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.
The former Bianconeri coach has insisted that the Italian champions can still make it to the semi-finals at the expense of the Bundesliga giants
Marcello Lippi believes that Juventus have what it takes to overcome their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Bundesliga champions impressed at the Allianz Arena last week as they beat Juventus 2-0 courtesy of goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller.
Nevertheless, Lippi has stressed that the quarter-final tie is not over yet and believes an early goal on Wednesday could lead Juve the way.
"I saw a great Bayern Munich last week. They were balanced, very complete and devastating at times. I have always said that they are a European superpower on the same level as Barcelona and Real Madrid," Lippi told Tuttosport.
"However, we did not see the real Juventus in Munich. On Wednesday they will have to prove that they can compete with Bayern.
"If Juventus can score an early goal, the tie can go either way. As long as Juventus give their all and play to their full potential, a comeback is possible."
Juventus last made it to the semi-final stage of the Champions League in 2002-03 but they were eventually beaten by AC Milan in the final.
Schmelzer: Borussia Dortmund want Champions League progress
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 9, 2013 9:45:00 AM
The left-back has spoken of the 'spine-tingling' feeling of lining up for BVB in Europe and is determined to go as far as possible in the competition
Marcel Schmelzer is eagerly anticipating the second-leg of Borussia Dortmund's Champions League quarter-final tie against Malaga and has stressed that the dethroned Bundesliga champions will do their utmost to make it to the next round.
BVB were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at La Rosaleda last week and the left-back is hopeful of clinching qualification for the semi-finals at the Westfalenstadion on Tuesday.
"This competition is so special. Listening to the anthem before a match is spine tingling. You face Europe's best teams. It is our goal to go through every round," the left-back said at a press conference.
"It is something unique. None of us have been this far before. We want to give everything and if we went through, it would be great."
Dortmund last made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 1997-98 when they were beaten by Real Madrid.
The Bianconeri icon believes his old club cannot be written off just yet and has singled out Mirko Vucinic as the Old Lady's dangerman
Former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff has insisted that Juventus still have every chance of making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich.
The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 in the first leg at the Allianz Arena last week, but Zoff believes that the Bianconeri have the quality to turn things around in the return leg in Turin on Wednesday.
"Bayern are always a candidate to go all the way, but Juventus are not dead yet. Nothing has been decided," Zoff was quoted as saying by TZ.
"The result from the first leg was obviously not good for Juve, but they have already shown before that they are capable of great things. It will not be easy, but I believe that Juventus can turn things around."
Zoff then went on to single out Mirko Vucinic, who netted twice at the weekend, as Juventus' biggest attacking threat in Wednesday's return.
"He is Juventus' most dangerous man at the moment. He can score a goal from out of the blue and is very unpredictable.
"Additionally, he can always create something for his team-mates, too. He works hard for the team and is dangerous in front of goal. There are not many players around with those two characteristics."
Wednesday's match at Juventus Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.
Beckham: Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to upset Barcelona
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 9, 2013 6:50:00 AM
The Englishman is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the semi-finals and has insisted there is more to the team than just Zlatan Ibrahimovic
David Beckham believes that Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to spring a surprise on Barcelona in the second-leg of their Champions quarter-final.
The Ligue 1 leaders had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Princes last week, but Beckham is confident that they can win at Camp Nou on Wednesday in order to book their ticket for the next round.
"We have the abilities and the players to win this game. We showed character in the first leg. It is always a hard battle when you take on Barcelona as they have a lot of possession," the former Manchester United star told BeIn Sport.
"The first-leg draw was not a perfect result, but it was not bad for us. We know what to do in Barcelona. We must score and beat them. It is never easy to play against Barca, but we go there to win the match."
Beckham then went on to underline the importance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but stressed that PSG are not a one-man team.
"People expect a lot from Zlatan because of all the goals he scores. He really is a great player and he's been important at every club he played.
"We have other important players, though, who are very talented as well. We really act as a team."
The 37-year-old then acknowledged in an interview with The Times of India that he is unlikely to start every game for PSG, but compared his situation to that of former team-mates Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs at Manchester United.
"Of course I want to start games but that’s up to the manager. I just look at players like Giggs and Scholesy, playing at Manchester United, still at the highest level. They don’t play every game but when they do play they are big influences in the game, so I’m looking to do that."
UEFA Champions League preview: Juventus v Bayern Munich
9 April 2013
Few times in the past two seasons have Juventus been as comprehensively outplayed as they were in Munich last week.
