Visa and US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) have entered into a new strategic alliance to help strengthen and grow the three million Hispanic-owned businesses that USHCC advocates on behalf of through their member chambers.
Together, Visa and USHCC will provide Hispanic-owned merchants with an array of tools to help them improve cash flow, manage payment acceptance costs, streamline operations and grow their businesses.
Additionally, USHCC members will receive customized access to Visa's suite of small business solutions and educational resources including Visa Business Network (VBN), Visa's online self-help business education content, and tailored cash flow management workbooks and complimentary point of sale signage.
The USHCC and Visa will also work together to develop acceptance solutions for USHCC merchants, especially smaller players with sales up to $1m, to ensure that they have access to best-available interchange rates and other acceptance solutions from Visa.
Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our card acceptance partnership with Visa will offer Hispanic small businesses an important economic advantage. This initiative will offer our members access to affordable card acceptance programs that support business growth, especially during these challenging economic times.”
William Sheedy, group president of The Americas at Visa, said: “Visa is keenly aware of the role merchants – large and small – play in the health of our economy. We are committed to doing our part by developing payment products and services that enable merchants to strengthen and grow their businesses and, in turn, help drive economic growth. The USHCC and its members are an important part of this effort, and we are honored to be working with them in this partnership.”
Source: http://cards.banking-business-review.com/news/visa_us_hispanic_chamber_of_commerce_form_strategic_alliance_100325/
joi, 25 martie 2010
luni, 22 martie 2010
Thousands of HSBC private bank account details stolen
by Gill Montia
HSBC has confirmed that around 24,000 customers of its Swiss private bank had their personal details stolen three years ago.
Since then, 15,000 accounts have remained active, although HSBC does not believe they can be accessed by anyone in possession of the data.
Former HSBC IT employee, Hervé Falciani, is alleged to have stolen the information, which eventually ended up with authorities in France.
According to reports, the bank only became aware of the extent of the breach when the Swiss Federal Prosecutor was alerted earlier this month.
HSBC says it will be writing to all clients affected (past and present), some of whom are likely to be British.
In July 2009, three subsidiaries of HSBC were fined for not adequately protecting their customers’ confidential details.
The Financial Services Authority handed down penalties totalling over £3 million to HSBC Life UK, HSBC Actuaries and Consultants, and HSBC Insurance Brokers.
The regulator found that staff were not given sufficient training on how to identify and manage risks, and were prone to leaving confidential information on open shelves or in unlocked cabinets.
In addition, large volumes of unencrypted customer details were being sent to third parties via post or courier.
Source: http://www.bankingtimes.co.uk/11032010-thousands-of-hsbc-private-bank-account-details-stolen/
JPMorgan Chase leads the field in RBS Sempra sale
by Gill Montia
JPMorgan Chase is reported to be in exclusive talks to buy RBS Sempra.
The joint venture commodities unit was taken on board by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) as part of the ABN Amro acquisition, and is estimated to be worth around $4 billion.
It trades commodities such as natural gas, petroleum and petroleum products, coal, emissions, ethanol and base metals.
RBS has put its stake up for sale because it is being forced to shed assets to comply with EU competition rules.
Deutsche Bank and Australia’s Macquarie are known to be interested in acquiring the business but according to a report by Reuters, JPMorgan could be willing to pay a higher price for the firm, which RBS owns jointly with Sempra Energy of the US.
Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase reported net profit of $3.3 billion for the final quarter of 2009, compared with $702 million a year earlier.
The result, which benefited from a surge in profitability at the group’s investment banking business, brought annual earnings close to $12 billion.
Source: http://www.bankingtimes.co.uk/21012010-jpmorgan-chase-leads-the-field-in-rbs-sempra-sale/
JPMorgan Chase is reported to be in exclusive talks to buy RBS Sempra.
The joint venture commodities unit was taken on board by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) as part of the ABN Amro acquisition, and is estimated to be worth around $4 billion.
It trades commodities such as natural gas, petroleum and petroleum products, coal, emissions, ethanol and base metals.
RBS has put its stake up for sale because it is being forced to shed assets to comply with EU competition rules.
Deutsche Bank and Australia’s Macquarie are known to be interested in acquiring the business but according to a report by Reuters, JPMorgan could be willing to pay a higher price for the firm, which RBS owns jointly with Sempra Energy of the US.
Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase reported net profit of $3.3 billion for the final quarter of 2009, compared with $702 million a year earlier.
The result, which benefited from a surge in profitability at the group’s investment banking business, brought annual earnings close to $12 billion.
Source: http://www.bankingtimes.co.uk/21012010-jpmorgan-chase-leads-the-field-in-rbs-sempra-sale/
joi, 18 martie 2010
Bank of America Corporation
Over the last decade, Bank of America transformed itself from a regional institution into the nation's largest brokerage house and consumer banking franchise. But during the financial crisis it was sapped by huge losses and a deal turned sour - the purchase of Merrill Lynch. It lost its position of pre-eminence to JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, the emerging titans of post-meltdown Wall Street.
While those institutions rebounded, Bank of America, along with Citigroup, came to symbolize the troubles plaguing the nation's banking industry. Bank of America reported a loss of $2.2 billion, or 29 cents a share, in 2009.
On Dec. 2, 2009, Bank of America announced that it would repay the $45 billion in federal aid that it received at the height of the financial panic -- a step that, only months ago, would have been almost unimaginable. Bank of America will repay part of its relief funds by selling $18.8 billion in stock that is expected to be converted into common stock, a move that will further dilute its existing shares even as it strengthens the bank's financial footing.
But most of the money will come from money that Bank of America has generated in recent months with its wagers in the financial markets. After its acquisition of Merrill - a takeover that was once panned but now appears to be paying off - Bank of America has taken greater risks to compete with Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.
The bank said it would put $26.2 billion of its cash toward repaying its bailout and would also sell off $4 billion in assets.
The board of directors at Bank of America struggled to find a replacement for its beleaguered leader, Kenneth D. Lewis, who left his post at the end of 2009. By paying back the federal money that it received, Bank of America will free itself from exceptional federal oversight of its executives' pay -- a thorny issue in recruiting a new chief executive.
On Dec. 17, 2009, Brian T. Moynihan, formerly head of Bank of America's consumer unit, was named to succeed Mr. Lewis. Mr. Moynihan, 49, joined Bank of America after it acquired FleetBoston in 2004, becoming president of global wealth and investment management. Before he was named head of consumer banking, Mr. Moynihan served as president of investment banking and as general counsel.
Growth by Purchase
Bank of America grew through an aggressive series of acquisitions.
