jose - soccer

Grande Partita Serie-A, Juventus maintains the challenge on champions Inter Milan as they beat closest rivals AC Milan 4-2 in an open and entertaining match.

Del Piero opened the scoring with a penalty after only fifteen minutes when Marek Jankulovski brought him down in the penalty area. Pato equaled the scored just after the half hour after Kaladze set Ronaldinho free and his pass into the area was well met by the young star who had an easy tap-in. A powerful header from Chielini restored the one-goal advantage. Juventus scored again seven minutes later when Brazilian Amauri headed home his side’s third. AC Milan reduced the deficit eleven minutes into the second period when Ambrosini's shot flew into the net. But Amauri settled the match with a well-taken goal after a one-two with midfielder Sissoko.

And El Clasico La Liga, late goal from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at a rain-soaked Camp Nou to move of their arch rivals in title race. Former Real old boy Eto'o had seen Iker Casillas save his penalty on 70 minutes but picked himself up to break the deadlock seven minutes from time and Messi produced a delicate chip in stoppage time to spark wild celebrations.

It was Barca's first win over Real since November 2005 and was sweet revenge for last season when Real did a league double and Barca had to perform the guard of honour to salute Real as champions at the Santiago Bernabeu before losing 4-1.

For new Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos, who took over from Bernd Schuster four days ago, it was a bitter pill to swallow and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager has a mammoth task to help Real win a third consecutive title.

It is a complete turnaround from last season when Real opened up a seven-point cushion with a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou before strolling to the title.

“It is certainly difficult to take,'' said Real captain Raul. “We had chances but then conceded two late goals and have to take it on the chin. “We are not giving up (in the title race) as it is a long season and there are lots of points to play for. We have to absorb this defeat and carry on.''

(source: http://eurochampsleague.com&foxsports.com)

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech reckons Arsenal will be out of the title race if they lose to the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Arsenal have lost five league matches already this season, have slipped 10 points behind pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool and are currently not even in the top four. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger believes the London derby offers a chance for his side to kickstart their title challenge. "Ideally, I do not want to be 13 points behind Chelsea so let's make it seven on Sunday night," he said. "We know that direct confrontations with top teams become vital when you are in our position."


Champions Manchester United are also in action, knowing they can ill afford any slips at local rivals Manchester City. United, eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand, were beaten home and away by City last season.

Tottenham Hotspur's resurgence under new manager Harry Redknapp will be tested when they host mid-table Everton at White Hart Lane looking to move clear of the relegation zone.

United have only won one of their lat three Premier League matches and Ferguson says they must start grinding out results even if they are not playing at their best. He added: "Results are important and we need to start grinding out results. Last season we had a period where we kept winning 1-0. "If that's the way we need to do it this season, then we need to start doing it very soon. Chelsea and Liverpool are out there at the moment, and it's about us getting back into the race."

United are currently eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand. The Blues and Reds both dropped points last week only for United to do the same against Aston Villa. Ferguson will therefore hop United can improve on the 1-0 defeat they suffered to City in the corresponding fixture last season.