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David Beckham wouldn’t mind playing in defence for AC Milan as long as he gets a chance to prove himself worthy for England’s World Cup 2010 squad.

Milan are without their right-back Massimo Oddo and manager Leonardo is hinting that Beckham could start in defence.

He said:

“I would be happy to play in any position, in defence, in attack.”

Beckham commented:

“I am not expected to start the games. I just want to be part of the team. Players are not jealous. They were happy to see me back. My experience with the club was so special for six months. It was one of the best six months of my career. I missed the team, the players, the fans. The group is very similar. It is the same at Manchester United, it never changes.”

Becks also said that he almost cried when he saw Milan were drawn against Manchester United. On this he stated:

“I have never returned to Old Trafford in seven years. I miss it every day. I miss being a Manchester United player, I miss the club, I miss the fans and friends at the club. It has always had a special place in my heart. It is business. We want to win the game.”

He stated that he wants to add an Italian league title to his list of awards:

“To win a title is my number one wish. To win a title with AC Milan. I don’t think the league has lost any charm. Definitely not.”

Liverpool conceded another late goal and lost the final group stage Champions League encounter versus Fiorentina.

The Reds have allowed late goals in both their Champions League matches against Lyon and now Fiorentina, which has damaged their chances of qualifying to the knockout stage. Both Lyon and Fiorentina have made it to the next round.
In the post match conference Rafael Benitez said:

“The result and the way it happened just about sums up our Champions League campaign. Another last minute goal, and we are disappointed with that for the third time in this group. Now we must be ready for the next game at home to Arsenal on Sunday. We worked so hard, we had chances, so they are the only positive that we can take from the game.”

Although there were positives that Liverpool can take from this match, Torres returned from a groin injury and Aquiliani made his full debut for the club.

Benitez commented:

“Aquilani showed his quality, his touch was good. His vision and passing were good, but obviously he will have to work on his match fitness.”

“Everyone is available for Sunday, if he trains well he could well be involved against Arsenal. We are still trying to see the positives, we are playing better and we must now must take that into a very important game. It is the beginning of a new season for us now, I hope.”

Liverpool have also learnt that they will not be seeded in the Europa League next season.

“We will not be seeded in the Europa League, we must cope with that and be strong to handle what ever comes our way now,”

Benitez added.

Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow

Late goals from Paul Scholes(84′) and Antonio Valencia(90′+2′) helped United progress into the knockout stage of the competition. CSKA’s Deividas Šemberas earned  a red card but the team held on for a well-earned point on a remarkable tournament debut for new coach Leonid Slutski.

Earlier, Alan Dzagoev, Miloš Krasić and Vasili Berezutski gave the visitors a 3-1 advantage, Owen had scored early in the first half. United dropped quite a few chances, Owen missed his kick when teed up by Valencia, then Darren Fletcher and Federico Macheda. Akinfeev made a string of saves to keep his side in the game, but couldn’t prevent United from salvaging a draw.

AC Milan 1-1 Real Madrid

The honours were shared at San Siro after Karim Benzema’s 29th-minute strike for an enterprising Real Madrid CF was cancelled out by Ronaldinho’s penalty six minutes later.

The visitors started off strongly having loads of chances and Benzema gave them the lead, but minutes later as Zambrotta attempted a cross the the ball struck the arm of the  sliding Pepe and referee Felix Brych pointed to the spot. Ronaldinho blasted the equalizer into the roof of the net.

Milan could have snatched the lead on 58 minutes when Massimo Ambrosini headed Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick over from four metres out and Pirlo almost picked out Marco Borriello soon afterwards before Xabi Alonso came to the rescue. Real, meanwhile, were now shooting from distance, but neither Kaká or Marcelo’s strikes seriously threatened Dida. Milan substitute- Inzaghi miscued a glorious chance from close range on 83 minutes, while his counterpart, Raúl González, saw his 88th-minute strike spectacularly turned over by Dida to ensure the contest finished all-square.

Chelsea  2-2 Atletico Madrid

Like Manchester United, their Premier League counterparts Chelsea FC reached the Champions League knockout round with two Group D games to spare despite a spirited display by now eliminated Club Atlético de Madrid, Didier Drogba’s double proving enough for the visitors.

Atlético put in an improved performance under new coach Quique Sánchez Flores and two spectacular Sergio Agüero goals. Atlético set the early pace with quick and neat passing. Diego Forlán came closest to opening the scoring when he let fly a left-footer from distance that zipped wide.

