Euro 2016 Qualifiers, Simon Kuper, Crotch Grabbing, Xavi to Qatar

A little Roberto Mancini to start your weekend off right...

Hey. We're at the end of a dull, dull week. Let's just get to it, shall we? Brazil beat France in Paris yesterday, but it was only a friendly, so we don't really care. Tim Vickery does, though, and we like Tim. Here's his report.

There are some matches that actually matter today (and through the weekend) as European nations attempt to book their tickets to France 2016. Let's have a gander.

Euro 2016 State of Play

Internationals: What To Look Out For This Weekend

Michael Cox: Can Verratti/De Gea/Kane break into their teams' starting XIs?

Jonathan Wilson: Five Key Qualifiers To Watch

Miguel Delaney: Qualifying full of stories from Bale, Wales, to sluggish Spain

Spain vs. Ukraine: Preview

England vs. Lithuania: Preview

Euro 2016: The state of play for England/Scotland/Wales/N. Ireland/Rep. of Ireland

Sharp Dressed Men

The damage of the international games: What to look out for in MLS. Here's what else to look out for: Crotch Grabbing! Vinnie Jones would be so proud.

Backheel Breakfast

Simon Kuper has an article out today. The Soccernomics guru is writing about how football really is a thinking game. We never doubted that. What we did doubt was the use of Wayne Rooney as an example to prove the theory...

Xavi is set to leave Barcelona for the monied shores of Qatar at season's end. Uhhh, good luck?

And good night.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Denmark Defeat the United States, Jonathan Wilson on Argentina

Hello, Friends! It was a pretty classic match in Europe for the USA Men's team yesterday. Shambolic defending (even Nick Bendtner can get a hat-trick against these clowns), another great game from Jozy Altidore (Sunderland fans shaking their heads in bewilderment), and another match where possession was at a premium. Yes, the U.S.A. went down 3 - 2 to The Claire Danes in Aarhuus. Here's all you need on that:

Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Simon Evans at NRGi Park

Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Three Things That Stood Out
Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Five Things We Learned
Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Winners and Losers

Brian Strauss: Outplayed again, Klinsmann's USA sees repeated theme in Denmark

Finally, some Argentina news and analysis. We feel like there's been a dearth of coverage from down there lately. Good thing Jonathan Wilson is on the case. Here's his lead: Can Gerardo Martino end Argentina’s cup drought with Copa América glory?

Speaking of Argentina, they're in D.C. to play El Salvador on Saturday. So, of course, they went to watch Les Boullez.

That's all there is, peeps. We'll be back tomorrow with Euro 2016 qualifying crap.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Denmark vs. USA

Happy Hump Day. It's rather a rather quiet and uneventful one, to be honest. The Yanks play the Danes in Aarhus in what could be described as a 2018 World Cup preparatory game. Or, it could be a 2015 Gold Cup preparatory game. Either way, it's a friendly that will teach us...nothing. But, it might be fun to watch. If you're interested, you can get your kicks at 3:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN. Here's a Preview. Here's another Preview. Also, there's some dude named Cody Cropper on the squad. It says he's a keeper for Southampton. Interesting. Leander Schaerlaeckens is none too pleased about The Diving German's propensity for calling up loads of different guys.

Terrance Boyd is a Yank Abroad. He's plying his trade at Red Bull Leipzig, which is perhaps Germany's least popular club. That can't be easy.

Goals of the Week? Yes, that's probably a good idea. The one by Birtalan Botond in the Gyirmot vs. Bekescsaba match is quite lovely.

That'll be just fine for today. Enjoy.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Aleksandar Holiga on Davor Suker, Sid Lowe in Spain, Minnesota United, Podcast, Kaká, Juan Mata, Major League Soccer

Milan fans are not pleased with Berlusconi...

What is up? A very pleasant Tuesday to you and yours. We're going straight to the Twin Cities this morning where it is expected that the announcement will be made to tell The World that Minnesota United FC will become the newest Major League Soccer member.

Speaking of The World, it's Tuesday and that means it's time for Scribes!

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Luis Suárez embodies Barcelona’s evolution in victory against Real Madrid

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Could Lucien Favre be Pep Guardiola’s future Bayern replacement?

