Tag Archives: velasco

Alex Ferguson claims he foresaw struggle at Galatasaray

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I knew we'd struggle: Ferguson says he feared second string would suffer in Istanbul

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UPDATED:

00:51 GMT, 21 November 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he feared how Manchester United's patched-up defence were going to handle Galatasaray before watching his side lose in Istanbul.

Ferguson's concerns were justified as United slipped to a 1-0 defeat thanks to Burak Yilmaz's second-half header.

It cost the Red Devils their 100 per cent record in this season's competition, and means they have now conceded the first goal an incredible 12 times in 17 matches in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Not tonight: Sir Alex Ferguson knew his side could struggle in Turkey

Not tonight: Sir Alex Ferguson knew his side could struggle in Turkey

However, with 18-year-old Nick Powell hitting the bar on his first start, and Phil Jones making his first appearance of the season after back and knee problems, there were obvious plus points as well.

'We worried about set-pieces and that was the area we suffered,' said Ferguson.

'That was always going to be a problem considering the lack of experience and height.

'But otherwise it was a decent performance. Parts of the game were good and we handled the atmosphere.'

Ferguson was critical of early challenges from Felipe Melo and Semih Kaya, both of which he felt warranted red cards.

Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo opted to keep his cards in his pocket though, and Galatasaray took advantage, with Hamit Altintop twice coming close in addition to Yilmaz's fifth goal in the competition.

At least though, the damage is not as serious as 19 years ago, when United were sent crashing out of the competition.

The stadium is different as well, even if the incredible noise levels seem to be the same.

'It is a fantastic stadium and obviously an improvement from the old one,' said Ferguson.

'There is not much difference in the atmosphere.

'The biggest change since then is that we have won the competition twice and we have qualified for the last 16 this year too.'

Tough crowd: The atmosphere was hostile inside the stadium

Tough crowd: The atmosphere was hostile inside the stadium

Defeat: Jonny Evans (right) was unable to prevent a loss

Defeat: Jonny Evans (right) was unable to prevent a loss

Galatasaray will join them if they match Cluj's result at Old Trafford in a fortnight.

'We'll play a similar team against Cluj, that goes without saying,' said Ferguson.

'We've qualified and there's no reason why we shouldn't use the squad.'

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim was understandably delighted at securing such a notable triumph.
'We deserved this victory,' he said.

'We dominated the game and in the end found the goal that we needed. When you play against a team like Manchester United, you cannot go slowly. You have to be enthusiastic and wise.

'I am fortunate my players were able to be both things this evening.'

Relaxed: Ferguson's side have already qualified

Relaxed: Ferguson's side have already qualified

Chelsea 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 2 – match report

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Chelsea 3 Shakhtar Donetsk 2: Late Moses strike hands holders dramatic victory

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UPDATED:

21:57 GMT, 7 November 2012

Victor Moses came off the bench to score an incredible last-gasp winner as Chelsea somehow survived a Shakhtar Donetsk onslaught to keep their Champions League fate in their own hands.

The Blues were in danger of being the first holders to crash out of the competition before Christmas as former target Willian twice cancelled out almighty howlers from goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov which gifted goals to Fernando Torres and Oscar, the latter's fourth in as many Champions League games.

Late drama: Moses is wrestled to the floor after heading home Chelsea's winner in injury time

Late drama: Moses is wrestled to the floor after heading home Chelsea's winner in injury time

Head boy: Moses scores a dramatic winner for the host with 94 minutes on the clock

Head boy: Moses scores a dramatic winner for the host with 94 minutes on the clock

Match facts

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand, Ramires, Mikel, Hazard, Mata, Oscar (Moses 80),Torres (Sturridge 90).

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Romeu, Marin, Terry, Azpilicueta.

Booked: Luiz.

Goals: Torres 6, Oscar 40, Moses 90.

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Alex Teixeira (Ilsinho 78), Mkhitaryan, Willian ,Luiz Adriano.

Subs Not Used: Kanibolotskiy, Stepanenko, Eduardo, Shevchuk, Douglas Costa, Chygrynskiy.

Booked: Alex Teixeira.

Goals: Willian 9,47.

Attendance: 41,067

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain).

Latest Champions League results, fixtures and table

But late substitute Moses nodded home
Mata's 94th minute corner to steal a barely-believable victory that put
Chelsea level on points with their opponents at the top of Group E with
two games remaining.

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo refused to shy away from the importance of Wednesday night's game from the moment the final whistle went in the reverse fixture – which Chelsea lost two weeks ago – branding it must-win.

As if to drive home the point to his players, the following fortnight saw him dub the match Chelsea's biggest since the May's final and claim his side needed to produce a 'perfect' performance to succeed.

That made his decision to leave John Terry on the bench – albeit for match-fitness reasons – a massive gamble, with the holders having shipped 10 goals in the four games their captain had missed during his domestic racism ban.

The Blues were also without Ashley Cole against a team who had not lost for almost 12 months and had won an astonishing 19 of their 20 matches this term. That included the reverse fixture, in which Shakhtar never looked back after racing into an early lead.

