Second chances spur on finalists

Tuesday, 15 May 2007
by Andrew Haslamfrom Glasgow

RCD Espanyol and Sevilla FC aim to take advantage of second chances of entirely different descriptions when they meet in the UEFA Cup final at Hampden Park on Wednesday night.

Title defence
Sevilla are in the final for the second year running having impressively swept aside Middlesbrough FC 4-0 in Eindhoven to claim their first European silverware, and now stand on the brink of becoming just the second side to successfully defend the trophy after Real Madrid CF in 1985 and 1986. Espanyol have a contrasting motivation for wanting to prevail in Glasgow having reached their only UEFA final in 1988 only to lose on penalties to Bayer 04 Leverkusen despite winning the first part of what was a two-legged final, 3-0.

'More of the same'
"It is a great chance to defend the trophy," said Sevilla coach Juande Ramos, who will replace the suspended Julien Escudé with Aitor Ocio in central defence, while Adriano Correia has recovered from a thigh injury. "Last year was great for us, but this is also a huge match and a big chance for Espanyol, while we want more of the same. To win back-to-back trophies is something only Real Madrid have done and that was a long while back. As a club we are proud to have this chance to recreate history; it is in our hands, or our legs, and we'll be doing everything to achieve it."

'Beautiful match'
In addition to last year's triumph in the Netherlands, Sevilla also lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2006 with a 3-0 victory against FC Barcelona, but their coach is not assuming they will automatically rise to the occasion again. "Nobody has the right to win," said Ramos, whose team defeated RC Recreativo de Huelva 2-1 on Saturday to stay in contention for the Primera División title. "It was a beautiful match in Eindhoven so hopefully we'll have as good a game and enjoy the same luck. There are many factors to playing a final and the team that gets more of these right on the night will win. Because we have played a number of finals recently I'm confident and Espanyol will have to do a lot – and do it very well – if they are to win."

'One that got away'
Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, knows all too well how mistakes can be costly in a UEFA Cup final. Part of the side that established a three-goal cushion 19 years ago, Valverde then sat out the disastrous second leg but recognises that its effects are still being felt by the club. "After we lost in Leverkusen, the UEFA Cup has always meant something to Espanyol," he said. "From the start of this season the boys have treated the competition properly. Maybe the fact we lost a final has something to do with that, along with the way the fans still think of the tournament and the one that got away."

'You never know'
The coach, whose team surrendered a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 at Real Madrid CF at the weekend, is nevertheless optimistic that the latest Espanyol vintage can cope with these expectations, adding: "This is a different situation. We took a good first-leg lead but then disintegrated once they scored their first goal in Germany. This is an entirely different match and another chance for us. You don't have many opportunities to lift a European trophy. The key to a final is something you can't predict. You have to cope with the tension of the occasion, but you never quite know what's going to happen."

Probable teams
RCD Espanyol: Gorka Iraizoz; Pablo Zabaleta, Moisés Hurtado, Daniel Jarque, David García; Franciso Rufete, Ito, Iván de la Peña, Albert Riera; Luis García, Raúl Tamudo.

Sevilla FC: Andrés Palop; Daniel Alves, Aitor Ocio, Javi Navarro, David Castedo; Renato, Christian Poulsen, José Luis Martí; Adriano Correia; Luis Fabiano, Frédéric Kanouté.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Sevilla's magic moment endures

Tuesday, 15 May 2007
by Patrick Hartfrom Glasgow

Juande Ramos and his Sevilla FC players might have visited Glasgow Cathedral in the run-up to Wednesday's UEFA Cup final but, according to captain Javi Navarro, they have no need of divine intervention to be in a state of grace.

Magic moments
For Navarro, the Spanish club have been enjoying "a beautiful moment" ever since lifting the UEFA Cup last season – their first trophy since 1948. "It was a beautiful moment for us," the 33-year-old central defender said. "And we have been having a great time in the last 12 months; our aim is to keep on enjoying moments like this."

'Living with pressure'
Sevilla's victory over Middlesbrough FC in Eindhoven has served as the prelude to a tilt for glory on three fronts this season – Europe, the Primera División (they are third) and the Copa del Rey (Getafe CF await in the final). "Last year was so enjoyable and to come here and do something similar is what we want now," the Spanish international continued. "I don't know if experience gives you confidence, but we can live with the pressure of being favourites and will just get on with it."

'More of the same'
If the trip to the 900-year-old cathedral was "a personal thing for each player", there is consensus in the dressing room as to the value of Hampden Park opponents RCD Espanyol. Where Navarro says, "they are a quick team who are good on the ball", his defensive colleague David Castedo adds: "They have a lot of firepower, they are very mobile and they have good pace. We are facing a good team and one of us will have to lose; our aim is to be the other team." The 33-year-old full-back went on to say: "We have the experience of last year and we want the same again."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Pandiani's goal is victory

Tuesday, 15 May 2007
by Patrick Hartfrom Glasgow

Topping the UEFA Cup scoring chart will count for nothing for Walter Pandiani if the centre-forward finishes on the losing side when RCD Espanyol take on Sevilla FC in Wednesday's Glasgow final.

Desire for victory
The Uruguayan's eleven strikes have fired Espanyol to the Hampden Park showpiece, yet their value will depreciate interminably unless the Catalan club can find a way past the holders in the all-Spanish encounter. "If we don't win this trophy, my goals will have meant nothing," the 31-year-old hitman said. "Our objective has not only been to get to the final, but to win it."

History calling
Pandiani cannot stress enough that the true goal for Ernesto Valverde's team is to provide an end product to a UEFA Cup campaign which effectively incorporates the efforts of last season's Copa del Rey victory; a consummation for the blue-and-white half of Barcelona. "It is a historic moment for the club, the fans and the players," explained the former RC Deportivo La Coruña player. "We have to repay the fans for everything they have given to us. A final is a final, and this one is massive for our club. You always dream of playing finals and we will be going out there to give absolutely everything.

