Confederation Cup: Italy beats Mexico 2-1

Andrea Pirlo scored a stunning free-kick on his 100th cap for Italy, but it was Mario Balotelli who sunk Mexico in a 2-1 win in their Confederations Cup duel at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

The Juventus midfielder lifted a free-kick over the wall and high into the Mexico goal with keeper Jose de Jesus Corona left with no chance on 27 minutes.

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez sent Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way from the penalty spot on 34 minutes for the equaliser after Andrea Barzagli had clumsily bundled Giovani Dos Santos to the ground.

Barzagli was fortunate to avoid a straight red with replays showing there were no defenders between him and Buffon when he bundled Dos Santos to the ground.

Balotelli won it for the former World Cup holders with 12 minutes remaining of normal time when he outmuscled Francisco Rodríguez before sending the ball beyond Corona in the Mexico goal from deep inside the area.

Balotelli was booked for whipping off his shirt, but did not seem to care much with Italy getting their tournament off to a perfect start.

Cesare Prandelli's side face Japan in their next Group A match with Mexico meeting host nation Brazil on Wednesday.

Brazil began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Japan on Saturday evening.

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, the only player to score in a competitive game for Mexico in 2013, started up front for El Tricolor while Mallorca attacking midfielder Dos Santos was also recalled after starting the game against Costa Rica on the bench.

Italy deployed a new 4-3-2-1 system with Juventus duo Emanuele Giaccherini – who scored Italy’s fastest ever goal after 19 seconds against Haiti this week – and Claudio Marchisio.

Andrea Pirlo won his 100th cap and was majestic, but Mexico contributed to a lively contest that sped from end to end with some regularity.

Italy carved out the first chance of the night when Riccardo Montolivo picked out Balotelli, but his shot was halted by Jose de Jesus Corona.

Dos Santos picked out Guardado in space on 12 yards, but his shot came back off the bar from 12 yards with Buffon beaten.

Another Pirlo free-kick broke to Montolivo early in the second half, but his shot was held by Corona.

Balotelli should have been awarded a penalty around the hour-mark when he was clearly felled by Hector Moreno, but the referee was not interested his appeals.

Andrés Guardado threw a fine free-kick into the heart of the Italy box, but Gerarrdo Flores nodded wide of goal when it looked easier to find the target.

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Confederation Cup: Dominant Spain down Uruguay 2-1

Spain strolled to a 2-1 victory over Uruguay in the opening game in Group B of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Both Spain goals came in a first half dominated by the FIFA World Cup™ holders. Pedro opened the scoring in Recife with a deflected effort before Roberto Soldado grabbed his sixth Spain goal in ten internationals.

Luis Suarez struck a superb late free-kick which with what was only Uruguay's second shot on target.

The tone was set in the opening stages, as Spain enjoyed a remarkable 92 per cent of the ball in the first five minutes. That was an omen of things to come.

La Furia Roja took the lead when a Xavi corner was partially cleared by the Uruguay defence. The ball found its way to Pedro whose strike from the edge of the box took a huge deflection off Uruguay captain Diego Lugano and flew past Fernando Muslera.

Things did not get any better for La Celeste's goalkeeper, who continued an unhappy 27th birthday by conceding again after the half-hour mark.

Iniesta sent Pedro wide on the right who in turn found Fabregas in the centre of the pitch. The Barcelona maestro pulled off a quite brilliant reverse pass to find Soldado on the edge of the box. Spain's No14 made no mistake and calmly found the net.

The second half represented something of a procession for Vicente Del Bosque's men. Roberto Soldado went closest to adding another Spanish goal but he was inches away from a dangerous Pedro cross.

Luis Suarez struck late on, but it was not enough for the South American champions, as Spain survived a tetchy final few moments to collect all three points.

A lot of the pre-match talk was about Iker Casillas' inclusion in the starting XI, but the Real Madrid man was hardly troubled. It is likely Spain's No1 will have an even quieter evening when the FIFA World Cup holders face Tahiti at the Maracana on Thursday.

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Confederation Cup: Brazil beat Japan 3-0

Brazil got their Confederations Cup campaign off to the ideal start with a three nil win over Asian Champions Japan at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia.

Barcelona-bound Neymar got the hosts off and running after three minutes, Paulinho struck the second just after the restart while Jo made it three in stoppage time.

The first round of matches in group A will be completed on Sunday when Concacaf Gold Cup winners Mexico take on Italy, who secured a place in the event as runners up to European champions Spain.

Spain, who are also the World Cup holders, start their group B campaign against Uruguay at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife also on Sunday.

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JOSE MOURINHO is Chelsea’s new boss — and that’s official!

The Special One sealed a spectacular £40million four-year deal on Tuesday night.

A senior Blues source revealed: “It’s official Jose is a Chelsea man again! Everyone is delighted he’s coming back — the club, the players and the fans

“We are already looking forward to next season — we are sure it’s going to be very exciting.”

The Sun exclusively told you on May 3 that Real Madrid chief Mourinho was heading back to the Bridge.

And we can now reveal Mourinho finally put pen to paper during a two-day trip to London this week.

His cover story was attending the Crystal Palace-Watford play-off final at Wembley on Monday and visiting friends in the capital.