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? The man who took the No. 10 shirt off Lionel Messi

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Lazio’s Felipe Anderson lights up surreal Sunday with his ‘dance rock’ style

Where? Spain. Who? Guillem Balague. What? Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have weaknesses

Where? Croatia. Who? Aleksandar Holiga. What? Davor Suker: is he doing more for himself than for Croatian football?

Marcotti's Musings, people! Gab's gotta gab. Today he's got...Barcelona claim Clasico points; Man United see off Gerrard and Liverpool. Solid.

Podcast! On today's Football Weekly, AC Jimbo is joined by the motley crew - but not the Mötley Crüe - of Jacob Steinberg, John Ashdown and Gregg Bakowski to look back on a stonking weekend in the wide world of football. We start at Anfield, where Louis Van Gaal - and Steven Gerrard - out-tactic-ed Brendan Rodgers to give Manchester United the win and put breathing space between themselves and Liverpool. After analysing the rest of the action in the Premier League, we dial up Sid Lowe to get the skinny on Barcelona's victory over Real Madrid. Finally, we celebrate Bristol City's Wembley triumph, get up to speed with the Championship promotion picture, and even have a (moderately informed) word about Scottish football.

We're entering a period of international football. The doldrums. In Irons. This article might cheer you up. Maybe.

Juan Mata. What's the deal? Why did it take this long for him to get some playing time at United? And why was he dropped at Chelsea? Barney Ronay takes a look at the little maestro.

With all the hoopla surrounding NYCFCYFCYC's genesis, it's easy to forget that other "New York" team that plays down in Harrison, NJ. Apparently, that's fine with them. Want more Major League Soccer? Good, because we've got it. Here's a Weekend Review (of sorts) and here's an article from Jeff Carlisle on the Earthquakes long journey to their brand spanking new stadium and here's an interview with Kaká. Phew!

And finally...how about a European Team of the Week? Nice, right?

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Barcelona Win El Clásico, Gerrard Loses the Plot and Liverpool Lose, Bayern Munich Lose Match and Robben

Camp Nou gets ready...

How DO you do? Some fine (and weird) moments over the weekend. Over at Camp Nou, Barcelona won the latest version of El Clásico and now lead La Liga by four points. That guy, Luis Suárez, was the hero on the night for the Catalans. As you might expect, El Sid was at the ground. Let's rock to the beat of everything Barcelona/Real Madrid, beginning with Sid's report(s):

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Sid Lowe at Camp Nou

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Sid Lowe at Camp Nou II: Electric Boogaloo

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: How They Rated

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Three Quick Thoughts

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Talking Points

There were other matches in Spain's top division. Fernando Torres scored in one of them. Sevilla defeated Villarreal for the third time in 11 days in another. Here's a La Liga Wrap for that ass, as well as Five Things We Learned.

Stevie G's 38 seconds are up...

Back in England, the match at Anfield is dominating the headlines. Steven Gerrard, as you might expect, is getting a lot of the ink due to his substitution stamp. Elsewhere, Chelsea almost contrived to blow it at Hull, QPR are in real trouble, Sunderland couldn't get a win for their new Dick, and Tottenham almost lost at home to Leicester. Go:

EPL Notes

10 Talking Points

10 Things We Learned

Heroes & Villians

Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Phil McNulty at Anfield

Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Barney Ronay at Anfield

Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Five Talking Points

Richard Jolly: United peaking at the right time

Ben Lyttleton: There He Goes Again

Newcastle 1 - 2 Arsenal: Louise Taylor at St. James' Park

Newcastle 1 - 2 Arsenal: Three Thoughts

Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea: Richard Gibson at the KC Stadium

Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea: Three Thoughts

Tottenham 4 - 3 Leicester City: David Hytner at White Hart Lane

Garth Crooks's Team of the Week

Team of the Weekend

Neymar arrives at the stadium...

...and poses with his teammates after the win. Ahem.

Major League Soccer! It's certainly off and running now, folks. Here are Five Things We Learned from the weekend, including the fact that the New York Red Bulls now show signs of life after Henry. Oh, and the Chicago Fire suck.

Sticking with the U.S. for a moment, there are friendlies (yawn) coming up and The Diving German has named his squad. Check it.

Backheel Breakfast

Bad news for Bayern Munich. Yes, they lost a match. No, that won't keep them from winning the Bundesliga. What's more worrying for the Bavarian Giants is the injury to Patrick Stewart Arjen Robben. He'll miss more than one Champions League clash, it would appear. More Germany? Check out these numbers.

