Football News | Football Gossips | Football Transfers | Football Saga | Football Rumours: 12/01/2009

Francesco Totti bites back

Roma captain Francesco Totti has laughed off claims from Mauro Zarate that he is "finished".

The 22-year-old Argentinian, who plays for Eternal City rivals Lazio, made the comment on Tuesday, adding: "He hasn't scored in about 10 derbies."

But Totti, who has scored 240 goals for Roma in all competitions, wrote on his website: "Since it's Christmas and we should all try to be better people, I send 240 well wishes to Zarate.

"In 2010, I hope to get more goals and assists to become a record goalscorer."

Roma beat Lazio 1-0 earlier this month with a goal from Marco Cassetti.

England and AC Milan have received a boost with the news that David Beckham has recovered from a bruised right ankle bone.

The Los Angles Galaxy star had trouble with his ankle in the run-up to the mls Cup final in November, which his side lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties.

The midfielder has since returned to Milan on loan to boost his chances of making England's World Cup squad after a successful stint at the Italian club last season.

The club's doctor, Massimo Manara, reported on Tuesday that Beckham is now in fine fettle after his second day of training since returning to the Serie A side.

Manara told the club's in-house television channel: "I found David Beckham really well.

"Even though a year has passed, he looked to be at the same level as a year ago to me.

"The problem he had with his right foot in previous weeks is resolved."

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is "more than convinced" he will be a Roma player by January 2.

The 32-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Bundesliga club and has seemed increasingly likely to be on his way to Roma.

Toni believes he will officially seal his return to Italy on Saturday.

"We hope that things will go as well as they should do and to all take satisfaction from this," the Italy international told radio station Centro Suono Sport.

"I'm very up for this, I want this situation and at the end this situation has to happen.

"I am more than convinced that on the second I'll be at Roma.

"We hope to find ourselves there on January 2 and do have six great months."

Toni has fallen out with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal and is no longer wanted by the Dutchman.

A return to Italy would boost his chances of forcing his way back into Marcello Lippi's plans for next summer's World Cup.

Villarreal's dismal start to the season now looks a distant memory as Ernesto Valverde's upwardly mobile side ended 2009 in ninth spot after seeing off Racing Santander 2-0 with two second-half goals.

Joseba Llorente, who struck an injury-time winner against Atletico Madrid last weekend, opened the scoring in the 51st minute and Giuseppe Rossi doubled the lead 21 minutes later as Villarreal continue to make up for lost time following their worst start to a Primera Division season.

The Yellow Submarine were left propping up the standings after taking just three points from their opening seven league games, while they also lost two of their opening three Europa League group matches.

But they have now won nine of heir last 13 competitive matches, helping them not only climb the table but also progress in Europe and the Copa del Rey.

Deportivo La Coruna and Valencia shared the spoils in an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Riazor.

Both coaches will be left feeling frustrated after watching their men waste a sackful of chances.

Espanyol brought their miserable five-match losing streak to an end with a deserved 2-0 win at home to fellow strugglers Almeria.

The Barcelona-based side looked nervous following their recent poor form, but struck a huge psychological blow as they took the lead on the stroke of half-time, through Javi Marquez.

And Ferran Corominas wrapped up a deserved win for the Catalans with a second goal late on to give Mauricio Pochettino's men a huge boost and relieve pressure on the Argentinian coach.

Real Valladolid picked up their first Primera Division win since October - and only their third of the season - as substitute Haris Medunjanin's 90th-minute winner earned a 2-1 home victory over Sporting Gijon.

The Bosnian fired in from Alberto Bueno's pass 12 minutes after coming on to complete Valladolid's comeback after they had trailed to Luis Moran's opener in the 13th minute.

Nivaldo converted a close-range header to level just before the half-hour mark and both sides had chances to win it before Medunjanin settled the contest.

The win moved Valladolid four points clear of the bottom three.

Malaga's miserable campaign took a much-needed turn for the better as the Andalusians beat in-form Real Mallorca 2-1 to secure their first league victory since the opening day of the season.

Fernando Fernandez gave Malaga the lead halfway through the first period and although Mallorca hit back through Julio Alvarez 11 minutes after the break, Fernando Forestieri struck the winner late on to secure a rare success.

Atletico Madrid were indebted to goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo for helping them escape from their trip to fellow strugglers Tenerife with a point in a 1-1 draw.

Asenjo was beaten after just three minutes when Francisco Nino put Tenerife ahead, but the 4.5million euro summer signing from Real Valladolid saved everything the home side could throw at him after that - which proved to be a considerable amount.

Jose Manuel Jurado drew the vistors level with a well-worked goal on 22 minutes.

On Saturday, Real Madrid trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top back to two points after sweeping aside sorry Real Zaragoza 6-0 at the Bernabeu.

The game was over as a contest inside the opening 34 minutes as Madrid raced into a 4-0 lead through braces from the in-form Gonzalo Higuain and Rafael van der Vaart.

Manuel Pellegrini's side then added two more goals in the second half through big-money summer signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - on his 22nd birthday - to record their biggest win of the season.

Sevilla slipped further off the title pace as their poor recent home form continued with a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to Getafe.

Manolo Jimenez's side had failed to win either of their previous two league matches at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

They found themselves two goals down inside 33 minutes tonight against a plucky Getafe outfit thanks to Roberto Soldado's brace and, though Alvaro Negredo pulled one back at the start of the second half, Sevilla could not find a way back into the game.

Early goals from Fran Yeste and Fernando Llorente gave Athletic Bilbao a fine 2-0 victory over northern rivals Osasuna.

Samuel Eto'o's first-half goal earned Inter Milan a narrow 1-0 win over Lazio and ensured the Nerazzurri ended the year with an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.

The Cameroon international struck in the 14th minute to enable Jose Mourinho's side to return to winning ways.

The triumph gave Inter a comfortable cushion over second-placed AC Milan, whose game at Fiorentina on Saturday was postponed due to bad weather.

Juventus crashed to their third consecutive defeat on Sunday to leave coach Ciro Ferrara under severe pressure after a 2-1 loss at home to Catania.

The Sicilians picked up their first win over Juventus in more than 45 years thanks to a penalty from Jorge Martinez midway through the first half and a winner from Mariano Izco three minutes from time.

Hasan Salihamidzic had given Juve some hope in the 66th minute, but it was not enough to prevent another defeat for the Bianconeri.

With temperatures below freezing, the reception the Juve team received from their own fans was equally frosty - the team bus was confronted by angry fans who threw eggs and fireworks, while the hardcore fans behind one of the goals turned their backs on the team at the start of the game.

Roma enhanced their prospects of a Champions League place with a 2-0 victory over top-four rivals Parma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Nicolas Burdisso scored early in the second half before Matteo Brighi added a second late on to lift the Giallorossi above Parma on goal difference and ensure a positive end to 2009 for Claudio Ranieri's side.

Parma ended the game with 10 men after Massimo Paci was sent off for a second bookable offence three minutes from time.

Napoli's impressive run of results continued as they ended the year in sixth place thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over in-form Chievo.

The Partenopei got off to the perfect start when Marek Hamsik fired them into an early lead from the spot after German Denis had been fouled by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

And Fabio Quagliarella secured all the points three minutes from time.

Palermo maintained their impressive form under new coach Delio Rossi with a narrow 1-0 win over Siena that propelled them to the verge of the European places in Serie A.

The Sicilian giants went into their final match before the winter break fresh from last weekend's 2-0 victory away at AC Milan.

And Edison Cavani netted the winner at La Favorita to maintain their fine form, leaving Siena bottom after Catania's victory over Juventus.

Livorno slowed Sampdoria's charge for European football and picked up three vital points for themselves as they came from behind to win 3-1 at the Armando Picchi Stadium.

Antonio Cassano had put Sampdoria ahead after 15 minutes, but Nelson Rivas equalised six minutes before the break and Tomas Danilevicius had Livorno ahead early in the second half.

Samp piled forward in a desperate bid to end a barren run away from home that stretches back to September 13, but instead it was Danilevicius who sealed victory with an injury-time strike.

The games between Genoa and Bari and Udinese and Cagliari fell foul of the cold snap.

AC Milan's hopes of clawing some ground back on leaders Inter before the end of the year were hit on Saturday by the postponement of their match at Fiorentina.

Milan are five points behind their city rivals following a run of four wins in five matches, with this weekend's programme the final round of fixtures before the league breaks up for Christmas.