But the real purpose of the visit was to seal an emotional return to his beloved Blues along with right-hand man Rui Faria.

Now it is expected he will be unveiled next week in a blaze of publicity by the Europa League champions.

That is after he has taken charge of Real’s final game at home to Osasuna on Saturday, which will bring to an end his controversial three-year reign at the Bernabeu.

There is just time for the 50-year-old father of two to squeeze in a holiday with his family before starting work in earnest in July.

Mourinho’s first match looks sure to be the pre-season friendly in Thailand against the Singha All Stars XI, the kick-off to a Far East tour that also takes in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Then he will take the Blues to America for the International Champions Cup tournament which features two of Mourinho’s former clubs, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, as well as Everton, Juventus, AC Milan, Valencia and LA Galaxy.

Much is expected of Mourinho, who won six trophies in just three seasons during his first spell at Chelsea between 2004-07.

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Chelsea thank Benitez as they release him to Napoli

Chelsea have officially confirmed the departure of interim manager Rafael Benitez, who is to take over as boss of Serie A side Napoli.

Benitez, who led Chelsea to Europa League success, the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup, plus third place in the Premier League, will replace Walter Mazzari at the Stadio San Paolo.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis had announced via Twitter on Monday that Benitez would be the club's new coach after they finished runners-up to Juventus.

Now Chelsea have confirmed Benitez's exit and thanked him for his efforts.

"Chelsea Football Club has today [Tuesday] released Rafael Benitez from his contract to become the new manager of Napoli,'' said a statement on the club's official website.

"Rafa was appointed as the club's interim manager last November, and steered us to automatic Champions League qualification thanks to our third-place finish in the Barclays Premier League, while also leading us to the Europa League title in Amsterdam earlier this month.

"Also departing to join Napoli are first-team fitness coach Paco De Miguel and Xavi Valero, the first-team opposition analyst.

"Everybody at Chelsea Football Club would like to place on record our thanks to Rafa and his staff for their work at the club, and wish them success for the future.''

Jose Mourinho is expected to be announced as Chelsea manager for a second time next month.

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Liga - Real Madrid confirm Mourinho exit

Real president Florentino Perez made the announcement in a special press conference at the Bernabeu stadium on Monday evening.

He also said that presidential elections would be held on June 16 and that he would run for the post again.

"We've decided to bring our relationship with manager Jose Mourinho to an end at the end of the current season," Perez said. "The club and the manager have agreed the time is right to bring our relationship to an end.

"Nobody has been sacked, it's by mutual agreement. And we have no pre-contract signed with any managerial candidate - it's something we'll look at in the coming days.

"When someone leaves Real Madrid there is something they are not happy about. But after three years it was the right time and we thank him for all his hard work."

Mourinho joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2010, winning the Copa del Rey in his first season and the Liga title the following campaign.

But Real will end this season without major silverware following Friday's defeat by city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Portuguese Mourinho, who has done little to contradict reports he will return to Premier League club Chelsea next season, said it had been a "disastrous" campaign and his "worst ever" as a coach.

Chelsea will part ways with interim boss Rafael Benitez, who is expected to join Napoli, and the majority of the club's fans are keen on Mourinho to return.

Paris St Germain's boss Carlo Ancelotti has been widely tipped as Mourinho's successor, and the Italian has told the French side he wants to leave.

Mourinho was widely praised for breaking Barcelona's dominance of the Spanish Liga last season after joining from Internazionale, with whom he won a domestic and European treble.

But he has had a fractious relationship with the Spanish media, league officials and even his own colleagues, falling out with several players including Real and Spain captain Iker Casillas.

Failing to win the Champions League is also a sore point for Real, although Mourinho has taken them to the semi-finals in each of his three seasons - the club had failed to pass the second round of the competition for six consecutive seasons previously.

Perez did reserve special praise for that feat, saying Mourinho "brought us back to a higher level". He also added that the former Porto boss had returned a "culture of winning" to the club, and that he "would have liked Mourinho to continue" in his post.

Real have reportedly approached Ligue 1 champions PSG regarding coach Ancelotti, who like Mourinho is a former Chelsea manager. The Italian has asked PSG for permission to leave for Real, who despite the riches of the Qatari-owned French club are still considered a bigger draw. Real have denied this speculation.

Whether Chelsea is Mourinho's next destination remains to be seen though - while he is still hugely popular with the Blues faithful, Mourinho may view replacing Ancelotti at PSG as a greater challenge, while Manchester City have not yet formally approached Malaga over their coach, former Real boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Either way, the tempestuous spell at the Bernabeu is over, and one of the most highly-rated managers in world football on the lookout for a new job.

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Premier League: Chelsea secure Champion League spot

Fernando Torres scored his first league goal since December as Chelsea secured third place in the table and an automatic place in the Champions League group stages with a 2-1 home win over a fine Everton side at Stamford Bridge.

With London rivals Arsenal winning 1-0 at Newcastle, Chelsea needed a second goal to ease the tension around the ground and Torres provided it with a fine winning goal on 76 minutes as he volleyed into the net after substitute Victor Moses had provided him with a cushioned header from Oscar's cross.

