Guardiola praises Barca bravery

Advertisement We controlled the game - Guardiola Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola said the Champions League victory over Manchester United was down to hard work and bravery rather than flair. "If you attack and are daring you have more chances of winning," said Guardiola, who also won the trophy as a Barcelona player in 1992. "We have not been cowards, never in the match. There's nothing more dangerous than not taking risks. "We have worked many, many hours this season and this is our payment." Guardiola, who has won an historic Spanish league and cup as well as the Champions League in his first season in charge, paid tribute to Lionel Messi, scorer of the second goal against United. "Messi went back into midfield because we wanted to be superior in possession," Guardiola said. "Without the ball we are a disastrous team, a horrible team, so we need the ball. "We are not the best team in history but we have played the best season in history to win the three titles." Barcelona president Joan Laporta said Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team" of the early 1990s laid the foundations for the club's triumph. But Laporta also lavished praise on Guardiola, saying the former Spain midfielder, 38, had taken that base and fashioned it into something even more special. Like Guardiola, Cruyff was a former Barca player who returned to coach the famous Catalan side. The Dutchman led them to one European Cup victory and four straight Spanish league titles with a thrilling brand of attacking football. Guardiola, the midfield linchpin of that side, has now carried off the first ever "treble" for a Spanish club. "Pep and the players have played the best season in the history of Barca and they have demonstrated that they are the best team in history of Barca," said Laporta. "Pep in one year has really created a genius team. It has roots in Cruyff's philosophy but at the same time he himself has created something." Barcelona striker Thierry Henry agreed his side's 2-0 defeat of United was down to doggedness as well as style. "Apart from the way we play it is also down to the way we fought all season," said the former Arsenal star. "In the first 10 minutes we were kind of lucky and playing against a United side who are difficult to beat. But we fight and we never give up." Henry, who lost to Barca in the 2006 final when playing for Arsenal, added: "I struggle to describe what we have achieved this year. No team has ever done this treble in Spain, it's something amazing. "You always remember winners, that's the difference. You can play good football, pass the ball well but unless you win silverware sometimes it doesn't count." On his final defeat with the Gunners, Henry added: "I will always have disappointments from Arsenal because they are in my heart and in my blood." Barca captain Carles Puyol said: "I want to thank the fans and hope they enjoy the moment. The last few years haven't been great. They have fought and suffered the same as we have." Midfielder Andres Iniesta, whose 93rd-minute strike against Chelsea in the second leg of the semi-final sent Barca through to the final, said: "We are speechless. It is the perfect finish to a spectacular season.

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Champions League team of the season

Unsurprisingly, newly-crowned European champions Barcelona dominate our team of the season, with six players rewarded with a place in our elite selection.

GK: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United) - Just four goals conceded during United's run to the final speaks volumes for the goalkeeper's form this season. Another two in Rome blotted his copybook somewhat, but few can argue the Dutchman has been the continent's standout keeper this season.

RB: Dani Alves (Barcelona) - A silly booking may have cost the Brazilian his place in the final, but his attacking displays over 12 previous appearances set the standard for right-backs across Europe.

CB: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) - Like most of his team-mates, the Serb stopper suffered an off-day in the final, but his form on the road to Rome cannot be questioned. Imperious. And scary.

CB: Gerard Pique (Barcelona) - The 22-year-old showed promise during his spell with United, but since arriving back home in Catalonia, he has blossomed into one of the best defenders in Europe. His outstanding performance in the final was testament to that.

LB: Patrice Evra (Manchester United) - The skilful Frenchman offers so much more than solid defensive work and his forays forward have been a feature of United's attacking play all season long.

CM: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - The little Spaniard's midfield partnership with Xavi is second to none and while Lionel Messi gets all the plaudits for the goals he scores, Iniesta is the player who really makes Barca tick. Capped off a fine season with a sublime performance in the final.

CM: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona) - Another of Barca's unsung heroes, Xavi's midfield nous has helped propel Barca to glory. Always available, and seemingly always in space, the Spain international's brilliant final performance mirrored the way much of his season has gone.

AM: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - Another seven goals for Gerrard during this year's Champions League campaign again proved his invaluable worth to his side. There is no one better breaking forward from midfield than the Liverpool skipper, nor are there many more inspirational players.

FW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - The best player in the world debate will rage on over the summer, but the Argentine ace certainly got the upper hand on Cristiano Ronaldo in Rome. And his performances in Europe over the course of the season have done much to suggest Messi actually merits the title of the 'new Maradona'.

FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - The forward may not have lived up to the sky-high expectations he set himself last season, but whenever he has the ball at his feet, the sense of fear in the opposition is palpable. His goal against Porto was simply stunning.

FW: Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) - In a season where goals have been Barcelona's trademark, it would be remiss not include a Blaugrana striker in our elite team. The Cameroon international (pictured with Iniesta and Messi) gets the nod for his exquisite finish in the final, although team-mate Thierry Henry could easily have made the cut.