Leonardo's men had been hoping to further close that gap and also ensure they would head into the winter break in second place, but heavy snow at the Stadio Artemio Franchi saw the fixture in Florence called off.

Saturday's other scheduled match between Bologna and Atalanta was also called off because of the snow and freezing temperatures which have swept across Europe.

That clash at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara was initially rearranged for Sunday with kick-off at 1300 local time - but even that fell foul of the weather.

Jose Mourinho believes Roberto Mancini will enjoy life at Manchester City although he warned his predecessor at Inter Milan that the Premier League is "completely different" to Serie A.

Mancini will appear at his first press conference as City manager later today after being named as the replacement for the sacked Mark Hughes on Saturday evening.

Mourinho had a hugely successful spell at Chelsea before joining Inter and he believes Mancini, who has been out of work since leaving the Nerazzurri in May 2008, is a good fit for ambitious City.

"I want to wish the best of luck to my colleague Roberto Mancini for his appointment at Manchester City," Mourinho told Sky Italia.

"It will be a great and special experience for him to test himself in a very different reality to Italian football.

"The Premier League is completely different to what he has known so far.

"Mancini is a good coach and has an owner (Sheikh Mansour) who spends a lot of money.

"I don't see why he shouldn't be happy in England."

One man who will not be following Mancini to Eastlands, according to his current employers, is Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has already been earmarked as a potential target for Mancini in the January transfer window, but Inter president Massimo Moratti insists the 19-year-old is going nowhere.

"I think they (Manchester City) have made a great signing (in Mancini)," said Moratti.

"But they should not inquire about Balotelli for January because we are not selling him."

Balotelli, who is under contract with the Nerazzurri until 2011, has made just six league starts for Mourinho's side this campaign.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he will have to sell players if he wants to make any new signings.

Allardyce, who watched his side slump to a 2-0 home defeat against Tottenham on Saturday, has conceded funds are tight at Ewood Park.

Blackburn have only netted 17 goals in 18 Premier League games so far this season and the former Bolton boss is reportedly searching for a new striker.

He told The Sun: "I will have to sell to buy. We haven't got the money to buy a Crouchie (Peter) or a Bent (Darren) who were available in the summer.

"That's why I think we might be better off just working with what we have got and hope that they can come up with the goods.

"There are also other people in other areas who could be contributing and scoring goals for us."

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is seeking to reinforce his squad with a striker in the winter transfer window.

With Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o set to compete in the African Nations Cup in the new year, Mourinho's only demand is for Inter to acquire a forward.

"Considering we will lose Eto'o for a month-and-a-half, I would like a striker in January," said Mourinho in a press conference.

Lazio striker Goran Pandev and Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni, both of of favour with their respective clubs, have been linked with a move to Inter.

"It's impossible that in a given player you have all the qualities that we need," said Mourinho. "Pandev is not Toni in the area but Toni is not Pandev in terms of speed and creativity.

"But Toni is a Bayern player and Pandev is a Lazio player and none of these player are free agents or are easy to sign.

"Hence, I leave the decision to the club.

"If they are able to sign one that would be good, otherwise, we will stick with what we have."

David Beckham is hoping to play against his former club Manchester United in the Champions League when he joins AC Milan in the new year.

While United will be seeded for the knockout stages, Milan will be among the runners-up for Friday's draw in Nyon.

That means United are among six teams they could be drawn against.

"I would really like to face my former team in the next round," said Beckham, who will join AC Milan on a six-month loan deal from the Los Angeles Galaxy when the transfer window re-opens.

"Since I left (United) in 2003, I have not returned to play at Old Trafford.

"Seven years have gone by and I would like for that to happen.

"Me against Manchester, it would be beautiful, wouldn't it?"

The England midfielder, who won the Champions League with United in 1998, spent a decade with the Red Devils before moving to Real Madrid, and knows how challenging the tie against last season's runners-up would be.

"It would be very difficult," said Beckham to Gazzetta dello Sport. "But it will be very exciting.

"I like big challenges and I would love to play that type of game.

"I would love to win the Champions League because it is a special competition, where the strongest teams compete."

The 34-year-old's priority until then is to earn a regular spot in Leonardo's Milan.

Beckham was a key player for former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti last season and the Galaxy star will be eager to earn a starting role under Leonardo in the hope of making Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

"I am delighted to return to Italy," said Beckham. "I can't wait to go back to Milan.

"I am counting the days and there is only two weeks to go.

"Above everything, I want to be a part of this fantastic group.

"It's not important which position I play in midfield, the important thing is how I play."

Gennaro Gattuso has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract at AC Milan, the club have announced.

Gattuso has been linked with moves to the English Premier League in recent weeks as he was said to be unhappy with his first-team opportunities after battling injury.

But the club said he would be remaining in Milan for the next three years.

"Milan announce that the footballer Rino Gattuso has extended his contract with the club until 30 June 2012," said a statement on the club's website.

Gattuso, who turns 32 next month, has spent the last decade with Milan after spells with Perugia, Rangers and Salernitana early in his career.

He also has 70 caps for Italy and was a member of the World Cup winning squad in 2006.

Valencia new boy Alejandro Dominguez admits he turned down the chance to earn more money elsewhere in order to sign for the Primera Division club, who he hopes can help him fulfil his international ambitions.

The 28-year-old Argentinian forward was presented by Valencia on Tuesday after completing his switch from Rubin Kazan and penning a contract that ties him to Los Che for the rest of this season and three more.

When asked if he had rejected a better financial deal elsewhere to join Valencia, Dominguez said: "Yes, that's true but right now I'm thinking about other things, about sporting goals and that Valencia are on a good path and, hopefully, we can achieve things."

Valencia are fourth in the Primera Division table and need just a point against Genoa on Thursday to progress through to the last 32 of the Europa League.

In 23 competitive games this season they have lost just twice, including against Real Madrid at the weekend.

"I had other offers but I decided on Valencia because they are a big club, who deserve to achieve big things and I think that with the quality there is in the team they are on the right path," added Dominguez.

"As well as that, I think that they can help me get into the national team and go to World Cup, and this is one of the things that was in my thinking when I decided to come here.

"I'm very happy to be at Valencia and eager to join the team and start doing well for them."

A well-worked goal out of almost nothing from Fredi Kanoute was enough to give Sevilla a 1-0 victory over Sporting Gijon in a battle of two teams chasing European places.

Sporting fell to their first home defeat of the season as Kanoute teamed up with Jesus Navas to score the only goal after nine minutes.

The win lifts Sevilla up to third place as they continue their push for Europe.

Substitute Joseba Llorente headed an injury-time winner as Villarreal recorded a 2-1 win at the expense of Atletico Madrid, who are now just a point above the relegation zone following Sunday's results.

Llorente, who had only been on the pitch 10 minutes after replacing Giuseppe Rossi, sent a diving header past Sergio Asenjo in the 91st minute to help Villarreal claim a comeback win in the battle between La Liga's two biggest underachievers so far this season.

Earlier, Atletico had taken a first-half lead through captain Simao Sabrosa but David Fuster brought Villarreal level just after half-time before Llorente's late effort helped the Yellow Submarine climb up to 10th in the standings.

Real Mallorca claimed their first away win of the season after a goal 15 minutes into the second half by Gonzalo Castro guided Los Rojillos to a 1-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday.

Aritz Aduriz and Jose Luis Marti were influential in attack for the visitors throughout and they dealt easily with all Osasuna had to offer as they kept up their bid for European football.

Juan Albin scored twice as Getafe beat Tenerife 2-1 at home for their third Primera Division win in four games.

The Uruguayan netted either side of half-time to put the hosts in complete control before Juanlu gave Tenerife hope late on.

Deportivo La Coruna came from a goal down to rescue a useful point at struggling Almeria and keep themselves in the race for a place in European competition next season.

Following a lively first half in which both sides missed good chances, Hugo Sanchez's men went in front just short of the hour mark, through Kalu Uche.

They were unable to hold onto their lead, though, and were forced to settle for a point following Pablo Alvarez's leveller 16 minutes from time.

Malaga remain rooted in the relegation zone after being held to their fifth successive Primera Division draw against fellow strugglers Real Valladolid.

Seeking a first win since their impressive 3-0 defeat of Atletico Madrid on the opening weekend of the campaign, second-bottom Malaga held a half-time advantage thanks to Sergio Duda's well-struck goal.

