La Liga: "El Clasico" could shift title momentum

Spain's "El Clasico" between Real Madrid and Barcelona is already one of the biggest club matches in world soccer but has added significance this time with champions Real only four points behind leaders Barca.

Real host the Catalans at the Bernabeu on Saturday knowing victory will put them within one point of their arch rivals with four matches left, while Barca can take a huge step towards a first league triumph in three years.

"Winning the Clasico is the key," former Real midfielder Zinedine Zidane said on Real's website.

"Beating Barcelona would send a signal and create a great chance to be league champions," he added. "If Real Madrid win everything will be different and the league can have a new frontrunner."

Barca's 2-0 victory at the Nou Camp in December, Juande Ramos's league debut as Real coach, put them 12 points clear, but the champions then went on a stunning run of 17 wins and one draw in 18 matches to haul themselves into contention.

Real's elimination from the Champions League and the King's Cup has allowed them to concentrate fully on the Primera Liga, while Pep Guardiola's side are still alive in all three competitions.

The Clasico is sandwiched between Barcelona's two-legged semi-final against Chelsea in Europe's top club competition.

Barca stuttered in February and early March when they drew with Real Betis and then lost to city rivals Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

Their 2-2 draw at Valencia last weekend, when Real came from a goal down to win 4-2 at third-placed Sevilla, injected new life into the title race.

"If I was a Barcelona player I would be very scared to see a team like Madrid breathing down my neck," Real defender Marcelo told Thursday's As newspaper.

Barca visit the Bernabeu for the first time since last season's humiliating 4-1 defeat when they had to applaud Real on to the pitch in the traditional tribute to the newly-crowned league champions.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who scored Barca's second goal in the 2-0 win in December, said there was no desire among the players to avenge that loss.

"Let's hope we can win in Madrid and that will be a big step toward winning the title," he said at a media event in the Catalan capital on Wednesday.

"If we win, we'll be able to go to Chelsea (next week) feeling more relaxed," he added. "We are a very close-knit team and are all very motivated to win a title for Barca after two years without one."

Both coaches have problems with injuries and suspensions.

Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is out for the season after damaging a knee in the 0-0 home draw with Chelsea on Tuesday, and Real defender Pepe has been banned for 10 matches following his sending off against Getafe on April 21.

Real will also be without midfielder Guti, who has an ankle injury, and it is unclear whether winger Arjen Robben and midfielder Wesley Sneijder will recover from muscle strains in time to feature.

Swine flu symptoms similar to those of human flu

Swine flu has similar symptoms to the more common, human seasonal form of influenza.

It is one of a number of viruses that cause illness among people and animals, causing respiratory problems, fever and fatigue.

Avian flu - which has previously been the subject of pandemic fears after humans began contracting it - is another deadly strain.

According to the Health Protection Agency, outbreaks of swine flu - a disease caused by type A influenza - regularly affect pigs.

People who are around pigs are most likely to suffer from the H1N1 virus but it is also possible for the virus to spread from person to person.

Evoking memories of the fears associated with bird flu, the latest perceived threat of a pandemic was brought to public attention after cases of human swine flu were reported in Mexico and parts of California and Texas in the US.

There have been no cases identified in the UK for at least 10 years.

Scientists found this virus is contagious and spreading from human to human although they do not know how easily the virus spreads between people, the HPA said.

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).

Seasonal flu is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans, who have some natural immunity to common strains and can boost it by immunisation with a vaccine.

Avian flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds while swine flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs.

Potentially major problems can arise when human and animal flu viruses mix and lead to the development of new viruses which are resistant to immunity and can spread through the population, sparking a pandemic.

The HPA said it was too early to say whether the cases in Mexico and the US would lead to a larger outbreak or could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus.

There is currently insufficient evidence to understand the extent to which the cases are firmly linked.

Experts from around the world are working in close collaboration with the World Health Organisation to help determine what risk this situation poses to global public health.

Champion's League: O'Shea the unlikely hero

Semi Final Leg 1 Old Trafford
Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal

Unlikely hero John O'Shea gave Manchester United a priceless 1-0 lead to take into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.
The defender's nerveless 17th-minute effort was the least Sir Alex Ferguson's side deserved for a near faultless display, in which Manuel Almunia made a quartet of stunning saves and Cristiano Ronaldo rattled the Gunners' crossbar.

In addition, Ryan Giggs had a goal controversially disallowed for offside on his 800th appearance, meaning Arsenal headed home glad to still have a chance of reaching Rome on May 27.

However, having indicated on Tuesday a single-goal victory and a clean sheet would represent a perfect result, Ferguson got exactly what he wanted and his side must be favourites to get through.

A game of pure football had been expected after the sterile affair in Catalonia on Tuesday night. The problem for Arsenal was only United produced it.

The first half-hour was as one-sided as a game at this level is possible to be.

With screening midfielders Alexandre Song and Abou Diaby failing completely to quell the tide of onrushing home players, Wenger's team were almost submerged before they had managed so much as a shot.

United would have been in front with only a minute on the clock had Almunia not managed to claw away a looping Wayne Rooney header that seemed destined to drop in.

It proved to be the sign of things to come for Arsenal, who were pulled apart at regular intervals, with Almunia resembling King Canute trying to hold back the tide.

The Spaniard pulled off two splendid stops in the space of a minute to deny Ronaldo.

