UEFA Champions League 2012/2013

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UEFA Champions League: Borussia Dortmund 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 0 (agg. 5-2)
6 March 2013

Borussia Dortmund strolled into the Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at Signal Iduna Park.

The two sides had played out a tense 2-2 draw in Ukraine three weeks ago, but the Germans took the lead in the return leg through Felipe Santana on the half-hour mark, with Mario Goetze doubling the lead soon after.

Shakhtar rallied after the break, but all hopes of a comeback were killed off when Jakub Blaszczykowski made it 3-0.

Just as in the first leg, it was Dortmund who started the game the better of the two sides. Within minutes, they had won a corner which Robert Lewandowski met, only to make poor contact on the ball and have it blocked.

Soon after, Goetze had picked out Polish striker Lewandowski, who failed to get his shot away in time, allowing Andriy Pyatov to scurry off his line and block the strike from close range.

Marcel Schmelzer then forced the ball across the box, almost finding Goetze, who flung out a leg, but could not make clean enough contact on the ball to force it into the net.

Lukasz Piszczek and Goetze wasted further opportunities to give their side the lead, but on the half-hour mark, they finally had a deserved advantage, with Santana meeting a corner from the right with a magnificent header which gave Pyatov little chance.

Seven minutes later, Juergen Klopp's side were well and truly in control of the tie. Lewandowski found space down the right and squared it to Goetze, who sent a delicate flick past Pyatov and into the corner of the net.

More hesitance from Lewandowski denied them a third, with Oleksandr Kucher making a good block, and it would have been no less than they deserved after a dominant first half.

The closest Shakhtar came to a reply was in first-half stoppage time, when Fernandinho strode down the right and miscued a cross, almost catching out Roman Weidenfeller, who was forced to back-peddle and tip it over the bar.

Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu withdrew Taison and introduced Douglas Costa at the break, and the Brazilian almost had an instant impact, driving wide after being set up by Luiz Adriano.

Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho came close to giving a much-improved Shakhtar a path back into the match, while at the other end, Pyatov was forced into good saves to deny Marco Reus and Goetze.

The visitors' frantic start to the second period had died down, and their chances of progression were dealt a definitive blow just before the hour mark.

Pyatov clumsily spilled an Ilkay Gundogan effort right into the path of Blaszczykowski, who kept his composure to lift the ball over the sprawling goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Dortmund were heading for the last eight, and missed chances to give themselves a four-goal advantage when Goetze fired wide, Lewandowski failed to read Reus' pass and Kevin Grosskreutz had a shot tipped wide.

At the other end Yaroslav Rakytskyy had two efforts saved by Weidenfeller, who had enjoyed a quiet evening, but was alert enough to deny Luiz Adriano from close range after a deflected effort fell into the Brazilian's path.

 

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UEFA Champions League: Manchester United 1 Real Madrid 2 (agg. 2-3)
6 March 2013

Real Madrid booked their Champions League quarter-final place with a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own-goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half.

But the game turned on its head after Nani was sent off in the 56th minute for a high boot in a challenge with Alvaro Arbeloa. The United winger appeared to be challenging for the ball and certainly meant no harm to Arbeloa, but the consequence of his dismissal was that the home side's gameplan, which had worked so well to that point, was ruined.

Real Madrid used their man advantage and sealed the aggregate victory with two goals in three minutes. Substitute Luka Modric equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards before Cristiano Ronaldo slid in at the far post to break the hearts of supporters who gave him a hero's reception before kick-off.

The result completes a wonderful week for the Spanish giants following two wins over bitter rivals Barcelona.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson predicted an attacking game but set out to stifle Real and counter-attack, with his plan working almost perfectly in the first half as they restricted the visitors and came closest to opening the scoring.

United captain Nemanja Vidic thought he had scored in the 21st minute but his thumping header from Ryan Giggs' corner rattled against the post before Danny Welbeck, from an offside position, mishit the rebound straight at Real goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

In the 34th minute, Lopez was again forced in to action as he made a hash of his attempt to save Robin van Persie's shot from a tight angle and had to react quickly to deflect Welbeck's rebound over the crossbar with his shoulder.

But the hosts had to wait less than three minutes after the break to take the lead.

After Real defenders blocked two United shots in the penalty area, the ball landed at Nani's feet on the left. The Portuguese winger played the ball into the box and, after the faintest touch off Welbeck, Ramos could only turn it into his own net.

The turning point, however, came in the 56th minute when Nani was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir for a high foot in a 50-50 challenge with Arbeloa. The decision left Ferguson and the United players fuming with the officials.

Real coach Jose Mourinho responded to the man advantage by bringing on Modric for Arbeloa and the former Tottenham midfielder levelled the score in the 66th minute. After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Modric breezed past Tom Cleverley and struck a thunderous effort in off the post from 25 yards.

Three minutes later, Real took the lead for the first time in the tie. Higuain fizzed a low cross along the six-yard box and Ronaldo used all of his predatory instincts to slide in at the far post.

United swarmed forward but their task to score two goals with a man down always seemed unlikely, Real holding firm to progress to the last eight.

 

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Manchester United 1 - 2 Real Madrid
Goals & Highlights 05/03/2013


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Borussia Dortmund 3 Shakhtar 0 (agg 5-2): Gotze and Co show ruthless streak to seal progression to quarter-finals

PUBLISHED: 21:34 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 00:25 GMT, 6 March 2013

Borussia Dortmund cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an eye-catching win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Westfalenstadion tonight.The German side came into the clash having claimed a hard-fought draw in Ukraine three weeks ago and Felipe Santana put them firmly on course for the next round with a thumping header just after the half hour.Mario Gotze touched home Robert Lewandowski's cross shortly afterwards, while Jakub Blaszczykowski all but made sure of Dortmund's passage just before the hour.

