MOSCOW: CSKA Moscow star midfielder Keisuke Honda has respects for Sevilla as they are one the biggest teams in Spain.

That's why he believes that CSKA will face a tough task in their Champions League last 16 second-leg match against the Andalucians at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan tomorrow (3.45am).

KUALA LUMPUR: It is seen as a slap in the face for some and a blessing in disguise to others. Either way, FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy-president Datuk Seri Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad strongly believes the issue about Harimau Muda's trip to Slovakia could have been avoided had the State FAs allowed them to participate in the M-League instead.

The cubs were prevented from playing in the M-League — for reasons best known to the State s — while their application to play in the S-League was turned down. This resulted in the team playing in Slovakia — amidst controversy.

MILAN: Veteran AC MILAN midfielder Clarence Seedorf is overjoyed to have come on as a substitute and scored the winning goal against Chievo at San Siro this morning.

The Dutchman's goal one minute into stoppage time meant that the Rossoneri managed to close the gap to just a point from leaders and champions Inter Milan in the race for the Seri A title.

"I am very happy about the goal that I scored. Tonight was a very tough match, but now we have reduced the gap to one point, and Inter know that we are only a point behind them," Seedorf told Milan's website.

 

HOLA!

 

Like they say "don't just talk but do it".

This may well be the case for big spenders Real Madrid who have gone to the top of Primera Liga standings ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona but sadly dumped by Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday in front of their fans at Santiago Bernabeu despite all the talk and cockiness.

 

MADRID: Big spenders Real Madrid’s dreams of a Champions League final in May at Santiago Bernabeu were
shattered by Lyon this morning.

Real, who spent over €250 million  last summer in buying among superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, were held dumped by the French club who managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw in the last 16 second leg match at the gigantic stadium.

LIVERPOOL: Manager Rafael Benitez (right) told Liverpool to tackle their Europa League last 16 first leg match against Lille at Lille Metropole tomorrow (2am) as if it was their "most important game of the season".

Considering the state of the current campaign, his comments have more than a ring of truth to them.

SHAH ALAM: A lapse of concentration saw Pos Malaysia score a goal against mighty Selangor — an incident that worries Selangor defender P. Gunalan.

Despite having won 5-1 against the postal team in the first leg of the FA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, the reliable leftback admitted that such instances could prove detrimental as the Red Giants aim to defend their FA Cup and Super League titles this season.

Gunalan assured he and his teammates would be at their best when Selangor play Kelantan in Kota Baru tomorrow.

SELAYANG: The hectic schedule could take its toll on high-flying Selangor. This was revealed by Selangor coach K.

LONDON: AC Milan ace midfielder Ronaldinho says they have every chance of beating Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals.

The Rossoneri are aiming to overturn a 3-2 last 16 first leg deficit when the two clash at Old Trafford in the return leg tomorrow (3.45am).

Despite the disadvantage, Ronaldinho believes he can unlock the shackles and open the door to the next round.

LONDON: Manchester United rightback Rafael da Silva is relishing the chance to face Ronaldinho in the Champions League last 16 second leg match at Old Trafford tomorrow (3.45am).

The youngster is expected to be given the start for this crunch match by manager Alex Ferguson.

MUNICH: Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal (right) is not going to be "fooled" by the recent poor form of
Fiorentina, who sit in 11th in Serie A table, ahead of their Champions League last 16 second leg match tomorrow (3.45am).

The German giants won the controversial first leg 2-1 at home.

MADRID: Valencia missed the chance to strengthen their grip on a Champions League spot after being held to a 0-0 home draw by Racing Santander at the Mestalla this morning.

 

BANGI: Pos Malaysia coach Lim Kok Onn is certainly a witty man. Some may misconstrue Kok Onn’s words as being bullish — or arrogant to a certain extent — as his team host Selangor in the first leg of the FA Cup quarterfinals at Selayang Stadium tonight.

 

ROME: Inter Milan maintained a four-point cushion in the Serie A title race but only after a dour 0-0 draw against Genoa which left coach Jose Mourinho (pic) frustrated in the stands.

 

Despite fielding a three-pronged attacking force of Mario Balotelli, Goran Pandev and Diego Milito, Inter were unable to break down a stubborn Genoa side.

 

MILAN: AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (left) believes the Serie A giants have what it takes to conquer Old Trafford and knock English champions Manchester United out of the Champions League when they clash in the last 16 return leg clash on Wednesday (3.45am).

 

The odds are stacked against the Italians after a 3-2 defeat at San Siro in the first leg of their last 16 tie last month.

KOTA BARU: The Red Warriors are no pushovers! That was the warning given by Kelantan coach  B.Satianathan as his lads brace for an epic battle against Super League leaders Selangor at the Sultan  Mohamad IV Stadium on Friday.

Satianathan believes the 1-0 win against Terengganu club T-Team — their first away win — has motivated the  "Red Warriors" to excel in their future matches.

Kelantan perform well on homeground, having only lost to Kedah (1-0) in January.

A BUSY and exciting weekend in English football lies ahead. Not only do we have a bunch of Premier League fixtures that will affect the top and bottom of the table, but we also have  four FA Cup matches in which eight teams will attempt to take their next steps towards a dream Wembley final.