yard swipe drew a solid save from Guaita, with PSG on top for perhaps the first time in the match.Valencia poured pressure on the Paris goal in the closing minutes but they struggled to get in behind as their campaign reached its end.
Juventus 2 Celtic 0 (agg 5-0): Lennon's Euro dream crushed as Old Lady strolls on
By STEPHEN MCGOWAN PUBLISHED: 21:36 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 23:11 GMT, 6 March 2013
As expected, Celtic’s remarkable Champions League adventure ended. In heavy Italian rain, a ruthless Juventus side progressed to the last eight of UEFA’s premier competition with goals to spare. Strikes in each half from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella secured victory, but the real hard work was done in Glasgow. Pre-match, Juve fans unfurled a banner. ‘It was over before it began’ read a sign in flawless English. They weren’t wrong. A heavy aggregate scoreline of 5-0 suggests an embarrassingly one-sided contest, but fails to tell the whole story.
In black and white: Juventus are through to the quarter-finals after seeing off their opponents over two legs
End of the road: Celtic will play no further part in this year's Champions League after losing to Juventus
MATCH FACTS
Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci, Padoin,Vidal (Isla 67), Pirlo (Giaccherini 69), Pogba,Peluso (Asamoah 59), Quagliarella, Matri.
Subs not used: Storari, Chiellini, Vucinic, Giovinco.
Booked: Peluso.
Goals: Matri 24, Quagliarella 65.
Celtic: Forster, Matthews (Forrest 52), Wilson, Kayal, Izaguirre, Commons (Nouioui 73), Wanyama (Ambrose 46),Ledley, Mulgrew,
Samaras, Hooper.
Subs not used: Zaluska, Miku, Stokes, McGeouch.
Booked: Izaguirre.
Attendance: 35,000.
Referee: Firat Aydinus (Turkey).
Celtic’s defending was exposed. They will also regret failing to breach the Juve goal with a raft of solid chances over two games. And when the visitors did craft a clear-cut chance, they found Gianluigi Buffon in imperious form — one reaction save from Gary Hooper’s instinctive touch on a Kris Commons shot was of the heartbreaking variety. Just when Scotland’s champions needed it most, the fortune which has featured in a memorable run to the last 16 deserted them.
And yet they have no need to leave Turin under a shroud. Kelvin Wilson had a fine night at the back, Georgios Samaras again proved himself cut out for this level and Neil Lennon saw his team contest every ball. Ultimately, however, Celtic lost to a better football team.
Lax defending at Parkhead proved costly and that was the case again here with the goals in each half conceded cheaply. In contrast, Antonio Conte’s team erected a black and white barrier and repelled all efforts to pound it down. Lennon opted for a suit, overcoat collar turned up against the rain which tumbled down on the city from early morning.
There at it again: Kelvin Wilson (left) is held by J\uventus' Federico Peluso in a repeat of the first-leg's antics
Nothing could insulate the Celtic manager from a harsh reality, however. Over two legs, Juventus defended with a ruthless defiance. In contrast, Scotland’s champions shipped their goals all too easily.
They started well here, but fell victim to rope-a-dope role reversal. Three goals to the good, the home team invited their visitors to do their worst.
With their five-man midfield featuring the imposing and quite superb Paul Pogba, Conte’s side sat in, content to pick Celtic off in possession. They did so to great effect, killing the tie stone dead with the opening goal in 24 minutes through Matri. It was a sickening blow to Celtic because, for 20 minutes, they had passed calmly and kept good possession. They asked Juventus questions. They looked the better team.
Joe Ledley’s 20-yard effort had Buffon beaten but fizzed inches high and wide of the postage-stamp corner. In their black away shirts, Lennon’s team looked at home. And then the roof fell in.