On the way: Jakub Blaszczykowski celebrates after scoring his side's third goal

MATCH FACTS

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Subotic, Piszczek, Felipe Santana, Schmelzer, Bender (Kehl 46), Gundogan (Sahin 82), Blaszczykowski (Grosskreutz 70), Lewandowski, Gotze, Reus
Subs not used: Langerak, Leitner, Bittencourt, Schieber
Goals: Felipe Santana 31, Gotze 37, Blaczcykowski 59

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Hubschman, Kucher, Rat, Rakitskiy, Fernandinho, Srna, Luiz Adriano, Mkhitaryan, Taison (Douglas Costa 46), Alex Teixeira
Subs not used: Kanibolitskiy, Kryvtsov, Stepanenko, Kobin, Gai, Eduardo
Booked: Kucher

Referee: Damir Skomina
Attendance: 80,645

The emphatic win underlined Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's comments that the Bundesliga team are one of the favourites for glory in this year's competition.They started very much on the front foot and nearly took the lead with their first real sight at goal.

Lewandowski latched on to Gotze's pass to go clean through but the Pole was thwarted by Andrei Pyatov's legs.Sven Bender's drive from distance sailed harmlessly over before Shakhtar started to grow into the game and reminded Dortmund of their attacking prowess when Alex Teixeira's teasing free-kick into the area produced a hesitant clearance from Marcel Schmelzer. While fellow Brazilian Fernandinho poked wide from the edge of the area, the visitors fell behind in the 31st minute.Santana leapt above his marker to head home Marco Reus' corner at the near post, with Shakhtar defender Razvan Rat failing to clear despite being positioned on the line.

Climbing high: Felipe Santana scored a towering header to put Dortmund a goal up

Cool head: Santana is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring

Jurgen Klopp's men continued to pour forward and were duly rewarded with their second of the evening six minutes later.Lewandowski burst down the right and his low cross was tickled goalwards by Gotze, with the ball taking a deflection off a Shakhtar defender before nestling into the net.Dortmund were clearly in the ascendancy but any thoughts the tie was done and dusted were nearly silenced when their goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller had to fingertip away Fernandinho's cross-shot shortly before half-time.And Shakhtar came out all guns blazing after the interval, with Luiz Adriano firing across Weidenfeller and inches wide of the target.

Wonderkid: Mario Gotze (right) looks overjoyed after bundling home his strike before half-time

Just about: Gotze scuffed his attempt underneath Darijo Srna and into the back of the net

They were leaving themselves open at the other end, although the 1996-97 winners of this competition were grateful for a sloppy piece of keeping from Andrei Pyatov to go further ahead.Ilkay Gundogan's strike from the edge of the area was straight at Pyatov but he spilled the ball, allowing Blaszczykowski to steal in, skip past the keeper and tap in from close range in the 59th minute.

Congratulations: Marco Reus (right) touches base with Gotze

In the spotlight: Reus puts a corner into the Shakhtar box

Shakhtar's keeper would redeem himself slightly with an excellent full-length diving save to tip away a curling effort from substitute Kevin Grosskreutz, who had replaced Blaszczykowski just minutes earlier.Not content to rest on their laurels, Dortmund continued to push forward, with Reus bursting through on goal but he found himself off-balance and his strike missed the target.Mircea Lucescu's side had an opportunity to end a forgettable evening on a high, with a deflected shot falling into the path of Adriano, who was denied by the legs of the onrushing Weidenfeller.

Called in to action: Dortmund's Roman Weidenfeller is rounded by Fernandinho (right)

Engineered: Jurgen Klopp (left) watched his side record an easy win over Mircea Lucescu's (right) side

Home advantage: Dortmund made the most of the deafening support from their fans
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Manchester United 1 Real Madrid 2 (agg 2-3) Ronaldo returns to crush Fergie's Euro dream

By MARTIN SAMUEL PUBLISHED: 21:37 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 01:09 GMT, 6 March 2013


It was rotten luck. It was highly debatable. And it will have been picked over until last orders or lights out at every bar, club and sitting room in Britain. Yet the bottom line is this: just because your fancy-dan winger gets sent off, whether rightly or not, it does not mean you have to concede two goals in the next 12 minutes and lose the tie. Manchester United were not forced to play without a central defender or goalkeeper. Nani has never been considered so vital to any defensive effort that his absence should have sent his team into a loop.

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Match winner: Ronaldo's goal sent his former team-mates crashing out of the Champions League

Match facts

Man United: De Gea, Da Silva (Valencia 87), Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley (Rooney 73), Nani, Welbeck (Young 80), Giggs, van Persie.
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Evans, Hernandez, Kagawa.
Booked: Evra, Carrick
Sent off: Nani 57.
Scorer: Ramos (OG) 48.

Real Madrid: Diego Lopez, Arbeloa (Modric 59), Varane, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Di Maria (Kaka 42), Ozil (Pepe 71), Ronaldo,Higuain.
Subs not used: Adan, Benzema, Albiol, Callejon.
Booked: Arbeloa, Pepe
Scorers: Modric 67, Ronaldo 69.

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Attendance: 74,959

At the moment of his exit, United's priority was to hold on to a 1-0 lead. With Nani or without, the objective was to regroup and resist. That is not to say Nani's dismissal was unimportant, or that it did not have significant impact on the game. Just that it did not make Real Madrid's victory inevitable. Chelsea lost John Terry at the Nou Camp last season while 1-0 down. They did not lose the match that night, or the tie.

'Never give the referee a reason to send you off,' said Roy Keane, a lone voice of dissent in a television studio all too willing to cast Manchester United as hapless victims of a dastardly act. He had a point. In defence of Cuneyt Cakir, the Turkish referee whose judgment will go down as having changed the complexion of the tournament, Howard Webb was pilloried after the 2010 World Cup final for not sending off Nigel de Jong for a high challenge.

In real time, perhaps Cakir thought he had seen the same from Nani on Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa. He hadn't. De Jong's was far worse. Yet the nuances would have been harder to spot. Nani's eyes on the ball, not the opponent, the fact that he was trying to bring an aerial clearance under control rather than win it from Arbeloa.

Mod stunner: The former Spurs midfielder fired home an unstoppable equaliser

Cakir will only have seen Nani connect with Arbeloa's ribs with the potential for devastating effect. He went straight to red and, from there, the balance of power changed. Until that moment, United looked comfortable.

Not coasting, but with their noses in front from a Sergio Ramos own goal. The best chances had belonged to them and they looked likelier to score next, too. Jose Mourinho, however, senses weakness like a shark smells blood and the moment United were reduced he seized his chance.