Kanouté threat
"We have got to enjoy the occasion. We had to keep this team in the top flight at the end of last season and, although this match is a very difficult one, we have the chance to put the seal on everything we have done." While Sevilla must beware Pandiani, they have a striking talisman of their own in Frédéric Kanouté, whose 19 Primera División goals this term have been supplemented by three in the UEFA Cup. "He wins balls in the air, he can drop deep and run at you, and he has got a lethal shot," warned Moisés Hurtado, Espanyol's homegrown defender.

'Exciting opportunity'
"But when this team is confident, together and we know what we are doing, we can win any game," continued the 26-year-old. "The experience gained from matches like the Werder Bremen semi-final has been invaluable, and this is an exciting opportunity for us to grasp, not to be afraid of. We are in the best possible form going into this European final, it should be a great occasion and hopefully we'll be able to bring the trophy home to Barcelona."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Perrin perfect for slick Sochaux

Friday, 11 May 2007

by Matthew Spirofrom Paris
Success for the Olympique de Marseille coach has proved elusive in recent times. Alain Perrin looked to have discovered the secret when he guided the Mediterranean giants to second place in Ligue 1 in 2002/03, then strengthened the side by signing a powerful striker named Didier Drogba. However, a harrowing 4-2 defeat by Real Madrid CF in the UEFA Champions League in September 2003 sparked a sudden decline, and Perrin was ousted months later.

Trophy drought
Although Marseille reached the UEFA Cup final that season, and Perrin found work with Al-Aïn in the United Arab Emirates and Portsmouth FC in England, neither truly recovered from that turbulent period until now. On Saturday, Marseille have the opportunity to end a 14-year trophy drought by lifting the Coupe de France, but standing in their way is an FC Sochaux-Montbéliard team rejuvenated since Perrin's arrival 12 months ago.

Unexpected success
Having finished 15th last term, Sochaux were expected to struggle again, yet with two league games to play they remain in contention for European qualification on two fronts. "Even I wasn't expecting such a positive campaign," Perrin told uefa.com. "My first priority was to avoid relegation - I wasn't thinking about winning trophies." Steering Sochaux to their first cup triumph since 1933 would cap an exceptional year, though Perrin's seventh-placed outfit were issued a stern warning at Stade Vélodrome two weeks ago when Franck Ribéry, Samir Nasri and Djibril Cissé inspired an emphatic 4-2 victory for OM in fourth. Indeed, the coach has been so busy this week working out how to stop Marseille's in-form attack he has barely had time for sentimentality. "Coming up against one of my former teams changes nothing in terms of preparation," the 50-year-old said. "I have good memories of Marseille and it'll be nice to see some old friends, but this is a big day for Sochaux. We'll need to be at our best because Marseille are scoring freely and they have more big-match experience."

Renaissance men
Yet the side from Franche-Comté have been punching above their weight all term. Paris Saint-Germain FC, FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Marseille were all victims early on as Perrin's resurgent team entered the winter break third in the standings. If the heady, championship-winning days of the 1930s seem a long way off, Les Lionceaux are unquestionably moving in the right direction. "Alain Perrin has struck a balance between bright, young talent and experienced players," enthused club president Jean-Claude Plessis. "He's a good man-manager and has succeeded in making the club more ambitious without losing the family atmosphere."

Lady luck
Sochaux may be grateful to the former ES Troyes Aube Champagne coach, yet the feeling is mutual. Considered one of France's leading tacticians after taking Troyes from amateur football to Ligue 1 and the UEFA Cup, Perrin's reputation suffered after those brief and unsuccessful stints with Al-Aïn and Portsmouth. However, any suggestion his powers were waning have been dispelled. "I've enjoyed coaching again in my homeland and not having to worry about the language barrier," he said. "I don't regret moving abroad but as a coach you always need some luck and not a lot went my way. If I'd enjoyed as much luck at Portsmouth as I've had at Sochaux, I might still be working in England." Sochaux fans will be hoping fortune shines favourably on Perrin again at the Stade de France.

This is an abridged version of an article that appears in this week's edition of the uefa.com Magazine.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Double chance keeps Giggs focused

Thursday, 3 May 2007
by Michael Harroldfrom Milan
Manchester United FC midfielder Ryan Giggs called on his side to put the disappointment of losing their UEFA Champions League semi-final against AC Milan behind them as they continue their quest for silverware.
'Look forward'United lost 3-0 at San Siro as goals from Kaká, Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino saw them crash out 5-3 on aggregate, but Giggs knows the Premiership leaders still have plenty to play for. United play rivals Manchester City FC on Saturday and will be crowned champions should they win and Chelsea FC fail to beat Arsenal FC the following day. They then face Chelsea in the FA Cup final. "We're in a good position, our season isn't over," Giggs said. "That's what we've got to tell ourselves now. We've got to look forward to Saturday, a big game, and get ourselves up for that."
Bad startWhile Milan contemplate a second final against Liverpool FC in three seasons, United were left to reflect on a missed opportunity. "Disappointing obviously," Giggs said. "We just didn't perform on the night and Milan deserved to go through. When you come away in Europe you need to silence the crowd and we didn't do that. We didn't start well and we didn't recover from that. I think we were well matched - I think we showed that in the first game - but we just didn't perform for whatever reason. In both ties we allowed bad goals and you can't do that against a class team like Milan. We still feel we were good enough to go through but tonight we just didn't perform."
OptimismBelief was high in the United ranks after their superb 7-1 demolition of AS Roma in the quarter-finals and another strong display at Old Trafford against Milan last week. With Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the new generation, Giggs believes United fans have much to look forward to. "There's massive potential throughout the team and we've shown that this season on a consistent basis. We've now got to finish off the season on a high hopefully and do well in the league and the cup." As for the UEFA Champions League final, Giggs believes it's too close to call. "Two good teams with a lot of experience in the Champions League. They met a couple of years ago so they know each other. It's anyone's, whoever performs on the night."
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Gattuso hails Milan metamorphosis