Manager: Pep Guardiola (Barcelona) - Sure, Alex Ferguson took his side to yet another European final, but the Barcelona boss's feat - a treble in his first season in charge - is all the more impressive when you consider he is just 38 years old. A long and glittering future awaits.

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Barca were better side - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson graciously admitted his Manchester United side simply lost to a better team after Barcelona won the Champions League final. Defending champions United lost 2-0 in Rome and were outplayed for much of the night by the Spanish champions. "We didn't play as well as we can but you have to give Barcelona credit," said the United manager. "Lionel Messi wasn't the problem, Xavi and Andres Iniesta kept the ball all night and made it difficult for us." Barcelona were the better team - Ferguson Ferguson, who has led United to two previous Champions League triumphs, added: "We started brightly and confidently and could have been in front in the first 10 minutes but the goal was a killer. "We didn't plan to lose a goal as early as that. We didn't deal with it well enough, it gave them the opportunity to keep possession. "We knew what a good football team they were. We had difficulty in defending against them. Messi dropped into midfield and they kept possession and made it difficult for us. "The disappointment was the use of the ball when we got possession. You have to wait minutes to get it back off them. Could be it was an off night. Could be it was a mountain too big to climb. "But we've done well, it's been a long season, we've had 66 games and you've got to give the players credit for their courage and resilience. Next season we'll be better. "The better team won and there's nothing we can do about that now." Ferguson also explained his decision to bring on striker Carlos Tevez for the ineffective Anderson at half-time. "I brought on Tevez simply because I took the gamble of playing two through the middle," revealed the Scot, whose side clinched their 18th English top-flight title this season. "Ryan Giggs, in the first half, provided something and some parts of his game were good but what we needed was someone to be there all the time but they defended quite well. "We had plenty of time and we had some half-chances, which we maybe should have done better with. "It was a disappointing performance and some individuals will feel it themselves. It's very difficult to put a finger on every part of the game." Ferguson also conceded United missed the protective presence of Darren Fletcher in midfield - the Scot was suspended after being harshly sent off against Arsenal in the semi-final. "He is one big-game player," said Ferguson. "It was a loss but they had losses also and it is difficult to measure how big a loss it was." On Guardiola, who has guided Barcelona to a treble trophy haul of the Spanish league title, domestic cup and Champions League, Ferguson added: "It is a great achievement as a coach in his first year. Well done. Fantastic. Everybody enjoys their football and it is great credit to him." We controlled the game - Guardiola Centre-back Rio Ferdinand agreed with Ferguson that the Catalan giants were the better side, saying United did not "play well individually or collectively". Ferdinand commented: "You've got to give credit to Barcelona, they played well. We needed to play our best football and we didn't produce it. "The first goal was a sucker punch, we'd had some good chances. They were two soft goals and we could have done better leading up to them and I could have done better with my positioning but we've got no excuses, they were a better team." Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar conceded Samuel Eto'o's 10th-minute goal gave Barcelona the confidence to retain the ball and dictate the tempo of the match. "We have come from behind plenty of times before, so the goal itself was not an issue," said the Dutchman. "But what it did was to allow them to start playing a little bit. In situations like that you have to try and keep possession but at times I felt we lost it a little bit too easily." United winger Cristiano Ronaldo described the defeat as "one of the biggest disappointments of my career". Everything went wrong - Ronaldo "We were always confident before the game but unfortunately we couldn't do it," said the Portugal international. "It is always bad when you lose a final but we didn't play well. "We did OK in the first 10 minutes but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win." Striker Wayne Rooney was equally distressed at United's first European Cup final defeat, adding that Iniesta was the key to Barcelona's victory. "Barcelona scored two good goals and, unfortunately for us, they came at good times," said the Englishman. "That made it very difficult for us. "Barcelona are a brilliant team. Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world in my opinion. If you don't take your chances against them, they will punish you and that is what has happened. "It is very disappointing and the feeling at the moment is not a good one. We are hurting but we have to forget it and look forward to next season." They turned up and played some great football - we didn't really Ryan Giggs United captain Ryan Giggs thought his side "probably had more chances than Barcelona" but that their rivals were well worth the victory. "At times Barcelona can make you look silly because they keep the ball so well," said the veteran midfielder, who was playing in his third Champions League final. "At times we maybe chased it and didn't keep our shape as well as we should have but, still, we created chances - and probably more chances than Barcelona. "We said whoever turned up on the night would win and that proved to be the case. They turned up and played some great football - we didn't really. "I think if we had gone a goal ahead, we're capable of keeping the ball like they are but credit to them, they deserved it."

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Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd

Manchester United's attempt to make history and become the first club to defend the Champions League ended in failure against Barcelona in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of repeating last year's triumph against Chelsea barely got off the ground as they ended well beaten by a Barcelona side inspired by the genius of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

United started the final, played in stifling heat, as if retaining their crown would be little more than a formality, creating a host of early chances against the nervous-looking Catalans, with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat.

But once Samuel Eto'o scored at Edwin van der Sar's near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.

Barcelona were the better team - Ferguson

Barcelona's peerless midfield pair of Andres Iniesta and Xavi ruled midfield with a display of passing perfection, starving United of further opportunities to strike at a defence weakened by injuries and suspension.