He replaced Arbeloa with Luka Modric, moved Gonzalo Higuain wide, and that combination of talents, plus an inevitable winner from Cristiano Ronaldo, took the tie.

Haunted: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner against his former club but didn't celebrate

Modric has scored only one goal since arriving from Tottenham in the summer but his second was worth the wait. He had been on the field eight minutes when he received the ball roughly 20 yards out and cut to the right before striking a shot that curled out of the reach of David de Gea, and into the net.

There was a certainty about Madrid's celebrations that suggested this was only the start. Three minutes later, they were ahead. It is eight Champions League games and eight Champions League goals this season for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ram raid: United were on course to progress when Sergio Ramos scored an own goal

He celebrated the other seven, but this one was different. He remained stony-faced but must have known this day was coming. He was always going to return to haunt Manchester United in this tournament eventually.

A player of his ability simply cannot help it. Mesut Ozil played a delightful backheel to Higuain and he hit a low cross, which Ronaldo stretched for at the far post and, of course, reached.

For all the sense of injustice, the sad fact is that no United player succeeded in putting the ball in the net last night. United's lead, erased so efficiently, had come through a defensive error when the otherwise outstanding Ramos deflected Nani's cross into his own net after a disconcerting touch by Danny Welbeck.

Red alert: United were reduced to 10 men after Nani was given his marching orders

United had their chances, not least when hitting a post through Nemanja Vidic in the first half, and even Mourinho admitted the best team lost, but this defeat cut deeper than one dodgy decision. It is no longer safe for an elite team to sell their best player abroad.

The nature of the modern Champions League makes any sale between equals potentially dangerous.

This may not be the last United have seen of Ronaldo and already a sizable chunk has been lopped off his £80million fee. Remarkably, Cakir managed to overshadow the other controversy of the night, the exclusion of Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson seems to save his boldest manoeuvres for the biggest matches in Europe, and this was no exception. Even by his standards, to replace Rooney with Ryan Giggs, 40 next birthday, was a jaw-dropper.

Sidelined: Rooney was sensationally dropped for the match and watched from the bench

It was a home tie with Real Madrid that convinced David Beckham he was no longer wanted at Old Trafford, and Rooney may feel similarly isolated after this.

There had been rumours, whispers, prior to the game, but few trusted them. To leave Rooney out of this fixture would be a statement so emphatic the repercussions would surely stretch beyond the final whistle.

When Beckham did not make the starting line-up in 2003, his United career was as good as over.

He came on that night and scored twice, but the reality was clear. Rooney came on, too, but his wife Coleen had already given the game away expressing her astonishment on Twitter.

Slim pickings: Chances were at a premium in the first half, Welbeck went close - but was offside

That will have gone down well with Ferguson, too. His official explanation was that Rooney was unfit, but his injuries seem increasingly non-specific. A parting of the ways may be inevitable. Club and player will protest to the contrary to keep the peace for now, but few would gamble on Rooney still being a Manchester United player this time next year, particularly if the interest from Paris Saint-Germain proves genuine. It is not just who was out, but who was in that told a tale.

Giggs, playing his 1,000th professional game, was the man on the right of midfield behind Robin van Persie and Welbeck, the vindication being that, in the first half at least, he was arguably the best player on the field.

Heads up: Vidic's effort rattled off the post mid way through the first 45 minutes

Most of United's finest work came through him and his defensive ethic stopped Madrid playing out from the back.

Ferguson thinks we will never see his like again, and he is probably right. He had the energy of players half his age and the ability of one earning twice his salary. Ronaldo would have wished for the early impact the Welshman made; Giggs would have envied his former team-mate's second half.

The returning Ronaldo got the biggest pre-match cheer from the Old Trafford crowd - and top billing from the stadium announcer, who introduced him immediately before kick-off - but took a while to get over the occasion. Giggs managed to keep emotion out of it, as always.

When he took on Fabio Coentrao, hassling the younger man with purpose and the odd stepover before winning a corner, it was one of the highlights of the night. The lowlights you will know by now.

Landmark: Giggs made his 1,000th appearance in a United shirt on the night

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Sign of the times: Ronaldo received a warm welcome on his first match back at Old Trafford

Putting the boot in: Ronaldo slides in on Cleverley (left) in the first half
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'Distraught' Ferguson in 'no fit state' to speak as Nani is shown a red card, Ferdinand erupts in fury and Ronaldo sends his old team crashing out of Europe

By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 22:45 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 01:19 GMT, 6 March 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson was too choked to speak after Nani was unjustly sent off for a high kick on Alvaro Arbeloa as Manchester United were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. Ferguson's assistant Mike Phelan admitted that Ferguson was 'in no fit state' to talk after Jose Mourinho's side beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The players were banned from speaking publicly, even though a number of them confronted Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir at the final whistle.

'Distraught': Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not face the media after the match

ROY KEANE'S VIEW

I think that is the right decision. It is irrelevant if Nani meant to do it.

He should be aware of the players around him.

Does he think that he will have 20 yards to himself?

Rio Ferdinand may face UEFA action for sarcastically applauding the official, though he did return to shake his hand.Cakir sent off Nani when United were leading 1-0, but Real stormed back to win with goals from Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.Phelan said: 'The dressing room is distraught, the manager is distraught. That's why I am talking. I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to anyone about the decision. It speaks volumes that I am talking about it and not the manager of this fantastic football club.'We witnessed a decision that seemed harsh and incredible. I can't remember a decision like that in as big a match as this. They are there to make decisions, but there is an element of doing the right thing.'He spoiled the game. We were definitely disappointed. We have a massive audience and everyone will wonder how this has happened.'Ferguson stormed off the pitch pointing an accusing finger at the controversial referee. United had been in control of the tie when Real skipper Sergio Ramos conceded an own goal, but Cakir changed the game in the 57th minute.Although Nani was dismissed for his challenge on Arbeloa, replays suggested it was a harsh decision.