Bank of America's recent difficulties are a startling change from what had been a successful run of growth by purchase. In 2003, it paid $48 billion for FleetBoston Financial, which gave it the most branches, customers and checking accounts of any United States bank. In 2005, Bank of America became the biggest credit card issuer when it bought MBNA for $35 billion. And when the mortgage meltdown came along the bank showed itself ready to move rapidly to take advantage of the instability, acquiring two troubled giants: Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch.
The deal for Merrill cost more than $50 billion -- and appeared to have been a coup, transforming Bank of America overnight into the nation's largest player in wealth management.
The $4 billion deal for Countrywide, which had become a symbol of the excesses that led to the subprime mortgage crisis, had already significantly bolstered Bank of America's position in the mortgage market while rescuing Countrywide from the jaws of possible bankruptcy. At the time, both deals appeared to burnish the reputation of Mr. Lewis, and his strategy of bold acquisitions that had turned what was once a regional institution into a national player. A decade ago, it was known as NationsBank when it bought a much larger institution, the Bank of America, and took its name.
In retrospect, the Countrywide and Merrill Lynch acquisitions turned Bank of America into the type of financial supermarket model that Citigroup had championed -- just at the time that deep mortgage losses are forcing Citigroup to dismantle it.
The purchase of Merrill Lynch, when that famed brokerage house was at death's door -- may have been a deal too far.
The deal drew heavy criticism, and in April 2009 shareholders voted to strip Mr. Lewis of his title as chairman of the board -- a stinging blow that left his legacy in doubt. The bank announced in September that Mr. Lewis had resigned, effective at year's end.
On Aug. 3, 2009, Bank of America agreed to pay $33 million to settle claims by the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had misled its shareholders about $3.6 billion in bonuses paid by Merrill before Bank of America bought it. The bank did not admit or deny the accusations.
On Aug. 10, the judge in the case, Jed S. Rakoff, refused to approve the deal, questioning whether the $33 million agreement was adequate. He later overturned the settlement, and told both the agency and the bank to prepare for a possible trial that would begin no later than Feb. 1, 2010.
Turning to Washington for Help
Like the nation's other big banks, the Bank of America received $25 billion from the federal government in October 2008 as part of the Treasury Department's bailout of the financial system. Then in December 2008 it quietly turned to the government for help after learning that Merrill would be taking a fourth-quarter write-down of $15 billion to $20 billion, which came on top of the bank's rising consumer loan losses.
The government later announced that it was injecting $20 billion more into Bank of America. The second lifeline brought the government's total stake in Bank of America to $45 billion and made it the bank's largest shareholder, with a stake of about 6 percent.
On April 20, 2009, the bank reported a $4.2 billion quarterly profit, but investors sent its shares and that of many of its peers down on fears that much of the new profits being reported by banks stemmed from recently approved changes in accounting rules and one-time accounting gains.
In May 2009, the government told Bank of America that its so-called stress test indicated that the bank would need to raise $33.9 billion in new capital to withstand any worsening of the economic downturn.
Bank of America paid back the federal government in December 2009.
Related pages: Kenneth D. Lewis Countrywide Financial
Source:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/bank_of_america_corporation/index.html
While those institutions rebounded, Bank of America, along with Citigroup, came to symbolize the troubles plaguing the nation's banking industry. Bank of America reported a loss of $2.2 billion, or 29 cents a share, in 2009.
On Dec. 2, 2009, Bank of America announced that it would repay the $45 billion in federal aid that it received at the height of the financial panic -- a step that, only months ago, would have been almost unimaginable. Bank of America will repay part of its relief funds by selling $18.8 billion in stock that is expected to be converted into common stock, a move that will further dilute its existing shares even as it strengthens the bank's financial footing.
But most of the money will come from money that Bank of America has generated in recent months with its wagers in the financial markets. After its acquisition of Merrill - a takeover that was once panned but now appears to be paying off - Bank of America has taken greater risks to compete with Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.
The bank said it would put $26.2 billion of its cash toward repaying its bailout and would also sell off $4 billion in assets.
The board of directors at Bank of America struggled to find a replacement for its beleaguered leader, Kenneth D. Lewis, who left his post at the end of 2009. By paying back the federal money that it received, Bank of America will free itself from exceptional federal oversight of its executives' pay -- a thorny issue in recruiting a new chief executive.
On Dec. 17, 2009, Brian T. Moynihan, formerly head of Bank of America's consumer unit, was named to succeed Mr. Lewis. Mr. Moynihan, 49, joined Bank of America after it acquired FleetBoston in 2004, becoming president of global wealth and investment management. Before he was named head of consumer banking, Mr. Moynihan served as president of investment banking and as general counsel.
Growth by Purchase
Bank of America grew through an aggressive series of acquisitions.
Bank of America's recent difficulties are a startling change from what had been a successful run of growth by purchase. In 2003, it paid $48 billion for FleetBoston Financial, which gave it the most branches, customers and checking accounts of any United States bank. In 2005, Bank of America became the biggest credit card issuer when it bought MBNA for $35 billion. And when the mortgage meltdown came along the bank showed itself ready to move rapidly to take advantage of the instability, acquiring two troubled giants: Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch.
The deal for Merrill cost more than $50 billion -- and appeared to have been a coup, transforming Bank of America overnight into the nation's largest player in wealth management.
The $4 billion deal for Countrywide, which had become a symbol of the excesses that led to the subprime mortgage crisis, had already significantly bolstered Bank of America's position in the mortgage market while rescuing Countrywide from the jaws of possible bankruptcy. At the time, both deals appeared to burnish the reputation of Mr. Lewis, and his strategy of bold acquisitions that had turned what was once a regional institution into a national player. A decade ago, it was known as NationsBank when it bought a much larger institution, the Bank of America, and took its name.
In retrospect, the Countrywide and Merrill Lynch acquisitions turned Bank of America into the type of financial supermarket model that Citigroup had championed -- just at the time that deep mortgage losses are forcing Citigroup to dismantle it.
The purchase of Merrill Lynch, when that famed brokerage house was at death's door -- may have been a deal too far.
The deal drew heavy criticism, and in April 2009 shareholders voted to strip Mr. Lewis of his title as chairman of the board -- a stinging blow that left his legacy in doubt. The bank announced in September that Mr. Lewis had resigned, effective at year's end.
On Aug. 3, 2009, Bank of America agreed to pay $33 million to settle claims by the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had misled its shareholders about $3.6 billion in bonuses paid by Merrill before Bank of America bought it. The bank did not admit or deny the accusations.
On Aug. 10, the judge in the case, Jed S. Rakoff, refused to approve the deal, questioning whether the $33 million agreement was adequate. He later overturned the settlement, and told both the agency and the bank to prepare for a possible trial that would begin no later than Feb. 1, 2010.