Thursday, 3 May 2007
by Richard Aikmanfrom Milan
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso described his side's UEFA Champions League semi-final victory against Manchester United FC as "an incredible achievement" and the prospect of playing in the final as "the ultimate for any player".
Selfless workMilan managed to transform a 3-2 first-leg deficit into 5-3 aggregate win after goals by Kaká, Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino gave the Rossoneri an impressive 3-0 win at San Siro. However, the Italian giants' owed as much to Gattuso's selfless hard work as they did to their goalscorers. The 29-year-old's performance, which was marked by countless crunching tackles and ferocious determination, earned him uefa.com users' Man of the Match award.
'Incredible achievement'"It was an incredible achievement," he said. "It seemed easy but we know what we've been through this season and it hasn't been at all easy to get to this point. Back in November/December we hadn't had a proper pre-season to prepare, we were a side that was totally lost. We weren't in good shape at all and everyone was criticising us - rightly so because our league position was awful. It was a terrible time."
'Ultimate' stageGattuso was part of the Italy squad that won the FIFA World Cup last summer, but he is equally excited about playing in a third UEFA Champions League final. "Getting to the final of the Champions League is the ultimate for any player and to reach a third one in five years is unbelievable - an extraordinary achievement. Only great sides can do this sort of thing. This is why we are so happy, because we were being slaughtered from all quarters and now we've reached the final."
'No revenge'The Athens finale is a repeat of the 2005 edition, which Liverpool FC won on penalties, but the former Rangers FC player is not vengeful, saying: "There's no revenge. It's just footballing history. It's how history has been written. I hope we don't suffer another hammer blow like last time. [Paolo] Maldini told me it's his eighth final. He's won four won and lost three - let's hope he makes it 5-3 and I make it 2-1. It will be a hard final because Liverpool are a very hard team, really tough. They are very different to Manchester. In my opinion, they are reminiscent of the Italian sides of the 1990s. They play a good catenaccio, are deadly on the counterattack and they have a coach who will be there for a long, long time."
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Ferguson has faith in fair play

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Michael Harroldfrom Milan

Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the spirit in which AC Milan and his side play the game should ensure there is no repeat of the disciplinary heartache Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suffered in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League eight years ago.

'Tragedy'
Both players missed United's 2-1 victory against FC Bayern München in the 1999 final after collecting yellow cards in the second leg of their last-four triumph against Juventus. With United players Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze, as well as Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, all one booking away from a suspension that would rule them out of the Athens showpiece, Sir Alex hopes history will not repeat itself. "I think it's a tragedy to miss a final," he said, as his team aim to build on last week's thrilling 3-2 victory.

'Confidence'
"My biggest confidence is in AC Milan because I don't think they're a team who do anything bad to get players booked because there's no point to it. Neither team benefits because we don't play each other again. It's a semi-final so it can only help the opponents in the final. From what I've seen in the last two games against AC Milan - the last game, and the two before, two years ago [in the first knockout round] - there was absolutely no evidence of anything wrong.

Maldini praise
"You only have to go back a week and see the manner and spirit in which the game was played in Manchester. I think it was a credit to both sets of players and their professionalism, and I expect the same tomorrow. Paolo Maldini, I believe, is also on two yellows and I think if Milan were to beat us, I think everybody would want to see Maldini in the final. I would like to, because I'll be in Athens no matter whether it's with United or to see the final, and I think a tournament like that should get the best players. For me, it would be fantastic to see Maldini at 38 years of age playing in a European final."

'Thrilling spectacle'
UEFA President Michel Platini praised both clubs for the manner in which the first leg was played, describing the match as a "thrilling spectacle" and a "positive advertisement for European football". They are comments Carlo Ancelotti clearly took to heart. "I'm pleased he said that because, at the moment, it is very important to represent Italian football in the best way," said the Milan coach. "We need to follow the example of other countries in order to improve the situation at home."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Ancelotti aiming to live the dream

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Richard Aikmanfrom Milan

As AC Milan prepare to turn around a 3-2 UEFA Champions League semi-final deficit against Manchester United FC, coach Carlo Ancelotti has described the prospect of reaching the final in Athens as "a Utopian dream".

Utopian dream
Back in the autumn, Milan were languishing at the wrong end of Serie A. A league points deduction and a shortened pre-season had affected form and confidence; Athens looked a long way off. Now, though, the resurgent Rossoneri stand third in the table and one match away from booking their third final in five years. "At the start of the season I said that getting to Athens was a Utopian dream," said Ancelotti. "But now this dream is becoming a reality. This side showed great unity through the tough times. That has brought them this far and now we're confident because we're playing well and we're close to our objective."

Rooney danger
However, that quest has been made harder by the first-leg loss. Milan let a 2-1 advantage at Old Trafford slip, despite themselves rallying after Cristiano Ronaldo's early goal. The competition's top scorer Kaká scored twice only for Wayne Rooney to better the Brazilian with two strikes of his own, the latter coming seconds from the end of a thrilling contest. "Their most dangerous attacking player is without doubt Rooney," added Ancelotti. "But if we concede again it's not a disaster. We know we can score more than once because we've done so twice already."

'Huge achievement'
With the likely return of Filippo Inzaghi, Milan's attack should be all the more potent, the Italian international having registered 36 UEFA Champions League goals in 64 appearances, while morale is high after five straight league wins, culminating in Saturday's 1-0 success at Torino FC. Further good news for the Milanese giants is the return of Gennaro Gattuso (foot) although captain Paolo Maldini (knee) is "99 per cent" unlikely to recover. "Getting this far has been a huge achievement," continued Ancelotti. "We've made the cake, now we just need to put the cherry on top."

