Cristiano Ronaldo finally became the highest scorer in Real Madrid's history while Bayern Munich set a record for the greatest number of successive wins at the start of a season in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Juventus launched their bid for a sixth successive league title after their record signing Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to grab a trademark winner in a 2-1 success over Fiorentina on the opening day of the Serie A season.
Michael Owen scored the winning goal five minutes from time to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory in the Champions World Series.
Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata were on target as Juventus defeated Inter Milan 2-0 in the 'derby of Italy' to open a four-point lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday.
Images from the Europa League matches played on Thursday
Last season's runners-up Liverpool, big-spending French league champions Paris St Germain and Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli were thrown together in the pick of the groups while holders Real Madrid must face last season's semi-finalists AS Roma.
AC Milan won their 17th Italian title as they lifted the Serie A crown for the first time since 1999 with a 1-0 win over second-placed AS Roma.
Holders Real Madrid reached the Champions League final for a third year in a row after taking advantage of Bayern Munich's carelessness in attack and defence to draw 2-2 in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, and winning 4-3 on aggregate, at the Santiago Bernabeu, in Madrid, Spain, on Tuesday.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri complained about his team's finishing after the Serie A leaders were held to a goalless draw at Fiorentina.
Italy will even be back to four teams in the Champions League group stage this season -- although that is thanks to a controversial re-formulation of the competition by UEFA rather than a significant improvement in performances by Serie A clubs.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane shrugged off his first setback since taking over from the sacked Rafa Benitez after his new team could only manage a 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga.
Holders Real Madrid came from a goal down to snatch a precious 2-1 victory at wasteful Bayern Munich on Wednesday and carry a considerable advantage into their Champions League semi-final second leg in Spain.
AS Roma's Italy international forward could leave unless the squad is strengthened by some big-name signings.
Miralem Pjanic's free kick gave Juventus a 2-1 win at Chievo on Sunday as goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrated his 600th Serie A appearance.
Brazilians Serginho and Rivaldo could make a late bid for places in the starting line-up for the Champions League final against Juventus.
The result left Milan in third place in the Serie A league.
The day after AC Milan and Juventus drew 1-1, AS Roma president Franco Sensi said the result was planned.
Cristiano Ronaldo showed nerves of steel to score an injury-time penalty and send holders Real Madrid into the semi-finals of the Champions League in extraordinary circumstances as they lost 3-1 to Juventus on Wednesday but won a thrilling tie 4-3 on aggregate.
The Chelsea coach insisted that his thoughts remained focused entirely on Tuesday's match agaimst Lazio.\n\n
Fabio Capello has signed a new four-year contract to extend his stay as Russia coach until after the end the 2018 World Cup, the Russian Football Union said on Friday.
European champions AC Milan beat Lazio 1-0 at the San Siro on Sunday to join Juventus at the top of Serie A.
AS Roma missed the chance to put pressure on Serie A leaders Juventus after playing out a frustrating goalless draw with Inter Milan in front of a half empty Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances