UEFA Champions League News and Update

UEFA's appeal overturned the decision to exclude Porto from Champions League

2008-06-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

UEFA appeal body on Friday annulled the decision to exclude from Porto next season of Champions League.

The initial decision was taken by UEFA's disciplinary committee, which will now have the chance to examine the case after their initial decision was rejected after new evidence came to light.

A UEFA statement read: "The appeals body UEFA met today to hear the appeal filed by Porto against the decision by the UEFA control and disciplinary Wednesday, June 4, in which the club Portuguese have not been admitted to the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League.

"The Appeals Chamber decided, in light of new evidence presented in relation to the Portuguese national appeal procedures, to refer the matter to control and disciplinary body revaluation."

Steaua Bucharest could be thrown out from Champions League

2008-06-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Steaua Bucharest could be discarded the next season of the Champions League after a corruption scandal in Romania.

Steaua were moored in their National League and finished second in the table - and UEFA are planning to expel the next season of European campaigns.

Porto have already been excluded for the 2008/09 tournament after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the during the 2004 campaign. The Portuguese club have appealed the decision.

UEFA President Michel Platini said: "UEFA has to fight against cheating. It was the attempted bribery of referees and we have very strict rules to allow us to exclude teams who have participated in any attempt at corruption.

"This is an integral part of all my projects - we will be very strict on cheating and cheaters. They will be excluded because we want to clean football."

CSKA Sofia excluded from next Champions League

2008-06-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

SOFIA, June 5 - Bulgarian champions CSKA Sofia have been excluded from the next season of the Champions League after failing to meet criteria for granting licences, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said Thursday.

"CSKA will not participate in the 2008-2009 of UEFA Champions League because it is a final decision," the BFU said in a statement.

CSKA won their 31 th Bulgarian league title this season and earned a spot in Champions League third qualifying round, but was unable to meet the BFU the Licensing Commission.

UEFA, European football of the organization and the organizers of the Champions League, were not available for comment.

The Balkan country's most successful club, which mark their 60th anniversary last month, owe money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.

CSKA President Alexandar Tomov accepted responsibility for his team of failure and announced his resignation.

"I have to do," said Tomov. "It's me and me alone who is to blame."

"I will not blame one of my subordinates, because I am the first figure and all eyes on me."

Tomov said in a statement on CSKA's official website, it would be replaced by CEO Emil Kostadinov, a former CSKA player.

"I will continue to assist the club in the future," said Tomov.

Many supporters CSKA Tomov criticized for not making the club finances in order and he was insulted by fans during a chaotic press conference on Tuesday and hit by a bottle thrown outside the club stage Bulgarska Armiya.

CSKA fans will gather at a meeting in Sofia on Friday to protest against the policies of the club.

"It's a shame," Dimitar Angelov, the president of fan club told reporters. "It's a great coup not only for CSKA supporters but to all Bulgarian citizens".

CSKA could also be expelled from the national league and forced to play in the country enthusiasts the third division.

The BFU said he would consider the matter at a meeting of the Executive Committee.

Portuguese champions Porto have been excluded from the next season of the Champions League on Wednesday for allegedly bribing referees in the 2003-4 season.

Pinto da Costa confident in next Champions League

2008-06-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

Porto president Pinto da Costa remains confident his side will participate in the next season of the Champions League.

The Portuguese giants have been excluded yesterday of Europe's elite club competition next season following a corruption scandal that the shadow of their recent conquest SuperLiga.

They were also hit with a six-point deduction after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.

Porto have already declared their appeal and Pinto da Costa is optimistic the decision will ultimately in their favour.

He told Portuguese broadcaster SIC: "We are calm and confident that we will play in the Champions League.

"In fact, we were expecting this decision by UEFA.

"We do not consider ourselves to the Champions League. We are already working on the appeal, both in Portugal and Switzerland. We are convinced that we will compete in the Champions League next season. We are confident about this. "

Levski Spartak replace CSKA Sofia

2008-06-04T13:02:00.001-07:00

SOFIA, June 4 - Bulgarian league runners-up Levski Spartak replace champions CSKA Sofia in the next season of the Champions League if their local rivals are banned from European competition, Levski owner Todor Batkov said Wednesday.

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said on Tuesday CSKA facing a European ban and the expulsion of the National League after failing to meet criteria for granting licences. CSKA President Alexandar Tomov said that his club would appeal.

Batkov said Levski were not ready for the Champions League but take part to avoid possible sanctions.