Xavi hit the post with a free-kick and Thierry Henry was denied by Van der Sar before Messi crowned a glorious personal performance with a stunning header to clinch victory with 20 minutes remaining.

He made a mockery of his tiny stature to rise and head home Xavi's cross - and in that magical moment any hopes United harboured of a recovery were snuffed out.

If the showdown between Messi and Ronaldo was billed as the spectacular sub-plot within this showpiece, there was only one winner as Barcelona's playmaker terrorised United throughout.

Ronaldo, for all his obvious frustrations that ended almost inevitably in a yellow card for a late barge on Carles Puyol, never stopped running but this was not to be his night or United's.

Ferguson warned in the build-up that Iniesta - arguably the game's most influential performer - and Xavi could put opponents "on a carousel" with their passing, and his prediction proved ominously correct as United were on a rough ride after the optimism of those opening 10 minutes.

Once Barcelona had settled after the early goal, there was no way back for United as several changes in formation failed to produce a spark and Wayne Rooney was unable to exert any influence on events, first from the left flank and then from the centre.

And as Barcelona's name was carved on the giant trophy at the final whistle, with the celebrations of the Catalan fans a sharp contrast to the subdued Manchester United supporters, there was no doubting their right to claim Europe's elite trophy for the third time.

United will bounce back - Giggs

Ryan Giggs took the place of the suspended Darren Fletcher in the United line-up - and for the first 10 minutes they penned a nervous Barcelona back in their own territory.

The game was only two minutes old when Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes fumbled Ronaldo's free-kick, and only the crucial intervention of former United defender Gerard Pique prevented Ji-Sung Park turning in the rebound.

Ronaldo was then twice narrowly off target before Barcelona made their first serious incursion into United territory. And it was to devastating effect as they turned the opening exchanges upside down to take the lead.

Ronaldo shows his frustration as United stumble to a limp defeat

Barcelona will credit the brilliance of Eto'o, but it was a cheap shot from United's viewpoint as the Cameroon striker was allowed to escape by Vidic and keeper Van der Sar's effort to block the effort at his near post was flimsy, to put it kindly.

It was against the run of play, but gave Barcelona a visible injection of confidence and adrenalin, allowing Messi to pull the strings up front and Xavi and Iniesta to take control of midfield.

Iniesta may have been an injury doubt prior to this final, but there was little evidence of fitness problems as he produced a virtuoso demonstration of the modern midfield arts, leaving United to chase in vain in an attempt to regain possession for the latter stages of the opening half.

In one magical moment, all three of Vidic, Michael Carrick and Rooney were foiled in an attempt to take the ball away from Messi, with the Argentine eventually forcing a foul.

Rooney was a peripheral figure, pushed to the margins of the game on the left flank. He was too important a figure to be starved of possession and influence in this system, and it was no surprise when Ferguson pushed him inside as half-time approached.

Ferguson made another switch during the interval, sending on Carlos Tevez for the ineffective Anderson, a positive move that reflected United's failure to build on their early domination.

It was not a quick fix as Barcelona simply continued in their imperious stride after the break, Thierry Henry tricking his way inside Rio Ferdinand only to be denied by the legs of Van der Sar.

Everything went wrong - Ronaldo

Xavi then almost doubled Barcelona's lead with a 20-yard free-kick following Vidic's foul on Messi. He beat Van der Sar with his curling effort, but it rebounded off an upright to safety.

United were struggling to get a clear sight of Barcelona's goal, and in a bid to remedy this problem Ferguson sent on Dimitar Berbatov for Park with 25 minutes remaining.

The change had no chance to take effect before Barcelona deservedly went two up five minutes later. Xavi was the creator with a cross that looked too high for Messi, but he expertly soared to send a header over Van der Sar.

United looked to mount an instant response, with Valdes blocking crucially from Ronaldo, but there was no way back and it was Barcelona who looked more likely to add to their lead.

Van der Sar saved well from Puyol as Barcelona dominated until the final whistle - and not even the most partisan Manchester United follower can doubt that Pep Guardiola deserved to round off a dream first season in charge by adding the Champions League to the La Liga title and the Spanish Cup.

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Wozniacki books Safina date

Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki beat former world number one Amelie Mauresmo 7-6 6-3 in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.

France's Mauresmo, a veteran now at 29 and twice a grand slam winner, failed to serve out the opening set when leading 5-4, wasting two set points, and slumped to a 7-1 defeat in the tie-break.

The pair swapped breaks at the start of the second set before Wozniacki stepped up a gear in the sixth game to break again for a 4-2 lead.

Mauresmo saved one match point with a blistering backhand winner but sent a forehand long on the next one to hand Wozniacki a place in Sunday's final.

The 18-year-old is on course to become the first Danish woman to break into the top 10 when the rankings are updated on Monday.

Safina win

Fresh from her victory in the Italian Open last week, Russian world number one Dinara Safina crushed Swiss Patty Schnyder 6-4 6-2 in Saturday's other semi-final.