In support: Celtic fans cheer on their side during Wednesday night's second leg in Turin
In the first leg, Celtic had been architects of their own demise, fall guy Efe Ambrose dropped to the substitutes’ bench after infuriating his manager by missing the bus for training on Tuesday night. The Nigerian appeared as a half-time replacement for Victor Wanyama but, by then, the tie was over after Matri’s opener.
This time Hooper was the culpable player, needlessly surrendering possession in his own half to Federico Peluso. The left midfielder fed Quagliarella, who fired a shot on target despite being pushed wide. Fraser Forster stopped it, but his parry fell perfectly for Matri to slide the ball home from six yards.
Juve had scored with almost effortless ease. Of one thing, however, we could be sure. If three goals was a tall order, scoring four was impossible. The game was well and truly up. History had been against Celtic from the start. Juve last lost a game in Europe three years ago, to Fulham in the Europa League.
In all 34 ties in which they had won the first leg away from home, they advanced to the next round. If there was any element of doubt then Tuttosport — the Turin-based sports paper — dispelled it by reminding locals that a 3-0 home defeat had been overturned only once in all European competition.
Contrasting fortunes: Celtic failed to make it beyond the last-16 stage following a 5-0 aggregate defeat by Juventus
And yet Celtic began with purpose, Wanyama at centre-half alongside the excellent Wilson and pre-match doubt Charlie Mulgrew pushed up into midfield and Samaras up front alongside Hooper. They pressed and prodded. But Juventus rarely looked flustered. In the aftermath of Matri’s opener, indeed, Quagliarella should have made it two — long before he finally did — when, once again, a Celtic player was picked off in possession.
This time it was Commons, robbed by Andrea Barzagli and his pass for his unmarked team-mate deserved better than a scoop over the bar. Celtic should have levelled in 35 minutes when they created a superb chance.
Samaras, captain for the night, drove to the touchline and fired a low, pacey ball across the face of the Juve goal. Hooper slid in, propelled by the wet surface, but fell inches short of the contact which would have given the SPL champions the goal their efforts deserved.
There was another chance before half-time, Buffon comfortably holding Beram Kayal’s header from an Emilio Izaguirre cross.
End of the road: Neil Lennon sees his side dumped out of the European Cup
The first ruck concerning rugged Juve defending was never an issue. What set-piece danger Celtic posed was sporadic and largely unthreatening. Juventus knew — we all knew —that the job was done.
Quagliarella should have confirmed it three minutes after the restart when Matri’s deft lay-off produced a curling shot which Forster saved, Adam Matthews falling to the ground clutching his hamstring in the build-up. Stretchered off, the Welshman faces a lay-off, but was spared the spectre of Quagliarella finally getting his goal in 65 minutes.
Ambrose should have pulled one back when he headed a Mulgrew header down and into the ground. His anguish was accentuated when Arturo Vidal’s final contribution of the night was to control a floated ball from Andrea Pirlo on his chest — with Izaguirre flat footed and stranded — before rolling the ball across goal for Quagliarella to tap in from six yards.
With eight minutes remaining, Samaras should have given the 3,000 travelling fans something to cherish, but he thumped a Ledley lay-off high over the bar. On the touchline, Lennon slapped his suited thigh in frustration. The Italian Job had long since become Mission: Impossible. For Celtic, this was a script with no happy ending.
As expected, Celtic’s remarkable Champions League adventure ended. In heavy Italian rain, a ruthless Juventus side progressed to the last eight of UEFA’s premier competition with goals to spare. Strikes in each half from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella secured victory, but the real hard work was done in Glasgow. Pre-match, Juve fans unfurled a banner. ‘It was over before it began’ read a sign in flawless English. They weren’t wrong. A heavy aggregate scoreline of 5-0 suggests an embarrassingly one-sided contest, but fails to tell the whole story.
In black and white: Juventus are through to the quarter-finals after seeing off their opponents over two legs
End of the road: Celtic will play no further part in this year's Champions League after losing to Juventus
MATCH FACTS
Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci, Padoin,Vidal (Isla 67), Pirlo (Giaccherini 69), Pogba,Peluso (Asamoah 59), Quagliarella, Matri.