In a breathless and brilliant contest that could have gone either way, Chelsea completed a rousing week after lifting the Europa League with their 2-1 win over Benfica on Wednesday.

Chelsea moved ahead on seven minutes when visiting goalkeeper Tim Howard failed to hold a Demba Ba effort as Juan Mata slotted the rebound with some ease.

Torres was booked for a late tackle on Seamus Coleman in the first half and was fortunate to avoid a red card after diving in the box under pressure from Marouane Fellaini.

The Spanish striker sarcastically applauded a linesman, a gesture missed by referee Anthony Taylor that would have surely saw him walk.

Everton always looked as dangerous as the hosts in their attacking forays and equalised when Steven Naismith lifted the ball over Petr Cech on 14 minutes to restore parity after Victor Anichebe had played provider with some lovely play as David Luiz was penalised for losing the ball with a heavy first touch.

It was David Moyes's last match as Everton manager before he departs to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. His side finish the campaign in sixth spot, two points above Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Rafael Benitez is also likely to be moving on from his successful seven-month spell at Chelsea with Jose Mourinho widely expected to return to the club from Real Madrid.

Benitez can depart with real satisfaction having led Chelsea to a trophy while they also avoid having to qualify for the Champions League, a scenario that fourth-placed Arsenal must now confront in the final play-off match for European football's elite competition.

Everton substitute Nikica Jelavic should have rescued a point for the visiting team late on, but he somehow ended the match without a goal.

He knocked Leighton Baines's ball wide on 74 minutes before driving a shot straight into the arms of Cech on 81 minutes.

Cech then clawed out the Croatian forward's header five minutes later after a wonderful cross from Baines as a tiring Chelsea clung on for the three points.

The first half was a joy to watch on a balmy day at Stamford Bridge as both teams set about their task with some relish.

Howard was guilty of spilling a Ba shot and Mata was gifted the rebound as he converted with some simplicity.

Naismith should have equalised on 10 minutes when he nudged Coleman's cutback wide from 12 yards out.

But the former Rangers man played a leading role in the equaliser as a heavy first touch by Luiz enabled Anichebe to earn possession.

He supplied Naismith, who coolly lifted the ball over Cech to end his sequence of 20 games without a goal.

Everton were suddenly warming to the task as Darron Gibson saw a shot come back off a post with Cech beaten.

The effort spun off the frame of the goal with Cech fortunate the ball did not come back off him and end up in the net.

Torres headed wide with Nathan Ake lifting a shot over from distance as the play continued to rage from end to end.
Kevin Mirallas then came up with a feeble finish for Everton when his attempted volley from Gibson's cross was easily held by Cech.

Howard redeemed himself in the Everton goal to beat out a powerful shot by Mata after bounding onto a pass from Frank Lampard, who was presented with an award before kick-off by Bobby Tambling who he overtook as the club's all-time top goalscorer last weekend.

Pienaar saw an effort come back off the frame of Luiz moments before half-time, but Everton needed some fine defending by Phil Jagielka to prevent Gary Cahill from scoring in the second half.

In the end, the huffing and puffing all came to nothing as Torres made his 22nd goal of the season in all competitions and an 80th Premier League of his career count towards those Champions League riches.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Juan Mata (Chelsea) - Was given a standing ovation after he was replaced by César Azpilicueta in the closing moments. A class apart with his control and vision.

PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Cech 7, Ivanovic 5, Cahill 7, Luiz 6, Cole 7, Ake 7, Lampard 7, Torres 8, Mata 9, Oscar 7; Ba 7..subs: Azpilicueta 6, Ferreira 6, Moses 7
Everton: Howard 7, Coleman 7, Baines 7, Jagielka 6, Distin 8, Gibson 7, Fellaini 6, Pienaar 6, Mirallas 6, Naismith 6, Anichebe 7..subs: Heitinga 6, Jelavic 6

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Premier League: Chelsea to sell flop Torres

CHELSEA are set to take a £30MILLION hit and sell Fernando Torres this summer.

The Blues want rid of their record £50m buy even though he has 22 goals this term, his best season at Stamford Bridge.

Torres has netted just seven times in the Premier League, the last coming against Aston Villa in December.

And that is why Chelsea hope today’s match against Everton will be his final one. Overall, Torres has 34 goals in 130 appearances since signing from Liverpool in January 2011.

That equals more than £2m a goal when you add his £22m pay to the £50m transfer fee.

Incoming boss Jose Mourinho wants a new-look attack and hopes to splash £70m on Napoli star Edinson Cavani and Bayer Leverkusen’s Andre Schurrle.

Chelsea’s willingness to sell could come as a shock to Torres as he wants to stay.

Torres, 29, trousers £170,000 a week and the Blues face the prospect of either topping up a contract at a new club or paying him a lump sum to go away.

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Football - David Beckham retires from football

The midfielder, who turned 38 earlier this month, was reportedly offered a new one-year-contract by Paris Saint-Germain but has chosen to end a 20-year football career.

He will quit at the end of the season, with his final game away to Lorient on May 26.

He said in a statement: "I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level."

Beckham won league titles in four countries with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and PSG, and also enjoyed two spells on loan at AC Milan.