The Andalusians were unable to hold on, though, and 14th-placed Valladolid earned a share of the spoils when Malaga defender Jesus Gamez inadvertently headed into his own net midway through the second half.

Racing Santander came from behind to see off a spirited Xerez 3-2 in an entertaining encounter at El Sardinero to move out of the relegation zone.

Bottom club Xerez scored twice away from home for the first time this season and took the lead through Mario Bermejo after just two minutes.

But Racing hit back through Mehdi Lacen after 25 minutes and the Cantabrians took the lead shortly into the second period when Manuel Arana struck.

Xerez came back again though, when Antonito equalised halfway through the second period, only to lose out to Alex Geijo's late header eight minutes from time.

On Saturday Barcelona needed a dubious penalty decision six minutes before half-time to overcome city rivals Espanyol 1-0 in the Catalan derby on Saturday evening.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic rifled home the spot-kick after Xavi had gone down far too easily in the area, and the Swede's strike proved enough to give Pep Guardiola's side all three points against a limited Espanyol outfit.

Barca dominated virtually from start to finish, but were missing their usual attacking verve in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi.

Substitute Ezequiel Garay headed home a late winner as Real Madrid came out on top 3-2 in a hard-fought clash with fellow high-flyers Valencia to keep the gap to Barca at five points with a game still in hand.

Garay, who had replaced Pepe just before half-time after the Portuguese international was stretchered off, did superbly to guide in Xabi Alonso's free-kick with seven minutes remaining.

All five goals came in a thrilling second half at the Mestalla with Garay's fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain celebrating a late birthday by twice putting Madrid ahead only for hosts Valencia to hit back through goals from Spain international David Villa and Joaquin Sanchez

Athletic Bilbao provisionally moved into the top seven of the Primera Division by seeing off struggling Real Zaragoza thanks to two second-half goals at La Romareda.

Mikel San Jose and Markel Susaeta netted the goals, both of which were set up by teenage substitute Iker Muniain, as Athletic bounced back from last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Valencia to move above Sporting Gijon, who face a tough home match with Sevilla tomorrow.

The victory means upwardly-mobile Athletic have now won five and drawn three of their last nine competitive matches since their dismal run of six defeats in eight.

Record-chasing Alessandro Matri and Cagliari go in search of their fifth consecutive Serie A victory at the Sant Elia on Saturday.

Matri will equal the record set by Italy great Gigi Riva at Cagliari 38 years ago if he scores this weekend.

The Italian forward has found the back of the net in his team's last six league games and another goal will see him join Riva in the club's history books.

"My record of seven consecutive league goals was set a long time ago," said Riva, now Italy's team manager.

"In any case, records are there to be broken and if Matri is able to break mine, I will be very happy for him.

"He is a good striker, who is proving a key player for Cagliari."

Matri, meanwhile, remains focused on helping his side return to winning ways after last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Palermo dropped the Sardinian outfit to 10th in the standings.

"I would have been happier if my goal at Palermo would have given us three points," admitted the 25-year-old.

"The important thing is to do well for the team and to follow the coach's orders.

"I know that I have to keep working hard and improve.

"I try to make the most of my chances and remain calm and focused."

Last weekend's result was not the only setback for Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri with goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli sustaining a groin injury during the match in Sicily.

Lupatelli will be out until the new year and Federico Marchetti will take his place in goal.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri will also be forced to make some changes to his starting XI with respect to last weekend's 3-2 win over Bari.

Mazzarri could have done without defender Hugo Campagnaro sustaining a thigh injury in training this week with defenders Matteo Contini and Leandro Rinaudo serving a one-match ban on Saturday.

The only consolation for Mazzarri is that Salvatore Aronica returns from suspension.

The Azzurri will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine games but are well aware they will be put to the test by a Cagliari side that is one point and one place behind them in the standings.

"It's going to be a difficult game against a team that play very well at home," said Napoli midfielder Christian Maggio.

"But we are doing very well and if we continue like this we will achieve something important this season.

"We just have to take it one game at a time."

Napoli have not won on the road since beating Juventus 3-2 in Turin in October.

The hosts will have to keep a close eye on Napoli striker Fabio Quagliarella.

The Italy international struck twice in his team's 3-2 triumph over Bari in the last round to increase his goal tally to five.

"Quagliarella scored two important goals for us against Bari," said Maggio. "We hope he can continue his good form in Cagliari."

Quagliarella will play alongside Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik in Napoli's attack.

Luciano Spalletti has been appointed coach of Zenit St Petersburg, the Russian club announced on Friday.

Spalletti, who left Roma earlier this season after four years at the club, has agreed a three-year contract with Zenit.

A club statement read: "A board meeting of FC Zenit was held on December 10. The club's management presented its result of the search for a new head coach, which was in process since May 2009.

"And Luciano Spalletti was unanimously approved as head coach.

"The contract will be signed with a three-year term."

The Italian replaces Anatoli Davydov as coach although he will remain at the club.

Zenit finished third in the Russian Premier League, nine points behind champions Rubin Kazan.

Fifty-year-old Spalletti was out of a job after leaving Roma back in September after a poor run of results.

Spalletti helped a stylish Giallorossi side finish second in Serie A in 2007 and 2008. They also won the Italian Cup in both those years.

The statement from Zenit continued: "The new head coach faces the objectives of regaining the domestic title, gaining regular success in European competitions and establishing firm connections with the youth department."

Adrian Ramos to the rescue

Adrian Ramos headed an equaliser two minutes into stoppage time to earn 10-man Bundesliga basement boys Hertha Berlin a point against leaders Bayer Leverkusen tonight.

The Colombian netted his second of the game just seconds after Burak Kaplan looked to have won it for the visitors.

Toni Kroos had levelled for Bayer in the 76th minute - a minute before Hertha had Gojko Kacar sent off.

Hertha came into the game having taken just two points from a possible 42, but they got off to a flying start as Ramos put them ahead in the eighth minute, slotting a shot past Rene Adler from the right side of the area.

At the other end, Eren Derdiyok met Tranquillo Barnetta's left-wing cross but headed straight at Jaroslav Drobny.

The Hertha keeper was helped out by his defence in the 36th minute, though, when he unconvincingly palmed away Gonzalo Castro's cross.

Victory for Bayer would have moved them six points clear at the top of the table, and they were almost level three minutes after the break.

Stefan Kiessling's fine strike from the left channel was tipped over the bar from Drobny.

And the pressure on Hertha told with 14 minutes remaining as Kroos chested the ball down following Barnetta's left-wing corner a struck a half-volley into the bottom right corner from just outside the area.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Kacar was shown a second yellow card for throwing the ball away, having been penalised for a foul.

And Bayer looked to have snatched victory in the 90th minute when Kaplan's low drive took a wicked deflection which deceived Drobny, the ball looping past the helpless keeper and into the bottom left corner when it had looked destined for the right.

There was to be an even later string in the tail, however, as Drobny, who had gone forward for Raffael's corner, distracted Bayer defender Sami Hyypia, giving Ramos the chance to power home a free header.

Ajax closed the gap on the top two in De Eredivisie with a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling NEC Nijmegen at the Amsterdam ArenA.

The home side were frustrated by NEC in the opening exchanges until the broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time through top scorer Luis Suarez.

Slem de Jong came off the bench to add a second on 65 minutes to put Ajax in firm control.

Mitchell Donald completed the scoring for Ajax 12 minutes to keep them in contention with FC Twente and PSV Eindhoven at the top of the table.

The win moves Ajax to within six points of leaders FC Twente, while NEC remain second from bottom.

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has cash to spend in the January sales - but he does not expect to find any bargains.

With Manchester United in the middle of a defensive injury crisis, Sol Campbell's name had been put forward as a potential solution.

The mere fact a 35-year-old, who enjoyed his best days at Arsenal four seasons ago, was being linked with a move to Old Trafford fuelled speculation about the money Ferguson has at his disposal.

Critics of the Glazer family have never been scared of outlining their doomsday scenario for a club whose current debt stands at £790million, and are convinced the bulk of a world record £80million transfer fee received for Cristiano Ronaldo will go towards massive interest payments.

It is a stance that is condemned forcibly by sources close to the owners, who have always claimed Ferguson has the money to spend and it is his decision alone to keep the bulk of it.

And, in flattening any prospect of Campbell ending up at United, Ferguson has emphasised his view there is no value in players who might be available.

"It has been said I do not have the money so I want to get someone cheap. It is nonsense," he said.

