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1-0 Scholes

http://rapidshare.com/files/111372025/1-0_Scholes.avi


TV Home made highlights - Credit to Fred54
ITV Sport | 640 x 352 | Xvid | English

http://rapidshare.com/files/111386380/UCL_Manchester_United_V_Barcelona_29.04.08_ITV_Homemade_highlights_f54.avi
OR
http://www.mediafire.com/?wrvgd1jx15a


Full match torrent: Credit to Fred54( 2nd half capped by albiondean)
40 x 352, Xvid, ITV comm

1st half:
http://fr333dom.com/index.php?page=torrent-details&id=40202b35dc24aeb30829d471596991b313af0277

2nd half:
http://fr333dom.com/index.php?page=torrent-details&id=15e00ad3612e276915f8aa0a2432cac06e98aec3

(2nd half capped by albiondean)


http://101greatgoals.magnify.net/item/DSJD2F8WWSPKPMV5

enjoy..10mins of sky sports highlights

Evra, Rooney and Vidic set to face Hammers

Manchester United trio Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra should be fit to play West Ham United at the weekend.

Rooney and Vidic sat out Tuesday's game against Barcelona, while Evra took a bang to the head in injury time of the 1-0 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Vidic was ruled out after being caught in the face by Didier Drogba's knee against Chelsea last Saturday, while Rooney aggravated a hip injury in the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic that the three players will be fit to feature in this Saturday's Premier League game with West Ham

Patrice got a real bang on the head, but I'm sure he'll be all right for Saturday," Ferguson told MUTV.

"Vidic may be OK too, but that's in the doctor's hands."

Ferguson admitted he did not want to gamble on selecting Rooney against Barcelona, but the striker should return against the Hammers.

"After getting the knock against Chelsea on Saturday, Wayne was in real pain on Monday," added Ferguson.

"I made the decision not to risk him because if I had to then substitute him early in the match it could really have affected us. So I went with a front two of Ronaldo and Tevez.

"Wayne has got a big chance [of facing West Ham]. He'll be all right for Saturday."

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Liverpool complete the Champions League final line-up - if only to ensure more tickets for Manchester United.

Paul Scholes goal against Barcelona ensured United will contest their first final in nine years at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 21st May.

But while Ferguson things it would be fitting to face Liverpool, he is aware the Russian roots of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may make tickets harder to come by if the Londoners make it through.

"Maybe we will get more tickets against Liverpool because Roman Abramovich seems to have bought them all up," said Ferguson ahead of Wednesday's semi-final second-leg at Stamford Bridge.

"It would be a nice final against Liverpool but I really don't care."

While Ferguson has been saying for too long now United's record at the top level of European combat should be better than it is, for Scholes in particular it was a sweet achievement.

Suspended in 1999, it seemed the midfielder, like Roy Keane, would never get a chance to compete for the biggest prize in the club game.

"It is great for Paul to be in the final," said Ferguson. "It was a fantastic goal.

Performance

"I don't think you can expect him to score 10 or 15 goals a season like he used to but when he gets one like that it makes up for the ones he can't score."

Ferguson is hoping there will be an immediate pay-off in terms of United's performance against West Ham on Saturday.

Having seen their lead at the top of the Premier League whittled down to goal difference following the defeat at Chelsea, the Red Devils needed a lift.

And even though injured duo Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney may struggle to make it, Ferguson feels confidence in the Old Trafford camp will have been raised.

"It is a big boost for Saturday," he said.

"It won't do us any harm that's for sure. The energy in the team was excellent. The question is how do we get that back into them?

"It was a bit nervy in the second half because Barcelona had to have a go at 1-0 down. But we got through that spell and in the last 15 minutes, I didn't think they made any chances.

"It was emotional at the end but you expect that at a semi-final. The important thing is that we are there and we deserve to be there."

Mumbai Indians shrugged off the loss of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to claim their maiden Indian Premier League win against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Just 24 hours after Harbhajan was ruled out of the remainder of the IPL by an 11-match ban handed down for slapping India team-mate Sreesanth in Friday's encounter with Kings XI Punjab, the Indians posted a seven-wicket win to kick-start their campaign.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo shone for the Indians with an unbeaten knock of 64 from 53 balls - the first individual half-century for the franchise in five IPL outings.

The Knight Riders' total of 137 for eight never looked like it would be sufficient after Sanath Jayasuriya ran roughshod through the hosts' order with a tournament-best three for 14 from four overs.

Bravo and Robin Uthappa duly took the visitors beyond their victory target in 18.4 overs with an unbeaten 113-run fourth-wicket partnership.

The hosts made a miserable start to their innings and found themselves two wickets down inside the first over.

Captain Sourav Ganguly fell for just four runs, caught by Jayasuriya at first slip off the bowling of Shaun Pollock, who was skippering the Indians in the absence of the injured Sachin Tendulkar and the disgraced Harbhajan.

The third-choice captain was clearly thriving in his new role and struck again to remove Brendon McCullum just two balls later, the opener trapped lbw on his final appearance before he joins up with the New Zealand squad in England.

Debabrata Das joined Ricky Ponting in the middle and the pair put on 34 runs before the former's brisk 29 from 20 deliveries was brought to an end when he lofted Bravo's delivery to Uthappa at point.

Ponting, himself contesting his final IPL game before linking up with Australia, hit 19 before he was run out, while David Hussey (17) and Mohammad Hafeez (two) both fell to Jayasuriya in the 14th over to leave Kolkata wobbling on 77 for six.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla brought some semblance of respectability to the hosts' total as he hit two sixes and four fours on his way to an unbeaten 40, but he ran out of overs before he had chance to set the Indians a truly challenging victory target.

The Indians' response got off to a stuttering start when Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for four in the third over, Hussey taking the catch at mid on off the bowling of Ajit Agarkar.

Jayasuriya added 18 runs before he was bowled by Ishant Sharma while home hopes were raised further when Manish Pandey edged Ashok Dinda's delivery onto his stumps having failed to trouble the scorers.

But the quality of Bravo and Uthappa ensured the visitors claimed their first points of the inaugural IPL campaign as the pair dug in to frustrate the home attack.

Bravo hit nine boundaries on his way to a long-overdue first fifty for the hosts, while Uthappa survived being dropped on five by Das as he compiled a run-a-ball 37 before his strike partner hit the winnings runs with eight balls to spare.

Paul Scholes ended nine years of personal torment by blasting Manchester United into the Champions League final.

Scholes' 14th-minute strike ensured Moscow will host an all-English affair on May 21, with championship challengers Chelsea or old rivals Liverpool lying in wait to provide the opposition for United.

But while Sir Alex Ferguson looks for the second European Cup that eluded Sir Matt Busby and, so far, him, for Scholes the Luzhniki Stadium represents a night to savour.

For, when Ferguson is reminded of that spine-tingling victory over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp, two of his favourite sons are always missing.

One is Roy Keane, who famously spoke of his discomfort at being part of proceedings in his grey suit. The other is Scholes.

Never one to offer three words when one will do, Scholes has always claimed not to be haunted by the fact he was a bystander on such a famous occasion.

But secretly, it must hurt. It certainly hurts Ferguson, who has always regarded the midfield maestro as one of the most influential players of his generation.

So there was something fitting about Scholes being the man who should thrash United in front.

The hosts had barely threatened the Barcelona penalty area, let alone actually get into it when Xavi slid in to tackle Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inexplicably, Xavi tried to force a pass to Yaya Toure, only to find Scholes instead.

His last European goal might have been in October 2006 but the 32-year-old lacks nothing in confidence and from 30 yards magnificently belted the ball beyond Victor Valdes.

Had Wes Brown or Nani found the net with flicked headers or Park Ji-Sung's precise strike not rolled just wide of the Barcelona net, United could have had the contest wrapped up by half-time.

That would have been a supreme injustice on the visitors but on this night, with so much at stake, pity is not an emotion that was felt by any United supporters.

The overwhelming feeling at the interval was probably one of fear.

If Barcelona did not enjoy quite so much possession as they had on home soil last week, they were not far off.

