Inter and Milan played out a dreary 0-0 derby draw on Sunday that encapsulated their respective disappointing seasons in Serie A.
There was a notable lack of quality in attack for both sides, perhaps showcasing how the two giants of Italian football have fallen from grace in recent seasons.
That feeling was particularly evident in a first half that...
Taca de Portugal finalists Sporting Lisbon edged closed to securing UEFA Champions League football for next season with a hard-fought 2-1 Primeira Liga win at home to Boavista on Sunday.
Adrien Silva got the hosts off to a marvellous start, turning inside the area and coolly slotting past Mika in the Boavista goal with just 15 seconds on the clock,...
Hamburg's woes continued on Sunday as a 1-0 Nordderby defeat to Werder Bremen consigned the rock-bottom strugglers to a fifth successive loss, while Schalke left Wolfsburg with a commendable point.
Bruno Labbadia's appointment in midweek failed to provide a spark for Hamburg, who slipped to a club-record sixth successive game without scoring and...
Pep Guardiola claims Bayern Munich are already focusing on their Champions League quarter-final with Porto after a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says his side have already switched their focus to their upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg with FC Porto.
The reigning Bundesliga champions put a turbulent week behind them to claim well-earned 2-0 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday.
A 3-1 defeat in Portugal has left ambitions of Champions League glory hanging in the balance for Bayern, with team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt quitting his post after being blamed for the defeat.
But the Bavarians managed to put their difficulties aside during a successful days work at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, taking the lead through Sebastian Rode just before half time, before sealing the win late on after Andreas Beck's own goal.
The win leaves Bayern 13 points clear at the top ahead of Wolfsburg's game with Hamburg on Sunday, with only two more wins required to seal a third consecutive Bundesliga title.
The leaders would seal a spot in the Champions League semi-finals if they can replicate Saturday's result, and Guardiola insists his players are already focused on the task at hand.
He told reporters: "We played very well in the first half, and controlled the game.
"The second half was very difficult, as our legs were tired.
"I am very proud of my players. Now next Tuesday we have the most important game in the Champions League.
"It will obviously be difficult, but it's our main goal. I have faith in the players."
Preparations for Tuesday's game looked to have been dealt another injury blow shortly after half time when Juan Bernat was substituted with an apparent ankle problem.
But Guardiola was quick to downplay any concerns, adding: "We didn't want to take any risks."
Steven Gerrard has explained why moving a step closer to FA Cup success with victory over Aston Villa at Wembley this afternoon is so important for the growth of the current Liverpool team.
This will be the talisman's final campaign with the Reds - a move to LA Galaxy is planned for the summer after 17 years here - and he's determined to help Brendan Rodgers' side lift the trophy.
The captain's desire to achieve that objective is founded on far more than merely wanting to sign off his Anfield adventure with one more honour on the day of his 35th birthday, however.
No, he believes that if Liverpool can see off the challenge of Villa in the capital and complete the mission next month, the experience could prove the kind of springboard he had early in his career.
"I was a young player in 2000-01 when Liverpool won three cups and I know how significant it is to sample that unique taste of success," Gerrard wrote in his last programme notes.
"We need something that is going to act as a catalyst for this current young squad, something that is going to give the players the belief they can be successful for a number of years.
"Sometimes, it takes a major trophy for you to get that belief. The experience of going to Wembley makes you want to get back there as soon as possible.
"So the Aston Villa game becomes very important. We realise it's going to be very tough but if we get through it will do everyone in the squad wonders, as well as Brendan and the staff."
Cagliari coach Zdenek Zeman has re-assured that his team are stable and ready ahead of their home game against Napoli on Sunday despite the recent fracas with a group of fans.
On Friday, a small selection of Rossoblu ultras had managed to force their way into the club training ground in an effort to urge the players to prove their worth in the upcoming game against Napoli, but things took a turn for the worse when certain players ignored the demands, ensuing a scuffle between the two parties.
“This was bad thing that happened, but unfortunately it doesn’t just occur here,” the 67-year-old said. “In my career I have seem similar incidents happen, and it’s not always easy to solve these things.
“Some of the players were even in the wrong. Though it wasn’t a proper confrontation, we listened to what the fans had to say and then it suddenly happened.
“The training yesterday had already been cancelled and had absolutely nothing to do with the fans. We have adjusted some problems and now we are ready for the game.”
Putting other matters aside, the coach affirmed that the club’s sights are solely set on the remaining games as his side sit eights points adrift of safety.
“We must make the most of these remaining eight games and try to win more of the games against bigger teams,” he said.
“As for Napoli it won’t be easy, but we’ll have to play all over the field to put them in trouble.
“The team is not playing badly, we are unlucky which is evident when you hit the post three times in twenty minutes.
“I believe that this team still has a lot left.”
Manager Brendan Rodgers believes Manchester City do not compare to the stature of Liverpool and will need 20 years to be as big.
Star attacker Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move to City, among other clubs, as his contract saga continues.
But Rodgers rejected suggestions a move to City for the 20-year-old Sterling would be the England...
