Fenerbahce 1 Benfica 0 – Europa League semi-final first leg match report: Egeman Korkmaz scores

Posted on April 26, 2013 by adminsports

Fenerbahce 1 Benfica 0: Korkmaz strike leaves semi-final in the balance as Chelsea await winners

By
Graeme Yorke

PUBLISHED:

20:59 GMT, 25 April 2013

UPDATED:

21:17 GMT, 25 April 2013

Egeman Korkmaz scored the only goal as Fenerbahce won the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Newcastle's conquerors Benfica in Istanbul.

The result leaves the match evenly poised heading into next week's second leg.

The winner will face either Chelsea or Basle in the final.

Winner: Egemen Korkmaz celebrates his second-half strike

MATCH FACTS

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Gonul, Yobo, Korkmaz, Ziegler, Meireles (Ucan 64), Topal, Kuyt, Cristian (Sahin 86), Sow (Krasic 87), Webo.

Subs Not Used: Gunok, Irtegun, Senturk, Topuz.

Booked: Cristian, Topal, Webo.

Goals: Korkmaz 72.

Benfica: Artur Moraes, Maxi Pereira, Jardel, Garay, Melgarejo, Gomes (Carlos Martins 81), Aimar (Gaitan 46), Matic, John (Rodrigo 64), Cardozo, Salvio.

Subs Not Used: Paulo Lopes, Roderick Miranda, Lima, Urreta.

Booked: Gomes, Aimar, Maxi Pereira, John.

Attendance: 51,000

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia).

More to follow…

Jesus walks: Benfica coach Jorge Jesus heads out onto the pitch before kick-off

Familiar faces: Ex-Liverpool duo Raul Meireles (left) and Dirk Kuyt (right) both played for Fenerbahce

Paying the penalty: Cristian's strike is saved by Artur

Turkish delight: Korkmaz is mobbed after his goal

Plenty to ponder: Jesus will hope to resurrect Benfica's hopes next week

London 2012 Olympics: Ryan Lochte wins 400m individual medley

Posted on July 28, 2012 by adminsports

Lochte leaves rest for dead in 400m medley as fallen giant Phelps misses out on medal

UPDATED:

18:44 GMT, 28 July 2012

Ryan Lochte clinched America's first gold medal of the Olympics with a dominant display in the 400m individual medley.

Michael Phelps could only finish fourth as Thiago Pereira took the silver and Kosuke Hagino finished third.

Full report to follow….

Cruise control: Ryan Lochte was outstanding in his first final of The Games

Portugal v Spain – Euro 2012 live

Posted on June 27, 2012 by adminsports

EURO 2012 LIVE: Portugal v Spain – follow the semi-final action as it happens

UPDATED:

19:04 GMT, 27 June 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of Euro 2012 as Portugal battle Spain for a place in the final when they contest an Iberian derby in Donetsk. The Portuguese have been inspired by the performances of their star man Cristiano Ronaldo in their march to the semi-finals, but the reigning champions have looked as impressive as ever. Send me your thoughts on the match at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Portugal 0-0 Spain (7.45pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo.
Subs: Eduardo, Custodio, Quaresma, Nelson Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Rolando, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Postiga, Beto.

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Negredo, Iniesta.
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Torres, Fabregas, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina.

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)

18min: Joao Moutinho delivers into the centre of the box but Sergio Ramos heads clear – Portugal win the ball back though and are starting to look bright again.

17min: Well that's just not very good. Ronaldo blasts into the wall but moments later his team win a corner.

16min: Free-kick on the left side of the penalty box for Portugal, after Ronaldo is caught in a Spanish sandwich – promising position this and CR7 will take it.

13min: But Portugal do have an ace up their sleeve…or a star man on the wing.

Cristiano Ronaldo picks up the ball on the counter, and sprints down the left before his near post cross is plucked out the air by Iker Casillas with Nani waiting to nod home.

12min: Bit worried for Portugal here, as they are starting to allow Spain to play.