"I don't know where the Sol Campbell story came from. He has had a great career but he is not of any interest to us.

"I am happy with the players I already have at the club. At this moment we are having a hard time with the centre-backs but I am sure by January we will have most of them will be back.

"The money is there if I wanted to use it. I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value now either."

In fact, Ferguson does not see the situation changing for some considerable time.

He was blown out of the water by Real Madrid when he bid £30million for Karim Benzema and while the precise figures have never been revealed, it is thought Manchester City paid well over the £27million United were due to give Kia Joorabchian to acquire Carlos Tevez's registration.

It was part of a two-pronged assault on the transfer market that sent prices sky high.

Traditional big spenders such as Chelsea and United have been forced to decide whether to follow suit, or opt out altogether.

Despite arguments to the contrary, Ferguson is the one who chose the latter option at Old Trafford.

"Last summer was the silly season," he added. "Prices paid, or asked for about players we may have been interested in were not real. That is why I didn't do anything.

"I could spend the money but I am looking for value and it is possible that might not be there for a while."

Instead, Ferguson has intensified a search for younger players to develop.

Awarding home-grown youngster Danny Welbeck a new contract that will keep him at United until 2013 is part of that strategy, as was the proposed £10million transfer of Adem Ljajic, only for United to pull out of a deal for the Partizan Belgrade youngster when it became apparent he would not get a work permit.

But there are others, including Senegal's Mame Biram Diouf, who was signed from Norwegian club Molde in the summer, but who has impressed at United's Carrington training complex recently.

"He has been absolutely brilliant," said Ferguson. "He is very exciting and we will apply for a work permit in January.

"That is the kind of situation we are good at. Developing young players at the club and, at 21, he is looking very good."

Of the 14 senior players missing in Wolfsburg on Tuesday, four will return against Aston Villa on Saturday.

In addition to Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidic is back to partner Michael Carrick in central defence.

Against a side that could easily utilise John Carew and Emile Heskey in attack, having Vidic available after a flu virus could be vital.

"Nemanja is particularly important against Villa because they do cross the ball a lot," said Ferguson.

"If they were to play Heskey and Carew up front you would have a formidable task trying to deal with them because they are such big lads.

"Vidic is the one player who can cope with that and we are delighted he is back."

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to offer veteran duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes new contracts.

Despite passing their 36th and 35th birthdays respectively - and in Scholes' case personal doubt over his present contribution to the Manchester United cause - Ferguson is convinced the pair are important enough to remain at Old Trafford for another 12 months.

"Ryan will be offered a new contract for next season, which is an indication of what we think of him coming up to 37 next season, and Paul knows he will be offered one as well," Ferguson said.

It could be the start of a very big weekend for Giggs, who returns to action against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday before heading to Sheffield for Sunday's prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Giggs is one of 10 candidates on the shortlist for the main prize, alongside the likes of Formula One world champion Jenson Button and new world heavyweight boxing champion David Haye.

Candidates from team sports do not often get their name engraved on the famous trophy but, after a career that has spanned almost 20 years and a trophy collection which includes 11 league titles and two European Cups, Ferguson feels Giggs deserves the highest recognition.

"We hope Ryan gets the reward he deserves," said the Manchester United boss.

"Consistency and longevity is not always rewarded. Look at Tony McCoy for instance. He has never won any of these awards but he has been top jockey for many years.

"Sometimes a young person who comes on the scene in one year can win it.

"But if Ryan hasn't got a chance what would that say?"

The most remarkable feature of Giggs' life is how unaffected he seems to be by all the adulation he has received.

Thrust into the limelight at such a young age, the former Welsh skipper flirted with the attention David Beckham has grabbed so assiduously and decided it was not for him.

Yet he remains polite and likeable, aware of his wider responsibilities and, through his work with children's charity Unicef, uses his status for a greater purpose.

"Ryan is an example to young people," said Ferguson. "He has humility and he has never changed and I think he is having his best years now.

"He has retained that amazing quality in his game and also an enthusiasm to play."

Scholes has not changed either. He never liked attention and still does not, preferring to get back to his family in Saddleworth at the earliest available opportunity rather than endorse products and maximise his commercial earnings.

He is also acutely aware of the impact he makes on a football field and - as he did with England in 2004 - perfectly capable of turning his back on parts of his career without a second thought.

It is why last week's self-analysis was interpreted as clearing the way for retirement, even if it was not quite what he intended.

"I spoke to Paul and he said he didn't actually say he was thinking of his future," Ferguson said.

"When you get to that age every player starts to think about what the future holds for him.

"But when you see Paul's performances at West Ham and in Wolfsburg last week there is no reason to think he can't do it again next year again.

"Maybe he thinks he should be playing every game. That's fine, but I know that's not fair.

"We want the quality. We want to see Scholes perform like he did on Tuesday and the best way of doing that is to gauge the games we know he is going to dominate."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to avoid AC Milan and Inter in the Champions League last 16.

The Blues will be among those seeded in next Friday's second-round draw in Nyon, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, after winning their respective groups.

Chelsea have seven possible rivals for the second round - Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow, Olympique Lyon, Milan, Inter, Stuttgart and Olympiacos.

"I admit that I would prefer to avoid a head-to-head with (Milan coach) Leonardo in February at Stamford Bridge," Ancelotti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But if it happens, it's no problem.

"Football puts you in this type of situation.

"It already happened to (former AC Milan star) Kaka, who faced AC Milan with Real Madrid in the group stages."

Ancelotti, who twice won the Champions League, in 2003 and 2007, during his eight years in charge of AC Milan, is wary of the potential threat of two strong Italian sides.

"It's obvious that if we get Milan the emotional aspect would be something special," he said.

"Chelsea v Milan would be a very particular situation for the both of us.

"The only problem if we get Inter is that from a technical standpoint they are a great team.

"I believe that in the runners-up group they (Inter) are the best side.

"To eliminate Italian teams is going to be difficult."

In his first year in charge of Chelsea, Ancelotti has set his sights on bringing the European Cup to Stamford Bridge as the Champions League title is the only trophy the club has not won since Roman Abramovich took over the Blues outfit.

However, despite the Londoners being among the favourites to win the title this season, Ancelotti is under no illusion how great a challenge the competition will be.

"I see a very balanced and uncertain tournament," he said. "Besides Liverpool, all the top teams are in the contention.

"From the group winners, all the teams are difficult.

"The only one that has less experience is Arsenal, a very young side.

"They have lost several key players with respect to when they eliminated Milan two years ago in the last 16.

"In midfield there's always (Cesc) Fabregas, but (Mathieu) Flamini and (Aleksandr) Hleb left the club and those were two big losses.

"Of the teams that finished runners-up in the group, I only see three teams at the same level as the group winners: Milan, Inter and Bayern Munich.

"The other sides are one step behind."

Jose Mourinho has played down speculation suggesting he could be about to part company with Inter Milan.

Reports in Italy claim the Portuguese coach was set to be relieved of his duties at Giuseppe Meazza had he failed to lead Inter into the last 16 of the Champions League.

The reigning Serie A champions, and current table-toppers, were forced to wait until their final fixture before securing their progress to the knockout stages, but did so with a 2-0 victory over Rubin Kazan on Wednesday.

That result has helped to ease some of the pressure on Mourinho's shoulders, but many remain unconvinced by the tactical approach he has adopted at Inter.

The former Chelsea boss remains unfazed by his detractors, though, and insists it would be the club's loss were they to part with his services.

"No-one at Inter has said anything to me, not before the game and not after it," he said following the Rubin win.

"Journalists don't make decisions, ex-players don't make decisions and even if important people within the club who do make decisions said something to me, it wouldn't be a problem.

"I'm a calm coach because when a coach leaves a club it's diffcult for him to find a job, but if I leave Inter I'll be in demand. I can't say I'd choose exactly where I'd go, but almost."

Mourinho feels he has been unfairly treated of late and has questioned those who feel the need to try to undermine his tenure.

"I thought that results mattered in Italy but in fact that's not the case given that a team which won the title, is top of the league and has qualified from a Champions League group containing the holders is still being criticised," he said.

Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc has stressed the Bianconeri must put their Champions League heartbreak behind them and concentrate on the league.

The Turin giants were dumped out of European football's elite club competition by Bayern Munich this week in a 4-1 humiliation at home and will have to settle for Europa League football in the new year.

Ciro Ferrara's side, who had beaten Inter Milan 2-1 in the build-up to the Bayern game, will look to make amends when they travel to Bari on Saturday.