Subs not used: Storari, Chiellini, Vucinic, Giovinco.
Booked: Peluso.
Goals: Matri 24, Quagliarella 65.
Celtic: Forster, Matthews (Forrest 52), Wilson, Kayal, Izaguirre, Commons (Nouioui 73), Wanyama (Ambrose 46),Ledley, Mulgrew,
Samaras, Hooper.
Subs not used: Zaluska, Miku, Stokes, McGeouch.
Booked: Izaguirre.
Attendance: 35,000.
Referee: Firat Aydinus (Turkey).
Celtic’s defending was exposed. They will also regret failing to breach the Juve goal with a raft of solid chances over two games. And when the visitors did craft a clear-cut chance, they found Gianluigi Buffon in imperious form — one reaction save from Gary Hooper’s instinctive touch on a Kris Commons shot was of the heartbreaking variety. Just when Scotland’s champions needed it most, the fortune which has featured in a memorable run to the last 16 deserted them.
And yet they have no need to leave Turin under a shroud. Kelvin Wilson had a fine night at the back, Georgios Samaras again proved himself cut out for this level and Neil Lennon saw his team contest every ball. Ultimately, however, Celtic lost to a better football team.
Lax defending at Parkhead proved costly and that was the case again here with the goals in each half conceded cheaply. In contrast, Antonio Conte’s team erected a black and white barrier and repelled all efforts to pound it down. Lennon opted for a suit, overcoat collar turned up against the rain which tumbled down on the city from early morning.
There at it again: Kelvin Wilson (left) is held by J\uventus' Federico Peluso in a repeat of the first-leg's antics
Nothing could insulate the Celtic manager from a harsh reality, however. Over two legs, Juventus defended with a ruthless defiance. In contrast, Scotland’s champions shipped their goals all too easily.
They started well here, but fell victim to rope-a-dope role reversal. Three goals to the good, the home team invited their visitors to do their worst.
With their five-man midfield featuring the imposing and quite superb Paul Pogba, Conte’s side sat in, content to pick Celtic off in possession. They did so to great effect, killing the tie stone dead with the opening goal in 24 minutes through Matri. It was a sickening blow to Celtic because, for 20 minutes, they had passed calmly and kept good possession. They asked Juventus questions. They looked the better team.
Joe Ledley’s 20-yard effort had Buffon beaten but fizzed inches high and wide of the postage-stamp corner. In their black away shirts, Lennon’s team looked at home. And then the roof fell in.
In support: Celtic fans cheer on their side during Wednesday night's second leg in Turin
In the first leg, Celtic had been architects of their own demise, fall guy Efe Ambrose dropped to the substitutes’ bench after infuriating his manager by missing the bus for training on Tuesday night. The Nigerian appeared as a half-time replacement for Victor Wanyama but, by then, the tie was over after Matri’s opener.
This time Hooper was the culpable player, needlessly surrendering possession in his own half to Federico Peluso. The left midfielder fed Quagliarella, who fired a shot on target despite being pushed wide. Fraser Forster stopped it, but his parry fell perfectly for Matri to slide the ball home from six yards.
Juve had scored with almost effortless ease. Of one thing, however, we could be sure. If three goals was a tall order, scoring four was impossible. The game was well and truly up. History had been against Celtic from the start. Juve last lost a game in Europe three years ago, to Fulham in the Europa League.
In all 34 ties in which they had won the first leg away from home, they advanced to the next round. If there was any element of doubt then Tuttosport — the Turin-based sports paper — dispelled it by reminding locals that a 3-0 home defeat had been overturned only once in all European competition.