But they saw the tables turned thanks to Pyatov, whose attempted clearance from Yaroslav Rakitskiy's backpass was closed down by Torres and careered into the net.

All smiles: Oscar is mobbed after giving Chelsea the lead at the interval

All smiles: Oscar is mobbed after giving Chelsea the lead at the interval

The visitors should have equalised when Luiz Adriano produced an airshot but they were level in the ninth minute when Willian fired home Fernandinho's cutback after a crucial slip by Ryan Bertrand. Cole's understudy, playing his biggest match since the Champions League final, was having an absolute nightmare, making a succession of basic errors that threatened to cost Chelsea.

Petr Cech prevented him diverting a corner into his own net before making an acrobatic save from Fernandinho's long-ranger.

Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge

Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge

Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge

Brace yourself: Willian scored two goals for the away side at Stamford Bridge

At least Torres was looking more interested than he had in the defeat in Donetsk. He twice went close to nodding in brilliant Branislav Ivanovic crosses but, otherwise, Shakhtar were in complete control, popping the ball about as if they were the home side.

A breathtaking one-touch move almost saw them take the lead in the 32nd minute when Alex Teixeira shaved the post from 18 yards.

Chelsea fans began calling for Terry but they were soon celebrating their side going ahead completely against the run of play thanks to the madness of Pyatov and genius of Oscar.

Pyatov came charging out to head Juan Mata's harmless 40th-minute cross clear but the ball fell straight to Oscar, who produced a sublime 40-yard half-volley that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net. Eden Hazard also forced a good fingertip save from the beleaguered stopper before a frenetic half was out.

Stung by the injustice of being behind, Shakhtar took less than two minutes to equalise again after the restart with another stunning move, Fernandinho's defence-splitting pass and Darijo Srna's cross allowing Willian to stroke home.

Cech got away with a Pyatov-like clearance and Razvan Rat's first-time half-volley clattered the post from 25 yards out before Torres wasted a great chance to turn in Hazard's free-kick after Teixeira was booked for tripping the Belgian.

Pyatov almost gifted Oscar another
clearance and Tomas Hubschman brought down Torres for a free-kick which
John Obi Mikel powered home from Mata's cross.

Opener: Torres takes advantage of a howler from the away side to score the first goal of the game before celebrating with Oscar (below)

Opener: Torres takes advantage of a howler from the away side to score the first goal of the game before celebrating with Oscar (below)

Opener: Torres takes advantage of a howler from the away side to score the first goal of the game before celebrating with Oscar

But the midfielder was rightly denied his first goal for five years by an offside flag. Chelsea, who were now on top, had genuine cause for complaint 16 minutes from time when a flying Ramires was convinced he had been bundled over in the box by Srna but referee Carlos Velasco Carballo was unmoved.

Teixeira was replaced by Ilsinho before Oscar was denied by a desperate Rat tackle and Mikel volleyed Pyatov's punch narrowly wide.

Ecstasy: Mikel looked to have scored a crucial third for the European Cup holders

Ecstasy: Mikel looked to have scored a crucial third for the European Cup holders

Agony: The Chelsea midfielder reacts after seeing his goal disallowed

Agony: The Chelsea midfielder reacts after seeing his goal disallowed

Moses came on for Oscar and Willian cleared Gary Cahill's dangerous header as Chelsea poured forward but they were almost caught out on the break, leading Luiz was booking late on and nearly a winner for Henrik Mkhitaryan.

But in the 94th minute, Chelsea won a corner which an unmarked Moses nodded in seconds before the final whistle.

Euro 2012 results: Denmark 1 Germany 2

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Denmark 1 Germany 2: Danes heading home as ton-up Podolski sets up Greece clash

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UPDATED:

20:52 GMT, 17 June 2012

Lars Bender spared Germany from a shock Euro 2012 exit with the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Denmark, whose tournament ended tonight in Lviv.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, playing as full-back for the national team, struck as Denmark were pushing for a goal which would have taken them through to the last eight at their opponents' expense, and just after Morten Olsen's side had seen a strong penalty appeal turned down.

Lukas Podolski put Germany in front in the 19th minute, but a goal from Michael Krohn-Dehli five minutes later lifted Denmark's spirits.

Party time: Germany celebrate Lukas Podolski's opening goal against Denmark

Party time: Germany celebrate Lukas Podolski's opening goal against Denmark

Ton up: Podolski slams the ball home to cap his 100th appearance for Germany with a goal

MATCH FACTS

Denmark: Andersen, Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, Simon Poulsen, Kvist Jorgensen, Eriksen, Jakob Poulsen (Mikkelsen 82), Zimling (Christian Poulsen 78), Krohn-Delhi, Bendtner.

Subs Not Used: Lindegaard, Rommedahl, Bjelland, Okore, Schone, Silberbauer, Pedersen, Wass, Kahlenberg, Schmeichel.
Goals: Krohn-Delhi 25.

