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UEFA Champions League 2010/11
- Thread starter Groove Armada
- Start date
Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar move into Champions League final 16
By Kevin Fylan, Reuters December 8, 2010
Arsenal's English striker Theo Walcott (in background) runs off triumphantly after scoring against Partizan Belgrade during their Champions League Group H match in London on Dec. 8, 2010. Photograph by: Carl De Souza, AFP/Getty Images
LONDON — Arsenal, Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk completed a heavyweight line-up for the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, shrugging off closing-night nerves as the final round of matches was marred by crowd trouble in Slovakia.
Arsenal flirted with trouble at 1-1 at home to Partizan Belgrade but a group phase that featured few surprises ended predictably as Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri struck to secure a 3-1 win that saw them squeeze through in second spot in Group H.
Shakhtar kept Braga at bay before striking twice in the second half themselves for a 2-0 home win that clinched first place ahead of Arsenal, while Roma held on for a drab 1-1 draw at CFR Cluj to qualify behind Bayern Munich in Group F.
The draw for the last 16, to be held on Dec. 17, will feature the might of European club soccer, which may be a worry for Arsenal given that their second-place finish means they could face Barcelona or Real Madrid among the group winners.
Absent from the draw will be Zilina and Spartak Moscow, whose Group F game in Slovakia was held up for 20 minutes when fans launched a firecracker on to the pitch from an end populated by Spartak fans.
Bayern, Chelsea, Olympique Marseille, Real Madrid and AC Milan had already secured their places heading into Wednesday's final matches. Chelsea, going through a sticky patch in the Premier League, were beaten 1-0 at Olympique Marseille through a Brandao goal nine minutes from time but while the result may provide further concerns for coach Carlo Ancelotti it had no bearing on Group F.
The English side were already assured of qualifying top ahead of their French opponents. On the other side of the draw, FC Copenhagen claimed the last available place by beating Panathinaikos on Tuesday.
Already qualified for the last 16 from Groups A-D were Tottenham Hotspur, holders Inter Milan, Schalke 04, Olympique Lyon, Manchester United, Valencia and Barcelona.
Arsenal's victory over Partizan, who finished bottom of the group without a point, was surprisingly nervy considering they got a good start with a Robin van Persie penalty. Cleo's equalizer rocked them but two neat finishes from Walcott and Nasri meant they survived the sending-off of Bacary Sagna five minutes from time with equanimity.
England's Premier League will have the strongest presence going forward with four of the 16 teams — three of them from London and sharing the same dream of a "home" final at Wembley next May.
Spain and Italy have three qualifiers each, Germany and France two and Ukraine and Denmark one apiece. The most emphatic winners on the final night of Champions League action before 2011 were Real Madrid, who helped themselves to a 4-0 win over Auxerre in Group G with a hat-trick from Karim Benzema and one from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The result snuffed out Auxerre hopes of a Europa League place. Ajax Amsterdam clinched that with a 2-0 win away to a second-string AC Milan in Frank de Boer's first game in temporary charge.
Bayern also enjoyed themselves in a 3-0 win over Basel, Franck Ribery getting two of the goals as the Bavarians underlined their superiority in Group E.
The competition returns with the last 16 knockout stage from February, by which time UEFA will hope to have seen the last of the problems that held up Spartak Moscow's 2-1 win at Zilina.
The trouble, which resulted in no apparent injuries, came less than a week after Russia was elected 2018 World Cup hosts.
© Copyright (c) Reuters
Ajax win at Milan to seal Europa League berth
Ajax win at Milan to seal Europa League berth
21:52 GMT, Wed 8 Dec 2010
MILAN, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam bagged a Europa League place in Frank De Boer's first game in temporary charge after a confident 2-0 win at a second-string AC Milan in their final Champions League Group G match on Wednesday.
Demy de Zeeuw rifled in after 57 minutes and Toby Alderweireld smashed home from further out in an open game, where Ronaldinho started for Milan for the first time in eight matches with Zlatan Ibrahimovic rested for an hour.
Auxerre's defeat at group winners Real Madrid meant the San Siro match was ultimately irrelevant given Serie A leaders Milan were already certain to finish second and make the last 16 while Ajax went into the game in third where they remained.
Martin Jol quit as Ajax boss on Monday and Netherlands assistant coach De Boer, a former player for the Amsterdam side, has been installed as caretaker until the winter break. Martin Jol quit as Ajax boss on Monday and Netherlands assistant coach De Boer, a former player for the Amsterdam side, has been installed as caretaker until the winter break.
