Messi Hat-Trick enough as Barca survive late scare

Barcelona had to survive a late scare to take all three points against a plucky Zaragoza outfit at La Romereda.

Lionel Messi’s second hat-trick in succession in the league almost wasn’t enough as Barca had to rely on a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty to put the tie beyond doubt as two late strikes from Adrian Colunga had the champions on the rack.

A...

Diouf Equalizer Hampers Blues Title Challenge

Blackburn Rovers put a huge dent into Chelsea’s Premier League title aspirations and helped Manchester United extend their lead over the London side to seven points with a well deserved draw at Ewood Park.

The visitors started the better early on, when they exposed Blackburn’s left hand side, with both Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka exploiting...

Man. United aim to slay Liverpool jinx in Premiership hunt

LONDON (AFP) – Michael Carrick believes Manchester United can open the door to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title by slaying their recent Liverpool jinx this weekend.

Liverpool have won the last three meetings with their biggest rivals, and despite struggling this season, will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday buoyed by memories of...

Lionel Messi, key in Barcelona title dreams

BARCELONA (AFP) – Barcelona’s fight for the title with Real Madrid depends more than ever on the form of superstar Lionel Messi who has scored eight of their last ten goals.

The champions have not been playing at their best and it is largely thanks to Messi that they are still neck and neck with Real with just goal difference separating the bitter...

Kaka omitted from Real Madrid squad again

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has revealed his squad list of face Sporting Gijon this weekend, and there’s a host of big names that will miss out the vital clash.

According to Real Madrid’s official website, Pellegrini has selected 17 men from the first team and one youth player ahead of tomorrow’s game.

The biggest news is the...

Gunners to face Barca, United get Bayern in Champions League

NYON, Switzerland (AFP) – Arsenal will face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals in a repeat of the 2006 final won by the Spanish giants.

Manchester United, beaten by Barcelona in last year’s final, face Bayern Munich, Inter Milan are up against CSKA Moscow and Lyon were pitted against fellow French side Bordeaux in the draw made here...

Liverpool get Benfica in Europa League

NYON, Switzerland (AFP) – Three-time winners Liverpool face a tricky Europa League quarter-final against Benfica after Friday’s draw.

Rafa Benitez’s team, who last won the UEFA Cup in 2001 after two previous successes in 1973 and 1976, will start as favourites in their bid to claim some silverware after missing out on the FA Cup, Champions...

Capello confirms World Cup role for crocked Becks

LONDON (AFP) – Fabio Capello has confirmed that he has asked David Beckham to join the England squad at the World Cup, despite the midfielder being ruled out of the tournament with an achilles injury.

England’s head coach believes Beckham’s experience of having played in three previous World Cups means he could offer valuable advice to other...