His first was the pick, parrying a firm header from point-blank range after Carlos Tevez had crossed. A curling shot from the boot of the Ballon D'Or winner followed shortly afterwards which Almunia was also equal to.

It would be too simplistic to say Tevez was the catalyst for such relentless attacking.

However, it is undeniable the Argentinian triggered Saturday's amazing comeback against Tottenham and, surprisingly selected ahead of record signing Dimitar Berbatov, Tevez kept going exactly the same way.

It was a close-range effort from Tevez, saved by Almunia, that proved to be the prelude to United's opener.

Anderson's corner fell kindly for Michael Carrick at the far post, with the England star electing for a firmly driven cross into the six-yard box.

Against his former club, Mikael Silvestre was eager to make a positive impression. That did not include deflecting the ball to O'Shea.

Leaning back, the Irishman crashed his shot into the roof of Almunia's net.

O'Shea has form for that kind of thing. A couple of years ago, he scored a last-minute winner at Anfield and then smacked one in at Everton in what turned out to be a title-winning victory.

If Arsenal thought the second half at least gave them an opportunity to enjoy a more even share of possession and chances, they were mistaken.

A rocket shot from Ronaldo cannoned away for a corner off Silvestre, the same player also sliding in to clear a low Evra cross bound for Tevez.

Anderson blazed over from the edge of the area, which was perhaps no surprise given he has not scored for United in almost two years since arriving from FC Porto. Under the circumstances, it was probably just as well an offside flag had earlier been incorrectly raised against the Brazilian as he threatened to charge clear after collecting an O'Shea pass.

Having given so much, Tevez was not amused to be replaced by Berbatov midway through the second-half.

Not that a capacity crowd had much time to consider his reaction after a loud rendition of 'Argentina' that followed 'sign him up', a cry seemingly destined to go unheeded.

Attention was diverted by the thunderous 25-yard effort from Ronaldo that smacked into the crossbar as United strained every sinew in their search for a second.

In response, Cesc Fabregas was off target with a couple of half-chances, Emmanuel Adebayor's volley flew over and substitute Nicolas Bendtner might well have equalised with a header from the free-kick that caused the collision which forced Rio Ferdinand off with what seemed like a rib injury.

The sight of Ferdinand trying to get back on even though Jonny Evans had already replaced him, emphasised how much this means to United.

Arsenal will need to exceed that determination if they are to overhaul the deficit next week.

Champion's League: Disciplined Chelsea frustrate Barca

Semi Final Leg 1 Nou Camp
Barcelona 0 - 0 Chelsea

Chelsea's defensive discipline earned them a precious goalless draw against Barcelona to make them slight favourites to reach their second successive Champions League final.
Coach Guus Hiddink's pre-match prediction that the first leg of this semi-final tie would be saturated in goals proved incorrect as Chelsea put in a highly competent defensive shift.

Hiddink's tactic of giving holding roles to both John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack worked superbly and Lionel Messi was marked out of the contest by Jose Bosingwa.

Barca's strike force of Samuel Eto'o, Messi and Thierry Henry have scored 90 goals between them in all competitions so far this season.

But Henry proved to be Barca's real danger man when he twice forced Petr Cech into important saves in the opening half.

However, to a man, Chelsea were defiant and disciplined with full-backs Branislav Ivanovic and Bosingwa faultless while John Terry and Alex were solid as a rock.

Hiddink will be more than pleased with the night's work and Chelsea should have enough in their artillery to go on and finish the job in the return match next week.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric with the Nou Camp faithful in full voice.

The hosts almost grabbed an early lead when a free-kick from the left reached Samuel Eto'o at the far post after Cech misread the flight of the ball. However, the Cameroon striker's far-post header flashed across the face of the goal with Rafael Marquez unable to connect.

Cech was in trouble again in the 11th minute when he surprisingly opted to punch clear a cross by Eric Abidal.

Luckily for the Czech, none of the Barcelona forwards were quick enough to capitalise on his error.

But Barcelona soon gained control of the midfield and when Messi slipped Daniel Alves clear, the full-back's dangerous low cross was cleared decisively by Alex.

Moments later, Eto'o tried his luck from 20 yards but his low drive was more than a little wayward and Cech was untroubled by his effort.

Barcelona pegged Chelsea back with a series of corners as the half-hour approached.

Chelsea's defence repelled the danger every time but the Blues were forced to camp in their own half as Barcelona looked for an opening.

In the 28th minute Xavi almost broke the deadlock with a long-range drive that flashed past Cech's right-hand upright.

Moments later Ballack was booked for a foul on Henry but the Barca player certainly made the most of it as he rolled on the ground as though he had been shot.

In the 31st minute though Henry was fit enough to unleash an angled drive that Cech gathered at the near post.

Cech pulled out another outstanding save to deny Henry again in the 34th minute as Barcelona continued to test Chelsea's defensive resolve at every opportunity.

Florent Malouda appeared to catch Alves in an off-the-ball incident and moments later the pair were involved in another spat which German referee Wolfgang Stark again chose to ignore.

But Chelsea should have been ahead when a dreadful back pass by Marquez put Didier Drogba clear in the 38th minute but the Ivorian's shot was twice saved superbly by Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Barcelona suffered a major blow in the 50th minute when Marquez went down clutching the back of his knee and was carried off with possible ligament damage. He was immediately replaced by Carles Puyol.