Bemused: Ferguson unsurprisingly did not agree with the decision to dismiss Nani

Sarcastic: Rio Ferdinand made his feelings clear to referee Cuneyt Cakir after the final whistle

But former United skipper Roy Keane, a studio analyst for ITV, claimed the referee had no alternative. 'I think that is the right decision,' said Keane.'It is irrelevant if Nani meant to do it. He should be aware of the players around him. Does he think that he will have 20 yards to himself?'Real coach Jose Mourinho said: 'I would always criticise a referee for making a bad decision. It was quite strong contact from Nani, but on another occasion it could have been a yellow.

Incandescent: Ferguson was furious about Nani's red card, which significantly changed the game

Controversial: Many observers felt Nani's red card swung the game in Real's favour

'If someone can cry about a match I am the first to cry. My own history is to play with 10 (players) in semifinals, not in the last 16 or quarterfinals. It had the same influence as two years ago when Pepe was sent off in the semi-final (against Barcelona). There is such a fine balance between two great teams.'I try to be honest and in my honest opinion the best team lost. But when we were against 10 we played well for 10 minutes and created new problems.

Wrong call? The decision to send Nani off seemed harsh on Manchester United

Unimpressed: Jose Mourinho was unconvinced by his Real Madrid side's performance

Honest: Former Manchester United hero Keane had little sympathy for Nani

'We deserve credit, though, because after the two goals I know what Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson do for the team, so I knew at the end of the match we couldn't control the game. We have been honest. Sir Alex Ferguson has no complaints about Real Madrid's role.'Phelan added: 'We are extremely disappointed and everyone was sat in the dressing room wondering why it happened.'The decision was amazing, but we had to carry on. Playing Madrid with 11 is difficult in a game of this magnitude with the world watching. We felt as though we had the tactics right.'We felt comfortable at 0-0 and it's where we wanted to be.

We scored the goal and we were in a commanding position, After that we were in control and created a couple of chances.'Ronaldo said: 'It was an emotional moment. I can say only one word: unbelievable. The supporters made me feel shy, so I think in the two games I didn't play like I play all the time, at the same level. I feel happy because Madrid are through but a bit sad because United are out.'I did not see what Nani did, but these situations happen in football.' Ferguson axed striker Wayne Rooney for the second leg, but insisted before kick-off it was an issue with fitness.Phelan said: 'Rooney was fit and ready to play, but big decisions have to be made.' Mourinho said: 'Sir Alex won the right over the years to make decisions and none of his decisions should be questioned.'

Dangerous play? Roy Keane felt the referee had no choice but to send Nani off
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UEFA Champions League preview: Paris Saint-Germain v Valencia
5 March 2013

Valencia take their last-minute lifeline to Paris on Wednesday in a bid to overhaul PSG's 2-1 lead in the Champions League round of 16.

Adil Rami's stoppage-time strike in the first leg avoided complete catastrophe for Valencia and changed the complexion of the Parc des Princes return fixture, but the advantage still lies clearly with Carlo Ancelotti's PSG.

What looked like an emphatic away performance from PSG at the Mestalla was eventually muddied by Rami's strike and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's petulant challenge, which drew a red card in the last minute.

Those factors will give Ernesto Valverde's side more than a glimmer of hope, with Swedish striker Ibrahimovic banned for the clash, along with midfielder Marco Veratti.

Ibrahimovic's absence will leave a hole in PSG's attack, with their leading scorer having netted 22 goals in the league and two in the Champions League so far this season.

But Valencia will head to Paris with PSG's two away goals meaning they must score at least twice themselves if they are to progress.

The Spanish side are in good form, with just one loss in their past five fixtures in all competitions.

But Valencia will be shorthanded in defence, injuries meaning Jeremy Mathieu and Victor Ruiz could form a makeshift central defence.

Meanwhile, PSG's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is a doubt with injury while David Beckham is likely to start on the bench.

The match will be Valencia's first in Paris since their 2000 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

 

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UEFA Champions League preview: Juventus v Celtic
5 March 2013

Juventus will take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League last 16-clash with Celtic on Wednesday.

The Scottish giants were on the end of a football lesson at Celtic Park with late Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic strikes leaving Celtic needing a miracle to turn the tie around.

Neil Lennon's side will feel a sense of injustice given they enjoyed quality possession for large parts of the match after Alessandro Matri's third-minute strike put the Italian champions ahead.

It was a tale of missed opportunities for the Scottish side and a classic case of razor sharp counter-attacking from Juventus at the other end.

Anthony Stokes could be in line for a starting berth at the top of the Celtic attack after his winner against St Mirren secured his team a place in the last four of the Scottish Cup.

Celtic held firm to win 2-1 and with their virtually unassailable 14-point lead at the top of the SPL, there will be a clear directive to throw everything at Juventus.

Antonio Conte's side remain on top of Serie A after a 1-1 draw with nearest challengers Napoli and their six-point gap at the summit will allow them some breathing space for Celtic's visit.

Lennon will no doubt highlight his side's monumental 2-1 win over Barcelona during the group stages of this year's competition as evidence that anything is possible.

Nevertheless, Juventus are often an impenetrable force at home, conceding only eight goals in 14 league games in front of their own fans this season.

Celtic skipper Scott Brown is out with a thigh injury, as is right-back Mikael Lustig (bone bruising).

Nicolas Anelka, Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie missed for Juventus against Napoli and will be racing the clock to be fit.

 

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Ibrahimovic is out, but can Beckham help PSG into last eight for first time in 18 years?

By LEE BRYAN PUBLISHED: 12:54 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 19:31 GMT, 5 March 2013

Paris Saint-Germain's inconsistency in the French league has yet to impact on their Champions League campaign as the big spenders hold a 2-1 lead ahead of Wednesday's return leg in the last 16 against Valencia. PSG have not reached the Champions League quarter-finals since 1995 and will be favourites to progress, despite coping without top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is suspended. Ibrahimovic, who has scored 26 goals, has been masking PSG's weaknesses. When he's out of form, like in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Reims, the team seem short on options.

Sharp shooter: David Beckham trains ahead of PSG's second leg with Valencia in the Champions League

PSG's win in Valencia three weeks ago contrasted sharply with Saturday's poor display, which was their second straight away loss to a team fighting against relegation - a worrying statistic for a club aspiring to join Europe's elite. PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to criticize his players for their poor showing against Reims and said the loss does not change his plans for Valencia. 'I don't think so,' the Italian said. 'Wednesday's match is important, that's true, but we've already prepared for it.'Ancelotti has Brazil centre half Thiago Silva available again after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury, but winger Jeremy Menez is doubtful with a sore hip and sat out Monday's training session.