Germany: Neuer, Bender, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller (Kroos 84), Ozil, Podolski (Schurrle 64), Gomez (Klose 74).

Subs Not Used: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Mertesacker, Gotze, Reus, Zieler.

Goals: Podolski 19, Bender 80.

Att: 35,000

Ref: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain).

Germany controlled much of the game, but were nevertheless made to sweat as Denmark's belief and Portugal's 2-1 win over Holland ensured a tense finale which ended in their favour, clinching them top spot in Group A with a perfect record and a clash with Greece in Gdansk on Friday.

Germany coach Joachim Low made his first change of the tournament, replacing the suspended Jerome Boateng with Lars Bender, but he resisted the temptation to make further alterations to his winning side.

Niki Zimling was passed fit to play by Denmark coach Morten Olsen, while the injured Dennis Rommedahl's place was taken by Jakob Poulsen.

Low's side began with authority and the diligent Muller went close twice
early on, but Stephan Andersen showed lightning reactions to deny his
second attempt in the sixth minute.

Germany remained camped in the Denmark half, playing a patient yet
expressive game which led to Podolski marking his 100th Germany
appearance with a goal in the 19th minute.

Muller provided a low cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area
which Mario Gomez flicked intelligently back to Podolski, who left
nothing to chance with a powerful shot from seven yards out.

Level pegging: Denmark's Michael Krohn-Dehli (left) scores the equaliser against Germany

Level pegging: Denmark's Michael Krohn-Dehli (left) scores the equaliser against Germany

Level pegging: Denmark's Michael Krohn-Dehli (left) scores the equaliser against Germany

Germany's lead lasted only five minutes, though, before Krohn-Dehli's second goal of the tournament brought the Danes level.

He diverted Nicklas Bendtner's header past Manuel Neuer from six yards out from a well-worked corner after a positive reaction from the Danes to falling behind.

Towards the end of the first half, Podolski blazed a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the penalty area and Sami Khedira prodded a shot wide from 10 yards out as Denmark were again forced to defend.

He's in there somewhere: Denmark celebrate their equaliser against Germany

He's in there somewhere: Denmark celebrate their equaliser against Germany

Jakob Poulsen went within inches of putting Denmark in front five minutes into the second half when his shot grazed the outside of the left-hand post with Neuer beaten.

Low sent Schurrle on for Podolski midway through the second half and his first touch of the game brought an excellent one-handed save out of Andersen.

Neuer showed less sophistication in dealing with Zimling's distance effort in the 71st minute, conceding a corner as Denmark enjoyed another bright spell.

Game over: Lars Bender (right) slots the ball home to earn Germany their third win of the group stage

Game over: Lars Bender (right) slots the ball home to earn Germany their third win of the group stage

Five minutes later, Bendtner got in around the back and tried at full stretch to lift the ball over Neuer, but without success as he had his shirt pulled by Holger Badstuber.

One goal for Denmark was still required to send them through and send Germany home since Portugal had taken the lead against Holland, but just as Low's side were showing the first signs of tension, they regained the lead from an unlikely outlet.

Mesut Ozil's throughball was intended for Miroslav Klose, but it was too far in front of the Lazio striker but inviting for full-back Bender, who coolly took his first international goal in the 80th minute to take Germany through and knock Denmark out of Euro 2012.

Ups and downs: Germany celebrate Bender's winner but Denmark are dejected after being knocked out

Ups and downs: Germany celebrate Bender's winner but Denmark are dejected after being knocked out

Denmark are dejected after their Euro 2012 exit

Poland v Greece live

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EURO 2012 LIVE: Poland v Greece – follow the opening game from Warsaw as it happens

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UPDATED:

15:15 GMT, 8 June 2012

The long wait is over as Euro 2012 kicks into action when Poland play Greece in the tournament's opening game in Warsaw. Follow Sportsmail's live coverage of all the action as the 2004 winners attempt to spoil the party for the joint hosts in Group A. Send me your thoughts on the opening game here at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Poland v Greece (5pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Poland: Szczesny, Piszczek,
Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch, Murawski, Polanski, Blaszczykowski,
Obraniak, Rybus, Lewandowski.
Subs: Sandomierski, Wojtkowiak, Kaminski,
Dudka, Matuszczyk, Wawrzyniak, Sobiech, Mierzejewski, Wolski, Grosicki,
Brozek, Tyton.

Greece: Chalkias, Torosidis,
Papastathopoulos, Avraam Papadopoulos, Holebas, Maniatis, Katsouranis,
Karagounis, Ninis, Gekas, Samaras.
Subs: Tzorvas, Tzavelas, Malezas,
Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Makos, Liberopoulos, Mitroglou, Salpingidis,
Fotakis, Fortounis, Fetfatzidis, Sifakis.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

14.16: So let's focus on our opening game, which to be honest isn't the most appetising I have ever seen.

But let's give it a chance, South Africa v Mexico wasn't billed to be a classic but it was one of the better games at the 2010 World Cup (I know that doesn't say much considering the dire tournament that turned out to be.)