Treble vision
With the treble in sight, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be thinking similar thoughts. Having taken a five-point Premiership lead and advanced to the FA Cup final, Sir Alex knows he is within touching distance of repeating the triumph of 1998/99. His side showed resilience to turn defeat into victory last Tuesday, and did likewise at Everton FC on Saturday, somehow transforming a 2-0 reverse into a 4-2 win. "We've developed well this season," he said. "Success and confidence has helped the process and some players have done exceptionally well in their first season."

'Doing it our way'
The 65-year-old singled out Milan's Kaká, Gattuso and Maldini for particular praise but insists his team will not be cowed by the sold-out San Siro. The possible return from injury of defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić - who both trained on Tuesday - may also compensate for the loss of the suspended Patrice Evra. "This team thrives on the big occasions and tomorrow will be the biggest test yet," continued Sir Alex. "You would expect Milan to score at home but our safety net is an emphasis on scoring. Sitting on the edge of the penalty box doesn't do us any good and it doesn't do the fans any good. So I think if we're going to do it, we've got to do it our way."

Probable teams
Milan: Dida; Massimo Oddo, Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze, Marek Jankulovski; Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini; Kaká, Clarence Seedorf; Filippo Inzaghi.

Man. United: Edwin van der Sar; John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidić/Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze; Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs; Wayne Rooney.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Gattuso takes heart from Kaká class

Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Paolo Menicucci & Richard Aikmanfrom Milan
Despite seeing his side succumb to a 3-2 defeat by Manchester United FC in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Gennaro Gattuso is convinced AC Milan will reach the final thanks to the "devastating" form of Kaká.

Kaká class
The Brazil forward inspired Milan's short-lived revival at Old Trafford with two goals in 15 minutes that gave the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead - and Gattuso has every faith that Kaká will continue his UEFA Champions League heroics on Wednesday night. "If he is as devastating as he was in the first leg, we will win," said the Italian international, whose excellent display last week was curtailed when he limped off after 53 minutes with a foot injury.

'Important player'
Gattuso has recovered in time for the rematch, though, and is raring to go. "I feel fine," the 29-year-old said. "I thought it was going to be a lot worse but instead I have managed to recover so I am delighted." Milan's rival manager at San Siro, Sir Alex Ferguson, is another Kaká fan - though he also has a word of praise for Gattuso himself. "The obvious threat was there for everyone to see last week in the shape of Kaká," Sir Alex told uefa.com. "Kaká is the obvious threat. I thought he gave a terrific performance and we have to pay attention to that. We know where their threat's come from. They also have important players like Gattuso. He brings a lot of energy to them, he's a very important player."

'Incredible hand'
The combative former Rangers FC midfielder is demanding similar commitment from the stands at the Giuseppe Meazza, calling for British-style support for the Rossoneri. "I noticed with Liverpool [FC] and Manchester United that the English never give up and it's thanks to their fans," he said. "It's not a criticism of ours, of course, they always get behind us and sing. However, this time they need to give us an incredible hand. We know it will be tough but that's normal in the Champions League semi-finals. All Rossoneri fans should be proud because it's a miracle we've reached this stage. No one expected it. Considering the way we started the season and what happened, it has been a great result to get here. But we don't want to stop now." Gattuso, for one, will not be stopping. "I know only one way of preparing for this kind of game: I think about running and running until I cannot run any more."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Penalty joy as Liverpool reach final

Tuesday, 1 May 2007
by John Mathewsfrom Anfield

Pepe Reina saved two spot-kicks as Liverpool FC knocked English rivals Chelsea FC out of the UEFA Champions League 4-1 on penalties to reach a second final in three seasons on a dramatic night at Anfield.

Chelsea denied
Daniel Agger's first-half shot had taken the semi-final into extra time but with no further goals and the aggregate scores locked at 1-1, a shoot-out ensued in which Dirk Kuyt struck the decisive conversion. After Boudewijn Zenden had tucked away Liverpool's first attempt, Reina guessed right to save Arjen Robben's effort. The next penalties were scored by Xabi Alonso, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard before Geremi was outsmarted by Reina and Kuyt stroked in the clincher.

Electrifying
Anfield had basked under a cloudless sky and brilliant sunshine at kick-off, but as darkness fell and the temperature dropped so it rose to boiling point inside the famous old stadium which, as expected, was full of song and passion throughout. Visibly lifted by the crowd, Liverpool started brightly and had most of the early possession without making inroads until the place erupted in celebration in the 22nd minute.

Agger goal
Gerrard fooled everyone with a low free-kick from the corner of the box which Chelsea expected to be curled up towards Peter Crouch and the mass of bodies around him; instead the Liverpool captain squared it to Danish international defender Agger, who sidefooted the ball past Petr Čech with power and precision. The aggregate equaliser was greeted by near pandemonium and Chelsea struggled to get into the match until Didier Drogba gave Liverpool a scare when he beat the offside trap but not Reina, who blocked his shot from a promising position.

Essien chance
The Premiership title-holders had another decent opportunity to equalise five minutes before the interval, however. Drogba climbed well to nod Lampard's corner towards the Kop End goal, yet Michael Essien could not apply the finishing touch with his header and the ball bounced to safety past Reina's right-hand post.

Off the bar
Although it seemed impossible at the time, the tension increased after the break as both teams went in search of goals. Crouch thought he had done enough to score when he towered above Paulo Ferreira and Essien to meet Jermaine Pennant's cross but his downward header was kept out by the feet of Čech. Soon afterwards, Kuyt went even closer with a header that came back off the crossbar. With so much at stake, errors were commonplace and what the game lacked in fluidity, it more than made up for with intensity.

Carragher scare
Determined to fight back, Chelsea went within a whisker of levelling matters on the night when full-back Ashley Cole raided down the left in the 75th minute and cut the ball inside from the byline; Jamie Carragher, in an attempt to deny Drogba, connected from three metres out and saw his clearance skim over the top. As play and the psychological pendulum swung this way and that, Zenden brought another save from Čech, yet the clocked eventually ticked down to 90 without further score, prompting extra time.