Drogba returning from a three-game suspension showed his eagerness to mark his return with a goal. In the 82nd minute, Drogba headed in Florent Malouda’s cross, Juanito’s slip allowed the Ivorian to score at the second attempt.

Other Results:

Marseille 6-1 FC Zurich
Maccabi Hafia 0-1 Juventus
Bayern Munich 0-2 Bordeaux
Bseiktas 0-3 Wolfsburg
APOEL 0-1 Porto

4th November Fixtures:

ACF Fiorentina    V   Debreceni VSC
Olympique Lyonnais    V    Liverpool FC
FC Rubin Kazan   V    FC Barcelona
FC Dynamo Kyiv   V    FC Internazionale Milano
FC Unirea Urziceni   V   Rangers FC
Sevilla FC    V   VfB Stuttgart
Arsenal FC    V    AZ Alkmaar
R. Standard de Liège    V   Olympiacos FC

Yesterday saw the 2005 champions – Liverpool losing 2 – 0 to Fiorentina, in the Champions League and now their 2005 opponents – AC Milan fail to overcome FC Zürich. Milan fell behind in the 10th minute of proceedings, after FC Zürich’s Finnish defender Hannu Tihinen, back-heeled the ball into the net from a corner.

Milan tried to comeback but the Swiss side worked hard to keep their lead secure and win the match.
Zurich Coach Bernard Challandes stated:

“It is a historic result for us. We were a bit lucky in the second half because Milan put us under a lot of pressure, but we worked hard and deserved the win.”

Dusan Djuric battles with Mathieu Flamini

Chelsea struggled to defeat one of the tournament’s minnows, APOEL Nicosia, in Cyprus. They had to work hard, but scored in the 18th minute through Nicolas Anelka. Coach Carlo Ancelotti was anything but pleased and said:

“No, I’m not satisfied. I want Chelsea to play better, to play with more control, more courage. But at this point in the season it’s normal. APOEL played very well and deserved a draw, but that’s the way football is.”

Manchester United were given a stiff test by the German champion’s VFL Wolfsburg but Ryan Giggs who has been in great touch, managed to push for a United victory, first equalizing and then assisting Carrick with the winner.

Edin Dzeko competes with Rio Ferdinand

Bayern Munich and Juventus had to settle for a 0-0 tie.

Bordeaux managed a 1-0 win over Israeli champion’s Maccabi Haifa thanks to a second-half goal by defender Michael Ciani.

CSKA Moskva defeated Turkish side Beşiktaş JK(2 – 1) with goals by Alan Dzagoyev and Milos Krasic. Beşiktaş JK scored one in injury time through Ekrem Dag.

FC Porto won against Atletico Madrid with Radamel Garcia and Rolando eventually scoring in a 2-0 victory.

Olympique Marseille suffered another loss in the competition. Real Madrid won 3 – 0, all three goals were scored within a span of 5 minutes. Ronaldo opened in the 58th minute, drew a foul that allowed Kaka to make it 2-0 on a penalty kick in the 61st minute and then scored the third in the 64th minute.

Gonzalo Higuain Vs Gabriel Heinze

Final Results of matches played on 30th September, 2009
CSKA Moskva 2 – 1 Beşiktaş JK
FC Bayern München    0-0    Juventus
FC Girondins de Bordeaux    1-0    Maccabi Haifa FC
Manchester United FC    2-1    VfL Wolfsburg
AC Milan    0-1    FC Zürich
Real Madrid CF    3-0    Olympique de Marseille
APOEL FC    0-1    Chelsea FC
FC Porto    2-0    Club Atlético de Madrid

Samuel Eto’o had promised revenge on Barcelona and coach Josep Guardiola for selling him but it all ended square.

It was the most anticipated match of the Champions League, not only because of the star teams but also the rivalry of ‘Ibra’ and Eto’o, who interchanged teams this season.

Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Inter gifted Lionel Messi and former teammate – Ibrahimovic too much space which Ibrahimovic almost utilized to give Barca the lead. Messi was in devastating form and virtually sprung to every corner of Inters’ half, giving a tough time to Chivu and Maicon.

Samuel Eto’o looked out of sorts with his new colours but the Cameroonian had chances to score. Wesley Sniejder came close to scoring only to be denied by the post. Julio Cesar was literally bombarded by Barcelona’s scoring efforts as compared to his counterpart.

The second half started with dynamism; Ibrahimovic was clean on goal but was incorrectly flagged offside. Seconds later, Sneijder missed an opportunity with a low shot from outside the area. Ibrahimovic squandered another superb chance created by a Xavi pass.

The electrifying match came to a close with both sides settling for equal share of the points.