Champions League, Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool

Cole gives Blues the edge

Joe Cole scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea emerged from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool to take to Anfield.

After generating enough chances to put the tie beyond doubt, particularly in a first-half they comfortably dominated, Jose Mourinho's side were put under sufficient pressure after the break for Liverpool to head home believing they can turn things around in front of their own supporters.

Cole's goal was a delight to watch and the kind of quick break that visiting sides to Stamford Bridge usually dream of. That Chelsea were the home side yet still found themselves attacking on the break was of little importance to those fans waving blue and white flags.

The opening period belonged to the Blues and Cole's goal was just reward for a display which had Liverpool pegged back deep in their own half for long spells. Chelsea could have been in front as early as the eighth minute when Ashley Cole's cross was headed down by Didier Drogba for Lampard to fire in a shot which brought an excellent save from Jose Reina.

It was a warning that Liverpool failed to heed and when John Arne Riise's pass was intercepted by Drogba three minutes later, Chelsea looked certain to open their account. But Drogba, with 31 goals to his credit this season, failed to find Joe Cole with his pass and another opportunity went begging.

Drogba's lack of bravery moments later allowed Liverpool to escape yet again when he paid far too much attention to the onrushing Reina than the flight of Joe Cole's cross and missed the ball completely. When Frank Lampard's free-kick flew inches wide of Reina's right-hand upright in the 22nd minute, Mourinho could have been forgiven for thinking it was not going to be his side's night.

But all that changed seven minutes later with a goal of such simplicity that it was difficult to believe Chelsea had scored it against a side with one of the meanest defences in England. t began with Ricardo Carvalho breaking-up a Liverpool attack and racing out of defence before slipping a sublime pass to Drogba. The striker, who gave Daniel Agger a torrid evening, turned him superbly before crossing for Cole to find the net from six yards.

Liverpool, not surprisingly, upped the pace of their own game in the second period and it almost paid dividends. But in Petr Cech, Chelsea have a guardian of the sticks who, like Cole, epitomises the spirit of defiance in the Stamford Bridge camp.

Cech, out for three months with a fractured skull sustained in a Barclays Premiership match against Reading last October and who still has to wear a protective helmet, flung himself to his left to keep out a goalbound volley from Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool were now in the ascendancy but despite replacing Craig Bellamy with the lanky frame of England striker Peter Crouch, they failed to produce another telling moment.

Instead it was Reina who kept Liverpool in the tie with a fantastic save to deny Lampard when the England midfielder volleyed the ball towards the top corner 10 minutes from time.

Drogba almost scored a second in stoppage-time but headed wide of the target from six yards. The tie remains delicately poised ahead of the return leg at Anfield and while Liverpool will feel they are capable of overcoming the deficit, Chelsea's remarkable spirit may prove to be unbreakable yet again.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Joe Cole (Wright-Phillips 84), Mikel, Lampard, Shevchenko (Kalou 76), Drogba.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Boulahrouz, Geremi, Bridge, Diarra.

Goals: Joe Cole 29.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso (Pennant 83), Mascherano, Zenden, Kuyt, Bellamy (Crouch 52).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia, Gonzalez, Sissoko, Paletta.

Booked: Mascherano.

Champions League, Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool extended highlights:

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Champions League, Liverpool 1-0 Psv Eindhoven (agg 4-0)

Liverpool beat PSV again!

Liverpool FC booked a UEFA Champions League semi-final date with English rivals Chelsea FC for the second time in three years as Peter Crouch's solitary strike wrapped up a comfortable 4-0 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-final at Anfield.

PSV finishe the game with 10 men after the unfortunate dismissal of teenager Dirk Marcellis on his debut, a decision that even drew sympathy from the Kop. Peter Crouch scored the winner midway through the second-half, but this was little more than a functional performance that failed to match the creditable efforts of United and Chelsea 24 hours earlier.

Benitez opted to rest both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher with a 3-0 lead already in the bag from the first match in Holland last week. Along with Javier Mascherano, they were both on the substitutes' bench. Sami Hyypia, Bolo Zenden and Alvaro Arbeloa were in the starting line-up as Liverpool attempted to secure what was by now an expected semi-final spot.

Liverpool felt they could coast through the occasion, despite the fact the Kop had come to party and kept up a constant barrage of noise. Alarm bells were ringing in the third minute when Farfan sent in a powerful header from Phillip Cocu's right-wing cross, and it took a fine reflex save from Jose Reina to keep it out.