"It's a big disappointment but we must look ahead," said Blanc on the club's official website, www.juventus.it.

"Against Bayern we played badly.

"We are disappointed because we had other aims this season but the strength of a team is also seen by the support of the fans in this difficult time.

"In any case, our project remains strong and I obviously back Ferrara, who will continue as coach."

Inter, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Rubin Kazan.

The Nerazzurri, who are four points clear of AC Milan at the top of Serie A, will make the short journey to Bergamo to face Atalanta.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho and Atalanta boss Antonio Conte will have to watch the game from the stands as both are serving one-match touchline bans.

The Nerazzurri will not be at full strength with Walter Samuel and Sulley Muntari suspended and Dejan Stankovic out injured.

AC Milan will look to keep up the pressure on Inter by winning against Palermo at the San Siro this weekend.

The Rossoneri drew 1-1 at FC Zurich to ensure a place in the Champions League last 16 but need to win in order to defend their second position in the standings.

AC Milan are one point clear of third-placed Juventus.

Chievo can expect a battle when they host Fiorentina.

The Viola became the only Italian side to win their Champions League group with a victory over Liverpool this week.

Cesare Prandelli's men are one point behind fourth-placed Parma, who take on 15th-placed Bologna.

Udinese will be without pivotal striker Antonio Di Natale for Sunday's match at bottom side Siena.

Di Natale, who leads the scoring charts in Serie A with 11 goals, was slapped with a two-match ban for insulting the referee during Udinese's 2-1 loss to Bologna in the last round.

Roma will go after their fourth straight Serie A win when they take on Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa.

The Giallorossi are sixth in the standings and are level on 24 points with eighth-placed Samp.

Strugglers Lazio fell 1-0 to city rivals Roma last weekend and will try to bounce back against Genoa.

The Biancoceleste have failed to win since August 30 and are one point clear of the drop zone.

Meanwhile, Sunday's game against Livorno will mark the first game in charge for new Catania coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

He replaced Gianluca Atzori, who was sacked by the Sicilian club this week

Catania are 19th in the standings, three points behind Livorno.

Lille hit four for the third Ligue 1 game running as they hammered struggling St Etienne on Thursday.

Goals from Pierre-Alain Frau, Yohan Cabaye with a penalty and Gervinho - who all scored in last weekend's 4-3 win over Lyon - put the hosts 3-0 up before St Etienne were reduced to 10 men.

Yohan Benalouane picked up a second yellow card in the 81st minute and Lille took immediate advantage, Adil Rami netting a fourth.

Rudi Garcia's men have now scored 12 goals in the last three league games - starting with a 4-0 win over Valenciennes at the end of November - and they did not give St Etienne a look-in.

The win moved then to within two points of second-placed Montpellier, albeit having played two games more.

Gervinho fired their first opening over the bar in the 20th minute and Eden Hazard then diverted Frau's cross from the right inches wide of the post.

The pressure told in the 33rd minute as Gervinho made ground down the right before passing to Rio Mavuba on the edge of the area and he laid the ball on to Frau to slot home.

Hazard beat Benalouane before shooting narrowly wide as the visitors went into half-time fortunate to be just one down.

There was little respite after the break as Ludovic Obraniak went close with a low shot before Cabaye doubled Lille's lead from the spot in the 58th minute.

Guirane N'Daw brought down Gervinho and Cabaye sent Jeremie Janot the wrong way with the resulting penalty.

Gervinho got the goal his performance deserved 18 minutes from time, firing home after Cabaye's corner reached him at the far post.

Substitute Robert Vittek went close minutes after coming on as Lille continued to threaten more goals before things went from bad to worse for the opponents.

Benalouane was sent off, having picked up a second booking for handball, and Rami rubbed salt into St Etienne's already considerable wounds by crashing the resulting free-kick, from out on the left around 30 yards from goal, into the top corner in the 82nd minute.

Janot produced a superb save to stop Larsen Toure adding to St Etienne's misery at the end as Lille had to settle for four.

Andre-Pierre Gignac netted twice as Toulouse moved up to ninth in the Ligue 1 table with a deserved victory over Sochaux on Thursday night.

The hosts failed to score in the first half despite dominating proceedings, but they put that right after the break with Gignac striking twice in three minutes.

The striker had the first chance of the night in the sixth minute but his effort from outside the area was straight at Teddy Richert.

The Sochaux keeper was a busy man and he twice kept out free-kicks from Paulo Machado in the opening half-an-hour.

Gignac was involved again in the 29th minute, combining with Moussa Sissoko before firing in a volley but again Richert was up to the task.

It was Toulouse captain Etienne Didot's chance to try his luck shortly after when he collected Etienne Capoue's cross and combined with Gignac only to see his left-footed effort saved.

Sochaux finally threatened four minutes before half-time through Benjamin Gavanon but Anthony Loustallot was up to the task and then reacted quickly to snaffle the rebound.

Having wasted their chances in the first half, Toulouse finally made the breakthrough four minutes after the break, and inevitably it was Gignac who put the ball in the net.

Loustallot belted the ball into his opposite number's box and Gignac seized on a mistake from defender Jacques Faty before easily beating Richert.

Two minutes later he was at in again courtesy of another defensive error. Franck Tabanou put pressure of Ivan Stevanovic and, when the defender misplaced his pass, Gignac swooped in to complete his double.

Sissoko fired over as Toulouse looked for a third while Sochaux had a chance for a late consolation but Vaclav Sverkos' shot was kept out by Loustallot.

West Ham and England striker Dean Ashton has announced his retirement from professional football.

Ashton has succumbed to a long-term ankle problem which he initially sustained when training with England in August 2006.

The 26-year-old underwent several operations in a bid to overcome the problem but concerns for his mobility later in life prompted Friday's decision.

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "This is a sad day and our thoughts are with Dean.

"I would like to place on record our thanks to him for all his efforts and wish him the very best. I would also like to thank the fans for their patience and understanding during what has been a difficult time."

Ashton made his name at Crewe before joining Norwich in January 2005.

He netted 18 goals in 46 appearances for the Canaries, earning him a then club-record £7.25million move to West Ham.

Ashton made a good first impression, scoring the goals which took the Hammers to the FA Cup final, although he failed to land a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 2006 World Cup squad.

He was named in Steve McClaren's first squad, for the game against Greece at Old Trafford, but was injured in a training ground clash with then Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The striker missed the whole 2006/07 season but returned to make 35 appearances in 2007/08.

He started the 2008/09 season in goalscoring form but broke down again after just four games because of the ankle injury.

Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee told Sky Sports News: "Cynics will point out he signed a five-year contract and will get paid millions and millions of pounds and that might well be the case but that doesn't replace the fact he has lost his footballing years and he also has to deal mentally with the problems of retiring.

"He would probably have been in the World Cup squad.

"We know Carlton Cole and Peter Crouch are options but Ashton is 6ft 2in and had a bit of everything about him.

"Potentially he could have been a very, very good forward for England.

"We will miss his goals at West Ham and we will miss his personality, it's really sad news for West Ham fans."

Crewe manager Dario Gradi, who gave Ashton his professional debut at the age of 16, was not surprised by the announcement.

"We'd all seen it coming for a long time," he told Press Association Sport. "He's been injured for a while and I think that Dean was prepared for it.

"The saving grace for Dean is that he has had a bit of a career and will have made enough money not to have to work again."

Gradi, who managed Ashton as he went on to score 74 goals for Crewe, also feels England will be greatly affected by his retirement.

"It's a shame for Dean but it's a great shame for England," he said. "They are crying out for a big striker and that is what he is.

"Dean has always been a goalscorer. He made his debut at 16 and the good players usually make their debuts around that age. He was a good player and he could have achieved what he wanted."

Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a January move for former England defender Sol Campbell - and insisted he has money to spend if he wanted to.

Speculation rose earlier this week that Ferguson would look to bring Campbell in when the transfer window opens next month as he battles with an ongoing defensive injury crisis.

Even the mere suggestion of signing the 35-year-old triggered more negative rumours about the money Ferguson has been given to spend at a club whose debt is currently £790million.

But Ferguson insists there is no link.

"I don't know where this came from but it is all wrong," he said. "Sol Campbell was a great player but he is not a player we are thinking about getting to come to United."

A move for Campbell always seemed unlikely given the player's age, and the fact he has played only one League Two game since he left Portsmouth at the end of last season.