He won 115 England caps, placing him second all-time behind Peter Shilton, scoring 17 goals and playing at three World Cups.

Beckham added: "If you had told me as a young boy, I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams.

"To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country.

"I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.

"I'm honored to represent England both on and off the pitch... I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed."

PSG wrapped up the Ligue 1 title on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Lyon - Beckham has played 13 times for the French team since joining on January 31.

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Europa League final: Chelsea win Europa League with 2-1 win over Benfica

Chelsea made it back-to-back European wins as they claimed the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Amsterdam Arena.

The final had appeared to be heading for extra-time as Oscar Cardozo had levelled from the penalty spot just eight minutes after Fernando Torres had put Chelsea ahead on the hour.

But it was won in injury-time as Branislav Ivanovic rose brilliantly to head home a Juan Mata corner to give Chelsea yet more European silverware just 12 months after claiming the Champions League title.

As early as the second minute Cardozo headed over, whilst Nico Gaitan twice fired wide and Enzo Perez and Eduardo Salvio were constantly probing and driving forward from midfield.

One-time Bolton loanee Rodrigo probably had the best chance of the half when a free-kick was taken short and came into him just six yards out, but he twice lost his footing and missed the chance to test Cech.

Chelsea were limited but Artur had to pull off an exceptional save just before the break when Frank Lampard made a rare foray to the edge of their box and unleashed an archetypal thunderous drive, but the Brazilian managed to tip it over when he looked to be going the wrong way.

Into the second half and the expected reaction from Chelsea did not materialise with Benfica pushing forward in numbers again. Gaitan saw a half-volley fly wide before Cardozo had a header ruled out for offside.

On the hour mark Cech made a good save from Salvio's back-post header - but from that nobody expected what was to come as Chelsea were ahead within seconds.

Cech threw the ball long for Mata in the centre-circle, he flicked it on and Torres was away, holding off Luisao and going past Artur before finishing clinically.

Chelsea's lead though lasted just eight minutes. Cesar Azpilicueta handled in the box as substitute Lima flicked the ball on and Cardozo stepped up to hammer the ball past Cech.

Both teams pushed on for the winner and they both had their chances. Cech was at his best as he tipped over a brilliant dipping volley from Cardozo.

Then captain Lampard came within inches of winning it in the final minute of normal time but his stunning effort from 30 yards cannoned back off the bar.

But, just when the game looked to be heading into extra-time, Chelsea won it. Ramires chased down a long ball to win a corner, Mata took it and Ivanovic rose unmarked to head into the corner of the net.

Still there was time for Cardozo to almost be presented with a chance to take the match to extra-time, but he was denied by a great lunge from Gary Cahill and Chelsea celebrated as the full-time whistle went just moments later.

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Premier League: Roberto Mancini sacked!

The Italian, who joined the club in late 2009, won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title last season.

This season, however, the club have lost out to neighbours Manchester United in the league, suffered a shock defeat to Wigan Athletic in Sunday's FA Cup final, and were eliminated in the group stages of the Champions League.

Rumours have been swelling that Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini will replace the Italian, though the Chilean denied any such agreement was in place.

Mancini, who had four years left on a five-year contract, has been reportedly paid £28 million in compensation by the club for the termination of his contract - although contrasting reports suggest that could be limited to £7m, the equivalent of a single year's wages, by a clause in the deal he signed last summer.

Assistant manager Brian Kidd will take the reins for the club's two remaining Premier League fixtures this season.

"It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager," the club wrote in a statement.

"This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club."

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to Mancini, despite his axing: "Roberto’s record speaks for itself and he has the respect and gratitude of Sheikh Mansour, myself and the Board for all of his hard work and commitment over the last three and a half years. He has clearly also secured the love and respect of our fans.

"He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success, breaking the Club’s 35-year trophy drought and securing the title in 2012. I would like to personally and publicly thank him for his dedication to the progress that he has overseen and for his support and continued friendship."

Eurosport

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Premier League: Lampard becomes Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer in win at Villa

Frank Lampard became Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer with a second-half double that sunk Aston Villa 2-1 in a frantic match that saw two red cards.

Belgian striker Christian Benteke had given the home side the lead in the 15th minute with a 23rd goal of the season, but soiled his day when he joined Ramires of Chelsea in seeing red for picking up a second yellow card 10 minutes after the break. Both men went for dangerous play in ill-advised high boot incidents.

Chelsea had been struggling, but seized the day as Lampard equalised on 61 minutes with a fierce hit from the edge of the box from Eden Hazard's pass before slipping the ball into the net two minutes from time to convert Hazard's cutback.

It was Lampard's 202nd and 203rd goal for Chelsea in all competitions 12 years at the club – overtaking Bobby Tambling’s all time record for the club.

Chelsea should have moved 2-1 clear with 18 minutes left as Yacouba Sylla blocked on the line before Ashley Westwood cleared the ball after Demba Ba had flicked on a Gary Cahill effort.

Replays showed that it was over the line while there was also a hint of a handball by Nathan Baker, but the incident happened so quickly that the referee and linesman could hardly be criticised for waving play on.

