US club tries to show it's Real contender
SALT LAKE CITY, (AFP) Real Salt Lake tries to claim a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup and the North American club crown on Wednesday in the second leg of CONCACAF's Champions League final with Mexico's Monterrey.
The US squad, which took a 2-2 draw last week in Mexico on Argentine playmaker Javier Morales' goal in the 89th minute, would be the first Major League Soccer side since the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2000 to win the club crown.
"Just to have that possibility in your mind’s eye about being able to lift the trophy in front of a sellout crowd screaming for us, that’s the stuff that dreams are made of," Real coach Jason Kreis said.
"We have to feel good about what we accomplished down there but it's a measured good for sure because this is still a very dangerous opponent."
The winner advances to the FIFA Club World Club on December 8-18 in Japan. Brazilian clubs won the first three such events while European Champions League squads have captured the past four.
Real Salt Lake, unbeaten in their past 10 home matches, will face a Rayados side seeking the first continental crown in its 66-year history.
"This team has shown a lot of character," Monterrey president Luis Miguel Salvador said. "I don’t think that Wednesday will be the exception. We are conscious of what we are playing for."
Real general manager Garth Lagerway called the match a "Lake Placid moment" for US soccer, citing the US 1980 Olympic upset of the Soviet Union by a set of US collegians dubbed the "Miracle on Ice".
"That’s the opportunity I think we have," Lagerwey said. "We have an event on that scale to put the world on notice that American soccer is taking another step forward."
Monterrey manager Victor Manuel Vucetich said Real "dirtied" the match last week, adding fuel to Real's fire for the rematch.
"Talk is cheap," said Real forward Fabian Espindola of Argentina. "If they are as good as they say, they have to show it. If they are superior, let them come here and do it."
Kreis added: "I personally feel like they disrespected us and I hope we can show them what kind of team we are."
Midefielder Kyle Beckerman, Real's captain, will miss the match, serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation after being booked in Mexico.
"We will miss his leadership out there," said Real midfielder Andy Williams, a Canadian who likely will move into the lineup for Ned Grabavoy, Beckerman's likely replacement.
Monterrey will be without striker Aldo de Nigris, also out with accumulated yellows, while captain Luis Perez, injured last week, is doubtful.
"This is a tournament in which we have battled hard to reach this moment," Monterrey centerback Jose Maria Basanta said. "We want to win."
Villa boosts Barca as Euro race hots up
BARCELONA, (AFP) Barcelona striker David Villa ended his goal drought in the 2-0 victory over Osasuna and admitted it was a timely strike as his team aim for a Spanish and Champions League double.
While the attention was on Lionel Messi, who continued his amazing season by becoming the first player to hit 50 goals in a Spanish season, Villa was also celebrating his opener in Saturday's game.
The player from Gijon went eleven games without hitting the target -- almost two months -- and one of the longest droughts in his career.
He slotted home comfortably from a Jeffren Isaias cross as Barcelona maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table after Real Madrid had defeated Valencia 6-3.
Both they and Real rested players ahead of their mouth-watering clash in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Real will have the psychological advantage after beating the Catalan side in the King's Cup final and the manner of their 6-3 victory over Valencia will further boost their confidence.
Gonzalo Higuain will be looking to force his way into the Real side after he bagged a hat-trick while Kaka also scored twice.
"It was a difficult game due to the effort both physically and mentally that we put in the King's Cup. We won and we have maintained the same distance at the top so it is an important step forward," said Villa.
"Although I hadn't been scoring the most important thing was that the team was winning and scoring, I work hard but it is the team that counts.
"It is now going to be very different match in the Champions League and we need to go out believing in ourselves. We are just one step from the final and we have the desire and hope to get there."
The battle for the Europa League places remains tight as Sevilla and Atletico Madrid followed up Athletic Bilbao's win over Real Sociedad with victories on Sunday.
Sevilla remain in sixth after they took advantage of a slow start from Villarreal, whose minds were on their upcoming Europa League semi-final with Porto, to win 3-2.
They went ahead within 15 minutes through Ivan Rakitic and Alvaro Negredo before Carlos Marchena pulled a goal back.