Then Liverpool lost Craig Bellamy. He attempted to block a cross from Csaba Feher, and only connected with his boot. The Welshman collapsed behind the goal-line and was eventually carried off on a stretcher, with a damaged right leg, Robbie Fowler coming on as substitute.

The arrival of Fowler certainly sparked the crowd even more. Liverpool fans are priming themselves for a final goodbye to their hero, 32 earlier this week. Fowler came close with a flicked header, and his movement in the box certainly gave PSV something to think about.

There was little to entertain them on the pitch, and there was only one chance to cheer in the first half when Carlos Salcido was booked in the 41st minute for a foul on Fowler. Zenden curled the 20-yard free-kick just wide of the post.

Liverpool's urgency hardly improved after the break, and it was PSV coming forward with Reina making another fine save from a Farfan drive. Patrick Kluivert and China international Sun Xiang were introduced by the Dutch before PSV were totally deflated by a crazy sending off.

Italian referee Roberto Rosetti clearly decided to liven up the proceedings with a ridiculous red card for 18 year-old Marcellis on his debut. A tackle on Zenden caused the incident, hardly a serious foul and Liverpool's fans booed the decision. PSV were stunned, but resistance was futile and the home fans applauded the youngster from the pitch.

Three minutes later, Liverpool were ahead and the tie was really over. John Arne Riise crossed from the left, Gomes pushed the ball away and Fowler turned it back for Crouch to score from two yards, his 18th of the season. The game over now, Mark Gonzalez replaced Xabi Alonso in the 71st minute and Gabriel Paletta took over from Daniel Agger soon after.

Another Riise cross spooned up for Crouch to head over the bar from eight yards!

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Agger (Paletta 78), Riise, Pennant, Sissoko, Alonso (Gonzalez 72), Zenden, Crouch, Bellamy (Fowler 17).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Gerrard, Mascherano, Carragher.

Goals: Crouch 68.

PSV: Gomes, Marcellis, Simons, Addo, Salcido, Feher (Sun 62), Cocu, Vayrynen, Culina, Farfan (Kluivert 62), Kone (Van Eijden 71).
Subs Not Used: Moens, Da Costa, Tardelli, Ter Horst.

Sent Off: Marcellis (64).

Booked: Salcido.

Champions League, Liverpool 1-0 PSV highlights:

Champions league, PSV 0-3 Liverpool

Ruthless Liverpool hammers PSV

Liverpool powered to a resounding win over PSV Eindhoven to all but book their place in the semi finals of the Champions League.

Captain Steven Gerrard, John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch bagged the goals to silence the Phillips Stadium. It was no less than Liverpool deserved against a surprisingly negative PSV, whose season is beginning to unravel before them.

Rafa Benitez opted to stick with the central midfield of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso, with Gerrard out on the right. Dirk Kuyt partnered Crouch up-front. Diego Tardelli was paired with Jefferson Farfan in attack for PSV but the two operated as wide players all too often in the first-half, meaning the Dutch lacked a focal point in attack.

PSV set their stall out in defensive fashion and would have gone behind after 15 minutes but for a fine save by Heurelho Gomes after Jamie Carragher’s header. The home side became a little more adventurous and Mika Vayrynen came close when he saw his effort deflected over the bar after a cross from former Liverpool full-back Jan Kromkamp.

The Reds took the lead after 26 minutes when the unmarked Gerrard headed a right-wing Steve Finnan cross low into Gomes’ bottom left corner. This was Gerrard’s 15^th goal in the European Cup and he is now Liverpool’s all-time record scorer in the competition.

Liverpool comfortably kept their out-of-form rivals at arm's length and were nearly gifted a second straight after the break. After two lucky escapes, PSV shot themselves in the foot on 49 minutes when a wayward clearance from Belgian centre-back Timmy Simons fell to Riise 25 yards out.
Risse needed no second invitation to dispatch a dipping volley into the top corner of the net.

Liverpool extended their lead and virtually finished the tie as a contest on 62 minutes when Crouch rose to head home another Finnan cross. In an act of frustration PSV substitute Patrick Kluivert was quickly booked for a cynical lunge on Mascherano, who cut an impressive figure in the Liverpool midfield.

On an otherwise perfect day for Benitez, Fabio Aurelio was stretchered off after suffering a suspected ruptured achilles.

Kuyt picked up his third booking of the competition late on for not retreating on a free-kick. He will now serve a suspension in the second-leg.

This as a dreadful performance from Ronald Koeman's side who barely created a chance in the game.

PSV: Gomes, Kromkamp (Feher 68), Da Costa, Simons, Salcido, Mendez (Kluivert 51), Vayrynen, Cocu, Culina, Farfan (Sun 46), Tardelli.
Subs Not Used: Moens, Addo, Marcellis.

