Cristiano Ronaldo's return to fitness has strengthened Real Madrid in time for their eagerly anticipated trip to face Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday (1800 GMT).
Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal for Real Madrid in a dull 1-0 win over FC Zurich that sent his team to the top of Champions League Group C on Wednesday.
Arsene Wenger's pleasure at seeing Arsenal progress to the Champions League knockout stage has been tempered by injury blows to two crucial defenders ahead of Sunday's pivotal English Premier League tussle with Chelsea.
Embattled Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said he and his squad should remain positive despite bowing out of the Champions League at the group stage for the first time in six years on Tuesday.
Japan midfielder Yasuhito Endo was crowned Asian Football Confederation Player of the Year at the annual awards.
Barcelona revived its chances of holding onto the Champions League title with a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday while Fiorentina and Arsenal advanced to the last 16 and five-time winner Liverpool was eliminated.
Real Madrid and AC Milan have 16 Champions League titles between them but they have work to do on Wednesday if they are to book their places in the next round of this season's competition.
English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore warned Asian clubs on Tuesday that a salary cap would have a detrimental effect on their game.
David Beckham has suffered from a mild form of asthma since childhood, the England midfielder's spokesman was quoted as saying in British newspapers on Tuesday.
A young woman in the first row behind the far corner flag was savoring prime views of the world's most recognizable player.
Jermain Defoe scored five goals as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed Wigan Athletic 9-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday, a record victory for the hosts in the top-flight.
Thierry Henry considered ending his France career over the uproar that surrounded the striker's blatant handball in last week's World Cup playoff victory over Ireland.
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