Down in Italy, Carlos Tevez scored again to give Juve another victory, and Lazio won their sixth on the trot. Here a Serie A Wrap for that ass. More domani with Paolo.

That's solid for the start of the week! We're all caught up. Until tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Champions League Draw, El Clásico, Liverpool vs. Manchester United, Manchester City Overhaul, 2022 World Cup

Daniel De Rossi hears it from the Roma faithful after the loss to Fiorentina...

There goes another one, SSN Peeps! It flew into oblivion on the back of some great mid-week matches. It's now time to prep for the weekend, and that means...El Clásico! As always, it's of great import, with both Real and Barca battling for the Primera Liga crown and only one point separating the two sides. Before we roll into previews, however, let's take a second and check out the results from the Europa League. Everton were humbled by Dinamo Kiev, Fiorentina embarrassed Roma, Wolfsburg beat Inter, and Sevilla defeated Villarreal. Here is a Review of all of the action from last night, along with the Final Eight Draw.

Ooof. We almost forgot. The Champions League Final Eight Draw was this morning, and it begs the question, how many red cards will there be in the Atlético/Real tie? Check it:

OK! Let's move on to all of that Clásico hoopla. Perhaps the best place to begin is with the U.S. television información: It's Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EDT on beIN Sports USA. Now, then...

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: El Clásico Tactical Preview

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: El Clásico's Greatest Moments

Andi Thomas: El Clásico is as ridiculous as it is brilliant

Just so you know, there are other matches in Spain's top division this weekend. Here's a Preview. Likewise in Serie A. Do it.

Word on the street is Manchester City are looking to replace a LOT of dead weight, and soon. This will be their first year without a trophy in a decade. Jamie Jackson takes a look at how the squad will change in an attempt to take it to the next level and actually be competitive in Europe. A lot of people are saying they may freefall and fight for a top-four spot. First up as they try to turn things around are West Brom at home. Here's all your Premier League Prep:

Premier League Preview & Predictions

Premier League Spotlight

10 Things To Look Out For

Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Key Battles

Michael Cox: Defense on display for Liverpool/United 

John Brewin: Rooney must end Anfield hoodoo

Paul Merson's Predictions

Lawro's Predictions

So, David Ospina has quietly taken over the Number One spot at Arsenal. Here's an interview with the Colombian keeper.

And finally...it's official...the 2022 World Cup will take place in November and December and the final will be on December 18. Bloody Hell. SPECTRE just gets better and better...

Onward.

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Barcelona Oust City, Juventus Advance, Europa League, Barney Ronay on Arsenal, Pereira Wants A Threesome

And there you have it. For the second time in three seasons, no English clubs in the Final Eight of the Champions League. Ouch! As you might expect, they're freaking out in the UK over the current ineptitude of English sides in Europe. Barcelona beat Manchester City 1 - 0 at Camp Nou, but it could have been much more. City were so, so poor, yet again. In the night's other game, Carlos Tevez led Juventus to an easy win over Borussia Dortmund. Let's hit the fallout, beginning a quick wrap, followed by a report from El Sid, who was at Camp Nou to witness a Messi Masterclass...

Champions League: Messi, Tevez lift Barcelona, Juventus to quarterfinals

Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Sid Lowe at Camp Nou

Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Andy West at Camp Nou

Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Five Talking Points

Graham Hunter: Messi Stands Apart

Dortmund 0-3 Juventus (agg 1-5): Three Thoughts

Gabriele Marcotti: Allegri conquers Juve's Euro fears

James Horncastle: Sleeping giant Juventus awoken by Tevez and Morata

Champions League Team of the Week

Champions League Winners & Losers

Owen Gibson: Premier League clubs’ CL failings look a trend not a blip

10 Reasons Why English Clubs Are Suffering In Europe

Premier League Wipeout in the Champions League

Seven Truths

Oh, dear. Now this: Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira offered a student £10,000 for a threesome with him and Old Trafford team-mate Paddy McNair, it was reported on Thursday.

Is this what 19-year-olds do?

Well, well, well. Someone is optimistic about Arsenal, and it turns out it's none other than Barney Ronay. Do, tell, good sir, why there is hope.