Booked: Kluivert, Feher.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise (Zenden 65), Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Aurelio (Gonzalez 75), Crouch (Pennant 85), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Bellamy.

Booked: Mascherano, Kuyt.

Goals: Gerrard 27, Riise 49, Crouch 63.

Champions league, PSV 0-3 Liverpool highlights and goals:

Champions League, PSV Vs Liverpool preview

For match report and highlights, please click here

Liverpool travel to Eindhoven for their Champions League quarter final clash with PSV hoping to take advantage of the Dutch side's injury problems.

Coach Ronald Koeman will have to do without two of his best players when the former European champions visit the Phillips Stadion on Tuesday, and the absence of both Arouna Kone and Alex means PSV are facing a tough test against a side who are on a high after a great result at the weekend.

Liverpool registered a crushing 4-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday, and will be further boosted by the return into contention for the match in the Netherlands of Sami Hyypia, Steve Finnan and Craig Bellamy, who were all rested at the weekend.

Peter Crouch is likely to get the nod to start with Dirk Kuyt up front for Liverpool after netting a hat-trick to down Arsenal as the rangy striker proved his fitness after a spell on the sidelines.

"Crouch hadn't played for 20 days because of his nose operation and he was desperate to play and score goals," Benitez said. "All of his goals were fantastic. Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano controlled the midfield and it has set us up nicely for the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven."

For PSV, Ivorian striker Kone has not played since the beginning of last month, when he sustained a knee injury during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates in the last round of the competition, while defender Alex, whose header knocked the Gunners out, will also miss out on the visit of the Reds through injury.

To make matters worse for Koeman, youngster Ibrahim Afellay is doubtful after having picked up a hamstring knock in Saturday's draw at NAC Breda. That result saw PSV's lead at the top of the Eredivisie cut to just two points

"We don't have the fittest squad at this moment," said Koeman, "but we will not give up despite two matches against Liverpool in a week. Afellay is a major doubt. We have problems battling for silverware on two fronts."

The meeting will be the third time the two sides have clashed this season after they were both drawn in the same pool at the group stage. It was Liverpool who came out on top from those two encounters, winning the home match before holding out for a point in a goalless draw in Eindhoven.

For match report and highlights, please click here.

Premiership Liverpool 4-1 Arsenal report.

Crouch's Hat-trick sinks Arsenal!

Peter Crouch's first hat-trick at club level saw Liverpool leap-frog Arsenal to go third in the Premiership.

The 4-1 victory sends the Liverpool above Arsenal into third spot in the Premiership and Crouch did his England cause no harm with a fine trio - two in the first half and a quality finish for his third after the break. Daniel Agger scored Liverpool's other goal, but a William Gallas effort for Arsenal failed to destroy the feelgood factor at Anfield as new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett watched from the directors' box.

Having been knocked out of both the FA Cup and League Cup by Arsenal in the space of a few days in January, Liverpool were looking to prevent Wenger's side from becoming the first club to beat them at home three times in one season.

Liverpool had failed to score in their previous three outings yet found themselves ahead as early as the fourth minute as Crouch made a memorable return from injury.

Crouch side-footed home from close range after good work from former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant allowed Spanish full-back Alvaro Arbeloa to fire in a low cross to the near post.

Jose Reina did not have a save to make before half time although the Liverpool keeper was relieved to see Emmanuel Adebayor's powerful 17th minute header land on the roof of the net moments after Jamie Carragher's crucial challenge had denied Julio Baptista a chance to equalise.

Liverpool's slick passing and eagerness to press forward at every opportunity had Arsenal pinned inside their own half for long periods and it required a superb stop by Lens Lehmann to prevent the excellent Crouch from making it 2-0 in the 22nd minute. Crouch did not have to wait long for his 15th goal of the season, the seven-million-pound signing from Southampton leaping high to nod Fabio Aurelio's cross beyond the reach of Lehmann to seal the points in the 35th minute.

Arsenal pulled one back on 73 minutes when Fabregas' corner was flicked on by Toure for Gallas to turn over the line from a yard at the far post.But any doubt about the result was ended when Crouch produced nimble footwork to find some space in the box on 81 minutes and fire past Lehmann after excellent work from Pennant and Kuyt set him up.

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch:
"It was pleasing for us to get four goals and beat a class side.

"The manager let us know beforehand we've had some disappointing results against Arsenal this season.

"You don't care how they come but it was a nice hat-trick, I'm pleased with it. It is a special moment."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"We are not certain of being in the top four.