He tinkered little with the system and the visitors had the best early chances, Miralem Sulejmani forcing Marco Amelia into the first of several saves before De Zeeuw struck from the edge of the box and Alderweireld spectacularly scored on 66 minutes.
NIGHT OFF
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri gave keeper Christian Abbiati and defender Alessandro Nesta the night off while the hosts badly missed Ibrahimovic against his former club before the top scorer was introduced and made an almost instant impact. The Swede's absence at kick-off meant Ronaldinho returned to the starting lineup having dropped down Allegri's pecking order.
The Brazilian, criticised by the coach for his late nights and attitude in training, made a quiet start but after a wild lunge on the keeper after which he somehow escaped a booking he grew in confidence and went close with a clever header. Reports had said the game could be Ronaldinho's Champions League farewell with Milan because of speculation about a January move away and his so-so performance did little to quash the rumours.
Luis Suarez, serving a domestic ban for biting an opponent, and fellow Ajax forward Sulejmani were booked for diving in the box following consultations with the goal line official. Milan's Mathieu Flamini limped off in the first half with what looked like an ankle injury.
Ajax win at Milan to seal Europa League berth
21:52 GMT, Wed 8 Dec 2010
MILAN, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam bagged a Europa League place in Frank De Boer's first game in temporary charge after a confident 2-0 win at a second-string AC Milan in their final Champions League Group G match on Wednesday.
Demy de Zeeuw rifled in after 57 minutes and Toby Alderweireld smashed home from further out in an open game, where Ronaldinho started for Milan for the first time in eight matches with Zlatan Ibrahimovic rested for an hour.
Auxerre's defeat at group winners Real Madrid meant the San Siro match was ultimately irrelevant given Serie A leaders Milan were already certain to finish second and make the last 16 while Ajax went into the game in third where they remained.
Martin Jol quit as Ajax boss on Monday and Netherlands assistant coach De Boer, a former player for the Amsterdam side, has been installed as caretaker until the winter break. Martin Jol quit as Ajax boss on Monday and Netherlands assistant coach De Boer, a former player for the Amsterdam side, has been installed as caretaker until the winter break.
He tinkered little with the system and the visitors had the best early chances, Miralem Sulejmani forcing Marco Amelia into the first of several saves before De Zeeuw struck from the edge of the box and Alderweireld spectacularly scored on 66 minutes.
NIGHT OFF
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri gave keeper Christian Abbiati and defender Alessandro Nesta the night off while the hosts badly missed Ibrahimovic against his former club before the top scorer was introduced and made an almost instant impact. The Swede's absence at kick-off meant Ronaldinho returned to the starting lineup having dropped down Allegri's pecking order.
The Brazilian, criticised by the coach for his late nights and attitude in training, made a quiet start but after a wild lunge on the keeper after which he somehow escaped a booking he grew in confidence and went close with a clever header. Reports had said the game could be Ronaldinho's Champions League farewell with Milan because of speculation about a January move away and his so-so performance did little to quash the rumours.
Luis Suarez, serving a domestic ban for biting an opponent, and fellow Ajax forward Sulejmani were booked for diving in the box following consultations with the goal line official. Milan's Mathieu Flamini limped off in the first half with what looked like an ankle injury.
Shakhtar cruise into Champions League last 16
21:56 GMT, Wed 8 Dec 2010
DONETSK, Ukraine, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Shakhtar Donetsk completed a fine campaign as Group H winners after a 2-0 win over Braga on Wednesday sent the Ukraine side into the Champions League last 16 for the first time.
Second-half goals by Razvan Rat and Luiz Adriano secured victory and ended Braga's hopes of also progressing. Rat struck after 78 minutes at the Donbass Arena and Adriano sealed Shakhtar's fifth win from six group games with a second goal five minutes later.
Shakhtar finished with 15 points, three more than Arsenal who join them in the last 16. Braga take a Europa League place. Chances were few for both sides in an uneventful first half. Adriano fired wastefully over after 34 minutes and Luis Aguiar blasted wide for Braga after Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov pushed away a cross from the right flank.
But after the break, Shakhtar began to stamp their authority in midfield forcing Braga into several fouls and reducing the Portuguese side into trying speculative long-range shots.