Turning to Washington for Help
Like the nation's other big banks, the Bank of America received $25 billion from the federal government in October 2008 as part of the Treasury Department's bailout of the financial system. Then in December 2008 it quietly turned to the government for help after learning that Merrill would be taking a fourth-quarter write-down of $15 billion to $20 billion, which came on top of the bank's rising consumer loan losses.
The government later announced that it was injecting $20 billion more into Bank of America. The second lifeline brought the government's total stake in Bank of America to $45 billion and made it the bank's largest shareholder, with a stake of about 6 percent.
On April 20, 2009, the bank reported a $4.2 billion quarterly profit, but investors sent its shares and that of many of its peers down on fears that much of the new profits being reported by banks stemmed from recently approved changes in accounting rules and one-time accounting gains.
In May 2009, the government told Bank of America that its so-called stress test indicated that the bank would need to raise $33.9 billion in new capital to withstand any worsening of the economic downturn.
Bank of America paid back the federal government in December 2009.
Related pages: Kenneth D. Lewis Countrywide Financial
Source:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/bank_of_america_corporation/index.html
joi, 11 martie 2010
Olympique Lyonnais President Dedicates Champions League Success Against Real Madrid To Claude Puel
After resisting the temptation to jettison their manager over Christmas, OL are now reaping their rewards on the field...
Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas has praised general manager Claude Puel and the strong group of OL players for their efforts in defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Aulas resisted calls to sack Puel as the club experienced a very troublesome pre-Christmas period and reaped his reward on Wednesday evening, when les Gones marched past los Blancos 2-1 on aggregate after tying 1-1 at the Bernabeu.
“I want to dedicate this victory to begin with to Claude Puel,” he grinned to the club’s official website. “It is an extraordinary group [of players]. Obviously, on paper, the difference was huge but we were able to show great mental resources and a greater solidarity.
“The moral of this story is you need to know to stay united in adversity. This game does not simply represent an upturn but a real ray of sunshine to look beyond. All this was unexpected.”
Wednesday evening was a great night for les Gones, as Girondins de Bordeaux slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Auxerre in Le Championnat, really opening up the title race, while their woman’s team progressed to their Champions League semi-finals too.
“Tonight we managed everything, with the girls victory in the quarter-finals of the Woman’s Champions League, the victory of the boys and Bordeaux, who were caught out by Auxerre. Wednesday, March 10 can change everything.”
Les Gones will wait with great anticipation to find out their quarter-final opponents in the Champions League as they have never previously reached the last four.
sursa: www.goal.com
Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas has praised general manager Claude Puel and the strong group of OL players for their efforts in defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Aulas resisted calls to sack Puel as the club experienced a very troublesome pre-Christmas period and reaped his reward on Wednesday evening, when les Gones marched past los Blancos 2-1 on aggregate after tying 1-1 at the Bernabeu.
“I want to dedicate this victory to begin with to Claude Puel,” he grinned to the club’s official website. “It is an extraordinary group [of players]. Obviously, on paper, the difference was huge but we were able to show great mental resources and a greater solidarity.
“The moral of this story is you need to know to stay united in adversity. This game does not simply represent an upturn but a real ray of sunshine to look beyond. All this was unexpected.”
Wednesday evening was a great night for les Gones, as Girondins de Bordeaux slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Auxerre in Le Championnat, really opening up the title race, while their woman’s team progressed to their Champions League semi-finals too.
“Tonight we managed everything, with the girls victory in the quarter-finals of the Woman’s Champions League, the victory of the boys and Bordeaux, who were caught out by Auxerre. Wednesday, March 10 can change everything.”
Les Gones will wait with great anticipation to find out their quarter-final opponents in the Champions League as they have never previously reached the last four.
sursa: www.goal.com
joi, 4 martie 2010
Top 20 Deloitte Money Football League In Full
The top 20 of the Deloitte Money Football League is dominated by English teams, but the Spanish sides are occupying the two top seats...
The Deloitte Football Money League profiles the highest earning clubs in the world’s most popular sport. All of this year’s top 20 clubs are from the ‘big five’
European leagues with England contributing seven clubs, Germany five, Italy four, and France and Spain represented by two clubs each. Deloitte has used the figure for total revenue extracted from the annual financial statements of the company or group in respect of each club, or other direct sources, for the 2008/09 season. Based on the information made available, Deloitte has
split revenue into three categories, being revenue derived from matchday, broadcast and commercial sources.
20. (17.) Newcastle United- €101.0m
The 2008-'09 season was a season to forget for Newcastle United as they failed to retain their Premier League status and relegated to the Championship after a sixteen-season spell in England's top tier. Nevertheless, the Magpies still totalled a €101 revenue to finish in the top 20 of Deloitte's Money Football League.
19. (-) Manchester City- €101.2m
Last season was the first season of the Abu Dhabi United Group’s ownership of Manchester City and the Citizens finished the Premier League in tenth position. Despute their slightly disapppointing performances, revenues increased by six percent to a total of €102.2 million, thus securing nineteenth spot.
18. (20.) Borussia Dortmund- €103.5m
Borussia Dortmund have climbed two spots compared to last season's Deloitte Money Football League top 20. BVB failed to qualify for European football last term, but average attendances of almost 75.000 per home game boosted their total revenues to €103.5 million.
17. (-) Werder Bremen- €114.7m
Werder Bremen are the first new team in this top 20 with revenues of €114.7 million. The Hanseaten made it into last year's UEFA Cup final and won the DFB Pokal, thus generating 26% more revenues than the year before. Broadcasting revenues were the major source of income for the Bundesliga side.
16. (13.) Schalke- €124.5m
Schalke slipped three places down the ranking due to a reduction in total revenues of €23.9 million. The Gelsenkirchen side continued to sell out its Veltins Arena, but a different mix of games (UEFA Cup instead of Champions League) resulted in a reduction of matchday income.
15. (14.) Tottenham Hotspur- €132.7m
Tottenham reached the Carling Cup final for the second consecutive season and finished eighth in the Premier League after a disappointing start to the season. The London side totalled revenues of €132.7 million, only two percent lower than last season's record income.
14. (16.) Olympique de Marseille- €133.2m
Olympique Marseille climb two spots in the Deloitte Money Football League and close the gap to French rivals Olympique Lyonnais to €6.4 million. Marseille only just missed out on the French title last year. Consistent Champions League qualification has kept the Ligue 1 contenders among Europe's top 20 money-spinning clubs.
13. (12.) Olympique Lyonnais- €139.6m
Olympique Lyonnais wer not crowned French champions at the end of last season for the first time in seven seasons. The Ligue 1 titans still totalled revenues of €139.6 million though and sit thirteenth in this ranking. Lyonnais revenues decreased by ten percent last season.
