ESB Archive: November 28, 2004

Today's Results

English Premiership
English FA Cup
Spanish Primera Liga
Italian Serie A
German Bundesliga
French Ligue 1
Scottish Premier League
Dutch Eredivisie
And more...

AC Milan battles back to beat Parma 2-1; Adriano's hat trick leads Inter

ROME (AP) - Kaka and Andrea Pirlo both scored in the last eight minutes to rally AC Milan to a 2-1 victory at rainy Parma on Saturday and move it within a point of Serie A leader Juventus.In the night match, Adriano scored a hat trick in the first half of Inter Milan's 5-0 win against Messina, moving the Brazilian's club into fourth place.

Serie A scoring leaders

ROME (AP) - Leading scorers in Italy's Serie A following Saturday's Round 14 matches (penalties in parentheses):
Adriano 13 Vincenzo Montella 11 Andriy Shevchenko 9 (1) Valeri Bojinov 8 Majuro Esposito 7

French Soccer Results

PARIS (AP) - Results Saturday from the 17th round of the French first division soccer league

Spanish leader Barcelona crushes Malaga 4-0

MADRID, Spain (AP) - Samuel Eto'o scored twice Saturday to help FC Barcelona beat lowly Malaga 4-0 and extend its lead in the Spanish league to 10 points.

Leading English goalscorers

LONDON (AP) - Leading English goalscorers after Saturday's matches (league goals in parentheses):
Thierry Henry16 (13) Ruud van Nistelrooy12 (4)
Jermain Defoe11 (6) Milan Baros 10 (7) Alan Shearer 10 (5)

Leading season scorers in the Bundesliga

Leading season scorers in the Bundesliga after Saturday's 16th round matches
Marek Mintal, Nuremberg, 13. Delron Buckley, Bielefeld, 10. Miroslav Klose, Bremen, 10.

Real's having Villarreal for supper

REAL MADRID'S players went out for dinner this week and made Michael Owen pay.It's a Madrid tradition that for the first team dinner of the season, the new boys at the club pick up the tab and, so, Owen, Walter Samuel and Jonathan Woodgate paid for 30 squad members

Robinho assures Real Madrid despite Chelsea interest

Robinho was on the phone to Perez assuring him that Real Madrid will be the club he joins after Santos.

Fergie Targets New Year Title Tilt

Alex Ferguson has targeted a New Year title battle after watching his side ease to a 3-0 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford.

Munoz goal helps Valencia edge Albacete

MADRID, Spain (AP) - Xisco Munoz scored a late goal Saturday to earn Valencia a 1-0 win over Albacete in the 14th round of the Spanish league, lifting the defending champion into third place and extending its unbeaten run to four.

Milan leave it late, close on Juve

A late surge from Milan took them to within a point of leaders Juventus as the rossoneri saw off battling Parma 2-1 on Saturday. Kaka struck nine minutes from time to cancel out Alberto Gilardino's 67th-minute opener, before Andrea Pirlo rifled home a last-minute shot. Inter face Messina at 20:30CET

Man Utd 3-0 Southampton: FT Report

Ryan Giggs rolled back the years at Old Trafford, producing a mesmerising display of dribbling skills to keep Manchester United in the Premiership title race in a 3-0 win over Southampton.

Bayern pegged back by Nürnberg, Leverkusen win

Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern München were held 2-2 at 1. FC Nürnberg as both teams finished with ten men, on a day when Werder Bremen and Hertha BSC Berlin each won 6-0.

Premiership round-up

Arsenal 3-0 Birmingham: FT Report

Questioning Thierry Henry is a dangerous business for any pundit and the Frenchman answered his critics in style as he combined with Robert Pires to haul Arsenal out of their slump as the Gunners routed Birmingham 3-0.

Roma talks rumble on for Cassano

The agent of AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano was in Trigoria on Thursday, fueling speculation of new contract talks.

Chelsea 4-0 Newcastle

Frank Lampard inspired rampant Chelsea to produce a powerful second-half display and strengthen their grip at the top of the Premiership.

Capello Announces Juve To Go Against Fair-Play Rules

Juventus coach Fabio Capello shockingly announced the Bianconeri will not kick the ball out of play when an adversary is on the ground.