Rat broke the deadlock when he gained possession on the edge of the penalty area after a pass from Darijo Srna and rifled the ball past Braga keeper Artur. The Romanian then turned creator for the second, crossing for an unmarked Adriano to tap in.
Ribery fires Bayern over Basel in Champions League
Bayern Munich's Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (R) embraces Franck Ribery
Last season’s finalists Bayern Munich went through to the last 16 of the Champions League as Group E winners on Wednesday with a 3-0 win over Basel as midfielder Franck Ribery netted twice. This was Bayern’s fifth win of their European campaign and Louis van Gaal’s side progress to the knock-out stages alongside AS Roma while Basel finish third with the consolation of a place in the Europa League.
“Not many sides have managed to win five of their group games,” beamed van Gaal. “We scored three goals, so I am very happy. “This win will also give us some self-confidence for the games ahead.” A pair of goals from Ribery – his first for the club since April – and a simple tap in by Ukraine star Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who is enjoying a purple patch, sealed the win in Munich.
But all is not rosy with the German champions. Tougher tests await in February’s round of 16 which will be drawn on December 17 in Nyon and captain Mark van Bommel was not impressed. “We started this game badly, there was not enough movement and calls for the ball until Franck opened the scoring,” said the Dutchman.
“We should have scored more goals, it is important to take some confidence for our (next Bundesliga) match against St. Pauli.” There are already real concerns around the Allianz Arena about qualifying for next season’s competition and Bayern need to finish in the German league’s top two to be sure of a place in European football’s most lucrative tournament.
Their 2-0 defeat at German league strugglers Schalke on Saturday leaves them seventh in the Bundesliga and 17 points behind surprise leaders Dortmund with van Gaal already admitting the gap may be too big to bridge. The Germans have now won their last seven European home games, but there is no denying they are erratic on occasion and have lost four times in the Bundesliga this season.
The last time the two sides met in September, Bayern won 2-1 thanks to a late Bastian Schweinsteiger goal and the hosts took a 2-0 lead in as many minutes here. Bayern scored when defender Diego Contento won the ball on the edge of the penalty area and squared to Ribery who slammed home his shot on 35 minutes. The Germans struck again moments later when Mario Gomez rose highest at a corner and headed down for defensive midfielder Tymoshchuk to stab the ball home.
The hosts made sure of the victory just five minutes into the second-half when Thomas Mueller found acres of space down the right flank and squared for Ribery to net his second of the night. But Basel should have at least scored a consolation goal when Bayern defender Breno was robbed of possession by Swiss striker Alexandra Frei who squared the ball back inside but forward partner Federico Almerares fired over.
Bayern are set to welcome back long-term injury victims Dutch playmaker Arjen Robben, Croatia striker Ivica Olic and Germany veteran Miroslav Klose in January. The Germans will need all the firepower they can muster if they are to repeat last season’s feat of reaching the final.
Champions League Group F : Marseille 1 Chelsea 0
Champions League Group F : Marseille 1 Chelsea 0
9 December 2010
A late Brandao strike was enough to give Marseille an upset 1-0 victory over Chelsea and book their stage in the Round of 16.
Despite Chelsea having already qualified and the fact they could not be removed from the top of Group F, boss Carlo Ancelotti named a near full-strength squad for the Champions League clash.
The Italian appeared desperate to arrest a form slump that had seen them win just two of their last seven matches in all competitions, but the likes of John Terry, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba could do little to stop rampant French side clearly up for the occasion.
The hosts started superbly and were inches away from the lead when Mathieu Valbuena's shot from 25 yards struck the bar, with Petr Cech well beaten in the Chelsea goal.
Diminutive France midfielder Valbuena was involved again in the early stages when his header just went wide, while Brandao turned and shot in the area - only to see his shot go the same way.
Marseille thought they had taken a first-half lead, but Argentine Gabriel Heinze's header from Benoit Cheyrou's free-kick was cancelled out after the linesman ruled the former Manchester United defender was offside.
It was a lucky break for Chelsea, who were struggling to create clear-cut chances. But Ancelotti's side should have had at least one penalty. Former Charlton centre-back Souleymane Diawara clearly fouled Florent Malouda with the Chelsea player sent flying in the area.
A penalty was awarded but then disallowed, while Vladislav Bezborodov again turned down appeals from the visitors after Salomon Kalou was brought down just in front of the extra assistant referee, located behind the goals for European fixtures.