The Turin giants went down 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg and on the balance of play were lucky to escape without further damage.
Antonio Conte's side have been written off in most quarters ahead of the second leg due to the manner of their defeat, but they will return to the more welcoming confines of Juventus Stadium where they have lost only three times in the past year.
An away goal for Jupp Heynckes' Bayern, however, would make matters even more difficult for Conte's men.
Both sides have dominated their respective leagues this season.
Juve returned to winning ways against Pescara on Sunday to maintain their nine-point lead over Napoli while Bayern were busy clinching the Bundesliga title six rounds from season's close courtesy of a 1-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Juventus' chances of turning things around will be hindered by the suspension of key duo Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner for Wednesday's clash.
The pair picked up yellow cards in the German capital and their absence will leave the home side stretched, particularly holding midfielder Vidal given the way they were swamped in the first leg.
Bayern will be without Toni Kroos, whose knee injury is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old shackled danger man Andrea Pirlo for the opening 20 minutes in the first leg before he was forced off, only for Thomas Mueller to shift into the hole and perform superbly in the same role.
Bayern may set out slightly more defensively in Turin but have the ammunition on the bench with the likes of Arjen Robben, Mario Gomez and Xherdan Shaqiri given time as substitutes in the first leg.
Barcelona head into their midweek Champions League quarter-final clash with PSG buoyed by a 5-0 win over Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday.
The Catalans' European hopes were thought to be in jeopardy after star Lionel Messi suffered a hamstring strain in last week's 2-2 first-leg draw in Paris.
The Argentine is likely to miss Wednesday's return leg at Camp Nou, but Barca certainly did not feel his absence in a commanding display in Spain's top flight over the weekend.
Messi's injury leaves the second leg shrouded with an air of mystery but whether it will play into the hands of the visitors depends on how they choose to exploit his absence.
The Spanish giants hold the edge with their two crucial away goals but the manner in which PSG fought back last week - when Blaise Matuidi netted an equaliser four minutes from time - suggested there is still plenty of battle left in them.
Cesc Fabregas replaced Messi on Saturday and eased anxieties with a neatly taken hat-trick, while Alexis Sanchez chimed in with a double.
Barcelona will also be buoyed by the returns of defender Eric Abidal from a liver transplant and coach Tito Vilanova from cancer treatment.
PSG, meanwhile, continued their solid form in Ligue 1 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Stade Rennes.
Carlo Ancelotti fielded a largely second string side in preparation for Wednesday's clash, rotating Ezequiel Lavezzi, Javier Pastore and David Beckham, who the Italian insisted would start against Barcelona.
Brazil centre back Thiago Silva missed and is a doubt with a knee injury he sustained in the first leg, while first-leg hero Matuidi is ruled out through suspension.
Clement Chantome should come in to sit alongside Beckham in central midfield.
Reus: Barcelona favourites for Champions League The Dortmund star believes the Liga leaders are the front runners to win this year's tournament but his club, who have not lifted the trophy since 1997, have a good chance, too
Inan miffed by 'Madrid' decisions The Turkey international blames the referee and bad luck for the three-goal first leg deficit suffered in the European tie with Los Blancos
Robben: Bayern Munich want an away goal The Dutchman realises FCB are not through to the semi-finals just yet and has singled out Andrea Pirlo as the dangerman
Pirlo: Juventus must believe in comeback The experienced midfielder believes that a number of remarkable comebacks in the past are proof that anything can happen on Wednesday
'Juve will try to make the impossible possible,' - Heynckes
By Steve Norman
Apr 9, 2013 2:00:00 PM
The Roten boss says the Bianconeri face an almost insurmountable task in qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time since 2003, but they are more than capable of doing it
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes says Juventus face an " impossible" task in overturning a 2-0 deficit against his side, but if any team are likely to do it is the Italians.
Bayern won the Bundesliga this weekend with a 1-0 win away at Frankfurt and are in a commanding position in their last eight tie against the Serie A leaders.
Heynckes insists that while Antonio Conte's side are up against it, they have the ability to pull off an incredible turnaround.
“Juventus are a top team and they have shown that so far in the Champions League and in Serie A. They are going to try and make the impossible possible,” he told a press conference.
Bayern went ahead in the first leg thanks to a David Alaba strike which caught Gianluigi Buffon unaware after a minute of action.
The goal led to Roten legend Franz Beckenbauer to describe the Italian goalkeeper as a "pensioner" but Heynckes hailed Juve's long-standing shot-stopper.