12. (9.) Roma- €146.4m
Roma lost three places compared to last season and have dropped from the top ten. The Giallorossi had a disappointing season on the pitch finishing in sixth position in Serie A and were eliminated in the Champions League in the Round of 16. Roma's revenues dropped to €146.4, a decrease of seventeen percent.
11. (15.) Hamburger SV- €146.7m
A rather successful season on the pitch helped Hamburger SV increase revenues by an impressive fifteen percent, despite not playing in the Champions League. HSV have almost doubled their revenues in the past five seasons and totalled an amount of €146.7 million last season.
10. (7.) AC Milan- €196.5m
Milan fall three places in the money league following a disappointing 2008-'09 season. The Rossoneri failed to qualify for Champions League football and entered the UEFA cup instead. This cost Milan €26 million in UEFA central broadcasting distributions. Commercial and matchday revenues increased, but not enough to make up for the aforementioned loss.
9. (10.) Internazionale- €196.5m
The Italian champions post a €23.6m (14%) increase in revenue to €196.5million. Internazionale have been the dominant force in the Serie A in the past couple of seasons, but still await Champions League glory. As with the other Italian clubs in the Money League, broadcasting provides the majority of the club’s revenue (59%).
8. (11.) Juventus- €203.2m
Juventus’ first Champions League campaign since 2005/06 helped drive a revenue increase of €35.7million (21%) to €203.2 million. The Turin side's matchday revenues remain the lowest of any Money League club. If the Old Lady is to increase revenue, they need to work on their attendances.
7. (8.) Liverpool- €217.0m
Liverpool's second place Premier League finish last term resulted in an increase of broadcating revenue. However, the Reds are still only the fourth placed English side in the Money League. Their quarter-final Champions League exit didn't do Liverpool any good financially.
6. (5.) Chelsea- €242.3m
Chelsea’s footballing fortunes were mixed in 2008/09. Managerial instability provided a backdrop for a disappointing third place finish in the Premier League. However, they made up for this by winning the FA Cup. Off the pitch Chelsea dropped out of the Money League top five for the first time since 2002/03, as revenue fell to €242.3million.
5. (6.) Arsenal- €263.0m
Arsenal return to the money top five after a one-year absence. Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis’ aim of running a financially ‘self sufficient’ club is assisted by repeatedly filling the Emirates stadium to its 60,400 capacity. Additionally, Arsenal grew its commercial revenues to €56.5million.
4. (4.) Bayern Munich- €289.5m
Bayern Munich saw revenues decline by two percent, but managed to hold to fourth spot in the Money League with a total revenue of €289,5 million. The Bavarians failed to win the Bundesliga, but did manage to win direct qualification for the Champions League, thus securing a considerable amount of broadcasting revenues.
3. (2.) Manchester United- €327.0m
English champions Manchester United dropped to third spot following Barcelona's extremely successful season. Manchester saw commercial -, matchday - and broadcasting revenue all increase and total a revenue of €327 million. Yet even this was not enough to retain last year’s runner-up position in the Money League, with further deterioration in the Sterling exchange rate compounding the effect of Barcelona’s more rapid revenue growth.
2. (3.) Barcelona- €365.9m
Champions League winners Barcelona will be absolutely deligthed with their sportive successes last season. Additionally, they had a good season financially, too. The favourable Euro to Pound Sterling exchange rate saw Barcelona leapfrog Manchester United into second place in the Money
League, with total revenues increasing by 18% to €365.9million.
1. (1.) Real Madrid - €401.4m
Real Madrid hold on to top spot in the Money League with ease and are the first sports team in history with revenues exceeding €400 million. Los Blancos might have failed to impress on the pitch last season, but they have every reason to be proud with their performances off the pitch. The club’s contract
with Mediapro combined with certain others, guarantees the club more than €1.1 billion over the seven seasons to 2013/14.
sursa: www.goal.com
The Deloitte Football Money League profiles the highest earning clubs in the world’s most popular sport. All of this year’s top 20 clubs are from the ‘big five’
European leagues with England contributing seven clubs, Germany five, Italy four, and France and Spain represented by two clubs each. Deloitte has used the figure for total revenue extracted from the annual financial statements of the company or group in respect of each club, or other direct sources, for the 2008/09 season. Based on the information made available, Deloitte has
split revenue into three categories, being revenue derived from matchday, broadcast and commercial sources.
20. (17.) Newcastle United- €101.0m
The 2008-'09 season was a season to forget for Newcastle United as they failed to retain their Premier League status and relegated to the Championship after a sixteen-season spell in England's top tier. Nevertheless, the Magpies still totalled a €101 revenue to finish in the top 20 of Deloitte's Money Football League.
19. (-) Manchester City- €101.2m
Last season was the first season of the Abu Dhabi United Group’s ownership of Manchester City and the Citizens finished the Premier League in tenth position. Despute their slightly disapppointing performances, revenues increased by six percent to a total of €102.2 million, thus securing nineteenth spot.
18. (20.) Borussia Dortmund- €103.5m
Borussia Dortmund have climbed two spots compared to last season's Deloitte Money Football League top 20. BVB failed to qualify for European football last term, but average attendances of almost 75.000 per home game boosted their total revenues to €103.5 million.
17. (-) Werder Bremen- €114.7m
Werder Bremen are the first new team in this top 20 with revenues of €114.7 million. The Hanseaten made it into last year's UEFA Cup final and won the DFB Pokal, thus generating 26% more revenues than the year before. Broadcasting revenues were the major source of income for the Bundesliga side.
16. (13.) Schalke- €124.5m
Schalke slipped three places down the ranking due to a reduction in total revenues of €23.9 million. The Gelsenkirchen side continued to sell out its Veltins Arena, but a different mix of games (UEFA Cup instead of Champions League) resulted in a reduction of matchday income.
15. (14.) Tottenham Hotspur- €132.7m
Tottenham reached the Carling Cup final for the second consecutive season and finished eighth in the Premier League after a disappointing start to the season. The London side totalled revenues of €132.7 million, only two percent lower than last season's record income.
14. (16.) Olympique de Marseille- €133.2m
Olympique Marseille climb two spots in the Deloitte Money Football League and close the gap to French rivals Olympique Lyonnais to €6.4 million. Marseille only just missed out on the French title last year. Consistent Champions League qualification has kept the Ligue 1 contenders among Europe's top 20 money-spinning clubs.
13. (12.) Olympique Lyonnais- €139.6m
Olympique Lyonnais wer not crowned French champions at the end of last season for the first time in seven seasons. The Ligue 1 titans still totalled revenues of €139.6 million though and sit thirteenth in this ranking. Lyonnais revenues decreased by ten percent last season.
12. (9.) Roma- €146.4m
Roma lost three places compared to last season and have dropped from the top ten. The Giallorossi had a disappointing season on the pitch finishing in sixth position in Serie A and were eliminated in the Champions League in the Round of 16. Roma's revenues dropped to €146.4, a decrease of seventeen percent.
11. (15.) Hamburger SV- €146.7m
A rather successful season on the pitch helped Hamburger SV increase revenues by an impressive fifteen percent, despite not playing in the Champions League. HSV have almost doubled their revenues in the past five seasons and totalled an amount of €146.7 million last season.
10. (7.) AC Milan- €196.5m
Milan fall three places in the money league following a disappointing 2008-'09 season. The Rossoneri failed to qualify for Champions League football and entered the UEFA cup instead. This cost Milan €26 million in UEFA central broadcasting distributions. Commercial and matchday revenues increased, but not enough to make up for the aforementioned loss.
9. (10.) Internazionale- €196.5m
The Italian champions post a €23.6m (14%) increase in revenue to €196.5million. Internazionale have been the dominant force in the Serie A in the past couple of seasons, but still await Champions League glory. As with the other Italian clubs in the Money League, broadcasting provides the majority of the club’s revenue (59%).
8. (11.) Juventus- €203.2m
Juventus’ first Champions League campaign since 2005/06 helped drive a revenue increase of €35.7million (21%) to €203.2 million. The Turin side's matchday revenues remain the lowest of any Money League club. If the Old Lady is to increase revenue, they need to work on their attendances.
7. (8.) Liverpool- €217.0m
Liverpool's second place Premier League finish last term resulted in an increase of broadcating revenue. However, the Reds are still only the fourth placed English side in the Money League. Their quarter-final Champions League exit didn't do Liverpool any good financially.
6. (5.) Chelsea- €242.3m
Chelsea’s footballing fortunes were mixed in 2008/09. Managerial instability provided a backdrop for a disappointing third place finish in the Premier League. However, they made up for this by winning the FA Cup. Off the pitch Chelsea dropped out of the Money League top five for the first time since 2002/03, as revenue fell to €242.3million.
5. (6.) Arsenal- €263.0m
Arsenal return to the money top five after a one-year absence. Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis’ aim of running a financially ‘self sufficient’ club is assisted by repeatedly filling the Emirates stadium to its 60,400 capacity. Additionally, Arsenal grew its commercial revenues to €56.5million.
4. (4.) Bayern Munich- €289.5m
Bayern Munich saw revenues decline by two percent, but managed to hold to fourth spot in the Money League with a total revenue of €289,5 million. The Bavarians failed to win the Bundesliga, but did manage to win direct qualification for the Champions League, thus securing a considerable amount of broadcasting revenues.
3. (2.) Manchester United- €327.0m
English champions Manchester United dropped to third spot following Barcelona's extremely successful season. Manchester saw commercial -, matchday - and broadcasting revenue all increase and total a revenue of €327 million. Yet even this was not enough to retain last year’s runner-up position in the Money League, with further deterioration in the Sterling exchange rate compounding the effect of Barcelona’s more rapid revenue growth.
2. (3.) Barcelona- €365.9m
Champions League winners Barcelona will be absolutely deligthed with their sportive successes last season. Additionally, they had a good season financially, too. The favourable Euro to Pound Sterling exchange rate saw Barcelona leapfrog Manchester United into second place in the Money
League, with total revenues increasing by 18% to €365.9million.
1. (1.) Real Madrid - €401.4m
Real Madrid hold on to top spot in the Money League with ease and are the first sports team in history with revenues exceeding €400 million. Los Blancos might have failed to impress on the pitch last season, but they have every reason to be proud with their performances off the pitch. The club’s contract
with Mediapro combined with certain others, guarantees the club more than €1.1 billion over the seven seasons to 2013/14.
sursa: www.goal.com
Juventus To Offer Bayern Munich Diego In Return For Franck Ribery - Report
The Bianconeri will offer Diego for Ribery, according to reports...
Juventus have refined plans for Franck Ribery, and they are set to offer Bayern Munich Diego as part of a swap deal, according to El Mundo Deportivo.
Ribery, who is wanted by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, has attracted interest from the Turin giants, and Bayern could be swayed by Diego.
The German side were close to the Brazilian last summer when they were in talks with Werder Bremen. But Juventus came along and took him from under their noses after making a persuasive bid.
However, Bayern are still keen, and they would consider Diego as part of an offer for Ribery. Juve's trump card has now given them an advantage over the competion.
Bayern are also looking at CSKA Moscow star Milan Krasic as an alternative to Ribery if they fail to land Diego.
Reports in Italy on Tuesday claimed Juve president Jean-Claude Blanc was speaking with the German side over Ribery.
sursa: www.goal.com
Juventus have refined plans for Franck Ribery, and they are set to offer Bayern Munich Diego as part of a swap deal, according to El Mundo Deportivo.
Ribery, who is wanted by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, has attracted interest from the Turin giants, and Bayern could be swayed by Diego.
The German side were close to the Brazilian last summer when they were in talks with Werder Bremen. But Juventus came along and took him from under their noses after making a persuasive bid.
However, Bayern are still keen, and they would consider Diego as part of an offer for Ribery. Juve's trump card has now given them an advantage over the competion.
Bayern are also looking at CSKA Moscow star Milan Krasic as an alternative to Ribery if they fail to land Diego.
Reports in Italy on Tuesday claimed Juve president Jean-Claude Blanc was speaking with the German side over Ribery.
sursa: www.goal.com
miercuri, 17 februarie 2010
Porto 2-1 Arsenal: Fabianski Flops As The Gunners Stumble
The Dragons hold the advantage after a horror show from the young Polish shot-stopper...
Porto secured a first leg advantage after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the Estadio do Dragao this evening - but visiting goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski handed the Portuguese side the win with a dreadful display.
The Pole allowed a Valera cross to fumble over the line before being involved in a calamitous breakdown in communication with Sol Campbell that led to Falcao's winner in the second half.
Campbell had equalised for the Gunners, but now they must turn the tie around in the second leg if they are to progress.
Porto were unbeaten in their last five league matches, and more importantly for coach Jesualdo Ferreira he could once again call on the services of mercurial striker Hulk, for the first time in two months following his ban for allegedly assaulting a steward.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were dogged by a series of injuries to key players, including William Gallas, Manuel Almunia, Andrei Arshavin and long-term victim Robin van Persie. Veteran Sol Campbell was handed his first Champions League experience for three-and-half years in the Gunners’ back line.