Safina broke the 30-year-old Schnyder's serve to love in the opening game and raced into a 3-0 lead.

Schnyder broke back immediately as errors started to appear in Safina's game, but the Russian ultimately had too much power for the Swiss veteran and three more breaks had her serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set.

She wrapped up victory on her second match point when Schnyder fired a forehand return wide.

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Del Potro - Murray a step up

Juan Martin Del Potro admits he will have to find a few extra gears if he is to overcome Andy Murray in the quarter-final of the Madrid Open on Friday evening.

The Argentinean, ranked just two places below world number three Murray, has only failed to reach the last eight once duirng his nine tournaments this season.

But the 20-year-old accepts Murray, who has picked up three titles already in 2009, is playing a different level of tennis.

"The difference is big," said Del Potro. "I need to work hard to close the difference but I don't know if I can do that this year or next year."

Birthday boy Murray turns 22 on Friday and enjoyed an early present last week when he became the first British player to enter the top three of the world rankings, climbing above Novak Djokovic.

Great season

"I'm having a great season but I think Andy is much better than me at this moment," added Del Potro.

"He's won two or three Masters Series titles and right now he can beat any player on any surface. I hope to be like him soon."

Their only previous meeting on clay came at the 2008 Rome Masters, an ill-tempered encounter that will be best remembered for a verbal confrontation between the two players, when Murray claimed Del Potro had insulted his mother.

Del Potro, who retired in that match with a back injury in the deciding third set, said that for him the incident was now in the past.

"I'm okay with him, we have a good relationship," he continued. "We've known each other since we were 12, 13 and we've played many times and tomorrow is another time, and I hope to get my first win.

"That was the past, now we are older. He's number three in the world, I'm number five and we are both professionals. That was the past, and that's it.

"I hope to beat him the first time tomorrow. I hope to be in good shape and do my best to beat the number three."

Confidence

Murray progressed through to the quarter-final in the Spanish capital with an impressive 7-5 6-1 win over Tommy Robredo.

That was a huge confidence boost for the British number one but he knows Del Potro could be another big challenge for him.

"I think he's number five in the world right now, so he's obviously playing very well," said Murray.

"He's starting to play better on clay even though he was obviously brought up playing on it.

"Because of his height and because of his game style he's played better on hard courts but he's a tough player on all courts."

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Ferrari seek court injunction

FIA president Max Mosley has revealed that Ferrari have approached the French courts to gain an injunction against the proposed changes in Formula One.

The Italian manufacturer is amongst the teams who have threatened to quit the sport at the end of the season if the new regulations are not reviewed.

The dispute revolves around the claim that an optional £40million budget cap, to be imposed for next year, could create a two-tier F1.

Both Mosley and Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone attended a meeting with team bosses at a Heathrow Airport hotel in London on Friday to discuss the current crisis.

On departing, Mosley made the revelation about Ferrari's legal challenge, stating: "During the meeting it became apparent that Ferrari have made an application to the French courts to apply for an injunction to stop us doing what we want to do."

Mosley went on to reveal that no solutions to the impasse had been agreed at the meeting, but insisted talks would remain ongoing.

"It was a friendly meeting but the teams have gone off to see if they can come up with something better than the cost cap," he added.

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Lewis feels like F1 prisoner

Lewis Hamilton says he is disillusioned with Formula One and compared his current situation to wrongful imprisonment.

The McLaren driver, 24, has had a turbulent start to his career since his rookie season in 2007, and this year became embroiled in controversy after being accused of misleading stewards following the Australian Grand Prix.

Prior to that that there was the "spy-gate" scandal which led to a £65million fine for McLaren for stealing information from Ferrari, and Hamilton is finding it difficult to accept these brushes with officialdom.

To compound Hamilton's woes, McLaren are off the pace this term, and the defending world champion was heavily critical of his car during the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

"I just feel knocked out by it all," Hamilton told The Times.

"It's got to be a similar feeling to anyone who goes to jail but feels they shouldn't be behind bars.

"That is the feeling I have had, although I know what happened in Australia was wrong.

Politics

"I want to be a driver - I am not in the sport to be a politician.

"I used to enjoy Formula One and part of that has been taken away from me.

"I never imagined it would be so much politics when I came into Formula One. It definitely was a shock. There has been too much time taken up with it.

"Unfortunately, it is the way the Formula One world works for some reason.

"It's much nicer in the lower categories, where all the people are there just to race and the teams are there just to race."

Hamilton, whose hopes of defending his world title this season already appear extremely slim, added: "It hasn't affected my driving. I won't allow anything to affect my driving.

"But it affects your life, it affects the way you are."

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Mosley confident for hearing

Max Mosley is confident the International Automobile Federation (FIA) will successfully come through Tuesday's court action brought against them by Ferrari.

It was revealed on Friday that the Italian manufacturer are seeking an injuction in a French court agains the FIA's planned 2010 regulations.

Ferrari had announced their intentions to quit Formula One at the end of the 2009 season if a budget cap is introduced into the sport.