He continued: “I regard Buffon as one of the best goalkeepers in the history of football. He is a legend for me, a fantastic man and an excellent goalkeeper.”
Heynckes also says he will approach this match in the same way he tackled the first leg as winning is the only thing on his mind.
He added: “I think everybody knows that Toni Kroos is seriously injured and of course he’s not here.
"For us, despite the first leg result, nothing has changed fundamentally. We’ll approach the game as we did last Tuesday, so we’re going to try and win here in Turin.”
Blaugrana player believes that his team's Argentina international forward is needed if the club is to win trophies however he is confident that they can overcome PSG without him
Barcelona midfielder Andreas Iniesta has stated that Lionel Messi is an integral part of the team and that his team mates depend on him.
The Argentina international picked up a hamstring injury in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final against PSG and is a doubt to play in the second leg.
"We will see today and tomorrow if Leo Messi can play. It all depends on how he feels. They will decide if he can play or not,” he told a press conference.
“He sustained an injury so they need to talk to take a decision. Without a doubt, there is Messi dependence in the team in the sense that he's a fundamental player, but then there's no Messi dependence because we're a team and lots of players can score goals.
“We need to reach June with all the options to win titles. Leo is a fundamental and decisive player for us: he's the No1.”
Champions League: Galatasaray 3 Real Madrid 2 (agg 3-5)
10 April 2013
Real Madrid were made to sweat in Istanbul but held on to qualify for the final four despite a 3-2 defeat.
The 5-3 aggregate win ensured the Spanish side reached the semi-finals of the Champions League but a spirited Galatasaray made sure they did not have it all their own way.
The Spanish side looked set to cruise through when Cristiano Ronaldo opened up a four-goal lead in the opening minutes, but a timid response by the visitors encouraged the Turkish giants to chase the impossible.
They almost achieved it as Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba scored in the second half. Ronaldo finally ended their hopes with a late goal that sealed victory.
Virtually assured of a place in the semi-finals thanks to a dominant 3-0 win in the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid nevertheless began the second leg in belligerent fashion.
Their fans did not have to wait long, as after just seven minutes they got the goal that seemed likely to put the tie beyond doubt.
An overlapping Sami Khedira streaked past on the right-hand side, and put a teasing ball into the middle.
As the Turkish backline failed to react, Ronaldo was on hand to gleefully tap home, recording his 49th Champions League goal and drawing level with the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano in the historical charts.
Galatasaray continued to fight in the second half, and were rewarded with their first goal of the tie 57 minutes in - and it was one worth waiting for.
A speculative ball across the Madrid area was not picked up by anyone, which allowed Emmanuel Eboue to meet it just on the edge of the area.
The right-back had been disappointing during the opening hour, but atoned with a stunning power shot which left Lopez no chance to save, and put Galatasaray on the board.
The hosts were now buoyant, and could have reduced the deficit to 'just' three goals if Sneijder had converted a golden chance.
The Netherlands star found himself in the right place at the back post after a low cross was deflected into his path but he fluffed a left-footed shot to save Madrid from falling behind on the night.
The midfielder was not done, however. Cutting inside his marker from deep, Sneijder went to release a bullet of a shot that put his side ahead, at least for the second leg.
The Turkish crowd, from a position of despair, could not believe their eyes. Drogba set up an unthinkable last 20 minutes with a wonderful backheel into the net, putting Galatasaray 3-1 up and leaving just two goals for the comeback.
Drogba thought he had levelled the tie before being pulled back for an offside and Madrid lived to breathe another day, Ronaldo confirming their passage with a goal in the final minute.
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund 3 Malaga 2 (agg 3-2)
10 April 2013
Borussia Dortmund booked their place in the final four of the Champions League with a 3-2 win over Malaga on Tuesday.
BVB failed to make their dominance count last week and it looked to be a recurring theme when Joaquin put Manuel Pellegrini's ahead but Robert Lewandowski equalised before the break.
Eliseu looked to have broken BVB hearts with a late goal but two stoppage-time strikes courtesy of Marco Reus and Felipe Santana ensured an unbelievable comeback.
With the tie so delicately balanced from the first leg, such a conservative approach to the early stages from both teams was somewhat predictable.
As the minutes ticked by the hosts became more adventurous and in the 16th minute Lewandowski got his first chance to shoot at goal.
He elected for an audacious 25-yard chip from Mario Gotze's pass but his attempt floated over the stranded Willy Caballero's goal.