Offside decision
Kuyt found the net in the first additional period but an offside flag ruled his effort out after he had followed up Čech's parry from substitute Alonso's stinging drive. Čech frustrated Kuyt again after the stretching Drogba was centimetres away from turning in Shaun Wright-Phillips's enticing centre. Tired minds and weary legs failed to conjure a match-winner, however, and penalties beckoned at the Anfield Road End. Here, Kuyt did get his winning goal and, for the seventh time in their history, Liverpool are through to the European Champion Clubs' Cup final. Chelsea, beaten at this stage for the third time since 2004, still await their first.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Jury out on Jônatas fitness

Monday, 30 April 2007

RCD Espanyol midfielder Jônatas is a doubt for the UEFA Cup semi-final second leg at Werder Bremen after the Brazilian suffered a groin injury during Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Sevilla FC.

Late decision
Jônatas, used as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 first-leg triumph over Bremen, was injured early in the game in Seville and Espanyol will leave it as late as possible before deciding on his fitness for Thursday's match in Germany. The 24-year-old, signed last summer from CR Flamengo, has made 16 Primera División appearances for the Catalan club as well as four in the UEFA Cup.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Owen makes Newcastle comeback

Monday, 30 April 2007

Newcastle United FC striker Michael Owen has played for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, lasting the full 90 minutes of Monday's Premiership defeat at Reading FC.

Offside goal
Owen, who had damaged knee ligaments in England's World Cup group-stage draw with Sweden last June, started the match and had the ball in the net within seven minutes, although an offside flag denied the 27-year-old the glory of a comeback goal.

Reading claim honours
In the event, the only score of the game came from Reading forward Dave Kitson on 51 minutes to secure a victory that lifted the home team into seventh place in the table. Newcastle signed Owen from Real Madrid CF for €24m in 2005, but the former Liverpool FC prodigy endured an injury-interrupted first campaign in the north-east before sustaining the ligament damage in Germany. Tonight was just his 12th league appearance for Newcastle for whom he has scored seven goals.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Alonso wants Chelsea chance

Monday, 30 April 2007
by John Mathewsfrom Liverpool

Xabi Alonso knows the heartache of missing out on a UEFA Champions League semi-final after serving a suspension when Liverpool FC met Chelsea FC two years ago, but even though he is eligible to start this time around the Spanish international does not have a clue if he is playing on Tuesday night.

'Different options'
On the eve of the match, Alonso revealed Liverpool's lineup is still known only to manager Rafael Benítez as he plots a repeat of their 2005 defeat of Chelsea with the added burden of trailing 1-0 from the first leg. However, the 25-year-old has every faith in his boss and his policy of keeping everyone on their toes until the last minute. "The last few games we have rotated players. We have different options in most of the positions and that's something that's good for us," said Alonso. "I don't know how fresh they [Chelsea] are but I feel that at the moment our team is in great shape."

Chelsea 'favourites'
The midfielder was a frustrated onlooker at the famous Anfield second-leg encounter between the teams in 2005, when he was understandably "really disappointed" to sit on the sidelines, but he is delighted to have another chance to influence the outcome – if selected. "At this moment they [Chelsea] are the favourites," said Alonso. "Knowing that we are so close to the final, everyone is so excited and looking forward to the game." Asked if Liverpool are now a better side than the one that knocked Chelsea out 1-0 on aggregate en route to lifting the trophy in Istanbul, Alonso replied: "That's something we have to show on the pitch but of course we have developed and progressed. Hopefully we will reach the final and win again."

Higher tempo
Alonso insists Liverpool have learnt lessons from their reverse at Chelsea last week and they are planning to begin with a higher tempo than their noticeably sluggish first-half performance at Stamford Bridge. He said: "In the first leg we made some mistakes that we have been working on and will try not to commit again. We will maybe play with a little more intensity and, of course, we know that it's very important not to concede a goal because if that happens the situation will be more complicated. With just being involved in one competition, we are absolutely focused on the [UEFA] Champions League and that's why all our commitment is in this."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Crouch no tall order for Essien

Monday, 30 April 2007
by John Mathewsfrom Liverpool

Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Essien knows he will literally have a huge job on his hands as he steps back into UEFA Champions League action in an unfamiliar role at the heart of the defence, hoping to stop Liverpool FC scoring the goals that would end his dreams of playing in the final.

Daunting prospect
Essien was suspended for the first leg at Stamford Bridge, when Chelsea carved out a 1-0 lead to bring up to Anfield for the semi-final second leg, and with regular centre-back Ricardo Carvalho out injured, the Ghanaian international has the daunting prospect of taking on Liverpool's two-metre tall striker Peter Crouch on Tuesday night. "He's the tallest I have ever faced and he is always difficult to play against, but I'm ready," said Essien. "I have never seen a footballer who is taller than him. He can beat me to the aerial balls but I can win balls on the ground."

Defensive vulnerability
Crouch tormented Essien when the teams met in the Premiership at Anfield in January. The England forward's flick set up the first goal in a 2-0 win for Liverpool which exposed Chelsea's vulnerability at the back without captain John Terry, who missed the league defeat as he recovered from injury. With Terry in the side again, Essien feels he has less to worry about on this occasion. "It's good to have John beside me. He's more defensive and has more experience than me so he's going to teach me how to do it," said the 24-year-old. "When we lost, JT wasn't here and the boss played me and Paulo Ferreira at the back. It was difficult to deal with Peter Crouch but I think tomorrow will be a different story. JT is back and he is more powerful in the air."

The atmosphere in the dressing room is great and the confidence is highMichael Essien

Confidence high
Essien, whose last-gasp strike eliminated Valencia CF in the quarter-finals, is convinced Chelsea have got what it takes to withstand the pressure and reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in their history. "The atmosphere in the dressing room is great and the confidence is high. We came here to win and hopefully we can do that but even if we draw, we will be in the final," he said. "We always have the belief in ourselves that we can do it, but we will see what happens."

