THE dream of Liverpool gracing Dublin’s Europa League final at the Aviva Stadium in May was shattered last night as the Reds bowed out after an uninspiring goalless draw last night.

Liverpool’s record signing Andy Carroll has been named on the bench and is set to make his Europa League debut for the Reds in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Braga.

ARSENE WENGER accused Braga of using “every trick in the book” as Arsenal went down 2-0 in Portugal — and now captain Cesc Fabregas is set to be out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring problem.

Braga v Arsenal

CESC FABREGAS inspired Arsenal to a Champions League thrashing of Braga as the Gunners opened their Group H campaign with a 6-0 win at the Emirates Stadium and then warned of tougher battles to come.

Arsenal v Braga

Real Madrid moved to within two points of Primera Liga leaders Barcelona after they came from behind to defeat title rivals Sevilla 3-1 at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will gamble on Mikel Jon Obi in the pivotal midfield holding role as his side take on Valencia in the Champions League quarterfinal tonight.

Internazionale 2 Valencia 2

MICHAEL Carrick insists he is not bothered about being left trailing in the Manchester United goalscoring stakes.

TWO late goals from Portugal stunned Brazil and handed Dunga his first defeat as coach.

Brazil 0 Portugal 2

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has defended his decision to offload 10 first-team players during the summer despite the injury crisis which has left him fighting for his job.

PORTUGAL coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has made changes for the World Cup double header with Liechtenstein and Latvia that should see the national side qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

NEWCASTLE manager Graeme Souness has shrugged off speculation over his future and is concentrating solely on recruiting the strikers he needs to kickstart the season.

Newcastle have tabled offers for Nicolas Anelka and Luis Boa Morte.

Newcastle are still awaiting news of their bid for Inter Milan midfielder Emre Belozoglu after manager Graeme Souness won his battle with striker Craig Bellamy.

LEE BOWYER’S future at Newcastle has been thrown into doubt again by claims that former club Charlton are ready to make a £1.5million bid to take him back to The Valley.

Hugo Viana is on his way back to Newcastle and ready to fight for his place.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has no intention of performing a U-turn over controversial striker Craig Bellamy.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has no intention of performing a U-turn over controversial striker Craig Bellamy.

NEWCASTLE boss Graeme Souness should know by today if he will have Inter Milan midfielder BelozogluEmre in his squad for the new season.

Newcastle target Belozoglu Emre will definitely be playing his football in England next season.

NEWCASTLE will take their time as they contemplate a move for Portuguese star Luis Figo.

NEWCASTLE have no intention of easing their efforts to offload striker Craig Bellamy after dismissing suggestions that they could be ready to welcome him back to St James’ Park.

Newcastle were today desperately trying to push through their first summer signing to give their latest shopping spree a new impetus.

NEWCASTLE yesterday prepared themselves for a battle to make Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker their first summer signing.

Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana expects his future to be decided within two weeks as he attempts to secure a permanent return to his native Portugal.

Newcastle have opened talks with England midfielder Kieron Dyer over a new contract.

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd has insisted he will get the balance right as he attempts to rid the club of its troublemakers and underachievers.

NEWCASTLE rebel Craig Bellamy will be ordered to turn up for pre-season training on June 22 as the Magpies up the stakes for potential buyers.

Newcastle face a potential reunion with Hugo Viana after drawing Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

AS Aston Villa manager — before he became a villain — Ron Atkinson once said the best thing about international friendlies was the final whistle.

Andy O’Brien has vowed he will not become another of Newcastle’s incredible sulks as he looks to keep a tight grip on his place in the starting line-up for club and country.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI is under no illusions about the task facing the beaten Euro 2004 finalists Portugal in tonight’s friendly at Lansdowne Road.

Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana, currently on loan at Sporting Lisbon, has escaped injury after his car was involved in a serious accident in Portugal.

Newcastle have been drawn to face Sporting Lisbon, Sochaux, Panionios and Dinamo Tbilisi in the UEFA Cup group stage.

NEWCASTLE have put the controversy over the future of Bobby Robson behind them by clinching the signing of one of the hottest properties in French football.

Newcastle have put the controversy over the future of Bobby Robson behind them by clinching the signing of one of the hottest properties in French football.

Newcastle’s French winger Laurent Robert is believed to be top of Primera Liga side Espanyol’s summer wanted list.

Newcastle today confirmed they have agreed terms with Manchester United for the transfer of midfielder Nicky Butt.