Picture of the day: Cristiano Ronaldo battles during Manchester United's 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Chelsea 10 points clear

Chelsea look destined to become English champions for the first time in 50 years after a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur left them 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday. Rivals Arsenal could not match the performance as they bowed down to Bolton at the Reebok Stadium later on.

Portillo delighted with Real Madrid return

Striker Javier Portillo has returned to Real Madrid after cutting short his loan with Fiorentina.

Gravesen unable to turn down Real

Denmark international Thomas Gravesen says his decision to leave Everton midway through the season was not easy but that he could not turn down a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to join Real Madrid.

Today's scores Live

Champions eyeing second spot

Marco Di Vaio and Valencia bid to improve their Liga health as they chase second spot against Osasuna on Sunday. The champions can overtake Real Madrid and close to within four points of leaders Barcelona, who both play later.

Milan continue pursuit of leaders Juventus

AC Milan's pursuit of Serie A leaders Juventus is in danger of being derailed when they host third-placed Udinese on Sunday.

Benitez won't blame Dudek

Rafael Benitez tried to protect Jerzy Dudek but it must be almost impossible task given the Poland goalkeeper's continual mistakes in this high pressure collision of the two most successful club's in English football history.

Mobile phone thrown at Rooney

Police were investigating after a mobile phone was thrown on to the pitch after Wayne Rooney fired Manchester United ahead against Liverpool at Anfield.

Gerrard named player of the month

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been named Barclays Player of the Month for December.

Wenger: Edu must make mind up

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given contract rebel Edu a week to decide whether he wants to play again for the north London club.

Dudek howler hands United victory

Manchester United kept their title hopes alive with a deserved 1-0 win over lacklustre Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Totti shock: Roma tifosi pushing me out

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti has rocked the club by admitting fans could force him to quit at the end of this season.

Picture of the day: Gravesen in, Morientes out

Robben best since Cruyff, says Jol

Tottenham manager Martin Jol has described Chelsea's Arjen Robben as the best player to come out of Holland since Johan Cruyff.

Hierro stunned by Bolton axe

Fernando Hierro has spoken of his shock at being transfer-listed by Bolton.

Gravesen passes routine physical exam, signs with Real Madrid

Thomas Gravesen became Real Madrid's latest "galactic" acquisition on Friday, saying he was sad to leave English club Everton but delighted to join one of the world's great teams.

Maradona describes Greece's Euro 2004 triumph as miracle

"Miracles happen all the time and Greece did its miracle by winning the Euro 2004," Maradona said during his first visit to Greece in 17 years. "Greece beat them all and it's always good for football when small teams win titles."

Adidas back Yokohama bid for Del Piero

J-League club Yokohama Marinos are preparing a massive offer for Juventus attacker Alessandro del Piero.

Romario tells Pele to 'put a shoe in it'

Former Brazil World Cup forward Romario told Pele to put a shoe in his mouth on Friday after he suggested the 38-year-old should retire.

England: Jose unconcerned by FA's attention

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho today insisted that any punishment from the Football Association for his comments concerning Sir Alex Ferguson or the antics of his players would be unacceptable and unfair.

Fergie hits back at Chelsea criticism

Sir Alex Ferguson has attacked Jose Mourinho and Chelsea skipper John Terry in the wake of claims Manchester United 'cheated' their way to a Carling Cup draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Morientes: Owen signing was final straw

Fernando Morientes admits that the arrival of former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was the signing that finally signalled the end of his Real Madrid career.

Pires fined for kit violation, money given to tsunami relief efforts

Robert Pires was handed a 50,000 euro (US$66,000) fine by the French soccer federation on Friday for not wearing the national team sponsor's clothing in a television interview.

Real agree deal to sign Gravesen from Everton

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Everton to sign Danish international midfielder Thomas Gravesen, Spanish media reported on Thursday.

Picture of the day: Morientes officially signs with liverpool

Real Madrid win option on Liverpool's Gerrard

Real Madrid have secured first refusal on Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Marca says the agreement has been struck during negotiations over Fernando Morientes' £6.3 million move to Liverpool yesterday.

Coppa Italia Thursday Wrap: Goals Galore!