It frustrated Chelsea, who were not solid enough in all-round play to score. Didier Drogba - a former Marseille favourite - was brought off to deafening applause on the hour-mark and replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
But neither he or Chelsea's other substitutes Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt made a difference as Marseille pressured relentlessly for a winner. Jose Bosingwa limped off with a hamstring injury with 11 minutes remaining, giving Ancelotti another headache ahead of upcoming English Premier League clashes with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Two minutes after Bosingwa's departure, a re-shuffled Chelsea defence failed to cope with an unlucky deflection that summed up their last month.
Taye Taiwo beat Paulo Ferreira neatly, before seeing his shot deflect off Ramires.
Bruma and Branislav Ivanovic were immediately wrong-footed by the deflection, which rolled perfectly into the path of Brandao. The Brazilian striker seized the opportunity, with his close-range finish finding the back of the net - much to the joy of a noisy home crowd.
The result confirmed Marseille's spot in the Round of 16, while it also added more pressure - as if it was needed - on the under-fire Ancelotti and Chelsea.
Champions League Group F : Marseille 1 Chelsea 0
9 December 2010
A late Brandao strike was enough to give Marseille an upset 1-0 victory over Chelsea and book their stage in the Round of 16.
Despite Chelsea having already qualified and the fact they could not be removed from the top of Group F, boss Carlo Ancelotti named a near full-strength squad for the Champions League clash.
The Italian appeared desperate to arrest a form slump that had seen them win just two of their last seven matches in all competitions, but the likes of John Terry, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba could do little to stop rampant French side clearly up for the occasion.
The hosts started superbly and were inches away from the lead when Mathieu Valbuena's shot from 25 yards struck the bar, with Petr Cech well beaten in the Chelsea goal.
Diminutive France midfielder Valbuena was involved again in the early stages when his header just went wide, while Brandao turned and shot in the area - only to see his shot go the same way.
Marseille thought they had taken a first-half lead, but Argentine Gabriel Heinze's header from Benoit Cheyrou's free-kick was cancelled out after the linesman ruled the former Manchester United defender was offside.
It was a lucky break for Chelsea, who were struggling to create clear-cut chances. But Ancelotti's side should have had at least one penalty. Former Charlton centre-back Souleymane Diawara clearly fouled Florent Malouda with the Chelsea player sent flying in the area.
A penalty was awarded but then disallowed, while Vladislav Bezborodov again turned down appeals from the visitors after Salomon Kalou was brought down just in front of the extra assistant referee, located behind the goals for European fixtures.
It frustrated Chelsea, who were not solid enough in all-round play to score. Didier Drogba - a former Marseille favourite - was brought off to deafening applause on the hour-mark and replaced by Daniel Sturridge.
But neither he or Chelsea's other substitutes Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt made a difference as Marseille pressured relentlessly for a winner. Jose Bosingwa limped off with a hamstring injury with 11 minutes remaining, giving Ancelotti another headache ahead of upcoming English Premier League clashes with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
Two minutes after Bosingwa's departure, a re-shuffled Chelsea defence failed to cope with an unlucky deflection that summed up their last month.
Taye Taiwo beat Paulo Ferreira neatly, before seeing his shot deflect off Ramires.
Bruma and Branislav Ivanovic were immediately wrong-footed by the deflection, which rolled perfectly into the path of Brandao. The Brazilian striker seized the opportunity, with his close-range finish finding the back of the net - much to the joy of a noisy home crowd.
The result confirmed Marseille's spot in the Round of 16, while it also added more pressure - as if it was needed - on the under-fire Ancelotti and Chelsea.
Praise for hat-trick hero Benzema
Praise for hat-trick hero Benzema
9 December 2010
Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has hailed striker Karim Benzema after his a hat-trick in their 4-0 Champions League win over Auxerre. Karanka said the 22-year-old's goals were just reward for all the hard work he had done in training, and he insisted the Frenchman was enjoying his football at the Bernabeu after a difficult start to his career in Spain.
"We know what Karim Benzema is about as he does it day in, day out in training," Karanka said. "It was important for him to have a night like tonight to rubbish the rumours that all was not well. If he is left to do what he does best, I'm sure the goals will flow."
The assistant was in charge of Real for the game after Jose Mourinho's ban for conspiring to have players sent off against Ajax last month to clear their yellow-card records ahead of the knockout stage.
Karanka said the only negative to come out of Wednesday's game - which saw Real finish eight points clear of AC Milan on top of Group G - was a mouth injury to goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who was forced off just after half-time in his first start for the season.