14.13: No time to waste though as the team news from our opening game between Poland and Greece is in:

Poland v Greece
Poland: Szczesny, Piszczek, Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch, Murawski, Polanski, Blaszczykowski, Obraniak, Rybus, Lewandowski. Subs: Sandomierski, Wojtkowiak, Kaminski, Dudka, Matuszczyk, Wawrzyniak, Sobiech, Mierzejewski, Wolski, Grosicki, Brozek, Tyton.

Greece: Chalkias, Torosidis, Papastathopoulos, Avraam Papadopoulos, Holebas, Maniatis, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Ninis, Gekas, Samaras. Subs: Tzorvas, Tzavelas, Malezas, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Makos, Liberopoulos, Mitroglou, Salpingidis, Fotakis, Fortounis, Fetfatzidis, Sifakis.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

14.10: For the football fan at least, the European Championship is the biggest sporting event of the summer. Only the World Cup holds more importance but with so many strong sides saturated in this competition there is no where to hide at the Euros.

So as we prepare to witness 15 of the strongest teams from the continent and England* do battle, let me welcome you to Sportsmail's live coverage of the Euro 2012.

*(Just joking folks, COME ON ENGLAND!)

Red alert: Poland warmed up for the tournament with friendly wins over Latvia, Slovakia and Andorra

Red alert: Poland warmed up for the tournament with friendly wins over Latvia, Slovakia and Andorra

Euro 2012: Howard Webb to ref Russia v Czech Republic

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Webb is first up at Euro 2012 as English ref takes charge of Russia v Czech Republic

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UPDATED:

10:19 GMT, 6 June 2012

English referee Howard Webb will feature on the opening day of the European Championship.

The 40-year-old former police sergeant has been asked to take charge of Friday's Group A clash between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw.

Man in middle: referee Howard Webb

Man in middle: referee Howard Webb

Webb will be making his second appearance in the tournament after appearing at the 2008 event in Austria and Switzerland.

Euro 2012 email button

Webb also took charge of the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and Holland where he handed out 13
yellow cards and one red.

UEFA gave the opening assignment to
Velasco Carballo after he handled six Champions League matches this
season without awarding a penalty or red card.

His most recent Champions League match was a 2-0 win for Bayern Munich at Marseille in the quarterfinals.

Damir Skomina of Slovenia will referee Saturday's first match between Holland and Denmark, while Stephane Lannoy of France will referee Germany against Portugal on Saturday.

Opener: Spanish referee Carlos Velasco

Opener: Spanish referee Carlos Velasco

UEFA is using Euro 2012 to trial the 5-official system promoted by its president Michel Platini as his preferred alternative to goal line technology.

Referees in Poland and Ukraine will be helped by two linesmen and two additional assistants who work beside each goal to monitor potential fouls in the penalty area, help decide if the ball crosses the goal line and act as a deterrent to players diving and pulling an opponent's shirt.

FIFA's rule-making panel will decide on July 5 in Zurich whether to approve the 5-official system and two goal line technology systems currently being tested in England and Denmark.

Champions League final: Pedro Proenca confirmed as referee

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Chelsea on alert as card-happy ref Proenca is confirmed on final duty against Bayern

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UPDATED:

11:19 GMT, 17 May 2012

Red alert: Proenca has regularly brandished cards this season

Red alert: Proenca has regularly brandished cards this season

Chelsea will be wary of card-happy Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca who takes charge of Saturday's Champions League final with Bayern Munich.

Proenca has brandished a rash of yellow cards, two reds and awarded penalties in two of the five matches he has officiated in during this year's competition

One of the two penalties doled out was in Manchester City's favour, during their 3-0 victory over Villarreal at El Madrigal in November last year.

But Blues fans will be pleased to learn that the last time a Champions League final was officiated by a Portuguese referee was when Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest defeated Hamburg in 1980.

The 41-year-old ref made his international debut in 2003 and has officiated more than sixty-five UEFA matches in his refereeing career.

Proenca took charge of the round of 16 return-leg between Inter and Marseille, as well as two Europa League matches, including the first-leg of the quarter-final between Schalke and Athletic Club.

At the final in Munich, Proena will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Bertino Miranda and Ricardo Santos.

The fourth official will be Carlos Velasco Carballo from Spain and the two additional assistant referees are Jorge Sousa and Duarte Gomes.

Good omen: Forest lifted the trophy the last time a Potuguese took charge

Good omen: Forest lifted the trophy the last time a Potuguese took charge

Sporting Lisbon 1 Manchester City 0: Xandao"s clever flick wins it

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Sporting Lisbon 1 Manchester City 0: Xandao's clever flick leaves Mancini's men on the edge

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UPDATED:

19:55 GMT, 8 March 2012

Manchester City face an uphill struggle to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Europa League after they were beaten by the slenderest of margins in Lisbon.

Sporting snatched the win courtesy of Xandao's opportunistic flick early in the second half. And although the difference between the sides is minimal, the fact City failed to score will likely count against them.