And, as Ferguson confirmed, many of the current problems - while leaving him short of options once more for tomorrow's Old Trafford encounter with Aston Villa - are unlikely to be long-term.

"Jonny Evans could be back in 10 days and John O'Shea will be with us in January," he said.

"We are having a hard time with centre-backs at this moment in time but I am sure by January most of them will be back."

The issue of United's debt and the world record £80million received from Real Madrid following the summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo has been a subject of debate for some time.

Ferguson's preference to keep his spending down last summer only fuelled talk of a squeeze being applied by the Glazer family.

It is an issue the United manager is happy to address.

"It has been said I do not have the money," said Ferguson.

"But the money is there if I wanted to use it.

"I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either.

"I am happy with the players I already have at the club."

Liverpool were left grasping at straws as their disastrous Champions League campaign ended with another defeat.

The five-time European champions are now heading for the Europa League after going down 2-1 at Anfield against Group E winners Fiorentina.

Liverpool were ahead at the break through Yossi Benayoun but an equaliser from Martin Jorgensen and a winner in the second minute of injury time from Alberto Gilardino left the Reds defeated and with their lowest ever tally of points from a group stage.

Liverpool have now won only three of their last 14 games in all competitions, and their fans have not seen them win at Anfield since October 25.

The only bright spots for Liverpool were the full debut of £20million midfielder Alberto Aquilani and the return from injury of Fernando Torres.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard was impressed with Aquilani but he is aware even the Italian's display will not wipe away the memory of another night of European misery.

"He did well," said Gerrard. "It's going to take him some time to get up to speed in terms of match fitness but the boy's a player, there's no doubt about that.

"He can see a pass, he's on the same wavelength and he will turn into a fantastic player for this club."

But he added: "We're disappointed as a club because we want to stay in the big competitions. We've not been good enough, it's as simple as that.

"I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. We knew there wasn't too much riding on the game but we went out with a lot of changes to our side and had a go.

"In the end we made mistakes and conceded goals but I thought we were unlucky to lose."

Boss Rafael Benitez has seen his side concede damaging late goals in both matches against Lyon, and now Fiorentina. That has cost Liverpool dearly as the French and Italian sides move on into the last 16.

Liverpool are destined for the Europa League and, in another blow, they have been told by UEFA they will not be seeded in that competition.

Benitez said: "The result and the way it happened just about sums up our Champions League campaign. Another last-minute goal and we are disappointed with that for the third time in this group.

"Now we must be ready for the next game at home to Arsenal on Sunday. We worked so hard, we had chances, so they are the only positives that we can take from the game."

Boss Benitez was also happy with Aquilani and the return from injury of Torres.

He said: "To see Aquilani, to see Torres, those were the real positive things for the next match and the rest of our season.

"Aquilani showed his quality, his touch was good. His vision and passing were good but obviously he will have to work on his match fitness.

"Everyone is available for Sunday, if he trains well he could well be involved against Arsenal.

"We are still trying to see the positives, we are playing better and we must now take that into a very important game. It is the beginning of a new season for us now, I hope."

Kenny Miller has told Rangers to put their disappointing Champions League campaign behind them and focus on winning the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League in a bid to have another crack at Europe next year.

The Scottish champions faced Sevilla in their final Group G game hoping to at least end their European season with a win, having garnered just two points from their previous matches.

But, with Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes watching from the crowd, it proved to be mission impossible as Rangers slumped to a 1-0 defeat, with Fredi Kanoute claiming the decisive goal from the penalty spot early on.

Miller said: "We have to put Europe to the back of our minds now. We knew the game never meant anything so we tried to come across to nick a result.

"We were under pressure for long spells. We could have nicked a point at the end but it wasn't to be. We just have to write it off and move on and hopefully win the league again and make sure we're here again next year.

"We have to forget about Europe now, because we're out of it. We can't let it linger. We knew what the game was all about, it was about hopefully salvaging a bit of pride.

"If we could get a result, great. If not, we've got a hard month coming up with five or six games over the next five weeks or so.

"They'll be tough ones but if we come out of them with a lot of points then we're going to be in a right good position to win the league again."

While Sevilla peppered the Rangers goal with shots throughout, the visitors failed to trouble their hosts until the closing stages of the match, when Nacho Novo and Lee McCulloch both came close.

Miller added: "It was a poor performance. It's hard work and frustrating but it's the sort of thing we have to do and I thought in the second half we were a lot better, more of an attacking force anyway.

"We could even have nicked a wee point at the end. That might have been a bit of a robbery, right enough. But we had a couple of shots on goal in the last five minutes, which were our first in the game.

"That first half I don't think we even got close to their goal. It was frustrating for us, we couldn't really get out.

"They had long spells of possession and put us under a lot of pressure. In the second half we seemed to get out a bit more and we were more of an attacking force in the last 10 to 15 minutes."

Steven Smith was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, making his first appearance since the Co-operative Insurance Cup win at Dundee back in October.

He said: "It was great to play in the game but we made a poor start and it was an uphill task from there. We knew we had to work hard for everything we were going to get.

"We did have a few chances but they are a really good side and it shows if we want to get to that level we have a long way to go."

Smith echoed Miller's statement about concentrating on their league form now that their European adventure is over for another season.

He added: "Our recent SPL performances have been criticised but if we continue to work as hard as we did here then we will do okay.

"We want to get back to the Champions League and to do that we need to win the SPL. We have a big month coming up and we all have to work hard and concentrate on our league performances."

Meanwhile, Novo will discover tomorrow if his antics in last month's SPL defeat at Aberdeen will be examined by the Scottish Football Association.

A review panel will meet at Hampden to discuss whether to refer his alleged gesture to fans and images showing the forward dropping his shorts to the SFA's disciplinary committee.

Liverpool's miserable Champions League campaign ended in defeat to Fiorentina.

The visitors grabbed a late winner through Alberto Gilardino in the second minute of added time to clinch top spot in Group E.

Looking at the positives, Liverpool started with Alberto Aquilani at last - and Fernando Torres returned from a groin injury for the final 25 minutes.

Yossi Benayoun's first-half header gave Liverpool hope in a game they largely controlled, but defensive uncertainty gave Martin Jorgensen the chance to drive home the equaliser in the second period.

Fiorentina, aware that Lyon were hammering Debrecen, realised they needed to win to make sure of top spot in the group, and they piled on some belated pressure.

It paid off and Liverpool were to suffer yet another late goal disaster.

It had happened in both games against Lyon, and now Fiorentina struck to steal their win in injury time.

Substitute Juan Vargas set up Gilardino for a fierce finish that sent the Fiorentina fans wild, and the club's coaching staff into delirious jigs of delight.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho breathed a huge sigh of relief as his side beat Rubin Kazan 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Knowing a win would be enough to see them advance from Group F, Mourinho named an attack-minded side and his gamble paid off when Samuel Eto'o scored his first goal in the competition this season on the half-hour mark.

Mourinho, who was sent to the stands during the weekend Serie A defeat to Juventus, then watched as Mario Balotelli fired home an audacious swerving free-kick in the 64th minute to ensure his side's progress.

Barcelona had to come from behind to win 2-1 at Dynamo Kiev and guarantee their progress as Group F winners, extinguishing the Ukrainians' slim hopes of advancing in the process.

Artem Milevsky put Dynamo ahead when his second-minute header squirmed under Barca keeper Victor Valdes, but Xavi equalised and Lionel Messi grabbed the winner with a stunning late free-kick.

Barca's late winner saw

Rubin pip Dynamo to third spot and a place in the Europa League.

Christian Gross enjoyed a stunning start as Stuttgart's new coach as the German side blew away Romanians Unirea Urziceni 3-1 and guaranteed the runners-up spot in Group G behind Sevilla.

Knowing nothing less than a win would do, Stuttgart went ahead through Ciprian Marica on five minutes.

Three minutes later Eric Trasch made it 2-0 and by 11 minutes Stuttgart were home and dry through Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Sevilla wrapped up pole position in the group by beating already-eliminated Rangers 1-0.

Knowing they needed a point against Group H winners Arsenal to progress, Olympiacos went one better with Leonardo striking a 47th-minute winner for the Greeks in Athens.

Standard Liege started the day in with a real chance of qualifying but instead had to settle for a late Europa League lifeline in a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar.

It came from a dramatic source as goalkeeper Sinan Bolat went up to head home five minutes into stoppage time, equalising Jeremain Lens' first-half strike for opponents AZ Alkmaar, and rescuing third place and a Europa League berth.