Koffi Romaric added a third for the home side but substitute Giuseppe Rossi, who had been held in reserve, added a second and went tantalisingly close to an equaliser but his shot came back off the post.
"This was a big win against a strong side who made us suffer for it. Villarreal are a team of quality players with good technique so it is difficult to get the ball off them," said Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano.
Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido rued the poor start by his side.
"We deserved more from the game but conceding a goal so early affected us and we ended up letting in another," he said.
"After that we had more of the ball and in the second half we went for the game and did enough to deserve at least a draw."
Atletico are behind Sevilla on goal difference after beating an in-form Levante 3-1.
Elias Mendes put Atletico ahead and while Levante drew level from the penalty spot through Felipe Caicedo, Sergio Aguero then hit a brace, the second again with a penalty kick and keeper Gustavo Munua put the ball through his own goal.
Nacho Novo gave Sporting Gijon a 1-0 victory over Espanyol to practically assure their top-flight future by taking them over the 40-point mark.
Irate Mourinho rails against Barca 'favouritism'
MADRID, (AFP) - Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could not hide his anger in the wake of the 2-0 Champions League semi final first leg defeat to rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, saying referees always favoured Barcelona.
The Portuguese coach highlighted the dismissal of Pepe on the hour mark of being another example of this favouritism.
A late brace from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona put one leg in the Wembley final but there were sour grapes as Mourinho, who was sent to the stands, vented his fury at the straight red card for Pepe.
"Chelsea couldn't get to the final three years ago (in the 2009 semi-final) against Barcelona. Against Inter Milan last year we played with ten men against Barcelona (Inter still went on to eliminate them and win the trophy beating Bayern Munich) and once again this year we played with ten men," bemoaned Mourinho.
"It shouldn't have been a red card for Pepe. Maybe someone can give me an answer. A foul on a Barcelona player and miraculously a red card.
"I don't know if Barcelona are friendly or not. They are a great team so congratulations to them but they have this power. Pepe sent off and me too. I don't know why.
"Why? Why does a fantastic team need this. (Anders) Frisk (the referee for the 2009 semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea) (Wolfgang) Stark (the match referee). Why? Why? Football is equal for everyone. The team that deserves to win, should win.
"If they won by merit we would accept it. Why in a balanced game like tonight did it happen? Why? Why did they leave us with ten men? Why did they turn down four penalties against Chelsea in the semi-final a few years ago? I hope one day I will have an answer. I always try to be honest. I just want to know why."
Asked on his team's chances of overturning the result in the second leg at Camp Nou on May 3 Mourinho replied: "Obviously it is a difficult mission in Barcelona. Yes, I think we are eliminated. We will go with everything to get a result for our fans but I can't see it."
Madrid have not reached the final since 2002 and had fallen at the first knockout stage in six successive seasons prior to Mourinho's arrival.
A war of words before the game had seen Guardiola lash out at Mourinho for calling him 'Pep' and using the informal 'tu' form but the Portuguese coach said the mind games had not played a role in the result.
"No, I don't think it was relevant what Josep Guardiola said," said Mourinho. "I responded to them. They were strange quotes.
"He is a fantastic person. I knew him for four years at Barcelona and I respect him as a coach. However, I would be embarrassed to win the Champions League like this."
Guardiola was asked about Mourinho's comments in his press conference and simply replied: "I don't want to say anything about that. No comment.
"We are one step away from the final but we are not at Wembley yet and a club with nine European Cups (Real Madrid) never gives up.
"We need just seven points to clinch the league so that is the priority now and then we will focus on the next game against Real."
Sweet revenge for Barca as Messi downs 10-man Real
MADRID, (AFP) - Argentina's two-time world player of the year Lionel Messi scored a superb late brace as Barcelona gained the upper hand in their Champions League semi final with a 2-0 first leg win over arch rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Real were down to ten men after Pepe had been sent off on the hour mark and Barca made the extra man count with Messi converting an Ibrahim Afellay cross on 76 minutes and then scored a mesmerising goal on 86 minutes for his 11th Champions League goal of the season.