The visitors had struggled to string a meaningful attack together but in the 25th minute they silenced the Signal Iduna Park faithful.
Julio Baptista pounced on a poor clearance from Felipe Santana and his pass found Joaquin. After a tight give-and-go with Isco, the 31-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and sent a low shot past Roman Weidenfeller.
Apprehension and frustration began to spread around the stadium but their worries were eased five minutes before half-time.
Reus flicked Gotze's pass into the path of Lewandowski who rounded Willy and slotted the ball into the empty net to finish off a superb team move.
Joaquin was gifted a free header in the last action of the first half which Weidenfeller comfortably held and the start of the second half offered similarly enticing opportunities for both sides.
The organisation of Pellegrini's defence was exemplary in the second half and after Dortmund had a goal ruled out correctly for offside, Duda's thunderous effort almost added to the disappointment of the home fans.
The heroics of Malaga goalkeeper Willy were a huge reason that the first leg ended goalless and the Argentine was at it again in the closing stages, denying both Reus and Gotze from close range.
The home fans' misery looked to have been compounded in the 82nd minute as a swift break from the visitors ended with second-half substitute Eliseu sweeping home from close range.
Yet there was still time for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history, which Reus began as he slotted home following a long ball in the 91st minute.
Two minutes later the turnaround was complete and the stadium went from despair to unbridled jubilation.
Following a cross from the left a scramble in the area was put to an end when Santana swept the ball into the net from one yard out.
Somehow Dortmund, who will be joined in the semi-finals by Real Madrid, managed to keep their unbeaten home record in the tournament intact as their victory ended Malaga's fairytale run.
Higuain: Let's hope this is the year Madrid make it to the final The Argentina international has set his sights on the showpiece at Wembley this term after the Blancos stumbled at the final hurdle in the last two seasons
Ibrahimovic: Beckham very important for PSG The powerful attacker has hailed the former Manchester United midfielder's influence and has admitted the 37-year-old's arrival has benefited him personally
Lewandowski: The final five minutes were unbelievable The prolific attacker was over the moon with his side's victory and has stressed that the final result is all that matters
Money, money, money: Bayern earned €128m more than Juventus in the last year The gap that divides the Italian champions and FC Hollywood on the football pitch is reflected on the balance sheet, with the German side making massive amounts in comparison
This is not football, it's racism, says Malaga president The controversial Qatari has revealed his wish for an investigation into his team's defeat by Borussia Dortmund, declaring that los Boquerones have been unfairly treated
Dortmund and Malaga both winners on night of Hollywood drama Two injury time goals took the home side through to the semis in the most dramatic of circumstances. In what will go down as a classic, neither team deserved to go out
Klopp: Everybody was close to a heart attack The 45-year-old coach was overcome with emotion after his side's sensational 3-2 victory over Malaga, with the Germans striking twice in injury time to win an epic encounter
Subotic: Dortmund have gone Hollywood The 24-year-old has set his sights on a dream ending after his side secured a miraculous victory in the dying moments of their quarter-final second leg
Ronaldo: Madrid were own worst enemy The Portugal attacker, who netted twice, believes that los Blancos must learn some vital lessons from their error-strewn display against the Turkish champions
Ancelotti: PSG have nothing to lose against Barcelona The Italian coach feels that irrespective of the outcome of the Ligue 1 side's visit to Camp Nou, they have already proven that they will soon be considered one of Europe's elite
Messi is irreplaceable for Barcelona, says Maxwell The Brazilian says that he never takes any joy out of the misfortune of a fellow professional, but confesses that the Argentine's absence will aid les Parisiens' cause
Neuer: Bayern Munich must not sit back against Juventus The Germany international is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game in Turin, revealing that he has even prepared himself for the possibility of penalties
Chiellini confident ahead of Bayern clash The Bianconeri centre-back is sure his team have the talent, quality and desire to overcome the Bundesliga winners and make it into the Champions League's last four
Galatasaray 3 Real Madrid 2 (agg 3-5): Drogba and Sneijder give Jose a scare as Spaniards make the semis
PUBLISHED: 20:42 GMT, 9 April 2013 | UPDATED: 06:54 GMT, 10 April 2013
Real Madrid progressed to the last four of the Champions League despite defeat on the night to a Galatasaray side whose second half comeback had Jose Mourinho's side in a panic. Already three goals up from the first leg at the Bernabeu, the tie was seemingly put to bed by Cristiano Ronaldo's seventh-minute strike. But an Emmanuel Eboue thunderbolt after 57 minutes brought Gala back level on the night, before Wesley Sneijder put the home side ahead after 70 minutes.