It was the Portuguese hosts who did the majority of the early running, and Campbell’s aptitude at this level came under scrutiny in the opening moments. Falcao got the better of him and ran in on goal, but the 35-year-old recovered brilliantly with a perfectly timed, last-ditch tackle.
Moments later, Valera made inroads on the right flank and laid in Hulk, but perhaps the Brazilian's lack of minutes contributed to him dragging his effort wide of Fabianski’s post.
However, Porto’s pressure eventually was awarded, and Arsenal’s young goalkeeper will shoulder the responsibility for a horrendous error. Lauded by Arsene Wenger pre-match, Fabianski let his faithful boss down as he inexplicably spilled Valera’s driven cross into his own-net with no-one in blue and white anywhere near him.
Wenger was dismayed, the Pole dejected – and Arsenal were behind.
The first half was an open, flowing contest, and its offensively-geared nature was instrumental in allowing the Gunners to ease their way slowly back into the contest.
Nicklas Bendtner was hugely unlucky to see a snap shot drift inches wide of the upright, but it wasn’t long before honours were even, and from the most unlikely of sources.
A deep corner eventually found its way to Tomas Rosicky at the back post, and his intelligent header found Sol Campbell unmarked, and he powered the ball past Helton and into the net.
As half-time approached, the frenetic pace slowed slightly, but it didn’t discourage either side from creating chances. Fabianski partially redeemed himself for his aberration by superbly palming a Ruben Micael drive away to safety, while at the other end Helton spectacularly tipped a Bendtner header over the crossbar.
Tempers flared on on the break as Fabregas was heavily involved in a fracas with a number of Porto players, but the referee ushered the players from the pitch, and an exciting first half was brought to a close.
In the opening moments of the second period, two incidents in the space in two minutes were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.
Firstly, Rosicky burst into the area on the right, and was seemingly felled by Alvaro Ferreira in a clumsy fashion. The referee urged the Czech to get to his feet, but subsequent replays showed that Ferreira didn't touch the ball.
As play raced up field, Campbell clearly knocked the ball back to Fabianski with his foot, but the 'keeper incredibly proceeded to gather the ball into his arms. As both he and Campbell protested to the referee at the award of an indirect free kick, Porto got on with the match. Micael snatched the ball and laid it neatly into the path of Falcao, who simply rolled home from ten yards.
It was one of the most bizarre goals seen in recent years in the Champions League, and Arsenal only had themselves to blame in what was becoming a farcical night for the English club.
However, they rallied and pushed forward, playing a procession of passes in and around the Dragons' penalty area without any real penetration. Wenger introduced Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela but their impact, in particular that of the Englishman, was minimal.
Porto were happy to travel to the Emirates with a lead to defend, but Arsenal will be furious that a pair of fundamental errors from their inexperienced goalkeeper contributed to an evening to forget for the Premier League side.
Sursa: www.goal.com
Porto secured a first leg advantage after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the Estadio do Dragao this evening - but visiting goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski handed the Portuguese side the win with a dreadful display.
The Pole allowed a Valera cross to fumble over the line before being involved in a calamitous breakdown in communication with Sol Campbell that led to Falcao's winner in the second half.
Campbell had equalised for the Gunners, but now they must turn the tie around in the second leg if they are to progress.
Porto were unbeaten in their last five league matches, and more importantly for coach Jesualdo Ferreira he could once again call on the services of mercurial striker Hulk, for the first time in two months following his ban for allegedly assaulting a steward.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were dogged by a series of injuries to key players, including William Gallas, Manuel Almunia, Andrei Arshavin and long-term victim Robin van Persie. Veteran Sol Campbell was handed his first Champions League experience for three-and-half years in the Gunners’ back line.
It was the Portuguese hosts who did the majority of the early running, and Campbell’s aptitude at this level came under scrutiny in the opening moments. Falcao got the better of him and ran in on goal, but the 35-year-old recovered brilliantly with a perfectly timed, last-ditch tackle.
Moments later, Valera made inroads on the right flank and laid in Hulk, but perhaps the Brazilian's lack of minutes contributed to him dragging his effort wide of Fabianski’s post.
However, Porto’s pressure eventually was awarded, and Arsenal’s young goalkeeper will shoulder the responsibility for a horrendous error. Lauded by Arsene Wenger pre-match, Fabianski let his faithful boss down as he inexplicably spilled Valera’s driven cross into his own-net with no-one in blue and white anywhere near him.
Wenger was dismayed, the Pole dejected – and Arsenal were behind.
The first half was an open, flowing contest, and its offensively-geared nature was instrumental in allowing the Gunners to ease their way slowly back into the contest.
Nicklas Bendtner was hugely unlucky to see a snap shot drift inches wide of the upright, but it wasn’t long before honours were even, and from the most unlikely of sources.
A deep corner eventually found its way to Tomas Rosicky at the back post, and his intelligent header found Sol Campbell unmarked, and he powered the ball past Helton and into the net.
As half-time approached, the frenetic pace slowed slightly, but it didn’t discourage either side from creating chances. Fabianski partially redeemed himself for his aberration by superbly palming a Ruben Micael drive away to safety, while at the other end Helton spectacularly tipped a Bendtner header over the crossbar.
Tempers flared on on the break as Fabregas was heavily involved in a fracas with a number of Porto players, but the referee ushered the players from the pitch, and an exciting first half was brought to a close.
In the opening moments of the second period, two incidents in the space in two minutes were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.
Firstly, Rosicky burst into the area on the right, and was seemingly felled by Alvaro Ferreira in a clumsy fashion. The referee urged the Czech to get to his feet, but subsequent replays showed that Ferreira didn't touch the ball.
As play raced up field, Campbell clearly knocked the ball back to Fabianski with his foot, but the 'keeper incredibly proceeded to gather the ball into his arms. As both he and Campbell protested to the referee at the award of an indirect free kick, Porto got on with the match. Micael snatched the ball and laid it neatly into the path of Falcao, who simply rolled home from ten yards.
It was one of the most bizarre goals seen in recent years in the Champions League, and Arsenal only had themselves to blame in what was becoming a farcical night for the English club.
However, they rallied and pushed forward, playing a procession of passes in and around the Dragons' penalty area without any real penetration. Wenger introduced Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela but their impact, in particular that of the Englishman, was minimal.
Porto were happy to travel to the Emirates with a lead to defend, but Arsenal will be furious that a pair of fundamental errors from their inexperienced goalkeeper contributed to an evening to forget for the Premier League side.
Sursa: www.goal.com
marți, 16 februarie 2010
Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid: Makoun Wonder-Strike Gives Les Gones Deserved Lead
Real Madrid emerged from Stade Gerland with their Champions League ambitions still in tact but it could have been a different story had an excellent Lyon side been more effective in front of goal.