"Morally and a sporting point of view, we are not ready for the Champions League but we must examine our situation that we will be punished if we refuse to take part," said Batkov Nova TV.

CSKA won their 31 th league title a month ago to win a place in the Champions League third qualifying round, which will now their traditional enemies, who finished second in the national championship.

"One way or another, Bulgaria has one (Champions League) quota and I think it is normal to fill the vacancy," Batkov said.

"The mercy of UEFA CSKA is the only chance to keep their Champions League. In my opinion, however, the chances of that happening are very slim."

The BFU said CSKA did not meet the BFU Licensing Commission because the conditions the club owes money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.

The BFU sent a letter asking the UEFA European governing body to give CSKA an extension to meet the criteria.

Levski became the first Bulgarian club to contest the Champions League group stage in 2006 and the prospect of playing in the biggest European club tournament has once again given fans cause for optimism.

"It's incredible, 'Levski fan Valentin Angelov. "We should be called" The idiots of Europe if we missed the chance to play against the top continental clubs. "

Predrag Mijatovic confident Real Madrid win the Champions League

2008-05-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

MADRID, May 30 (Primera Liga) - Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic is confident the Spanish giants have enough talent at their disposal to win the Champions League even if they do not make any further signings this summer.

Madrid have been linked to a number of players, most notably Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, but aside from Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay, who will stay with former club Racing Santander on loan next season, the two-time reigning Primera Liga giants have been quiet on the transfer front.

Mijatovic has already insisted Madrid are only looking to add quality rather than quantity, and he believes even if there are no new faces next season, coach Bernd Schuster will still have a team that can conquer Europe.

'I have no doubt that with the current team we could win the Champions League, "Mijatovic said on Radio Marca.

'We need to respect the players that are here because they have done well. There is a solid team, with high-quality players and if we make signings it will be to improve what is there, otherwise I'd prefer not to sign anyone.

'We are not worried about the reinforcements. There are other teams who have more need than us to sign, such as Barca, Milan and Valencia, who have to do the work that we have already done. "

Mijatovic also dismissed the possibility of bringing former striker Samuel Eto'o back from Barcelona as' mission impossible ', while he was adamant Ruud van Nistelrooy would not be exiting the Bernabeu this summer.

'We totally discard the possibility that Ruud will leave Real Madrid,' he added.

Porto wait over Champions League place

2008-05-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Porto will find next month whether they will be allowed to enter the next season of the Champions League, UEFA have confirmed.

The Portuguese Giants stormed the SuperLiga title, but their achievement was overshadowed by a point-six have received deduction for trying to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.

Porto had 20 points ahead of the challengers Sporting Lisbon closest yet with a game where the penalty is applied if it did not stop to be crowned champions.

But the criteria for admission to the Champions League club States "should not be or have been involved in any activity aimed at organizing or influence the outcome of a match at national or international level."

This could mean problems for Porto, with UEFA admitting the situation was "under consideration".

"It is the Portuguese League (PSSA) Firstly, a spokesman for a UEFA said Tuesday. "We have to wait until they present us with a list of clubs demand d '. Once UEFA obtain this list then we can take a decision.

"We will consider the request, check that all points are good, they adhere to all criteria for admission and if they do then there is no problem. It is hypothetical at the moment to say whether Porto would be prohibited, I can not comment on this point.

"But this is something that is viewed and will be decided in early June. Whatever happens Porto will be allowed to appeal".

AC Milan were initially banned from the Champions League 2006/07 following the Italian match-fixing scandal, but have succeeded in their appeal and continued to participate - and win - the European title.

Porto triumphed in Europe the first club competition twice in 2004 and 1987, and reached the last 16 this season before being hit by sanctions Schalke.

The PSSA say that, having won their third title, Porto son name will be on the list they submit to UEFA.

"Porto have already been sanctioned by the League," head of communications PSSA said Ivo Caldeira. And they decided not to appeal if the matter is sorted according to what we are concerned.

"We analyzed everything and we decided to retain six points because of their attempts at corruption. This was a punishment if it was to us, we would play in the Champions League.

"The ball is now with UEFA."

If Porto are kicked on competition Benfica, who finished fourth, take their place.

Ron Harris insist John Terry should not taken the penalty

2008-05-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

Chelsea legend Ron 'Chopper' Harris insists John Terry should not have taken the trouble that cost his side victory in the Champions League final.