Croatia’s Big Derby Preview: Hajduk Split-Dinamo Zagreb

Around 30,000 fans are expected to attend the biggest Croatian football derby on Sunday when Hajduk Split host Dinamo Zagreb at the Poljud Stadium.

Ferguson aims to step up pressure

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his Manchester United players to put pressure on league leaders Chelsea.

Liga: Day 14

Real Madrid head to Villarreal without a string of first-choice players as they keep one eye on next week's decisive Champions League clash against Roma. Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Raul will all sit out the Liga game, leaving the door open for Santiago Solari, Raul Bravo and Michael Owen.

Serie A Preview: Inter-Messina

For the umpteenth time this season Inter will seek the rare joy of a victory when they host Messina at the San Siro stadium on Saturday night.

Inter Milan's Recoba "interested" in Palermo

The Uruguay international is wanted on-loan to the end of the season by Palermo, though Inter won't make a decision until the transfer window opens in January.

Juventus keep tabs on Ajax defender Heitinga

The 21 year-old is being considered by Juve director general Luciano Moggi for next season as he and coach Fabio Capello seek to overhaul the squad's defensive options.

Profile: Aimar

From Alfredo 'The Blond Arrow' Di Stefano on the bench to Mario 'The Bullfighter' Kempes and Claudio 'The Louse' Lopez on the pitch, Valencia have always looked to Argentina for inspiration.

Wenger warns Edu: Sign or be sold

Edu, whose contract expires at the end of this season, has so far failed to agree terms on a new deal with Arsenal amid reported interest from Barcelona.

Porto chairman detained in corruption case

The chairman of European champions Porto was detained for questioning on Friday as part of an investigation into alleged attempts to influence referees.
Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa arrived voluntarily at a courthouse to answer questions from police. He was formally detained on arrival.

Monaco records first Ligue 1 win in nine games

Shevchenko tipped for Ballon d'Or win

Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko will win the European Footballer of the Year award, according to reports in Italy. While the prize will be awarded on December 13th in France Football magazine, tgcom.it claims the Ukrainian has already had a photo shoot with the Ballon d'Or.

Blues duo scoop awards

Chelsea have been rewarded for their superb play during November with the Barclays Manager and Player of the Month awards.

All the latest gossip from Saturday's newspapers.

Desailly lauds Chelsea's new "rock" Terry

George Weah for President, Police suspects Liverpool Striker Cisse of robbery

Profile:Kalou, king of De Kuip

At 19 years old, Salomon Kalou is already on his way to becoming a household name in the Netherlands. The Ivory Coast-born player, the younger brother of AJ Auxerre's Bonaventure Kalou, has been the sensation of the season in the Eredivisie and has now proved his worth in the UEFA Cup too.

Global glory at stake for rivals

FIFA Futsal World Championship semi-final.Spain edge Brazil on Penalties, Italy defeats Argentina 7-4

Liverpool watch as Real Madrid's Morientes stays on bench

Fernando Morientes will again start this weekend's game for Real Madrid from the bench.For Real's clash with Villarreal, coach Mariano Garcia Remon has chosen to rotate his squad, but with the exception of a frustrated Morientes.

Vicente sweats on injury

Valencia winger Vicente looks set to turn to Belgian specialist Marc Martens in a bid to overcome his persistent ankle injury, but admits the problem is a major worry.

Barca target PSG star

Paris Saint Germain striker Danijel Ljuboja has emerged as a surprise target for Barcelona.

El Moro close to Monaco move

It has been reported in France that Real Madrid and Monaco are close to sealing a deal that would see Fernando Morientes return to the Ligue 1 outfit on loan.

Results for Friday December 3, 2004

Results for major tournaments in Europe.

Adriano: Serie A pressure too high

Inter striker Adriano has confessed that the pressure of Serie A football is preventing the club's players from producing their best form. The Italian giants have drawn a staggering eleven on their thirteen league games, a run that has virtually ruled them out of the championship race.

Larsson Surgery 'Successful'

Barcelona have reported that Henrik Larsson's operation on his injured knee has gone very well at the clinic in Colorado.