With Samuel Eto'o a formidable battering ram, Lionel Messi weaving his magic on the right wing and Deco a regular threat from deep positions, United spent long periods chasing around the park, attempting to douse fires as they arose.

Just as they were six days ago, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown - an unused substitute in 1999 - paired together at the heart of United's defence with Nemanja Vidic injured, were towers of strength, bonded in a common desire to keep Barcelona at bay.

Yet even they could not prevent Deco unleashing two skimming half-volleys which went narrowly wide.

With Wayne Rooney not even fit enough to be risked on the bench in case of emergency, Ronaldo was pushed up front, with Park out wide, a move which benefited the South Korean, if not the new PFA Player of the Year.

Ronaldo did provide the cross that Nani thought he had prodded goalwards, only for Eric Abidal to touch it wide as United started the second period with an intent, desire and dominance absent from game-and-a-half.

Valdes then produced a fine stop to deny Carlos Tevez as United attempted to turn the screw, knowing full well that, as Thierry Henry took the field, an away goal would send Barcelona through.

It was a position made for attack and counter-attack and finally, the players of whom so much is expected gave free rein to their talents.

Park was inches away from nodding home at one end, Deco's free-kick deflected wide at the other when many in the stadium feared it was on its way in. Messi; toying and teasing, Ronaldo; striking fear into Barca hearts every time he touched the ball.

Henry, so often the scourge of United in his memorable Arsenal days, must have felt he had the equaliser as he met Deco's corner with a firm header, and again when he curled a shot goalwards from the edge of the box but on both occasions Edwin van der Sar saved.

The tension was almost unbearable, made worse due to prolonged treatment for Patrice Evra. But in the end, Herbert Fandel blew his whistle. United were back where Ferguson believes they belong and Scholes had his reward.

Manchester United will pay tribute to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in August with a testimonial match to mark the Norwegian's 11-year career at the club.

The Solskjaer testimonial match will be against Espanyol of Spain on 2 August at Old Trafford, and form part of the team's pre-season preparations.

Striker Solskjaer retired last August due to injury problems after netting 126 goals in 366 appearances.

"I am delighted to be given this game by the club," said the 34-year-old.

"It will be a very emotional day for me, to play one last time at Old Trafford in front of our amazing fans.

"I am going to savour every moment and I hope the fans and Manchester United can also share in my special day."

Solskjaer, who is now on the club's coaching staff, cost United just £1.5m in July 1996.

He frequently made telling contributions from the bench, notably in the 1999 Champions League final when he scored the winning goal.

He also famously netted four goals in 12 minutes in a substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: "Ole is one of Manchester United's true professionals.

"We look forward to hosting the first pre-season game at Old Trafford in honour of Ole's illustrious career."

The Chennai Super Kings continued their flawless start to the Indian Premier League as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a 13-run victory over the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Chennai took six wickets in the final four overs as Bangalore collapsed from 142-4 to 165 all out to hand their opponents their fourth successvive win in the competition.

The Super King's total of 178-5 looked well within reach after Ross Taylor and Wasim Jaffer put on 89 for the second wicket. However, a combination of suicidal batting and accurate bowling saw those hopes crushed.

Blistering

Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had earlier bludgeoned 65 off 30 balls, and Mike Hussey continued his fine form with a blistering 47 as his side posted a strong, but extremely achievable total.

Bangalore started the game well and removed the dangerous Matthew Hayden (13) after the Australian dragged a Zaheer Khan delivery onto his stumps after attempting an ugly heave over midwicket.

Parthiv Patel (21) and Indian compatriot Suresh Raina (28) kept the scoreboard ticking, but it was the introduction of skipper Dhoni which sparked the Super Kings' innings into life.

After three towering sixes the India captain was eventually caught in the deep by Bharat Chipli off Zaheer, who took his third wicket to dismiss Hussey with the last ball of the innings.

Bangalore response

The signs looked ominous for the Royal Challengers when Chipli's middle stump was uprooted by Manpreet Gony for eight, as Chennai struck early with the ball.

Jaffer (50) and Taylor (53) then took the game by the scruff of the neck, peppering all areas of the ground at regular intervals - Albie Morkel in particular felt the full force of their punishing strokes as his opening two overs went for 24 runs.

Jaffer reached 50 before he was finally caught low down by Palani Amarnath off Jacob Oram in the deep and Taylor succumbed soon after when he drove a Raina delivery straight to Amarnath at extra cover.

Chennai seized the initiative from then on and Mark Boucher (4), Rahul Dravid (0), Virat Kohli (12), Zaheer (8), Kumar (6) and Dale Steyn (1) all made the walk back to the pavilion as the Bangalore innings imploded.

Harbhajan Singh is set to miss the rest of the Indian Premier League after being banned for slapping Indian team-mate Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, and wil also miss out on his bumper match fees for the rest of the competition.

The two players clashed at the end of the Mumbai Indians' defeat against Kings XI Punjab on Friday, resulting in the spinner being suspended.

Sreesanth was seen in tears after the clash between the two players at the end of the game, and TV footage was studied and players interviewed in the inquiry.

Mumbai skipper Harbhajan has now been found guilty of the slap on Punjab paceman Sreesanth after a disciplinary inquiry into the incident, and hit with an 11-game ban.

His actions were found to be a level 4.2 offence under the International Cricket Council's code of conduct.

Guilty

Harbhajan pleaded guilty to the offence and expressed his regret over the incident at a 45-minute hearing chaired by match referee Farookh Engineer, but has has also nevertheless been fined all of his match fees for the rest of the tournament.

"As a penalty for the level 4.2 offence committed by Mr Harbhajan Singh, we hereby order that Mr Harbhajan Singh be banned for the rest of the remaining matches of the first IPL event," IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said.

"We also order that Mr Harbhajan Singh be fined 100 per cent of any player fee that may have been paid or may hereafter be paid to him in respect of the remaining matches only.

"That does not take into account any of the two earlier matches (prior to Friday) that he may have played."

To add to his woes, 27-year-old Harbhajan is also now likely to face a separate inquiry from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who have appointed Sudhir Nanavati to head up a preliminary inquiry.

Mumbai Indians coach Lalchand Rajput was fined half of his match fee after being found guilty of not doing enough to prevent the incident.

"Rajput did not do enough to stop the incident," added Modi.

"Rajput was right behind Harbhajan when the incident took place. He didn't take any step to restrain him."

Sreesanth, meanwhile, was let off with a warning for his part in the clash.

Harbhajan will now likely miss the rest of the inaugural IPL, and would only return to the tournament should his Mumbai side reach the semi-finals of the Twenty20 event.

Manchester United are hopeful that Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic will be fit for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.

Neither player trained on Monday morning after sustaining injuries in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

Striker Rooney limped off with a hip problem after scoring, while defender Vidic was cut badly after being hit in the face by Didier Drogba's knee.

United are seeking a spot in the Moscow final after a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.

Both Rooney and Vidic are key figures for United, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson will give them as much time as possible to prove their fitness for Tuesday's match.

"It's a difficult one. We think both could make it but I can't be certain about that," said Ferguson.

Following the Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge, Ferguson said England international Rooney was suffering with the same "very painful" hip knock which he suffered a week earlier at Blackburn.

He also confirmed that Serbian centre-back Vidic, who missed the semi-final first leg in Barcelona with a stomach bug, had to have stitches under his lip after losing a tooth in the accidental clash.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will welcome back skipper Carles Puyol who will replace the suspended Rafael Marquez in defence.

Midfielder Yaya Toure (ankle) is a doubt and Edmilson could replace him.

United winger insists the best is yet to come

Cristiano Ronaldo admits that he is honoured to be named PFA Player of the Year for a second time.

The Manchester United winger has now been voted the best player in the country by his peers for the past two seasons, the first player to claim back-to-back titles since Thierry Henry managed the feat back in 2003 and 2004.

The Portuguese superstar has enjoyed a fantastic season in front of goal, netting 38 times, and could yet fire the Red Devils to a domestic and European double.

He scooped the prize ahead of Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas and Portsmouth's David James.