Not too sure if it's intentional but they are hardly seeing any of the ball – remind you of a recent game

9min: In fact it's all Spain now and they should be ahead. Andres Iniesta breaks into the penalty box where he tries to square for Alvaro Negredo.

The striker fails to control the ball but it squirms loose for Alvaro Arbeloa who side-foots over from 18 yards.

6min: The Spanish seem to have woken up as they finally have a spell on possession. Neither keeper forced into a testing save yet.

3min: Strange start, Spain have hardly seen any of the ball! The champions have already had to defend successive corners as Portugal apply the pressure.

Kick-off: Spain get us going.

19.43: My goodness there are so many empty seats inside the stadium.

This can't be down to lack of interest (it's a European Championship semi-final!), I just hope fans haven't been priced out of a ticket – would you be surprised if they had

19.40: Out come the players and here come the anthems – Ronaldo even joins in with his Portuguese team-mates for this one.

Spain players remain tight-lipped but then their anthem doesn't have any lyrics.

19.37: Despite my praise for Portugal, my prediction is that they are going down 2-0 tonight.

I just can't see anyway past this Spain squad – much stranger things have happened.

19.34: Spain meanwhile have been lukewarm by their (very) high standards.

They are still the team to beat though, France couldn't get anywhere near them in their 2-0 quarter-final loss.

19.31: Portugal have been accused of being a one-man team in this competition but I think that is unfair.

Cristiano Ronaldo has indeed taken the tournament by storm, but Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Nani have been just as impressive.

Portugal look so much better than they did in the World Cup two years ago.

New partnership: Portugal's Hugo Almeida (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo will link up in attack

19.28: From InfostradaLive:

The reigning European Champions have been knocked out in the semifinals of the next Euros only once. (Euro 1992, Netherlands v Denmark).

19.25: Speaking of Ian Ladyman, check out his Euro 2012 diary here – lately he brings us what German back-up keepers actually do at major tournaments.

19.21: From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman:

@bumpergraham tells me Negredo plays with specific instruction to put pressure on Bruno Alves. I presume he has also been told to score.

19.16: Some good news to bring you. Portugal legend Eusebio has been discharged from hospital, after being admitted over the weekend.

The 70-year-old has been in Poland/Ukraine to watch the tournament so it's good to hear he is okay.

19.11: Wow, turns out that Nuno Gomes strike to beat Spain at Euro 2004 was the last time they lost in this competition.

19.08: From InfostradaLive:

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his 14th appearance in an ECh match, equalling the record by Lus Figo and Nuno Gomes.

Showing your colours: Portugal and Spain fans wait in anticipation inside the ground

19.03: Don't forget folks, if you are out and about tonight you can still keep track of all the goals as they go in by having a cheeky look on Twitter and our Live Goals service that brings you every Euro 2012 strike as it goes in.

18.58: The last meeting though gave us goals galore.

Portugal ran riot to win 4-0 in a home friendly two years ago as Carlos Martins, a Sergio Ramos own goal, Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida contributed to the score sheet.

I very much doubt we will see a repeat of that.

18.54: It was the same scoreline at Euro 2004 too, but on that occasion Portugal were victorious as Nuno Gomes came off the bench to net thew inner and send Spain crashing out in the group stage.

18.51: Back to the match at hand, I've already stated my high hopes for this one but recent history suggests it might not be the game we all want to see.

The last competitive meeting was at the last World Cup where Spain edged a turgid affair 1-0 thanks to a David Villa strike.

18.46: While for Portugal it's Hugo Almeida that takes their striker's role in place of Helder Postiga who was crocked in the quarter-final defeat of Czech Republic.

Silvestre Valera again has to make do as a bench warmer.

18.43: Big calls in both camps then. Fernando Torres is once again snubbed by Vicente del Bosque, with Alvaro Negrado getting the nod over the Chelsea striker, Cesc Fabregas and even Fernando Llorente.