The matches just don't stop. You know that. If not, you better recognize. Today it's the Europa League. Here's what to watch, including Fiorentina vs. Roma, Inter vs. Wolfsburg, and Dynamo Kyiv vs. Everton. Of course, the debate continues. Is this competition bad for clubs?

Hey! That's all right. We'll see you tomorrow with weekend previews and more!!

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Monaco & Atlético Madrid Advance, Barcelona vs. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus, Ronny to MLS?

"Come on, lads. There's no way Arsenal come back and win this. Let's go make another shitty record."

Is it Hump Day already? Holy Cow. Let's get to it. As expected, Arsenal made a go of it, but came up just short. Groundhog Day, anyone? Yes, their naivety in the First Leg was simply too much to overcome. In the other match, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen went to penalties before the Spanish side advanced. Here's the fallout!

Champions League: Atlético Madrid survives, Arsenal ousted by Monaco

Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Daniel Taylor at the Stade Louis II

Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Henry Winter at the Stade Louis II

Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Alistair Magowan at the Stade Louis II

Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Five Talking Points

Adam Bate: Typical Arsenal

L’Equipe brand Arsenal an ‘eternal loser’

Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 B. Leverkusen (Atlético Advance): Jonathan Smith at the Vicente Calderón

Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 B. Leverkusen (Atlético Advance): Zach Woosley's Report

Don't get too comfortable, now. There are a couple more matches on the menu this afternoon, and both have the potential to be excellent. Check it:

Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview

Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview II

Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview III

Squawka.com: Pellegrini is Doomed

How to Beat Barcelona

Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus: Preview

Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus: Preview II

We mentioned the pitch invasion following the Reading FA Cup win yesterday. There was some racism, as well. Here's more on the Madejeski Madness. Speaking of racism, Les Ferdinand is speaking of racism.

And finally...as if our country didn't have enough problems already, Ronny wants to come here in 2018.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Liverpool Edge Swansea, Sampdoria Rock Roma, Fiorentina Top Milan, Scribes, Champions League, Dick in at Sunderland, Reading Advance, Another Pitch Invasion

Good times in Reading...

Good Morning! Liverpool got, how shall we put this...a bit lucky yesterday and won at Swansea 1 - 0. The Next Gerrard scored off a deflection to set the stage for Sunday's clash with Manchester United. Juicy. Here are Three Thoughts from the match, as well as a Report, provided by Stuart James, who was at the Liberty Stadium. So the Premier League Table looks like this. It's quite tight once you drop below Chelsea. Should Liverpool defeat Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, things will get nutty.

Similarly in Serie A, once you drop below Juventus, you've got Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Fiorentina, and Sampdoria all within five points and competing for two Champions League spots. Shit's this tight thanks to last night's results.

Back to England, where the semi-finals of the FA Cup are now almost set. Reading ousted Bradford 3 - 0 to book their date with Arsenal. And it'll be either Blackburn or Liverpool against Villa in the other one. Oh, there was a pitch invasion at the conclusion of the Reading/Bradford match, don't you know?

Scribes! Time to go around the world with our favorite writers and see what is up. 

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Spain is finally fighting against match fixing, the ultimate crime in football

Where? Spain. Who? Andy Brassell. What? Pressure, expectation on Gareth Bale par for the course at Real Madrid

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Huub Stevens and Stuttgart stick to double-negative path in Bundesliga

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What? Trapattoni's value to Bayern Munich was not all lost in translation

Where? Brazil. Who? Tim Vickery. What? External shock could re-shape the calendar

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Napoli start to flounder with Rafael Benítez facing rotation criticism – again

Where? Spain. Who? Graham Hunter. What? Simeone should consider his Atletico Madrid future

Where? Germany. Who? Nick Bidwell. What? The good, the bad and the ugly in Berlin

Stade Louis II: Monaco

Sunderland? Guy Poyet is out. Dick Advocaat is in.

As with most weeks, Gabriele Marcotti has some musings. This week, Gab is gabbing about...Tired Chelsea, Ibrahimovic's rant, Van Gaal's discovery, Bale-Ronaldo, more. Enjoy.

Let's get to today's Champions League activity. Arsenal have a mountain to climb in Monaco (3:45 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1), while Atlético Madrid try to overturn a 0 - 1 deficit at the Vicente Calderón against Bayer Leverkusen (3:45 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 2). Here are your previews.