"It's a shame about Dudek's injury as everything was going well otherwise. After waiting so long for an opportunity to play, it is a pity it was so short," Karanka said. "I hope he makes a swift recovery. Looking ahead to the draw, the other teams should certainly be wary of Real Madrid."
Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez said he had anticipated a tough time in Group G after being drawn alongside European heavyweights Milan and Real. "We knew from the outset that a section including Real and AC Milan would provide a tough task. We remain positive, though," Fernandez said.
"We experienced a lot of magic moments in this competition even if we ended up in last place. I'd say that does not matter. We knew tonight would be the toughest game of them all and were not mistaken." "I'm frustrated that not once have we managed to play our strongest team. It could have been much easier."
Praise for hat-trick hero Benzema
9 December 2010
Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has hailed striker Karim Benzema after his a hat-trick in their 4-0 Champions League win over Auxerre.
"We know what Karim Benzema is about as he does it day in, day out in training," Karanka said. "It was important for him to have a night like tonight to rubbish the rumours that all was not well. If he is left to do what he does best, I'm sure the goals will flow."
The assistant was in charge of Real for the game after Jose Mourinho's ban for conspiring to have players sent off against Ajax last month to clear their yellow-card records ahead of the knockout stage.
Karanka said the only negative to come out of Wednesday's game - which saw Real finish eight points clear of AC Milan on top of Group G - was a mouth injury to goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who was forced off just after half-time in his first start for the season.
"It's a shame about Dudek's injury as everything was going well otherwise. After waiting so long for an opportunity to play, it is a pity it was so short," Karanka said. "I hope he makes a swift recovery. Looking ahead to the draw, the other teams should certainly be wary of Real Madrid."
Auxerre coach Jean Fernandez said he had anticipated a tough time in Group G after being drawn alongside European heavyweights Milan and Real. "We knew from the outset that a section including Real and AC Milan would provide a tough task. We remain positive, though," Fernandez said.
"We experienced a lot of magic moments in this competition even if we ended up in last place. I'd say that does not matter. We knew tonight would be the toughest game of them all and were not mistaken." "I'm frustrated that not once have we managed to play our strongest team. It could have been much easier."
Holders Inter draw Bayern in Champions League rematch
Holders Inter draw Bayern in Champions League rematch
17 December 2010
NYON, Switzerland (AFP) - Holders Inter Milan will play Bayern Munich in a rematch of last season's final in the last 16 of the Champions League following Friday's draw at UEFA headquarters.
The Italians defeated the German side 2-0 in last year's final in Madrid with a brace from Argentine striker Diego Milito.
Arsenal face a tough task against Spanish giants Barcelona, who knocked the Gunners out at the quarter-final stage last season, with English Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea getting easier draws against French club Marseille and Danish champions Copenhagen respectively.
Nine-time winners Real Madrid are also set for a rematch with Lyon who knocked them out of the competition in a huge upset at the same stage last year.
Spanish club Valencia have been drawn against Germany's Schalke 04, English newcomers Tottenham, who pipped Inter Milan to first place in Group A, travel to AC Milan as AS Roma host Shakthar Donetsk of Ukraine.
Seven previous winners and three debutants were among the sides in the hat with the first legs taking place on February 15-16 and 22-23, and the second legs on March 8-9 and 15-16.
Draw for Champions League last 16
AS Roma (ITA) v Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
AC Milan (ITA) v Tottenham (ENG)
Valencia (ESP) v FC Schalke (GER)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER)
Lyon (FRA) v Real Madrid (ESP)
Arsenal (ENG) v Barcelona (ESP)
Marseille (FRA) v Manchester United (ENG)
Copenhagen (DEN) v Chelsea (ENG)
Holders Inter draw Bayern in Champions League rematch
17 December 2010
Inter Milan celebrate their win after the UEFA Champions League final match against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 22, 2010. The two teams are set to play again in the draw for the Champions League last 16 knock-out stage.
The Italians defeated the German side 2-0 in last year's final in Madrid with a brace from Argentine striker Diego Milito.
Arsenal face a tough task against Spanish giants Barcelona, who knocked the Gunners out at the quarter-final stage last season, with English Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea getting easier draws against French club Marseille and Danish champions Copenhagen respectively.
Nine-time winners Real Madrid are also set for a rematch with Lyon who knocked them out of the competition in a huge upset at the same stage last year.