Fantastic

He revealed that he feels privileged to have seen his talents recognised once again, and hopes that he will get the opportunity to claim the award again in the future.

"It's obviously a very important award for me," he told Sky Sports.

"I have played in England for five years and I have won two times, so it's a fantastic moment for me.

"I feel very proud to win this ward again and I want to carry on and win more."

Improve

Worryingly for the opposition defences which he has terrorised on a regular basis this season, Ronaldo insists that he is still learning and feels that he is yet to reach his full potential.

"I try and improve every year," he said.

"Not just this year and last season, every year I think I learn something and I want to keep going like that, I want to learn more.

"I think I am at the right club, with the right people, with the right players to learn more and improve myself, and I want to carry on."

Mumbai slump to 10-wicket defeat

Adam Gilchrist's whirlwind 109 took the Deccan Chargers to a stunning 10-wicket success over the Mumbai Indians in the second of Sunday's Indian Premier League fixtures.

The Australian struck nine fours and 10 sixes during a 48-ball knock that allowed the Chargers to chase down a target of 155 with more than seven overs to spare.

Gilchrist was well supported by his skipper, VVS Laxman, who took a more sedate approach to finish unbeaten on 36 from 29 balls.

Polly in charge

Mumbai were led by Shaun Pollock in the continued absence of Sachin Tendulkar due to injury and the suspended Harbhajan Singh.

Harbhajan faces a disciplinary hearing following an incident with Shantha Sreesanth at the conclusion of Friday's IPL game against the Kings XI Punjab. The off-spinner is alleged to have slapped his India team-mate.

Pollock was required to bail his side out with the bat after they slumped to 27-3 inside the first six overs - Luke Ronchi (13), Ajinkya Rahane (0) and Robin Uthappa (6) all back in the pavilion.

A solid run-a-ball 31 from the South African and rapid contributions further down the order by Abhishek Nayar (34) and Dwayne Bravo (34) allowed the Indians to reach a final total of 154-7.

RP Singh was the pick of the Chargers bowling attack with 2-15 from his four-over allocation.

Simon Katich marked his last game in the Indian Premier League with a match-winning display as Kings XI Punjab beat Delhi Daredevils by four wickets.

The Australian, preferred to Ramnaresh Sarwan at the top of the order after missing the last two games, hit 75 to help his side get past the Daredevils' total of 158-8.

Yuvraj Singh was unbeaten on 40 not out at the end, the captain applying the finishing touch with a four off Shoaib Malik in the final over.

The Kings XI seam attack had earlier performed admirably to restrict a dangerous Delhi line-up, Irfan Pathan and Brett Lee both making early breakthroughs

Struggled

For once the Daredevils struggled at the start of their innings, losing captain Virender Sehwag and Shikhar Dhawan with only 12 runs on the board.

Opener Gautam Gambhir managed to make only 18 before becoming the third wicket to fall, Yuvraj Singh taking a comfortable catch to give VRV Singh his first wicket.

The right-arm seamer also dismissed Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and Dinesh Karthik to finish with impressive figures of 3-29 in his four overs.

At 88-5 the Daredevils looked to be in dire straits, but Manoj Tiwary rescued the situation with 39 from 34 balls.

He was given good support by Rajat Bhatia (17) and Farveez Maharoof (18) to get the final total up to 158-8.

Early losses

Just like their opponents the Kings XI found life tough against the new ball, seamers Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif both picking up a wicket in their first over.

Despite the double setback Katich made sure the run rate remained on course, dominating a third-wicket alliance of 58 with Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene.

The left-hander justified his selection with a 52-ball innings that included 11 fours, two of which were back-to-back blows off former international team-mate McGrath.

There was also a six from Katich before he was run out by Sehwag's sharp throw, leaving Delhi four down and still 43 runs away from victory.

However, Yuvraj kept his cool in the closing overs, sweeping a four to finish the game with three balls.

1-0 Ballack
http://www.myupload.dk/showfile/4488634d5e.wmv/
http://rapidshare.com/files/110540198/Ballack.wmv.html
1-1 Rooney
http://www.myupload.dk/showfile/44891df4d4.wmv/
http://rapidshare.com/files/110546780/Rooney.wmv.html
2-1 Ballack
http://www.myupload.dk/showfile/44892bd124.wmv/
http://rapidshare.com/files/110552306/Ballack2.wmv.html

Bangalore slip to seven-wicket loss

Shane Watson showcased his all-round talents during the Rajasthan Royals seven-wicket victory over the Bangalore Royal Challengers on Saturday.

Watson claimed 2-20 from his four overs to help restrict the Challengers to 135-8 after they had been asked to bat.

The Queenslander, batting at number four, then scored a measured 61 not out to see the Royals home with 17 balls to spare.

After the early loss of Mahesh Rawat (0) and Yusuf Pathan (21), Watson added 104 with Graeme Smith to turn a potentially tricky run chase into a formality.

Smith (49) holed out to long-on off Sunil Joshi's left-arm spin with just five required but Watson - who faced 41 balls and hit eight fours and two sixes - saw it through to the end.

Taylor blast

After Royals captain Shane Warne won the toss, Watson was on the spot with the new ball, removing Bangalore openers Rahul Dravid (0) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (2) courtesy of catches from Ravindra Jadeja.

Kiwi Ross Taylor was the star performer for the hosts, smashing 44 off 20 balls, before becoming the first of Munaf Patel's two wickets.

However, Taylor got little support from the rest of the middle order - Jacques Kallis (11), Virat Kohli (13) and Mark Boucher (4) all departing cheaply.

Warne's haul of 1-23 bowled a rare maiden, before some late runs from Praveen Kumar (34) helped Bangalore recover from the depth of 78-6.

The result puts the Royals - who have the lowest payroll in the IPL - up to second in the table, while Bangalore are struggling in sixth.

Dhoni's men top of IPL standings after third straight win

Matthew Hayden bludgeoned an unbeaten 70 to take the Chennai Super Kings to a nine-wicket success over the Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.

Hayden shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 86 with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to allow the Super Kings to chase down a target of 148 with three overs to spare.

The Queenslander's innings came from just 49 balls and featured six fours and three sixes, while skipper Dhoni's contribution of 43 required just 27 balls.

Parthiv Patel was the only casualty during the run chase, caught from a top-edged pull at Agit Agarkar's (1-19) medium pace during ninth over.

Awesome Oram

The Knight Riders struggled to a total of 147-9 after captain Sourav Ganguly opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The innings got off to a woeful start when Brendon McCullum and Ricky Ponting fell to Jacob Oram's bowling inside three overs.

McCullum (24) was caught by Suresh Raina in the covers, while the same duo combined again just a ball later to dismiss Ponting for a golden duck.

David Hussey (0), Prasanta Saha (24) and Ganguly (12) also failed make the substantial contribution the situation required, leaving the visitors in trouble at 70-5 just before the mid-point of the innings.

Laxmi Shukla averted complete humiliation with a workmanlike 42 from 33 balls before he was run out in the final over.

Oram finished as the pick of the home attack with 3-32 and there were two-wicket hauls for Manpreet Gony and Palani Amarnath.

The result maintains the Super Kings' 100 percent record from three games and puts them top of the IPL standings.

Midfielder converts late penalty to haul Chelsea level with United

Michael Ballack sent Chelsea level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table after a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.

The German midfielder converted a late penalty to clinch the points for Avram Grant's side, who exacted revenge for a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford in the Israeli's first match at the helm.

United suffered an early setback when Nemanja Vidic was stretchered off with a facial injury and Joe Cole struck the angle of bar and post for Chelsea.

The home team's first-half dominance was rewarded in injury-time when Ballack ghosted in at the far post to head Didier Drogba's cross beyond Edwin van der Sar.

But United levelled on 56 minutes after Ricardo Carvalho gifted possession to Wayne Rooney, who burst clear to rifle a shot beyond Petr Cech.

With four minutes to go, though, Chelsea claimed the points when Ballack converted from the penalty spot after Michael Carrick had handled Michael Essien's cross.

Rocked

Chelsea set about United in the opening minutes and Essien brought a diving save from Van der Sar.

