Picture of the Day:Egyptian striker Mido became the new White Hart Lane hero with a stunning two-goal salvoat his debut that earned Tottenham their first Premiership victory since New Year's Day, a 3-1 win over Portsmouth. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Spain: Gravesen nets first Real goal

Real moved to within four points of Barcelona at the top of the table, though the Catalan side have the chance to extend that lead further when they take on Athletico Madrid on Sunday.

Serie A: Juventus tumbles at Palermo

Italian league leader Juventus lost for the second time in four days, falling at Palermo 1-0 Saturday to give defending champion AC Milan a chance to close to within two points of the top.

Veron not expecting Argentina call-up

Argentina's 2002 World Cup captain Juan Sebastian Veron does not expect to play for his country again while Jose Pekerman is coach.

Palermo president: We'd welcome Del Piero

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has issued an open invitation to Juventus ace Alessandro del Piero.

Prem Wrap: United Maintain Pressure; Norwich Win Thriller

Manchester United maintained their winning streak and cut Chelsea’s lead to eight points at the top of the Premiership by bearing Birmingham City 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Davids dropped by Holland

Holland coach Marco Van Basten has dropped Inter midfielder Edgar Davids for next Wednesday's friendly international against England at Villa Park.

Money was there for Wenger to spend

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has dismissed claims that the Highbury board refused to give Arsene Wenger any money to spend in the January transfer window.

Manchester United star on course for Milan clash

Ruud van Nistelrooy is on course to return to the Manchester United Football Club team for the double-bill against AC Milan.

Injury fear over 'immobilised' Robben

Chelsea have major concerns about Arjen Robben after scans of his damaged foot were inconclusive due to the amount of swelling and bruising.

Deportivo La Coruna reach deal with Del Bosque

Deportivo La Coruna have struck an agreement with Vicente del Bosque about taking over from coach Javier Irureta next season.Marca says the agreement has been reached between Del Bosque, who left Besiktas last week, and Deportivo president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro.

Luxemburgo: Ronaldo can be greatest EVER

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has revealed a challenge he has made to Ronaldo - to become the greatest player in history.

Picture of the Day: After saving a Penalty against Blackburn, Chelsea keeper Petr Cech has now gone 781 minutes of Premiership football without conceding a goal.
That beats the mark set by Man Utd's Peter Schmeichel in 1997 and shows the importance of a top-class keeper in winning the title.Cech modestly said: "The team has been fantastic and I want to do my bit to help them win."Clean sheets in 19 of 25 Premiership games show Cech's prowess and he hasn't conceded in the league since December 12.

Zidane to retire in 2007

Real Madrid playmaker Zinedine Zidane has announced he will retire in 2007 at the latest.

Torres flattered by Barcelona interest

Fernando Torres has admitted that Barcelona are the only Spanish club he would consider joining were he to leave Atletico Madrid.

Spain name World Cup squad

Spain coach Luis Aragones has named an 18-man squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Premiership Weekend Preview: Chelsea Host Man City, United Entertain Birmingham

Chelsea will be looking for an amazing 15th clean sheet in 17 home games when they host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Serie A Preview: Round 23

Sampdoria proved on Wednesday night that the league title race is far from over and now Palermo have a chance of helping Milan and Inter move closer to Juventus as they host the Bianconeri in Sicily.

Poetry In Motion: Profile Of Steven Gerrard

His influence in the Liverpool team increases by the match, so what makes Steven Gerrard tick?

Barca’s Gerard Linked With Liga Duo

Deportivo La Coruna and Atletico Madrid have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Gerard in the Spanish press.

Villarreal want Barcelona pair Saviola, Riquelme

Villarreal president Fernando Roig is putting together a package to sign Barcelona pair Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Saviola at the end of this season.

Chelsea, Spurs ahead of Man Utd for Figo

Chelsea and Tottenham are early favourites ahead of Manchester United in the race for Real Madrid wing ace Luis Figo.

Mourinho: Cole Is Best English Defender

The speculation surrounding Ashley Cole and a possible summer bid by Chelsea has intensified with Jose Mourinho claiming that the Arsenal full-back is "the best English defender".

Liga round-up: Del Bosque set for Depor job

Vicente del Bosque will replace Javier Irureta when the long-serving Depor boss steps down at the end of the season, media say; Fernando Torres tips Barcelona for this season's Liga title ahead of Atletico's weekend clash with the leaders; and Zinedine Zidane expects to be fit to face Espanyol.

Beckham to ride Real wave to retirement

England captain David Beckham says he wants to end his career at Real Madrid. Beckham said his personal life was now less frantic after he cut his advertising commitments and that his wife Victoria and two sons were settled in Spain.