Spanish club Valencia have been drawn against Germany's Schalke 04, English newcomers Tottenham, who pipped Inter Milan to first place in Group A, travel to AC Milan as AS Roma host Shakthar Donetsk of Ukraine.
Seven previous winners and three debutants were among the sides in the hat with the first legs taking place on February 15-16 and 22-23, and the second legs on March 8-9 and 15-16.
Draw for Champions League last 16
AS Roma (ITA) v Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
AC Milan (ITA) v Tottenham (ENG)
Valencia (ESP) v FC Schalke (GER)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER)
Lyon (FRA) v Real Madrid (ESP)
Arsenal (ENG) v Barcelona (ESP)
Marseille (FRA) v Manchester United (ENG)
Copenhagen (DEN) v Chelsea (ENG)
Arsenal, Spurs face tough tests
Arsenal, Spurs face tough tests
17 December 2010
Arsenal will play Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 in what will be a replay of the 2006 final in Paris, which Barca won 2-1.
The draw pits the leaders of each group at the conclusion of the first stage with a team who finished second.
Arsenal finished second in Group H and will now meet Spanish champions Barcelona, the Group D winners, for a place in the quarter-finals.
Group A winners Tottenham will take on 2007 champions AC Milan, and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp cannot wait to take on the Italian giants.
"I don't mind playing them, it will a great game," he said after the draw was made in Switzerland on Friday morning. "I would take AC Milan, and it has the makings of a fantastic game over two games and one I will really look forward to."
"It will be a fantastic occasion, and certainly not the worse draw for me. It's a tough draw - but that's what you want when you get to this stage. That's what you want. Great games."
Manchester United will play the French champions Marseille, while Chelsea face a tricky assignment against FC Copenhagen and reigning European champions Inter Milan play their opponents in last year's final, Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid play French outfit Lyon, Ukrainian's Shakhtar Donetsk meet Italian heavyweights Roma, and Spaniards Valencia meet Group B table-toppers Schalke.
Arsenal, Spurs face tough tests
17 December 2010
The draw pits the leaders of each group at the conclusion of the first stage with a team who finished second.
Arsenal finished second in Group H and will now meet Spanish champions Barcelona, the Group D winners, for a place in the quarter-finals.
Group A winners Tottenham will take on 2007 champions AC Milan, and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp cannot wait to take on the Italian giants.
"I don't mind playing them, it will a great game," he said after the draw was made in Switzerland on Friday morning. "I would take AC Milan, and it has the makings of a fantastic game over two games and one I will really look forward to."
"It will be a fantastic occasion, and certainly not the worse draw for me. It's a tough draw - but that's what you want when you get to this stage. That's what you want. Great games."
Manchester United will play the French champions Marseille, while Chelsea face a tricky assignment against FC Copenhagen and reigning European champions Inter Milan play their opponents in last year's final, Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid play French outfit Lyon, Ukrainian's Shakhtar Donetsk meet Italian heavyweights Roma, and Spaniards Valencia meet Group B table-toppers Schalke.
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Dodomeki
Guest
Bro a reminder to you. Please do not post oversized winning tickets. If you want to do it, resize to make smaller to fit the page nicely. That way it's easier for readers to view articles rather than we have to scroll our cursor from left to right. Don't ask me how to do it, i won't tell you.
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Dodomeki
Guest
Draw for Champions League last 16
Hehe..
Bad back rules Bale out of Milan trip
13 February 2011
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp revealed any chance of Bale playing at the San Siro on Tuesday is extremely doubtful, with the 21-year-old still recovering from a back problem.
The injury will rob Bale of a chance of playing in Italy again, where he wowed fans with a stunning hat-trick in Tottenham's 4-3 loss to European champions Inter Milan in October.
"Gareth is not too far away. He's not going to be fit, I don't think, for Tuesday, but he's not too bad," Redknapp said after his side's 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday.
"The specialists have seen it, he's had an epidural injection. Peter Crouch has had the same problem and he is fine - in fact, his back looked a lot worse on the scan. "
"He shouldn't be too long, but Tuesday may be just a bit too soon for him." Redknapp admitted losing Bale for the match would be a blow and a mental boost for the North London club's opponents.
"You saw what Gareth did against Inter Milan, when he terrorised them, really, and that would be in their minds an awful lot, I'm sure, if you asked them," he said.
"Everybody in Italy talks about Bale - I went over and watched a game and everyone was asking me: 'Is Bale fit? Is Bale fit?' He would scare them to death, for sure."