United, who left Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez on the substitutes' bench, were rocked in the ninth minute when Vidic was stretchered off with a facial injury.

The United defender was caught by Drogba's knee as he stooped to head the ball clear and he was subsequently replaced by Owen Hargreaves.

Chelsea should have taken the lead in the 20th minute when Joe Cole got clear of the United defence but after initially losing the ball, he lashed the ball against the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

In the 23rd minute a neat combination between Drogba and Essien ended with the Ghanaian's cross eluding everyone in the six-yard box.

Rooney's lone role in attack was clearly not working as Ryan Giggs and Nani were often slow in supporting the England international.

Chelsea continued to press for an opening goal and were unlucky when Joe Cole dribbled his way into the penalty area only for Van der Sar to grab the ball at his feet.

A free-kick from Ashley Cole caused minor panic in the United defence when the giant frame of John Terry rose to meet it, but the Chelsea captain could not direct his effort anywhere near the target.

The Blues took the lead in the 45th minute when Drogba's cross was headed home at the far post by the unmarked Ballack.

Emotional

The goal sparked emotional scenes as all the Chelsea players held up Frank Lampard's No.8 shirt with the message 'Pat Lampard - R.I.P'. Ballack who had taken his shirt off, was then booked by Wiley.

United were still struggling to create anything despite a better share of possession at the start of the second half.

But United got themselves back into the game thanks to a mistake by Chelsea defender Carvalho.

The Portuguese defender passed the ball straight to Rooney who accepted the gift by firing beyond Cech into the net.

There were a flurry of substitutions, but chances were at a premium until Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 84th minute.

Essien's cross struck Carrick's arm and Ballack kept his cool to score from the spot to keep the title race on the boil.

In the dying stages, Ashley Cole hacked substitute Ronaldo's effort off the line before Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko cleared from underneath his own bar after a combination of Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher had forced the ball towards goal.

Following the acrimonious departure of Jose Mourinho at the beginning of this season, Chelsea fans were fearing for their club. The Special One became The Unemployed One, and Mr. Moneybags himself Roman Abramovich decided to bring in the former Israel coach Avram Grant.

Grant was hired as Director of Football in the summer of 2007, leaving his post as Technical Director at Portsmouth. It was on 20th September that Grant was named as the new boss just hours after Mourinho left the club by ‘mutual consent’. Since then, it has all gone gradually downhill…

Grant’s first game was against English Champions Manchester United. The team went on to lose that game 2-0. Despite the shaky start as boss, Chelsea went on to record a 16-match unbeaten run, but the boss didn’t have the support of the fans.

Perhaps the biggest controversy of Grant’s short tenure so far was the League Cup final in February of this year against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur – themselves under the relatively new management of Juande Ramos. The Chelsea faithful were deeply unhappy that fans’ favourite Joe Cole was named as a benchwarmer for what was, at that point, the most important game of the season. Chelsea went on to lose 2-1 to Spurs, with Jonathan Woodgate giving Tottenham a well-earned victory at Wembley.

It isn’t too hard to see why the fans aren’t too fond of Grant. Firstly he replaced the most successful manager Chelsea have ever had. Mourinho was much-loved by the fans of Chelsea, as well as the media. You could even go as far as saying many other football fans liked Mourinho. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one tuning into Match of the Day on a Saturday night waiting for some new words of wisdom based on another poor refereeing decision.

Secondly, Grant doesn’t seem to show any passion from the dug-out. His facial expression rarely changes, and – with all respect to the man – it isn’t the best facial expression we’ve ever seen. Mourinho wasn’t afraid of changing things drastically, on more than one occasion we witnessed three substitutions take place at half-time. Grant however rarely seems to use all three substitutes.

And finally, and perhaps more importantly, it has to be said that Grant has the tactical awareness of a deer on the first day of hunting season. He comes across as clueless at times, something which is the complete opposite of his predecessor. His substitutions are made at arguably the wrong times, and most of the time the majority of fans would agree that the players on the bench should actually be starting the match.

But let’s try to look on the bright-side. Grant has brought some calm to Chelsea, something that some could argue the club needed. There aren’t any more post-match rants about Arsene Wenger or Anders Frisk. And from the start of Grant’s tenure, the team seemed to be trotting along calmly. He’s only lost 3 games since taking charge of the team, winning 70% of the matches.

The club are still in the Champions League, and have a two-legged tie against Liverpool to look forward to in the semi-finals. The club did lose to Barnsley in the FA Cup, but Barnsley had already beaten Liverpool at Anfield. And Chelsea did get to the final of the Carling Cup, albeit losing to Spurs. It is the Premiership that the fans are basing their opinions on however.

Last night the team seemed to have the upper hand on relegation threatened Wigan Athletic for the whole 90 minutes. ‘Keeper Chris Kirkland however was on fine form, stopping everything that came his way before Michael Essien’s 55th minute opener.

Chelsea had more chances as the game progressed, but Kirkland – who has one England cap to his name – kept his side in the game. You could always sense that Wigan were never out of this game, things just weren’t going Chelsea’s way as Alex, Ballack and substitute Joe Cole all came close.

Ex-Liverpool and Leicester striker Emile Heskey virtually handed the Premiership Trophy to Sir Alex Ferguson with an injury time equaliser. Chelsea had no time to get a winner, and as the final whistle went, the fans around the ground got up to their feet, and booed their hearts out towards the players and Grant.

Such has the dislike of Grant grown that a minority of supporters have gone on national radio to state they would prefer their club to lose, so that Grant will get the axe. People have often said this about their current manager as a joke, but these fans were being deadly serious, and as far as many are concerned they need to get a sense of reality.

The chances are that no trophies this season would mean Grant will get the sack, but they are still in the semi-finals of the best competition in the world. And if they were to do the impossible and beat Liverpool over two-legs, followed by a victory in Moscow against either Barcelona or Man Utd, surely then the fans would begin to give Grant a chance.

The truth is that Grant walked into a job where nobody can improve on what the predecessor achieved. The fans loved Mourinho, and were never going to react kindly to his successor, it is something that Grant would’ve known, but the fans seem to have been pretty harsh on him since he took over.

Yes some could say that when Grant was brought in as Director of Football just two months before he took full control of team affairs, it seemed as though there was something a little fishy going on at boardroom level. But is that Grant’s fault?

Grant didn’t force Mourinho to leave; it was the irreconcilable differences between The Special One and Abramovich that lead to his departure. But the fans won’t recognise that, nobody will ever be good enough after Mourinho. He’s gone now, and won’t be coming back; the future is where it all lies for Chelsea. Getting behind the team coming up to a two-legged tie with Liverpool is imperative, no matter who is in charge.

And if Grant is ousted this summer, I’ll be first in line to say the next manager will receive the same sort of treatment from the fans, unless there is success from the off.

A thouroughly professional display by the Mohali team. They finally get a win. Mumbai have crashed to their third straight loss in the tournament. They really have to pull themselves up.

Kumar Sangakkara hit a brilliant 94 to steer Mohali to a competitive total.

On Saturday, two super matches are coming up. First it's Kolkata vs Chennai at 16:00 IST and then Bangalore take on Jaipur at 20:00 IST.

I'm at my best says Ballack

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack feels he is in good shape for the club's final push this season, after having been forced to sit out the early part of the campaign because of an ankle problem.

"It's always important to be in good shape and at your best at the end of the season, when it's all about the championships," Ballack told German newsmagazine Der Spiegel.

"I didn't play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn't feel drawn-out to me.

"I feel fit and I'm highly motivated."

Grieving Lampard poised to miss United visit

Chelsea look set to go into Saturday's Premier League title showdown against Manchester United without grieving midfielder Frank Lampard, whose mother passed away on Thursday afternoon.

The Stamford Bridge club have offered Lampard, 29, their full support as he comes to terms with the loss.

England international Lampard missed the recent Premier League games against Wigan and Everton after his 58-year-old mother Pat was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

He then resumed training earlier this week ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg at Liverpool after his mother had showed signs of improvement - only for her condition to deteriorate rapidly.

A statement from Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, read: "It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Pat Lampard passed way this afternoon.