Incredible night of football as 24 goals were scored in just 4 spectacular matches which included the surprise elimination of league leaders Juventus at the hands of bottom placed side Atalanta.

PSG hit with sanction after fan violence

Paris Saint-Germain was ordered by the French soccer league on Thursday to play a game behind closed doors as punishment for fan violence at a home match last month.

Italian Cup results

Copa del Rey Results

Brazilian 'Pitbull' arrives for Porto talks

Brazilian striker Claudio 'Pitbull' Mejolaro arrived in Lisbon on Thursday to discuss a move to European champions Porto.

Juventus stopper Legrottaglie considers Villa, West Brom offers

The former Chievo stopper can be signed on-loan from Juve and is weighing up contract offers from West Brom and Aston Villa.

Juventus favourites to land Benfica's Miguel

The Portugal international has already been the subject of a £6.5 million offer from Juve and directors are confident a deal will be struck at the end of this season.

Portillo Returns To Real Madrid

Javier Portillo has had his loan spell at Fiorentina cut short as Real Madrid recalled the striker to replace Fernando Morientes.

Mourinho escapes FA rap

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has escaped punishment from the Football Association for his comments about referee Neale Barry.

Real keen to sign striker

Real Madrid general manager Emilio Butragueno has admitted that the club may recall striker Javier Portillo from his loan spell at Fiorentina, as they look to strengthen their strikeforce following the sale of Fernando Morientes to Liverpool.

Robinho staying put

Robinho has insisted that he is staying at Santos for the time being and is not moving to Real Madrid.

Tsunami benefit match to be played in Barcelona

The "Football for Hope" benefit match to help victims of the Asian tsunami will be played at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium on February 15, FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Bilbao and Numancia suffer in King's Cup

Primera Liga sides Athletic Bilbao and Numancia suffered narrow defeats against lower ranked opponents in the first legs of their third round King's Cup ties on Wednesday.

King's Cup third round, first leg results

Milan ease past Palermo into quarter-finals

AC Milan moved smoothly into the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup with a 2-0 win over Palermo at the San Siro stadium on Wednesday.

Mourinho blasts Fergie

Jose Mourinho has blasted Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson for influencing Carling Cup semi-final referee Neale Barry on Wednesday night.

Picture of the day: Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mikael Silvestre battle for possession during the Stamford Bridge stalemate.

Barcelona president Laporta: Iaquinta deal still on

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed their interest in Udinese striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Man Utd happy with stalemate at Chelsea

Manchester United midfielder Phil Neville says his team were happy to come away from Chelsea with a 0-0 draw in the first-leg of their Carling Cup semi.

Real in talks over Gravesen move

Real Madrid are closing in on a £2m deal for Everton's Thomas Gravesen after the Dane's agent travelled to Spain to hold talks about a move.

Solari denies Barca contact

Santiago Solari has rubbished talk that he is negotiating a move to Barcelona when his current deal at Real Madrid ends in June.

Mutu joins Juventus

Romania striker Adrian Mutu, currently serving a seven-month ban from the game and sacked by Chelsea after admitting charges of cocaine abuse, has signed a five-year contract with Turin giants Juventus. The ban lasts until May 18th, leaving Mutu just two Serie A matches of the 2004-2005 season.

Italy kicks off Euro 2012 bid

Italy kicked off its bid to host the 2012 European Championship on Wednesday, with officials warning the country will have to combat racism and violence to be in with a chance.

Ferguson dismisses prospect of a Chelsea clean sweep

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has written off Chelsea's chances of winning four trophies this season.

Mallorca signs Italy's Iuliano

Mallorca has signed Italian international defender Mark Iuliano from Juventus on a 2 1/2-year contract, news reports said Wednesday.

Arsenal ponder £17M bid for Chelsea, Man Utd target Essien

The Evening Standard says Essien has caught the eye of Gilles Grimandi, the former Arsenal defender who is now the club's scout in France, and is being monitored carefully.

Ranieri tips Chelsea for clean sweep

Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has tipped his old club to win an unprecedented quadruple this season.

Atletico fined after Carlos abuse

Atletico Madrid have been fined 600 euros (£420) for the racist chanting aimed at Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos during the La Liga derby.