Outrageous: Galatasaray's Didier Drogba scores with a dazzling back heel
Life in the old Drog yet: Didier Drogba was among the scorers as Galatasaray won the second leg
MATCH FACTS
Galatasaray: Muslera, Eboue (Elmander 80), Zan, Kaya, Riera, Altintop (Amrabat 46), Felipe Melo, Inan, Sneijder, Bulut (Sarioglu 63), Drogba. Subs Not Used: Iscan, Aydin Yilmaz, Balta, Kurtulus.
Seconds later Did Drogba reduced the aggregate deficit further and although Real substitute Alvaro Arbeloa saw red late on, Ronaldo notched his second in injury time, as Madrid's quest for a 10th European Cup continued. The visitors started quickly and just three minutes were on the clock when Fernando Muslera rashly came out to clear, his effort falling to Angel Di Maria, who shot wide.
Four minutes later they were on the scoresheet. Sami Khedira was allowed to cross from the right and in came Ronaldo, who got to the ball before the home defender to shoot past a helpless Muslera from three yards out. The tie looked finished as a contest and Ronaldo could have doubled his night's tally moments later when the home side backed off, but from 25 yards the Portuguese shot straight at Muslera.
Drogba went close to converting a Sneijder shot after 20 minutes in Gala's first meaningful attack, before Madrid almost went two-up. A delicious back-heel pass from Ronaldo played in Di Maria, but his angled effort was well tipped over by the Gala stopper.
Keeping the dream alive: Drogba celebrates after making it 3-1 on the night
All going wrong: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain react after conceding their third goal
Mourinho was forced into his first change after 31 minutes when Michael Essien had to be replaced by Arbeloa due to a leg injury. Sneijder forced Diego Lopez into his first save after 38 minutes in what was a lacklustre first-half display from the hosts.
It all started so well: Ronaldo celebrates putting Real 1-0 up on the night
Madrid missed another chance to go two up 11 minutes after the restart when Ronaldo somehow missed from eight yards out - scuffing his effort with the ball trapped under his feet. Moments later and the home side were level thanks to a tremendous goal, albeit from an unlikely source. Sneijder's hopeful cutback found a sprinting Eboue who from the edge of the box powered an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Back in the game: Emmanuel Eboue scored to make it 1-1
Ahead on the night: Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder puts his side ahead on the night
The comeback is on: Sneijder gives his side hope
And just three minutes later they should have gone ahead. Drogba's strength caused all sorts of problems for the Real defence with the ball falling to Sneijder. However with just Lopez to beat and from 12 yards out he screwed his shot wide of the far post. Eboue's goal had, however, galvanised the home side and with the Ataturk Stadium firmly behind their side Gala took a deserved lead.
Could it be? Drogba celebrates his goal
Sneijder showed a turn of pace more associated with his best days at Inter, nutmegged Rafael Varane before side-footing into the corner. And moments later it was 3-1 when Drogba got in front of his defender to flick a cross into the corner of the net.
That should do it: Ronaldo scores at the death to secure Real's passage
Into the semi: Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho shakes hands with Fatih Terim after the game
Raul Albiol replaced Mesut Ozil as Mourinho looked to arrest his team's slide, but they had to play out the final moments with 10 men after Arbeloa saw red after receiving a second yellow card for dissent. There was still time for a fifth goal on the night when Ronaldo scored in injury time.
Dortmund are the toast of Europe after breaking Malaga hearts in most dramatic Champions League finale since THAT game in 1999
By DAVID KENT PUBLISHED: 20:41 GMT, 9 April 2013 | UPDATED: 09:08 GMT, 10 April 2013
Borussia Dortmund came back from the dead to book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League with a quite unbelievable victory over Malaga at Signal Iduna Park.The German side's run in the competition appeared to be as good as over after Eliseu's strike in the 82nd minute made it 2-1 to Malaga and left the hosts needing two goals to progress after last week's first leg ended goalless. Marco Reus breathed life into Jurgen Klopp's side with a close-range finish in the first minute of stoppage time but there was even greater drama to come as Dortmund pressed on in search of a third goal, which duly arrived with seconds remaining as Felipe Santana scrambled home.