The proposal, which will see teams limited to spending £40 million, is feared by some teams to lead to the creation of a two-tier Championship.

Ferrari believe Mosley's FIA is breaking the veto agreement that they have with motorsport's governing body over F1's technical regulations.

However, the 68-year-old feels the team's option to veto is no longer in place.

"We will say first of all it is no longer in place and if they wanted to do a veto - they were in the (FIA) meeting on March 17 and they should have done it there if they didn't agree. Instead, they just sat there," said Mosley.

"Anyway, it will be our contention that they walked away from that agreement some time ago."

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Ecclestone - No 'two-tier' F1

Bernie Ecclestone says Formula One will not see two sets of rules in 2010, despite plans to introduce a budget cap.

Manufacturer-backed teams against the introduction of the £40 million cap announced by the FIA last month have argued that it will result in a 'two-tier' competition - one for those adhering to the cap and another for teams choosing to spend more freely.

Given that teams signing up to the cap are set to receive greater technical freedoms in return, those against the move are worried that they will be placed at a significant performance disadvantage.

Crunch talks held on Friday between the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) and FIA president Max Mosley to discuss the situation ended in stalemate over the imposition of a cap.

However, Ecclestone, who was also present at the meeting, has suggested that Formula One will nevertheless run to just one set of rules in 2010.

"I think the most important thing that upset everybody was this two-tier system," the sport's commercial rights controller said.

"I think it's been agreed that we shouldn't do it, we should have just one set of regulations.

"I think everybody is more or less happy with the budget cap. Just how much. They'll go with it higher [than £40 million], maybe it'll be lower. It's a case of just sorting it out.

"Everyone will be under the same regulations."

Ferrari, Renault, Toyota and both Red Bull teams all said last week they will not enter the 2010 championship unless the FIA scraps its plan.

However, they appear to have an ally in Ecclestone, who told the Daily Mail he was confident they would all be on the grid in 2010.

"I always thought that was a bit stupid," he added. "It was important to get rid of it.

"I am confident all the teams will still be racing next year."

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Raikkonen chasing podium

Kimi Raikkonen insists he will be chasing victory at this weekend's Monaco GP but, given Ferrari's dismal campaign, concedes a podium finish would also do just fine.

After five grands prix Raikkonen has just three World Championship points to his name thanks to his sixth placed finish in Bahrain.

The Finn's performance that weekend saved Ferrari from their worst start ever to a Formula One season - but there's still a long way to go before he can save his team in the title race.

"The fight for the championship is really difficult now, but that doesn't mean that I'm not motivated," the 2007 world champion said.

"I want to win again and I'm sure that we will do it. We'll keep on working on the car to make it more competitive and especially more reliable. We could see already that hard work pays."

Heading to Monte Carlo this weekend, Raikkonen is aiming to take a step towards putting his name forward for the title race but admits that the unpredictability of the street circuit could scupper his goal of a top-three finish.

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Inter celebrate title in style

Jose Mourinho celebrated winning his first Scudetto in style as goals from Esteban Cambiasso, Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw Internazionale cruise past Siena 3-0 at the San Siro.

The Nerazzurri were crowned champions for a 17th time without kicking a ball on Saturday, thanks to Udinese's 2-1 win over Milan.

The result gave Inter an unassailable seven-point lead over their city rivals - earning them a fourth straight Serie A title in Mourinho's first season as coach.

Following an impromptu open-bus ride to the city centre, the hosts were in no mood to let Siena spoil the party.

But there were signs of an Inter hangover as Emanuele Calaio brought out a superb save from Julio Cesar with just four minutes on the clock.

It took until midway through the first period before Inter had their first real chance.

Siena keeper Gianluca Curci had looked less than confident in the early stages and he was rooted to his line when Balotelli stabbed over from just yards out.

As the home side took control, Siena gave away a series of free kicks.

There was farce when Balotelli lofted a ball into the area only for five Inter players to be caught offside as Siena rushed out.

However, when Luis Figo was bundled off the ball by Goncalo Brandao, the next was delivered to deadly effect.

Curci punched the ball out under pressure from Ibrahimovic and after the Siena stopper saved Dejan Stankovic's follow up snapshot, Cambiasso lashed home the rebound to give Inter the edge at the break.

Inter doubled their money seven minutes after the restart.

Figo sprayed a superb pass to Balotelli who had all the time in the world to round Curci and stab the ball home.

To their credit, Siena were determined to make a game of it and after Calaio's header came back off the post, Daniele Galloppa twice had efforts beaten away by the solid Cesar.

But it was Inter who got the all-important third goal.

Ibrahimovic was found in acres of space and he smashed the ball through Curci's legs.

Mourinho took the opportunity to give Paolo Orlandoni the last ten minutes in the Inter goal and the substitute keeper had to be alert to push Galloppa's lofted shot over the bar.

Ibrahimovic's late free kick gave his opposite number Curci one last sticky moment as the hosts looked for a fourth, but as the final whistle blew, the fireworks started over the San Siro as Mourinho and the Nerazzurri celebrated in earnest.