CONFIRMED: REDS AGREE FEE WITH REAL

Liverpool Football Club can confirm that a fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the transfer of striker Fernando Morientes.

Beckham plea: Snub Kop, Morientes

David Beckham is eager for Liverpool target Fernando Morientes to stay at Real Madrid.'I hope we will see the best Beckham, it is important for me to work hard, it is difficult but I am very happy now.'

Today's scores Live

Picture of the day: Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring the goal that gave his Liverpool side a 1-0 lead, and ultimately the victory by the same score.

Coppa Italia Preview: Last Sixteen, Leg 2

The Coppa Italia returns with some of the big guns risking early elimination unless they manage to win their second legs

Geremi looks for move

Out-of-favour Chelsea player Geremi has asked the club to sell him, with Middlesbrough a likely destination for the Cameroon international.

Udinese reject Barcelona move for Iaquinta

Barca wanted to take the striker on-loan for the rest of the season, but the enquiry was politely turned down by Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo.

Reds 'very close' to Morientes

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed he is on the brink of completing the £6million signing of Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

Valencia confident of early deal for Arsenal's Edu

Valencia are waiting on negotiations between Edu and Arsenal.
The Spanish champs hope to sign the Brazil international this month, but much will depend on Edu negotiating a pay-off from the Gunners

Real Madrid GM Sacchi: Luxemburgo better than any galactico signing

Real Madrid GM Arrigo Sacchi says the club's recent management restructure is more beneficial to the team than any single player signing.

Lyon confirm interest in Real Madrid's Morientes

Beckham speaks Spanish

England captain David Beckham was given a spontaneous round of applause by journalists on Tuesday when he made his first attempt at speaking Spanish in public at a Real Madrid news conference.

Gerrard does the damage

Steven Gerrard's second-half goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over second division Watford in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday. The on-form England midfielder struck after 56 minutes, knocking in his fourth goal in nine games.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo: We're more organised under Luxemburgo

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo says he and his teammates can already notice the difference in methods between current coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo and predecessor Mariano Garcia Remon.

Lehmann critical of Wenger

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has criticised Arsene Wenger for saying the German might want to leave Highbury.

Real Madrid keeper Caesar unhappy with Liverpool terms

Real Madrid goalkeeper Caesar has rejected a contract offer from Liverpool, but remains in negotiations with the Premiership club.

Chelsea v Man Utd

Chelsea are without the suspended Arjen Robben, as well as the injured Robert Huth, Ricardo Carvalho and Scott Parker, and Mateja Kezman is a doubt.

Liverpool and Everton scrap plans to share stadium

Owen denies he will quit Real

Michael Owen has denied reports that he could be leaving Real Madrid.

Coach's role for Eriksson in all-star relief effort

David Beckham, Michael Owen and the stars of world football are set to be invited by the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, to play in a charity match to raise money for the countries affected by the Asian tsunami disaster after Sven Goran Eriksson volunteered to coach one of the teams.

DUO MAKE MIDO MOVES

Southampton and Tottenham are battling it out for Roma striker Mido.

AC Milan make contact for Everton's Gravesen?

Milan want to open talks with Gravesen over a Bosman deal at the end of this season when his contract at Everton expires.

Koeman: 'Ajax can claim trophy hat-trick'

Ajax Amsterdam coach Ronald Koeman said on Tuesday his club could still win three trophies this season despite a disappointing campaign for the Dutch champions. Koeman is confident his side can defend their domestic title and make up the five points to leaders AZ Alkmaar.

Injured D'Alessandro flies home early

Wolfsburg's Argentine international midfielder Andres d'Alessandro will fly home early from the club's Spanish training camp after his long-standing groin injury flared up again.

Today's scores Live

Picture of the day: Valencia's goal against Levante, good call

La Liga Round 18 goals

Zaragoza 1-0 Real Betis
Villareal 3-0 Barcelona
Valencia 2-1 Levante
Real Sociedad 0-2 Albacete
Racing Santander 2-1 Malaga
Numancia 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Mallorca 2-2 Deportivo La Coruna
Espanyol 4-1 Osasuna
Atletico Madrid 0-3 Real Madrid
Sevilla 0-0 Getafe

Juventus chief: No story in Del Piero substitution

Juventus director general Luciano Moggi has defended coach Fabio Capello's decision to substitute Alessandro del Piero during Sunday's victory over Livorno.