Picture of the Day: Adrian Mutu during his presentation at Juventus.

Man Utd watch as Real Madrid open Casillas talks

Marca says Real president Florentino Perez had dinner with Casillas' agent, Gines Carvajal, when the foundations were laid for official negotiations over a new, long-term contract.

Henry calls for strength in depth

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal must improve their squad if they are to challenge for the Premier League title again.

Pires omitted from France squad

Arsenal forward Robert Pires, who fell out with France manager Raymond Domenech in October, was again omitted the squad for next week's friendly against Sweden.

Real keen on Adriano

Real Madrid boss Wanderley Luxemburgo has confirmed he would be interested in signing Internazionale's Adriano.

Mega Japanese Zidane offer rejected by Real Madrid

Real Madrid midfield ace Zinedine Zidane was the subject of a mega offer from a Japanese club during the winter market, it has been revealed.

Martins keeps title hopes afloat

Unbeaten Inter Milan are clawing back points on leaders Juventus and they should thank striker Obafemi Martins that they are not out of contention altogether.

Serie A Wrap: Bologna wins

United get expansion go-ahead

Manchester United have received planning permission to complete the expansion of Old Trafford, a move which will raise the capacity of the stadium to 76,000.

Figo Fancies Premiership Next

Luis Figo has announced that he wants to move to England if Madrid decide to sell him in the summer.

Copa del Rey Results

Madrid mounting strong pursuit in Spanish title race

Only Real Madrid looks capable of stopping FC Barcelona from lifting the Spanish league title this season.

Mourinho says title-chasing Chelsea has to overcome dirty tricks campaign

With an 11-point lead, Chelsea is cruising towards its first league title in 50 years. But manager Jose Mourinho thinks other teams will go to extremes to try to trip up his Blues.

Ancelotti: The Bad Period Has Ended

Milan returned to winning ways on Wednesday night as the Rossoneri defeated Messina 4-1 in Sicily.

Eto’o Rules Out Real And England

Prolific Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has ruled out a move to Real Madrid or the Premiership.

Karpin Blasts Arteta

Real Sociedad midfielder Valeri Karpin has hit out at Mikel Arteta following his loan move to Everton.

Picture of the Day: Obafemi Martins #30 of Internazionale celebrates by somersaulting on the field after kicking a goal during the Serie A match between Internazionale and Atalanta on February 2, 2005 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy.Internazionale won 1-0. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)

Prem Wrap: Chelsea Stretch Lead, Penalty Woe for Angel

Chelsea increased their lead at the top of the Premiership to 11 points as they defeated Blackburn 1-0 at Ewood Park.

Blues clarify Pandiani position

Birmingham City have refuted suggestions that new loan signing Walter Pandiani is disappointed to be at the Midlands club.

Furious Pandiani Wanted Fiorentina, Not Birmingham Move

Former Deportivo striker Walter Pandiani has revealed he would have preferred a move to Fiorentina rather than Birmingham.

Serie A Wrap: Juve Beaten At Home

Favourable round for the Milanese sides as both Milan and Inter won while league leaders Juventus fell at home against a sturdy Sampdoria side.

United waiting for Chelsea slip-up

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said his team are ready to take advantage of any slips Chelsea may make in the title run-in.

Lippi tips Cassano for Italy glory

Italy coach Marcello Lippi has tipped AS Roma forward Antonio Cassano, who he has yet to call up to the national squad, to play a key part in their qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup.

Ronaldo Offers Half Explanation For Escape

“It was for family problems, that are now fixed. I thank the club that allowed me to leave. It was a difficult moment, now I’m back home. Luckily it was just a scare. Now everything is all right,” said Ronaldo, without adding further explanations.

Chelsea could ditch shirt sponsor

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon today confirmed the club are considering not having a shirt sponsor in their centenary season.The Premiership leaders are in talks over a new sponsor just days after clinching a £12million-a-year deal with sportswear giants adidas.

Mascherano Wants To Play With Emerson

Highly coveted River Plate midfielder Javier Mascherano has hinted that he would like to join Juventus.

FIFA to launch beach soccer World Cup

FIFA is launching its first ever beach soccer World Cup this year, world football's governing body said Tuesday.Twelve countries are expected to compete in the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which is likely to take place in Brazil later in 2005.

Club in crisis: PSG sinking lower and lower

Here's how bad things have become at Paris Saint-Germain.
Even when PSG scores a goal - which is only twice in the last five games - fans chant "Graille Out!"
That's club president Francis Graille.

Cesar, Celades to leave Madrid in June

Real Madrid goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez and midfielder Albert Celades are expected to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Solari Renews Contract

Ronaldo back in Madrid after flying visit to Brazil

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo was back in the Spanish capital on Tuesday after missing his side's league match against Numancia because of a flying visit to Brazil.

