These two Lionel Messi goals vs Real Madrid gave Barcelona a 2-0 win over their arch rivals in the first leg of 2010/11 Champions League Semifinal. The game was always billed as Messi vs Real Madrid and Ronaldo vs Barcelona and the little Argentine rose to the occasion by scoring two goals against Madrid and [.

Let me just state one thing before I continue: Everton Football Club are a traditional English big club. A club that enjoyed having players such as the late, great Dixie Dean who is still the only man to score 60 goals in one season. Players like World Winner Alan Ball, England goal scoring legend Gary Lineker and modern day England Forward Wayne Rooney.

Here's Tom Goulding with an excellent addition to the 'My Favourite Goal' series. You can follow Tom on Twitter @TomGoulding

I don't think this goal gets enough credit.

The hashtag #goalswhichgetforgottenbecauseoftheircontext on Twitter (which never really took off, for some reason) was bandied around a few months ago, and you got the usual picks – Essien vs Barcelona, Goulding vs Ardingly 3rd XI.

Soz about our slowness these past few days; the Peeps were a callin' and we failed to resist the temptation of going HAM on our Easter candy baskets.

Saturday
- After her beloved Norwich City's 5-1 victory over arch-rivals Ipswich Town, Sky Sports asked celebrity chef/author, Delia Smith, to sing the victory track, "Ole, Ole" for at home viewers.

The best 16 Manchester derby jokes from the internet

Unsurprisingly, Manchester United's 6-1 hammering at the hands of arch rivals Manchester City lit the Sky Blue touch paper for an explosion of mocking jokes from their noisy neighbours on the internet. Here's more than six of the best.

Kenny Dalglish, drawn by Ethan Armstrong

A heavy weight has been lifted off the shoulders of Liverpool supporters around the world today with the news that manager Roy Hodgson has been sacked. With caretaker manager Kenny Dalglish appointed, the Reds now go in to their FA Cup Third Round match against arch-rivals Manchester United with a renewed sense of belief and a sliver of a hope that Dalglish, one of the greatest players in the history of Liverpool, can rally the team to defeat United at Old Trafford.

By Chris Wright

Despite only entering the fray in the 84th minute, Emmanuel Adebayor instantly endeared himself to the Real Madrid support by thudding home a clinical volley on his Bernabeu debut notching the landmark 5000th home goal scored by the prestigious club (Jose Giralt scored the first back in 1903)
in the process.

Real Madrid have topped the league table of the world's 20 richest football clubs for the sixth straight year, according to Deloitte.

Its Football Money League, based on season 2009-10, also said the combined revenues of the 20 clubs had passed 4bn euros (£3.8bn) for the first time.

Real's arch-rivals Barcelona retained second spot in the list, ahead of Manchester United who remain third.

By CALEB SONNELAND

One of the most enticing soccer rivalries in the world revs up Saturday as Lionel Messi and Barcelona travel to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in a key league match-up that is also part of a unique stretch of match-ups between the arch-rivals.

The world of one part of Argentina's top two clubs, Club Atletico River Plate (referred simply as River Plate in most circles) is on the brink of disaster. Having suffered defeat to CA Lanus (2-1 at home) the club then faced the prospect of a two-leg playoff with second division outfit Belgrano for a place in next seasons Premier Division.

The Final we all expected, and have all been waiting for, is here.

The United States and Mexico, arch-rivals and regional powers, face off tonight in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at the Rose Bowl (9pm, Fox Soccer Channel).

Mexico enters riding a high-powered attack led by star striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, while the United States is led by a strong veteran nucleus including Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.

Man United vs Man City Old Trafford- February 12, 2011 Final score:- Man United vs Man City 2-1 ( Nani, Wayne Rooney/ David Silva) A sensational Wayne Rooney goal gives Man United a 2-1 win over arch rivals Man City in the Premiership. Manchester United vs Man City 1-0 ( Nani goal 41′) Man United [.