Chelsea are almost over the line in making sure of Champions League qualification in third place in the table. They are five points clear of Arsenal and six ahead of Spurs with one league game remaining, but they have worries ahead of the Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.

John Terry was carted off injured after falling awkwardly in the Villa box. It seemed to be an ankle injury while Hazard pulled up in eight minutes added on for stoppages with a hamstring problem as Chelsea held on with nine men. Both men await the result of scans to determine the extent of the damage.

Chelsea fans spilled onto the pitch to greet Lampard's late winner as the Villa fans looked on in a sort of stunned disbelief.

It was heartening to see the Villa captain Stilian Petrov accept the applause of the home fans after announcing his retirement earlier this week with his leukemia in remission.

But their side are not yet out of the woods in trying to stay afloat in the Premier League despite having 40 points. They must hope Wigan on 35 points lose at Arsenal on Wednesday after they come off today's FA Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Villa head for Wigan on the final day of the season next Sunday.

There was little doubt that Benteke's red card changed the mood of the match in showing the best and worst of his character.

His finish to accept Sylla's pass and finish at the near post of the goalkeeper Petr Cech from a bounding run was superb.

But he dropped his side in deep trouble after an unnecessary high boot challenge on César Azpilicueta saw him sent off. He was booked for elbowing Azpilicueta earlier in the match.

Ramires walked seconds before the break after he collected a second booking for a late high boot aimed at Gabriel Agbonlahor. He had been booked on 22 minutes for a late challenge on Benteke, who was destined to join him in walking late on.

Elsewhere in an incident-packed afternoon, Villa manager Paul Lambert felt that Terry should have walked for a last-man challenge on Sylla moments before Ramires was sent off, but there looked to be Chelsea defenders in covering positions as Sylla threatened to race in on goal.

Chelsea conclude their season when Everton visit next Sunday.

They will hope to celebrate winning the Europa League and Champions League qualification by that stage in what is likely to be Rafael Benitez's last match as head coach.

Chelsea fans will hope it isn't Lampard last appearance for the club with his thumping finish for the equaliser giving Brad Guzan no chance in the Villa goal before he sped into the opposition box to finish off a delightful winning move by the outgoing European champions.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - Superb goals and real drive from Lampard, who is set to bow out of the club in style this summer.

PLAYER RATINGS

Aston Villa: Guzan 7, Lichaj 6, Vlaar 6, Baker 6, Bennett 6, Westwood 6, Delph 7, Sylla 6, Weimann 7, Agbonlahor 7, Benteke 5
Chelsea: Cech 7, Cole 7, Cahill 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 5, Ramires 7, Lampard 8, Moses 6, Mata 7, Hazard 8, Ba 6..subs: Ivanovic 6, David Luiz 6, Torres 6

Eurosport

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Premier League: Chelsea held 2-2 by Spurs

Emmanuel Adebayor produced two moments of brilliance to keep Tottenham's Champions League qualification hopes alive in a 2-2 draw at Chelsea.

The Togo striker swept a shot high into the net on 26 minutes with his side's first real attack of the night after Oscar had opened for Chelsea with a header from close range on 11 minutes.

Chelsea regained the lead courtesy of a glorious finish from Ramires on 39 minutes, but Adebayor had the final word when he planted a lovely backheel into the path of substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson, who clipped his finish into the corner of the net on 80 minutes with Petr Cech given no chance in the home goal.

Gareth Bale had an injury-time free-kick to win the game for Tottenham and give them an unlikely three points, but his effort typified an unusually tame performance with Cech making the stop.

Chelsea remain in third place on 69 points and will surely confirm their Champions League qualification with a win at Aston Villa on Saturday such is the strength of their goal difference. They finish their season at home against Everton.

Arsenal remain fourth on 67 points, a point clear of Spurs with two league games of the season remaining.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal will claim a place in the Champions League - or the qualifiers for finishing fourth in the table - with wins at home against Wigan and away to Newcastle over the next 11 days.
Spurs will chase six points from their final two outings of the campaign at Stoke on Sunday before Sunderland visit White Hart Lane on May 19.

They must hope Chelsea and/or Arsenal drop points as both of their London rivals will finish above them if it comes down to goal difference.

A draw was probably a just outcome, but Chelsea may feel they deserved all three points.

They moved ahead when Gary Cahill nodded Juan Mata's corner across the face of goal for Oscar to convert unmarked at the back post.

Spurs did little or nothing in the opening 30 minutes, but equalised when Adebayor broke from his own half at pace. With Chelsea continuing to retreat, he expertly lifted the ball over a bamboozled Cech, who was caught too far off his line.

Chelsea regained the lead when Ramires scampered onto a Fernando Torres pass to whip a rapid shot into the corner of Hugo Lloris's net.

Lewis Holtby and Kyle Walker knocked fairly tame shots wide in the first period, but Chelsea could have moved at least two goals clear in the second half with the excellent Eden Hazard - who limped off injured late on - lifting the ball over the bar in space.

Ramires also somehow managed to miss the ball completely when he was played in by Mata from Hazard's breathtaking pass on the break.

Rafael Benitez's side seemed destined for the win, but Andre Villas-Boas was not to leave Stamford Bridge empty handed on his first return to Chelsea as a coach since he was sacked last year.