The closest Roberto Mancini's men came to troubling the scorer was when Mario Balotelli thundered a header against the crossbar. Sergio Aguero also went close.

More to follow….

That's heely good: Xandao produced a moment of class to settle matters in the first leg

That's heely good: Xandao produced a moment of class to settle matters in the first leg

That's heely good: Xandao produced a moment of class to settle matters in the first leg

That's heely good: Xandao produced a moment of class to settle matters in the first leg

MATCH FACTS

SPORTING LISBON: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Xandao, Anderson Polga, Insua, Fernandez, Daniel Carrico, Schaars, Diego Capel, Izmailov (Pereirinha 59), van Wolfswinkel. Subs: Marcelo, Rodriguez, Evaldo, Carrillo, Bruno Pereirinha, Neto, Rubio.

Goals: Xandao 51.

Booked: Izmailov

MAN CITY: Hart, Clichy, Kompany (Lescott 12), Toure, Kolarov, Milner, De Jong, Barry (Nasri 59), Silva, Aguero, Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Pizarro, Johnson, Savic, Balotelli.

Booked: De Jong

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)


It's all gone De Jong: City players couldn't believe Xandao had squeezed the ball home

It's all gone De Jong: City players couldn't believe Xandao had squeezed the ball home

Pure delight: The goal gives Lisbon more than a fighting chance in the second leg

Pure delight: The goal gives Lisbon more than a fighting chance in the second leg


Concerns: Captain Vincent Kompany was forced off early in the match with what looked like a hamstring injury

Concerns: Captain Vincent Kompany was forced off early in the match with what looked like a hamstring injury

No Silva service: All City's creative players struggled to have an impact for the most part

No Silva service: All City's creative players struggled to have an impact for the most part

Strike out: Sergio Aguero endured a torrid evening in front of goal

Strike out: Sergio Aguero endured a torrid evening in front of goal

Dancing: Matias Fernandez was at the hub of so much of Sporting's good play

Dancing: Matias Fernandez was at the hub of so much of Sporting's good play

Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City and Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao live

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EUROPA LEAGUE LIVE: Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City and Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao – as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Europa League as Manchester City travel to Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United host Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their last 16 clashes. Roberto Mancini's side will aim for a Portuguese double at 6pm after seeing off Porto home and away in the last round, while United will aim to improve on their nervy progress ahead of Ajax against Spanish opposition at 8.05pm. Email me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Sporting Lisbon 0-0 Manchester City (6pm)

Click here to follow the goals as they go in

Sporting: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira,
Xandao, Anderson Polga, Insua, Fernandez, Daniel Carrico, Schaars,
Diego Capel, Izmailov, van Wolfswinkel.
Subs: Marcelo, Rodriguez,
Evaldo, Carrillo, Bruno Pereirinha, Neto, Rubio.

Man City: Hart, Clichy, Kompany,
Toure, Kolarov, Milner, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko.
Subs:
Pantilimon, Lescott, Pizarro, Johnson, Savic, Nasri, Balotelli.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

All the latest from the Europa League

Kick-off: Away we go in Lisbon.

17.56: It's a beautiful sunny evening in Lisbon by the way, just like it was against Porto for City.

From a fan perspective it sure makes the Europa League worth it when you can make trips like that mid-week – and there is a good few City supporters inside the ground.

17.52: From Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman in Lisbon:

At Estadio Jose Alvalade. Saw Ronaldo bamboozle #mufc here many years ago. Knew then he would become best player in the world. #notreally

17.47: After all, a 6-1 aggregate win against the holders is not bad by anyone's standards to be honest. Can City repeat a Portuguese double in Lisbon

17.45: Manchester United team news will come during City's encounter, but the general consensus is that whatever side Sir Alex Ferguson fields, they will have to improve on the form that only saw them just squeeze past Ajax.

No such problems for Roberto Mancini's team though. The way they breezed past Porto has convinced me they are the team to beat in this competition.

17.40: Manchester City make seven changes for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie at Sporting Lisbon tonight.

Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko all come in after being rested last weekend, while Nigel de Jong replaces the suspended Yaya Toure.

Kolo Toure takes over from Joleon Lescott in central defence as Gael Clichy switches to right-back for the injured Micah Richards and Aleksandar Kolarov comes in on the left.

James Milner is also given a start while Mario Balotelli is on the bench.

17.35: Full team news from the Estadio Jose Alvalade:

Sporting v Man City
Sporting: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Xandao, Anderson Polga, Insua, Fernandez, Daniel Carrico, Schaars, Diego Capel, Izmailov, van Wolfswinkel. Subs: Marcelo, Rodriguez, Evaldo, Carrillo, Bruno Pereirinha, Neto, Rubio.

Man City: Hart, Clichy, Kompany, Toure, Kolarov, Milner, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko. Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Pizarro, Johnson, Savic, Nasri, Balotelli.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

17.25: Manchester City starting XI:

Hart, Clichy, Kompany, K.Toure, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, Milner, Silva, Aguero and Dzeko.