In the end the French side take a one-goal lead to the Bernabeu, thanks to a wonderful strike from Jean Makoun.
Madrid looked out of sorts for most of the first leg as it was the rampant French outfit that played with style, panache and confidence. The Merengues had to rely on an untested alloy of resolute defence and good fortune as Sidney Govou gave Marcelo a lesson down the right wing for the entire first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided one of Madrid's few brighter moments of the first half craftily backheeling Xabi Alonso's incisive pass into the path of Gonzalo Higuain but Jean-Alain Boumsong was alert to clear the danger, typifying Lyon's early dominance.
The home side's intensity and commitment had the Spanish outfit on the back foot and a succession of fouls in Madrid territory suggested the hosts were increasingly the more likely to score. The majority of Miralem Pjanic's set pieces were comfortably dealt with though, even Ronaldo dropping back to add his head to the defence of the aerial assault.
Despite some clear opportunities to test Iker Casillas from dead ball situations, Lyon's greatest chance came from a flash of individual brilliance. Cesar Delgado pounced on a half cleared corner but only managed to smash his stunning right footed volley off Casillas' right hand upright with the Madrid 'keeper stunned and rooted to his spot.
Another set piece followed and Panjic's delivery was improving but the quality of finishing left Casillas untested. The French side were in the ascendancy and seemed to be growing in confidence and surely would not have wanted the half-time whistle to sound.
The hosts continued where they left off after the interval and took a deserved lead almost immediately as Makoun fired a stunning effort from 25 yards which dipped and swerved away from the outstretched Casillas before bulging the top right hand corner of the net.
Madrid's midfield continued to be overrun by Lyon's energy and Kaka and Xabi Alonso in particular seemed completely off the pace but Madrid as a whole were tepid at best.
Casillas almost gifted Lyon a two goal cushion ten minutes into the half after his goal kick went no more than 20 yards, straight to an alert Lisandro Lopez. Luckily for Real's custodian, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay were on hand to make it difficult for the Argentine forward, who dragged his effort wide from 16 yards.
Hugo Lloris had to make a fine save as a 20 yard Ronaldo snapshot took a monster deflection and seemed headed for the top corner before France's first choice shot stopper got across to tip it around for a corner.
A fantastic flowing Lyon counterattack moments later came to nothing as Aly Cissokho opted to go it alone only for Casillas to save. Cissokho may have rued not squaring it to one of his better placed team-mates had Lloris not saved excellently from Higuain seconds later.
Lyon's intensity was fading as the half wore on and Ronaldo won a free kick midway through the half. So often the remedy for a lacklustre display from los Blancos, his 22 yard effort fizzled off the wall and safely into the hands of Lloris.
Sergio Ramos could have given Madrid a precious away goal but the versatile defender failed to direct his free header on target from six yards. Ambitious attacking play had turned to valiant rearguard action from the French outfit for the final quarter of an hour and they weathered some late Madrid pressure to take the slenderest of leads to the Bernabeu in a fortnight.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
In the end the French side take a one-goal lead to the Bernabeu, thanks to a wonderful strike from Jean Makoun.
Madrid looked out of sorts for most of the first leg as it was the rampant French outfit that played with style, panache and confidence. The Merengues had to rely on an untested alloy of resolute defence and good fortune as Sidney Govou gave Marcelo a lesson down the right wing for the entire first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided one of Madrid's few brighter moments of the first half craftily backheeling Xabi Alonso's incisive pass into the path of Gonzalo Higuain but Jean-Alain Boumsong was alert to clear the danger, typifying Lyon's early dominance.
The home side's intensity and commitment had the Spanish outfit on the back foot and a succession of fouls in Madrid territory suggested the hosts were increasingly the more likely to score. The majority of Miralem Pjanic's set pieces were comfortably dealt with though, even Ronaldo dropping back to add his head to the defence of the aerial assault.
Despite some clear opportunities to test Iker Casillas from dead ball situations, Lyon's greatest chance came from a flash of individual brilliance. Cesar Delgado pounced on a half cleared corner but only managed to smash his stunning right footed volley off Casillas' right hand upright with the Madrid 'keeper stunned and rooted to his spot.
Another set piece followed and Panjic's delivery was improving but the quality of finishing left Casillas untested. The French side were in the ascendancy and seemed to be growing in confidence and surely would not have wanted the half-time whistle to sound.
The hosts continued where they left off after the interval and took a deserved lead almost immediately as Makoun fired a stunning effort from 25 yards which dipped and swerved away from the outstretched Casillas before bulging the top right hand corner of the net.
Madrid's midfield continued to be overrun by Lyon's energy and Kaka and Xabi Alonso in particular seemed completely off the pace but Madrid as a whole were tepid at best.
Casillas almost gifted Lyon a two goal cushion ten minutes into the half after his goal kick went no more than 20 yards, straight to an alert Lisandro Lopez. Luckily for Real's custodian, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay were on hand to make it difficult for the Argentine forward, who dragged his effort wide from 16 yards.
Hugo Lloris had to make a fine save as a 20 yard Ronaldo snapshot took a monster deflection and seemed headed for the top corner before France's first choice shot stopper got across to tip it around for a corner.
A fantastic flowing Lyon counterattack moments later came to nothing as Aly Cissokho opted to go it alone only for Casillas to save. Cissokho may have rued not squaring it to one of his better placed team-mates had Lloris not saved excellently from Higuain seconds later.
Lyon's intensity was fading as the half wore on and Ronaldo won a free kick midway through the half. So often the remedy for a lacklustre display from los Blancos, his 22 yard effort fizzled off the wall and safely into the hands of Lloris.
Sergio Ramos could have given Madrid a precious away goal but the versatile defender failed to direct his free header on target from six yards. Ambitious attacking play had turned to valiant rearguard action from the French outfit for the final quarter of an hour and they weathered some late Madrid pressure to take the slenderest of leads to the Bernabeu in a fortnight.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United: Wayne Rooney Stars As Red Devils Edge Entertaining Encounter
Milan's future in the Champions League is hanging by the thinnest of threads after going down 3-2 at home to Manchester United. Ronaldinho had put the Italians in front, but a freak goal from Paul Scholes put the Red Devils level before Wayne Rooney scored twice in the second half. Clarence Seedorf halved the deficit late on, while Michael Carrick was sent off.
Alexandre Pato set his stall out for the evening by tricking Patrice Evra and winning a free kick just inside the Manchester United half. David Beckham's delivery wasn't the best, but Evra's clearance went straight to Ronaldinho, who volleyed home via a deflection off Carrick.
The Rossoneri were flying, and Ronaldinho was bringing out the tricks within the first five minutes. The Brazilian then tested Edwin van der Sar with an effort from close range after effortlessly beating Rio Ferdinand, but it was gathered comfortably.
