"We're going into the game in a confident mood after our performance against Manchester City and we hope we'll be able to put in a good display."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | BORUSSIA DORTMUND V REAL MADRID

23/10/2012

Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp spoke to the press ahead of his side's Champions League tie with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

What's the situation with your three injured players?

The situation is different for each player. [Marcel] Schmelzer is recovering well, and so is [Mario] Gotze but [Ilkay] Gundogan has only been able to train with our fitness coach. I still don't know which players will be in the starting line-up and who'll be on the bench, but I can say that Schmelzer and Götze will be in the squad.

How important are Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic to Borussia's philosophy?

They are two crucial players who are vital to the squad. They are both very modern centre-backs, who do a great job defensively and are very technical. They have an excellent vision of play and they are very strong in the air. They are the ones that start our attacks.

How would you compare Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski? Who is more likely to score in the game?

Now is not the time to make comparisons. We're very happy to have Lewandowski and if people want to know more about him, I recommend they watch him during training sessions and matches.

What type of game are you expecting?

It's going to be a great challenge. Madrid have grabbed my attention in several games, especially their game against Ajax in Amsterdam [which Madrid won 4-1], where they really impressed me. They surprised me a lot during that game, especially Marcelo, who was playing with an injury. We'll have to be at our best in terms of discipline and we'll have to try and stop Xabi Alonso and especially Cristiano, Ángel Di María, Gonzalo Higuaín and Karim Benzema. We're going into the game confident after our performance against Manchester City and we hope we'll be able to put in a good display.

Do you think a club the size of Madrid will be affected by the injuries to Marcelo, Álvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao?

Perhaps it won't be easy to replace Marcelo, but Michael Essien played well [against Celta, at left-back] despite being played out of position. The other full back will be Ramos, who will be playing in his natural position, where he has played for most of his career. But I don't think the fact they have a few players injured will be a big advantage for us.

Do you fear Madrid due to their ability to break up the play or due to their decisiveness in front of goal?

I would never use the word fear, but we have a lot of respect for Madrid. Their key player is Alonso, because he is the one who starts the play, it's because of him that they can launch their attacks. We won't wait for them to attack us, we'll try and impose ourselves on the game. Our defence will be focusing on whoever has the ball.

Borussia Dortmund have never lost a game in the Champions League after losing in the league [they lost to Schalke on the weekend]. Will Madrid have to settle for a draw, then?

The journalist who has come up with this question is a specialist in pointless statistics.

Lukasz Piszcek has renewed his contract for another year. What did you make of that, given that Madrid were willing to pay 10 million euros for him?

I'm delighted he has renewed his contract because I get on with him very well in person and I like the way he plays. That price tag is attached by scouts and it's not the price we have said he is worth.

"Why on earth would I be surprised that Armstrong doped? There are no heroes in cycling. And no Supermen either. But drugs meant the riders with the most money were the best."

JESÚS MANZANO

23/10/2012

Former Spanish cyclist Jesús Manzano, who almost died after an ill-fated blood transfusion, has declared that cycling is now in disarray due to the revelations that Lance Armstrong won his seven Tours de France by taking performance enhancing drugs.

Manzano, who used to ride for the Kelme team, gave an interview to AS in 2004 in which he gave details of how cyclists took drugs and managed to pass drugs tests.

"Armstrong was laughing at everyone, it's a total disgrace," he said in an interview with Spanish television station 'Cuatro' on Tuesday.

The Armstrong Case: "Why on earth would I be surprised that Armstrong doped? There are no heroes in cycling. And no Supermen either. It's very difficult to win the Tour de France seven times in a row. Who was Armstrong's doctor? [Michele] Ferrari. Who is Ferrari? The best doctor in the world. You can't turn a donkey into a racing horse. But drugs meant that the riders with the most money or the best doctors were the best. "

Armstrong's stronghold on the Tour: "You don't win a Tour in one day, you win it over 21 days. So, you're not just doping for one day. What Armstrong achieved wasn't normal, and he's a liar because he was laughing at everyone. Not just at the Spanish riders, but at everyone. It's an absolute disgrace."

The Tour prize money: "Where's all the money he won from the Tour gone? Just as [Alberto] Contador had to return his prize money [the Spaniard won the Tour in 2010 but was then found guilty of doping, handing the title to Andy Schleck], Armstrong should have to as well. If there's any fairness in the sport, then everyone has to be punished in the same way."

In reference to Contador: "You don't win seven Tours by eating spaghetti and lettuce. And if you eat a steak you don't test positive for clenbuterol [the drug Contador was found guilty of taking]. You would have to have eaten the entire cow, and no-one eats an entire cow."

Future of Cycling: "It has to start again from scratch, and everyone involved in the sport has to resign, starting with the directors, and new people have to come in and take over. But nothing will change.

The first practice sessions for the Korean Grand Prix, which took place in perfect 20 degree conditions, with 31 degrees on track, offered a continuation of what was seen last week at Suzuka. Red Bull in control, Sebastian Vettel in control and Ferrari starting behind them, although it seems the distances between them aren’t as great at the Yeongam track.