Morientes' Agent Denies Monaco Deal

Fernando Morientes' agent has denied that the Spanish striker has agreed a deal to return to Monaco on loan for the rest of the season.

Atléti Boss Admires Gronkjaer and Petrov

Atlético Madrid boss César Ferrando has admitted he is a fan of Jesper Gronkjaer and Martin Petrov, but whether the club sign them is not down to him.

Wenger hopes for end to 'crisis'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted the Gunners are in the middle of a 'crisis', but backed his players to battle out of their mediocre form.

Eriksson eyes Brazil and Sweden

Sven-Goran Eriksson says he would like to coach Brazil or Sweden after his England contract ends in 2008.

Owen: My goals do the talking

England striker Michael Owen says he is content to do his talking on the pitch and hope that his prolific scoring record will eventually earn him a place in Real Madrid's starting line-up.

La Liga Preview: Barcelona v Málaga

Owen Admits He Is A Sloppy Student

Michael Owen maybe the most effective striker in Spain, but he admitted that he not a very good student.

Stankovic Confident Of Win

Dejan Stankovic is optimistic that the Nerazzurri will finally break the jinx which has been on them for the past 7 league games and win their next Serie A match against Messina on Saturday night.

Roma Starlet Aquilani: We Will Beat Real

Redondo predicts Real glory

Ex-Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo has backed his former club to claim at least one piece of major silverware this term.

Benitez unconcerned by Morgan move

Nedved In Doubt For Lazio Game

Serie A Preview: Parma-Milan

Serie A Preview: Round 14

Spain is not a racist country, says Zidane

Prem Preview : Man United-Southampton

The countdown to Christmas has begun and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that his team get into the festive mood a little early with a good win against visiting Southampton.

Batistuta Confirms Barca Talks

In a brief statement handed out to the Argentine press, Gabriel Omar Batistuta confirmed he is negotiating with Barcelona for a sensational January move to the Nou Camp.

Serie A round-up: Caso facing Lazio exit

Domenico Caso's reign at Lazio may soon be coming to a close...Juve are livid they threw away three points against Inter in Sunday night's classic...while Atalanta boss Andrea Mandorlini says he is confident of staying put at the rock-bottom club.

Serie A Round-up: Tommasi in training

Roma midfielder Damiano Tommasi has kicked a football for the first time since the summer after recovering from knee ligament damage sustained in a pre-season friendly. However, the 30-year-old still faces another four months on the sidelines before he makes returns to full competition in April.

Serie A Round-up: Bojinov extends Lecce deal

Teenage sensation Valeri Bojinov has signed a new contract with Lecce, running until 2009. He is the club's third player to sign this week after Christian Ledesma and Cedric Konan. The 18-year-old is one of the most coveted players in Europe, and is widely expected to leave at the end of the season.

Thuram: Chemistry the key to Juve revival

Juventus lynchpin Lilian Thuram says the Parma connection is a key reason for the club's new-found defensive solidity. Thuram, goalkeeper Gigi Buffon and Juve new boy Fabio Cannavaro all played in the formidable Parma defence of the late 1990s, and are recreating that chemistry in Turin.

Ferguson demands clarity from FA

Ferguson learned yesterday that his call for action to be taken against Arsenal's Robin van Persie for apparently elbowing at United winger Kieran Richardson during Wednesday's Carling Cup tie had been ignored by Soho Square officials.

Ferguson questions Carroll agents

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested that Roy Carroll is getting bad advice after the goalkeeper rejected a new deal.

YOU DESERVE THE FLAK, PORTO TELL MOURINHO

JOSE MOURINHO last night came under attack from former club Porto five days before Chelsea play them in a Champions League grudge clash.

HIGHBURY CRISIS: Arsenal boss comes out fighting

ARSENE WENGER last night delivered a stinging put-down to Chelsea by claiming their five-point Premiership lead is down to Arsenal's failings rather than improvement under Jose Mourinho.

Lopez desperate for Lazio return

Hertha Berlin make mega offer to Celtic's Hartson

Hertha Berlin are tabling a mega bucks offer to Celtic striker John Hartson.The big Welshman is off contract in the summer and is also attracting interest from Fulham, Blackburn and PSG.