"There is not a big enough gap even if maybe my players felt they had done enough.

"That is not the case. We will have to give our best in every game now, we must win all our home matches and pick up some away wins too.

"My players are now concerned. They did not produce what was expected."

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano (Riise 82), Gonzalez (Zenden 69), Gerrard (Kuyt 56), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Fowler.

Booked: Alonso.

Goals: Crouch 4, 35, Agger 60, Crouch 81.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue (Hoyte 82), Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby (Rosicky 65), Denilson, Julio Baptista (Ljungberg 65), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos.

Booked: Diaby, Lehmann, Fabregas.

Goals: Gallas 73.

Liverpool 4-1 Arsenal goals video:

Liverpool takeover completed

American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have had their takeover of Liverpool rubber-stamped by the Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning.

An announcement released on behalf of Kop Football Limited confirmed the pair have reached an agreement to buy 98.6% of the club's shares. Under Stock Exchange rules the remaining shares can now be compulsorily purchased and Gillett and Hicks' offer is 'closed'. The announcement also confirmed the duo will seek to re-register the club as a private limited company (plc). Liverpool's board initially agreed to the takeover on February 6 after rejecting a rival bid from Dubai International Capital. Earlier this month Hicks and Gillett gained unconditional control of the club by passing the 80% threshold of share agreements, and today's announcement brings their takeover to a conclusion.


Meanwhile, a leading football financial analyst insists that the increasing trend of foreign investment within the Premiership could damage the long-term stability of the game should owners not 'commit the right resources to the business'.Several top-flight clubs are now in the hands of foreign investors, with American tycoons Tom Hicks and George Gillett the latest to buy into the Barclays Premiership following their takeover at Liverpool.Kroenke Sports Enterprise - backed by US billionaire Stan Kroenke - have a large portfolio of sports-related interests across the Atlantic, and there had been reports of a potential move for the purchase of ITV's 9.9% stake in Arsenal.


Although that has subsequently been dismissed by the American company, there is continued interest from overseas investors for a slice of the lucrative market for the Premiership, which now has a global appeal.The Premier League insist ensuring clubs are run properly, regardless of individual ownership, will always be the most important issue.Of course, foreign ownership in the English top flight is nothing new.Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed personally bankrolled Fulham's rise from the old Second Division to the Premiership, while an Icelandic consortium took control of troubled West Ham earlier this season.Wimbledon, though, saw their brief ownership by Norwegians end in relegation in May 2000 - and eventually a controversial move to Milton Keynes.The Premier League maintain that, provided the intentions of any new investors are sound, there should be no great cause for alarm.Vinay Bedi, football analyst at Brewin Dolphin, feels that is only a good thing when the football clubs are proving to be profitable ventures.He said: 'The obvious long-term danger would be they lose interest and do not commit the right resources to the business.'The clubs would then be left to fester under ownership who are not interested in them and have moved on to their next project.


'You could foresee one or two fire sales, where clubs are thrown into disarray as they pass to new opportunistic owners.'In the past, we have had quite a stable environment, but that is at risk in the long term if say, in 10 years time, revenues have dropped and the Sky TV packages are no longer as lucrative.'Arsenal currently have a 'strategic relationship' in place with Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids - owned by KSE - which is primarily designed to help develop the Gunners' brand in America.Jurgen Mainka, senior director of communications and international business at Colorado Rapids, told PA Sport: 'At this point, there is no interest or intention from KSE in buying any shares or any pieces of Arsenal Football Club or any club in the English Premier League.'There certainly is no substance to these stories and rumours in the media which indeed started when we first announced our commercial relationship with Arsenal Football Club.'

UEFA Chmapions League draw result

Quarter Finals will be played on 03/04 and 10/11 of April:

AC Milan Vs. Bayern Munich

PSV Vs. Liverpool

Roma Vs. Manchester United

Cheslea Vs. Valenica

Champions League, Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona

Liverpool end Barça challenge

Liverpool FC withstood a late barrage by FC Barcelona to book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as the 2005 winners ousted the holders on away goals, despite Eidur Gudjohnsen bringing the visitors a 1-0 victory at Anfield. With the aggregate scores level at 2-2, Liverpool's first-leg success proved decisive and kept the five-time champions dreaming of another triumph.

Given how successful Liverpool had been in unsettling their hosts in the Nou Camp, there was no surprise in Benitez deployment of the same line-up. Nor in the attacking intentions declared in Barcelona's 3-4-3 formation, spearheaded by the attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.
Nearly quarter of an hour had elapsed however before Barca could translate those intentions into a movement of real menace, Iniesta's forward surge setting up a shooting opportunity for Deco, who was frustrated by Jamie Carragher's determined block on the edge of the area.