Messi has now scored on each of his last four visits to the Bernabeu and the late goals are a huge setback for Real coach Jose Mourinho, who was sent to the stands for protesting the dismissal of Pepe.
Madrid must now pull off a miracle and win well at Camp Nou in the second leg on May 3 if they are to reach their first final since 2002.
"Another miracle with ten men wasn't possible," said an angry Mourinho. "Yes, I think we are eliminated. We will go to Camp Nou with everything and to get a result but I can't see it.
"We will be without Pepe and (Sergio) Ramos who didn't do anything and neither did I. I just want to know why? Why did Pepe get sent off? I just want someone to explain. Why did it happen?"
For Barcelona it was the perfect revenge after their Kings Cup loss a week ago and they will aim to finish the job at home and reach their first final since 2009 when they won the trophy as part of a historic treble.
A war of words had spiced up this red-hot fixture further with the usually calm Pep Guardiola hitting out at Mourinho and expressed his annoyance at being called 'Pep' by his Portuguese counterpart.
Barcelona, eight points above Real in the league, were still hurting from their Kings Cup final defeat and were allowed to dominate possession as Real sat deep in the third meeting between the two sides in just 12 days.
David Villa had the first sight on goal cutting inside before dispatching a shot just wide of the post in the 10th minute.
Jeers from home fans rung around the Bernabeu as Real followers were unhappy at Barcelona's control of the ball and the visitors almost scored in the 24th minute with Messi sliding in Xavi but Iker Casillas saved well with his legs.
On the stroke of half-time Madrid had their first chance with Ronaldo's fierce drive fumbled by Victor Valdes.
A row between Seydou Keita and Alvaro Arbeloa continued as the players left the field and Barcelona's second choice goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto was sent off from the substitutes bench for losing his cool in a melee.
Early in the second half Messi had a half chance as Real were caught sleeping but his shot was blocked in the area.
Cristiano Ronaldo then caused problems at the other end with Puyol making up for his initial mistake with a fine block.
On the hour mark Real were reduced to ten men with Pepe red-carded for a late tackle on Dani Alves and joins Sergio Ramos in missing the return clash at Camp Nou.
Pepe lunged at Alves and was shocked not to see a yellow, as was Mourinho, who was sent to the stands for vehemently protesting.
Barcelona tried to capitalise on their extra man with Villa forcing a fingertip save from Casillas on 68 minutes.
Then on 76 minutes substitute Afellay crossed and Messi converted with a volley at the near post.
It was the first goal Real had conceded at home in the Champions League this season, but the second arrived ten minutes later with Messi running from deep at speed, evading two challenges before sliding a right-footed shot past Casillas.
It leaves Madrid with a mountain to climb against their arch rivals who have two crucial away goals and have already crushed Madrid 5-0 at home in the league this season.
Dempsey double helps lift Fulham to safety
LONDON, (AFP) - Fulham look assured of keeping their Premier League status next season after a resounding 3-0 win over Bolton at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
American international Clint Dempsey scored either side of half time with Brede Hangeland adding a third to earn Fulham a crucial victory which pushed them up five places to ninth, eight points above the relegation zone.
Fulham named an unchanged side to the one that shared the points with Wolves, while the visitors welcomed back Tamir Cohen, who scored the winner in Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal, for Daniel Sturridge, out with an ankle injury.
Dempsey tested Bolton 'keeper Jussi Jasskelainen in the opening minutes with a low effort, and then watched when Eidur Gudjohnsen fluffed his decent centre into the box by spooning it over the bar.
On the quarter of an hour mark Dempsey put the Cottagers in front.
Bolton failed to clear a corner, with the striker thumping the ball high into Jasskelainen's net from 12 metres out in am acrobatic strike that Fulham fans will claim should be one of the contenders for goal of the season.
Just before the half hour Jaaskelainen prevented Bolton slipping further behind when pulling off a decent save to deny Moussa Dembele's low shot from the edge of the box.
The Bolton stopper then did well to deflect a dangerous Gudjohnsen chip.
After a first half dominated by the hosts it was more of the same after the break, with Dempsey doubling up in the 49th minute.
The in-form American ensured a precious three points for Mark Hughes' side when scoring from six metres out, seconds after Dembele had hit the bar with a long range shot.