But the Catalans won a corner in the 58th minute from which Messi volleyed high over the crossbar from 20 yards.

But Chelsea's defending had been admirable from the kick-off and Hiddink's side showed no sign of capitulating.

Whenever the home side did break through they found Cech in their way. In the 61st minute he proved his worth yet again when he blocked a ferocious angled drive from Alves.

In the 67th minute the former Sevilla star sent a free-kick just over the crossbar and Cech denied Eto'o with a fabulous save when the Barca striker got free of Alex for the first time in the game in the 69th minute.

Frank Lampard was replaced by Juliano Belletti in the 71st minute as Chelsea looked to protect the stalemate.

Puyol was booked for a foul on Michael Essien in the 75th minute and the card rules him out of the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

But Barcelona substitute Bojan Krkic could have won the first leg for his side but he somehow headed a cross from Alves over the bar from point-blank range, and there was still time for fellow sub Alexander Hleb to be denied by another great save from Cech in stoppage time.

It was their last chance and it could have costly repercussions for Pep Guardiola and his side at Stamford Bridge next week.

Barca's Xavi: La Liga better than Premier League

Barcelona midfielder Xavi says the Primera Liga is better than England's Premier League and hopes his side can show it by going all the way in this season's Champions League.

The playmaker had played his whole career at the Nou Camp.
Barca were joined in the semi-finals by three English sides last season, only to be knocked out by eventual champions Manchester United over two legs and this time, three of the last four teams are the same. Like United and Chelsea, Barca have progressed to the semi-final stage once again, while Arsenal are the other side still left in the competition.

The Catalans beat Arsene Wenger's side in the final in 2006 to claim their last major trophy and could set up a repeat performance this time around. Indeed, to win the Champions league for only the third time in their history, Barcelona must overcome two English sides, starting with Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola's side meet the Londoners in the first leg on Tuesday and Xavi hopes his side can show that Spain's top flight is stronger than England's.

''There's not much between the two leagues but I think our league is stronger - it is better technically and there is more tactical order,'' he said on Monday. ''Maybe the Premier League wins in terms of intensity and rhythm.''

''And it's true that there are three English teams in the semi-finals, but we are not here by coincidence.''

Xavi, who began his career at the Catalan club playing alongside Guardiola, had just returned from a bad injury the last time Barcelona won the Champions League and watched on from the bench.

And despite featuring earlier on in the tournament that year, the Spain midfielder admits he is desperate to be involved in a Barca triumph this time around.

''I felt part of that win, but as a professional you want to be out there as a protagonist.

''It's a thorn in my side and I'm desperate for us to get there again so I can be part of it,'' he said.

Xavi believes his team are in better shape than this time last year.

''We are pressurising up front again, we are better tactically, we play with more intensity and more rhythm - and physically we are also better,'' he said.

But the midfielder, who has played a record 107 European games for Barcelona, believes the series will be decided at Stamford Bridge in two weeks.

''Whatever happens, it will be decided at Stamford Bridge... it's very difficult for a tie like this to be decided in the first match,'' he said.

Xavi praised Chelsea pair John Terry and Michael Essien, but hopes the Londoners will miss defensive duo Ricardo Carvalho (injured) and Ashley Cole (suspended).

He added: ''Essien is one of the best players in the world in his position - he's so good at breaking up play. Terry is one of the best defenders out there, he's an admirable footballer. Carvalho and Cole are notable absences, though, so let's hope they miss them.''

Had Cole been available, the left-back would have lined up against right winger Lionel Messi. Jose Bosingwa will now have that unenviable task, but Xavi believes the Argentina forward could be the key player in this tie.

''It's fantastic to have him in our squad and he could be the key man in this series.

''If we win titles and have success collectively, it will be easier for him to win awards like the FIFA World Player or the Golden Ball - he deserves them,'' he said.

Keita targets clean sheet to take to Chelsea

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has stressed the importance of not conceding a goal in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea at the Nou Camp.

In their last 11 games, Barca have kept eight clean sheets and Keita believes they need to do likewise tomorrow against a Chelsea team he admits are a "great side''.

"It's very important to win and not to let a goal in,'' said Keita.

Barca are in the midst of a hectic end to the season as they chase honours on three fronts.

Not only are they in the Champions League semi-finals, but they are four points clear at the top of the Primera Division summit with five games remaining and also in final of the Copa del Rey.

That means the Catalan giants have little respite between matches, but nevertheless Keita insists coach Pep Guardiola's preparations are still meticulous and they will know everything they need to know about Chelsea by the time they face Guus Hiddink's men.

"The coach does a great job in preparing for matches. We see a lot of their games and we analyse their weak points and the dangers they could pose to us,'' he said.

"They (Chelsea) are an opponent we know well, they are a great side. We've seen how they play in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

"They are a difficult team, with physically very strong players, and a team who are capable of causing you problems at any time.''

Barca's bid to win their first Primera Division title since 2006 suffered a setback on Saturday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Valencia, ending a run of seven successive league wins for Guardiola's side.

However, Barca are still in a strong position above arch rivals Madrid, and Keita insists the players remain in confident mood.

"The team is very calm because we are working well. We are only thinking of ourselves, it's not necessary to look at what Madrid are doing. If we do things well then in the end we will not have to suffer,'' he added.

Tomorrow's clash with Chelsea is not the only huge match Barca have this week.

On Saturday they must travel to the Bernabeu where they face second-placed Madrid in a match that could go a long way to deciding the Primera Division title.