All smiles: Beckham has shown he can still play at the top level since signing for the French club in January

Following Saturday's loss, sporting director Leonardo made the bizarre claim that 'maybe we have a team made for Europe, not for this kind of match.'Leonardo's comments were met with wide-ranging criticism in the French media and put Ancelotti in a fragile position.

After failing to win the title last season, Ancelotti is under big pressure to do so this time, and he hardly needs a member of the club's hierarchy saying that the team is essentially too good for its own league and destined for European success. PSG have not won the league since 1994, and aside from winning the European Cup-Winners' Cup in 1996, have not won anything in Europe - although they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 1995.

Valencia's cause, meanwhile, may be helped by Ibrahimovic's absence - especially considering its problems in defence. Jeremy Mathieu may have to fill in at centre half alongside Victor Ruiz in a makeshift partnership because Adil Rami is injured and Ricardo Costa is struggling for fitness. Aly Cissokho is expected to start at left back.

Missing out: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (centre) is banned for PSG's crunch game against Valencia

'We will try to play more intelligently than we did in the first game,' Mathieu said. 'Paris is very strong at the back and they have some really quick players up front. We will have to be careful.'Even though Valencia has to win - and must also score at least two goals - Mathieu cautions against all-out attack. 'PSG lets the rival have possession and looks to counterattack,' Mathieu said. 'We can come back but we have to be more intelligent than in Mestalla, where we went forward a lot and in the end PSG took advantage.'Valencia slipped to a 2-2 draw at home against city rivals Levante on Saturday after conceding a late equalizer, letting escape a chance to move up into fourth place in the Spanish league and enter into the Champions League spots. Even so, Valencia continue to show improvement under new coach Ernesto Valverde with only one loss in their past 10 league games.

Slump: Beckham was unable to prevent PSG slipping to a shock defeat to Reims last weekend

'We have to score away, there is no doubt about that and we must avoid conceding a goal,' Cissokho said. 'They have got important players missing, but they also have big players that can come on, like (David) Beckham.'Ancelotti may need a cool head in midfield if Valencia start to get back into it, and the 37-year-old former England captain is raring to go - six years after his last appearance in the competition with Real Madrid. Beckham is even confident enough of playing in his old position on the right flank. 'I think I can still play on the right. I played in that position for many years,' Beckham said. 'My strengths have always been passing and crossing.'With Marco Verratti suspended, Ancelotti has to decide whether to play Beckham or Thiago Motta alongside Blaise Matuidi, while Ezequiel Lavezzi could start up front with Kevin Gameiro.
​

 

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Keep calm and carry on: Mjallby warns Celtic to stay cool as they jet off for a tussle in Turin with Juventus

By GAVIN MCCAFFERTY, PRESS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED: 11:43 GMT, 5 March 2013 | UPDATED: 17:56 GMT, 5 March 2013
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Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby has warned his players to stay calm if they face familiar tight marking by Juventus in tomorrow night's Champions League clash. Celtic were unable to make the most of 10 corners in their 3-0 first-leg defeat amid a hands-on approach to marking by the Italians. Gary Hooper and Scott Brown were both booked in penalty-box clashes, along with Juventus pair Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Padoin, and Celtic manager Neil Lennon sought feedback from UEFA on Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco's performance after claiming they should have had at least one penalty.

Mission Impossible: Celtic players, including Victor Wanyama (left) and Efe Ambrose prepare to fly out to Turin

But Mjallby knows his players need to have faith in Turkish referee Firat Aydinus in Turin.Mjallby, who left Glasgow Airport this morning, said: 'We watched the previous game they played, against Napoli away, and I have to say they did the same thing again.'They were marking their opponents very, very roughly and hard when it comes to corner-kicks and wide free-kicks against. We just have to be ready for it and hopefully the referee is very strong if it happens again.'They should always be strong, that's their job. If the referee thinks it's a penalty and if it's a penalty by the rule book then it should be awarded a penalty.'If we give back the same medicine, you never know what is going to happen.

Warning: Assistant manager Mjallby (left) arrives at Glasgow airport, as does striker Georgios Samaras (right)

'We just need to be strong mentally and maybe move about a wee bit more and see if it's harder for them to mark us.'We are a threat at set-pieces. We have to believe we can score when we have corner-kicks for example, and we are not going to change things because during this campaign we have been quite successful at set-pieces. 'While the marking was frustrating for Celtic, they were the architects of their own downfall in the first leg of the last-16 tussle with Efe Ambrose gifting the visitors two goals, two days after helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations.Mjallby said: 'We lost the game because we made basic mistakes that are going to be costly when you play a top-quality side.

Family affair: Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre arrives at Glasgow Airport with his family ahead of flying to Turin

Tough task: Manager Neil Lennon's side face a three-goal deficit when they play Juventus tomorrow

'We need to make sure we defend much better this time.'What we can take heart from is that when it came to the first leg we created a lot of chances and we need to be brave tomorrow night and make sure we play good attacking football.'Celtic had 10 attempts on target in the first leg and Mjallby wants the players to be positive again.'Obviously Juventus have a healthy lead and we have a mountain to climb, but we have to believe that we can do it,' he said.'First and foremost our approach is to win the game and try to show everybody that the 3-0 win for Juventus at Parkhead was a wee bit too much.