Sigurdsson - on for Aaron Lennon after 62 minutes - accepted a lovely cushioned pass from Adebayor after some neat build-up work by Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Sigurdsson wasted little time in placing the ball into the corner of the net, but they could not come up with the winning goal their fans craved late on.
Chelsea remain unbeaten against Spurs at Stamford Bridge since 1990.

MAN OF THE MATCH
Emmanuel Adebayor - Two glimpses of genuine class may yet be enough to see Tottenham reach the Champions League promised land.

PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Cech 6, Azpilicueta 6, Ivanovic 6, Cahill 6, Cole 6, Ramires 7, Luiz 6, Oscar 7, Mata 8, Hazard 8, Torres 7..subs: Moses 6, Benayoun 6
Tottenham: Lloris 6, Walker 6, Dawson 6, Vertonghen 6, Assou-Ekotto 7, Lennon 6, Huddlestone 6, Parker 7, Holtby 6, Adebayor 8, Bale 6..subs: Dempsey 6, Sigurdsson 7

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Premier League: David Moyes New Manager of Manchester United

According to The Times’ Northern Football Correspondent James Ducker, the Premier League champions have acted swiftly after announcing that Sir Alex Ferguson would move upstairs at the end of this season, after 26 and a half years in charge.

Fellow Scot Moyes, whose Everton contract expires this summer and has long been tipped as a future United boss, was installed as odds-on favourite to become the next Old Trafford supremo last week.
And now it seems the 50-year-old will take the reins earlier than anticipated.

Additionally, former Manchester United defender Phil Neville, who has played under Moyes at Everton since 2005, has announced he is leaving the Merseyside club this summer.

The 36-year-old has not confirmed whether he intends to continue playing or move into coaching, but he holds a UEFA B License and has worked with England's youth set-up. Eurosport sources said he was preparing for life as Moyes's assistant, although these reports have not been confirmed.

Glasgow-born Moyes is a former defender who started his career at Celtic but played for Dunfermline, Hamilton and several lower-league English clubs.

He rose to prominence as Preston North End boss, taking the struggling third-tier side to what was then known as the First Division (now the Championship), before almost gaining promotion through the play-offs at the first time of asking.

Moyes soon got his chance at the Premier League when struggling Everton appointed him as manager in 2001, and has since turned the Toffees into solid challengers for a Europa League place, on a limited budget, and the 2009 FA Cup final.

Unlike second favourite Jose Mourinho, Moyes has not won any major trophies, but he is seen as having a greater commitment to coaching and development of players, and thus fitting in to Manchester United’s long-term strategy.

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Premier League: Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

Ferguson, 71, took over in 1986 and won two Champions League crowns, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, 13 league titles - including this season's competition - five FA Cups and four League Cups to make him the most successful manager in British football history.

Amid rampant speculation that he would step down in Wednesday's papers, United tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson retires. #thankyousiralex".

A club statement read: "The most successful manager in English football history will bow out after the West Bromwich Albion game on 19 May and join the football club board."

“The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time,” said Scot Ferguson, who is set for hip surgery in the summer.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so.

"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.

"Our training facilities are amongst the finest in global sport and our home Old Trafford is rightfully regarded as one of the leading venues in the world.

"Going forward, I am delighted to take on the roles of both director and ambassador for the club. With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential. My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career."

The story originally emerged late on Tuesday evening, with reports that United’s player versus coaches golf day at Dunham Massey had been overshadowed by the expectation of such an announcement.

David Moyes and Jose Mourinho have emerged as favourites to take over. Scot Moyes is out of contract at long-term employers Everton in the summer while Mourinho is widely expected to leave Real Madrid this summer.

The Portuguese had been thought to be set to return to former club Chelsea, but Ferguson vacating the Old Trafford hotseat now throws that anticipated move into doubt.

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Ferguson slams 'dying swan' David Luiz

Chelsea found the winner in the 87th minute via a Juan Mata shot deflected off Phil Jones, but Fergie was fuming about an incident two minutes later.

As United chased an equaliser, Rafael and Luiz tangled in the corner of the field. Luiz appeared to hold his compatriot off with an elbow, who responded by kicking out at him. Luiz fell to the ground and was seen on camera smiling as referee Howard Webb blew his whistle to send Rafael off.

Ferguson said after the match that Luiz's play-acting had been instrumental in the referee issuing a red card, and that it was an unwelcome trait in non-British players.

"The ref has been bought by the fact Luiz is rolling about," he said. "But whether the ref will do anything about it, I doubt very much. When a player retaliates he gets punished the most. Luiz rolled about. You see that with these European, foreign and South American players.

"He [Da Silva] retaliates but Luiz quite clearly elbows him twice, then rolls about like a diving swan and that convinces the referee. He was smiling. It's bad. What kind of professional is that? He [Da Silva] was elbowed and he retaliated. That's what always happens, the player who retaliates always gets the bigger penalty and it was clear that Luiz elbowed him twice.

"It was rash what he [Da Silva] did, he's a young lad and should know better but retaliation never works. I wouldn't say it was violent conduct. The referee hasn't even seen it, I don't think he could see it at all. But he has gone with the fact that Luiz has rolled about on the floor and I think that convinced him it was a red card."