Contrasting fortunes: Celtic failed to make it beyond the last-16 stage following a 5-0 aggregate defeat by Juventus
And yet Celtic began with purpose, Wanyama at centre-half alongside the excellent Wilson and pre-match doubt Charlie Mulgrew pushed up into midfield and Samaras up front alongside Hooper. They pressed and prodded. But Juventus rarely looked flustered. In the aftermath of Matri’s opener, indeed, Quagliarella should have made it two — long before he finally did — when, once again, a Celtic player was picked off in possession.
This time it was Commons, robbed by Andrea Barzagli and his pass for his unmarked team-mate deserved better than a scoop over the bar. Celtic should have levelled in 35 minutes when they created a superb chance.
Samaras, captain for the night, drove to the touchline and fired a low, pacey ball across the face of the Juve goal. Hooper slid in, propelled by the wet surface, but fell inches short of the contact which would have given the SPL champions the goal their efforts deserved.
There was another chance before half-time, Buffon comfortably holding Beram Kayal’s header from an Emilio Izaguirre cross.
End of the road: Neil Lennon sees his side dumped out of the European Cup
The first ruck concerning rugged Juve defending was never an issue. What set-piece danger Celtic posed was sporadic and largely unthreatening. Juventus knew — we all knew —that the job was done.
Quagliarella should have confirmed it three minutes after the restart when Matri’s deft lay-off produced a curling shot which Forster saved, Adam Matthews falling to the ground clutching his hamstring in the build-up. Stretchered off, the Welshman faces a lay-off, but was spared the spectre of Quagliarella finally getting his goal in 65 minutes.
Ambrose should have pulled one back when he headed a Mulgrew header down and into the ground. His anguish was accentuated when Arturo Vidal’s final contribution of the night was to control a floated ball from Andrea Pirlo on his chest — with Izaguirre flat footed and stranded — before rolling the ball across goal for Quagliarella to tap in from six yards.
With eight minutes remaining, Samaras should have given the 3,000 travelling fans something to cherish, but he thumped a Ledley lay-off high over the bar. On the touchline, Lennon slapped his suited thigh in frustration. The Italian Job had long since become Mission: Impossible. For Celtic, this was a script with no happy ending.
LIONEL MESSI UK EXCLUSIVE: Rooney and Bale are great players and I always want to play with the best
By ALEX KAY PUBLISHED: 15:36 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 17:11 GMT, 6 March 2013
He’s the best player in the world and a king of diplomacy but for one second on Wednesday, Lionel Messi put aside his deadpan look and cracked a smile that told a thousand words. ‘Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale are both great players, they are doing so well for their clubs,’ said Messi when asked about them by Sportsmail, the only English newspaper invited to his adidas press conference in Barcelona. ‘And I always want to play with the best players. But I have to be careful with what I say because I can’t see them leaving their teams soon. But of course I want to play with the best players.’
Peerless: Messi talks to Sportsmail in Barcelona on Wednesday
'Great players': Messi lavished praise on Spurs winger Bale (left) and Manchester United forward Rooney (right)
They were words that won’t go unnoticed at Old Trafford or White Hart Lane. After dropping Rooney to the bench for Manchester United’s defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson may no longer consider him ‘the best’ but Messi seemed in no doubt during a 40-minute conference in which he was grilled on Barcelona’s recent poor form and the apparent mountain they have to climb against AC Milan in the Champions League next week.They are 2-0 down from the first leg in the San Siro but Messi, who has never scored from open play against an Italian team, is adamant Barcelona will not follow United out of the competition.
‘We’re all aware of the problems at the moment,’ said the Argentine, who has scored an incredible 50 goals so far this season but has seen his team lose twice recently to rivals Real Madrid. ‘We’ve had some big defeats and we all have to do a bit more to change and improve the situation. We have a very important match next week and we have to focus on that.
Crowded out: Messi and Barcelona failed to score in Milan last month
‘I hope we overturn the 2-0 loss. Why can’t we score three when they scored two in Italy? That’s what everyone expects from us and this is what we are going to try to do. Milan will be difficult but we can do it. We all have to do more. We have to show we can play better, like we did before.’Messi delivers everything with the calm, disinterested shrug of a teenager who looks like he would rather be in a dark room playing computer games.