By the stage of Carragher's block Liverpool might easily have extended their first-leg advantage thanks to the energetic efforts of the first-leg match-winner John Arne Riise. Having already screwed one 20-yard effort narrowly wide of Victor Valdes' left-hand post, Riise hammered a second against the bar after selling his marker, Oleguer, a dummy that Ronaldinho would have been proud of.

There was another narrow escape for the Catalans in the 26th minute, goal-line blocks keeping out the follow-up efforts of Dirk Kuyt and Riise after Bellamy had got in behind Carles Puyol to force a good save from Valdes at his near post. But those let-offs were surpassed seven minutes later, when the Barcelona goalkeeper miscued a clearance from the edge of his area straight to Momo Sissoko.

From 35 yards out, Sissoko had the goal at his mercy but his lob was struck a fraction too firmly, the ball ending in the crowd via the top of the bar.

Another chance went begging within 60 seconds of the restart, Gerrard's pacy cross from the right dipping on to the six-yard line for Bellamy, who appeared to be caught by surprise at his good fortune and was unable to get the ball out from under his feet in time to get a shot away.

That miss and those that preceded it might have proved ruinously expensive if Ronaldinho had been able to convert the chance he generated from himself soon afterwards after collecting Deco's short pass on the edge of the area with his back to goal.

A wonderful 270-degree swivel was followed by a sidestep past Carragher but the Brazilian maestro could not quite complete what would have been a masterpiece of a goal, his sidefooted shot striking the inside of the post with Jose Reina well beaten.

That moment of genius apart, Liverpool rarely looked like being opened up until Gudjohnsen entered the fray. Gudjohnsen first meaningful involvement in the match saw him find just enough space in the inside left channel to collect Xavi's superbly judged pass before carrying the ball round Reina and prodding it into the net.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Riise (Aurelio 77), Kuyt (Crouch 89), Bellamy (Pennant 67).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia, Mascherano, Zenden.

Booked: Arbeloa, Sissoko, Pennant, Reina. Barcelona: Valdes, Thuram (Gudjohnsen 71), Marquez, Puyol, Oleguer, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Messi, Eto'o (Giuly 61), Ronaldinho.
Subs Not Used: Jorquera, Zambrotta, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Saviola.

Booked: Thuram.

Goals: Gudjohnsen 75.

Champions League Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona, highlights, missed chances and Barca's Goal:

UEFA Champions League, first knockout round, second leg.

Valencia 0-0 Inter Milan

Chelsea 2-1 Porto

Olympique Lyon 0-2 AS Roma

Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona

Reports, highlights and videos are added now please click on the links!

Uefa Champions league, first knockout round, second leg

Uefa Champions league, first knockout round, second leg schedule.

Matchday 8 - Tuesday, 06 March:

Lyon 20:45 Roma
Liverpool 20:45 Barcelona
Chelsea 20:45 Porto
Valencia 20:45 Inter Milan

Matchday 8 - Wednesday, 07 March:

Milan 20:45 Celtic
Arsenal 20:45 PSV
Manchester United 20:45 Lille
Bayern Munich 20:45 Real Madrid

For the Cmapions league Full coverage please click here
First day matches reports and videos are now available click here now!

Premiership, Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United

Late O'Shea show keeps Manchester United on target

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United have got lucky in the Premiership title race after his 10-men snatched a dramatic 1-0 win at Liverpool on Saturday.

Manchester United were under pressure for long spells of the second half at Anfield and were clinging on for a point after Paul Scholes was sent off with eight minutes remaining for aiming a punch at Xabi Alonso. But John O'Shea fired home from close range in the 90th minute after Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina spilled Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick.

John Arne Riise was within inches of putting Liverpool ahead after 26 minutes, sending a low, driven free-kick narrowly wide. Manchester United escaped again four minutes later when Craig Bellamy robbed the uncertain Nemanja Vidic, but his cross flashed along the six-yard line with Dirk Kuyt unable to apply the final touch.

Liverpool were rarely troubled, although Jamie Carragher had to intervene bravely to deny Rooney as he shaped to shoot inside the area. The momentum was all with Liverpool as the second half started - and they did everything but score as United were pinned back.

Steven Gerrard shot over from 12 yards, and Bellamy forced a save from Van der Sar low down before having a close-range effort ruled out for offside. Riise then fired a rising drive just over the top from 25 yards as Liverpool dominated a strangely lack-lustre United.