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Benítez expects Chelsea to Kop it

Monday, 30 April 2007
by John Mathewsfrom Liverpool
The red half of Liverpool is buzzing with nervous anticipation ahead of Chelsea FC's visit for the UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, and manager Rafael Benítez is convinced the Anfield crowd will have a massive impact on the second leg as Liverpool FC attempt to retrieve a 1-0 deficit. Opposite number José Mourinho might have other ideas but Benítez said Liverpool's fans are the true "special ones".
Passionate supportThe Kop roared Liverpool on to what has become a legendary 1-0 victory against Chelsea in the semi-final two years ago, with Luis García's winner coming off the back of a tidal wave of passionate support, and Benítez is expecting more of the same from the locals this time round. "We will try to use the influence of our people and the atmosphere will be really important," the Spanish coach said. "I am sure that they [Chelsea] will see Anfield is very, very difficult for them. I know they have had this experience before. You can say it's not really a problem but you know it will be a problem for them. Our supporters - they are the special ones."

'We will attack'
For his part Mourinho, who has lost Andriy Shevchenko to a groin problem picked up in training, has promised not to sit back and try to protect a one-goal lead as Chelsea bid to set up a showdown in Athens against either Manchester United FC or AC Milan. "We will attack," he said. "We know if we don't concede goals, we are in the final so of course that is an objective, but we also know that if we score that is a big advantage. You cannot defend perfectly for 90 minutes so I think a very good way to play this game would be to scare the opponents."

Title exertions
Already assured of UEFA Champions League football next season, Liverpool rested most of their first team in Saturday's 2-1 Premiership defeat at Portsmouth FC, while Chelsea suffered a huge blow to their title hopes as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Bolton Wanderers FC, leaving them five points behind leaders Manchester United with three games to play. Mourinho said: "The opponent is at home. They are a team who have had one week to rest and prepare for this game against another team that had to play two days ago and had to fight physically and mentally in the title race, so I don't see our team to be favourites."

Carvalho blow
Michael Essien returns from suspension for Chelsea, with a likely role at centre-back alongside captain John Terry as Ricardo Carvalho sustained a knee injury against Bolton. Michael Ballack has undergone ankle surgery which will keep him out for the rest of the campaign, so Mourinho will be forced to make the most of his enviable resources. The Portuguese coach predicted that Liverpool's lineup will be "Peter Crouch plus ten", insisting that the giant striker is an "obvious" aerial weapon against his makeshift defence, despite the England forward not starting the first leg in London.

Probable teams
Liverpool: Pepe Reina; Steve Finnan, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Álvaro Arbeloa; Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, John Arne Riise; Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt.

Chelsea: Petr Čech; Paulo Ferreira, Michael Essien, John Terry, Ashley Cole; John Obi Mikel, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole; Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou.

©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Essien example leaves stars wary

Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Michael Essien will be sorely missed as he serves a suspension when Chelsea FC meet Liverpool FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final - while five of his team-mates must avoid yellow cards to escape a similar fate in the second encounter.
On the brinkGhana midfielder Essien picked up his third booking of the competition just three minutes into Chelsea's 2-1 victory against Valencia CF at the Mestalla on Matchday 10. He made amends with a dramatic last-minute winner but will sit out José Mourinho's side's home game against Liverpool on 25 April. He is the only player banned for either first-leg match although all four semi-finalists, including Manchester United FC and AC Milan in the other tie, have players tottering on the brink, within one caution of a suspension.
Chelsea concernAlmost half wear the blue of Chelsea, who have the worst disciplinary record of the sides left in the tournament after accumulating 23 yellow cards (United are next with 19 and one red). Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Lassana Diarra, Didier Drogba and Arjen Robben must all be on their best behaviour, while Liverpool, who welcome back Dirk Kuyt after his ban, have concerns only over Jermaine Pennant. Milan are similarly blessed, with just captain Paolo Maldini walking the tightrope.
Scholes returnPaul Scholes returns for Manchester United having been ruled out of the 7-1 rout of AS Roma after his first-leg dismissal, yet he will face another suspension if cautioned against Milan at Old Trafford following two earlier entries into the referee's notebook. Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze are in a similar position, and if they evade further censure on 24 April they will have to do the same again in the second leg at San Siro - or risk missing the final.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Ranieri roused by culture clash