Champions League Preview: Stage set for more drama in last 16 second legs

Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview

Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview II

Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview III

Picture Special: Wenger Returns to Monaco

Jack Pitt-Brooke: Giroud is holding Arsenal back

Stadium Guide: Monaco’s Stade Louis II

Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview

Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview II

Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview III

You asked for them. Now you've got 'em. Deal with it!  Major League Soccer POWER Rankings !!!

That's rather solid for a Tuesday, right? Keep it tite!

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

More Fun With The Zlatan as PSG Lose, Burnley Beat City, United Trample Tottenham, Southampton Hold Chelsea, Bayern & Barcelona Cruise, Napoli Lose, Poyet Sacked, Monday Night Football

Gus is gone...

Hey Yo! Another fabulous weekend of footie is in the books, and another quote from The Zlatan is in the headlines. And The French are none too pleased. "F--ing wake up -- we're not playing in the amateurs. Wake up! I have never seen that in 15 years in my career, such a referee in this s--- country. [You] don't even deserve PSG to be in this country." As you might imagine, xenophobic bigot Marine Le Pen wants The Zlatan out of France. Overreact much! Fools.

As expected, Sunderland gave the old, "You're Fired, " to Gus Poyet today. One win in 12 matches was enough for the Black Cat Brass to cut the Uruguayan loose. Best of luck to Gus.

Right. Back to the action on the pitch. Here's your lot from the Premier League!

10 Talking Points

Heroes & Villians

Premier League Notes

Arsenal 3 - 0 West Ham: Barney Ronay at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal 3 - 0 West Ham: Three Quick Observations

Burnley 1 - 0 Manchester City: Paul Wilson at Turf Moor

Chelsea 1 - 1 Southampton: Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 1 - 1 Southampton: Three Thoughts

Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham: Phil McNulty at Old Trafford

Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham: Three Quick Thoughts

Team of the Week

Garth Crooks's Team of the Week

La Liga is getting really hot, and we like it. Messi grabbed (yet) another double, Valencia are up to the third, El Clásico is on the horizon, and Gareth finally scored again (Ronny wasn't terribly excited about it). Here's a look back at the weekend action in Spain, along with a Review. More tomorrow with Scribes.

Serie A? Not so hot. Juventus have got the title wrapped up and the also-rans (Napoli, Inter) keep flubbing their lines. Here's a Review. More tomorrow with Scribes.

The top Stateside league is underway and there was a full slate of matches over the weekend. Here's a review of all of that. Apparently, NYCFCYCFC played their first home match at Yankee Stadium and David Villa played quite well. So, great. Also, here are Five Things We Learned over the MLS weekend.

Monday Night Football! There are a couple matches of note today. Fiorentina host struggling Milan, Liverpool look to continue their surge down in Swansea, and Roma host Sampdoria.

Woop! We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Weekend Previews, Gonzalo Higuain, Gareth Bale, Porto

And so it goes. This weekend has a few nice ones on the docket to which we can look forward. Specifically, Chelsea vs. Southampton, Manchester United vs. Tottenham, and Marseille vs. Lyon. There are also the London-centric matches of QPR vs. Crystal Palace and Arsenal vs. West Ham to enjoy. Let's get to the fun.

10 Things To Look Out For

Premier League Notebook

Premier League Team News

Jim White: Chelsea are slumping. Luckily for them, so is everyone else

Iain Macintosh: Man Utd's van Gaal's, Tottenham's Pochettino's contrasting fortunes

Michael Cox: Tottenham usurp Man Utd in the Premier League's homegrown stakes

Lawro's Predictions

Paul Merson's Predictions

Gonzalo Higuain. He's recovered his touch of late for Napoli. James Horncastle takes a closer look at the Argentine striker. Also in the Europa League, Everton came from behind to nick Dynamo Kiev, Wolfsburg also came from behind to win at home vs. Inter, and holders Sevilla won at Villarreal. Here's a round-up. But, wait! There's more!

Things are not going well for Real Madrid at the moment, and they are especially not going well for Gareth Bale. The Spanish media are all over the guy. Take a gander. Meanwhile, on the other part of the Iberian Peninsula, Porto are quietly kicking some major ass in the Champions League. Could these kids surprise a biggy in the next round?

Fresh on the heel of the antics at Villa Park, The Joy of Six is...Pitch Invasions! Featuring NFL and MLB? Oh, well.