"Frank would like to acknowledge and say thank you for the compassion shown to him by the manager Avram Grant and all the staff at Chelsea Football Club during what has been a terribly traumatic period for him and his family.

"Frank and his family would also like to thank all the people who have been inundating them with wishes of support."

Lampard is now expected to receive further compassionate leave to be with his family.

Vidic a doubt for Bridge

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Nemanja Vidic is likely to miss Saturday's Premier League title showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The defender received hospital treatment for a stomach problem on Tuesday and was forced out of Manchester United's goalless draw with Barcelona on Wednesday night.

Ferguson confirmed Vidic had a stomach infection and is unlikely to return against Chelsea.

"He was 24, 36 hours without eating," the United boss explained.

"He had some soup this afternoon, but wasn't ready to play. I don't think he'll be ready for Saturday, that's the situation, it's a stomach infection, (although) we don't know what kind of infection it is.

He added: "Yesterday before training, he had very severe stomach pains, so we sent him off to a hospital only about a mile away.

"We felt that was the best place for him to go. He was kept in until late at night and then they let him go."

Chargers slump to third straight defeat

Andrew Symonds smashed the fastest century in the IPL to date but the Rajasthan Royals condemned the Deccan Chargers to a third straight defeat.

The Australian all-rounder was at his belligerent best as he brought up his ton from just 47 balls - on the way to an unbeaten 117.

He struck seven sixes and 11 fours in a lesson in explosive hitting as the Chargers posted 214 for five.

But Shane Warne cracked successive sixes off the last two balls of the innings, making 22 from just nine balls to lead his side to a three-wicket win.

Yusuf Pathan earlier struck the fastest IPL half-century - from just 21 balls - in his score of 61 and Graeme Smith plundered 71 to help the Royals to 217 for seven with one ball to spare.

India's young pace sensation Ishant Sharma has said his single mission right now was to win the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

"There is no greater honour than playing for one's country, but at present my mission is to win the IPL," he said.

Ishant refused to brand any of the eight teams as the favourite and said: "This is the Twenty20 format. The team which performs well on the day of the match will win. There are no favourites as such."

The lanky pacer admitted that the format was posing quite a challenge to the bowlers.

"You cannot afford to bowl loose deliveries in this format. You have to focus on accuracy and hit the right spots. This is a challenge for the bowlers," he added.

Asked how it felt playing aginst his India teammates, he said: "We are rivals on the field, but off the field we are all friends."

The Delhi lad also told reporters that he had put the controversies during the India-Australia series behind and was enjoying playing alongside the Australian players.

"Those things are all in the past and we should look ahead to the future. It is exciting to sit and talk about cricket with Ricky Ponting, who is one of the greatest captains in the world. It gives me a lot of satisfaction," he said.

West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has arrived in Kolkata to join the Knight Riders ahead of their crucial match against Chennai on Saturday.

Gayle, who had been suffering from groin injury during the home series against Sri Lanka, is expected to start training with the squad on Thursday.

The Kolkata team, who have pocketed four points from two wins, will take on Dhoni's Chennai on Saturday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Pakistani cricketers Umar Gul and Salman Butt are also expected to join the side by Thursday.

The Chennai Super Kings have registered a 6-run victory against the Mumbai Indians here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk, Chennai tonight. Playing in their first home game of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL), the Dhoni-led outfit faced stern difficulties whilst defending a total of 208 against the Tendulkar-less Mumbai Indians team.

Harbhajan Singh (28 runs from 14 balls) and Abhishek Nayar (45 not out from 20 balls) were instrumental in reigniting their team’s expectations after a middle-order collapse had crashed victory hopes for the Mumbai Indians on the road. The duo added 48 runs for the seventh wicket in just 20 deliveries after the dangerous Muralidaran had dismissed Musavir Khote (9).

In a recurrence of the ICC World Twenty20 final, Joginder Sharma lived upto captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's expectations and sent down a crucial final over. The Mumbai Indians required 19 runs off the last over when Dhoni threw the ball to Joginder. Later at the presentation ceremony, the Indian ODI captain confessed that there was too much dew on the pitch and that it had become too difficult for the bowlers under lights.

Chasing a target of 209, the Indians received their first blow when an agile Subramaniam Badrinath inflicted a run-out in the very first over to dismiss Aussie wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi (2). Jayasuriya (20) and Uthappa (43) steadied the ship with the former cracking four scintillating boundaries – three of which were long-established ‘Jayasuriya flicks off the pads’ to set the tempo for the run-chase.

Jacob Oram had quite an unmemorable night as he conceded 19 runs off one of his overs while facing up against Robin Uthappa. He was against decimated by Harbhajan Singh in the 18th over of the innings. He eventually conceded as many as 53 runs from his 4-over spell!

Manpreet Gony, who has impressed one and all so far, continued to do so tonight with impressive figures of 1-18 from his four-over spell. The Punjab-born lanky pacer dismissed Jayasuriya when the veteran Sri Lankan mistimed a pull shot with the top edge presenting an easy catch to Joginder Sharma at mid-on. It was the start of the downfall of sorts for the Chennai Super Kings.

In a rather surprising ploy, Mumbai promoted Shaun Pollock to number four in the batting order. The South African added a quickfire 51-run stand with Uthappa for the third-wicket and resurrected his team’s hopes of a fightback. Uthappa was going all guns blazing before he missed a full toss from Joginder Sharma with the ball uprooting his leg stump off the ground. He was dismissed for a sturdy innings of 43 runs off 36 balls – a knock that included six boundaries and a six.

IPL debutant Dwayne Bravo (24) made an impact during his first appearance, smacking Muralidaran for the biggest six of the night during the thirteenth over of the innings when he stepped down the pitch and sent the ball at least a dozen rows over long-on.

Earlier, Super Kings’ power-house opener Matthew Hayden clouted his way to 81 runs from just 46 balls and featured in a century partnership with Suresh Raina (53) as the hosts amassed a healthy total of 208-5 after being precariously placed at 39-2 with Parthiv Patel (14) and Michael Hussey (5) back in the dugout.

The southpaw duo took just about ten overs to stockpile over 100 runs in what went on to surface as a match-winning stand. Raina was eventually dismissed when he holed out to Bravo off seamer Musavir Khote to depart after a 37-ball knock that included three sixes and as many boundaries.

Hayden’s authoritative knock included 12 boundaries and two massive sixes as he proved to be a thorn in the flesh for key nemesis Harbhajan Singh, who led the Mumbai Indians in the absence of regular captain Sachin Tendulkar. Although the Sardar from Jalandhar found some consolation when his direct throw caught Hayden short of the crease towards the end of the Super Kings’ innings.

Put into bat, the Chennai Super Kings got off to a rollicking start with Parthiv Patel (14) and Hayden putting on 34 runs in the first three overs before Ashish Nehra got Parthiv caught behind and five runs later, Mike Hussey (5) too was back in the hut after dragging a Dhaval Kulkarni delivery onto his stumps.

Harbhajan Singh used as many as eight bowlers but none were successful in containing the well heeled and fluent strokeplay of Hayden and Raina tonight. In fact, the off-spinner bowled just two overs himself and conceded just about fourteen runs.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (30) chipped in with a 16-ball cameo to take the side past the 200-mark. Both captains led from the front with Harbhajan also entertaining the crowd at the Chidambaram Stadium with his staggering 14-ball knock of 28 runs.

The Chennai Super Kings have won two-in-two and must be mighty confident going into their next encounter when they host the Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday. The Mumbai Indians continue to be on the road as they square off against the Kings XI Punjab on Friday at Mohali. Both teams are desperate for their first win of the tournament and it promises to be another cliffhanger of a contest!

Manchester United will be looking to earn an advantage against Barcelona as they travel to Camp Nou for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final

It is United's first return to the stadium since they beat Bayern Munich in an extraordinary final in 1999 but Sir Alex Ferguson has urged his players to forget about the past and shape their own destiny.

Current form suggests that United should be strong enough to edge out Barcelona over two legs, as they are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions.

United have opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League and have made serene progress through to the last four of the Champions League.