Back from the brink: Borussia Dortmund completed a stunning comeback with two goals in injury time
Jubilation: Dortmund players celebrate their remarkable win
Bundle: The German side looked dead and buried when Eliseu put Malaga 2-1 ahead with eight minutes left
Gutted: Malaga's Antunes shows his dejection as Dortmund fans celebrate
Hero: Winning goalscorer Felipe Santana
Give me a hug! Jurgen Klopp and Santana
Stunning: Dortmund fans unveiled this spectacular banner ahead of kick off
Magnificent: The message on the banner read: 'On the trail of the lost cup'
Malaga: Willy, Jesus Gamez, Demichelis, Sergio Sanchez, Antunes, Joaquin (Francisco Portillo 87), Toulalan, Camacho, Duda (Eliseu 74), Isco, Julio Baptista (Santa Cruz 83). Subs Not Used: Kameni, Lugano, Saviola, Piazon. Booked: Jesus Gamez, Toulalan. Goals: Joaquin 25, Eliseu 82.
Att: 65,000 Ref: Craig Thomson (Scotland).
Joaquin's 25th-minute opener for Manuel Pellegrini's visitors was cancelled out by Robert Lewandowski's superbly crafted goal five minutes before the break, but that was mere prelude to the drama - and acrimony - that was to come after the break.
Both Eliseu's strike for Malaga and Santana's third for Dortmund should both have been ruled out for offside, as the officiating team led by Scotland's Craig Thomson ensured this memorable contest would also be tainted by controversy.
Dortmund's players and fans will probably not lose too much sleep over the shortcomings of the officials, with the frenzied delight of the home contingent starkly contrasted by Malaga's crestfallen players, who as the final whistle blew clearly were struggling to comprehend how they had been turned over.
Malaga's president Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani claimed on Twitter that his side had been the victim of 'racism' although it was not immediately clear to whom the accusation was directed. 'I hope to open a thorough investigation UEFA regarding the Spanish club out this way. Which does affect the spirit of sport.' Al Thani wrote on his personal account, @ANAALThani.
Ahead: Joaquin gave Malaga the lead after 25 minutes in Germany
A nervy opening was perhaps understandable with so much riding on the result, and it took until the 16th minute for the first effort on goal to arrive as Lewandowski sent a chipped effort sailing over the bar. After failing to produce a shot on target in the first quarter of the match, Malaga went ahead courtesy of their first meaningful attack. Julio Baptista started the move with a pass into Joaquin, who exchanged passes with Isco before selling his marker a dummy and sending a low finish into the left corner. Reus saw a shot charged down in the 37th minute as Dortmund searched for a way back, but the home fans did not have much longer to wait for the breakthrough as the hosts conjured a goal of real class five minutes before the break.
Away goals advantage: Joaquin's strike left Dortmund needing to score twice to advance
Mario Gotze's incisive forward pass was backheeled beyond the Malaga backline by Reus into the path of Lewandowski, who expertly dinked the ball over the sprawling Willy Caballero before tucking the ball home under pressure from Jesus Gamez. The second half began with a bang with both sides going close to adding to the scoring inside three minutes. First Lewandowski was afforded time to take aim from the edge of the area but Caballero got down to save, while two minutes later Roman Weidenfeller produced a fine reflex stop to deflect away Joaquin's downward header.
Reliable: Robert Lewandowski brought Dortmund level in the 40th minute
Leading from the front: Lewandowski celebrates his goal at Signal Iduna Park
The hosts were given a let-off when Marcel Schmelzer appeared to raise his hands to the face of Gamez amid a tussle by the touchline, but rather inexplicably it was the Malaga man who went into the referee's book. The home fans were on their feet in the 75th minute ready to acclaim a goal as the unmarked Reus looked to turn home a low centre from six yards but Caballero's trailing leg was in the right place as the Malaga number one made a wonderful save.
Caballero was again the hero for the visitors in the 79th minute as Gotze was played clean through but the goalkeeper flicked out a leg to deflect the ball inches wide of the post. Caballero's heroics looked set to be the cornerstone of a famous win when three minute later Malaga went 2-1 up as Baptista's goalbound shot was turned home by Eliseu from almost on the goalline, despite the substitute having strayed offside.
All over? Eliseu's goal with eight minutes remaining looked to have sealed Malaga's place in the semis
The match appeared to be destined to end in Malaga's favour as added time arrived, but all that changed when Dortmund were awarded a free-kick 40 yards from goal. Caballero was helpless to deny Dortmund yet again as woeful defending from the set-piece saw the ball break to Reus to fire in from close range. The hosts still needed a goal to progress to the last four, and incredibly it arrived in the third minute of added time.