Fernando Alonso set the third fastest time on super soft tyres, barely three tenths of a second slower than the Red Bulls, a far cry from the one second difference during the practice sessions in Japan, although the defending champion’s superiority was evident with only a lap to go and with the double DRS device working flat out.

This always happens on the Friday and Saturday of every Grand Prix but never on the Sundays, as it cannot be used freely during the race, giving the Ferrari an opportunity to make a comeback.

During Friday’s longer sessions, loaded with 100kg of fuel and on super soft tyres, in other words, simulating race conditions, Alonso and Massa’s times were the same as those of the McLaren and in particular Jenson Button. It seems the key is to qualify further forward than Fernando has been doing on average all season (sixth), and from that position give it all on Sunday.

Hamilton, despite dominating in the first session, suffered a number of problems in the second, when his wheels locked up in the last minutes, the same as happened to Massa.

Cain Velasquez has been told by the UFC it is a "sure thing" his rematch against Junior Dos Santos will take place on December 29.

Velasquez is looking for revenge on Dos Santos after losing his heavyweight title to the Brazilian in November last year, but has so far been frustrated in his pursuit.

That looks set to change on December 29, however. Although no official announcement from the organisation has been forthcoming, the American has been assured his second meeting with Dos Santos inside the Octagon will go ahead on that day.

"Not officially, but we're looking to fight that day - December 29 against Junior," Velasquez told Fighters Only.

On the delay in making an announcement, he added: "Maybe they are trying to get the whole card together. I just know I'm trying to get ready for that fight.

"Right now I expect the rematch to happen. If the UFC tell me something else then I'll prepare for something else, but right now they tell me it's a sure thing I'll be fighting Dos Santos on December 29th."

The return of Alistair Overeem throws a potential spanner in the works, with Overeem having been involved in a high profile spat with Dos Santos in recent times. Velasquez insists that he has the first shot at Dos Santos, however, whatever the champion may prefer.

"I think he [Dos Santos] would have wanted to fight him [Overeem] more because of the words - but he has to fight me first," Velasquez said. "So... [that's that]."

Jon Jones has pin-pointed Dan Henderson as his ideal next opponent, although UFC president Dana White admits Chael Sonnen is an option if he beats Forrest Griffin later this year.

Jones recovered from a nasty armbar to beat Vitor Belfort via fourth-round submission on Saturday, chalking up title defence number four in the light-heavyweight division. However, he now anticipates a lengthy layoff after heading to hospital for a scan on his right arm.

That break could give Sonnen the chance to boost his title credentials against Griffin at UFC 155, and White says that, while the American's UFC record (6-5) is not the best, if the fans want to see him fight Jones it could happen.

"I can tell you right now, I think they both want that fight," White said. "I think there are other fights that make more sense. [But] people do want to see it. If enough people want to see it, I guess I'd have to make it.

"He's going to call out Jon Jones, no doubt, [if he beats Griffin]. Everybody talks about him talking his way into fights, but that guy's showing up to fight and win. That's why I don't really have reservations about it. When I called Jon and I thought he was going to take that fight - Chael will fight anybody. That's one of the things I respect about him."

Jones, however, appears more interested in fighting Henderson, whom he was supposed to face before the veteran pulled out of their UFC 151 encounter with an injury. Henderson stayed quiet in the aftermath of the UFC 151 cancellation, allowing Jones to take the flak even though it was reported that Henderson knew of his injury days before telling the UFC.

"I think I have some unfinished business to do with Dan Henderson," Jones said. "When he heals up, I would love to pick up where we left off."

Juventus played out an unconvincing 0-0 draw against Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Tuesday, a result that nevertheless extends the Italian champions' unbeaten run to 44 games.

A cat-and-mouse encounter saw the hosts control proceedings, with Stevan Jovetic hitting the woodwork in the first half as Fiorentina, despite superiority in the run of play, was unable to take what chances fell its way.

Juve displayed little interest in attacking throughout the match, and rode its luck at times to claim a fortunate point that extends its lead at the top of the Serie A table to three points over second-place Napoli.

Juventus’ first half display offered more evidence to their growing reputation as slow starters, with a pair of tame efforts from Sebastian Giovinco about the best they could muster.

The hosts seemed to have the edge in matters during the early exchanges, and saw a penalty appeal correctly go unanswered after Adem Ljajic was challenged inside the area by Leonardo Bonucci. Fiorentina was up in arms again 25 minutes into the game after Manuel Pasqual was felled in the area by Artuo Vidal, though replays suggested that the Chilean had gotten a touch on the ball first.

Fiorentina continued to hold the upper hand throughout the first period, but chances remained at a premium as Juve was able to pack numbers back in its own half. That all changed minutes before the break, however, as La Viola fashioned two clear-cut chances from which its really should have gone ahead.

First, David Pizarro whipped in a devilish freekick that Jovetic headed onto the crossbar from point-blank range. Then, Ljajic spurned an equally great opportunity, dragging a shot across the face of goal with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat after racing clear of Bonucci.

