SCHALKE 04 0 - 2 MANCHESTER UNITED

MANCHESTER UNITED berjaya mengekang serangan-serangan Schalke 04 dari Jerman dalam perlawanan separuh akhir pertama Liga Juara-Juara malam tadi (awal pagi di sini) dan berjaya menembusi barisan pertahanan Schalke untuk menang 2-0.

Babak separuh masa pertama menyaksikan kedua-dua pasukan terikat 0-0 walaupun kubu Schalke sering ditembusi oleh MU, tetapi orang terakhir di kubu itu, Never banyak bertindak menyelamatkan gawangnya.

Wayne Rooney (centre) hits a first-time shot past Manuel Neur to score Manchester United's second goal

Sebaik sahaja wisel separuh masa kedua ditiup, MU mula melancarkan serangan demi serangan ke kubu Schalke dan diminit ke 67, Giggs yang menerima hantaran dari Rooney tanpa dikawal disebelah kiri gawang gol berjaya melorongkan bola dicelah kaki Never untuk gol pertama MU.

Dengan gol semangat itu, MU terus mengasak kubu pertahanan Schalke dan dua minit kemudian, Rooney pula dapat meloloskan diri ditempat Giggs menjaringkan gol dan meleretkan bola di bawah jangkaun Never.

Job done: Manchester United celebrate Wayne Rooney's goal that clinched the victory

Pada keseluruhannya permainan berpihak kepada MU dan Raul nampaknya tenggelam dalam perlawanan pertama ini. Namun begitu, Never banyak menyelamatkan Schalke dari menerima kekalahan teruk.

Sementara itu, Barcelona dan Real Madrid akan bertemu malam esok untuk satu lagi perlawanan separuh akhir pusingan pertama Liga Juara-Juara ini.

D' ARENA...............menunggu 90 minit terakhir di pusingan kedua....

MANCHESTER UNITED MASIH MENCENGKAM

MANCHESTER UNITED yang menang 1-0 ke atas Everton malam tadi masih belum tergugat menduduki tangga teratas Liga Inggeris walaupun Chelsea yang juga menang tipis 1-0 ke atas West Ham mengekori di belakang.

Heading for the title: Hernandez (left) rises to nod home the winner

Hernandez sekali lagi menjadi penyelamat MU bila berjaya menjaringkan gol pada minit ke 84 sekaligus mengukuhkannya berada di takhta liga.

Sementara itu, Liverpool menang besar bila kenduri gol mengalahkan Birmingham dengan 5-0 dan Tottenham hanya seri 2-2 dengan West Brom.

Liverpool's Jay Spearing and Sebastian Larsson of Birmingham City in action

Lain-lain keputusan ialah Blackpool 1-1 New Castles; Wolves seri 1-1 dengan Fulham; Aston Villa juga seri 1-1 dengan Stoke City dan Sunderland menang 4-2 ke atas Wigan.

Chelsea's Michael Essien in action with West Ham's Mark Noble

D' ARENA ............dapatkah MU merayakan kemenangannya menjuarai Liga Inggeris sebelum kesemua perlawawan selesai???

Real Madrid's Copa del Rey celebrations

Kings of Spain: Real Madrid secured their first Copa del Rey in 18 years with a 1-0 win over Barcelona

Real Madrid finally ended their three-year wait for a trophy on Wednesday night... and then immediately broke it.

After Cristiano Ronaldo's terrific header settled a cagey Copa del Rey final in extra time, Real took to the streets of the Spanish capital on an open top bus to celebrate not just the claiming of the trophy but also getting one over on the old enemy, Barcelona.

Oops: Sergio Ramos drops the trophy that then rolls under the victory parade bus (circled right)

Head boy: A Cristiano Ronaldo header in extra-time settled things in Valencia

And it seems those jubilant scenes got all too much for defender Sergio Ramos who, as he balanced the giant 15kg piece of silverware on his head, somehow let loose his grip and dropped the cup beneath the wheels of the bus. 

World Cup winner Ramos later claimed the trophy was 'ok', but television pictures showed emergency services gathering up the broken pieces and returning them to the team on board. The cup was then absent from the traditional celebration spot of the Plaza de Cibeles in central Madrid.

Later, the Spain defender made light of the incident on Twitter.