Barca midfielder Xavi said on Catalunya Radio: "If we win at the Bernabeu, the league would be decided.

"We have the hope and the desire to win there, and sign off an excellent campaign for the team.

"We've worked hard to get where we are, we now have a key week for the Champions League and league.''

EPL: Fabregas brace denies brave Boro

Arsenal 2 - 0 Middlesbrough

Captain Cesc Fabregas scored both goals as Arsenal warmed up for their Champions League semi-final against Manchester United with a 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are now all but safe in fourth place following a run of 20 league matches without defeat.
Andrey Arshavin, who smashed in four goals at Liverpool in midweek, was again inspirational this afternoon, but will not be eligible for the European clash against holders United.
With leading scorer Robin van Persie still sidelined by a groin problem, the double salvo by Fabregas - subject to a misconduct charge by the Football Association in the fall-out from the FA Cup tie against Hull - and the return to fitness of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could not have come at a better time.
With such a vital Champions League tie only some 72 hours away, manager Arsene Wenger would have been forgiven if he had rested a couple of his key men today in front of the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson in the Emirates crowd.
However, Arsenal had named a strong starting XI and remained positive from the outset, with Theo Walcott - in his 100th appearance for the club - looking to get clear down the right and Arshavin deployed in a roaming role from the left.
The first opening came after eight minutes.
Walcott was sent clear by Fabregas, but Robert Huth, the former Chelsea defender, made a fine recovery tackle.
Arsenal continued to press Boro on the edge of the area, with full-back Kieran Gibbs almost getting on the end of Fabregas' pass at the near post.
Arshavin snatched possession some 18 yards out, but could not make enough space for a clean shot, and would perhaps have been better to play Fabregas in on the overlap down the left.
To their credit Boro continued to chase down the home side albeit without making too much impression in the opposition half.
The Gunners went ahead on 26 minutes. Nicklas Bendtner flicked the ball to Fabregas in the centre-circle, and the Arsenal captain immediately released Arshavin down the left. The Russian raced into the area before laying the ball back across into the path of the on-rushing Fabregas, who drilled his shot past Brad Jones, low in the far corner.
Arsenal looked for a second, and Walcott screwed a shot across the face of goal when a square pass to Bendtner in the centre looked the better option.
Almunia, fit again following an ankle problem, was called into action on 43 minutes when he saved Stewart Downing's 20-yard snap-shot at full strength, down to the left.
Arsenal made a change at the start of the second half when Mikael Silvestre, the ex-Manchester United defender, was replaced by Johan Djourou, fit again following a knee problem.
Boro almost snatched an equaliser when former Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere took a through ball on his chest and raced into the area, but Almunia was quick off his line to make a crucial block.
At the other end, Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue combined to tee-up Walcott six yards out, with Jones producing a quick reaction save.
In a warning for the hosts, Boro striker Marlon King fired an angled volley from Tony McMahon's cross goalwards which Almunia held, but on 67 minutes, the Gunners cut the visitors' defence open again.
Arshavin stepped inside to find a square pass to Eboue, who slid the ball through into the path of Fabregas.
Jones rushed out to close down the Arsenal captain, but was promptly rounded before Fabregas rolled the ball into the net.
With the points safe and one eye on next week's clash with United, Arsenal made a double change with 22 minutes left when Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Adebayor came on, replacing Fabregas and Walcott.
The Gunners played out the closing stages to record a first win over Boro since January 2006 to go into Wednesday's clash at Old Trafford full of confidence.

La Liga: Barcelona humble Sevilla

Andres Iniesta scored a sublime goal and had a hand in three more to inspire Barcelona to a 4-0 humbling of third-placed Sevilla in the Primera Liga on Wednesday.

Champions Real Madrid had upped the pressure with a comeback win over Getafe which halved Barca's advantage to three points but Pep Guardiola's side responded in style to move on to 81 with six matches left.

Sevilla's third straight defeat left them on 57, two ahead of fourth-placed Valencia who won 2-1 at Real Betis thanks to a clinical double from striker David Villa.

Guardiola left Argentine forward Lionel Messi out of his starting line-up at the Nou Camp and gave midfielder Iniesta room to roam in front of Xavi, Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita.

He responded by putting Barca in front after three minutes when he surged through the middle and curled a superb shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Javi Varas, standing in for the suspended Andres Palop.

Iniesta then exchanged passes with his Spain international colleague Xavi and squared the ball for Primera Liga top scorer Eto'o to drive in his 27th goal of the season off Varas on 17 minutes.

Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez brought striker Frederic Kanoute on after the break but the match was effectively over when Iniesta created space on the edge of the area for Xavi to stroke the ball high into the net on 49 minutes.

He capped a fabulous individual display five minutes later when he threaded a pass through for Thierry Henry to slide in Barca's fourth and was given a standing ovation when Aleksandr Hleb replaced him on the hour.

Another dominant home performance by Barca put them a step closer to a first league title in three years and gave them a boost before their Champions League semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Tuesday.

EPL: Arshavin hits four

Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Four goals from Andrey Arshavin put a huge dent in Liverpool's Barclays Premier League title hopes as Arsenal drew 4-4 at Anfield.
The hosts went ahead of Manchester United on goal difference having come from behind three times, starting with Arshavin's first in the 36th minute.

Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun scored soon after the interval but three further goals from the Russian Gunner piled the pressure back on Rafael Benitez's side and even a second from Torres and an injury-time equaliser from Benayoun were not enough to force victory.

The result hands a huge advantage to United, who have two matches in hand with the first tomorrow at home to Portsmouth.

Liverpool were architects of their own downfall as the first three Arsenal goals came from mistakes.

It was almost a carbon copy of their Champions League exit against Chelsea a week ago when a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge saw them miss out on the semi-finals.

It was also not the first time Arsenal had done serious damage to a Liverpool title challenge, it being 20 years since Michael Thomas scored on this ground with the last kick of the season to deny the Reds the championship.

Torres and Albert Riera should have done better with their early efforts to test the fragile confidence of Lucasz Fabianski but both fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Javier Mascherano fired wide after 15 minutes as Arsenal were content to soak up what Liverpool had to offer and swiftly counter-attack when the chance arose.

Those occasions were few and far between and Fabianski, who had looked shaky on a couple of occasions, had to be at his best to tip over Torres' shot from the right angle of the penalty area.

Referee Howard Webb waved away Liverpool appeals in the 26th minute when Mikael Silvestre appeared to catch Dirk Kuyt on the edge of the area.

Arsenal's first chance came when they broke quickly from a Liverpool corner and Cesc Fabregas volleyed wide after Daniel Agger, making his 50th league appearance, had got in Jose Reina's way as he tried to punch clear.

A smart turn by Torres on Kolo Toure saw the Spain striker fire in a 25-yard shot which Fabianski could only parry but Silvestre cleared the danger.

Samir Nasri then had to clear off the line at the far post after Agger flicked on Xabi Alonso's right-wing corner before the Gunners hit their hosts with a sucker punch in the 36th minute.

Mascherano lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area and Fabregas exchanged passes with Nasri before crossing for Arshavin to fire home off the underside of the crossbar.

Benayoun immediately brought a diving save from Fabianski and then headed over as Liverpool piled on the pressure leading up to the interval without reward.

Liverpool realistically had 45 minutes to keep their season alive and that realisation brought the equaliser within four minutes of the restart.

Alvaro Arbeloa's cross was poorly dealt with by Bacary Sagna and Kuyt collected the ball, got to the byline and crossed for Torres to head low into the left corner of Fabianski's goal.

Seven minutes later they were ahead. Fabianski and Kieren Gibbs both messed up their clearances and Kuyt crossed to the far post where Benayoun headed in.

The goalkeeper claimed to have clawed the ball out but it was clearly over the line.

In the 65th minute Arsene Wenger brought on Theo Walcott for Denilson to try to get back in the game but it was another mistake which brought their equaliser.

Arbeloa could not control Jamie Carragher's downward defensive header and Arshavin nipped in to fire past Reina's outstretched left hand.

Incredibly for a team which had conceded just eight goals in 16 home league matches a third error handed Arsenal the lead again.

Fabio Aurelio played a left-wing cross straight to Arshavin 10 yards out and he drilled a shot under Reina for his hat-trick in the 70th minute.

Amazingly Liverpool were level again two minutes later when Torres controlled Riera's cross, turned Silvestre and fired past Fabianski.

Torres had a header cleared off the line by Gibbs from Alonso's corner with nine minutes to go and Carragher fired over from Aurelio's cross as Liverpool desperately pushed for the winner.

And that cost them as Walcott broke from a corner and played in Arshavin to score his fourth in injury time.

Benayoun bundled home an equaliser even later on but it was too late to force a victory.

Toure: Young Gunners will learn from loss

ARSENAL 1-2 CHELSEA
FA Cup Semi Final

Kolo Toure believes Arsenal's youngsters can only get stronger from the experiences of their Wembley FA Cup semi-final heartbreak against Chelsea.


The Gunners - forced to field a makeshift defence - came off second best against a determined Blues side, driven on by England midfielder Frank Lampard who turned in a man-of-the-match display.

It had, though, been a positive start from Arsene Wenger's side, who took the lead through Theo Walcott's strike on 18 minutes.

However, that was as good as it got for Arsenal, with Florent Malouda equalising before half-time and then, just six minutes from time, Didier Drogba sealing a return to Wembley for Chelsea on May 30 as he capitalised on a rush of blood from Poland keeper Lukasz Fabianski, who endured a 24th birthday to forget.

Toure, however, believes such trials can serve to galvanise players for the challenges ahead.

"You can only learn from these types of games, because they are so intense," said the 28-year-old centre-back.

"When you make some mistakes, they can cost you, which is what happened against Chelsea.

"We will just have to try not to do that again."

Toure is the last remaining regular from Wenger's Invincibles side which went undefeated for the entire 2003/2004 campaign.

The Ivory Coast defender, though, feels the latest generation of promising talent can go on to fulfil their undoubted potential.

"This can be just the start for this team, because there are some really good players coming through," said Toure.

"The season started really badly, but we have come back very well.

"We hope to keep going now and improve the way we are playing."

Arsenal still have plenty to focus on during the closing weeks of the campaign.

Wenger takes his men to Anfield on Tuesday looking to extend their unbeaten Premier League run from 18 matches with a victory which would both dent Liverpool's title hopes and cement Arsenal's place in the top four.

Toure believes having such an important match so quickly in what is a hectic month ahead will help quickly consign their Wembley defeat to history.

