Lisandro took his UEFA Champions League tally to six goals for the campaign as FC Porto twice came from behind to earn a well-deserved draw against Club Atlético de Madrid.

Helton error
Maxi Rodríguez got the hosts off to a perfect start in the Spanish capital with a third-minute opener, but from then on the Portuguese visitors held sway. Having already had one effort chalked out, Lisandro equalised midway through the first half and, though a Helton error allowed Diego Forlán to restore Atlético’s lead just before the interval, the Argentinian striker was not to be denied the limelight.

Early blow
The away goals could prove crucial in a fortnight, an invaluable return considering that, from when defender Fucile picked up a knock in pre-match training, it never looked like being Porto’s night. Cristian Săpunaru came in at right-back, but it was on the opposite flank that the visitors initially struggled as competition debutant Cissokho was made to pay for drifting inside on three minutes. The lapse allowed Maxi Rodríguez to latch on to a well-weighted ball from Sergio Agüero and fire in his third goal of the campaign.

Lisandro Keeps Atlético in Porto’s Sights … read more »

FC Internazionale Milano and Manchester United FC will resume acquaintances at Old Trafford on 11 March with their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie in the balance following an eventful but goalless draw in Milan.

César saves
The visitors will feel more aggrieved having not produced the away goal their dominance deserved but the rare profligacy of Cristiano Ronaldo combined with the exceptional goalkeeping of Júlio César prevented the European champions from taking a commanding first-leg lead away from the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The draw, however, was enough for United to set a new record of 20 games unbeaten in the competition.

Ronaldo chances
Inter’s fans unveiled a banner of a snake, their club symbol, as the players took to the field, but it was United, and Ronaldo in particular, who showed more bite during a one-sided first half in which the Portugal international had no fewer than seven goalscoring chances. Ronaldo drew Cristian Chivu into a foul inside 60 seconds and fired the subsequent free-kick straight at César. Four minutes later the goalkeeper was again forced into action, repelling Ronaldo’s powerful header from Ryan Giggs’ corner. Ronaldo did beat the Brazilian custodian soon afterwards, but his long-range effort, from another free-kick, fizzed just wide.

Brilliant César Keeps United at Bay … read more »

“It’s time to kill or be killed,” said Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United FC looked ahead to meeting FC Internazionale Milano in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League.

‘Better team’
As the business end of the competition begins, the Portuguese winger insists there is no margin for error, especially against a side as powerful as the Italian champions. “From now on, all games are important,” Ronaldo told uefa.com. “It’s time to kill or be killed. Whoever loses will exit the competition and we don’t want to lose, we don’t want to get stuck along the way. It will be a difficult game, but I think that Manchester United have a better team, and we’ll do our best to win it.”

Inter strength
Inter have won the Scudetto for each of the past three seasons and are on course to do so again, but despite dominating Italian football in recent years they have been unable make their mark in Europe. It is 44 years since they last lifted the European Champion Clubs’ Cup and Ronaldo believes United’s experience of winning the competition last season will give them the edge.

All Or Nothing For Cristiano Ronaldo … read more »

UEFA has concluded a UEFA Champions League media rights deal in Italy with Mediaset. This news follows the recent announcement by UEFA of the award of media rights in Italy to Rai and Sky Italia.

Comprehensive package
Mediaset’s pay DTT operation has won a comprehensive package of rights including coverage of all live matches (including the UEFA Champions League final and the UEFA Super Cup) to be shown on its Mediaset Premium DTT platform. The broadcaster will also show highlights programmes on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Highly-regarded partner
“UEFA is extremely pleased to announce this deal with Mediaset who have been a highly-regarded partner of UEFA since the beginning of the UEFA Champions League,” said UEFA on Monday. “Their involvement in the next cycle of media rights will contribute significantly to a tremendous exposure for the competition in Italy.” TEAM Marketing AG is the exclusive marketing agent of UEFA for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Europa League.