The game had become a disappointing stalemate, with United replacing an ineffective Henrik Larsson - on his final Premiership appearance before returning to Helsingborg - with Louis Saha. And Manchester United suffered a blow with 18 minutes left when Rooney limped off with a gashed leg and injury to his knee after a high challenge with Carragher.

Saha was at the centre of penalty claims with 12 minutes left when he tumbled under a challenge from Daniel Agger, but referee Martin Atkinson was unmoved.

Manchester United then threatened a smash-and-grab when the previously unemployed Reina needed to scoop away a header from Ronaldo. Scholes and Alonso had been involved in a succession of spats, and Scholes saw red after he raised his hand in the direction of the Spanish midfield man though no contact was made.

Van der Sar then produced a pivotal moment, diving acrobatically to his left to palm away Crouch's shot.

And just as United seemed happy to settle for a point, Reina dropped Ronaldo's free-kick at the feet of O'Shea, who slammed his finish into the roof of the net.

Manchester United's Boss Alex Ferguson:

"Without question this is a massive result for us," Ferguson said. "We were very lucky today. Liverpool upset our rhythm a bit and we had a lot of narrow escapes."

"But that happens in championships. Last week at Fulham was a great example of that when we broke away and scored in the last couple of minutes. Today we've broken away and scored in the last minute or so."

"You need that bit of luck to win a championship, there is no question about it and we've got that in the last couple of weeks."

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko (Crouch 79), Gonzalez (60 Aurelio), Kuyt, Bellamy (Pennant 69).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia.

Bookings: Alonso 41, Carragher 72.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Silvestre 63), Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney (O'Shea 73), Larsson (Saha 67).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Brown.

Sent off: Scholes 86.

Bookings: Carrick 43, Neville 81.

Goal: O'Shea 90.

Premiership Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United extended highlights:

English Premier League, Liverpool Vs Manchester United preview

Liverpool are unbeaten at home in the Premiership this season, but have not won against United at Anfield in the league since November 2001. Rafa Benitez’ side have not scored in their previous four league meetings with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who won 2-0 at Old Trafford in October.

Liverpool:

RETURNING: None

OUT: Luis Garcia (Knee), Harry Kewell (arthritis)

DOUBTFUL: Peter Crouch (broken nose)

Statistics: The Reds extended their unbeaten home league record to 30 games after their 4-0 win over Sheffield United last week.

MANAGER'S QUOTE: "A perfect week for us and our supporters, and our players are enjoying playing football. We had to change seven players which can be a bit risky. Sometimes it's a risk but I always say the same thing - you have to have faith in your squad" - Rafa Benitez after his side's win over Sheffield United.

Manchester United:

RETURNING: Gary Neville (rested)

OUT: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (knee), Darren Fletcher (ankle)

DOUBTFUL: None

Statistics: United have won three and drawn one of their previous four visits to Anfield. Ryan Giggs is set to make his 700th appearance for the club.

MANAGER'S QUOTE: "The fans at Reading were fantastic. The support they gave us, both there and at Fulham, was absolutely unbelievable. There were only 4,000 of them at Reading, but the volume was incredible. If only we could get 17 times that amount of noise from those at Old Trafford" - Sir Alex praises United's travelling support.

UEFA Champions League, for First knockout round Full reports and Videos Please click the link below.

Full reports and videos
Second leg schedule

UEFA Champions League, Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool taught Barcelona a Lesson!

This precious result was just one element in an astounding night for Liverpool. They had initially been outclassed in the delicate facets of the game but are now on the verge of knocking out the holders and entering the quarter-finals. Such was the transformation that they were a far sounder line-up by the end than psychologically fragile Barcelona, who conceded two hapless goals.

Rafael Benitez had got his tactics spot on, although for the first 20 minutes or so, Barcelona looked ominously in the mood. And in the 13th minute, Zambrotta broke on the left-wing and sent over an inch-perfect cross which Deco, having run untracked from midfield, embarrassed Riise with a powerful low header at the far post.

Liverpool's equaliser, two minutes before the break, came right out of the blue. Belletti was exposed as Bellamy met a deep free-kick at the back post with another low header. It was straight at Victor Valdes, but the keeper was behind his line and so, momentarily but decisively, was the ball. He scooped it out, but only to Dirk Kuyt, who smashed it back into the net. But the goal was clearly Bellamy's - and of course he celebrated by swinging an imaginary golf club.