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Liverpool send West Brom down

West Bromwich Albion became the first team relegated from the Premier League this season after losing 2-0 to Liverpool at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies knew they had to beat Rafa Benitez's side to maintain any realistic chance of staying up, but were undone by goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt.

Tony Mowbray's side appeared relegation certainties for much of the season, but two wins in three games stirred hope that they could repeat their 'great escape' of 2004/05, when they became the only side in the Premier League era to avoid relegation having been bottom at Christmas.

But familiar failings cost them dear, as a catastrophic lapse of concentration from Shelton Martis led to the opening goal, while Juan Carlos Menseguez and Marc-Antoine Fortune contrived to squander a gilt-edged chance shortly before Kuyt added the second.

The home side's preparations were not helped by lurid claims in a Sunday newspaper about striker Roman Bednar, causing the striker's immediate suspension while the club conduct an investigation.

The win virtually guarantees Liverpool will finish second, but it was overshadowed by a bizarre confrontation between defenders Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Twenty-four hours earlier, the visitors saw their Premier League title bid ended by Manchester United, and started in suitably lacklustre fashion.

Roared on by a boisterous crowd, the Baggies raced out of the blocks and would have led in the fifth minute had it not been for a brilliant double save by Jose Reina.

A Chris Brunt corner from the right found Jonathan Greening at the far post, whose shot brought a superb reflex stop from Reina, and the Spaniard sprung to his feet to block Greening's follow-up.

West Brom captain Greening was at the heart of the action moments later when he nutmegged Emiliano Insua - a late replacement for Fabio Aurelio - and delivered a dangerous cross from the right that the visitors scrambled away.

At the other end, there was little to do for Dean Kiely, preferred in goal to Scott Carson after a magnificent display against Wigan last weekend.

Everything changed on 28 minutes, when Martis dawdled inexplicably on the ball and was robbed by Gerrard.

The Liverpool skipper raced through on goal and lifted the ball deftly over Kiely into the left corner of the net.

It was the 24th goal of an outstanding season for the man voted Football Writers' Player of the Year.

Gerrard then went close with a curling 25-yarder, then supplied a cross for Fernando Torres whose glancing header forced Kiely to tip over.

The second half followed much the same pattern as West Brom played some vibrant stuff but failed to take their chances.

On 59 minutes, Menseguez was fortunately adjudged onside when played through by Robert Koren. He could have shot but chose to square it for Fortune, whose failure to attack the ball gave Lucas Leiva the chance to make a goal-saving tackle.

It was a glorious chance, and within five minutes Kuyt had doubled Liverpool's lead, collecting a Gerrard pass, weaving into space and battering a low shot into the right corner of the West Brom net.

Fortune proceeded to miss two more sitters - one a particularly simple free header - and when he finally put the ball in the net he was denied by an offside flag.

Liverpool might have been forgiven for taking their foot off the gas, but their will to win spilled over in embarrassing fashion late on when Carragher and Arbeloa squared up to each other and exchanged shoves before team-mates pulled them apart.

The Hawthorns gave West Brom a rousing send-off as time wound down. If the fervency and loyalty of their support is anything to go by, their exile from the top flight should be a short one.

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Manchester United Secure Title With Arsenal Draw

They had to hold on as Arsenal dominated possession and had their chances, but Manchester United have secured the Premier League title following an Old Trafford stalemate.

His future may be up in the air, but Sir Alex Ferguson nevertheless opted to start Carlos Tevez up front in place of Dimitar Berbatov. Rio Ferdinand remains sidelined, leaving Jonny Evans at the back and Ryan Giggs as captain. Darren Fletcher also started in midfield as Manchester United lined up in something of a 4-3-3 formation.


Arsenal were without injured goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, so Lukasz Fabianski started between the sticks, while further depletion meant that midfielder Alex Song played at centre-back. Emmanuel Adebayor was also missing, but Andrey Arshavin was healthy enough to return.

First Half

Manchester United flew out of the traps quickly, but there was some hesitation from Cristiano Ronaldo as he passed up a chance to pull the trigger.

Gradually, after a couple of broken-down forays into United territory, Arsenal started to monopolise possession and looked, for all intents and purposes, like the home side.

Thus, United were keen to hit on the break, which they did to good effect through Ronaldo. He left Song trailing and picked out Rooney, but the onrushing forward scuffed his running shot.

An otherwise tentative first ten minutes out of the way, the sides then each created a good chance. First, Arshavin clipped a glorious ball over the top which Robin van Persie didn't know what to do with; he headed tamely over in the end. Still, the Russian playmaker was getting warmed up, causing trouble with his direct approach.

At the other end, Rooney peeled off Bacary Sagna and headed Michael Carrick's fine flighted ball down and past Fabianski's near post.

During the second part of the first half, chances were few and far between, and the patterns of the early stages repeated themselves. Samir Nasri's drive deflected into the arms of Edwin van der Sar on the half-hour mark; Van Persie sent a looping header into the arms of the 'keeper soon after.