Bruce: Gronkjaer can go

Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that Jesper Gronkjaer will be allowed to leave the club.

Lotito Blasts Lazio Players

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has hit out at his players after they were eliminated from the Uefa Cup following a 2-2 draw with Egaleo.

Tevez signs for Corinthians

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has completed his $18 million move from Boca Juniors to Brazilian side Corinthians. The deal is a record for a Brazilian club.

Article: A mystery wrapped in an enigma

If last season's UEFA Champions League had gone with group stage form, AC Milan would have been crowned champions for the seventh time, FC Porto would have been knocked out in the first knockout round and José Mourinho would never have become Chelsea FC manager.

Newcastle Turn To Depor’s Caesar

Deportivo La Coruna centre-back Caesar has emerged as a target for Newcastle as they bid to replace the departed Jonathan Woodgate.

Wenger considers moving for Petit

Arsenal could re-sign former star Emmanuel Petit on a short-term deal to ease the midfield crisis at Highbury.

Kleberson Out Until New Year

O'Leary throws down the gauntlet

Aston Villa manager David O'Leary has prepared for a daunting December schedule by challenging his players to prove last season was not a fluke.

Transfers are my domain, Jol insists

Tottenham head coach Martin Jol insists he will have the final say on bringing new faces to the club.

Gerrard set for advanced role

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard will have an attacking midfield role at Aston Villa tomorrow - solving Rafael Benitez' selection dilemma.

Woodgate is hopeful of returning to action in the New Year.

Article: £30M? I'LL MAKE IT LOOK A BARGAIN SAYS WAYNE ROONEY

WAYNE ROONEY believes his record-breaking £30million transfer fee will ultimately turn out to be a bargain for Manchester United

Mourinho not complacent

London - Jose Mourinho learned at a young age that no football manager can afford to take anything for granted.
With places in the knockout stage of the Champions League and the last four of the League Cup already assured, Chelsea entertain Newcastle on Saturday with a five-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Manchester United's Miller grateful for helping hands

note:few pop ups

McLeish: Rangers Still In Pole Position

Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes Rangers are still in position to qualify for the UEFA Cup knockout round.

Caparros Relieved By Sevilla's Qualification

Sevilla manager Joaquin Caparros was pleased with the Spanish club's 3-2 win over AEK in UEFA Cup Group H on Thursday.

Latest gossip from Friday's newspapers.

On Walter Smith, Jim Duffy , Ryan Giggs,Jean-Alain Boumsoung, Rafael Benitez, Damien Duff,Chris Powell,Jonathan Woodgate

Win Man City v Spurs tickets

Jon Macken and Shaun Wright-Phillips

Alonso opposed to groundshare

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the proposed groundshare between Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton would be a bad idea.

Feyenoord contemplating handing el Hamdaoui a spot in their squad.

Schalke's Kamphuis linked with Feyenoord

Hertha Berlin delight at Arne deal

Kaiserslautern to move for Ecuadorian midfielder Ayovi

Theo Zagorakis rubbishes Barca claims

The Greek star, who only joined Bologna in the summer, has been mooted as a target for the Catalans who are on the look-out for a defensive midfielder

Arsenal whiz Lupoli wants Napoli move

Bayern Munich's Hargreaves flattered by Man Utd interest

Zidane: No success will mean Real Madrid must change

Zidane: Figo deserves new Real Madrid deal

Duff praise for Mourinho

Bookies cry foul after betting 'scam' hits European football

Tunisia launch women’s football league

Article: Ethics are not really part of football mix

Now that we are all in agreement that Chelsea will win the Premiership title, it is time to address the infinitely more important question as to whether it is morally right.

Article:Managers And Internazionale

KING KAKA

Celtic face 'best Brazilian for 50 years' in Milan Euro crunch

Confident Kaka vows to keep the heat on Juve

Getafe to blacken faces

The row about racism in Spanish football has taken a bizarre twist, with La Liga club Getafe's president, Angel Torres, announcing that the whole first team would play their next home game, against Villarreal in 10 days, with their faces blackened with shoe polish, to "prove" that the club is not racially prejudiced.