Barcelona did get an invitation to regain the lead immediately before they fell behind, however. In the 73rd minute Javier Saviola wormed his way through and, when the ball ran free after being blocked by Reina, Messi seemed set to finish until Arbeloa got in the way of his effort. Moments later Gerrard fed Kuyt and, although the Dutchman miscontrolled, Valdés hesitated and Rafael Márquez inadvertently knocked the ball down to Bellamy, who squared for Riise to hit the net with a right-foot drive. In all the fundamentals of football competitiveness Liverpool had transformed themselves into the superior team for whom this conquest in Barcelona was only natural.

Liverpool earned a famous victory at Camp Nou - and Barca now have a real problem to solve at Anfield in two weeks' time.
Now for the Goals:

Craig Bellamy faces uncertain future as Liverpool reel from golf club attack

Liverpool's preparations for Wednesday's Champions League game at Barcelona have been overshadowed by drunken misbehaviour on the Algarve. Craig Bellamy is facing a heavy fine and an uncertain future after a night out allegedly concluded with the forward using a golf club to attack his team-mate John Arne Riise.

Riise, who seemingly sustained bruises to his legs, was able to train alongside Bellamy yesterday and may receive a lesser punishment. He could well be joined on the Anfield roll of shame by Jermaine Pennant, Jerzy Dudek and Robbie Fowler, who all face club sanctions after police intervention was required to quell that trio's alcohol-fuelled antics.

Rafael Benítez's squad flew to Portugal eight days ago for a training camp before the game at Camp Nou. After five days of training Benítez allowed his players to let their hair down on Thursday night at the Vale do Lobo resort, where they were staying, and is understood to be dismayed that a handful abused his trust. An internal club investigation is now under way but no conclusions are anticipated until the squad's return from Barcelona.

"I met this morning with the entire first-team squad and made it absolutely clear to all of them the responsibilities that come with playing for this club and the way they are expected to conduct themselves both on and off the pitch," said Benítez, who may well decide to cut his losses on Bellamy and sell the combustible Welshman this summer.

"The players worked extremely hard at last week's training camp," added the Liverpool manager. "But we will take disciplinary action and fine any of them who are found to have breached club rules during our stay in Portugal. I've told the players this and they understand and accept the decision I have taken. Despite reports to the contrary, the spirit among the lads is very good with everyone looking forward to the Barcelona game."

The dispute involving Bellamy and Riise seemingly started with a karaoke competition in the early hours of Friday morning, when Bellamy took offence at the Norwegian left-back's refusal to sing.

Increasingly irritated by the Welshman's jibes, Riise reportedly became incandescent and, surrounded by fellow players, the pair squared up to each other, trading expletives. Although things calmed down as the group dispersed and headed for their rooms, Bellamy apparently felt he had lost face in front of his team-mates and, having armed himself with a golf club, tracked down Riise before allegedly swinging it at his legs.

Craig Bellamy, A history of trouble:

February 2002 Receives a caution for hitting a woman in a nightclub
March 2003 Charged with racially aggravated harassment outside a nightclub but later acquitted
March 2004 Throws a chair at John Carver, Newcastle's assistant manager
January 2005 Fined £80,000 by Graeme Souness for calling him a liar
April 2005 Abuses former Newcastle team-mate, Alan Shearer, by text
September 2006 Rows in tunnel with Newcastle coach Terry McDermott
November 2006 Bellamy cleared of assaulting teenage girl in a nightclub

UEFA Champions League, First knockout round schedule.

First knockout round matches that will be played on 20/2/2007 - Match kick-offs are listed in CET:

Celtic VS. A.C Milan, 20:45
PSV VS. Arsenal, 20:45
Lille VS. Manchester united, 20:45
Real Madrid VS. Bayern Munich, 20:45

First knockout round matches that will be played on 21/2/2007 - Match kick-offs are listed in CET:

Roma VS. Lyon, 20:45
Barcelona VS. Liverpool, 20:45
Porto Vs. Chelsea, 20:45
Inter Milan VS. Valencia, 20:45

Full reports and matches' highlights:

PSV VS. Arsenal
Lille VS. Manchester united
Real Madrid VS. Bayern Munich
Inter Milan VS. Valencia
Porto Vs. Chelsea
Barcelona VS. Liverpool

Second leg Schedule

Will an English club rule Europe again?

It's been seven years since Manchester United did the treble, and two since Liverpool's stunning Champions League fightback against AC Milan in Turkey. Now England's big four are homing in on the big one again.

English clubs have won only two of the last 22 European cups, which is unacceptable for the supposed ‘best league in the world’. Recent years, however, have seen an improvement, with Liverpool winning on that famous night in Istanbul and Arsenal grinding their way to the final last year.