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
by Paolo Menicuccifrom Milan
Claudio Ranieri will take a break from battling relegation in Italy with Parma FC to watch two former clubs cross swords in the UEFA Champions League. According to the Italian coach, the Chelsea FC-Valencia CF quarter-final will pit "individual skills against team organisation".
Contrasting styles"Valencia can count on great tactical organisation, while Chelsea have several great players but sometimes struggle to play as a team," the 55-year-old told uefa.com. "This season José Mourinho has had to work hard. Last season's 4-3-3 was very reliable and solid, while this term he has had to adapt the system to the great players who joined last summer. At this stage I think Valencia are more of a team, while Chelsea rely on individual skills and the great talent of their players.
'Chelsea are favourites'"However, both are great sides so it should be a very balanced tie," he continued. "Chelsea need to win because they were built to go all the way in the Champions League. Roman Abramovich has spent a lot of money and brought in great players. Chelsea are overall favourites to win the trophy. Valencia, though, are very solid. They are very difficult to beat as they defend well and can always score goals."
Valencia advantageRanieri, who lifted the Copa del Rey and UEFA Super Cup during two spells at Valencia, believes the Primera División outfit could take advantage of their underdog status, as against last-16 opponents FC Internazionale Milano. "The pressure will be on Chelsea, while Valencia have less to lose and will try to take another big scalp after beating Inter. I think it will be a beautiful match to watch, especially from a technical viewpoint."
Favourable drawAlso favouring Wednesday's visitors to Stamford Bridge, the coach argued, is the staging of the second leg in Spain on 10 April. "Having the return at the Mestalla is good for them because they will try to repeat the Inter tie. They will play with great determination and fighting spirit in London, never giving up while seeking a crucial away goal to build on at the Mestalla. When you are discussing the best eight sides in Europe, you don't have weak teams. Valencia and Chelsea are great sides and this game can be decided by small details."
Key absenteeOne such detail could be the absence through injury of Fernando Morientes. "This is a big blow for Valencia," Ranieri said. "He is a great player with vast international experience, which is very useful at this stage. I don't know who will take his place, maybe Miguel Ángel Angulo." The attacking onus may fall on the shoulders of 21-year-old Spanish international David Silva – whom Ranieri knows well. "I'm delighted for David. He was at Valencia when I was there. He was a kid but I could see he would be a great player and he is proving it now," said the trainer.
Culture clashRanieri, who joined Parma in February and presides over a team sitting second-bottom in Serie A, is relishing the midweek clash of two footballing cultures he learnt to love. "The way you play and watch football reflects your country's culture," he said. "Spanish people love the good life, love entertainment. Therefore Spanish teams try to offer beautiful football, with good technique and ball possession which is nice to watch. The English prefer a team fighting for 90 minutes, never giving up. They love players who are very committed, they love hard tackles but also fair play. Obviously globalisation has changed football, with plenty of foreign coaches, but the roots are always important. I'm sure we will see a fascinating duel between two very different sides."
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Del Horno glad to be back

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
by Trevor Haylettfrom London
Asier del Horno returns to UEFA Champions League action for the first time in over 13 months and fate has decreed that his comeback game should take him to the ground and the club that witnessed his last appearance in the competition.
Red cardDel Horno has recovered from the serious calf injury that delayed his UEFA Champions League debut for Valencia CF and seems certain to start their quarter-final first leg against Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge. It was there that he last featured in Europe's premier club tournament, a first knockout round match against FC Barcelona in February 2006 which ended early and disappointingly for him with a red card after 37 minutes.
Enjoyable timeDel Horno insists he has nothing to prove as he revisits London. He is thankful for his time under José Mourinho but remains determined to help the Primera División team advance at the expense of his former employers. "I had a very good year and I enjoyed my time here, but I don't think I have to take any kind of exam tomorrow," said the Spanish international left-back. "I have been out for a long time and it's great to be playing again. I'm focused on the task ahead and it's important that Valencia put in a good performance."
'Difficult rivals'Del Horno's recent past might have made him a useful source of information for coach Quique Sánchez Flores, yet he says that at this stage of the competition no side retain any secrets from the opposition. "Everyone knows Chelsea very well. Whoever plays for them, we know they will be difficult rivals but we are not going to concentrate on them. We have to play our own game," continued the ex-Athletic Club Bilbao defender.
New systemHe does stress, though, the difficulties the 2000 and 2001 finalists face against opponents he believes are stronger than the team he left behind last summer. "Chelsea have changed their system a little bit and whereas before they liked to attack down the wings, now they play through the middle. But when you think that they have the likes of [Michael] Ballack and [Andriy] Shevchenko down the middle, they are a very strong side." Valencia will be happy with a draw at Stamford Bridge, continued Del Horno, and preferably a scoring one as they achieved en route to eliminating FC Internazionale Milano in the previous round. "It's very important that we score. It was vital in the away leg against Inter and we are hoping to do the same again."
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Mourinho's good vibe fills Chelsea

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
by Trevor Haylettfrom London
Chelsea FC return to the UEFA Champions League - the pinnacle of their quest to win an unprecedented four trophies this season - with José Mourinho insisting that even if they fall short in all three remaining competitions, he will still finish the campaign a contented manager.
'Good feeling'"We can win more things but even if we don't, it will be the kind of season where at the end of it I will only have good words for my players. And only a good feeling about my commitment, what I gave and what I did to try and help my team to success," said the Portuguese, who already has the English League Cup under lock and key, ahead of Wednesday's quarter-final first leg against Valencia CF. "In that respect we can all sleep soundly knowing we are giving everything. The problem comes when people think you could do more, or you've slept on what we did or achieved before, but that is not the case."
FavouritesChelsea are the only side in the last eight who have not appeared in a European Champion Clubs' Cup final, something which has not dissuaded the bookmakers from installing them as favourites to hold the prized silverware aloft in Athens on 23 May. That glamour date is still some way ahead and Mourinho does not expect an easy ride against the Spanish visitors at Stamford Bridge. "Valencia are a team that play very well and who like to play good football," he warned. "They have a lot of solutions and a lot of good attacking players. They have speed down the sides and experience at the back. Their midfield players are very strong defensively."
Robben outArjen Robben - who did so much to tilt the balance of the last-16 return match against FC Porto back in Chelsea's favour - has followed Michael Essien on to the absentee list after knee surgery. But Joe Cole is almost ready to return and could have a substitute's role in London. Neither team really impressed at the weekend. Chelsea, who are also in the FA Cup semi-finals, needed an injury-time goal to defeat bottom club Watford FC and remain six points behind Premiership leaders Manchester United FC. Valencia also endured some difficult moments before overcoming RCD Espanyol 3-2 to remain fourth in the Primera División.Two suspendedWith David Navarro and Carlos Marchena suspended and leading scorer Fernando Morientes joining Rubén Baraja and Edu among those missing out through injury, Quique Sánchez Flores's options are considerably reduced. The Valencia coach believes two sides of similar strengths and styles will be battling it out for a place in the semi-finals. "There is going to be a lot of play in the middle of the park, and when there are two similar teams like this they do tend to cancel each other out," Flores said. "Normally a game like this will be decided on one key incident or a couple of chances here or there. If we could score everyone on our bench would be delighted - it would be a major step forward for us in the tie."
Probable teams Chelsea: Petr Čech; Lassana Diarra, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, Ashley Cole; Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Shaun Wright-Phillips; Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko. Valencia: Santiago Cañizares; Luis Miguel, Roberto Ayala, Emiliano Moretti, Asier del Horno; Miguel Ángel Angulo, Raúl Albiol, David Albeda, David Silva; Vicente Rodríguez; David Villa.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Spalletti awaits his biggest test