Harris said one striker has been given the blues "unfortunate fifth spot-kick, Terry has pushed against Edwin van der Sar left after a landslide during the period.

With Didier Drogba sent off and his colleagues before Nicolas Anelka listed below in order, Chelsea captain Terry strengthened the decisive moment.

"It would have been fantastic for John to have scored because of the type of boy he is," Harris said today the Right to Play event at Stamford Bridge.

"It is Mr. Chelsea and has repeatedly put his body on the line for the club, so you have to feel for him.

"Of course it is easy to be wise after the event but I personally believe that an attacker would have had to take this penalty.

"He is the master but an attacker is more likely to score a penalty of a defender."

Harris, who made 655 appearances for Chelsea during his 19 years at Stamford Bridge, Terry plans to release a stronger player after his Moscow hopeless.

"I know that John - it is an excellent young man - and I think that this failure will make him more determined than ever," he said.

"It is not the type of colleagues to let something like this happen to him. No one wants to miss such a sanction, but crucial it is fine.

You go on holiday to spend time with his family and when he comes back he will be fired on to win silverware next season. "

Chelsea have ended up finalists three times this season - in the Barclays Premier League, Carling Cup and Champions League - and the lack of silverware could mean the end boss Avram Grant.

Harris believes fans, who were mourning the loss of José Mourinho, are beginning to warm to subsidies but do not know if the Israeli withdrawal will always be at Stamford Bridge next season.

"In February, we have participated in four competitions. Everyone is talking about winning all of them, but they have gradually been whittled away, "he said.

"We finished with nothing. It is always difficult to follow José Mourinho.

"We must not forget Avram Grant is the first man to take Chelsea in the Champions League final, but I do not know if it will be here next season.

"I think he started to gain the most fans at the end of the season."

Drogba seems to want to leave Chelsea AC Milan with whom would be likely destination, but Harris is convinced Frank Lampard will not follow him on the door.

"There seems to be no doubt about Drogba and the only one who can silence is that the player himself," he said.

"But I can not let see Frank - he is happy here. It is regularly and hope it will be for years to come."

Alex Ferguson - second Champions League triumph

2008-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted on the fate propelled his side Manchester United a second Champions League triumph in a dramatic penalty shootout against Chelsea.

The manager said the team, which led to receive the Cup of Europe by Sir Bobby Charlton, were inspired by the prospect of winning the trophy 50 years after the Munich air disaster.

Ferguson said: "We had a cause that is very important. People causes are difficult to fight against and I think that the fate has been playing its role today. I am very, very proud. "

Ferguson also insisted his side could go to the United successfully defend the trophy next season after a match which hung by the slenderest son.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave United the lead with a first half header before Frank Lampard equalised just before half-time.

Didier Drogba was sent off in the second period of extra time for Nemanja Vidic slaps in the face after a spat sense.

And the drama continued in the penalty shootout miss when Ronaldo and Chelsea captain John Terry strengthened to ensure the price on its side, only to drag his feet and pushed his shot wide.

The victory was finally secured when United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka spot-kick to give United a 6-5 victory on penalties.

Ferguson said: "We are very happy. This is my first victory in a penalty shootout outside the Charity Shield. I lost three with Aberdeen and three with United, which ranks seventh time lucky.

"The shift from Terry gave us an opening and I thought we would then win.

"We were fantastic in the first half but the goal gave them momentum and they were the best team in the second half. But in extra-time, I think we were the better team. It was tight and there were wonderful moments. "

The manager, however, admitted the timing of Van der Sar was to put one of the biggest of his career.

He said: "Sometimes you have to pinch but I do not get carried away, euphoria evaporates immediately. But this penalty save Edwin van der Sar was my time, emotion and excitement and then you just proceed. "

Ferguson was also delighted for Paul Scholes, who broke his nose during a clash with Claude Makelele but himself to erase the disappointment of 1999, when he missed the final through suspension.

Ferguson said: "The disappointment de'99 was now for him. He sounded very half-time and we had to give him pills.

"I am delighted for the boy. It is a fantastic person. People like Scholes, Giggs and Neville: they know what the man means the United States. They deserve.

"When you win something, you have to look at the players eyes to see if hunger is there. The defence of the Cup of Europe is not an easy thing to do.

"I think the team is good enough. They will improve next year. And Scholes and Giggs will, except that in many games. "

Sir Alex admitted he felt "drained" following his side's victory.