Ready for action: Keeper Fraser Forster (left) and midfielder Joe Ledley (right) will be crucial in Turin

'I think we can take a lot of pride if we can win away from home. If this is going to be the last game during this European adventure, we want to finish it on a high.'We think we have a good enough team to win the game, but obviously to turn around 3-0 might be too much to ask.'Striker Tony Watt did not travel and joins Brown and Mikael Lustig on the injury list but Charlie Mulgrew travelled after missing three games with a muscle problem.Mjallby said: 'Tony Watt unfortunately got a wee bit of a bruised foot in yesterday's training.'
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Alonso, Modric & Varane delighted with Real Madrid progression
The trio of performers reflected on their side's last-16 success over the English giants but chose to downplay the significance of Nani's red card in the grand scheme of things

Klopp enjoys 'extraordinary moment' after Dortmund triumph
The BVB trainer was delighted to see off Shakhtar in the second leg of their knockout tie, while midfielder Mario Gotze also heaped praise on his team's performance

Contentious Nani red card robbed Manchester United of deserved Real Madrid victory
Cuneyt Cakir's sending-off of the Portuguese winger divided opinion but proved the turning point as the Red Devils' tactical perfection was undermined, their treble hopes ended

Roy Keane: The writing may be on the wall for Rooney
The former Manchester United captain feels the decision to leave the striker on the bench for the visit of Real Madrid may spell the end of his career at the club

Sir Alex Ferguson: Ronaldo is the best player in the world
Ahead of the Portuguese attacker's return to Old Trafford for the first time since departing in 2009, the Scot has claimed the Real Madrid star is an unrivalled talent

Ancelotti confident of Champions League progress
The veteran coach believes his side can overcome the loss of some crucial players and reach the quarter-finals while he urged his players to forget the first leg score

Vidic: Ronaldo could return to Manchester United
The Red Devils stalwart has paid tribute to his former team-mate and hopes the club can one day recapture a player who he rates higher than Barcelona star Lionel Messi

Barzagli: Juventus success built on defence
The Italy centre-back believes the work of the whole side on the defensive side of their game has helped them become one of the best sides in Europe over the past few years

Robben: I crave winning trophies again
The Bayern Munich winger is looking forward to adding to his trophy collection, with the club in position to win a treble this season

Alba: Barcelona will knock Milan out of the Champions League
The Spain international believes that the Liga leaders will rediscover their form ahead of the European encounter, and claimed that the players are calm despite their poor form

Tino Costa: Valencia can win in Paris
Los Che's midfielder believes that his club can progress to the quarter-finals even though they lost the first leg 2-1 at the Mestalla

Conte: We can't be complacent against Celtic
The Juventus coach has called on his players to repeat their performance from the 3-0 first leg win over the SPL champions, and not to assume that a quarter-final place is certain

Cissokho confident heading of PSG clash
Los Che's French defender thinks that his team can beat his compatriots in the Champions League and progress to the last eight despite a home loss in the first leg

Busquets: Barcelona miss Vilanova
The Spain international feels the Blaugrana are missing their head coach, but remains optimistic about his side's chances of Champions League progress

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson snubs post-match press conference following Manchester United's Champions League exit

Mar 5, 2013 11:30:00 PM

The Red Devils manager, described as "distraught" by assistant Mike Phelan, refused to attend the post-match press conference after Nani had been controversially sent off

By Greg Stobart at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not attend his post-match press conference after being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.

The 71-year-old boss was described as "distraught" over referee Cuneyt Cakir's decision to issue Nani a red card by assistant manager Mike Phelan, who attended the press conference in the Scot's absence.

The match turned after the Portuguese winger's dismissal and, within 15 minutes, United conceded twice and were denied any comeback heroics by the reflexes of Madrid keeper Diego Lopez.

"We're extremely disappointed," said Phelan after the match. "Everybody was sat in the dressing room there wondering what had happened and why it happened.

"It's a very distraught dressing room and a distraught manager and that's why I'm sat here in front of you now."

The Red Devils were furious after the match, with the United players surrounding referee Cakir after the final whistle and Rio Ferdinand sarcastically applauding the decision to send off Nani, with Sir Alex visibly irate as he exited down the tunnel.

"No, I don't think the manager is in any fit state to talk to the referee about the decision," continued Phelan when asked if Sir Alex had spoken to the Turk.

"I think it speaks volumes that I'm sat here, speaking to you at this moment in time and not the manager of this fantastic football club.

"I think we all saw and we all witnessed a decision which seemed very harsh, possibly incredible at that moment in the game."

Phelan believed that United were on top before the controversial dismissal, having scored within minutes of the restart, and felt that facing a side of Madrid's quality with just 10 men was an almost impossible task.

"We felt as though we had the tactics right for the game on such a big occasion," added the No.2. "We felt as though we were comfortable at times at 0-0 - it's where we wanted to be. We came out, scored the goal which put us in a commanding position.

"After that we were in reasonable control - we created a couple of chances but then the game totally changed. The decision was amazing but we had to carry on.

"Playing Madrid with 11 men is very difficult. And a game of this magnitude with all the world watching, we feel very disappointed that we ended the game with 10 men."

 

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Ronaldo admits 'strange feeling' after eliminating Man Utd

By Livio Caferoglu
Mar 5, 2013 11:00:00 PM

The Portuguese winger was understandably delighted to have secured the Blancos' route into the last eight but did retain a sense of affection for his former employers

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that although he is pleased with Real Madrid's progression to the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Manchester United, he has been left with a "strange feeling".

The 28-year-old scored a vital equaliser in the first leg a fortnight ago and netted again in the return fixture at Old Trafford on Tuesday to clinch the last-16 tie in favour of the Blancos, dumping his former club out of the competition.

However, speaking after the clash against the Red Devils, Ronaldo conceded he returns to the Spanish capital with a case of mixed emotions despite his overriding delight to have kept his side's hopes of La Decima alive.

"I did my job - helping Real Madrid to win - and I'm very happy, but it's a strange feeling. It was the sensation of wanting to do something but not being able to," he told TVE.

"I played at Manchester United for many years, and if someday I face Real Madrid it will be the same. To be received well is special for me, coming home, seeing friends. Inside I'm happy but also sad for Man Utd.

"I didn't celebrate out of respect to those who treated me well here, but what I wanted the most was winning and keeping Real Madrid on course for La Decima."

 

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Mourinho: The best team lost

By Charlie Scott
Mar 5, 2013 9:50:00 PM

The Madrid coach does not think his side deserved to win their Champions League match on Tuesday, and claimed the Red Devils were superior to los Blancos during the game Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United were better than his team during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

United attacker Nani was sent off in the second half for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa, which proved to be a huge turning point in the game as Madrid went on to score twice after that contentious decision.

And Mourinho insisted that regardless of that game-changing moment, his side were lucky to escape with a victory.