They lost out to Milan at the same stage 12 months ago but Ferguson is confident that he has a stronger squad at his disposal this time around.

Vidic doubt

Ferguson's biggest concern is the fitness of defender Nemanja Vidic, who has been struggling with a knee injury of late and also had a stomach complaint on Tuesday which forced him to miss training.

If he fails to recover it is likely that Wes Brown will be switched into the centre, with Gary Neville or John O'Shea coming in to make up the back four.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar missed United's 1-1 draw with Blackburn at the weekend but has travelled with the rest of the squad after shaking off a groin strain.

Wayne Rooney suffered a hip injury at Ewood Park but Ferguson has confirmed that he is fit to feature in Spain.

Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are also in contention after they were ruled out of the Blackburn match with minor injuries.

Cristiano Ronaldo has earned rave reviews for his performances this season but the Portuguese winger will have to share the stage with Barcelona's own superstar Lionel Messi on Wednesday.

Messi boost

Messi has made just two substitute appearances since returning from a thigh injury but has been passed fit.

Frank Rijkaard has also been boosted by the news that midfielder Deco has recovered from a calf injury, while Thierry Henry is available following a fever.

Rafael Marquez had been doubtful with a foot problem but the Mexican seems set to partner Gabriel Milito in defence.

Barcelona have fallen 11 points off the pace in the Primera Liga and have not won any of their last four domestic matches.

They were impressive in seeing off Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League but laboured to a 2-0 aggregate success against Schalke in the quarter-finals.

An unbeaten 94 from Virender Sehwag inspired the Delhi Daredevils to a nine-wicket win against the Deccan Chargers - their second such victory at the start of their Indian Premier League campaign.

The opener, who recently scored an Indian Test record 319 following his return to the national team, reached his total off just 41 balls as his side eased past their opponents' total of 142 for eight with seven overs remaining.

Sehwag hit 10 fours and six sixes, including 30 bludgeoned from one Andrew Symonds over.

Rohit Sharma was the only batsman to figure for the home side, hitting 66 off 36 balls as the pre-tournament favourites fell to the bottom of the IPL table.

With Pakistan having beaten Bangladesh in their Twenty20 international at the weekend, both teams were boosted by the arrival of victorious players - Shahid Afridi replacing Scott Styris for the home side while the Daredevils included both Mohammad Asif and Shoaib Malik.

And it was Asif who did the early damage, bowling both Adam Gilchrist (8) and Chargers captain VVS Laxman (2).

Metronomic

At the other end Glenn McGrath was at his metronomic best for the Daredevils, conceding 22 as he bowled out his four overs.

The Chargers' batsmen were feeling the heat, with Venugopal Rao (14) and Symonds (12) both falling to Farveez Maharoof to leave them on 45-4 after 10 overs.

Their prospects were further blunted when Afridi (2) was trapped lbw by the medium pace of Rajat Bhatia.

Sharma then increased the hopes of home fans when he blasted 26 from the 17th over, bowled by Maharoof, including consecutive sixes to bring up his fifty from 31 balls.

But he fell soon after, Sharma being caught on the mid-wicket boundary by McGrath.

The visitors' reply was never in doubt, with Gautam Gambhir (12) the only wicket to fall - caught by Gilchrist from the bowling of RP Singh.

Sehwag then arrived at the crease and reached his 50 from 27 balls, his taming of Symonds then following in the form of three fours and three sixes.

That drew the scores level, with victory then sealed from the first ball of the next over when Shikhar Dhawan (25 no) watched a Chaminda Vaas delivery go wide down the leg side.

Chelsea enjoy a narrow away-goal edge over Liverpool in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League as John Arne Riise's injury-time own goal handed the Blues a 1-1 first-leg draw at Anfield.

Having been eliminated by the Reds on two previous occasions in the final four of Europe's premier club competition, Chelsea travelled to Merseyside hoping to earn an advantage ahead of next week's return meeting at Stamford Bridge.

And Avram Grant's side now sit in the box seat to secure their first appearance in a Champions League final as Riise's 95th minute conversion into his own net cancelled out Dirk Kuyt's first-half opener.

Kuyt, who scored the decisive penalty in Liverpool's shoot-out victory over Chelsea last season, put his side ahead on 43 minutes as the Dutchman took advantage of some lapse defending to latch on to a miss-hit effort from Javier Mascherano, to smash through the legs of Petr Cech from close range.

But then with Liverpool seemingly home and dry, Riise was unfortunate to stoop and head a low cross from substitute Salomon Kalou past goalkeeper Jose Reina to hand Chelsea what could prove to be a vital away draw.

Hicks present

Beforehand it had all been about the powerbrokers in the directors' box. Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks' presence may well have concerned Merseyside Police, but it was never going to be a low-key visit. Despite predictions, there was no police escort.

The Dubai International Capital delegation - who had stayed in Chester overnight - of negotiator Amanda Staveley and chief executive Sameer Al Ansari arrived with less fanfare and sat quietly away from the owners. Chief executive Rick Parry was relegated by the Hicks entourage from his usual front-row seat to way back in the box.

So much for the sideshow. Liverpool fielded the side that had beaten Arsenal in the previous round, with Chelsea having Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba back.

And they started full of desire and pace, unfazed by the vociferous Kop, who had pointedly ignored the Hicks showboating.

Liverpool needed to raise their game, and they did when Xabi Alonso's ball sent Kuyt away, Cech half stopping the effort before Ashley Cole belted it away.

But Chelsea were playing the football and Joe Cole should have done better from a Lampard chipped pass.

Steven Gerrard was being smothered by Claude Makelele everywhere he went. But one clipped pass from the Liverpool skipper after 31 minutes sent Fernando Torres clear, only for Cech to produce a vital save.

Rich form

But Liverpool's steady improvement was to produce a goal after 42 minutes. And it was all about Kuyt, with his seventh goal in 11 European ties this term.

After his run and cross preceded a poor clearance, he won the ball back from Lampard and when it was turned into the box there was Kuyt to force it under Cech's despairing dive.

That gave Liverpool all the incentive they needed to return after the break flying forward looking for another; Ryan Babel tormenting Paulo Ferreira and Gerrard and Alonso at last finding space.

Babel surged into the middle and unleashed a fierce right-footer that curled just wide.

Liverpool then lost Fabio Aurelio after an hour, collapsing with what looked like a recurrence of his groin problems. Riise sprinted into the fray.

Kalou then came on for Cole, Chelsea searching for a way back into the game. Ballack's header was held by Reina and Jamie Carragher got in the way of Kalou's close-range shot. The balance was swinging again, Drogba a constant threat. Liverpool sent on Yossi Benayoun for Babel with 15 minutes left.

Sucker punch

Carragher's stunning tackle on Lampard stopped an almost certain goal, Liverpool now living on their nerves as Chelsea surged forward.

Cech made a fine save to stop Gerrard's dipping volley, before Torres, who had a tough time against John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, lost control when put clear by Gerrard.

Terry was booked for a body-check on Mascherano in injury-time, and Cech saved superbly again from Torres.

But the sucker punch was to come. In the fifth minute of time added on, Riise dived forward in the six-yard box to head a Kalou cross into the roof of his own net, under pressure from Nicolas Anelka.

The Kop were stunned, Chelsea delirious, somehow they had achieved the away goal and draw they desperately wanted.

United boss tells players to forget about the past

Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players to forget about the past and 'shape their own destiny' in the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United claimed a last-gasp victory over Bayern Munich in 1999 in a remarkable Champions League final played at Camp Nou.

They return to the stadium for the first leg of their semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday and Ferguson is confident his players can make their own bit of history.

"It is almost 10 years since we won the final," said the United boss.

"The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.

"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.

"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that."

Difference

United lost to Milan in the last four 12 months ago but Ferguson insists he now has a much stronger squad at his disposal.

"Last season we played much the same team every week because of injuries," he explained.

"Now we have a bigger squad, you can see the difference and how it has helped us."

Barcelona are currently third in La Liga after an inconsistent run of results but Ferguson is wary of the threat they present.

He said: "I do not see that we should be favourites. It is a very balanced game if you look at the number of quality players on both sides.