17.20: So it seems things are starting to heat up around Europe and I'm not just talking about solar flares.

After some incredible Champions League action this week we move on to the Europa League where Manchester City and Manchester United apply their trade these days.

Just as well too. This time next week they could be England's only representatives in Europe. Team news coming up.

Kept on his toes: David Silva is likely to feature in Manchester City's attack

Kept on his toes: David Silva is likely to feature in Manchester City's attack

Napoli 3 Chelsea 1: Andre Villas-Boas on the brink

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Napoli 3 Chelsea 1: AVB on the brink as Lavezzi and Cavani punish blundering Blues

Andre Villas-Boas needed a vote of confidence more than ever tonight after Chelsea lurched to another defeat that left them in real danger of crashing out of the Champions League.

Manager Villas-Boas has repeatedly insisted his job would not depend on the outcome of the last-16 tie with Napoli but, despite an improved attacking performance, his players heaped more pressure on him with another defensive horror show.

Having thrown away winning positions countless times both at home and abroad since Villas-Boas took charge, Chelsea did so again tonight to make it five matches without a win.

Predator: Napoli striker Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring his team's second goal

Predator: Napoli striker Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring his team's second goal

In the firing line: Andre Villa Boas faces a huge fight to save his job after another poor performance

In the firing line: Andre Villa Boas faces a huge fight to save his job after another poor performance

MATCH FACTS

Napoli: De Sanctis, Campagnaro,
Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Zuniga, Hamsik (Pandev 82), Lavezzi (Dzemaili 74),
Cavani.

Subs not used: Rosati, Grava, Dossena, Fernandez, Britos.

Goals: Lavezzi 38, 65, Cavani 45+2.

Booked: Campagnaro

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill,
Luiz, Bosingwa (Cole 12), Ramires, Meireles (Essien 70), Malouda (Lamaprd 70), Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.

Subs not used: Turnbull, Torres, Mikel, Kalou.

Goals: Mata 27.

Booked: Cahill, Meireles.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Attendance: 60,000

They may have had a complaint about the goal that gave Napoli the lead, with Edinson Cavani appearing to turn the ball in with his shoulder, but their defending for the outstanding Ezequiel Lavezzi's double was simply shocking.

A 3-1 win was no more than Champions League surprise package Napoli deserved – despite gifting Juan Mata the opening goal – with their attacking trio wreaking havoc against a defence once again badly missing the leadership of injured captain John Terry.

Villas-Boas may also come under fire for not starting with Frank Lampard or Michael Essien in what is regarded one of the most hostile atmospheres in Europe.

Indeed, the cacophonous Napoli fans, swirling wind and driving rain gave the whole occasion an almost apocalyptic feel.

The visitors were immediately under pressure, Petr Cech needing to be alert to race off his line, while captain-for-the-night Didier Drogba briefly stayed down after a clash of heads.

Both were a prelude for worse to follow in the 10th minute when Cech produced real heroics after Cavani looked certain to convert Lavezzi's pass, the goalkeeper just getting his foot to the ball.

Equaliser: Ezequiel Lavezzi (second left) shoots past the tackle from Gary Cahill to level the scores

Equaliser: Ezequiel Lavezzi (second left) shoots past the tackle from Gary Cahill to level the scores

Handball Cavani (right) nips in ahead of Branislav Ivanovic (centre) to put Napoli ahead

Handball Cavani (right) nips in ahead of Branislav Ivanovic (centre) to put Napoli ahead

Salt in the wounds: Lavezzi beats Petr Cech to the ball to slot home Napoli's third goal of the night

Salt in the wounds: Lavezzi beats Petr Cech to the ball to slot home Napoli's third goal of the night

Injury really did then strike when Jose Bosingwa limped off with what looked like a hamstring pull, forcing a half-fit Ashley Cole on far earlier than expected.

More brilliance from Cech denied Christian Maggio from a tight angle but Napoli were looking far from secure at the back themselves and, from nothing, they gifted Chelsea the lead. Drogba found Daniel Sturridge, whose cross was inexplicably flicked back towards his own goal by Paolo Cannavaro, falling perfectly for Mata to fire left-footed beyond Morgan De Sanctis.

A stunned San Paolo struggled to process what had happened, with the visiting fans finally able to make themselves heard. They might have been celebrating again when Sturridge wasted a glorious opportunity to play in Mata for goal number two, instead greedily trying to beat his man, while the resultant corner saw David Luiz power a header narrowly over.

AVB's gamble: Chelsea left a lot of big names on the bench, including Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard

AVB's gamble: Chelsea left a lot of big names on the bench, including Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard

Chelsea were in the ascendancy but
they allowed Napoli to level seven minutes before half-time, Lavezzi
given an age with which to curl a beautiful 25-yard shot beyond Cech.

Ramires should have restored the visitors' lead when the home defence parted in front of him but he blazed over the bar.