And finally...this from Louise Taylor: It’s Europe’s hottest title race – but who will prevail in the Championship?

Enjoy the weekend.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Chelsea + PSG = EPIC!!

Wow. Wow. Wow, wow, wow. What a week of matches! Monday was the match at Old Trafford, Tuesday gave us the goal fest in Madrid, and yesterday, well, yesterday. Once The Zlatan saw red after the Chelsea players cried bloody murder, you thought that was it. Not so. Let's get to the fallout, of which there is plenty!!

Champions League: Thiago Silva's redemption lifts PSG; Bayern rolls

Chelsea 2 - 2 PSG (3-3 on agg; PSG win on away goals): Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 2 - 2 PSG (3-3 on agg; PSG win on away goals): Daniel Taylor at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 2 - 2 PSG (3-3 on agg; PSG win on away goals): Henry Winter at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 2 - 2 PSG (3-3 on agg; PSG win on away goals): Barney Ronay at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 2 - 2 PSG (3-3 on agg; PSG win on away goals): Six Talking Points

Michael Cox: PSG's brave tactics see Laurent Blanc's side oust Chelsea

Adam Bate: What went wrong for Jose Mourinho?

Ian Darke: Chelsea vs. PSG an exhibition of everything wrong with football

Andi Thomas: Chelsea & PSG made complete fools of themselves. It was brilliant.

Team of the Week

Winners and Losers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Chelsea players acted like 'babies'

Wait. There was another match yesterday? Oh, right. Just the minor concern of Bayern Munich putting SEVEN past Shakhtar Donetsk. Ouch. Andy Cryer was in Munich and filed this report.

There's more action in Europe in the form of the...Europa League this afternoon. To be fair, Europe's second-class citizen has offered a bunch of great football this year. We've certainly enjoyed it. Here's a Round of 16 Preview and a bit more on Fiorentina's Chelsea loanee Mohamed Salah ahead of his side's clash with Roma. Oh, and What to Watch.

Jonathan Wilson's got a question and it's a fine one, indeed. It is this: "So, Louis van Gaal, what exactly is your Manchester United ‘philosophy’?"

Woof. That'll have to do.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Schalke Almost Do It, Porto Cruise, Chelsea vs. PSG, Tim Howard

Have we arrived at Hump Day already? Geez, where does the time go? Schalke certainly wish they had just a bit more time yesterday after they came this close to a shocking upset in Madrid. Indeed, they won the match, but fell 5-4 on the aggregate. Gabriele Marcotti thinks a lot of Real's problems this season stem from issues at the top. As in, their president, Florentino Perez.

In the other Champions League match, Porto advanced with ease over Basel.

Today's doozy is Chelsea vs. PSG. The Zlatan and Co. go to London after the 1-1 draw in Paris in the first leg. Here's a preview. And a bit more on PSG from Julien Laurens, as well as a bit more on Chelsea from Jim White.

In the evening's other match, Shakhtar Donetsk go to Munich very much alive after a scoreless draw in the first leg. Here's a preview. And Raphael Honigstein has a nice little ditty about how Bayern Munich changed Patrick Stewart Arjen Robben.

Goals of the Week

Hey, look at this. Grant Wahl has a Q&A with Timmy. What's gone wrong at Everton, Tim?

Hey! That's it. Have a good one.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Arsenal Beat Manchester United, Sid Lowe in Spain, Tim Vickery in Brazil, Paolo Bandini in Italy, Champions League, No Beers For Racists

Wow! After reading all the stuff about the great Man U/Arsenal matches over the years it really makes you think that the latest iteration won't be up to snuff. Not so! These two sides turned back the clock in a pulsating affair that ended 2 - 1 in favor of the visitors. And you know what? The referee was actually quite good! That hasn't happened in a while! Check the rhyme:

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Phil McNulty at Old Trafford

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Three Quick Observations

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Five Talking Points

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Five Things We Learned

Manchester United 1 - 2 Arsenal: Three Things We Learned

Barney Ronay: Let’s talk about United, not the referee (even if he was rather good)

Michael Cox: Ángel di María seems an uninterested bystander at Man United

Phil McNulty: Louis van Gaal save Manchester United's season?