Sitting on a podium with his four Ballon d’Or trophies below him, he looked bemused by the fuss, nervously sipping on his water and scanning the room looking for a familiar face or a place to hide.
As some journalists applauded his entrance at the small Onix Rambla Hotel in the centre of the city – a rarity not afforded to any player I have seen before – he smiled nervously and sheepishly took his seat. He hides the genius but that makes it all the more intriguing and confusing.
The world's greatest: Messi collects his fourth successive Ballon d'Or award back in January
The Messi Mantra
Football is supposed to be fun
So we don’t waste a minute
We stay on our feet
We play the ball, not the ref
We don’t dive to the ground, because we know, deep down, we shouldn’t be there
They can’t hold us back
We’re keeping the game beautiful
Step by stepover, Goal by exquisite goal
At speed, and with respect
There are thousands in our ranks
We are Team Messi
The 25-year-old was promoting the opening of the Messi Gallery, a temporary exhibition of his boots, shirts and trophies from his increasingly remarkable career. He has designed his own boots too, the flash but not too flashy adizero f50, and has even produced his own philosophy for the game, the Messi Mantra.It all goes with the territory of being the best in the world and one of the best of all time.One chink in his armour is his record against Italian teams, just three goals in nine matches and all from the penalty spot. That is something you feel will have to change against AC Milan if Barcelona are going to overturn the 2-0 deficit.
‘Italian teams have good players,’ he added. ‘These records exist to be broken and I hope I break it next week. Italians team famous for having strong defenders. It’s a problem for everyone.'I focus on the ability of myself and Barca to overcome this problem. We need to overcome it and next week’s match is the best way of doing it.’ Much of the blame for Barca’s recent dip in form has been put down to a lack of leadership but Messi refused to use manager Tito Vilanova’s absence for cancer treatment as an excuse. ‘Vilanova has affected us a lot of course. It’s affected the dressing room but we can’t use this as an excuse for our results. We just have to hope they are back soon.’
Golden balls: Messi shows off his Ballon d'Or collection
Sticking the boot in: The Argentine star with his adizero f50 boots
And what of the two men against whom he is forever compared?
‘I’ve been asked a lot of times about Ronaldo,’ he said, without even a trace of emotion. ‘We don’t make comparisons though. We don’t exist as players just to see which of us is better. We want to win trophies. I’ll leave the comparisons to you.’
And Maradona?
‘Working with him when he was Argentina coach was good even though we didn’t achieve what we wanted to. But it would be pretty difficult for him to manage Barcelona. But I guess you never know.’
With Messi, you rarely do.
He’s the best player in the world and a king of diplomacy but for one second on Wednesday, Lionel Messi put aside his deadpan look and cracked a smile that told a thousand words. ‘Wayne Rooney and Gareth Bale are both great players, they are doing so well for their clubs,’ said Messi when asked about them by Sportsmail, the only English newspaper invited to his adidas press conference in Barcelona. ‘And I always want to play with the best players. But I have to be careful with what I say because I can’t see them leaving their teams soon. But of course I want to play with the best players.’
Peerless: Messi talks to Sportsmail in Barcelona on Wednesday
'Great players': Messi lavished praise on Spurs winger Bale (left) and Manchester United forward Rooney (right)
They were words that won’t go unnoticed at Old Trafford or White Hart Lane. After dropping Rooney to the bench for Manchester United’s defeat by Real Madrid on Tuesday night, Sir Alex Ferguson may no longer consider him ‘the best’ but Messi seemed in no doubt during a 40-minute conference in which he was grilled on Barcelona’s recent poor form and the apparent mountain they have to climb against AC Milan in the Champions League next week.They are 2-0 down from the first leg in the San Siro but Messi, who has never scored from open play against an Italian team, is adamant Barcelona will not follow United out of the competition.
