Barcelona 0 Malaga 1: Barcelona’s shock 0-1 defeat at home to Malaga in La Liga on Saturday has again darkened the mood around the Catalan club, ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Manchester City.

In spite of infernal overnight motorway roadworks, I suspect our 180-mile trek home from Burnley on Saturday night must’ve felt a helluva lot less tiresome than it did for the smattering of Spurs fans who schlepped back from their half-hearted display at Turf Moor the previous weekend.

As long as a gift is nice, it doesn’t matter if it’s a day late.

Croatia 2 Australia 2

London Irish 25 Llanelli 32

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry would love to be able to have a friendly chat with referees – just like in rugby.

French students marched, chanted and whistled in renewed nationwide protests today against a new labour law, as the government tried to maintain a united front for this pivotal test of the country’s direction.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to become the first victim of the ‘Battle of Old Trafford II’ but probably not the last after the Football Association launched an investigation into additional incidents after full time.

Chelsea strode into the Champions League quarter-finals on a remarkable night which ended in further controversy, bitter accusations and another probable UEFA investigation.

Arsenal could face a potential defensive crisis if the Football Association charge the club and up to five of their players after the post-match melee at Old Trafford.

Ireland was closed for business this afternoon as the nation watched its football team keep their World Cup dreams alive with a dramatic draw against Germany.

Fulham 3 Birmingham 1

Newcastle United 2 Tottenham 1