Rumour must have got out that the Sevilla striker eats three Weetabix's for breakfast – let's see how he handles his starting role.

A few quick stretches: Cheerleaders warm up prior to Portugal's clash with Spain

18.40: Spain squad:

Casillas, Pique, Ramos, Arbeloa, Alba, Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Busquets, Silva, Negredo

Subs: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Martinez, Juanfran, Fabregas, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro Rodriguez, Torres, Mata, Llorente.

18.35: Portugal squad:

Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao, Pereira, Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles, Nani, Ronaldo, Almeida

Subs: Eduardo, Beto, Costa, Rolando, Lopes, Custodio, Quaresma, Micael, Viana, Oliveira, Varela, Postiga.

18.30: Well the show must go on. With UEFA giving Europe two days off from Euro 2012 to mourn the loss of England* we are back up and running with the first of two semi-finals.

First up, Portugal take on Spain – on paper at least a fast paced attacking encounter is on display. Bring it on I say, as I welcome you to Sportsmail's live coverage of Euro 2012.

*That's what I tell myself anyway.

Stretching it: Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for his Portugal side's match with Spain

Euro 2012 results: Czech Republic 0 Portugal 1 – Cristiano Ronaldo scores winner

Posted on June 22, 2012 by adminsports

Czech Republic 0 Portugal 1: Ronaldo roars into semis after nodding devastating decider

UPDATED:

20:53 GMT, 21 June 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo headed Portugal into the semi-finals of the European Championships at the expense of the Czech Republic in Warsaw.

The Real Madrid forward had twice hit the woodwork and seen his side have a goal chalked out for offside before he arrived on cue in the six-yard box to nod in Joao Moutinho's cross on 79 minutes.

The Czechs – with captain Tomas Rosicky, the Arsenal midfielder, only on the bench because of an achilles injury – had started brightly, but lacked a decisive move in the final third.

On the money: Cristiano Ronaldo wheels away after hitting the winner

Match facts

Czech Republic: Cech, Gebre Selassie, Sivok, Kadlec, Limbersky, Hubschman (Pekhart 86), Plasil, Jiracek, Darida (Rezek 61), Pilar, Baros. Subs not used: Lastuvka, Suchy, Hubnik, Necid, Rosicky, Petrzela, Rajtoral, Kolar, Lafata, Drobny.

Booked: Limbersky.

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles (Rolando 88), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani (Custodio 84), Postiga (Almeida 39), Ronaldo. Subs not used: Eduardo, Quaresma, Nelson Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto.

Booked: Nani, Veloso.

Scorer: Ronaldo 79.

Referee: Howard Webb (England).

Attendance: 58,145.

It had been a decent opening from
Michal Bilek's side as Petr Jiracek drilled the ball in from 20 yards,
but his effort was blocked by Real Madrid defender Pepe.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento named an
unchanged side having beaten Holland to qualify behind Germany out of
the 'Group of Death' for the last eight.

Manchester United winger Nani and
Madrid star Ronaldo, who would miss the semi-final if he picked up
another caution, were the most lively for the Portuguese.

On 17 minutes, the Czech Republic, who
overcame a 4-1 defeat in their opening game against Russia to win Group
A, broke quickly down the right and Vladimir Darida whipped over a low
cross through the six-yard box, which Galatasaray striker Milan Baros
just failed to connect with.

Ronaldo was played into the Czech box,
holding off Michal Kadlec, and drilled the ball goalwards with Chelsea
keeper Petr Cech making a smart save. However, English referee Howard
Webb had blown for a foul by the Portugal forward, who could not believe
the decision against him.

Thumping: Cristiano Ronaldo nods Portugal into the semi-finals with this magnificent header

On 26 minutes, Nani went into the Yorkshireman's notebook after tripping David Limbersky.

The game was starting to open up as
Czech full-back Theodor Gebre Selassie cut in from the right and
crossed, with Pepe again alert to clear the danger.