"Independent of the red card decision, the best team lost," Mourinho told ITV after the final whistle.

The Red Devils had taken the lead shortly after half-time when Sergio Ramos deflected Nani's cross past his own goalkeeper, before the same United player was shown a straight red card by referee Cuneyt Cakir.

Los Blancos overturned United's lead following Nani's dismissal as Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in quick succession, but their coach said after the game they were fortunate to triumph.

"We are happy to have qualified but I expected more," the 50-year-old said.

"When your keeper is your best player it shows you are not controlling the game as you should.

"We didn't play well, but football is like this."

Mourinho told Sky Sports that after his team's recent performances against Barcelona - where they won both clashes in the Copa del Rey and La Liga - he was disappointed that they failed to put in a similar showing against United.

"I was waiting for my team to come here and to express our football in a different way.

"I know they [United] are giants, not just physically, but mentally.

"11 vs 11, I doubt that we could win the match.

"I know they are fantastic, I know they have a manager who can motivate people, but I was waiting for us to come here and play a different way."

When asked about the next round and who he thought might win the competition, he said: "We've removed a big one [obstacle in the way of their CL progress], but the Champions League is full of good teams.

"Nobody speaks about Dortmund, I played them in the group phase, they are fantastic.

"Nobody talks about Celtic, from Milan-Barca a big team will come too, I don't know, Paris, Valencia, Bayern. There are so many teams, so many obstacles, but this one was important, particularly after the first leg."

The former Chelsea manager also spoke of his pleasure at being back in England, if only for a short time.

"I love it, everybody knows I love it, and everybody knows that someday I will be back, unless nobody wants me!" he joked.

"Independent of the result, it's brilliant to play here."

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place in Nyon on Friday, March 15.

 

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Rooney gamble backfired on Ferguson, argues Dublin

Mar 6, 2013 7:50:00 AM

The former Manchester United striker rues the omission of the England talisman against Real Madrid, while describing the tackle that lead to Nani's red card as "innocuous"

EXCLUSIVE
By Alex Young

Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin insists Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake by not starting Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second-leg loss to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old was named among the substitutes for the visit of the Spanish champions, with the manager favouring Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ryan Giggs in support of main striker Robin van Persie.

"Yes, Rooney should have started," Dublin told Goalcom.

"I do not know why he was omitted. Sir Alex picked his team to win the game and if they had then [Rooney's omission] would not have got mentioned.

"It was a massive deal that he wasn't picked to start. Rooney is a world-class footballer; give him the opportunity to play on the world-class stage."

With the tie finely poised at 1-1 from the first leg, United added to their away-goal advantage when Sergio Ramos turned the ball into his own net in the opening stages of the second half.

However, with United in the ascendancy, Nani was shown a straight red card by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir after an aerial challenge with Madrid defender Alvaro Arbelo in the 56th minute.

Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo went on to turn the game around and Dublin pinpointed the sending-off as the catalyst, calling the challenge "completely innocuous".

"[I am] disappointed that the referee couldn't see what everyone else saw, which was a yellow card at worst," the former United man added.

"He has given Nani a red card for something which was completely innocuous.

"It wasn't dangerous. His foot was high but there was no malice in it. The referee spoiled the game.

"Nani had no idea where the player was. He had his eye on the ball all the way.

"It was never a sending- off. I don't think it was even a yellow card.

"If Real Madrid came out, played United off the park and beat them 4-0, Sir Alex would hold his hands up and say 'well done'.

"But United were beaten by the referee."

 

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Lennon: Celtic are capable of beating Juventus

By Alex Ward
Mar 5, 2013 4:20:00 PM

The Northern Irishman believes his side can restore their pride with a win in Italy whilst Georgios Samaras remains hopeful of overturning the three-goal first-leg deficit

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is targeting a shock victory over Juventus in Wednesday's last-16 second-leg encounter in Turin.

The Old Lady all but sealed their progression to the quarter-finals in the first leg, ruthlessly consigning the Scottish side to a 3-0 defeat at Parkhead.

And, though Lennon conceded that the Bhoys require a "minor miracle" to overturn that deficit, he believes a win by a lesser margin is a genuine possibility.

“We are capable of winning the game and that's what we'd like to do,” he told reporters. “We have to get a foothold in the game. If we create as many chances as we did at Celtic Park then we'll be in for a good night.

“Over 90 minutes, Juventus deserved to win. They are a class side with fantastic players but we played well and were unfortunate not to score.

“It's a fantastic occasion for the club, we're playing the Champions of Italy in Turin. I'll tell the players to enjoy it, enjoy the stadium and the atmosphere, and not to be intimidated.

“The pressure is off, so we need to try and restore some respectability. If we can win in Italy it would be a fantastic achievement by this team. To qualify would take a minor miracle.”

Lennon also confirmed that striker Georgios Samaras will be fit in time to feature, and the Greece international has set his sights on causing huge upset.

“It's vital that we score the first goal to give us hope in the tie," he said.

“We'll try to play the same way as we did in Glasgow, but this time we need to convert the chances we create. We have to take risks.

“A win first of all would be a success but as a team we want to make history and break records. I always say in football it is never over until the last second.

“Anything can happen in football.”

 

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Valverde: Valencia will do everything to stay in the Champions League

By Tom Maston
Mar 5, 2013 8:45:00 PM

The coach believes his side can turn the tie around after being defeated at home, though Jeremy Mathieu, who is just returning from injury, will deputise at centre-back

Valencia head coach Ernesto Valverde believes his side will have to play at their absolute best to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals by beating Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

The Liga team will have to turnaround a 2-1 deficit in the second leg at Parc des Princes, and the former Olympiakos boss knows that it will be difficult due to the two away goals scored by Carlo Ancelotti's side.

"We are really going to do everything to qualify tomorrow," he told a press conference on Tuesday.

"Nothing is for certain, so we believe in our chances. It is normal that PSG are the favourites for tomorrow, but we'll give 100 per cent to stay in this competition."

The Spanish side have been hit by a number of injuries in defence, meaning full-back Jeremy Mathieu will operate in a more central role, and Valverde believes the 29-year-old has the ability to succeed in a more unfamiliar berth.