Pure delight: Madrid fans packed the city streets to welcome home the victorious team

Oldest fan: Real Madrid's captain Iker Casillas touches the Cibeles fountain after placing a Real Madrid scarf around her neck

Out in force: Thousans of Real Madrid's fans celebrate at Cibeles Square

Ramos wrote: 'The whole thing about the cup was a misunderstanding, it didn't fall ... it jumped off when it reached Cibeles (the fountain in Madrid where the team celebrates its titles) and saw so many Madrid fans. Hahahaha ... but don't worry ... have a good day.'

Madrid's victory in the second of four 'clasicos' secured a first domestic cup in 18 years and handed Jose Mourinho's side the momentum going into next week's Champions League semi-final showdown with their Catalan rivals.

Real deal: The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo will hope Wednesday's win is the start of something great

The victory also maintains Mourinho's record of having won a trophy every year since 2003, excluding 2007/08 when he was not in club management. 

Spanish reports said 60,000 fans gathered at Cibeles to celebrate the club's first silverware under coach Jose Mourinho.

'After two complicated years, winning the Copa del Rey is a relief,' Madrid captain Iker Casillas said.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

League Standing's

Primier League (EPL)

SPAINS First Division League Table

BUNDESLIGA LEAGUE

Italy Series A

BALE AWARDED

Tottenham's Gareth Bale has been named as the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year.

The 21-year-old has been in imperious form for Spurs in both the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League this campaign, becoming one of the most talked about players in the world in the process.

Bale beat six other players to the much-vaunted award and becomes the fourth Welshman to be honoured, following in the footsteps of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs.

Winner: PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale

'I am more than delighted really,' he said. 'It is a massive award and it is a great honour to receive, especially from other fellow professionals.

'It is a honour really when you look at the names that have won it before and it just makes you go 'wow' really.

'There haven't been too many Welshman to have won the trophy but it is great and it is great for me personally.

'And it is not just for me, it is for all my team-mates that have helped me through the season and it is kind of for everyone really.'

Bale endured a tumultuous beginning to life at White Hart Lane following his move from Southampton, with his first year punctuated by injuries and an inability to secure a first-team starting spot.

However, the winger's turnaround in fortunes has been nothing short of spectacular and he insists he never doubted his ability to reach the top.

Welsh wizard: Bale becomes the fourth Welshman to win the award

'I think it is due to a bit of everything really,' he added.

'At the beginning I wasn't really playing much and I always believed in myself that if I did get a run in the team - which I eventually did - that I would be able to prove what I can do.

'That did happen and I kind of never really looked back from there.

'Playing in a good team with good players definitely helped me a lot and all the boys have been fantastic, the manager has been fantastic, giving me my chance, and it is something I want to improve on."

Bale was also nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year, but that award went to Jack Wilshere of Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has attracted plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his performances this season, during a campaign which has seen him establish himself as a key player for the England senior team.

Jack the lad: Wilshere has been recognised for a sensational breakthrough season at Arsenal

'It is my first full season and it is a massive award, especially from my fellow players,' he said. 'It is amazing.

'I am very proud to be the fifth recipient from Arsenal, it is good to keep this history going.

'Arsenal is a good club for bringing youngsters through and they keep proving it so I would like to thank the manager as well.'

Wilshere has long been considered one of the brightest talents to come through the Gunners' youth system in recent years and this time last year was on loan at Bolton honing his talent.

Now he is an integral member of Arsene Wenger's side, showing skill and nous that belies his age.

'I am a bit surprised,' he said. 'I always knew I could do but still it was a surprise how early it came.

'I am delighted just to be in the team to win an award, so I have to keep it up now and hopefully we can win something this year."

World Cup final referee Howard Webb won the PFA Merit award and was recognised along for his achievements this year with long-term assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey.

Special Merit: Howard Webb refereed the World Cup Final in 2010

'It came as a bit of a surprise really,' said Webb. 'It certainly is an honour to be recognised by such an esteemed body as the Professional Footballers' Association. It means an awful lot.

'It is nice that the playing side of the game has taken this opportunity to mark what happened with us last year, the two finals that we did and I am very proud of that fact.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

ARSENAL 1 LIVERPOOL 1

Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish were involved in a furious touchline bust-up yesterday as Arsenal's title hopes suffered a serious setback in extraordinary scenes at the Emirates.