"The good thing is that we only have a couple of days to get this loss off our back," he said.

"We will head to Liverpool on Tuesday and look to get the three points.

"Our target is now the league and Europe. We will stay focused for that.

"We just have to put all this to the back now and focus on the next game."

Arsenal will hope full-back Bacary Sagna can have shaken off the virus which ruled him out of the last two matches to be fit to travel to Liverpool.

However, leading scorer Robin van Persie, replaced in the second half at Wembley, will be assessed after appearing to aggravate his groin problem.

Clip of the Day: Awesome Guitar Drifting by Andy Mc Kee

Here's among the creative guitar piece I ever heard!

Wait till I get my Mark & Luther!

Champion's League: Excellent Arsenal set up all-English semi

Arsenal 3 - 0 Villarreal

2ND LEG: 4 - 1 (Agg)

Arsenal have been portrayed as a club in crisis this season but they are now in the Champions League semi-final after sweeping past Villarreal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie were on the scoresheet as Arsene Wenger's youngsters defied their injury worries in defence to wrap up the tie 4-1 on aggregate within an hour.

The Spaniards had Sebastian Eguren dismissed, and the hosts were then able to conserve energy for their FA Cup clash against Chelsea at the weekend.

If they win at Wembley there will be genuine hope of getting something out a season where many predicted them to slip out of the traditional top four in England.

Wenger himself admits he has been amazed by how his young players have gone 18 Barclays Premier League games without defeat - and this performance will have impressed him too.

But nothing has been easy at Arsenal this season. Earlier in the campaign William Gallas was stripped of the captaincy, now Wenger is desperately short on numbers in at the back.

Ahead of this clash, Bacary Sagna was taken ill, meaning an entire back four was missing as Arsenal protected their slender away-goals advantage.

Kolo Toure held together a defence that contained Emmanuel Eboue at right-back, Kieran Gibbs at left-back and inexperienced Lucasz Fabianski in goal.

Villarreal had problems of their own, with Marcos Senna, the cornerstone of their midfield, out injured.

They did have Robert Pires stationed on the left flank, meaning it was Arsenal's past versus the club's future, as Walcott was raiding down the right.

It was a fascinating clash, with Walcott almost putting the ball out of play early on when Pires picked up a knock, only to carry on with the ball to set up an attack.

The 20-year-old showed his ruthless side again when he netted the opener in the 10th minute.

Eboue slipped the ball forward from the right, Cesc Fabregas' flick allowed Walcott to run through on goal, with the England winger chipping home high over goalkeeper Diego Lopez.

It was reward for Arsenal's bright start after Van Persie went close with a header that cleared the crossbar and a long-range effort that Lopez gathered at the second attempt.

The hosts were inches from adding a second goal after Van Persie's powerful free-kick was saved by Lopez. Adebayor's follow-up header got deflected on target but Gonzalo Rodriguez hacked off the line.

All eyes were on the assistant referee but it would have been the tightest of calls if he had flagged for a goal.

The equation for Villarreal shifted only slightly - they still needed a goal.

Diego Godin had given Wenger's side an early scare when he got on the end of Giuseppe Rossi's free-kick and forced Fabianski into a save with his scissor-kick.

The visitors then caused some nervous moments in Arsenal's defence before the break, with Rossi getting sight of goal at the near post before the hosts scrambled clear.

Pires also had a shot blocked from the edge of the area, while Godin headed over from a corner in first-half stoppage-time.

Manuel Pellegrini's men sensed that it was their time to apply pressure on Arsenal's makeshift defence. It meant all hands on deck for Wenger's makeshift back line.

Arsenal's best option was to counter attack. Van Persie was making runs from deep to cause Villarreal problems, with Godin picking up a booking for stopping one run.

No opponent got close enough to Van Persie on the hour mark and he sent through Adebayor, who took one touch before finishing past Lopez with the outside of his boot.

The third came from Van Persie's penalty and also saw Eguran dismissed.

Godin took Walcott's legs away in the penalty area but escaped a second booking for the offence. Eguran, who got a yellow card in the first half, got another caution for dissent and then disgracefully put his hands on the referee while protesting more. Van Persie kept his nerve and fired in the spot-kick.

Wenger's goalscorers were then given a breather to rest for the battles ahead.

Champion's League: Keita kills off Bayern hopes

Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Barcelona

2ND LEG: 1 - 5 (Agg)

Bayern Munich shared a 1-1 draw with Barcelona to partly make up for a crushing defeat in Spain last week - but they were still eliminated from the Champions League 5-1 on aggregate.
Franck Ribery gave Bayern the lead in the 47th minute, but Barca hit back with Seydou Keita's drive restoring parity in the 73rd minute.

It was always going to take a miracle for Bayern to overturn the substantial 4-0 deficit in front of their own fans at the Allianz Arena and, as expected, it proved to be a bridge too far for the Bundesliga side.

Bayern made four changes to the team which crashed to defeat in Spain last week with Lucio and Philipp Lahm reinforcing the defence in place of Breno and Massimo Oddo, while Jose Ernesto Sosa started on the wing for Hamit Altintop and Andreas Ottl took over from Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Barcelona lost Thierry Henry to a fever with Keita given the nod. Eric Abidal took the place of the suspended Rafael Marquez.

If Bayern were going to make a game of it, it was imperative they scored early on and they had the chance to do so in the sixth minute when Sosa robbed Abidal and swung in a tempting cross which Luca Toni unconvincingly flicked wide from eight yards.