Raul Meireles was booked for
handball, suspending himself for the second leg, and there was a
suspicion of the same as Napoli scored again two minutes into first
stoppage-time. Gokhan Inler's cross reached the far post and Cavani
leant his shoulder into the ball to turn it home, the home fans letting
off a firework in jubilation.

All downhill from here: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata pounces on a mistake to open the scoring

All downhill from here: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata pounces on a mistake to open the scoring

Short-lived joy: Mata celebrates after giving Chelsea the lead in southern Italy

Short-lived joy: Mata celebrates after giving Chelsea the lead in southern Italy

Villas-Boas refused to shut up shop after the interval and Marek Hamsik was forced to clear off his own line, while Florent Malouda drilled a volley too close to De Sanctis.

But Napoli should have punished another error when Meireles gave Cavani the chance to feed Lavezzi, who dragged wide.

Gary Cahill was booked for clattering into the livewire forward and Mata volleyed another shot straight at De Sanctis before a desperate Salvatore Aronica clearance denied Drogba a possible equaliser.

Feeling Blue: Didier Drogba (left) and Gary Cahill (centre) react after Lavezzi hits the target

Feeling Blue: Didier Drogba (left) and Gary Cahill (centre) react after Lavezzi hits the target

Roar: Lavezzi and Cavani celebrate during the Italian side's fine victory at the Stadio San Paolo

Roar: Lavezzi and Cavani celebrate during the Italian side's fine victory at the Stadio San Paolo

Napoli were not sitting back either and the latest Luiz howler saw them double their lead in the 65th minute, the defender kicking a long ball straight against Cavani, who squared past the stranded Cech for Lavezzi to steer into an unguarded net.

Villas-Boas responded by throwing on Lampard and Essien for Malouda and Meireles, with Lavezzi soon withdrawn for Blerim Dzemaili.

Branislav Ivanovic was unable to make the most of a goal-line scramble and Napoli almost killed the match – and perhaps the tie – when Cole cleared Maggio's open-goal effort off the line.

Goran Pandev came on for Hamsik and he too might have made it 4-1 but Drogba also went close to giving Chelsea a tie-changing second away goal when he hooked wide.

Napoli v Chelsea live

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIVE: Napoli v Chelsea – all the action from the San Paolo as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Champions League as Chelsea visit Napoli at the San Paolo for the first leg of their last 16 clash. The Blues will be aiming to have better luck in Naples than fellow Premier League side Manchester City who lost 2-1 at the Serie A outfit in the group stages. Email me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Napoli 0-0 Chelsea (7.45pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Napoli: De Sanctis, Campagnaro,
Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Zuniga, Hamsik, Lavezzi,
Cavani.
Subs: Rosati, Grava, Dossena, Dzemaili, Fernandez, Pandev,
Britos.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill,
Luiz, Bosingwa (Cole 12), Ramires, Meireles, Malouda, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.
Subs: Turnbull, Essien, Lampard, Torres, Mikel, Kalou.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

23min: Chelsea are trying to regain some composure here by keeping the ball and it's starting to frustrate the home fans who are booing heavily.

20min: Another fine Cech save. Lavezzi plays an inch perfect pass behind Luiz, and the centre-back is beaten for pace by Christian Maggio.

The full-back, although at an acute angle, shoots from a promising position but the Czech stopper superbly palms across his goal for a corner.

17min: Nearly a chance out of nothing for Chelsea. Morgan De Sanctis comes for a long ball but seems to shy away from claiming it once he knows Florent Malouda will challenge him for it.

The winger comes out on top but can't find a direct route to goal as the attack fizzles out once his cross from the left is cleared.

A big 'man up' shout to Campagnaro though who after challenging the Frenchman went down like a sack of spuds claiming he had been hit in the face. That clash with Drogba seems to have affected his nerve senses.

15min: It's not one-way traffic but Cahill and David Luiz are being stretched at the back early on for Chelsea. Villas-Boas is already on the edge of his technical area trying his best to compose his team who look a little nervous.

12min: And it gets worse for Chelsea. Bosingwa has pulled up with hamstring problems so Ashley Cole is on to replace him.

11min: What a let-off for Chelsea. Edinson Cavani beats the offside trap by racing past a static Gary Cahill, but his low near post shot is superbly stopped by Cech with his foot. You would back the Uruguayan to score those.

8min: A slight delay in play after a clash of heads between Didier Drogba and Hugo Campagnaro results in both needing treatment.

The Ivorian looks okay but Campagnaro has had his head all bandaged up – he looks much like Paul Ince for England when the Three Lions visited Rome in 1997.

6min: A lovely long ball from Paolo Cannavaro splits Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill, but Petr Cech is quick out of his goal to beat Ezequiel Lavezzi to the ball.

3min: Chelsea have opened cautiously, defending quite deep early on – probably a wise tactic if it's at least to quieten down this partisan crowd.

Kick-off: The hosts get us underway.

19.44: From OptaJoe:

13 – In the 13 Champions League games Terry has missed for Chelsea they have never lost (W8 D5). Missing.

