LOCAL hero Steven Taylor made sure his first Newcastle goal was a crucial one as he fired the Magpies into the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup.

SPANISH champions Barcelona sent out a warning shot to Champions League opponents Chelsea last night as they opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga after their nearest rivals all faltered.

THE cheers in the Santiago Bernabeu that greeted Real Madrid’s 5-1 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev in midweek turned to jeers yesterday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Atletico Madrid.