England’s best chance of Champions League glory is with Manchester United. Top of the league by six points, and playing some of the best football that the Premiership has ever seen, Alex Ferguson’s side must believe they can improve on their disappointing European history. In Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, they have the two best youngsters in Europe, and with Scholes returning to his best, Manchester United stand a real chance.

Chelsea have reached the semis twice recently but have never had the grit when it was most needed. In Didier Drogba they have the in-form striker in Europe, and with John Terry back fit, they are defensively solid. The midfield is Chelsea’s main problem. They have too many superstars, and not enough team ethic. If Jose Mourinho can drop either Michael Ballack or Frank Lampard, then Chelsea may be better equipped to combat tough defensive teams.

Arsenal are a developing side, and in Thierry Henry, have the ultimate player. However ,any physical team will cause them problems. Against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, they will fancy their chances as they will be allowed to play football. However, PSV may prove to be a difficult tie for them, as a physical team will intimidate the north London side.

Liverpool will have to overcome Barcelona if they are to progress, and although Rafael Benitez's team has the experience of winning a European Cup, they don’t quite have class of United, Chelsea or Arsenal. However, bigger shocks have happened in football.

The usual suspects are all through to the last 16, with no major shocks yet to occur. Barcelona are exceptional, and Inter Milan have a strong powerful team. Lyon could potentially be the surprise package, and with a great team-ethic, and pacy forwards, they stand a chance.

For article source click here.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has won the Barclays Premiership manager of the month award for January.

Liverpool won all four of their league games in January, including a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, which cemented their place of third in the table.

"Benitez has revitalised Liverpool's campaign," said Jim Hytner of the Barclays Awards Panel.

Another Spaniard - Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - won the player of the month award for January.

Liverpool 2-0 Cheslea: Liverpool underline Chelsea's lack of conviction.

Dirk Kuyt took advantage of Peter Crouch's touch to put the skids under injury-hit Chelsea after three minutes. Jermaine Pennant's brilliant dipping volley effectively sealed the points for Liverpool after 17 minutes in boss Rafa Benitez's 100th league game.

This was only Mourinho's ninth defeat in 100 Premiership games in charge, but it was arguably his most significant. Middlesbrough had run riot against the champions last term, but never before has a game as key as this been surrendered so meekly. For the manager to emerge from the shambles and talk of inevitability smacked of a defeatist attitude utterly incongruous with what one has come to expect of the self-proclaimed Special One.

The defeat leaves Chelsea six points behind Manchester United and puts Liverpool only five points behind Jose Mourinho's troubled champions.

Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6, full report with match highlights.
Anfield was in shock. Outfought, out-thought and, ultimately, outclassed.Arsène Wenger's exciting team performed so dazzlingly it felt like a trick of the mind that Thierry Henry had been given the night off, along with eight other players from the side that won here 3-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday. Four of their goals were supplied by Julio Baptista, who also missed a penalty, and for long spells they shimmered with menace every time they took possession in the opposition half.
Jeremie Aliadiere put the visitors ahead on 27 minutes after beating the Liverpool offside trap. He latched onto a long ball from Kolo Toure, and though 'keeper Jerzy Dudek got a hand to his initial shot, the French striker reacted quickest to the rebound, and tapped home from close range.
Liverpool hit straight back with a clever finish from Robbie Fowler after had palmed away Manuel AlmuniaFabio Aurelio's free-kick. Luis Garcia was quickest onto the rebound, and he played it across goal, where Fowler pounced, directing a backheel under the dive of Almunia.
Julio Baptista struck a wonderful free-kick straight over the Liverpool wall and in at the near post to restore his side's advantage, before the imperious Song stunned Anfield by making it 3-1 from a corner. A minute later Baptista played a one-two with Aliadière and stroked in his second.

Four-one down, the best Liverpool could hope for in the second half was to restore some dignity and at least Dudek could cite the moment, on 56 minutes, when he saved Baptista's penalty after a Sami Hyypia foul on Aliadière. Baptista made amends, however, completing his hat-trick from 25 yards four minutes later.

Briefly, Liverpool surged back. Gerrard volleyed a splendid goal and saw Almunia tip his free-kick on to the bar. Then, after García too had been carried off, Hyypia headed in Gabriel Paletta's cross to make it 5-3 but not even Liverpool, with their history of comebacks, could recover this time and soon afterwards Baptista scored another brilliant breakaway goal - becoming the first visiting player to score four times at Anfield since Dennis Westcott in a 5-1 win for Wolves 61 years ago.