Nasri then blasted goal-wards from 10 yards out, but his off-target shot hit Van Persie with too much velocity for the Dutchman to flick for goal.

United went closest through Ryan Giggs, who ballooned over after being teed up by Rooney, and Ronaldo, who hit a free-kick wide just before the break.

Second Half

The opening minutes of the second period had some needle to them: Fabregas and Nasri were booked, adding to Van Persie and Arshavin's first-half cautions. Then the rain came on, and the game opened up significantly.

Nevertheless, it took until just before the hour-mark before a couple of chances occurred. For the Gunners, Kieran Gibbs rifled into the side netting after some great build-up play. Soon after, United's Fletcher centred the ball from the right and Tevez spun superbly, shrugging off Kolo Toure in the process. However, Fabianski was quick off his line and slid in to repel the Argentine, before Ronaldo hit Row Z.

On 66 minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson made a brave, and unpopular, change as his side continued to struggle. Park Ji-Sung replaced Tevez, who proceeded to wave to the crowd on would could prove to be his last ever home game for the Red Devils.

Arsene Wenger raised the stakes further, sending Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott on for Nasri and Arshavin.

One of the new boys, Park, actually did have the ball in the net shortly after his introduction. Ronaldo surged through the middle and, after teasing Fabianski, squared for the South Korean to roll home. However, they didn't get the benefit of the doubt and the Portuguese was flagged offside.

On 78 minutes, following some extended Arsenal pressure, Ronaldo went agonisingly close with a 20-yard free-kick effort which wouldn't quite curl inside the right-hand post.

The final ten minutes would be nervy for the home faithful. On 83', Song imitated a battering ram and charged through the home rearguard, before Fabregas' shot was touched wide by Van der Sar.

In injury time, Michael Carrick got his head on Van Persie's free-kick, for the second time in the game, but there was to be no late drama.

Thus it finished. It wasn't exactly pretty on the day, though Manchester United are the Premier League Champions 2008/09, completing their second top-flight hat-trick!
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Barcelona Storm To Silverware After Thrashing Athletic

For the first time since 2006 a trophy appears in the Camp Nou cabinet...

FC Barcelona 4-1 Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona came back from a goal down to rack up a fully deserved 4-1 Copa del Rey victory over hapless Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla on Wednesday evening.

An early strike from Toquero gave the Lions the lead, but Yaya Toure soon restored parity before a Lionel Messi strike, a Bojan effort, and a Xavi free-kick made for a thrilling victory for Barca.

It is the Catalan side's 25th Copa del Rey victory and their first piece of silverware since their 2006 Supercopa, League and Champions League wins.

Athletic, meanwhile, could not capitalise on their early lead, and thus missed the chance to make it 25 Copas for themselves, and to pick up their first silverware since their Liga and Copa double of 1984.

Amidst an intimidating yet friendly atmosphere the game began with the champions-elect on the back foot. Athletic had lined up in attacking formation and this almost immediately bore fruit as Barca keeper Pinto was called into an early save from the impressive Toquero.

Indeed, he was to open the scoring after nine minutes. Javi Martinez forced a corner from Pinto, but Toquero rose highest from the set-piece, foxing Xavi and Keita, to head home.

Pep Guardiola's side struggled to fight they way back into the game after that, with Bojan looking out of sorts and Samuel Eto'o allowing Fernando Amorebieta to catch up with him and rob him of a one-on-one when it seemed easier to shoot.

But midway through the first half the Blaugrana began to come alive, Gorka Iraizoz making a quick reaction save from Eto'o in the 25th minute.

The equaliser came just after the half hour mark, and it was one worth waiting for. Yaya Toure strode past two Athletic players before rounding Amorebieta and drilling a lovely 20-yard effort in just next to the far post.

Then Dani Alves, whose set-piece form had deserted him prior to this evening, came close to making it 2-1 with a free-kick on the stroke of half time.

Even though the break imposed on proceedings Barcelona were clearly in the ascendancy, and ten minutes after the restart took the lead through Lionel Messi, who placed a shot past Iraizoz after the stopper had parried a Samuel Eto'o effort.

A moment of controversy followed as Daniel Alves, preparing to take a throw-in, fell to the ground after being hit by a flying drink can, and although the police escorted a man from the Athletic side of the stadium it was unclear who actually threw it.

Undaunted, Barcelona went 3-1 up through Bojan, who netted on the counter with a lovely curling effort, in off the post.

Five minutes later Xavi side-footed a beautiful free-kick in off the post to make the lead insurmountable, and Barcelona were on their way to the podium.

Indeed, there was just one more chance worthy of the name for the Basques, Llorente scuffing a free header wide, and in fact Dani Alves and Samuel Eto'o could have extended the lead before the end.

Barcelona now will look to gain both Liga and Champions League glory to go with their record tally of Copas.

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Manchester United Close In On Title With Wigan Win

A very late Carrick goal handed the champions all three points at the JJB and leaves them just one point away from yet another title.
Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United look to be closing in on yet another Premier League title after coming from behind to secure a hard-fought win at a rain-swept JJB Stadium.