The Liverpool manager clearly swore back at Wenger after the Arsenal boss complained about a blatant penalty which saw the visitors equalise 12 minutes into stoppage time.

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Row: Kenny Dalglish (right) responds to Arsene Wenger's complaints

The fourth official had indicated a minimum of eight minutes' stoppage time after Jamie Carragher had received lengthy treatment for a nasty head injury.

The ensuing moments may have handed the Barclays Premier League trophy to Manchester United. Arsenal looked to have kept their championship dream alive through Robin van Persie's penalty six minutes into stoppage time.

But Emmanuel Eboue's challenge on Lucas two minutes later allowed Dirk Kuyt to steal an astonishing point for Liverpool in the 102nd minute.

Flying Dutchman: Dirk Kuyt celebrates the 102nd minute equaliser

It was Andre Marriner's decision to point to the spot that sparked the row between Dalglish and Wenger - who was adamant the referee had got it wrong.

But both managers were eager to play down the episode last night. Wenger said: 'I said to Dalglish it was not a penalty. That was all, you can check it on the TV.

'We conceded a penalty after 11 minutes, when the referee said there was eight minutes of injury time. I don't see where those three minutes came from.

Angry: Wenger casts a glance at Lucas (left), who won the penalty

'Lucas stopped in front of Eboue. There was no intervention from Eboue. It was no penalty.'

Dalglish insisted: 'I don't want to repeat what was said. I don't know why a conversation between managers on the bench is of any relevance after a game like that.'

Defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday will virtually end the Gunners' hopes of overtaking Manchester United at the Barclays Premier League summit. 'We have to win the next game,' admitted Wenger.

All or nothing: Wenger admits his side must beat Tottenham on Wednesday

'The players are very disappointed. Who wouldn't be? It's about us winning our games. We are on a 15-game unbeaten run but we have not taken enough points recently.'

Dalglish was in a buoyant mood, despite Liverpool still lying seven points from the top four.

'I don't think there's any team anywhere that's shown the same attitude and commitment that our team showed there today,' he said.

'Eight minutes into injury time they still didn't want to accept that we're going to get nothing from the game. You can't speak any higher about them than that.'

STOKE CITY 5-0 BOLTON KE FINAL PIALA FA

STOKE CITY BUAT KALI PERTAMA KE FINAL PIALA FA bila membelasah Bolton dengan 5-0 dalam perlawanan separuh akhir di Wembly malam tadi.

Dengan kemenangan itu, Stoke City akan mencabar Manchester City di final. Manchester City menempah tiket ke perlawanan akhir setelah berjaya menundukkan Manchester United dengan 1-0 kelmarin.

Kemenangan Manchester City telah melukakan harapan MU untuk mengulangi kejayaan menjulang tiga piala sepertimana yang dilakukannya pada tahun 1999. MU diramal menjulang Piala Liga tahun ini dan akan bertemu Shalke 04 di separuh akhir Liga Juara Juara awal Mei depan.

Mampukah Manchester City mengekang semangat yang membara pada Stoke City yang ingin menjulang Piala FA ini di perlawanan akhir nanti?

Laporan penuh perlawanan........................

Distraught: Kevin Davies feels ashamed

Proud: Tony Pulis is looking forward to leading his team out in the FA Cup final

Happy underdog: Matthew Etherington (left) feels the rpessure is off Stoke in the final

D' ARENA..........sama-sama kita tunggu...

MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

MANCHESTER CITY yang turun tanpa Teves meranapkan impian Manchester United untuk mengulangi tiga kejayaannya pada tahun 1999 bila ditumpaskan 0-1 malam tadi (lewat tengahmalam Malaysia) dalam perlawanan saeparuh akhir Piala FA.

Match-winner: Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure (right) slides the ball past Edwin van der Sar

Setelah terikat 0-0 dalam separuh masa pertama, di minit ke 53 separuh masa kedua, Toure yang berjaya menyekat bola yang cuba dihantar oleh Carrick kepada rakannya di luar kotak penalti, terus meluru menewaskan pertahanan dan penjaga gol MU, Van Dar Sar dengan menolak bola dicelah kaki penjaga gol itu.

