| Platini steers clear of picking a favourite | | Michel Platini diplomatically opted out of identifying the candidate he’d like to become the Asian Football Confederation president (AFC) on Thursday, despite admitting he’s not neutral and has a preferred favourite in the race. | | Puerto
doctor gets
jail term | | Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, the central figure in the Operation Puerto probe into a doping ring in cycling, was given a one-year prison sentence for crimes against public health on Tuesday. | | If anyone can do it, we can, says Barca’s Pique | | Even Barcelona’s most ardent fans know that their side’s chances of overturning a four-goal first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich are slim, but defender Gerard Pique insists that the Catalans are the only side capable of pulling off the type of comeback needed. | | I will be blamed if Real are eliminated: Mourinho | | Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho expects to take the blame instead of his players if they fail to overturn a 4-1 deficit against Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday. | | Juventus on title track | | MILAN — A pair of late goals courtesy of Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio handed Juventus a 2-0 win over Torino in the Turin derby on Sunday and kept the champions on track for a successful title defence. | | Van Persie return hurt
like love, says Wenger | | LONDON — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Robin van Persie’s equaliser for Manchester United on his return to the Emirates Stadium had left the fans of his former club nursing feelings of ‘disappointed love’. | | Fearless Dortmund eye Wembley | | MADRID — As they contemplate how to overturn a 4-1 deficit to reach the Champions League final, nine-times European Cup winners Real Madrid are taking inspiration from a similar feat against Derby County four decades ago. | | Van Persie returns to frustrate Arsenal | | Robin van Persie returned to frustrate Arsenal as the Manchester United striker rescued a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, while Reading and QPR were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday after playing out a 0-0 draw. | |