At the other end, Ronaldo – who netted a brace against the Dutch – went close with an overhead kick at the far post.

Chalked off: Substitute Hugo Almeida had the ball in the net, but his header was disallowed for offside

The former Manchester United forward was then just off target again with an ambitious long-range free-kick.

Portugal were forced into a change six
minutes before half-time when striker Helder Postiga pulled up with
what appeared to be a hamstring problem, and was replaced by 6ft 3in
Besiktas frontman Hugo Almeida.

Nani claimed for a penalty after going
down in the box under close attention from Limbersky, but the referee
was unconvinced, with TV replays showing the United forward slipped
rather than was pushed.

Frustration: Cristiano Ronaldo sees his shot crash against the post following some fantastic footwork

Familiar routine: Cristiano Ronaldo blasts a free-kick

Portugal continued to press and
Ronaldo was within inches of a spectacular opening goal when he
collected a high ball into the box on his chest, swivelled around marker
Kadlec and crashed the ball past Cech – only for it to strike the base
of the near post.

There was another great chance for
Portugal at the start of the second half, when Almeida headed over from
12 yards after being picked out by Raul Meireles' cross.

On 50 minutes, Ronaldo was denied by
the woodwork again as this time his 30-yard free-kick clipped the
outside of the far post with Cech beaten.

Over he goes: Cristiano Ronaldo tries his luck with an overhead kick

One way to stop him: Tomas Sivok and David Limbersky gang up on Cristiano Ronaldo

The Chelsea keeper then had to parry
away a 25-yard strike from Nani, and only an offside flag prevented
Portugal taking a deserved lead on 57 minutes when Almeida glanced in
the United winger's cross.

The Czechs produced a counter-attack
when Vaclav Pilar charged down the left and into the penalty area, only
to produce a poor final pass, which was hacked clear.

Portugal were soon back on the offensive as Moutinho's dipping 25-yard effort was tipped over.

Crunch time: Petr Cech clears his lines

Kadlec was then left in a heap after being clattered by goalkeeper Cech, who punched clear at the edge of the penalty area.

The Chelsea man's goal was leading a charmed life, as Nani's floated ball was deflected behind.

Ronaldo finally broke the deadlock on 79 minutes, when he sent a diving header past Cech from Moutinho's right-wing cross.

Watching brief: Portuguese luminaries Eusebio and Figo were in Warsaw

Portugal continued to pour forwards, with Cech beating away an angled 25-yard effort from full-back Joao Pereira.

Ronaldo went down under a challenge
from Gebre Selassie and, although he appeared to be caught by the Czech
defender, referee Webb again waved play on.

Portugal saw out four minutes of
stoppage time to secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will
face either Spain or France.

Euro 2012 results Portugal 2 Holland 1 Cristiano Ronaldo scores two goals

Posted on June 18, 2012 by adminsports

Portugal 2 Holland 1: Ronaldo finally joins Euro party to put Dutch out of their misery

UPDATED:

20:45 GMT, 17 June 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal's passage into the quarter-finals with two goals that ended dismal Holland's participation at Euro 2012.

Ronaldo was irresistible throughout as he led his side to a last-eight appointment with the Czech Republic in Warsaw on Thursday.

The 27-year-old responded to criticism of his form with a mesmerising display topped by a goal in each half to ensure Portugal finished the 'group of death' as runners-up behind Germany.

The main man: Ronaldo

The main man: Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a place in the last eight

Match facts

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles (Custodio 72), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani (Rolando 87), Postiga (Nelson Oliveira 64), Ronaldo. Subs not used: Eduardo, Almeida, Quaresma, Ricardo Costa, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto.

Scorer: Ronaldo 28, 74.

Holland: Stekelenburg, Willems (Afellay 67), Mathijsen, Vlaar, Van der Wiel, Van der Vaart, Nigel De Jong, Sneijder, Van Persie, Robben, Huntelaar. Subs not used: Vorm, Heitinga, Bouma, Van Bommel, Kuyt, Schaars, Strootman, Luuk de Jong, Narsingh, Boulahrouz, Krul.