Bayern Munich retained its perfect Bundesliga record so far this season, defeating a hapless Wolfsburg side 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.

The result never looked in doubt for the hosts as Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the woodwork twice before finally putting his side ahead in the 24th minute. Jupp Heynckes' men dominated in the wide areas from then on, but it was not until the second half that a Mario Mandzukic brace provided the gloss to the scoreline.

Bayern started at an electric pace and should well have been ahead after just three minutes. Dante's header from a corner fell at the feet of Schweinsteiger inside the six-yard box, but the midfielder somehow failed to convert and only rattled the post. It was Schweinsteiger again who had Diego Benaglio worried with a venomous 30-yard strike, but once again had his effort crash off the frame of the goal.

The third time proved to be the charm for Schweinsteiger. Arjen Robben played Franck Ribery in on the right, and his cutback was swept between the legs of Benaglio by the German international.

Bayern began the second half just as it did the first, forcing the visitors onto the back foot with rapid attacking play. This time though it took just two minutes to threaten the Wolfsburg goal, but Benaglio refused to be beaten again with a solid double-save from Ribery and then Robben.

Again, the Wolves were unable to hold out, and the hosts doubled their lead in the 58th minute. Xherdan Shaqiri surged forward down the left before crossing to the back post. Mandzukic was there, and he rose above a weak challenge from Ricardo Rodriguez to nod into the back of the net.

Bayern added a third just eight minutes later, as Philipp Lahm was given too much space by Rodriguez sent in a picturesque cross for Mandzukic, who converted for his fifth goal of the season.

The three points mean Bayern has won all five of its opening league fixtures, and following Eintracht Frankfurt's 3-3 draw with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern holds a two-point lead at the Bundesliga summit.

Argentinian Apertura leaders Boca Juniors were held to a 1-1 draw at Argentinos Juniors on Sunday night, but Racing Club and Newell's Old Boys were unable to capitalise.

Pablo Ledesma's penalty 10 minutes before half-time, cancelling out Alejandro Capurro's opener eight minutes earlier, earned Boca their point, which ensured they maintained a one-point cushion at the summit.

Argentinos had Diego Placente sent off in the 65th minute but Boca could not find a winner despite their extra man.

Racing and Newell's headed into their respective matches a point off the pace, but neither managed the win that would have taken them top.

Cesar Carranza's goal on the stroke of half-time condemned Racing a 1-0 loss at Belgrano Cordoba. The hosts held on for the three points despite second-half red cards for Martin Zapata and Pier Barrios.

Newell's, meanwhile, required two late goals from Nacho Scocco to secure a 3-3 draw at River Plate. David Trezeguet, Leonardo Ponzio and Rogelio Mori looked to have set River on course for the win when they netted to overturn Pablo Perez's 12th-minute opener, but Scocco grabbed two goals in four minutes - the first from the penalty spot - to salvage a point for the visitors.

Finally, Ernesto Farias equalised seven minutes into the second half for Independiente in their 1-1 home draw against Quilmes, Jacobo Mansilla having put the visitors ahead nine minutes before the interval.

Independiente substitute Martin Benitez was sent off 15 minutes from time - just seven minutes after his introduction - but there were no further goals.

Red Bulls defender Rafael Marquez assessed his newest injury on Monday, disputing a newspaper report that stated he'd be held out of action indefinitely after reinjuring his leg in Saturday's match against the Revolution.

"I completely deny that information, I just have [muscle] fatigue on my right leg, it's nothing serious!" stated the former Barcelona defender on his official Twitter account.

Marquez played in only his third game after recovering from a lengthy injury that saw the Meixcan miss three months of club and national team duty.

Rafa also took the opportunity to offer a potshot at a well-known journalist who filed the story for a Mexican newspaper. "It's sad that this type of story comes out without any confirmation, and even more so when the source is someone very professional," the defender wrote.

The report also stated that due to his new injury, Marquez would not be considered for the following Mexican national team matches against Guyana and El Salvador.

Mexico has successfully qualified to the final hexagonal round of World Cup qualifying, becoming the first CONCACAF team to do so, after winning the first four consecutive games within the current slate of matches.

24/09/2012
ZURICH - European champions Chelsea will face either Monterrey of Mexico or the winners of the Asian Champions League in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup following draw for the tournament on Monday.

The Times's soccer blog has the world's game covered from all angles.

Go to the Goal Blog

Chelsea received a bye in the first round of the competition, to be held in Japan from December 6-16, and will enter at the semi-final stage on December 13.

The Asian champions will be decided in early November.

The champions of the Japanese J-League, which ends on December 1, will open the tournament against New Zealand's Auckland City at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.

With eight games remaining in the J-League, Sanfrecce Hiroshima lead Vegalta Sendai by two points and former Asian champions Urawa Reds are a further three points back.

The winners of that first match will then play the African champions, who will be decided on November 10 with the victors going on to face Brazil's Copa Libertadores champions Corinthians in the last four on December 12.

The third-fourth place match and the final are both in Yokohama on December 16.