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
by Matthew Spirofrom Rome
AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Sir Alex Ferguson as the Serie A side make their first appearance in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Manchester United FC.
'Amazing feeling'While Sir Alex has overseen more than 200 European matches, Spalletti, 48, possesses far less top-level experience having risen steadily through the echelons of Italian football. The former Udinese Calcio boss described Wednesday's game as his biggest yet but remains determined to savour the occasion. "Coaching Empoli FC in a promotion play-off was important but somehow I think playing United in a packed Stadio Olimpico beats that," Spalletti said with a smile. "It's an amazing feeling but I'll try to stay calm and enjoy the game."
'A wonderful coach'Spalletti's shrewd tactical choices helped Roma end Olympique Lyonnais' 18-match unbeaten home run in the previous round, and after getting the better of Gérard Houllier he now has the Scot in his sights. "Sir Alex is a wonderful coach but there's a difference between him and me: he's won 29 trophies, I've won one Serie C title," Spalletti pointed out. "I'll watch the way he approaches the game, as I always do when I'm up against great coaches, and I'll try to take some tips."
Lyon boostHe does not, however, want his team to show United too much respect, and is urging a positive approach: "I'd like us to attack more than we did against Lyon. I'm sure United will come at us but we're confident. The Lyon victory has boosted our self-belief." Sir Alex, meanwhile, had equally flattering words for Spalletti, praising him for "creating a system" by operating without a veritable centre-forward. "Big coaches make brave decisions and his decision to play this way was brave," said the United manager. Captain Francesco Totti will again be the furthest forward, supported by wingers Mancini and Taddei. Simone Perrotta, usually employed behind Totti, may drop deeper to cover for the suspended David Pizarro, offering a roving role to Christian Wilhelmsson, while Marco Cassetti deputises for injured full-back Max Tonetto.
Saha roleUnited have greater injury concerns after Nemanja Vidić (collarbone) and Park Ji Sung (knee) joined long-term absentees Mikaël Silvestre and Gary Neville on the sidelines. Louis Saha and Darren Fletcher have both travelled despite just recently returning to fitness, and Ferguson hinted the Frenchman may enter the fray in the second period. Ryan Giggs should partner Wayne Rooney in attack, freeing up a midfield berth for Kieran Richardson or Alan Smith.
Enormous potentialSir Alex, however, is reluctant to speak about injuries, saying: "Our squad is being tested but we've proved over the last few weeks that those coming in are capable of doing the business." The Premiership leaders hope to repeat their treble achievement of 1998/99 and while Ferguson conceded that the current team has room for improvement, he feels the potential is enormous. "They don't have the overall experience yet but they're young and they have their careers in front of them," he said. "They all want to win trophies and if they start doing it early that'd be fantastic."
Probable teamsRoma: Doni; Marco Cassetti, Cristian Chivu, Philippe Mexes, Christian Panucci; Simone Perrotta, Daniele De Rossi; Taddei, Christian Wilhelmsson, Mancini; Francesco Totti. United: Edwin van der Sar; Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Gabriel Heinze; Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Kieran Richardson/Alan Smith; Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Italian anti-hooligan laws passed

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Anti-hooligan legislation formulated after the death of a policeman during rioting at a Serie A match in February has been passed into Italian law following approval by the Italian Senate.
Landslide majorityMost of the measures contained in the new set of laws, which was voted for by a landslide majority of 244 to one, were part of the initial decree that was set down in the days following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti outside Calcio Catania's Angelo Massimino stadium on 2 February. These laws are already in force at Italian football matches but under Italian legislation, a decree must pass into law within 60 days to become permanent.
Tough measuresThe measures include a ban on the block sale of tickets to visiting fans; fines of between €20,000 and €100,000 for clubs found to have ties with organisations of hardcore supporters or 'ultras'; prison sentences for those who force games to be abandoned by throwing flares and firecrackers; and a ban on banners that incite violence.
Free ticketsThe legislation, however, made one significant addition to the decree by obliging clubs to give out free tickets to under 14s. The measure is aimed at stemming the steady exodus of families from Italy's football grounds. "It was important that the decree against football violence became law today, otherwise the fundamental rules of security for our sport and our police forces were at risk," said interior minister Giuliano Amato, who dedicated the new laws to the memory of Raciti.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Sagnol blow sours Bayern draw

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
FC Bayern München full-back Willy Sagnol could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his right knee during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg draw at AC Milan.
Hitzfeld concern"He's got a serious cartilage injury," said Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. "In the next few days he will undergo an operation and in all probability he won't be able to play for us again this season." French international Sagnol, 30, was replaced after 68 minutes by Christian Lell when the score was 1-0 to Milan, although the match finished 2-2 thanks to Daniel Van Buyten's late leveller for Bayern. The tie concludes in Munich next Wednesday.
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

Aurelio laid low by 'terrible injury'

Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Liverpool FC defender Fabio Aurelio is likely to miss the rest of the season after being stretchered off towards the end of the UEFA Champions League victory at PSV Eindhoven with a suspected rupture of his achilles tendon.
'Terrible injury'The 27-year-old Brazilian left-back was taken off with 15 minutes left of Liverpool's 3-0 quarter-final first-leg win at the PSV Stadium, and Rafael Benítez believes the injury is a serious one. "We played well, it was an organised and effective performance, but we are all more concerned about Fabio," said the Reds manager. "It was a terrible injury. We believe it is very serious although we will not be sure until after a scan when we get back to Liverpool."
©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.