The officials failed to spot three Dortmund players in offside positions when the ball was launched into the area, but when the ball broke to Santana - also in an offside position on the goal-line - he had no hesitation in blasting home to trigger scenes of disbelieving delight at Signal Iduna Park.
Turnaround: Santana bundled home a winner from close range in injury time for Dortmund
Dubious: Santana was arguably offside when he scored from less than one yard
Delight: Santana runs off in celebration of his dramatic winner
Pitch invasion: Dortmund head coach Klopp leaps with delight at the final whistle
Joy: Santana is congratulated by Dortmund players and head coach Klopp
PS - Sorry Jurgen, your comeback doesn't beat the 1999 final
Dortmund's stunning comeback was thrilling, but it can't hold a flame to the famous night in Barcelona when Manchester United yanked the Champions League trophy out of Bayern Munich's hands at the death. Sir Alex Ferguson's side were facing defeat in the face after Mario Basler's sixth-minute free-kick kept the sides apart until the final moments, when Teddy Sheringham swept home in the 91st minute followed two minutes later by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
History boys: Manchester United's triumph over Bayern Munich cannot be beaten for late drama
Galatasaray didn't have 11 men, they had 50,000, says Mourinho
By Martin Macdonald
Apr 9, 2013 10:18:00 PM
The Portuguese coach highlighted the affect of the vibrant Turk Telecom Arena faithful as los Blancos progressed to the semi-final of the Champions League despite losing 3-2
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has complimented the Galatasaray crowd in the Champions League quarter-final second leg clash between the Spanish and Turkish champions on Tuesday evening.
Los Blancos were entering the match with a three-goal lead from the first leg and even struck early in the second when Cristiano Ronaldo popped up with a strike after just seven minutes.
But a raucous crowd in the Turk Telecom Arena propelled the home side to a 3-1 lead in the second half thanks to goals from Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder, and an effort from Didier Drogba.
And the Portuguese coach has conceded that the home crowd played a part in proceedings.
“[Galatasaray] did not play with 11 men today,” he said. "They played with 50,000 men. In this kind of match we had everything to lose but nothing to gain.”
Despite the home side being on the ascendancy and Madrid looking susceptible to conceding more in the second half, Mourinho denied that he was worried as the match wore on, simply adding: “I had no time to be nervous.”
The former Chelsea and Inter coach then highlighted the importance of looking to the next round in the competition, and insisted that whatever team they face will undoubtedly be a quality opposition.
“Now we have a semi to play, against a great team,” he continued ”We do not know which one yet, but they will be great. It will be hard but now is the time to enjoy ourselves and not to be nervous or afraid.”
Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening in the next round of quarter-final fixtures in the Champions League, with Carlo Ancelotti's men taking a 2-2 draw to Camp Nou for the second leg.
And Mourinho did not mince his words when he was quizzed by journalists on who he thought would win the encounter between the Blaugrana and the French league leaders.
Without giving a prediction on the result, the Portuguese said:“Barcelona or PSG tomorrow? I have some friends in Paris, I don't have any in Barcelona."
Juventus take on Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening for the other coveted semi-final place in the Champions League.
Re: UEFA Champions League 2012/2013 - Quarter Final Draw
I thought Galatasaray were going to qualify, says Terim
By Mark Doyle
Apr 9, 2013 10:31:00 PM
The former AC Milan coach says he was immensely proud of the way in which his players, and the club's fans, rattled one of the most feared sides in world football
Galatasaray boss Faith Terim has admitted that he believed his side were going to overturn a four-goal deficit during the second leg of their absorbing Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.
Having being beaten 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, the Turkish champions were dealt what looked like a knockout blow when Cristiano Ronaldo netted an away goal for los Blancos in Istanbul.
However, Galatasaray staged a sensational second-half fightback, striking three times through Emmanuel Eboue, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba, and thought they had levelled matters on aggregate when the latter netted again, only to be ruled offside.
"When it went 3-1," Terim told NTV Spor, "yes, I started to think of going through to the semi-finals. It had not been the case up until that moment.
"But especially just after Drogba's disallowed goal, that was the the moment when we really believed it."
Unfortunately for the hosts, there was to be no coming back from that disappointment, and Ronaldo netted again in injury time to put the outcome beyond all doubt.
But Terim still had nothing but praise for his players and their supporters.
"Incredible supporters and an incredible atmosphere - it makes me happy that we played with such passion and gave them such pleasure," the former AC Milan boss enthused.