‘We’re all aware of the problems at the moment,’ said the Argentine, who has scored an incredible 50 goals so far this season but has seen his team lose twice recently to rivals Real Madrid. ‘We’ve had some big defeats and we all have to do a bit more to change and improve the situation. We have a very important match next week and we have to focus on that.
Crowded out: Messi and Barcelona failed to score in Milan last month
‘I hope we overturn the 2-0 loss. Why can’t we score three when they scored two in Italy? That’s what everyone expects from us and this is what we are going to try to do. Milan will be difficult but we can do it. We all have to do more. We have to show we can play better, like we did before.’Messi delivers everything with the calm, disinterested shrug of a teenager who looks like he would rather be in a dark room playing computer games.
Sitting on a podium with his four Ballon d’Or trophies below him, he looked bemused by the fuss, nervously sipping on his water and scanning the room looking for a familiar face or a place to hide.
As some journalists applauded his entrance at the small Onix Rambla Hotel in the centre of the city – a rarity not afforded to any player I have seen before – he smiled nervously and sheepishly took his seat. He hides the genius but that makes it all the more intriguing and confusing.
The world's greatest: Messi collects his fourth successive Ballon d'Or award back in January
The Messi Mantra
Football is supposed to be fun
So we don’t waste a minute
We stay on our feet
We play the ball, not the ref
We don’t dive to the ground, because we know, deep down, we shouldn’t be there
They can’t hold us back
We’re keeping the game beautiful
Step by stepover, Goal by exquisite goal
At speed, and with respect
There are thousands in our ranks
We are Team Messi
The 25-year-old was promoting the opening of the Messi Gallery, a temporary exhibition of his boots, shirts and trophies from his increasingly remarkable career. He has designed his own boots too, the flash but not too flashy adizero f50, and has even produced his own philosophy for the game, the Messi Mantra.It all goes with the territory of being the best in the world and one of the best of all time.One chink in his armour is his record against Italian teams, just three goals in nine matches and all from the penalty spot. That is something you feel will have to change against AC Milan if Barcelona are going to overturn the 2-0 deficit.
‘Italian teams have good players,’ he added. ‘These records exist to be broken and I hope I break it next week. Italians team famous for having strong defenders. It’s a problem for everyone.'I focus on the ability of myself and Barca to overcome this problem. We need to overcome it and next week’s match is the best way of doing it.’ Much of the blame for Barca’s recent dip in form has been put down to a lack of leadership but Messi refused to use manager Tito Vilanova’s absence for cancer treatment as an excuse. ‘Vilanova has affected us a lot of course. It’s affected the dressing room but we can’t use this as an excuse for our results. We just have to hope they are back soon.’
Golden balls: Messi shows off his Ballon d'Or collection
Sticking the boot in: The Argentine star with his adizero f50 boots
And what of the two men against whom he is forever compared?
‘I’ve been asked a lot of times about Ronaldo,’ he said, without even a trace of emotion. ‘We don’t make comparisons though. We don’t exist as players just to see which of us is better. We want to win trophies. I’ll leave the comparisons to you.’
And Maradona?
‘Working with him when he was Argentina coach was good even though we didn’t achieve what we wanted to. But it would be pretty difficult for him to manage Barcelona. But I guess you never know.’
With Messi, you rarely do.