Knees up: Vincent Kompany slides in to join the City celebrations

Paul Scholes yang sebelum pertemuan itu berlangsung telah memperlekehkan tentang keupayaan Manchester City untuk mengalahkan Manchester United, telah menerima padah diminit ke 73 bila terjahannya ke paha Zabaleta dihadiahkan kad merah untuk meninggalkan padang.

Seeing red: Referee Mike Dean sent off Paul Scholes (centre) for a nasty tackle on Pablo Zabaleta (floored)

D' ARENA...........ramai peminatnya mengeluh panjang....

SEPARUH AKHIR PERTAMA LIGA JUARA-JUARA

FC Barcelona

BARCELONA yang dulunya berada di ranking ke 2 UEFA, kini berada di ranking pertama, bertembung dengan Real Madrid dalam separuh akhir pertama Liga Juara Juara pada 27 April ini sebelum pertemuan kedua pada 3/4 Mei depan bagi mempastikan tempat di puncak perlawanan akhir pada 28 Mei.

Pertemuan kedua-dua gergasi bolasepak Sepanyol ini sudah pasti terpaksa menyingkirkan salah satu darinya. Menjelang pertemuan ini, kedua-dua pasukan telah memperlihatkan kempen psikologi yang sihat.

Barcelona telah melahirkan Lionel Messi sebagai penjaring pertama menjaringkan 50 gol semusim dalam Liga Sepanyaol manakala Real Madrid menerusi Ronaldo meranapkan impian Barcelona menggapai tiga kejuaraan bila menang 1-0 dalam final Piala Raja Sepanyol.

Manchester United FC

MANCHESTER UNITED yang pernah menduduki di ranking pertama UEFA pula kini di ranking ke 3 akan bertemu sebuah pasukan dari Jerman - Schalke 04 - yang mengejutkan banyak pasukan lain bila berjaya sampai ke separuh akhir ini.

Manchester United juga mengalami nasib yang sama seperti Barcelona apabila impiannya untuk meraih tiga kejuaraan musim ini bagi mengulangi kejayaannya pada tahun 1999 diranapkan oleh Manchester City dengan 0-1 di separuh akhir Piala FA.

Pengurus MU telah menyaksikan permainan Schalke O4 ketika menumpaskan Inter Milan dengan jaringan yang besar. Inter Milan terpasksa tunduk. Apakah pemain-pemain MU mampu mengekang serangan Schalke 04 nanti? Tentunya menarik sekali....

Real Madrid CF

REAL MADRID yang pernah berada di ranking ke 7 UEFA, kini menduduki ranking ke 2 terpaksa bertemu rakan senegara - Barcelona - di peringkat separuh akhir ini bagi mendapatkan tiket ke perlawanan akhir. Dalam perlawanan serupa ini, misi utama setiap pasukan ialah untuk mencapai kemenangan.

Jika Barcelona berbangga dengan pemain-pemainnya seperti Messi, Xavi, Iniesta dan beberapa lagi, Real Madrid juga tidak ketinggalan dengan bintang-bintang mereka seperti Ronaldo, Carvalho, Higuain, Kaka dan tidak ketinggalan Casillas di gawang golnya.

Real Madrid ketika ini di tangga kedua Liga Sepanyol dengan tiga mata dipisahkan oleh pendahulunya Barcelona.

FC Schalke 04

FC SCHALKE 04 dari Jerman tiba-tiba mencipta nama dan melakar sejarah dalam Liga Juara-Juara kali ini bila berjaya sampai ke garisan separuh akhir untuk bertemu dengan Manchester United.

Schalke 04 hanyalah sebuah pasukan di ranking ke 23 UEFA naik lima anak tangga dari ranking terdahulu, tetapi dengan semangat juang yang tinggi dan bermain sebagai satu team........pasukan ini telah berjaya melepasi halangan demi halangan yang dihadapinya.

Kemampuan pasukan ranking ke 28 ini menumpaskan Inter Milan yang menduduki ranking ke 8 di dua pusingan suku akhir tentunya membakar semangatnya untuk mencipta sejarah Liga Juara Juara kali ini untuk sampai ke akhir dan menjulang piala tersebut.

Mampukah Schalke 04 yang mempunyai Raul dan rakan-rakannya menggempur dan menggegarkan jaring gawang MU?............sama-samalah kita menyaksikannya .......

D' ARENA.............lebih menarik jika ada kejutan juga supaya ramai terkejut....

FC Barcelona