"We'll drain. We played two hours of football which was very open and the penalty kicks also, and above all with the game, so it does leave you, "said Ferguson.

"It is worthwhile because if to get the success that you have to go through the pain in a game like that and it is part of being the manager of the club.

"I'm proud to win because, as I have said many times, we should have won more.

"We made a step forward to get a respectable figure in terms of Champions League victories and we want to add more and get up there beside the Liverpools, Bayern Munich and Ajaxs.

And then you never know what ambition can do for you. Real Madrid have nine victories and is a target that you take for granted - maybe not in my life, but it is worth hunting. "

Ferguson also hailed Ryan Giggs who scored a decisive penalty, before goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to clinch the victory, and has overtaken Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record.

"He [Giggs] had a fantastic career and he, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have conducted themselves as true professionals," Ferguson told MUTV.

"You have pride in that and they have done on my watch is fantastic. To achieve this they have done - I'm proud of them.

"I think you can call this a good team and I think we can better with the young players coming through - I hope we can continue to defend and now."

Ferguson has also paid tribute to club supporters who came from afar to attend the finals in the Russian capital.

"They were fantastic and there were incredible scenes at the end. When you walk around it makes you realize how much it means some of these people, "he added.

"Some of them came from Riga - I mean, that is five days or something like that. Some have made their way through St. Petersburg and Helsinki - they are real supporters."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant, meanwhile, revealed captain Terry was inconsolable.

He said: "It is very difficult to lose sanctions. The first 30 minutes we dominated the match. We reached the post and bar and even in the penalties we got the last penalty and slid. But we lost.

"Terry was very sad and he wept, but it is the main reason for our presence here. He was there when we needed him and he took responsibility today with the last sentence. It was fantastic. "

Grant refused to speculate on his own future, but insisted he was proud of his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "We have done many good things. I am very proud of the way we played in the final. The spirit was good.

"I told them I was very proud of them, proud of how they played all year. They played the finals as a good team. They were better then Manchester United. "

Ryan Giggs declared he was hungry for success

2008-05-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ryan Giggs said he was hungry for more as he scored a record 759 appearances for Manchester United, helping the side reclaim the Cup in Europe.

The former captain of Wales has shown his love of the big stage by scoring in the last night's 6-5 penalty shootout victory against Chelsea after stepping on the bench in Moscow.

It was a special moment for Giggs as he collected his second Champions League winners medal after also plays in 1999.

United had to dig deep after Frank Lampard cancelled Cristiano Ronaldo and openness are indebted to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who blocked a Nicolas Anelka penalty to give them victory.

Giggs told Sky Sports: "I want nights like this. We deserved, we were the better team. The first half we dominated. The second half, they had chances but we kept our nerve at the end.

"Sanctions can be a lottery. It is about how teams have been all season. "

Giggs, who has surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record, added: "It is a proud achievement for me and my family. But, ultimately, is to win all trophies.

"The Champions League is the number one competition. This is where you get tested as individuals and as a team. You are against the best players in Europe and the best teams in Europe. Having tasted success in 1999, you want to go back and get that feeling again.

"It has been nine years, our success was late, that is why I am very happy."

Giggs also the prime minister has 10 League winners medal in his trophy cabinet after the United retained their title on the last day of the indoor season.

Ronaldo, however, was upset at missing a penalty in the shootout after the breakthrough in the 26th minute with his 42nd goal of the season - a powerful header.

Thus, his relief was evident at the end of a dramatic night in Moscow, when the club won a glorious double.

Fifty years after the Munich air disaster and 40 years after their first Cup triumph in Europe, it was an emotional night.

Ronaldo said: "I thought I was going to lose. I score the goal and the penalty miss ... the worst day of my life. But the guys did a good job and I am very proud for them. We deserved to win the Champions League.

"This means everything to me. I looked forward to win this competition and we won the Premier League. It is a magnificent season for me."

Van der Sar is among a small group by winning the Cup of Europe with different clubs.

Thirteen years ago, he helped Ajax triumph, but a year later, they lost to Juventus on penalties.

The Dutch goalkeeper saved Anelka spot-kick after John Terry missed an earlier chance to win for Chelsea in 4-4.

Van der Sar ITV1 said: "Twelve years ago, I lost sanctions and we won it now. It's incredible. We deserve. It is fantastic. "

Terry cut outside the post with Van der Sar beaten and United skipper Rio Ferdinand has admitted he thought their chances had gone.

"I think he's going to score," said Ferdinand. "There is a great penalty taker normally, but he slipped.