Booked: Willems, Van Persie.

Scorer: Van der Vaart 11.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).

Attendance: 38,633.

Apart from a fine early strike from
Rafael van der Vaart, Holland were poor, ensuring a team considered
among the pre-tournament favourites finished bottom of Group B without a
point to their name.

The match was 11 minutes old when Holland's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals were given a shot in the arm.

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben
weaved a path to the edge of the area where Van der Vaart was waiting to
steer an inch-perfect finish into the bottom left corner.

A moment of madness from Gregory van
der Wiel almost saw Holland concede the advantage but, having
inexplicably passed the ball to Helder Postiga, he watched in relief as
the Portugal striker shot wide with only Maarten Stekelenburg to beat.

Stekelenburg then kept out a well-struck header by Ronaldo, who would not be denied in the 28th minute.

The initial damage was done by Joao
Pereira's defence-splitting pass and Ronaldo rewarded his vision with a
composed first touch and slick finish.

Safe passage: Portugal celebrate Ronaldo's second goal which sees them navigate a tough group

Nani missed narrowly, but it was
Portugal's captain who was the prominent figure on the pitch as he twice
went close to seizing the lead.

Holland's defence was in danger over
being over-run with Ronaldo cast at their tormentor in chief with
Portugal pushing for a second.

The Real Madrid forward continued to
attack the Dutch early in the second half, but his side should have
trailed in the 53th minute.

Hope: Rafael van der Vaart unleashes an unstoppable drive past Rui Patricio, sparking wild scenes of celebration

No chance: Patricio

Great start: Van der Vaart

Wesley Sneijder crossed from the left
to the unmarked Ron Vlaar only for his clumsy attempted header to drift
off-target from close range.

Postiga had a goal disallowed for
offside before Fabio Coentrao was denied by sharp reactions from
Stekelenburg, who then frustrated Nani from point-blank range after a
marauding run by Ronaldo.

On the money: Cristiano Ronaldo makes no mistake, beating Maarten Stekelenburg, despite the attentions of Ron Vlaar

The dream dies: Maarten Stekelenburg (left) and teammate Ron Vlaar react

The Portugal wingers combined once again in the 74th minute, and this time Holland cracked.
A swift counter attack ended with Nani feeding a long pass to Ronaldo
who dummied his shot, took the ball into space and prodded home.

Van der Vaart curled an effort onto
the right post as Holland produced a strong finish, but there was still
time for Ronaldo to hit the woodwork.

Drat and double drat: Bert van Marwick has much to ponder after masterminding a pointless tournament

Germany 1 Portugal 0: Mario Gomez scores the winner

Posted on June 10, 2012 by adminsports

Germany 1 Portugal 0: Gomez takes his time but eventually delivers to solve close battle

UPDATED:

21:09 GMT, 9 June 2012

Mario Gomez scored a magnificent header as Germany battled their way past Portugal to make a winning start to their Euro 2012 campaign.

Portugal's defensive obduracy had frustrated Germany for 72 minutes and Gomez was about to be substituted when he planted Sami Khedira's cross past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Suddenly faced with chasing the game, instead of settling for the bore draw, Portugal brought Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani into the game and laid siege on the German goal.

Super Mario: Mario Gomez celebrates after netting the only goal of the game

Take that: Gomez powers his header home

MATCH FACTS

Germany: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller (Bender 90), Ozil (Kroos 87), Podolski,
Gomez (Klose 80)

Subs Not Used: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Mertesacker, Gotze, Reus, Zieler
Booked: Badstuber, Boateng
Goals: Gomez 72

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe,
Fabio Coentrao, Meireles (Varela 80), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani,
Postiga (Nelson Oliveira 70), Ronaldo.