Reyes keen on Torres

Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes has urged Arsene Wenger to bring Fernando Torres to Highbury.

Barca target Benfica-bound

Argentine striker Maxi Lopez is set to leave River Plate and join Portuguese giants Benfica.

Samp admit Recoba interest

Sampdoria director Giuseppe Marotta has told skysports.com the Stadio Luigi Ferraris side are interested in signing Internazionale's Alvaro Recoba.

Inter Milan's Mancini: Recoba was never for sale

The Uruguayan inspired Inter's dazzling comeback against Sampdoria on Sunday and Mancini declared last night: "We were never going to sell Recoba.

Villa deal on for Juventus' Legrottaglie

Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie.Its reported that the Italy international is keen on a move to Villa Park and that the Midlands club have officially opened talks with Juve about a fee for the player.

Real Madrid keeper Caesar unhappy with Liverpool terms

Real Madrid goalkeeper Caesar has rejected a contract offer from Liverpool, but remains in negotiations with the Premiership club.

Barcelona president: No panic over improving Real Madrid

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists his club aren't looking over their shoulder after Real Madrid's two victories in four days.

Vieri Euphoric With Amazing Comeback

The Inter players are still talking about the spectacular final minutes against Sampdoria.

Kuffour In Newcastle Talks

Bayern Munich have revealed that Newcastle United are holding talks with Samuel Kuffour's agent

Zidane Injury Not Serious

Zinedine Zidane has been told that he did not do any serious damage to his knee during the Madrid derby against Atlético.

Puyol Wants Barça To Bounce Back

Carles Puyol has called on his Barcelona team-mates to prove that the heavy defeat against Villarreal on Sunday was a fluke.

Riquelme Wants Boca Return

Juan Román Riquelme has revealed that he wants to end his playing days back at Boca Juniors.

Dynamo Moscow sign Derlei

Dynamo Moscow have signed striker Derlei from Porto, the Russian premier league club have confirmed.

Livorno look to Donadoni

Serie A side AS Livorno Calcio have parted company with coach Franco Colomba and appointed former Italian international Roberto Donadoni as his replacement.

Eriksson demands time to prepare

Sven-Goran Eriksson has repeated his appeal to the Football Association to give his squad enough preparation time before the 2006 World Cup finals.

Lehmann vows to stay with Arsenal

Arsenal's out-of-favour goalkeeper Jens Lehmann insists he will see out his contract at the club and is determined to win back the number one jersey.

Trezeguet OK to return after recovering from shoulder operation

New frontier of televised soccer opens in Italy

A new way to charge soccer fans for watching Serie A games on television is coming to Italy this month, possibly changing the viewing habits in the country and, some argue, threatening attendance at matches.

Rafa issues Moro ultimatum

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has set a deadline on the protracted move for Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes.

Rooney may make cup return

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to call on Wayne Rooney as Manchester United look to restore their battered reputation in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final at Chelsea.

Refs' chief rules out video replays

Europe's refereeing chief is opposed to the use of video replays for goal-line decisions but he does see potential in a new idea to put a microchip sensor in the ball.

Brazilian striker Giovane Elber's future at Lyon is in jeoopardy

Elber, 32, underwent surgery on an ankle injury without consulting the club's medical team. Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas said: "His status as the highest-paid player at the club implies responsibilities which have not been respected."

Arsenal hope to rumble Chelsea deal for Feyenoord's Kalou

The Sunday Mirror says the Ivory Coast born marksman will not move to Stamford Bridge until the summer, however, because he must wait at least three months to obtain the Dutch passport vital to his involvement in English football. The red tape preventing the move has boosted Arsenal's hopes of swiping the player from under their rivals' noses.

Real rubbishes English trio talk

Reports that Real Madrid are contemplating selling their three Englishmen in the summer have been dismissed in the Spanish capital.

Juventus coach Capello hopeful of Trezeguet's return

Juventus coach Fabio Capello is optimistic striker David Trezeguet will be ready to return from a long injury layoff to take part in his side's Italian Cup last 16 match against Atalanta later this week.