The rain continues for the Seattle Sounders and Major League soccer as injuries continue to mount. Both Brad Evans and Mauro Rosales were scratched before the Columbus Crew game due to injuries. An undermanned and a very tired Sounders team managed to squeak by Columbus 1-1 to secure a valuable point from their two game Eastern Road trip.

Birmingham City were shocked today to get an email from Alex McLeish resigning from his position as Birmingham manager:

A statement on the Birmingham website said:

"Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Alex McLeish has resigned as manager. Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has said he would love the chance to play for European champions Barcelona.
Suarez only joined Liverpool in a £22 million deal from Ajax in January but revealed he always had a "dream" of playing for the all-conquering Spanish giants.
His agent, Pere Guardiola, is the brother of Barca coach Pep Guardiola, but the Uruguay international says this had no bearing on his goal.

Liverpool are looking at putting together a bid for Arsenal's Theo Walcott after becoming increasingly frustrated in their attempts to land a top class winger.
The Reds saw arch-rivals Manchester United beat them to the signature of their number one target, Ashley Young ,who joined from Aston Villa for £15m.

In an all-Tanzanian affair the Kagame Inter-Club Cup, a tournament for clubs from east and central Africa, has been won by Young Africans Football Club following a narrow 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Simba Sports Club.

The game was always going to be a close affair with Tanzania's two most decorated club sides facing each other in the final.

Spanish giants Real Madrid come to Philadelphia tomorrow to brave the wrath of Christian Hernandez and the Philadelphia Union.

Madrid has an incredible history both as a soccer club and as a political institution. The club has won a record 31 league titles and 9 European/Champions League trophies.

The first leg of the 2011 Spanish Super Cup took place in the capital city of Madrid last night with those two arch-rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona doing battle once more. After five Clásico meetings last season one would imagine that these two giants of world football would be sick of the sight of each other by now.

New Zealand defeated arch-rivals Australia 20-6 at Eden Park on Sunday in the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks advance to a tournamnent final meeting with France in their quest for their first title since 1987. Centre Ma'a Nonu scored a try after just 4th minutes to open the scoring for [.

Spain international Fernando Torres has rejected speculation he could quit Liverpool and has called for supporters to get behind the squad.
The Reds' star striker has been linked with a move away from Anfield following a poor season which has seen Roy Hodgson replaced by fans' favourite Kenny Dalglish.

Japan 2-2 South Korea Asian Cup- Semifinal- January 25, 2011 Final score:- Japan 2-2 South Korea ( Ryoichi Maeda, Hajime Hosogai/ Ki Sung Yeung, Jae-Won Hwang) Japan beat arch rivals South Korea on penalties to reach the finals of the 2011 Asian Cup after the scores were tied 2-2 at the end of 120 minutes [.

By Roger Domeneghetti

Souness: Begbie with skills

When football was still a contact sport Souness was the complete midfielder. The fact he was one of the most gifted modern-day British footballers is often overlooked as he was also able to unleash tackles of real bite and venom.

This weekend saw another in the series of the not-so-subtly named Derby of the Eternal Enemies between defending Greek Super League champions Panathinaikos and record champions Olympiakos. The latter were the home side and were leading the table by seven points before Saturday's game kicked off in Piraeus, the port town just outside of the Greek capital Athens.

A very gutsy performance saw Real Madrid finally take down their arch rivals Barcelona in the Copa Del Ray final. Congratulations to Real Madrid and especially Mourinho, Pepe, Carvalho, and Ronaldo. The goal came after the first 90' ended in a 0-0 deadlock. A one two [read more]

A week after leading Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory against Barcelona, José Mourinho is anticipating a "different game" when the arch-rivals contest the first leg of a much-anticipated all-Spanish Champions League semi-final. Though his team won that most recent meeting 1-0 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's header, the Madrid coach says "my opinion is that there are no favourites" for the tie.