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EPL: Chelsea grab dramatic late winner at Manchester United

Chelsea secured a crucial 1-0 win over Manchester United courtesy of a late winner in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

A tame game appeared to be meandering to an underwhelming conclusion when, after 87 minutes, Mata confirmed his status as Chelsea's outstanding player this season by firing towards the bottom corner with a shot that took a deflection off Phil Jones.

United reacted badly to the late setback and Rafael lost his head when kicking out at David Luiz and earning a red card, even if his opponent hardly covered himself in glory when smiling to himself as he dramatically clutched his leg on the floor.
The win moves Chelsea into third place, one point ahead of Arsenal having played a game fewer than the Gunners and three ahead of Tottenham, who Chelsea face at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

United made five changes with Wayne Rooney dropping out of the team and Anders Lindegaard given a rare chance in goal. Meanwhile, Chelsea fielded nine players who featured in the Europa League semi-final win over Basel.

It was a rather makeshift XI for the champions, particularly given the midfield brought together Anderson, Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones, and United struggled in the early stages of the match at Old Trafford.

As early as three minutes into the contest, Chelsea could have taken the lead. Mata and Victor Moses exchanged passes on the edge of the box before the Spaniard floated a gorgeous ball across for the unmarked Demba Ba, who got under the ball and sent it over the bar.

United, lacking Chelsea's level of incentive, carved out a number of half-chances, Cleverley firing wide on the half-volley after Robin van Persie chested a cross from Antonio Valencia into his path, but Chelsea's superior energy and application gave them the edge in the first half hour.

After 14 minutes they hit the woodwork when Oscar took the ball on a mazy run and fired in a low shot that Lindegaard deflected onto the base of the post. Another surge forward saw Mata lay the ball off to Moses on the edge of the box but the forward lifted his shot high into the stands.

However, United finished the first half the stronger side. First Ryan Giggs prised open the defence with a lovely pass for Van Persie, who after bisecting the two centre-backs manoeuvred the ball just wide of the post with his first touch. He in turn teed up Giggs for a volley that flew wide and Van Persie then saw a firm header clasped by Cech just before the break.

The second half was a turgid affair, which only sparked to life towards its conclusion. After Frank Lampard only narrowly failed to drop a cross onto the head of the unmarked Mata, Rafael saw his low centre turned into the side netting by the leg of Branislav Ivanovic.

Still, a goalless draw looked on the cards until Mata inspired the late winner three minutes from time. Ramires laid the ball off to Oscar and when he switched it quickly to the Spaniard, Mata arrowed a shot towards the bottom corner with an inadvertent touch from Jones beating Lindegaard in the United goal.

In a febrile final few minutes, Rafael was given a card as he went after Luiz near the corner flag and lashed out at his compatriot, chopping him to ground. Referee Howard Webb had no option but to send the right-back off, even if the sight of Luiz having a smile to himself was a strange one.

After a brief flurry of action, it was Chelsea who secured the victory that puts them in pole position to claim a place in the Champions League for next season.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Juan Mata (Chelsea) - Who else? Decided the game with his late inspiration leading to the winning goal and was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.

PLAYER RATINGS
MAN UTD: Lindegaard 6, Rafael 5, Vidic 6, Evans 7, Evra 6, Jones 6, Anderson 5, Valencia 5, Cleverley 5, Giggs, 6, Van Persie 6. Subs: Buttner 6, Rooney 6, Hernandez N/A.
CHELSEA: Cech 6, Azpilicueta 7, Ivanovic 6, Luiz 6, Cole 6, Ramires 6, Lampard 6, Moses 5, Mata 8, Oscar 6, Ba 6. Subs: Torres 6, Ake N/A.

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Mourinho´s return to Chelsea likely according to agent

The agent of Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that a return to Chelsea is highly probable after three years in Spain.

After leaving Stamford Bridge over five years ago, the Portuguese manager, who won two Premier League titles in his previous spell at the London club, could be set to return to English football having reportedly settled his differences with Roman Abramovich.

Since leaving Chelsea, Mourinho has won league titles in Italy and Spain as well as the UEFA Champions League with Inter, however his tenure at Real Madrid appears to be coming to an end after failing to win La Liga this season and not being able to add to their nine European Cup successes.

The 50-year-old's time at Madrid has been filled with flashpoints as he tried to control the club's players and win mind games with their opponents.

His most public falling out was with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, with Mourinho dropping the Spain international earlier this season much to the surprise of the Madrid supporters. He also clashed with Pep Guardiola and his Barcelona staff during an El Clasico fixture, which saw him given a touchline ban for gouging the eye of current Barca boss, Tito Vilanova.

Defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday ended Madrid's hopes in the competition this season and, having seemingly signalled his intent to leaving in his post-match interviews, his agent Jorge Mendes has confirmed that a move back to his former club is very likely, despite having a contract in the Spanish capital until 2016.

Mendes told Radio Mana Mana Sport: "After the match versus Borussia Dortmund he spoke with journalists and was fairly clear in saying that he wants to leave.