But the news is not all bad for Tottenham, with Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart likely to play despite missing Saturday's trip to The Stadium of Light, where Spurs won thanks to a stunning volley from Niko Kranjcar.
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Mario Gomez
Guest
Hehe..
Inter's injured Milito set to miss Bayern clash
MILAN - Inter Milan striker Diego Milito is likely to miss the Champions League last 16 first leg game at home to Bayern Munich on Feb. 23 after tests on Monday showed he had suffered yet another hamstring strain.
The Argentine, who scored both goals when Inter beat Bayern in last season's final, has been dogged by a series of muscle tweaks this term and felt another twinge after coming on as a substitute in Sunday's 5-3 victory over AS Roma.
He has been out for around month with each of the previous strains and coach Leonardo, who preferred new signing Giampaolo Pazzini on Sunday, offered support to his striker.
"Diego mustn't worry about what has happened. He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone," Leonardo said in a statement.
"He knows how important he is for Inter. All he has to do is relax and concentrate on making a good recovery."
Pazzini will continue to partner Samuel Eto'o up front in Serie A as Inter look to further close the gap on leaders AC Milan but the former Sampdoria striker is Cup-tied for the Champions League so Goran Pandev is likely to step in.
Champions League: Valencia 1 Schalke 1
Real Madrid legend Raul returned to Spain for the first time since leaving to help new side Schalke secure a valuable 1-1 draw with Valencia.
Raul’s strike on Tuesday was his 69th Champions League goal and his 71st in UEFA competitions, taking him past Filippo Inzaghi as the all-time highest goal-scorer in European competition.
The away draw gives the Bundesliga outfit every chance of progressing in the second leg of the round of 16 tie at the Gelsenkirchen on March 10. But the night could not have begun worse for Schalke, as the 2000 and 2001 Champions League finalists claimed an early lead.
A lovely move that began with Aduriz found Frenchman Jeremy Mathieu, who put a sublime early ball into the box. Striker Roberto Soldado charged towards the near post and struck a left-foot shot past Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, sending the Mestalla crowd wild.
The goalscorer had another chance to find the back of the net only moments later but turned his header wide after a neat cross from Miguel, while Aduriz could only find the side netting from six yards.
Valencia turned up the heat in their quest for a second goal after the break with Argentine Ever Banega just shooting wide, before Aduriz shot straight at the goalkeeper when he should have done better. And the La Liga outfit’s failure to take their chances came back to haunt them after 64 minutes when Raul found the back of the net.
A neat ball from fellow Spaniard Jurado gave Raul the chance and, after a well-controlled first touch, he produced an exquisite left-foot finish that reminded everyone of the former Spain captain’s undoubted qualities in front of goal.
It was a vital goal for the Germans and they nearly claimed a late winner when, in the first minute of injury time, substitute Hao Junmin – who had only just come onto the pitch – forced a terrific save from Guaita in Valencia’s goal.
But in the end Schalke were happy to settle for an away point, especially after the injury time dismissal of Lukas Schmitz for a second yellow card.
Champions League: AC Milan 0 Tottenham 1
Peter Crouch’s late winner has given Tottenham a terrific 1-0 away win at the San Siro in a fiery clash with Italian giants AC Milan on Tuesday.
While Crouch’s goal and the assist from Aaron Lennon should steal the headlines, the ill-discipline of AC Milan captain Gennaro Gattuso unfortunately took away some of the focus on Harry Redknapp’s men.
Gattuso was involved in several incidents in the opening leg of the round of 16 tie, the first when he shoved Tottenham assistant manager Joe Jordan in the face during second half after Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini was lucky to avoid a red card for a two-footed lunge on Vedran Corluka.
Gattuso also tried to pick battles with Crouch and Rafael van der Vaart on the pitch. But it was when the final whistle went that the wound-up midfielder exploded, confronting former AC Milan striker Jordan again and appearing to head-butt the Tottenham number two.
He had to be restrained by teammates and calmed down before leaving the pitch, with UEFA sure to hit the former Italian international with a hefty ban.
Tottenham made a bright start to the match itself and could have had a penalty inside the first minute, but referee Stephane Lannoy denied suggestions from the Spurs players that defender Alessandro Nesta had handled Steven Pienaar’s cross.
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was forced into an early change when goalkeeper Christian Abbiati needed to be substituted after a clash with Peter Crouch, which saw on-loan custodian Marco Amelia given his chance.