Subs Not Used: Eduardo, Custodio, Almeida, Quaresma, Ricardo Costa,
Rolando, Ruben Micael, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto

Booked: Postiga, Fabio Coentrao.

Att: 33,951

Ref: Stephane Lannoy (France)

In a barnstorming finish, German
goalkeeper Manuel Neuer brilliantly denied Silvestre Varela to seal the
victory as Joachim Low's men made a successful start to their quest for a
first European crown since 1996.

Germany featured seven Bayern Munich
players, all of whom will have felt a daunting sense of deja vu in the
first half as Portugal set themselves to soak up the pressure.

Chelsea beat Bayern in the Champions
League final a matter of weeks ago using exactly the same,
backs-to-the-wall style that some would describe as anti-football.

Although Portugal started with
Ronaldo, who has scored 112 goals in 101 appearances for Real Madrid,
and Nani they set themselves up to nullify Germany and play for the
draw.

Mesut Ozil was the Germany's main
attacking threat and the three-times European champions came close to an
early goal with a header from striker Mario Gomez.

Helder Postiga won a corner after a
run from Fabio Coentrao but Portugal were sitting so deep they lacked
any real fluidity in attack. Ronaldo was a spectator for most of the
first half.

Stepover king: Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated by the German defence

Thomas Mueller picked out
Arsenal-bound Lucas Podolski, who tried a low first time shot with the
outside of his right foot that was easily saved.

Pereira did well to close down Ozil,
who had jinked his way into the Portugal box after being released by his
Real Madrid team-mate.

Close shave: Pepe's effort hit the bar and bounced out (below)

Not a goal

After 44 minutes of German dominance it was Portugal who created the best chance of the first half.

Defender Pepe made space in the box
with a delightful first touch and then curled a delightful shot over
Holger Badstuber and on to the underside of the bar.

The ball crashed down onto the line and away. It was a close escape for Germany.

Meireles made two important blocks
after the restart but Portugal did offer more in attack in the second
half, with Nani beating Philipp Lahm before whipping in a cross.

The ball fell to Ronaldo in the box after a driving run from Coentrao but he was denied by Boateng's perfectly-timed block.

Struggle: Nani found it difficult to make his mark

Pulling the strings: Mesut Ozil

With Germany unable to break the
deadlock, Low was just about to take off Gomez when the Bayern Munich
striker scored with a brilliant header.

Gomez rose to meet Khedira's cross from the right and directed his downward header back across goal and inside the far post.

Low reacted by instructing Miroslav
Klose to sit back down and Gomez almost had a second as he galloped
unmarked into the box but Mueller's cross was just ahead of him.

Not this time: Raul Meireles' attempted tackle is easily evaded

Portugal had to up their attacking game and threatened more in the final 10 minutes than they had in the previous 80.

Coentrao had an effort that was deflected just over the bar before Nani's cross dipped on to the bar and away.

Nelson Oliveira pulled the ball back
for Varela inside the Germany box but Neuer was off his line in a flash
and blocked the shot.

Ronaldo then picked out Nani but the Manchester United forward saw his shot deflect behind off Badstuber as Germany hung on.

Beaten to it: Ronaldo and his side came off second best

Delight: Germany celebrated their narrow win

Sporting 2 Athletic Bilbao 1: Lisbon late show stuns Spaniards

Posted on April 20, 2012 by adminsports

Sporting 2 Athletic Bilbao 1: Lisbon late show stuns United's conquerors

UPDATED:

21:50 GMT, 19 April 2012

Sporting Lisbon netted twice in the last 15 minutes to overturn a deficit against Athletic Bilbao and earn themselves a narrow lead to take across the Iberian peninsula for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Athletic, looking for their first major trophy since 1984, took a 54th-minute lead through Jon Aurtenetxe but Sporting drew level through Emiliano Insua before the impressive Diego Capel – a Spain international – drilled home the match-winner 10 minutes from time to down his countrymen.