Fiorentina wrapped up Group E with a late winner in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

All of that meant Lyon's 4-0 hammering of pointless Hungarians Debrecen was inconsequential as they had to settle for second place.

Bafetimbi Gomis, Michel Bastos, Miralem Pjanic and Aly Cissokho grabbed their goals.

Barcelona have revealed Lionel Messi is a doubt for Saturday's derby against Espanyol.

The Argentina forward suffered a sprained ankle late in Wednesday night's Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev courtesy of a fierce tackle from Leandro Almeida.

Moments earlier, the European Footballer of the Year nominee had sealed Barcelona's 2-1 win with a superb free-kick four minutes from time.

He continued to pull the strings thereafter, but one trademark run was brusquely halted by Almeida.

Barca revealed on their official website, fcbarcelona.com: "The resulting sprain means he may well miss this weekend's match, with just three days to recover.

"His availability depends on the club medical services."

Arsene Wenger praised the efforts of his young Gunners after they went down 1-0 to Olympiacos following a battling display in Wednesday night's final Champions League Group H clash in Athens.

The Greeks went through to the knockout stages as runners-up to Arsenal, who named the youngest side to play in the Champions League with an average age of just 21.

With safe passage already to the last 16 already secured before tonight, Wenger chose to rest most of his first-team regulars - with 18-year-old left-back Tom Cruise handed a debut and reserve captain Kyle Bartley playing alongside veteran Mikael Silvestre, 32, in central defence.

Wales international Aaron Ramsey impressed in the role of midfield playmaker rested captain Cesc Fabregas has made his own.

Indeed, but for some better finishing from England forward Theo Walcott - fit again following a hamstring problem - and the wasteful Carlos Vela, Arsenal's youngsters would have taken something from the game.

Wenger said: "I am very proud of the young players, there are a lot of positives.

"From Barnet to Athens is a big jump, but they did very well. Nobody was disappointing, and it is difficult to single out individual performances, although Ramsey had a good presence, gave good balls and produced a good work-rate.

"They all looked like they played every week in this competition.

"I had the performance I expected, but not the result we could have got.

"These youngsters play exactly like the first team, and they represented Arsenal well tonight, despite the fact that they are the youngest team to have played in the Champions League."

Leonardo's goal at the start of the first half proved enough to give the home side victory, but Arsenal had chances, notably through Vela, to get themselves back into the game.

Wenger continued: "I expected to suffer more than we did tonight.

"We got caught on the counter-attack when we came out of the dressing room, but after had at least two clear chances to come back.

"Then it became more difficult, as Olympiacos played a safe game and we lacked composure in the final third."

The Gunners will be seeded in the draw for the knockout stages later this month, which could yet see them face off against the likes of Inter Milan, Lyon, Stuttgart, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, CSKA Moscow and Porto.

Wenger said: "I cannot influence the draw. There are, though, still some teams I would prefer to others of course - but if you ask me which teams, I will not answer."

Olympiacos coach Zico praised the role which their fanatically vocal home support had played in securing safe progress through to the last 16.

The Brazilian said: "We are pleased for our fans that the team made it.

"It was a good performance.

"We tried to win the game from the beginning and we played well.

"Our fans should enjoy this victory and that we qualified, because they deserve it from the strength they gave us during the game."

Zico added: "We really believe that next year will be a better one and our fans will be able to enjoy much better performances."

Michael Carrick is backing long-time England team-mate Michael Owen to hit the goal trail following his first Manchester United hat-trick on Tuesday night.

Owen emerged the hero from a defiant Red Devils display, Sir Alex Ferguson's men making light of the absence of 14 senior players to overcome German champions Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena.

It was the striker's first Champions League treble since 2003 and confirmed United's status as Group B winners.

For Owen, it was also a nudge in the direction of Fabio Capello with time running out for him to stake a claim for a place in England's World Cup plans.

Even now he only has seven goals to his name this season but Carrick predicts more will follow, which may just earn him a place in Capello's side for the final friendly - likely to be against Egypt at Wembley on March 3 - before the Italian names his provisional squad.

"It was a great achievement," said Carrick. "Scoring a hat-trick away from home in the Champions League doesn't happen so often but it is just what he is all about.

"We always knew he could do it. He has been doing it all his career.

"Hopefully now he can get on a roll and he will continue to score many important goals for us over the next few weeks."

All three were typical Owen goals.

He found enough space when Nani crossed to guide home a close-range header and put United in front just before the break, then evaded a clutch of Wolfsburg defenders to tap home Gabriel Obertan's cross seven minutes from time to seal victory.

Owen's third arrived when he charged clear from halfway in the manner of old after racing onto another short pass from Obertan, before calmly chipping Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio.

"Strikers like scoring goals and hopefully it will give him an extra bit of confidence, not that he needed it," observed Carrick.

"It is good for him to score but it is about what he is contributing as well.

"As long as we are winning and everyone is playing well, we are satisfied."

Carrick has just as much reason to be pleased with himself at the moment as, along with Darren Fletcher, he is one of the men charged with rescuing United from their defensive nightmare.

First as a makeshift central defender at West Ham, then as a sweeper on Tuesday night Carrick has slotted into the new role with authority.

The 28-year-old was very fortunate to escape without conceding a penalty for his lunge at Makoto Hasebe, but it was far from the disaster Ferguson might have feared when he looked at the list of absentees on the flight to Germany.

"I have never headed the ball as much," Carrick laughed.

"It is not the physical side that is hard about playing centre-half, it is the mental.

"You need to maintain concentration and focus at all times. I just put myself in the right positions and hoped for the best.

"We rode our luck at times but, as a back three, I thought we played well."

As Ferguson expects Nemanja Vidic to have recovered from the flu virus that prevented him from travelling, there is at least some good news ahead of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.

Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Ryan Giggs will also return to face Martin O'Neill's men, giving Ferguson a more familiar matchday squad to choose from.

However, Wes Brown is unlikely to have recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered at Upton Park, and Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea and Jonny Evans have been ruled out until January.

Little wonder Ferguson has been linked with a move for out-of-contract former England star Sol Campbell, who is available when the January transfer window opens.

Whether a deal will materialise is open to debate given Campbell has played just once since leaving Portsmouth last summer, and could be lacking the required match fitness to solve United's immediate problems.

In addition, loan deals for promising defenders Tom Cleverley and Craig Cathcart run out at Watford in January, so they could both be called upon.

"It might be the end for me," said Carrick, without being aware of Ferguson's assessment.

"It will be assessed later in the week when we see what the body count is like."

CSKA Moscow can begin preparations for the knockout phase of the Champions League after learning they will not be expelled over two failed drugs tests.

It had been reported the Russian club could be thrown out of the competition after defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned stimulant.

The substance in question, however, is on a list of "specified" stimulants, meaning that the potential disqualification penalties in European governing body UEFA's regulations will not be invoked.

Such substances, perhaps included in everyday over-the-counter drugs, are regarded to be particularly susceptible to unintentional breaches of anti-doping policy.

The players claim to have taken Sudafed whilst suffering from colds on international duty recently. They returned positive tests after CSKA's 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 3.

Any punishments, if deemed necessary, will be in the form of sanctions against the players and not the club. A disciplinary hearing will take place on December 17 to review the matter.

UEFA's rules on doping are clear with part of Article 12 stating: "If more than two players from the same team are found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation in relation to a prohibited (non-specified) substance or method, the team in question may be disqualified from the competition in progress and/or future competitions."

But a spokesman for the organisation said: "In this case it is a specified substance so disqualification of the team does not apply, it is more the sanction of the players themselves."

CSKA qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League last night by beating Besiktas to finish second to United in Group B.

The club immediately defended their players when news of the positive tests was announced, attributing the problems to a "clerical error".

A statement added: "This situation has arisen in connection with the treatment of our players from a severe cold during their time with the national team, and not in any way with doping, which is also known by the relevant bodies within UEFA."

Ciro Ferrara said his Juventus side only had themselves to blame for their failure to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

The Turin giants needed a point against Bayern Munich to progress to the last 16 but crashed to a 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.

"It's a huge disappointment not only for myself but for the players and for the fans," said Ferrara. "To leave this competition hurts.

"But in the last two games of the Champions League we have taken zero points."

The outcome marked Juve's second slip in the competition after their 2-0 defeat at Bordeaux last month, while it brought to an end a run of 16 home European games without defeat.