The first half petered out with Milan particularly disappointing at home, but van der Vaart gave the game the nudge it needed early in the second when he attempted an audacious chip that only just sailed wide from the edge of the area.
Milan defender Mario Yepes had two headers well saved by Gomes while William Gallas made a vital goal-line clearance to deny a Milan side re-energized by the half-time introduction of Alexandre Pato.
Flamini’s lunge and the drama that followed re-ignited tensions again, before Spurs pushed men forward searching a late winner and got it. A quick counter-attack saw Lennon gather the ball in his own half and embark on a delightful run towards goal.
The former Leeds United youth product then skipped the challenge of Yepes before he drew a man and centred for Crouch, who stroked the ball towards the far post and into the corner of the net. It was a well-worked goal from a smart Tottenham side, who sat back but pressed forward when required.
Milan mounted late attempts at an equaliser, with Robinho going close while Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who was largely ineffectual – saw his sublime bicycle kick in the last minute of injury time ruled out for offside.
It meant Tottenham not only had an away goal to take back to England but also a victory, meaning a draw at White Hart Lane on March 10 will be enough to send Spurs into the Champions League quarter-finals in their first ever appearance in the competition.
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Valencia 1 - 1 Schalke
Highlights - Champions League 15.02.2011
Valencia 1 - 1 Schalke
Highlights - Champions League 15.02.2011
Champions League - Gattuso facing lengthy ban
<abbr class="date updated" title="2011-02-16T12:51:00+00:00">Wed, 16 Feb 12:51:00 2011</abbr>
Milan captain Gennaro Gattuso could miss the rest of the European season after UEFA launched an investigation into his attack on Tottenham's assistant manager Joe Jordan.
Milan's 1-0 home defeat to Spurs in the first leg of their last 16 tie, which began with a whimper as Massimiliano Allegri fielded a defensive team, ended with an explosion of frustration from the midfield enforcer as he grabbed Jordan by the throat and tried to headbutt him following a fiery exchange of words.
UEFA will meet on Monday to decide Gattuso's punishment. The former Rangers star has admitted that he is at fault and has said that he is prepared to accept any punishment for the attack, which took place after the final whistle.
"I was nervous. We were both speaking Scottish, something that I learned when I played in his home city of Glasgow, but I can't tell you what we said," said Gattuso, who is married to a Scottish woman. "I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that.
"I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him, but I was wrong to do what I have done. I will have to await what they decide." Two years ago Didier Drogba was banned for three European matches with a suspended ban for a fourth match after he hounded a referee following a Champions League defeat by Barcelona.
But with Gattuso having physically attacked Jordan his ban is expected to be longer. Given that he is already suspended for the return clash at White Hart Lane thanks to a yellow card on Tuesday night, the Milan skipper is unlikely to play any further part in this season's Champions League since even a four-match European ban would rule him out until the final.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp branded Gattuso "crazy" following the fiery midfielder's bust-up with his number two. "I don't know why it all got so silly," Redknapp said. "Gattuso had a flare-up with Joe Jordan. I don't know why. He obviously hasn't done his homework. He could have picked a fight with someone other than Joe.
"He put his head into Joe's face for some reason. It was crazy. He lost his head during the game." The match was also marred by a "horrendous" tackle by Rossoneri midfielder Mathieu Flamini that left Vedran Corluka on crutches. Flamini launched a two-footed lunge in the second half of the bad-tempered encounter to end the Croatian defender's participation on the night.
The former Arsenal man escaped with just a booking, but Redknapp did not see it the same way as French referee Stephane Lannoy. "The tackle from Flamini was a horrendous tackle," Redknapp said. "It was a sending off. He was two or three feet off the floor with two feet. It was a leg-breaking tackle.
"He will have an x-ray tomorrow - I don't think he has broken it but he could have done easily." The game was settled by Peter Crouch's 80th-minute winner and Redknapp was keen not to allow the double controversy overshadow what was an assured performance from his team, and one which puts them on the brink of the quarter-finals in just their first Champions League campaign.
"It was a great night, a fantastic performance," said Redknapp. "We set out how we wanted to play and the players responded and couldn't have done any more. "They did exactly what we asked of them tonight. We got a great result, exactly what we deserved."
He added: "We've done half the job. We know they're dangerous. We have the advantage but it's half-time. "It's still all to play for. It'll be an interesting second leg."
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