The Portuguese outfit pushed hard for a third goal late on but Athletic managed to keep them out to leave the tie firmly in the balance ahead of next week's second leg in the Basque country.

Comeback complete: Diego Capel celebrates after scoring for Sporting

MATCH FACTS

Sporting: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Anderson Polga, Xandao, Insua, Andre Martins (Rubio 76), Daniel Carrico (Carrillo 68), Schaars, Izmailov, van Wolfswinkel, Diego Capel (Bruno Pereirinha 84).

Subs Not Used: Marcelo, Onyewu, Evaldo, Neto.

Booked: Izmailov, Joao Pereira.

Goals: Insua 75, Diego Capel 80.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz, Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe, Iturraspe, De Marcos, Susaeta (Ibai 83), Ander Herrera (San Jose 73), Muniain, Llorente (Toquero 87).

Subs Not Used: Raul, Gabilondo, Koikili, Ramalho.

Booked: De Marcos, Iturraspe, Llorente.

Goals: Aurtenetxe 54.

Attendance: 37,213

Referee: Jonas Eriksson

Both sides looked keen to attack throughout the first half, but neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled as the period finished goalless.

Sporting settled the quicker and Emiliano Insua drew an early save out of Athletic custodian Gorka Iraizoz before Ricky van Wolfswinkel fired just wide.

Athletic's first decent opportunity arrived in the 12th minute, and really should have resulted in the opening goal of the game but the unmarked Fernando Llorente, usually so deadly in the air, powered his header from Markel Susaeta's corner a foot over the crossbar.

Susaeta and Ander Herrera saw long-range efforts go wide and saved by Rui Patricio, respectively, as Athletic sought a valuable away goal, but Sporting were looking dangerous on the break and twice came close following lightning-fast counter-attacks.

The first saw Joao Pereira drive in a rising shot from the edge of the box which appeared to strike the outside of the post, although Iraizoz looked to have it covered.

Then, moments after Van Wolfswinkel had seen a 20-yard effort go just wide, Sporting broke away again but Stijn Schaars, after being set up by Capel, fluffed his lines
Sporting also threatened first at the start of the second half but, after Insua had seen his cross-shot parried by Iraizoz, it was Athletic who took the lead.

Going ahead: Athletic Bilbao's Jon Aurtenetxe celebrates putting his side in the lead

Susaeta curled in a free-kick from the right and after Insua had failed to cut the ball out – slicing his attempted clearance behind him instead of away from danger – defender Aurtenetxe slotted in at the far post.

That was a huge blow for Sporting, but it could have got even worse five minutes later as Athletic hit the woodwork, Fernando Amorebieta latching onto a loose ball inside the area to drive in a shot that struck the inside of the post before staying out.

Big goal: Capel celebrates his goal

Watching on: Sporting's coach Ricardo Sa Pinto saw his side come from behind

Susaeta then saw a looping header land on the roof of the net with Rui Patricio struggling as the visitors went in search of a potentially decisive second goal.

At that stage it looked like Athletic would be left holding all the aces for their return to San Mames, but with their final dreams slipping away, Sporting staged a superb fightback.

Van Wolfswinkel spurned a great chance to equalise in the 69th minute when he glanced a header wide from close range, but within six minutes of that miss the home side were on level terms.

Close control: Capel keeps the ball as Athletic Bilbao's players surround him

Heads first: Sporting' Ricky Van Wolkswinkel fights for the ball with Athletic Bilbao's Ander Iturraspe

Insua was the quickest to react to a bouncing ball in the Athletic area to guide a header just inside the far post.

Buoyed by that goal, Sporting started to lay siege to the Athletic defence and it was 2-1 four minutes later when Capel drilled in a low 25-yard shot that fizzed into the near corner.

Substitute Bruno Pereirinha, having replaced Capel, should have made it 3-1 in the 84th minute but curled just wide from the near the penalty spot as Athletic survived a late onslaught to limit the damage.