Toni had the ball in the back of the net a minute later, but the linesman's flag had long since been raised to deny him.

Italy international Toni then turned provider for Franck Ribery to fire just over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area as the home side made a bright start.

Barca needed time to get into the game, but their first spell of pressure coincided with several incursions from Messi.

He set up Samuel Eto'o in the 34th minute, but the Cameroon international's shot was blocked by Lucio.

Daniel Alves then shot over the crossbar before Martin Demichelis made a crucial sliding challenge to deny Messi.

Bayern weathered the first storm adequately and returned to the other end for Toni to blaze his angled drive over the crossbar after being fed by Van Bommel.

And the hosts went ahead two minutes into the second half when Ze Roberto slid a pass into the path of Ribery, who shifted the ball onto his preferred right foot and fired high into Victor Valdes' goal.

Even though their overall advantage was barely dented by the goal, Barca's pride was still at stake and they showed they did not want to be beaten on the night.

They had an appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Roberto Rosetti when Mark van Bommel used his strength to barge Andres Iniesta to the ground.

A skilful exchange of passes led to Barca's equaliser in the 73rd minute as their slick one-touch football carved open the Bayern defence with Keita providing the finish from 25 yards.

Iniesta, Eto'o and Xavi Hernandez all combined to provide Keita with the chance to put the tie beyond any doubt and set up a semi-final meeting with Chelsea for Pep Guardiola's men.

Champion's League: Wenger demands positive performance

Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal to take charge of their own destiny in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final against Villarreal.

The Gunners are in the driving seat after Emmanuel Adebayor's away goal earned them a 1-1 draw at El Madrigal last week.

A goalless draw at the Emirates would be enough to seal Arsenal a place in the semi-finals.

But Wenger insisted: ''We know we are in a situation where we don't want to be tentative at all. We want to be decisive but you can only do that if you decide to play in a very positive way.

''I don't believe that we are a team who can play for 0-0, that's not our natural way.''

He added on the Arsenal website: ''I don't expect any weaknesses from them. I expect some strength from us to say: 'Listen, we have the opportunity to get to the semi finals, let's take it'.

''I am confident we will and we have the quality needed to do that but you know from their game that they can be dangerous as well.''

Malaysian club hit with season-long home ban

Malaysian soccer club Kelantan have been given an unprecedented season-long home ban by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM), following fan violence at their Kota Baru stadium.


The north-eastern club was also fined a total of 90,000 ringgit ($24,970) for disturbances in two matches against Negri Sembilan on March 31 in the Super League and last Tuesday in the FA Cup semi-final first leg at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium.

FAM disciplinary board chairman Kamaruddin Abdullah said the club would also have to foot the cost of all damages.

"We view the incidents seriously. They are repeated offences," Malaysia's Star newspaper quoted Kamaruddin as telling a news conference.

The decision marked a first for FAM, who have previously ordered teams to play a limited number of matches at neutral venues but never for the rest of a season.

Kelantan have eight remaining home fixtures in the Super League in addition to three preliminary round home matches in the Malaysia Cup.

FAM secretary-general Azzuddin Ahmad said the ban was a bid to prevent a repeat of Tuesday's incident when several vehicles were damaged while a police four-wheel drive was overturned and set ablaze.

"We believe this decision was the best in light of the circumstances. The home ban applies to all FAM-sanctioned tournaments," he told the New Straits Times newspaper.

Champion's League: Messi stars in rout

Barcelona 4 - 0 Bayern Munich

Barcelona took a giant step towards the semi-finals of the Champions League as they thrashed Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Nou Camp.
Barca's rampant strikeforce did the damage in a completely one-sided first half.

The Catalans raced into a two-goal lead within 12 minutes as Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o struck early on.

And the locals' dominance brought two more goals before half-time, with Thierry Henry setting up Messi for his second seven minutes before the break and then slotting home a fourth himself just before the interval.

Bayern had advanced to the quarter-finals in style, thrashing Sporting Lisbon 12-1 on aggregate to seal a spot in the last eight.

But Jurgen Klinsmann's side have been less impressive in the Bundesliga.

They came into this match in fourth place and on the back of a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Following that disappointment, Klinsmann opted to drop goalkeeper Michael Rensing, while Philip Lahm remains short of fitness and was left on the bench.

With striker Miroslav Klose out injured and Lukas Podolski set to leave the club at the end of the season, Bayern began with Italy striker Luca Toni alone up front.

But Barcelona, with only Eric Abidal missing from their strongest XI, fielded a customary attack-minded line-up.

With Xavi and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield and Messi, Eto'o and Henry causing havoc up front, Pep Guardiola's side soon took control of the game.

Henry almost put the home side in front after six minutes, but the former Arsenal man saw his shot cleared off the line by Martin Demichelis.

That was a warning for Bayern and three minutes later, Barca went in front.

The Catalans tore the visitors' defence apart with a flowing move and Eto'o set up Messi, who drilled a neat finish past Hans-Jorg Butt to open the floodgates.

And three minutes later, Messi returned the compliment as he slid a deadly ball into the path of Eto'o and the Cameroon striker clinically slotted past the helpless Butt.

Messi should have had a penalty five minutes later when he was brought down in the box by Christian Lell.

But instead, the Argentina forward received a booking for his troubles as the Nou Camp roared with disapproval.

