Spanish clubs have fallen behind English clubs in recent years, said players who ply their trade in Spain and other football personalities.

Amid all the conflict over the ownership of his team, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez remains calm and concentrates on nothing but his job. Benitez has a standout record in European competitions and is loved by the fans. They sing his name while loudly expressing their hatred of American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr.

Croatian international Niko Kranjcar believes Portsmouth's win over Premier League rivals Wigan last weekend was the ideal tonic as the south coast club prepare for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against West Bromwich Albion at Wembley.

Monaco's alarming winless run continued on Monday as Rennes scored a goal in injury-time to record a 2-1 win here and inflict the fourth successive defeat on the 2004 Champions League finalists.

(adds statement from Capello’s lawyers)

(Updates with confirmation of Baldini departure)

Racing Club coach Miguel
Mico resigned on Monday in a new twist to the crisis at one of
Argentina’s biggest and most fanatically supported clubs.

Francesco Totti will be missing when AS Roma faces Manchester United in the Champions League quarterfinals, and FC Barcelona may struggle to beat Schalke without Lionel Messi, Deco and maybe Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho. With the four English teams in the last eight, Barcelona and Roma will be playing with depleted squads Tuesday in the first leg.

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted on Monday that he wants to take over the reins of Serie A rivals AS Roma.

FC Porto have been formerly accused of match-fixing by the Portuguese league (LPFP), the former European Champions League winners said on Monday, with relegation to the second division and a heavy fine at stake.