Fabio set to leave Manchester United for Benfica

Posted on April 16, 2012 by adminsports

Benfica lead chase for Fabio as young Brazilian prepares to leave Manchester United on loan

UPDATED:

10:46 GMT, 16 April 2012

Benfica want to sign Manchester United defender Fabio after Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he will be sent out on loan next season.

Fabio has found his first-team opportunities limited since arriving at Old Trafford with his twin brother Rafael in 2008.

The 21-year-old Brazilian has featured 15 times in all competitions this season and started just two Premier League games.

Family affair: A loan move for Fabio (left) will split up United's twin brothers

Cassiano Pereira, Fabio's agent, told Portuguese sport newspaper O Jogo: 'There is a high possibility that Fabio will go to Benfica. Alex Ferguson has talked with me and Fabio about this possibility and in the next two to three weeks we should know our position.'

Reports that Fabio would be offered as part of a deal to bring Nicolas Gaitan to Old Trafford are wide of the mark though.

The Argentina international, who is an attacking midfielder and can also play on the wing, has been linked with both Manchester clubs while Tottenham are also known admirers.

Parsis St Germain and Inter Milan are also keeping tabs on Gaitan, who has a 40million release clause in his contract.

Speculation: Nicolas Gaitan (front) has been linked with Man United and City

Ramires backs Chelsea target Axel Witsel to be a success in England

Posted on April 8, 2012 by adminsports

Ramires backs Chelsea target Witsel to be a success in Premier League

UPDATED:

10:36 GMT, 8 April 2012

Brazilian international Ramires believes Chelsea transfer target Axel Witsel would be a star in the Premier League if he does move from Benfica.

Witsel joined Benfica from Standard Liege last summer, but the Belgium international has repeatedly been linked with a move to England, with Chelsea understood to leading the race to sign him.

The 23-year-old impressed for Benfica in the Champions League defeat by Chelsea in the quarter-finals and he has caught the eye of Ramires.

Target: Chelsea are tracking Benfica's Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel

Former Benfica midfielder Ramires, who recently signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, is not surprised that Witsel is on his current club’s radar.

‘It’s known when a player stands out that Chelsea are eyeing him,” said Ramires in the Portuguese media.

‘They’re following Witsel and he’s an excellent player.

‘He’s a player who can do very well in England.’

Impressed: Ramires thinks Witsel would be a success in the Premier League

Ramires also believes that full-back Maxi Pereira and attacker Nicolas Gaitan are two more Benfica players with the talent to make an impact in English football.

The Brazilian added: ‘I would also recommend signing Maxi Pereira because he’s also a great player.

‘Gaitan can shine in English football. He’s an excellent player, one of the best in the world.’

Porto fined 16,000 for fans abusing Mario Balotelli

Posted on April 3, 2012 by adminsports

Porto fined 16,000 after fans racially abused City striker Balotelli

UPDATED:

16:56 GMT, 3 April 2012

UEFA have fined Portuguese club Porto 16,700 after their supporters racially abused Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in February.

The European governing body confirmed the punishment following a meeting of their control and disciplinary body which took place last week.

City lodged a complaint after Balotelli was subjected to monkey taunts during the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie at the Estadio do Dragao on February 16.

Target: Manchester City's Mario Balotelli (centre) was racially abused in Porto

Porto have three days to appeal against the verdict.

There were outbreaks of monkey chanting throughout the game, which City won 2-1, but it appeared most noticeable when Balotelli was substituted 12 minutes from time.

Claim: Porto's coach Vitor Pereira insisted the fans were shouting for Hulk

Porto coach Vitor Pereira later claimed there may have been a misunderstanding and that fans were actually chanting, 'Hulk, Hulk, Hulk' at the club's star player.

That has been dismissed with a statement reading: ]'The UEFA control and disciplinary body has imposed a fine of 20,000 euros on FC Porto for racist conduct of their supporters at their first-leg round of 32 UEFA Europa League match against Manchester City FC on 16 February in Porto.'

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