Chicago Fire training pitch. Toyota Park in the background.We had to take a brief respite from our weekly series featuring profiles of Major League Soccer supporters groups, because, well, several of them haven't returned their questionnaires yet (you know who you are!).
That being said...

We're winding down now, and nearing clarity. United should win the title after a tremendous display of soccer against their arch-rivals Sunday. And you can see them claim it with just a point at Blackburn early Saturday morning on the featured...
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The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers have been arch-rivals for decades, but their rivalry as MLS opponents is set to be born tonight as the Timbers travel to Qwest Field for the first of many dramatic encounters (11pm, ESPN2).

The Timbers have been riding high in recent weeks after a poor start to the season, but much of that success has come at home.

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The 2011 Spanish League season has ended and on this week's main report we take a look back at some of the highs and lows of La Liga. There is a transcript below, while explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained.

By Chris Wright

In which an Argentinian youth tries to land one on Lionel Messi as the Barca star emerges from a restaurant in his hometown of Rosario, misses completely then legs it down the street...

According to the Argentinian media, the uppity yob was a Rosario Central supporter, arch-rivals of Newell's Old Boys the club where Messi started his career.

Defending Chilean champions Universidad Católica have reached the Torneo Apertura final and will face-off against arch-rivals Universidad de Chile in the two-legged contest.

Universidad Católica, who finished top of the regular season standings, met sixth-placed Unión La Calera who had disposed of Unión Españolain the quarter-finals.

I'm on vacation, so maybe this is some sort of fever dream brought on by the Texas heat: Aston Villa appoint McLeish as manager Aston Villa appointed Alex McLeish as manager less than a week after the Scot triggered a legal dispute by quitting neighbours and arch-rivals Birmingham City by email. The move to interview McLeish, who was unable to prevent Birmingham being relegated from the

Liverpool's Jamie Carragher is hoping the club can once more return to challenging for trophies after a barren spell.
The red side of Merseyside lost their record of most top division titles to Manchester United last season, but Carragher believes the club is close to tasting success again.
"You want to be in there, and Liverpool should be in there challenging for trophies," Carragher told Sky Sports News.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is hopeful the club's transfer activity this northern summer will give his side the opportunity to redress the balance in its long-running battle with Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side edged one ahead of its arch-rival in terms of championship titles with its 19th success in May.

BY ADAM SERRANO

To say that the 2011 Gold Cup has been a turbluent ride for the Mexican National Team may be something of an understatement.

Five players including three starters left the team after testing positive for the substance Clembuterol. All the while, forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has helped lead Mexico to victory time and time again while "El Tri" played to legions of loyal fans in their traveling tour across the United States.

The big game is here.

The United States and Mexico, arch-rivals and regional powers, face off tonight in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at the Rose Bowl (9pm, Fox Soccer Channel).

Mexico enters riding a high-powered attack led by star striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, while the United States is led by a strong veteran nucleus including Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.

South America's premier international football tournament, known to all and sundry as the Copa América, will take place in Argentina from July 1st. For the home nation it is imperative that they reclaim an international trophy as their success starved supporters haven't experienced any silverware since the 1993 tournament.

Liverpool vice-captain Jamie Carragher believes the club's transfer activity is set to pick up and expects to see more young talent arrive at Anfield in the coming weeks.
So far Kenny Dalglish has brought in England Under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson from Sunderland.
But having seen Ipswich target Connor Wickham join Sunderland and Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy apparently set for a move to Manchester City - coupled with arch-rivals Manchester United spending £50 million-plus on Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David De Gea - there is a growing feeling among Liverpool fans that the club were falling behind in the transfer market.

The U.S. Men's National team will come to Philadelphia to play a friendly against Mexico on August 10th.

Mexico came from two goals down to defeat the US in the Gold Cup final on June 25th.

There is no love lost between these rivals, and Tim Howard's complaint after the Gold Cup that the post-match awards ceremony was only in Spanish only adds fuel to the fire.