Worthy of a final

"Manchester United and Barcelona must be among the strongest sides in Europe as they have come to this stage of the competition.

"Both clubs deserve to be there and this match would be an attractive final, a fantastic occasion.

"I believe the winners of this game have a great chance in the final."

Ferguson has also confirmed that Wayne Rooney, who came off against Blackburn at the weekend, will play.

"Wayne took a knock on the hip but it will not stop him from playing," said Ferguson.

Frank Lampard is available to play against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Chelsea boss Avram Grant has confirmed.

Lampard has missed Chelsea's last two matches on compassionate grounds after his mother was taken ill with pneumonia.

Grant revealed that Lampard has been training by himself and is fit for the crucial first leg of their semi-final clash at Anfield.

The Chelsea boss was full of praise for Lampard's efforts in recent days.

"I must say I respect very much Frank and what he is doing for the club this week," Grant told

"It is not an easy situation, you know the situation he is in and I don't want to talk about it anymore.

"But he has given everything for the club, he has trained by himself and I have given him the freedom to do as he feels because there are things that are sometimes more important than football and he came and trained and is available to play."

Grant confirmed that there was still a concern over Michael Ballack ahead of the game.

"We have a problem with Ballack and he is fighting with this and he is doing everything to play, if it was a normal game he would probably rest more but I think he will be available for this game but I am not sure," he said.

Cristiano Ronaldo is targeting a win in Barcelona as he tries to prove the current Manchester United team is the best in the club's history.

United face Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports 2, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final meeting.

Portuguese winger Ronaldo is expecting an absorbing encounter in Spain, but is hoping United can secure an advantage to take back to Old Trafford.

"At this stage, no game is easy," Ronaldo told Sport newspaper. "They are very important games where the pressure is very high for both teams and maximum concentration is required.

"Anything can happen.

"Our goal is to win as quickly as possible and to get the best result in the Nou Camp. I want to win."

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted earlier this season that the squad currently at his disposal has the potential to be the best of his 20-year reign.

Ronaldo has echoed Ferguson's view, but concedes the team must finish the season with at least one trophy to justifiably be compared to previous United sides.

He added: "I believe that this team has the most talent, but this can only be confirmed at the end of the season by seeing what the team has won.

"There is a lot of talent and I believe we are going in the right direction. Match after match, we have demonstrated that we have a fantastic team, very talented and wonderful players, but at the end of the season we can give a definite answer as to whether this team is truly the best Manchester United team of all time.

"If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea."

Ronaldo has scored 38 goals in a remarkable season for United, but has thanked his team-mates for helping him to set a new club record for a winger.

"I am very proud to represent this club," he continued. "I feel privileged to have played so many games at this stage.

"It is a great honour for me to demonstrate my ability on the pitch in front of 60 or 70,000 people who go there every weekend - it is amazing.

"I have improved every year and work for it, but I must also say that my team-mates have been very important in terms of what I have achieved, they gave me magnificent passes so that I could score - and I have scored some beautiful and important goals.

"But I think the most important thing was the team. The team won the league last year, we went very far in the Champions League, we managed to reach the final of the FA Cup, and for me that was very important to grow as a player."

Cricket Australia have indicated their players could be obliged to miss next year's Indian Premier League because of a fixture clash with their rescheduled tour of Pakistan.

CA revealed on Monday they would play five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 match against Pakistan in April next year - the same time the second edition of the IPL is to be played.

The world champions had been due to tour Pakistan in March and April this year, but pulled out of their visit due to concerns over safety.

Tellingly for the hopes of Australian players wishing to play in next year's IPL, CA operations manager Michael Brown agreed the fixture clash was likely to "inhibit" their prospects of appearing in the lucrative tournament.

He also added that the players, who are centrally contracted to CA, would be expected to meet their obligation to play for their country.

"Playing (in Pakistan) probably inhibits players playing in the IPL (next year)," Brown told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Under their contracts players have to make themselves available to play for Australia and so far we have not had any problems."

The absence of Australia's top names such as Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds and Michael Hussey - who are competing in India at present - would come as a major blow to organisers of the IPL, particularly in the wake of the reluctance of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to see their players participate in the league.

No England players are in India for the 2008 tournament, as they prepare for the upcoming Test series with New Zealand.

The clash of fixtures is likely to add momentum to debate surrounding the possibility of creating a window for the IPL to be played.

At present the cricket calendar centres around the International Cricket Council's future tours programme (FTP) - a four-year cycle of home-and-away tours between the Test playing nations.

The ICC has scheduled its FTP into the start of 2012 meaning creating a window for the IPL is problematic.

Indeed, such was the difficulty in finding gaps to play rescheduled matches for Australia's return to Pakistan the tour will be split into two separate trips - a three-Test series will be played in August-September 2010.

And while Brown admitted discussion surrounding a fixture window for the IPL was a worthwhile debate, he pledged CA's support for the FTP.

"We often talk about programming being played like chess in three dimensions," he said.

"At this stage we have a program that goes through until 2011-12.

"The difficulty (in creating a window for the IPL) is there would be so many groups that would want to be involved in such programs.

"The bread and butter of cricket is based around the future tours programme and we have to make sure that is protected."

A calm batting performance from Shane Watson led the Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over the Kings XI Punjab - their first in the Indian Premier League.

The Royals were hammered by the Delhi Daredevils in their opening fixture, but three wickets from coach and captain Shane Warne set the tone on Monday as the Kings XI posted 166 for eight.

Fellow Australian Watson then took control in the Royals' reply, striking an unbeaten 76 to lead his side to 168 for four.

Karan Goel (26 from 21 balls) proved the main aggressor early for the Kings XI, striking Munaf Patel for six twice before the India bowler gained revenge with a yorker which removed his off stump.

That brought Kumar Sangakkara (20 from eight) to the crease and he immediately let rip, plundering three fours and a six from his first four deliveries faced, but he fell when Warne accepted a simple return catch.

Mahela Jayawardene fell quickly and James Hopes (16 from 16) became Warne's second victim.

Punjab were 73 for four at that point, but some clean hitting from captain Yuvraj Singh (57 from 34) put them back on track.

Warne (three for 19) accounted for Yuvraj and Siddharth Trivedi picked up a couple of late wickets, but Piyush Chawla's unbeaten cameo of 24 from 11 balls took the Kings XI to 166 for eight.

The Royals' reply did not get off to the best of starts as they slipped to 48 for three.

But Australian pair Watson and Darren Lehmann steadied the ship.

Lehmann (17 from 16) was trapped lbw by Irfan Pathan, but man-of-the-match Watson continued with support from 19-year-old Ravindra Jadeja.

The Australia all-rounder struck five maximums in his 49-ball innings, backed by Jadeja (36 from 25) in an unbroken partnership of 69 which saw them home with 11 balls to spare.

The result leaves Punjab at the bottom of the embryonic IPL table, having lost their opening two fixtures.

South Africans have loomed large in the Bangalore Royal Challengers’ 5-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League match in Mumbai.

Match was delayed as there was lots of firecrackers debris on the ground after the opening cermony. Mukesh Ambani (Owner of the team) presented caps to his players. Sachin Tendulakar was not fit so he was not able to play the opening match and so no IPL debut for him till now and we don't if he will be fit for next match. We hope he will be fit to blast the balls.

Match started fast but Kohli took a Superb catch of Luke Ronchi(wk) b Z Khan for 8 runs. As the match progressed Dominic Thornley was hit a fast ball from Zaher Khan, which went through this helmat grill and cut his forehead. It was pretty near to his right eyes. Play was stoped as he lost lots of blood on the field. He was taken out of the field for medical treatment. He came back later with bandage. He is fine now. He was using ice cube to cool. Hope we can see him play rest of the matches too.

Royal Challengers had a grip on the game and there where bowling very good and fileding was too good. Sanath Jayasuriya was runout by Zaher Khan superbly. Jayasuriya was no rule before that, he hit 19 runs in the first over of Jacques Kallis. He was out for 29 (16 balls, 4's - 5, 6's - 1, SR - 181.25).