Juventus want to avoid Bayern, says Lichtsteiner
The Turin giants booked their ticket for the Champions League last eight by beating Celtic and the Swiss would rather not meet the Bundesliga leaders in the next round
Mancini: Manchester United title tilt helped by Champions League exit
The former Inter boss believes the Red Devils' desire to reclaim the Premier League trophy from his side will increase following the end of their European campaign
Ballack: Guardiola talk disrespectful
The former Germany international claims the discussions around the Bundesliga leaders' new coach shows a lack of appreciation for the job Jupp Heynckes is doing
Manchester United 'couldn't recover' from Nani dismissal, admits Sir Alex Ferguson
The 71-year old says his players' "legs went to water" after the Portuguese received a red card during Tuesday evening's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid
Matuidi lauded for 'explosive' PSG season
The midfielder has hit the heights with some stellar performances for les Parisiens, and he is not short in admirers with Carlo Ancelotti and Didier Deschamps singing his praises
Arsenal want to make the impossible possible, warns Heynckes
The 67-year-old Bayern coach says his team must be wary of Arsene Wenger's side despite their advantage from the first leg of their Champions League clash
Puyol confident that Barcelona will beat AC Milan
The 34-year-old Blaugrana star says his side will come out fighting against Milan in their Champions League tie and can progress in the Champions League
Bonucci: Conte will not leave Juventus
The 25-year-old defender says that the Italian coach has a deep-rooted love for the Old Lady and will not be tempted away by offers from some of Europe's elite clubs
Our focus is on Deportivo not Milan, says Roura
The Blaugrana's stand-in coach says that victory on Saturday would be another step towards the Liga title, and defended his side's current form
Ferguson finds it 'hard to keep faith in the game' after refereeing decisions
The Red Devils boss was left reeling after Cuneyt Cakir sent Nani off during the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid
Barcelona have become too relaxed, says Sacchi
The former Milan coach believes that the Blaugrana's success in La Liga leaves them complacent and warns the Rossoneri not to fear the Catalan giants in the Champions League
Turkish Football Federation denies referee Cuneyt Cakir's interview over Nani red card
The Turkish official was reported to have rubbished suggestions claiming he an agenda against English clubs and back his decision to dismiss the midfielder at Old Trafford
Xavi: Barcelona need an early goal against AC Milan
The Spain international is targeting an historic comeback as the Catalans look to overturn a 2-0 defeat from the first leg
Bayern cannot afford to relax, says Van Buyten
The Belgium international has urged his team-mates not to lose focus as they have set their sights on winning the treble
Fabregas: Barcelona will be ready for AC Milan clash
The Spain international is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League
Barcelona fans demand most from me, says Fabregas
The former Arsenal man believes that Barca supporters want more from him than any other player at Camp Nou, while is also gearing up for their "most important" clash this year
Demichelis: Isco will be next to leave
The Argentina defender believes team-mate Isco will be the next to be sold by Malaga, with the Andulasians still faced with financial problems
PSG president hails 'wonderful' Champions League win over Valencia
Nasser Al-Khelaifi was thrilled after the club reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1995, and claimed sporting director Leonardo's recent criticims were misquoted
Facing Schalke in Champions League would be 'really cool', says Neuer
The Germany international says he would relish the chance to face his former club at the quarter-final stage, and admits that he was busier between the posts at Gelsenkirchen
Baia: Barcelona can pull off historic comeback
The ex-Portugal star is optimistic about the Camp Nou side's chances at qualification for the next round, and believes Victor Valdes' suspension is too heavy
Rio Ferdinand faces no Uefa action for sarcastic applause after Real Madrid loss
A spokesman for the governing body indicated that the matter is closed following the referee's report, which has led to no punishment for the defender
Feghouli: Home defeat cost Valencia
The Algeria international has voiced his disappointment with his side's elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain
Juventus are always hungry for success, says Conte
The Bianconeri trainer has stressed that the Italian champions are desperate for silverware, but has warned that they must remain focused to achieve their goals
Mandzukic: Arsenal tie not over yet
The Croatia international has stressed that Bayern Munich cannot afford to take the Gunners lightly, and was over the moon with his goal in the first leg
Celtic discipline Ambrose for lateness before Juventus tie
Neil Lennon has confirmed that the club punished the defender for his actions, but insisted the incident was not the reason why he was left on the bench
Bonucci: Juventus can go all the way in Champions League
The defender is confident that the Bianconeri can spring a surprise in Europe, and has urged them to turn their focus to Serie A again
Is PSG warrior Blaise Matuidi the most underrated midfielder in Europe?