"The team knows we will have to score several goals. We will have to be quick in attack, while also defending well, as they have good forwards," he added.

"We need to find the good balance. I have a few options in defence, but I am very happy with Jeremy Mathieu’s performances. He has a lot of qualities and has played some good matches.

"We will need to assess his fitness, as he is just coming back from injury."

PSG will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to suspension and Jeremy Menez because of an injury.

 

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You're to blame as well! Conte hits back at Lennon after foul play in first leg in Glasgow

By STEPHEN MCGOWAN PUBLISHED: 01:16 GMT, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 01:16 GMT, 6 March 2013

Neil Lennon was embroiled in a Champions League war of words with Antonio Conte after the Juventus coach claimed Celtic were equally guilty of foul play during the first leg last month. The Parkhead club sought UEFA clarification over the refereeing of Spanish official Alberto Mallenco amid claims of rough-house defending by the Serie A giants in their 3-0 win in Glasgow.In response, however, Conte claims Celtic striker Gary Hooper persistently impeded goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at set-pieces — and has himself threatened to raise the issue with UEFA.

Tussle: Celtic striker Gary Hooper tangles with Stephan Lichtsteiner during the first leg

‘As a coach, Lennon is doing very well and achieving really great things,’ said Conte. ‘Celtic played really well in the first leg but, if I’m going to analyse the game well, I can’t just look at our game, but also theirs.‘And I say that every time it starts, or there is a corner to Celtic, there is always punishment in favour of the defending team because there is a Celtic player who systematically blocks our goalkeeper in the six-yard box. In the case of the first leg, it was Hooper.‘The regulation says that in the six-yard box, a goalkeeper must not be touched and, if he is, it is a foul.

Big lead: Juventus enter the second leg on the back of a 3-0 win in Glasgow

‘So I say every time there is a player that goes in there, then all angles show there was a foul in favour of Juventus.‘He (Lennon) talks about the rules, so maybe I’ll bring a dossier about the Celtic player blocking our goalkeeper.‘I repeat, we tried to gloss over these things.‘Maybe I’m being European and Lennon is being Italian.’

Down and out: Celtic's players stand dejected after Juventus' third goal in the first leg

Those words drew a stinging response from Celtic’s manager, however, and he said: ‘Hooper is allowed to stand in front of Buffon. He (Conte) is talking rubbish. Any player can stand anywhere he likes in the box.‘He’s not affecting the goalkeeper, he’s not touching the goalkeeper and he’s not preventing him from getting the ball.‘If he prevents him from getting the ball then, yes, it’s a free-kick.‘But before the ball is kicked he’s not doing anything and he is entitled to stand where he likes. So he is talking nonsense.’

Getting ready: Celtic players trained at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night

Hooper was actually booked, together with captain Scott Brown, after wrestling bouts with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Padoin were penalised by Mallenco.Lennon insisted, however: ‘Gary wasn’t doing anything wrong. And what about Scott Brown?‘Padoin came on and the first thing he did was put his arms around Scott’s waist. ‘He got booked for it and then he did the same thing again straight away.‘At the first corner of the night Gary ended up in the goal — in the back of the net. So how does that happen without him being wrestled in there?

Boss: Conte took charge of a Juventus training session in Turin on Tuesday

‘I’m not sure Gary did a lot wrong. And, if you look at the Padoin one, Scott did nothing wrong.‘He was actually trying to run away from him and he still got wrestled to the ground. And that was after Padoin was booked. The cameras were transfixed on it — so how the ref didn’t see it, I don’t know.‘And I don’t know what the other two (officials) were doing behind the goals either.’The Scottish champions were promised a UEFA response to their complaints but a call from retired Italian official Pierluigi Collina failed to materialise.Turkish official Firat Aydinus has been handed only his second Champions League tie this evening, Lennon adding: ‘Peter (Lawwell) said he will get a call but we haven’t had anything yet. I am disappointed but is it really a surprise?

Stars: Andrea Pirlo (centre) and Alessandro Matri (right) during training on Tuesday

‘We have a Turkish referee tomorrow. I don’t know what Turkish referees are like but I hope he’s stronger than the Spanish one.‘They are the top referees in their countries, so you expect them to be competent. I have no idea if he’ll be aware of what happened in the first game and I don’t want to be trying to prejudice the game going into it.‘All I want is him to do his job and I don’t think Mallenco did his job properly in the first leg. I don’t think I’ve seen it as blatant as that, ever.’The Celtic boss is without skipper Brown for the return, but hopes Charlie Mulgrew can feature at some stage after injury.‘Charlie’s all right,’ said Lennon. ‘He trained yesterday but that was his first proper training session, so it might be a bit much to stick him in straight away. We’ll see how he is.’
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Subotic: Dortmund have matured
The Serbia international has hailed Dortmund's display against Shakhtar and feels they have showed what they are capable of

'Conte is talking rubbish', blasts Lennon in ref row
The Hoops' manager has dismissed claims from the Italian that his side were just as guilty of grappling inside the area in Glasgow three weeks ago, ahead of Wednesday's second leg

Silva: PSG must not underestimate Valencia
The Brazil international has insisted that PSG are ready for the task at hand, but has warned that los Che will not be pushovers

Nani red card was justified, insists Keane
The Portuguese midfielder was controversially sent off for a challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa but the former Red Devils captain believes the referee made the right call

Lewandowski: Dortmund can reach Champions League final
The Poland international is optimistic about his side's chances in European club football's elite competition after eliminating Shakhtar

Celtic striker Samaras hoping for 'fairer game' in second leg against Juventus
The Greece international blasted the refereeing of set-pieces in the Bhoys' first-leg defeat and has called on referee Firat Aydinus to stamp out excessive holding on Wednesday

Lucescu: I hope Dortmund reach the final
The Shakhtar trainer was impressed with BVB's performance over 180 minutes, and feels his side did not deserve to progress

Ronaldo opens door for Manchester United return after 'very emotional' night
The former Red Devil appeared to be apologetic after scoring the decisive goal in Real Madrid's Champions League last 16 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night

Kaka: Real Madrid deserved to progress
The Brazil international feels the Blancos did enough to earn victory over two legs, and stressed that referees do not have an easy job following Nani's dismissal