Robin Uthappa then played a cool and invotive game and he was out for 48 of 38 balls when he tried to scoup the ball to four over the head of keeper. He was stamped by M Boucher, b B Akhil.

Shaun Pollock came and was in a blissing form and hit 3 - 4's and 2 - 6's. he made 28 of just 12 balls and was out on the last ball of Zaheer Khan. Mumbai Indian posted 165 for six wickets in 20 overs. Zaheer Khan took 2 wickets for 17 runs and Eco. Rate was 4.25.

Bangalore Royal Challengers was differnt time time, both the openers Dravid and Chanderpaul (Jaffer was not playing) scroed 37 in just five overs and the captain was also involved in a 31-run stand with New Zealander Ross Taylor (23, 12 balls1x4, 2x6s) for the second wicket to build on the good work.

Kallis also batted well for his 25 and Kohli chipped in with a 14-ball 23 (3x4s, 1x6) before Boucher smashed four boundaries and two sixes and was involved in a crucial 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket with compatriot Jacques Kallis (25, 24 balls, 1x6) to script a thrilling win at a fully packed and noisy Wankhede Stadium.

Bangalore Royal Challengers won by 5 wickets and recored first win in IPL T20, 2008

Kolkata win by five wickets

A brillianat innnings by David Hussey under pressure helped Kolkata get the better of Hyderabad. The wicket was certainly not easy to bat on. The match was a nail biter alright.

It was a perfect film script written for today's match. What a thrill, drama, happiness, sadness, courage and what a climax. it was happy ending too to Kolkatta Knight Riders.

Day started with huge number of people comig to watch the match. So, all the tickets was sold. There was no place it was flood of people. Kolkatta is the place and Eden Garden is the Mecca of Cricket, Shahrukh is the Bollywood King and owner of Knight Riders, Dada is the Prince of Kolatta and New Hero of Knight Riders Brendon McCullum (We can't forget his 158 not out in first match).

When you have all this.....Noooooooooooooo still more ingredient. There was whole lots of Bollywood and Poltical stars too like Rahul Gandhi, Priyan Gandhi, her Huby and kids. There was Bappi Lahari, Usha Uthap, Arjun Rampal and his wife, Karen Johar, Faren Khan, Farah Khan and ofcourse Juhi, Shahrukh and his wife and kids.

So, we have script ready, director, Music, Singer and Actors BUT the Villian was 22 yard cricket pitch of Eden Gardens, which palyed a big make the Biggest part of Villain. Wicket started to crack in the 3 over itself. Puff of was coming out as the ball is bowled. It was the biggest nightmare for each batsman. Pitch was dangerous and it was very very difficult to play. But there is a saying "Show Must Go On". Hope when we come next match in Kolkatta we see quick and bounce wickets.

Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan hit unbeaten half-centuries as the Delhi Daredevils got their Indian Premier League campaign off to a winning start against the Rajhastan Royals.

Having restricted their opponents to 129 for eight in their 20 overs, Dehli then took control with the bat as India left-hander Gambhir and Dhawan steered their side to a nine-wicket victory.

Rajhastan won the toss and elected to bat, but Glenn McGrath soon struck for the home side as Taruwar Kohli (seven) steered the former Australia international's delivery to Mithun Manhas at silly mid-on.

Yusuf Pathan (10) and Shane Watson (21) were then victims of run outs while Darren Lehmann was trapped lbw by Rajat Bhatia for just a single as Rajhastan stumbled to 47 for four.

Dehli's bowlers continued to pick up the wickets with Mohammad Kaif making nine before also falling victim to Bhatia with Breet Geeves taking the catch at backward square leg.

And Bhatia claimed his third scalp 10 balls later in Mahesh Rawat, who was bowled for two while playing across the line.

New Zealand's Daniel Vettori was the next to strike, dismissing Ravindra Jadeja on 29 while captain Shane Warne was the last wicket to fall for Rajhastan, succumbing to Farveez Maharoof after a battling 14.

Delhi's response went almost without a hitch. Captain Virender Sehwag was an early casualty, falling to a Watson delivery for 12 in the second over, but Gambhir and Dhawan led Delhi's charge with a second-wicket stand of 112.

Gambhir hit seven fours and a six on his way to an unbeaten 58 while Dhawan smashed eight boundaries in his 52 from 41 balls.

Rajhastan's bowlers were unable to find an answer to the duo, who guided Delhi to their target of 130 with almost five overs to spare.

A brilliant unbeaten century from Australian Michael Hussey powered Chennai Super Kings to a 33-run victory in their Indian Premier League opener against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday.

Hussey notched up a sparkling 116 from just 54 deliveries to guide the visitors to a mammoth 240 for five from their 20 overs.

Punjab could manage only 207 for four in reply, despite the best efforts of James Hopes (71 from 33 balls) and Kumar Sangakkara (54 from 33).

Chennai won the toss and opted to bat first, with openers Parthiv Patel and Matthew Hayden looking to get out of the blocks quickly.

Patel perished for 15 in only the third over, however, when he got an outside edge to a fine ball from Brett Lee and was snapped up behind the stumps by Sangakkara.

That brought Hussey out to the middle to join his countryman Hayden, although the latter did not hang around for too much longer before he was bowled by Irfan Pathan for 25.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni contributed just two to his team's total before finding himself stuck on the back foot and trapped leg before wicket by Hopes.

Suresh Raina made 32 before mis-timing a good length ball from Wilkin Mota and finding Pathan at long on.

Hussey's half-century came off just 31 balls, and he showed no sign of letting up after reaching the mark.

Jacob Oram was dropped on four by Shantha Sreesanth off Mota, but did not make the hosts pay. He added just nine more before being bowled to become Pathan's second victim of the day.

Subramaniam Badrinath joined Hussey and hit a quickfire 31 off just 14 deliveries to give Chennai's total one decisive last kick.

The Punjab response got off to a solid enough start, but they were always struggling to keep up with the 12-plus required run-rate for victory.

Karan Goel managed 24 before finding Patel at mid-wicket off Manpreet Gony in the sixth over, and Hopes' blistering knock came to an end in the 11th when he holed out to Joginder Sharma at long-off from a Palani Amarnath delivery.

Yuvraj Singh briefly threatened to get his team back in it but, after contributing 23 from 13 balls, was caught at long-on by Amarnath off the bowling of Sharma.

Sangakkara became the first IPL victim of his Sri Lanka colleague Muttiah Muralitharan in the 18th over when he found Sharma at long-on.

Simon Katich and Pathan finished unbeaten on 21 and three respectively but were always fighting a losing battle trying to surpass the Chennai total.

McCullum justified his hefty $7,00,000 price tag with 10 fours and 13 sixes.

Brendon McCullum added substance to the hype surrounding the inaugural Indian Premier League tournament as he struck the highest-ever individual Twenty20 score to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders to a 140-run opening match victory against the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

The New Zealand opener went some way to fulfilling his £350,000 price tag as he smashed 10 fours and 13 sixes to finish unbeaten on 158 from just 73 balls. It was an innings unlikely to be matched for the remainder of this 59-game tournament and one to delight the Knight Riders' Bollywood actor owner, Shah Rukh Khan, who watched on as McCullum's one-man assault led his franchise to 222 for three.

In reply the home side never threatened to haul in their victory target as their top eight batsman failed to reach double figures before they were eventually bowled out for 82. But it was McCullum who stole all the headlines on the opening night of this eagerly-anticipated tournament.

Following a 45-minute opening ceremony Bangalore captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to field in front of a capacity crowd at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Praveen Kumar's opening over proved anti-climactic with only one run coming from the bat, a mis-timed pull by McCullum from the final ball. But the New Zealander was quickly into his stride belting four consecutive boundaries from Zaheer Khan's next over, including a fortuitous top edge over third man.

Subdued performances from Sourav Ganguly (10 from 12 balls) and Ricky Ponting (20 from 20) failed to slow McCullum. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman breezed past Cameron White's previous highest Twenty20 mark of 141 with a contrived lap-sweep over the wicketkeeper's head, before finishing the innings with three sixes from the final over.