The Frenchman deserves to be hailed as one of the best in the continent in his position, as he continues to shine in his breakthrough season for Carlo Ancelotti's side
Juventus edge closer to Manchester United's all-time unbeaten run record in Europe
The Bianconeri's 2-0 win over Celtic sent them into the last eight of the Champions League and continued a streak which is edging them ever closer to the record books
PSG lucky to have exceptional Lavezzi, says Matuidi
The holding midfielder had words of encouragement for his Argentine team-mate, and stressed that Valencia posed a stern test in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw
Buffon: Tactical awareness Juventus' biggest strength
The experienced goalkeeper has voiced his delight with the Bianconeri's performance, and believes they need a bit of luck if they are to win the competition
Turkish Football Federation denies referee Cuneyt Cakir's interview over Nani red card
By Oliver Wheeler
Mar 8, 2013 1:49:00 PM
The Turkish official was reported to have rubbished suggestions claiming he an agenda against English clubs and back his decision to dismiss the midfielder at Old Trafford
The Turkish Football Federation has denied that referee Cuneyt Cakir gave an interview to Spanish newspaper AS in which he was reported to have defended his decision to send off Nani during Manchester United's Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Turkish official came under major scrutiny following his decision to dismiss the Portugal international in the second leg of the crucial European encounter, which ended in Jose Mourinho's side securing a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Quotes were also attributed to the 36-year-old which rubbished suggestions that he had an agenda against English clubs after sending off Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Mario Balotelli in previous Uefa competitions.
The statement from the Turkish Football Federation read: "Referee Cuneyt Cakir didn't give any interview to any journalist or to any media organisation and he also doesn't have any social media account on websites like Facebook, Twitter, etc, because of our rules."
Rio Ferdinand faces no Uefa action for sarcastic applause after Real Madrid loss
By John Stammers
Mar 7, 2013 12:20:00 PM
A spokesman for the governing body indicated that the matter is closed following the referee's report, which has led to no punishment for the defender
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will not face any Uefa action for sarcastically applauding referee Cuneyt Cakir after the club's controversial Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils went ahead through a Sergio Ramos own goal but Nani was later sent off for a high tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa, a decision that seemed to shock most of the players on the pitch and has been criticised by many since.
Quick-fire goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo then saw the Spanish giants progress and Sir Alex Ferguson's men crash out, much to the disgust of the Scot who was "too distraught" to attend his post-match press conference.
Ferdinand was also clearly angered by the decision as he sarcastically clapped right in the face of the referee at the full-time whistle, however Uefa have indicated that the player will not face punishment for his actions.
A spokesman told reporters: "From the report we have received from the referee we will not take any action apart from the disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United for the red card of Nani and for post-match media obligations not being fulfilled."
Sir Alex refused to talk to the media after the clash and none of the club's players were available for comment either, which goes against Uefa's rules on post-match media obligations.
The rule states: "Both clubs must make their manager/head coach available for this press conference. All players of both teams are obliged to pass through the mixed zone in order to conduct interviews with the media. Players must fulfil interview requests from audiovisual rights holders before conducting interviews for their club media platforms."
Uefa's disciplinary body will continue to asses the red-card incident, though, to determine whether Nani's challenge is worth of punishment beyond a one-match ban.
Hummels an injury doubt for Champions League clashes
The defender suffered torn ankle ligaments in the defeat to Schalke and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines
The defender suffered torn ankle ligaments in the defeat to Schalke and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines
Barcelona have become too relaxed, says Sacchi
The former Milan coach believes that the Blaugrana's success in La Liga leaves them complacent and warns the Rossoneri not to fear the Catalan giants in the Champions League
Xavi: Barcelona need an early goal against AC Milan
The Spain international is targeting an historic comeback as the Catalans look to overturn a 2-0 defeat from the first leg
Similar threads
