Pro Eleven Headline News
Cup holders Zenit sent crashing by Udinese
UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg have crashed out of the competition 2-1 on aggregate at the last 16 stage, despite beating Serie A side Udinese 1-0 on Thursday.
Zenit captain Anatoliy Tymoschuk headed home the only goal in the 34th minute, but the visiting Italians controlled the second half to secure their place in the quarterfinals -- where they will be joined by two Ukrainian sides.
Ukraine has never previously had a team in the last eight of the competition, but were assured of at least one out of the clash between Metalist Kharkiv and Dynamo Kiev.
And it was Dynamo who emerged victorious, an own goal from Andriy Berezovchuk 11 minutes from time ensuring they went through on away goals following a 3-2 defeat.
Valentyn Slyusar and Jackson Coelho put Metalist 2-0 up on the night and 2-1 overall, before Goran Sablic pulled one back.
Walter Acevedo looked to have settled the matter for the hosts with 20 minutes to go, only for Berezovchuk to put the ball into his own net and send Dynamo through.
They are joined in the quarterfinals by compatriots Shakhtar Donetsk as second-half goal from Fernandinho (penalty) and Luiz Adriano saw them turn around their 1-0 first-leg deficit against CSKA Moscow to go through 2-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Bundesliga title chasers Hamburg are also through after a double from Paolo Guerrero helped them recover from a two-goal deficit to beat Turkish side Galatasaray 3-2 -- for a 4-3 aggregate win.
Goals from former Liverpool strikers Harry Kewell (penalty) and Milan Baros had given Galatasaray, the winners in 2000, the lead.
But two quick-fire efforts from Peruvian Guerrero early in the second half turned the tie around and Croatian international Ivica Olic beat the offside trap to add the icing on the cake for Hamburg in the final minute.
Tournament favorites Manchester City secured their quarterfinal spot in tense circumstances after defeating Danish side Aalborg in a penalty shoot-out.
City led 2-0 from the first leg and seemed to be coasting to victory. But a goal from Jamaican striker Luton Shelton in the 84th minute gave the home side hope, before a last-minute Michael Jakobsen penalty sent the match into extra time.
No futher goals were scored, and City held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out, scoring all of their kicks to go through 4-2 after Shelton missed the decisive penalty.
Paris St Germain became the second French side to qualify as a late goal from top scorer Guillaume Hoarau proved enough to give them a 1-0 victory at Portuguese side Braga, following a goalless first leg.
PSG join Marseille, who knocked out Dutch giants Ajax on Wednesday, in the last eight of the competition. CNN
Benitez Signs Contract That Will Keep Him at Liverpool to 2014
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez ended months of speculation over his future last night by signing a contract that will keep him at the English Premier League soccer club until 2014.
Benitez’s current accord expires at the end of next season. The Spaniard balked at signing the new deal, which has been negotiated over most of this campaign, because he wanted more control over player transfers. Liverpool didn’t disclose the financial terms or say whether the coach will have an increased role in player personnel decisions.
“My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” Benitez said on Liverpool’s Web site. “I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying.”
Benitez, 48, joined Liverpool in 2004 from Valencia, where he won two Spanish titles and the UEFA Cup. The Reds won the Champions League in 2005, were runner-up two years later and are into the quarterfinal round this season after completing a 5-0 win over Real Madrid in the round of 16 last week.
“Since he became manager in 2004, he has been responsible for the great progress we have made,” Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks said. “I know he will continue to build on his achievements as he has a tremendous hunger and desire to bring more success to the club.”
Liverpool has been beset by feuding between Hicks and partner George Gillett. They’re seeking an investor or outright buyer for the record 18-time English champion.
Players Transfers
Benitez has been unhappy at having to answer to Chief Executive Officer Rick Parry over player trades. Parry announced last month that he’ll step down at the end of the season.
Even with its off-field distractions, Liverpool led the Premier League for much of this season as it sought its first title since 1990. The Reds recently dropped into third place, four points behind Manchester United.
Liverpool beat United 4-1 four days ago, giving Benitez his 100th league win and a sweep of its two matches with the defending champion this season.
“This club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage,” Benitez said. “It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.” Bloomberg