Sir Alex Ferguson was chewing furiously on the sidelines as his side attempted to get into the game, but they should have been two down in the 11th minute. Thiago Silva made a superb run deep into the Red Devils' half to play Luca Antonini in, but the full-back pulled his shot wide of the near post when shooting across goal would have been a better option.
Ji-Sung Park threatened to break into the penalty area but was denied by a superb tackle from Daniele Bonera, before Ferdinand looked to have brought Ronaldinho down on the edge of the box but the referee waved away his protests.
The majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts, and both Evra and Rafael were struggling to deal with the overlapping runs from Antonini and Beckham. Manchester United were not helping themselves by frequently giving the ball away in midfield, and Evans had to make an inch-perfect tackle on Pato on the half hour.
The hosts were made to pay for their missed chances when Manchester United equalised 10 minutes before the break in the most fortunate of circumstances. Darren Fletcher's low ball into the box was aimed at Paul Scholes, who missed his initial shot but the ball hit his standing leg and trickled into the net off the post. It was their first away goal against the Rossoneri.
Just before the break, Park fouled Massimo Ambrosini 25 yards from goal. It was in perfect Beckham territory, but the former Manchester United man hit his effort over the bar. While the visitors looked more dangerous towards the end of the half, the referee called time on the first 45 minutes with the scores at 1-1.
Fletcher had a good opportunity just after the break when Nani chipped a cross in for the Scot to head towards goal from a yard out, but he could only direct the ball wide from a tricky angle. Pato should also have done better with a header as he ghosted away from Evra to get onto the end of substitute Giuseppe Favalli's cross, but failed to hit the target.
Moments later, Van Der Sar made an excellent one-handed save from an Andrea Pirlo piledriver, and the veteran had to dive low to his left to prevent Ronaldinho from restoring the lead on the hour mark.
The ineffective Nani was then replaced, and Ferguson's move paid dividends immediately. Substitute Luis Antonio Valencia beat Favalli on the right hand side before chipping a cross in for Wayne Rooney to head perfectly back across goal into the far corner.
Manchester United sensed that they could gain a stranglehold on the tie by scoring a third, and immediately went in search of a goal. The visitors were knocking it around at will, and Rooney struck another shot off target after a neat step-over from Scholes.
It was merely putting off the inevitable, and in the 75th minute Fletcher floated in a perfect ball between Nesta and Silva for Rooney to head home unchallenged from a few yards out.
Ten minutes later, Milan gave themselves a lifeline. Ronaldinho received a fine ball from Thiago Silva in the penalty area, and he sent in a low cross for Clarence Seedorf to flick home from close range. Seconds later, 'Dinho' sliced open the visitors' defence for Filippo Inzaghi to strike at goal, but it flew over the bar.
It was not the only opportunity the Rossoneri had late on as Ambrosini had a shot blocked from close range before Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva tried to head the same ball from the ensuing corner, and the chance was wasted.
Michael Carrick picked up a second yellow card deep in injury time, but Manchester United withstood the late pressure and will take a precious lead to Old Trafford. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, will be regretting their many missed chances.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
Alexandre Pato set his stall out for the evening by tricking Patrice Evra and winning a free kick just inside the Manchester United half. David Beckham's delivery wasn't the best, but Evra's clearance went straight to Ronaldinho, who volleyed home via a deflection off Carrick.
The Rossoneri were flying, and Ronaldinho was bringing out the tricks within the first five minutes. The Brazilian then tested Edwin van der Sar with an effort from close range after effortlessly beating Rio Ferdinand, but it was gathered comfortably.
Sir Alex Ferguson was chewing furiously on the sidelines as his side attempted to get into the game, but they should have been two down in the 11th minute. Thiago Silva made a superb run deep into the Red Devils' half to play Luca Antonini in, but the full-back pulled his shot wide of the near post when shooting across goal would have been a better option.
Ji-Sung Park threatened to break into the penalty area but was denied by a superb tackle from Daniele Bonera, before Ferdinand looked to have brought Ronaldinho down on the edge of the box but the referee waved away his protests.
The majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts, and both Evra and Rafael were struggling to deal with the overlapping runs from Antonini and Beckham. Manchester United were not helping themselves by frequently giving the ball away in midfield, and Evans had to make an inch-perfect tackle on Pato on the half hour.
The hosts were made to pay for their missed chances when Manchester United equalised 10 minutes before the break in the most fortunate of circumstances. Darren Fletcher's low ball into the box was aimed at Paul Scholes, who missed his initial shot but the ball hit his standing leg and trickled into the net off the post. It was their first away goal against the Rossoneri.
Just before the break, Park fouled Massimo Ambrosini 25 yards from goal. It was in perfect Beckham territory, but the former Manchester United man hit his effort over the bar. While the visitors looked more dangerous towards the end of the half, the referee called time on the first 45 minutes with the scores at 1-1.
Fletcher had a good opportunity just after the break when Nani chipped a cross in for the Scot to head towards goal from a yard out, but he could only direct the ball wide from a tricky angle. Pato should also have done better with a header as he ghosted away from Evra to get onto the end of substitute Giuseppe Favalli's cross, but failed to hit the target.
Moments later, Van Der Sar made an excellent one-handed save from an Andrea Pirlo piledriver, and the veteran had to dive low to his left to prevent Ronaldinho from restoring the lead on the hour mark.
The ineffective Nani was then replaced, and Ferguson's move paid dividends immediately. Substitute Luis Antonio Valencia beat Favalli on the right hand side before chipping a cross in for Wayne Rooney to head perfectly back across goal into the far corner.
Manchester United sensed that they could gain a stranglehold on the tie by scoring a third, and immediately went in search of a goal. The visitors were knocking it around at will, and Rooney struck another shot off target after a neat step-over from Scholes.
It was merely putting off the inevitable, and in the 75th minute Fletcher floated in a perfect ball between Nesta and Silva for Rooney to head home unchallenged from a few yards out.
Ten minutes later, Milan gave themselves a lifeline. Ronaldinho received a fine ball from Thiago Silva in the penalty area, and he sent in a low cross for Clarence Seedorf to flick home from close range. Seconds later, 'Dinho' sliced open the visitors' defence for Filippo Inzaghi to strike at goal, but it flew over the bar.
It was not the only opportunity the Rossoneri had late on as Ambrosini had a shot blocked from close range before Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva tried to head the same ball from the ensuing corner, and the chance was wasted.
Michael Carrick picked up a second yellow card deep in injury time, but Manchester United withstood the late pressure and will take a precious lead to Old Trafford. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, will be regretting their many missed chances.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
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