Hangeland completed a perfect night when heading home Danny Murphy's freekick
Ayew brothers tour de force sends Marseille top
PARIS, (AFP) - French champions Marseille went top of the league on Wednesday as a hat-trick from Ghanaian star Andre Ayew and a goal by his brother Jordan saw them ease to a 4-2 win over Nice.
Andre's hat-trick took him to 10 for the season - it was Jordan's first - and put Marseille one point ahead of long-time leaders Lille with six matches remaining and came just days after they won the League Cup.
Seven-time champions Lyon also kept alive their hopes of a first trophy in three years as they edged beaten League Cup finalists Montpellier 3-2 - France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, who had only started on the bench, delivering the late winner.
Lyon are in third, five points behind Marseille.
Marseille had taken the lead just before the half-hour mark as 21-year-old Andre profited from an error by Nice's Colombian 'keeper David Ospina, who dropped an easy take from a Marseille corner, and the son of former Africa player of the year Abdei Pele pounced to rifle the ball home for his eighth of the season.
However, the hosts deserved an equaliser and it duly came shortly before half-time as Marseille failed to clear a corner and Abdou Traore was on hand to react fastest and shoot past Steve Mandanda from close range.
Nice thought they should have had a penalty in the 57th minute as Traore looked like he had been brought down by Mandanda but to the astonishment of the visiting players and coaching staff alike the referee Laurent Duhamel refused to give it.
At that point Marseille coach Didier Deschamps decided to send on Argentinian star Lucho and Jordan to add some fresh legs.
Within two minutes it proved an inspiring decision as Jordan crossed and his brother was on hand to put the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Jordan turned from provider to goalscorer in the 79th minute as the 19-year-old scored a dream of a goal - a right-footed curling effort from outside the box which left Ospina transfixed.
Mandanda then produced heroics of his own as he got down well to save Habib Bamogo's penalty five minutes from the final whistle.
Marseille rammed home their superiority in the dying minutes as Andre rose magnificently to head home for his hat-trick - Nice's Argentinian defender Renato Civelli scored a consolation goal in time added on.
Lyon had taken the lead at home to Montpellier with a stunning effort from Ederson - who was playing instead of Gourcuff - in the 22nd minute as he cut in from the left and fired in a rasping swerving effort that goalkeeper Geoffrey Jourdren could only help into the net.
However, the hosts were unable to hold onto their lead for long as six minutes later Montpellier levelled, the impressive Olivier Giroud running onto a deflected pass to slot the ball under Hugo Lloris's body.
Indeed Lyon were fortunate not to be going in 2-1 down at half-time as with two minutes remaining in the half Geoffrey Dernis produced a delightful lob from outside the area but though he beat Lloris the bar came to their rescue.
Lyon took advantage of this let off as they regained the lead in the 55th minute, Bafetembi Gomis passing unselfishly to Lisandro inside the penalty area and the Argentinian made no mistake.
However, the seven-time champions were pegged back again as Lloris saved well initially but was beaten by a shot from substitute Souleymane Camara.
There was to be a final sting in the tail as Gourcuff popped up to tuck away the decisive goal and provoke coach Claude Puel to leap from his seat and jump up and down with joy.
Essien boost for Blues in title chase
LONDON, (AFP) Michael Essien could be fit for Chelsea's vital Premier League clash with Tottenham this weekend after tests indicated a knee injury was not as serious as first thought, the club said Tuesday.
Essien hobbled off the field at Stamford Bridge last weekend with what looked like a knee injury, sparking fears the Ghanaian midfielder had suffered a recurrence of problems which have dogged him for the past two years.
The 28-year-old has already missed large chunks of the last two league campaigns with cartilage and ligament problems in both knees.
However scan results released Tuesday indicated that Essien's problem was with a tendon and he had escaped serious damage, meaning he may be available for Saturday's meeting with Spurs.
"Michael had a minor problem with a tendon above his knee during the West Ham game and came off as a precaution," Chelsea said in a statement.
"Scans show no significant issues in that area. We will look at him over the course of this week with regards to availability for the weekend."
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