Picture of the Day: Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal clashes with Roy Carroll of Manchester United during the Barclays Premiership match between Arsenal and Manchester United on February 1, 2005 at Highbury in London, England.Manchester United won 4-2. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Arsenal Are Out Of It Now - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accepted that the Gunners’ championship hopes are all but over after their 4-2 home defeat by Manchester United.

Premiership Round-Up

A scintillating encounter at Highbury lived up to its billing as Manchester United came from behind to seal a 4-2 win.

Everton's Arteta didn't want Sociedad exit

New Everton signing Mikel Arteta insists he was forced to leave Real Sociedad against his wishes.

FC Porto names little-known coach to replace Fernandez

Unheralded Portuguese coach Jose Couceiro took charge at European champion FC Porto on Tuesday with only one full season of topflight experience.

Ten bid for 2012 finals

Ten countries have expressed an interest in hosting the European championship in 2012, UEFA announced on Tuesday.

Picture of the Day: A general view of The Olympic Stadium during The Bundesliga match between Hertha Berlin and FC Bayern Munich on January 30, 2005 at The Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.

Real Madrid make new contract offer to Solari

The offer is for three years and is worth a similar £2 million-a-season to what he is currently earning. His present deal expires in the summer.

Roma hand Xavier short-term contract

AS Roma have handed former Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier a contract to the end of this season.

Bellamy lands Parkhead escape route

Celtic have signed Craig Bellamy on loan from Newcastle United until the end of the season. The 25-year-old snubbed a £6million move to Birmingham City earlier on Monday.

Djemba-Djemba transfers to Aston Villa

Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba signed a 4 1/2 year deal with Aston Villa Monday.

Fiorentina Stun The Market With Bojinov Purchase

The Viola have managed to shock the transfer market by signing Lecce’s Valeri Bojinov.

Capello delighted as Juventus go 8 points clear

"Now the path is clearer for us and we'll see if we can maintain this gap."

Ancelotti has no answers over second AC Milan slip

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "We have to figure out why we don't score many goals at the moment and be more effective in front of the net."

Roma coach Del Neri impressed by trialist Xavier

AS Roma coach Gigi del Neri admits new trialist Abel Xavier has impressed him so far in training.

Chelsea suffers record loss

Chelsea made record English soccer losses of $166 million in 2003-04, the team's first season under the ownership of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

Average Attendance: Premiership

Top scorers: Premiership

Reds fury at Gerrard to Chelsea link

Liverpool supremo Rick Parry has furiously hit back at claims that he has already negotiated a summer move to Chelsea for midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Bayern edge clear with goalless draw in Berlin

Bayern, looking to take full advantage of surprise defeats for Schalke 04 and VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, dominated the second half at the rebuilt Olympic Stadium but could not find a way past Hertha keeper Christian Fiedler.

Fenerbahce Say Anelka Is Theirs

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have announced that they have signed Nicolas Anelka from Manchester City after successfully negotiating terms with both the French striker and City.

Premiership gossip column

Totti: I am tormented by Roma doubts

AS Roma skipper Francesco Totti has admitted he has endured a difficult first-half of the season.

La Liga Sunday Wrap

Michel Salgado was the unlikely hero for Real Madrid as they overcame the cold to beat Numancia, while Valencia fought back to earn a point against Athletic Bilbao.

Picture of the Day: David Beckham is congratulated by Michael Owen after scoring a goal during a Numancia v Real Madrid Primera Liga soccer match at Los Pajaritos stadium on January 30, 2005 in Soria, Spain. Real madrid won 2-1.(Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Spanish Soccer Leading Goalscorers

Serie A Scoring Leaders

Figo in bust-up with Real Madrid pal Salgado

Real Madrid winger Luis Figo had to be separated from Michel Salgado by teammates during a training ground bust-up over the weekend.

Serie A Wrap: Juve Smell Scudetto As Milan Shocked

Milan slipped up yet again to allow Juventus, that won at Atalanta, to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Cole's Agent Denies Chelsea Talks

Ashley Cole's agent has denied reports that the Arsenal defender has held secret talks with Chelsea's boss Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Rooney sets goal target

Teenage terror Wayne Rooney has set himself a 20-goal target for the season after eclipsing his previous best with his sensational FA Cup double against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Picture of the Day: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on January 29, 2005 in Manchester, England. Mancehster won 3-0. (Photo by Chris Coleman/Manchester United via Getty Images)

La Liga Saturday Wrap: Barça Crush Sevilla And Atléti Beat Albacete

Barcelona proved that they have what it takes to go all the way this season with a vintage second half performance that saw them hammer Sevilla, while Atlético came from a goal down to beat Albacete.