"We have to analyse what went wrong," said Ferrara. "But I don't want to find excuses.

"I don't think it is right to blame several players because the performance of everyone was not up to standard."

Juve had taken an early lead through David Trezeguet before Bayern goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt equalised from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark.

The Bianconeri conceded three goals in the second half to wave goodbye to Europe's elite club competition.

"We were not able to control the game when we the result was levelled," said Ferrara.

"Bayern were superior in every facet of the game.

"They made life difficult for us and they created a lot while we did little."

The result means Juve finish third in Group A, two points behind Bayern and eight points adrift of Bordeaux and will have to settle for the Europa League instead.

"Against Bayern we lacked the spirit and determination that we have displayed in past tournaments," said Juve defender Fabio Cannavaro.

"We have to forget about this painful defeat.

"We will now try to give our best in the Europa League.

"This team has the will and the quality to bounce back from this bitter disappointment."

Bryan Ruiz netted an 89th-minute winner as Eredivisie leaders FC Twente held off a fightback from NEC Nijmegen to win 4-3 and remain two points clear at the top of the table.

The hosts went in front through John Goosens before a Kenneth Perez free-kick and strikes from Blaise N'Kufo and Miroslav Stoch saw Twente go 3-1 up.

However, Bjorn Vleminckx scored after 41 and 45 minutes to pull NEC level before he was sent off after 55 minutes.

Ruiz then headed a late winner as Steve McClaren's side secured a 14th win from 16 games - and an 11th successive victory.

PSV Eindhoven remain in close pursuit after winning 2-0 at RKC Waalwijk.

PSV's winning run in all competitions reached double figures as second-half headers from Jonathan Reis and Danko Lazovic accounted for the Eredivisie's bottom team.

Third-placed Ajax slipped off the pace with a 2-0 defeat at FC Utrecht.

The visitors offered little in the way of attacking threat over 90 minutes and Utrecht ran out deserved winners thanks to second-half strikes by Jacob Mulenga and Jan Wuytens.

A miserable afternoon for Martin Jol's Ajax was compounded late on when Vurnon Anita was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Feyenoord came from behind to defeat FC Groningen 3-1.

Fourth-placed Feyenoord would have been confident of three points going into the match but they were behind in only the fourth minute as Koen van de Laak struck the opener.

It stayed that way until the eighth minute of the second half, when Stefan Babovic levelled, and further goals from Roy Makaay and Jon Dahl Tomasson earned the hosts the three points.

In Sunday's other game, Heracles maintained their fine start with a 3-1 win against Heerenveen which moved them up to sixth.

A Mark Looms header and a Willy Overtoom penalty put the home side in total control. Heerenveen pulled one back through a Oussama Assaidi strike but Heracles sealed it when Bas Dost netted late on.

On Satruday, reigning champions AZ Alkmaar let a lead slip as Vitesse Arnhem scored twice in the second half to claim a 2-1 away win.

Moussa Dembele provided AZ with a ninth-minute advantage, but goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half from Lasse Nilsson and Dalibor Stevanovic earned Vitesse a vital three points.

With 11 minutes to go Dembele and Stevanovic were sent off for fighting.

Keisuke Honda converted a last-minute penalty as VVV boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 victory over Willem II.

The visitors took a 66th minute lead through Arjan Swinkels, but VVV levelled 10 minutes from time through Adil Auassar and then stole the points through the highly-rated Honda.

Roda JC hung on for a 1-1 draw at home to ADO Den Haag after playing the final stages with 10 men following Arnaud Djum's red card.

Earlier, Mads Junker had give the hosts a half-time lead before Karim Soltani's 57th minute goal earned Den Haag a point.

Rydell Poepon struck a 78th minute equaliser as Sparta Rotterdam came from behind to force a 2-2 draw away to NAC Breda.

Sparta had taken a 24th minute lead through Erik Falkenburg, but two goals in as many minutes from Leonardo and Patrick Zwaanswijk briefly put NAC in control before Poepon's effort.

Lyon striker Lisandro Lopez hit a hat-trick but Lille fought back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 in Sunday night's top-of-the-bill Ligue 1 clash.

Lisandro scored in the first minute and completed his treble with a 21st-minute penalty and a super solo strike in the 35th minute.

Pierre-Alain Frau's diving header in the 23rd minute had given Lille hope, and they turned the match around in the second half, cutting Lyon's lead to one goal when Gervinho dribbled past Jean-Alain Boumsong to score in the 53rd minute and then equalising when Yohan Cabaye converted a spot-kick with 20 minutes left.

Lille left it until the last minute to grab the winner, as Eden Hazard dispossessed Francois Clerc before playing in Gervinho to fire home.

Lyon remain in fourth place, a point behind second-placed Montpellier but five behind leaders Bordeaux.

Auxerre are alongside Lyon on 26 points, and they also suffered a jolting defeat, slumping 3-1 at home to Nancy.

Nancy halted a run of three successive league defeats thanks to goals from Andre Luiz, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Youssouf Hadji, with Valter Birsa replying for the hosts.

Nancy had midfielder Bocundji Sa sent off in the last minute.

Grenoble's long wait for a first Ligue 1 win of the season finally ended at the 15th attempt, as they beat mid-table Toulouse 1-0.

Nicolas Dieuze scored the only goal with 10 minutes to go to boost Grenoble's paltry points tally to six.

Boulogne recovered from having a man sent off after 16 minutes and also going a goal behind to win 2-1 at home to Lens.

The hosts had Mame N'Diaye dismissed after he picked up his second yellow card early in the contest.

Bira Dembele then put through his own net to give the visitors the lead before Ovidy Karuru and a Romain Sartre own goal gave Boulogne victory.

On Saturday night, Bordeaux moved four points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win over Paris St Germain.

Jaroslav Plasil scored the only goal of the game for the defending champions after 23 minutes.

Montpellier had earlier moved into second place with victory over 10-man Le Mans.

Karim Ait-Fana opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute but Anthony Le Tallec surprisingly levelled for Le Mans after Mathieu Dossevi had been sent off.

However, Lilian Compan grabbed the winner 18 minutes from time to send Montpellier soaring and keep their opponents firmly in the bottom three.

Two goals in the final 13 minutes earned Marseille a 3-1 victory away to 10-man Nice in the Mediterranean derby.

Lucho Gonzalez and Bakari Kone netted late on as Didier Deschamps' side made their numerical advantage count.

Mamadou Niang had put the visitors in front only for Kafoumba Coulibaly to equalise just after the half-hour mark, but Nice's cause was not helped by the dismissal of Onyekachi Apam on the stroke of half-time.

Valenciennes continued their impressive season with a 3-1 victory over Monaco to go third in the table.

The home side left it late to secure the three points after Nene had cancelled out David Ducourtioux's opener.

Mamadou Samassa put the hosts back in front five minutes from time and Fahid ben Khalfallah made sure in injury-time.

Moussa Sow struck in the second minute as Rennes claimed a 1-0 victory against Lorient.

Rennes won a corner and although Asamoah Gyan's cross was met by goalkeeper Lionel Cappone at the near post, his attempted punched clearance was sent straight back past him and into the net by Sow.

In the night's other match, St Etienne and Sochaux played out a tepid 0-0 draw.

Francesco Totti bites back

Beckham has returned to AC Milan.

Luca Toni switches to Roma

Villareal climb up the league

Inter Milan keeps on marching

Mourinho warns Mancini

Sam Allardyce short of money for Shopping

Mourinho in search of striker

Beckham wants to face United

Gattuso signs new Milan deal

Alejandro Dominguez joins Valencia

Sevilla climb up the Liga

Matri eyeing record

Luciano Spalletti new boss of Zenit St.Petersburg

Adrian Ramos to the rescue

Ajax close the gap

Fergie ready for shopping

New deals for Giggs and Scholes

Ancelotti not keen to face Milan

J.Mourinho not leaving Inter

Ferrara backed by Juventus

Lille on rampage

Gignac strikes double as Toulouse win

Dean Ashton retires from professional football

Sol Campbell not moving to Old Trafford

Gerrard impressed by Aquilani

Rangers target SPL title

Fiorentina beat Liverpool again

Inter Milan wins for last 16

Messi to miss Espanyol test

Arsene Wenger praises young Gunners

Owen will score more - M.Carrick

CSKA escapes UEFA ban

Bayern Munich trash Juventus

Twente snatch win in a thriller

Lopez nets 3 yet Lyon lose

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