"Unfortunately, someone has to lose and it tonight."

Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Ryan Giggs

2008-05-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Victorious captain of Manchester United Rio Ferdinand paid tribute to Ryan Giggs after the lifting of the pair Champions League trophy in Moscow.

Giggs broke for Sir Bobby Charlton's All-time record with his 759th appearance exit in a United shirt as the Reds won a dramatic penalty shootout victory over English rivals Chelsea.

United took the lead in the 26 th minute through a Cristiano Ronaldo header but Frank Lampard equalized just before the break.

Chelsea then twice hit the wood but the game has gone to penalties with the final score to 1-1 after extra-time.

The Blues were handed the advantage when Petr Cech saved Ronaldo's place-kick and looked all over the United When Captain John Terry enhanced up to take his sentence.

Terry had only scoring for Chelsea win their first Champions League triumph, but the defender slipped as he connected with the ball and his effort went agonisingly wide.

This gave the initiative back to United and when Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka, the Reds claimed their third European crown - a half-century after the Munich air disaster which killed eight of the famous' Busby Babes' and 40 years since they won the competition for the first time.

Ferdinand said it was normal that Giggs should keep the trophy at his side after his career record at Old Trafford.

Charlton, a survivor of the disaster at Munich and now director of a club, watched with pride as Giggs has better his mark.

"Ryan Giggs is Manchester United," said Ferdinand. "It is phenomenal. The thing is it came as a substitute and an impact. He could have marked John Terry but his shot allowed off the line.

"It is not regarded as highly as it should be, in my opinion. When he retired, people enjoy much more of him.

"It is a pity because it has been a fantastic servant to United and football.

"To play as many games for a club is really unbelievable, especially in the current context of the game."

Ferdinand admitted he was disappointed his side Manchester United had no acute matched their counterparts winner of 1999.

"The biggest disappointment of the season is that we do not have the acute," said Ferdinand. "Maybe I'm greedy, but Portsmouth had fired at a target and we had many chances. But this is part and parcel of playing football and you can not have everything.

But next season, we want to once again be winners, we did the double this year and we want to return stronger. I am sure the manager will be in the transfer market and add to an already great team. "

Ferdinand, in contention for the England captaincy with Terry, had sympathy for his international colleague, especially since it believes it is more so when the Chelsea defender strengthened for the kick.

"Of course I feel for John," said Ferdinand. "Someone may have been a loser on the day, and unfortunately it was. Do not forget we beat in the finals of the FA Cup last season and if sometimes the boot is on the other foot.

"When John Terry strengthened I think it is all the more because it is a good penalty taker.

"I've seen take penalties in training and take them forward for England in a shootout. It is regrettable that it has slipped, but we won the game, so I'm delighted.

"I can not really put into words. Playing for Manchester United is a great achievement in itself. But being able to go up there and be one of the players who had the chance to lift the trophy, puts it into another stratosphere.

"The director of the team before talking about this game is great. It was said when we had to go out and become champions. The manager is at the heart of Manchester United. Whatever Will he says. His hopes are mirrored by ourselves.

"Edwin is a hero because he really saved the penalty. But the penalty-takers on both sides must have big balls to do what they did.

"That's what you play football, to be in a position like this to win things.

"Who would have thought that young children playing football in the playground to property, you'd have the opportunity to come to a Champions League final and win it. It is the stuff of dreams and we are fortunate to live this dream. "

United are far from being the better side after the first half-hour and Chelsea struck twice wood as they searched for a winner.

But while Ferdinand admits United rode their luck at times he felt they deserved their victory in the end.

"We should have sewn it in the first half," he said. "We had plenty of chances, but Cech made two fantastic saves and we missed a couple of half chances as well.

Then they attack us with a sucker punch at the end of the first half. Drogba hit the post and then Lampard hit the bar during the first half of extra time.

"We rode our luck a bit but I think that in these situations that you need an element of luck.

"You get the rub of the green sometimes when you play good football. During the first half we have assembled a great attacking football and that has perhaps the rub of the green that we needed to win."

Carlos Tevez : MU Champions League victory as a dream come true

2008-05-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Carlos Tevez has described Manchester United the Champions League triumph as a dream come true after the end of his term of losing the final.

The 24-year striker scored the first penalty United won a 6-5 shootout victory over Chelsea 1-1 after a call to Moscow.

