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News Archive

Champions League, day four

Valencia got the result they wanted on Tuesday night, a 3-0 victory against Rangers taking them above the Scottish side in their group table. Soldado scored twice, and Tino Costa got the third at the end. Barcelona though had problems again with Copenhagen, albeit that a 1-1 away draw kept them top of their group. It was Messi once again who gave them the lead, but Claudemir equalised a minute or so later. The following day Real Madrid became the first Spanish side to qualify for the knock-out stage after drawing 2-2 with AC Milan. Higuaín opened the scoring, but two in the second half from Inzaghi turned the scorelie around before Pedro León's last gasp equaliser. (03.11.10)

AC Milan 2 - Real Madrid 2

Real Madrid became the first Spanish side to qualify for the knock-out stage after drawing 2-2 with AC Milan. Mourinho's side dominated the first half, failing to convert several chances before Di María slotted a pass through for Higuaín to open the scoring. One up and cruising, but midway through the second half veteran substitute turned the scoreline around single-handed with two goals in eight minutes, heading the first after Casillas misread Ibrahimovic's cross, and scoring the second after picking up a pass from Gattuso in a possible offside position. Once again though Mourinho went for broke, bringing on Pedro León for Pepe, and the substitute saved the day with a shot through the legs of the keeper after Benzema set him up. A game that should have been won long before, but in the end Madrid were grateful for the point. (03.11.10)

Valencia 3 - Glasgow Rangers 0

Valencia got the result they wanted on Tuesday night, a 3-0 victory against Glasgow Rangers taking them above the Scottish side in their group table. Rangers had not won once in Spain in eleven previous minutes, but they almost took the lead when Naismith fired a shot against the upright. With just over half an hour on the clock though Soldado picked up a loose ball in the area following Mata's corner to score, and the striker got his second of the night with twenty minutes to go after Mata set him up. Naismith hit the post again with a header after that, but with the game coming to a close Tino Costa slid in the third to put the result beyond doubt. If Emery's side win their next game at home to Bursaspor, and Rangers fail to do so against Manchester United, Valencia's visit to Old Trafford for their last game will be academic. (02.11.10)

Copenhagen 1 - Barcelona 1

Barcelona had problems once again with Copenhagen, albeit that a 1-1 draw kept them in first place in their group. The Danish side are one of the revelation teams in the tournament this year, and with a bit more luck they could have taken the advantage early on, Claudemir hitting the bar and Valdés lucky to escape a red card when he caught N'Doye's head with his knee. A few minutes later though Villa hit the post, and soon afterwards Messi put Barça ahead with another piece of his endless skill. But the lead lasted just over a minute, Valdés pushing out Gronkjaer's cross as far as Claudemir, who drove the ball back in to goal to equalise. After that a disciplined local defence hardly gave their opponents a chance up until the last minute, when substitute Pedro hit the post again. Not what Barça expected, but with the other group game ending in a 0-0 draw they are virtually qualified. (02.11.10)