A thrilling first-half saw chances aplenty for both sides but with Wigan, crucially, heading in at the interval with the lead.

Indeed the home side might have gone ahead in the opening minutes when a mistake by Jonny Evans allowed Antonio Valencia clear through on goal.

Yet whilst the Ecuadorian’s run into the box was impressive, his finish wasn’t, and he chipped a poor effort wide of goal.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men came storming back and had chances of their own as early as the tenth minute.

Dimitar Berbatov handed Wayne Rooney a glorious opportunity to score but the England international conspired to head his cross well wide with only Richard Kingson to beat.

Minutes later and a flowing move from the visitors saw Rooney and Berbatov combine again to tee up Michael Carrick who prodded another effort just wide.

Yet the league leaders were not having it all their own way and were grateful to Edwin van der Sar who did well to punch a Charles N’Zogbia free-kick to safety.

The Dutch stopper was also called into action shortly afterwards when Hugo Rodallega beat Evans but could only fire straight at the veteran.

However, Wigan were not to be denied and just before the half-hour mark they took the lead.

A long ball by Lee Cattermole up to Rodallega saw the striker challenging with Nemanja Vidic in the air.

As the ball dropped, the bounce seemed to confuse both players but Rodallega was quickest to the rebound and swept it past Van der Sar with a composed finish.

The goal knocked United out of their stride and with the wet conditions playing a part they struggled to regain their earlier fluency.

However, as the half drew to a close they finally managed to slip into gear once again.

A lovely move involving several players eventually saw Ronaldo slip in Rooney for a shot but again the England striker couldn’t find the target despite being well-placed.

Undeterred Wigan sprinted down the other end of the field with Rodallega shooting straight at Van der Sar as the half ended in much the same exhilarating fashion as it began.

The home side began the second half in determined fashion and with United unable to force Kingson into a save, Ferguson changed things on the hour mark sending on Carlos Tevez for Anderson.

It was to prove to be an inspired substitute as within minutes of his arrival the Argentine had pulled the Red Devils back on level terms.

For the first time all game Carrick found himself in space outside the area. The midfielder hit a low shot which looked to be heading wide before Tevez flicked it past Kingson for the equaliser.

With half an hour still remaining the visitors went in search of the winner but were frustrated by a combination of some superb Wigan play and poor finishing.

Both Rooney and Ronaldo saw decent efforts flash wide of the target and with time running out the champions looked to be heading for a frustrating draw.

Yet with just five minutes remaining Ronaldo and O’Shea combined to tee up Carrick who slotted home a sumptuous left-footed finish to leave United just one point from the title.

Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Scharner, Brown, N'Zogbia (Mido, 82), Rodallega.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Scholes (Giggs, 75), Anderson (Tevez, 58), Ronaldo, Berbatov (Park, 88), Rooney.

GOALS

1-2 Manchester United (Carrick, 86)

1-1 Manchester United (Tevez, 62)

1-0 Wigan Athletic (Rodallega, 29) Read more...

Flamengo Coach Dismisses Calls For Adriano To Play Next Week

The player is not ready to feature yet according to the coach.

Adriano - Flamengo

Flamengo coach, Cuca, has ruled out the chance of Adriano playing against Internacional next week despite calls from the fans for him to be introduced.

The striker left Inter Milan a month ago to return to Brazil but as of yet does not have the match fitness to make his debut.

Nevertheless, frustrated Flamengo fans who saw their team draw a blank against Internacional on Wednesday, called out his name.

The supporters booed Obina in the Maracana and called for the former Inter striker to be used by Cuca.

However the coach said that Adriano is still being assessed by the medical department of Flamengo and only next week will he start training.

"The chance of Adriano playing is zero. He is not training and has a
huge responsibility. If he plays and doesn't score, they will not like it. He has to enter fully in shape, no other way," Goal.com Brazil quotes him as saying.

It is thought that the hope is for him to make his debut on May 30 when Flamengo take on Atletico-PR in the Maracana. Read more...

World Cup Ticket Sales Continue To Increase

The sale of tickets for next year’s event in South Africa continue to impress FIFA, with close to 300 000 applications received in a week.

The World Cup (Goal.com)

The second phase of ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has attracted more than 297,000 applications within a week, FIFA revealed on Wednesday, with only about 100,000 tickets on offer.

The latest batch, which excludes the two semi-finals and the final, is on sale until November and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

More than 112,600 of the requests so far came from South Africa, world football's governing body said. Applications can be made either through a South African bank or on FIFA’s website.

The demand is matching the popularity of the first phase of ticket sales between February 20 and March 31, which attracted more than 1.8 million ticket requests. Nearly 556,000 tickets for that phase were distributed by a random computerised draw last month, 44% of them to South Africans.

FIFA also said on Wednesday that 351,121 tickets for the Confederations Cup have been sold, with just over a month to go until the tournament kicks off in South Africa. A total of 640 000 are available for the event.

FIFA recently changed its sales methods for the Confederations Cup in a bid to stimulate advance sales in South Africa. Footballing officials said fans there were more used to buying tickets on match day. Read more...