19.41: Out come the players, incredible atmosphere, inside the ground.

So when's kick-off Napoli fans started entering the San Paolo hours before the start of the game

So when's kick-off Napoli fans started entering the San Paolo hours before the start of the game

19.38: Still a very wet pitch in Italy, but this place has been filling up with fans since half-three – now that's dedication.

19.35: It was about this time six days ago that we were preparing for Milan v Arsenal where the Gunners were thrashed 4-0.

Villas-Boas is a little bit more upbeat on Chelsea's chances, saying 'nothing will be decided tonight.'

19.32: Plenty of talk has surrounded the atmosphere at the San Paolo.

But if you want to know just how big it is, then check out ex-Chelsea and Napoli star Gianfranco Zola's take on the 'lion's den.'

19.29: Ashley Cole joins John Terry in failing to make Chelsea's Champions League clash at Napoli tonight.

Blues captain Terry was today ruled out for several weeks after aggravating a knee problem, while Cole (calf) is not risked, meaning Jose Bosingwa starts at left-back.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas makes a huge decision by drafting in Florent Malouda instead of Frank Lampard, but he does axe Fernando Torres for Didier Drogba, as expected.

Napoli recall fit-again goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis and make three further changes.

Testing conditions: Chelsea players train at the rain soaked San Paolo on the eve of their clash at Napoli

Testing conditions: Chelsea players train at the rain soaked San Paolo on the eve of their clash at Napoli

19.26: Full team news from the San Paolo:

Napoli v Chelsea
Napoli: De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica, Maggio, Inler, Gargano, Zuniga, Hamsik, Lavezzi, Cavani. Subs: Rosati, Grava, Dossena, Dzemaili, Fernandez, Pandev, Britos.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bosingwa, Ramires, Meireles, Malouda, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata. Subs: Turnbull, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Torres, Mikel, Kalou.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

19.23: And it's because of Napoli's impressive 2-1 win against Manchester City that many fancy them to win tonight. I must be in that minority camp again that thinks Chelsea are going to get a result.

Plenty of talk about Villas-Boas' team section though – Jamie Redknapp has called it 'managerial suicide'. I admire the manager for sticking with a side he thinks is best equipped to get a result – despite the supposed internal politics.

19.20: Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman:

Main memory from Napoli with #mcfc is atmosphere and Lavezzi cutting in from left on his right foot. back three aren't the quickest tho. #cfc

19.17: From OptaJoe:

54 – Chelsea fired in the most shots on target in the group stages (54), however Napoli had the best conversion rate 22 per cent. Clinical.

Surprise selection: Jose Bosingwa replaced Ashley Cole at left-back for Chelsea

Surprise selection: Jose Bosingwa replaced Ashley Cole at left-back for Chelsea

19.14: One result already in the last 16 tonight. Pontus Werbloom scored in the third minute of added time to steal a 1-1 draw at home for CSKA Moscow against Real Madrid, who opened the scoring after half-an-hour through some chap called Cristiano Ronaldo.

19.11: Napoli starting XI:

De Sanctis, Aronica, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Maggio, Hamsik, Zuniga, Gargano, Inler, Cavani, Lavezzi.

19.08: I have a feeling Villas-Boas may be a little more confident going into this evening. The reason why Just check out this advice from ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant:

'My advice to Andre is to try and do his job and win games. What will happen will happen.'

The young Portuguese manager can't go wrong now…can he

19.05: Still surprised there is no John Terry Here is why.

19.03: Sportsmail's Matt Lawton at the San Paolo:

Chelsea team is Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bosingwa, Ramires, Meireles, Malouda, Mata, Drogba, Sturridge. Cole and Lampard on bench.

19.00: If you want to read more on the managerial situation at Chelsea then may I kindly point you in the direction of Sportsmail's Martin Samuel, who has written a cracking piece dedicated towards it. Read it here.

18.55: A big night for Andre Villas Boas. If I was him I would take cover somewhere and not appear for a few days if Chelsea lose.

The Blues boss is under pressure as it is considering the club's poor league showing and dodgy cup performances so could really do with some luck.

For the record, I still back him to do a decent job at Stamford Bridge given the time. But it does feel I am in a minority.

18.50: Sportsmail's Matt Lawton at the San Paolo:

'Just asking myself why I left my hat and gloves at the hotel.

'Deafening boos from Napoli fans as Chelsea keepers come out to warm up. Kitman got much the same treatment earlier.'

18.45: Has it really come to this The last 16 of the Champions League and it already looks like we only have one Premier League team to carry us through the knockout stages.

So all hopes pin on Andre Villas-Boas (for how much longer) and Chelsea as we focus on the second Premier League team to travel to Italy inside a week…maybe fans on these shores might have something to cheer this time. Team news coming up.

Been there, done that: Chelsea will look to Didier Drogba to carry them through a tough test at Napoli

Been there, done that: Chelsea will look to Didier Drogba to carry them through a tough test at Napoli