"We must say thanks to [Jose] Mourinho and Real Madrid. He came to our dressing room to congratulate our players.
"I must also congragulate my players as they've beaten one of the most powerful teams in the world.
"From the very beginning my aim was to create a Galatasaray that would honour their supporters. I see this happening today. I'm happy to have kept my promise."
Madrid now progress to the last four where they are joined by Borussia Dortmund, who overcame Malaga 3-2 on aggregate.
The Chilean was enraged by the performance of the officials during his side's heartbreaking defeat at Signal Iduna Park, claiming the host's winner was offside
Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has launched a withering attack on referee Craig Thomson and his assistants after his side's controversial Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.
The Spanish side seemed set to qualify for the semi-finals after Eliseu struck to put them 2-1 ahead on the night, and on aggregate.
However, Marco Reus drew Dortmund level in the first minute of injury time, before Felipe Santana scrambled home the winner from a seemingly offside position with just seconds to go, sparking wild celebrations among the hosts but furious protests from the visitors.
"They did not want us in the semi-finals," an enraged Pellegrini said of the match officials. "After it went 2-1 for us, there were so many refereeing mistakes.
"The third goal was a hammer blow for us. There were two dismissals, and there was also their offside in the act of making it 3-2.
"In the final 10 minutes, we were so impaired (by the officials). In such conditions, everything becomes very difficult."
Pellegrini admitted that Malaga will struggle to get over the nature of their European exit, but called on his players to finish their Liga campaign on a high.
"It is certainly not a bitterness that will go away from one day to the next," the Chilean coach lamented. "You can talk about a cruel defeat, but I do not agree, we have played a great game.
"Now we are looking to finish the championship as best we can."
Dortmund, for their part, now move on to the semi-finals, where they have already been joined by Real Madrid, who defeated Galatasaray 5-3 on aggregate.
Malaga to file official complaint to Uefa after Dortmund loss
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 10, 2013 9:41:00 AM
The Spanish outfit are furious with the referee following their elimination from the Champions League while Joaquin has blamed the European football organisation for their defeat
Malaga CEO Vicente Casado has confirmed that the Primera Division outfit will file an official complaint to Uefa over referee Craig Thomson's display in Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
The Boquerones were 2-1 up after 90 minutes of play and appeared to be on their way to the semi-finals of European club football's elite competition.
However, Marco Reus then restored parity before Felipe Santana's offside-goal well into stoppage time eventually saw Dortmund progress to the next round.
Head coach Manuel Pellegrini already voiced his dismay with Thomson on Tuesday evening and Malaga have now decided to take formal action.
"We are outraged because we are again the victim of injustice. We will file an official complaint to Uefa over the referee," Casado told reporters.
"It's a shame that in the quarter-finals of the Champions League the referee is not of the level that the players and the fans deserve, both from Malaga and Borussia Dortmund.
"Our complaint will be aimed at the referees rather than at Uefa. The Champions League is an elite competition and the people in it should be elite level, too."
Meanwhile, Malaga winger Joaquin, who netted the opener on Tuesday, even went as far as to claim Uefa deliberately favoured Dortmund.
"We suspect [Uefa president] Michel Platini and everybody else at Uefa wanted us out. It's much easier to do this to Malaga than to Real Madrid. This only happens to small clubs like Malaga..."
Aside from Santana's offside-goal, the match officials also failed to spot Eliseu was in an offside position when he scored to make it 2-1, while Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer escaped a red card after seemingly punching an opponent.
The influential midfielder has revealed the Old Lady have figured out a way to defeat the Bavarians and hopes Antonio Conte will not leave the club
Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus will overturn their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the return of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening.
The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday but Pirlo has stressed that they know how to beat the German champions after analysing the defeat from the first leg.
"After the match in Munich we sat down and analysed what happened that night and then we’ve worked out how to turn this tie around. There’s still hope," Pirlo told The Times of India.
The midfielder then went on to admit that the Bavarians, who secured the win with goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller, emerged deservedly victorious in the first leg.
"Bayern, with their typically German discipline along with many talented players like [Arjen] Robben, [Thomas] Muller and others, played better football on the day and they deserved to win."
Pirlo also had his say on the future of head coach Antonio Conte and he hopes the successful trainer will not leave the Old Lady any time soon.
"Conte is one of the best coaches around. He's coaching in the Champions League for the first time and he has already proven his worth. We, the players, hope he stays on with us."
Conte joined Juventus from Siena in the summer of 2011 and guided the Bianconeri to Serie A glory in his first season.