Henry then drilled a shot just wide, but the flag was already up for offside and his effort would not have counted.

The France striker was a constant threat to the Bayern defence and he set up Barca's third seven minutes before the break.

Henry beat his marker for pace on the left and flashed a low centre across the six-yard box which Messi poked home with his outstretched right leg to give Barcelona a three-goal lead.

And two minutes before the break, the Catalans scored again.

Messi charged in from the right flank and laid the ball off to Eto'o, who in turn found Henry and the unmarked Frenchman slid a low angled drive into the bottom right-hand corner to virtually seal Barca's passage to the semi-final within just 45 minutes.

Bayern were also lucky not to go down to 10 men as former Barca midfielder Mark Van Bommel got away with a cynical elbow on Messi just before Henry slotted home.

Iniesta then miscued a shot from six yards out as the locals threatened to go five ahead before the break.

And their dominance continued after the interval.

Messi's shot was pushed onto the woodwork by Butt just short of the hour-mark and Iniesta drilled an effort wide of the target with 12 minutes left.

At the other end, Carles Puyol's last-ditch tackle had denied Ze Roberto shortly before that.

But in truth, Bayern had not been in the game and a goal would have been flattering to the Germans.

Iniesta was denied by Butt late on and Messi's injury-time effort was bizarrely kept out by his own team-mate Seydou Keita, hitting the Cameroon midfielder in the face and ending up out of play.

Rafa Marquez forced a booking late on and will miss the return leg in Munich, but Barcelona should now progress to the semi-finals for the second year running to face either Liverpool or Chelsea.

And it looks as if another grudge tie with the Londoners is on the cards after Guus Hiddink's side triumphed 3-1 at Anfield.

Champion's League: Adebayor stunner secures draw

Villarreal 1 - 1 Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor netted a crucial away goal as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at El Madrigal.
The Togo striker made it three in two games, and five in this European campaign, with a stunning scissor-kick after 66 minutes to cancel out an equally impressive opener from home captain Marcos Senna.

Arsene Wenger's side lost both goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre-back William Gallas to injury during the first half, but rallied to secure what could prove to be a decisive result to defend at Emirates Stadium next Wednesday night.

The last time Arsenal played at the intimidating Spanish ground was three seasons ago when a dramatic late penalty save from Jens Lehmann guided them through to the European Cup final.

While that journey ultimately ended in defeat to Barcelona, there is growing belief Rome in 2009 could just prove the coming of age for Wenger's young Gunners.

Villarreal have never lost at home in the Champions League and kept holders Manchester United to a goalless draw earlier this season.

So it was no surprise the hosts settled quickly.

There was a goal-mouth scramble following a corner when Gael Clichy cleared off the line and Almunia smothered the loose ball as defender Gonzalo Rodriguez looked to capitalise.

Villarreal then took the lead in stunning fashion after 10 minutes.

The ball was worked down the right before being passed inside to Senna. The skipper took aim and drilled a wonderful 25-yard strike past Almunia into the top corner, setting El Madrigal alight.

Arsenal looked to respond immediately and forced a couple of corners.

A smart turn and run by Theo Walcott fed Cesc Fabregas, who slipped Samir Nasri, replacing the cup-tied Andrey Arshavin, in on the left side of the area.

The Frenchman's angled drive was pushed around the post by Diego Lopez.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 27 minutes when Almunia, who sustained an ankle injury in the early goal-line scramble, was replaced by Lukasz Fabianski.

The young Pole was immediately called into action, first saving low to his left from Senna and then producing a good reaction block at the near post to deny Joan Capdevila.

The visitors had some good spells of neat passing but were unable to make the best of promising positions.

After 38 minutes, Villarreal were awarded a free-kick when Alex Song tripped Giuseppe Rossi, once a Manchester United player, just outside the penalty area, the Arsenal midfielder booked.

Gallas was then clattered by the falling striker and had to be carried off on a stretcher for treatment, eventually being replaced by Johan Djourou.

Ariel Ibagaza struck the free-kick off the bottom of the wall.

Cani then shot wide as the Spaniards pressed for a second.

In stoppage time, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick in a central position after Adebayor went down in between two defenders.

Fabregas took his shot early, rolling the ball into the net, but the quick effort was ruled out by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and the Arsenal captain was shown a yellow card.

Kolo Toure's strike was then blocked by the wall.

As the hour mark approached, it was continuing to be a night of frustration for the Barclays Premier League side, who had been on a decent run of form heading into the game.

Walcott floated a ball in from the right, which Adebayor glanced wide.

Then, out of nothing, the big striker struck a superb equaliser to stun the home crowd in the 66th minute.

There seemed little danger when Fabregas, who set up both Adebayor's goals against Manchester City on Saturday, lofted a high ball into the Villarreal penalty area.

Even though surrounded by three markers and with his back to goal, Adebayor collected the ball on his chest before dispatching a brilliant scissor-kick into the far corner.

Nasri drilled wide as Arsenal went looking for a second.

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires was introduced, to a warm reception from the travelling fans, for the final 21 minutes, replacing Joseba Llorente.

Walcott blazed over after being played in on the right of the penalty area by Fabregas, before he was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue.

There was still some defending to do for the Gunners as Rossi looked to get on the end of a near-post cross before Senna almost netted another 25-yard effort.

But Arsenal remained strong under intense late pressure to give themselves every chance in the second leg.