Real Madrid's Sacchi asks for time over Getafe's Juanfran approach

Real Madrid GM Arrigo Sacchi has asked for extra time from Getafe over their approach for midfielder Juanfran.

Luxemburgo calls for improvement

New Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo believes his side still have much work to do before launching a serious Primera Liga title challenge despite closing the gap on leaders Barcelona at the weekend.

Picture of the day: Ronaldo scored twice Sunday, helping Real Madrid to defeat crosstown rival Atletico Madrid 3-0

Serie A scoring leaders Round 18

Spanish Soccer Leading Goalscorers Round 18

Seria A Round 18 goals

Roma 2-1 Atalanta
Siena 0-1 Parma
Udinese 2-0 Cagliari
Juventus 4-2 Livorno
Internazionale 3-2 Sampdoria
Fiorentina 2-3 Lazio
Palermo 0-0 Milan

Madrid Derby Marred by Racist Chanting

Atletico Madrid could be punished by the Spanish FA after racist chanting marred their derby defeat to city-rivals Real tonight.

Today's scores Live

Milan held against Palermo

Milan were held to a goalless draw; at the Renzo Barbera in Palermo. With Juventus beating Livorno, the Rossoneri dropped to four points behind the league leaders.

Leader Barcelona crashes 3-0 against Villarreal

FC Barcelona slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Villarreal and its lead in the Spanish league was cut to seven points on Sunday.

Real smash and grab

Overwhelming dominance of possession and shooting statistics counted for nothing for Atletico Madrid, who went down to a dispiriting 3-0 home defeat to neighbours Real Madrid on Sunday. They increase the pressure on leaders Barcelona, who face a tough test away to Villarreal

Zidane may not stay at Real until 2007

"I'm not playing my last season but I may not be able to make it until 2007," Zidane was quoted as saying by French weekly Journal du Dimanche.

Serie A round-up

An incredible comeback from Internazionale saved their 29-match unbeaten record as they overcame a two-goal 88th minute deficit to earn a 3-2 win against Sampdoria.

Chelsea offer Kezman for Tottenham ace Defoe??

The News of the World says Chelsea are set to offer striker Mateja Kezman and £10m cash for Tottenham the hotshot

Ronaldinho Eyeing History

Primera Liga leaders Barcelona will travel to Villarreal on Sunday with Brazilian striker Ronaldinho convinced that this year will bring plenty of success for the club.

Real Madrid to march on?

REAL Madrid will be hoping the morale boost they received in their seven-minute defeat of Real Sociedad on Wednesday will give them the impetus to resurrect their title hopes at the expense of neighbours Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

United move for Gravesen?

Manchester United have reportedly made their move to sign Everton's Thomas Gravesen.

Celtic 2 Rangers 1

John Hartson hauled himself up to the top table with the Parkhead legends by netting the Old Firm winner to send the Ibrox men crashing out of the Tennent's Scottish Cup.

Valencia coach Ranieri cool on Arsenal's Edu

Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri insists he is unaware of any fresh news over the January arrival of Arsenal midfielder Edu.

AC Milan offer two players for Chelsea's Crespo?

AC Milan are ready to offer Chelsea Tomasson, Kaladze in exchange for in-form striker Hernan Crespo.

Betis move for Barcelona's Gerard?

Real Betis have been linked with Barcelona midfielder Gerard.

Sacchi has limited Real Madrid transfer budget

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has told GM Arrigo Sacchi he has a restricted budget for the winter market.

Barcelona president confirms double signing

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed they intend to announce two new signings this week. Barca are seeking a striker and central midfielder following a spate of injuries to their senior squad during the first-half of the season.

Di Canio in 'fascist salute' row

Italian police and magistrates are examining photos and video to decide whether one of the country's best-known footballers gave a fascist salute.

Picture of the Day: Zinedine Zidane's wife Veronique

Fergie Says Sorry To Unimpressed United Fans

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson apologised to the club’s fans after his team were held to an embarrassing goalless draw by non-league Exeter.

'Lehmann may quit Arsenal' - Wenger

Jens Lehmann will quit Highbury this summer if he has not recovered his Arsenal place by then, believes Arsene Wenger.

Brief reports of Primera Liga matches played on Saturday