Tevez was twice a runner-up in the Copa America final play for Argentina, while his side Boca Juniors lost the 2004 Copa Libertadores final to Once Caldas Colombia.

Sportscenter He said: "It was a long time that I had the impression that this - this is a huge emotion in my heart.

"When I was a kid, I never thought I would now lift the cup, but dreams come true in general and I am very, very happy."

The following previous setbacks, Tevez knew fate would play a part in Moscow.

"I am a couple finals, I lost to Brazil in the Copa America and Once Caldas in the Libertadores. This time, I had to win. "

Tevez praised United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for the trust he places in him.

"It always gives me confidence," said Tevez. "I know what he thinks, what he needs and we always talk about the decisions they take.

"He always supported me and I am very grateful to him."

Finally, he dedicated the title to her daughter Florencia, adding: "She is the person who makes me go all day. It gives me strength. "

Chelsea devastated by dramatic penalty shootout defeat

2008-05-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Assistant coach Henk ten Cate has revealed Chelsea had been left "devastated" by their dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the final of the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead in the 26th minute, but Frank Lampard equalized seconds before half-time.

The game has gone to penalties after extra-time did not separate the Barclays Premier League top two teams to contest the first all-English final.

Chelsea have won their first Champions League crown if Captain John Terry scored his spot-kick but the defender slipped as he connected with the ball and sent his effort wide.

His miss was followed by Edwin van der Sar to bring Nicolas Anelka to hand United their third Cup in Europe and the second under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We were devastated to lose like that," said Ten Cate. "I think in the second half and extra-time that we were the best.

"We had good chances and were very unhappy. We reached the post and the crossbar, but the sanctions is a lottery and we came short straw. "

But Ten Cate, who joined the club as number two Avram Grant shortly after the Israeli withdrawal replaced José Mourinho as manager in September, paid tribute to the players during a difficult season.

The Dutch, who tasted Champions League success as an assistant to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona beat Arsenal in 2006, said: "The players have done a fantastic job this year.

"Especially if you look at the many critics that they had, especially the manager.

"The players have faced all day to come and so far, and be better on 120 minutes against one of the best teams in the world, means that everyone at Chelsea can be proud."

Ten Cate was full of sympathy for Terry who, he says, was not in the original sentence of five licensees.

Terry was just 12 meters to win the trophy for the club he joined as a youth when his status has risen from under his leg while trying instead the ball to Van der Sar left.

"It was incredible," said Ten Cate. He just slipped. We practised penalties in training last week and he was so convinced - it took them very well.

"We were quite confident. It was not in the top five, but when it comes to take them, someone might say "I do not feel well, I prefer to take someone else."

It is difficult to say whether Didier Drogba - sent off in extra time for slapping Nemanja Vidic - took a penalty instead of Terry.

Ronaldo headed United in front with his 42nd goal of a memorable season when he met a cross from Wes Brown to the far post.

But Lampard levelled on the stroke of half-time after Michael Essien had shot cannoned in its path out of the rear United captain Rio Ferdinand.

Drogba and Lampard both hit the wood for the blues as they searched for a winner-US and spent a lot of extra time on the strings.

Chelsea appeared to be heading for glory when Petr Cech saved Cristiano Ronaldo, but the penalty handed Terry glaring miss the momentum back to United.

Nicolas Anelka place-kick was then kept out by Van der Sar-and United won another European triumph - 50 years after the disaster at Munich and four decades after they became the first English club to winning the competition.

Ryan Giggs broke Bobby Charlton's all-time Manchester United club appearance record

2008-05-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

MOSCOW, May 21 - Ryan Giggs broke Bobby Charlton's all-time club Manchester United appearance record on Wednesday when he replaced Paul Scholes after 87 minutes of the Champions League final against Chelsea at Luzhniki Stadium.

It was Giggs' 759th appearance for United, Charlton surpassing the mark of 758 which was also against Chelsea in his last match for United in April 1973.

After Giggs had helped his side to another Champions League triumph - this time over Chelsea - he rejected any suggestion that he was ready to retire, saying: "I want nights like this."

He told Sky Sports he was convinced to take his penalty in the shootout, but still believes that the 1999 final is more dramatic.

"I do not think you can battre'99," said Giggs.

"Sanctions can be a lottery. It is about how teams have been all season. "

Giggs said he was a proud moment to beat Sir Bobby Charlton United appearance record, especially on a night of Champions League glory.

"It is a proud achievement for me and my family," he said.

"But the end is to win all trophies."