Here's your draw for the FA Cup Semi-Finals:

Bradford or Reading vs. Arsenal

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool or Blackburn

Ties to be played April 18/19

In Serie A last night, Paul Pogba boosted Juventus' title hopes with another sick (winning) goal in Turin. Juve are now 11 points clear. In the other match, Lazio had little trouble with Fiorentina, dispatching La Viola 4 - 1 in Rome.

Scribes!

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Real Madrid refuse to turn off ‘BBC’ as pressure builds to switch over

Where? Spain. Who? Guillem Balague. What? Madrid are seriously considering sacking coach Carlo Ancelotti

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Bundesliga found lacking in humour as fun gets sucked out of German football

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What? The Fall of VfB Stuttgart

Where? Brazil. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Dunga has much to ponder

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Luca Toni rolls back the years to leave Filippo Inzaghi clinging to Milan job

No Beers For Racists!

More matches today! The Champions League returns. Real Madrid have pretty much got it locked up, but Porto and Basel have it all to play for. Here:

Champions League Preview: Real Madrid to finish Schalke; Porto & Basel’s grudge match

Champions League: Key Questions

Real Madrid vs. Schalke 04: Preview

Porto vs. Basel: Preview

Tuesday = Marcotti's Musings. This week Gab is gabbing that Barcelona take a big edge in La Liga's title race, Lyon rebound in style, more.

Major League Soccer has resumed, and with it, Power Rankings!

Woof! That'll do for this Tuesday. Keep it tite.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Villa Park Pitch Invasion, Messi Sets Hat-Trick Record, Jozy Scores Goals, Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Good times at Villa Park...

Holy Monday! We've got loads to get through today. So much happened over the weekend in England, the U.S., Spain, Italy, Germany, and...AND...we've got the minor matter of an F.A. Cup Quarterfinal clash between Manchester United and Arsenal (3:45 p.m. EDT on FOX Sports1) to address. Sadly, we're forced to begin in Birmingham, where Villa and West Brom fans lost the plot. Here's all the fallout from the madness at Villa Park:

Aston Villa 2 - 0 West Brom: Stuart James at Villa Park

Phil McNulty: Villa Park scenes throwback 'to dark ages'

James Riach: Pitch invasion a disgrace – but it doesn’t mark return to ‘dark ages’

West Bromwich threaten zero tolerance with fans bringing club into disrepute

Arrests and Pitch Invasions Mar Villa Win

More F.A. Cup? Yes, there will be more, in the form of replays. As for what happened over the weekend, there weren't that many goals. Here are your reports:

Liverpool 0 - 0 Blackburn: Jamie Jackson at Anfield

Liverpool 0 - 0 Blackburn: Three Quick Thoughts

Bradford City 0 - 0 Reading: Louise Taylor at Valley Parade

There was one Premier League game and it was Big Daddy Kane who once again led Spurs to victory, this time at QPR. Adam Williams was at Loftus Road and filed this report.

Over in Spain, Lionel Messi has now scored more hat-tricks than anyone else in the history of La Liga. His latest came amidst the rout of Rayo Vallecano. Sticking with Spain, there were some additional results of interest over the weekend. Atletico Madrid and Valencia drew, and (gasp!) Real Madrid lost to Athletic Bilbao! Here are Five Things We Learned in La Liga this weekend. Your table now looks like this, with Real Madrid facing Barcelona at Camp Nou on March 22:

Well, things got underway in the 'Ol U.S. of A., don't you know? Seattle and L.A. won. Jozy Altidore scored not one, but two (!) goals. Back in Sunderland they are shaking their fists, we're sure. Down in the Citrus Bowl, Orlando City and NYCFCFCNY drew. Here are Ten Reactions to MLS Opening Saturday and Five Things We Learned From Opening Weekend in Major League Soccer.

Back in Italy, Napoli and Inter Milan drew, as did Chievo and Napoli. Here's a Serie A Wrap for that ass. Today league-leaders Juve look to increase their gap when they host Sussudio in Turin, and Lazio host Fiorentina. More domani with Paolo.

ORRRRRLAAAANDO!!

Right! The big one this afternoon. Let's get right to it!

Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Preview

Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Five Key Questions

John Brewin: Can Wenger finally end Arsenal's misery at Old Trafford?

Arsène Wenger’s seven FA Cup clashes against Manchester United

Six United/Arsenal Cup Classics

Four United/Arsenal Classic Games

Arsenal's Horror Run

And finally...sad news for a good guy. Cagliari have fired Zola.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com