"There's about an
80 percent probability that Chelsea will be his next club.

"Chelsea fans adore Mourinho, they love him."

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Europa League - Luiz stunner helps Chelsea into another European final

Chelsea will play Benfica in the Europa League final after a 3-1 comeback win over FC Basel at Stamford Bridge gave them a 5-2 aggregate semi-final win.

Rafael Benitez’s side were leading 2-1 from the away leg in Switzerland but they had a fright when Mohamed Salah finished coolly just before half-time.

But a rampant performance after the break saw the Blues put Murat Yakin’s side to the sword, with Fernando Torres, Victor Moses and David Luiz all scoring in 10 action-packed minutes before the hour mark.

Luiz’s strike was a particular delight, vindicating Benitez’s decision to play him as a midfielder, where his ability on the ball is put to greater effect than his tendency to get caught out of position.

Chelsea now bid to become the first side to win Europe’s secondary club competition the year after claiming the Champions League title, although they have a tough test in Luiz’s former employers Benfica in Amsterdam on May 15.

Basel, meanwhile, miss out on the opportunity to be the first Swiss side in a major European final.
It was a spirited display from Basel, with Salah and Valentin Stocker particularly good, but they fell short of an ultimately too experienced Blues side.

Chelsea had the buffer of a first-leg lead and two away goals, and it showed as they started sluggishly in front of a home fanbase waving banners demanding the return of former boss Jose Mourinho.

Marco Streller half-volleyed just wide in the opening seconds, although Chelsea got their act together as Frank Lampard – chasing Bobby Tambling’s club record – hit the post with a volley after good build-up play, while Torres forced a save from a slipping Yann Sommer.

But while Chelsea were keeping the ball better, Basel looked more convincing at the front end as Streller went agonisingly close to a wonder-goal as he volleyed Markus Steinhoefer’s cross inches past the post.

Chelsea were missing chances – Ramires toe-poking straight at Sommer after a good passing move down the left – but so were Basel, as Salah showed his tendency to lose composure after a first touch, firing at Cech after being sent one-on-one.

But what the raw Egyptian winger-forward lacks in composure, he makes up for with lashings of pace and clever movement, which saw him put the Swiss side ahead on the stroke of half-time.

Stocker’s pass was a beauty but Salah’s off-the-ball run – diagonal, disguised and completely bamboozling Chelsea’s defence – allowed him to sneak past the offside trap: on this occasion he had no time to take a touch or think about his next move, taking the finish first-time as he clipped it past Petr Cech with his left boot.

Chelsea had been guilty of letting the game slip a touch, and conceding at that point may well have been the best thing that happened to them, for they came out all guns blazing for the second half.

With Ramires adopting a more advanced position to harass the Basel defenders at every opportunity, Chelsea were on the front foot now and deservedly equalised when Torres reacted quickest after Sommer did well to parry a Lampard drive, the Spaniard lashing the finish into the roof of the net.

There was barely time to take that in before Chelsea went ahead on the night, Moses finishing at the second time of asking after a Torres shot was blocked into his path.

Chelsea were rampant and Basel on the ropes, the Blues attacking in waves and going 3-1 up before the hour mark as Luiz curled in a wonderful first-time effort with his weaker left foot after a clever touch from Lampard.

Luiz, who scored a late winner in the first leg, has thrived in a midfield position since Gary Cahill’s return from injury, with his role also allowing Ramires to gallop forward with menacing intent.

Basel now needed three goals, which never looked likely, and they knew it as their final half hour was weak at best, aside from a deflected Fabian Frei effort which hit the post.

Eden Hazard almost lobbed Sommer, Torres was denied a tap-in by Fabian Schaer, substitute Juan Mata saw a fierce effort saved by Sommer, who denied Torres again deep into injury time.

But it remained 3-1, which was more than good enough for Chelsea, who go to Amsterdam as narrow favourites to claim a second European title in two years.

MAN OF THE MATCH
David Luiz (Chelsea) – Scored a fantastic goal and made some good interceptions as a defensive midfielder. Has gone from liability to key man under Benitez.

PLAYER RATINGS
CHELSEA: Cech 7, Azpilicueta 6, Ivanovic 6, Cahill 6, Bertrand 6, Luiz 8, Lampard 7, Ramires 7, Hazard 6, Moses 7, Torres 7; Subs: Oscar 7, Mata 7, Ake N/A.

FC BASEL: Sommer 6, Steinhoefer 7, Sauro 6, Schaer 6, Voser 6, Frei 6, Elneny 6, Serey Die 5, Stocker 7, Salah 7, Streller 6; Subs: Degen 6, Diaz 6, Zoua 6.

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AIK goalkeeper Turina found dead in his apartment

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Swedish football club AIK’s Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Turina has been found dead in his northern Stockholm apartment, according to local media reports on Thursday.

"I can confirm that Ivan Turina is dead but there are no suspicions of crime," police spokesman Patrik Nuss was quoted as saying by the Aftonbladet newspaper.

Police said they were called to Turina’s apartment early on Thursday morning.

The 32-year-old Croatian signed for AIK in 2010 and played 65 league games for the Solna club. He is survived by his wife and two one-year-old daughters.

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