Sevilla deny Atletico cup double

Sevilla rounded off a memorable week to an otherwise forgettable season by claiming the Copa Del Rey with a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp last night.

On Saturday, the Andalucian's were dragged kicking and screaming into the fourth Champions League place thanks to a stunning 93rd minute acrobatic volley from, teenage substitute, Rodri.

A draw would have allowed Mallorca take that coveted spot. But as they waited anxiously with massive bottles of cava ready to explode in celebration, the stadium's big screen brought only crushed dreams for the men in red.

As a result the Islanders have since applied for voluntary administration, the club clearly devastated on missing out on the vital funds a Champions League campaign would have provided.

Last nights cup win came courtesy of Sevilla's raiding wingers; with Diego Capel unleashing a left foot thunderbolt to give his side a vital fifth minute lead. And almost 90 minutes later, Jesus Navas sealed the victory with a breakaway goal, hurdling Alvaro Dominguez's tackle before round the goalkeeper and guiding the ball home.

Newly crowned champions of the inaugural, Europa League, Atletico, piled on the pressure with Diego Forlan looking most likely to grab an equaliser.

But despite some erratic moments, Andres Palop and his line of white defence managed to frustrate the Uruguayan all night, whilst keeping Sergio "Kun" Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes at arms length long enough for Navas to deliver the sucker punch.

Matthews and Drogheda part company

Alan Matthews has resigned as manager of Drogheda United after a run of bad results, the most recent of which,  a 6-0 capitulation to Sligo Rovers, was clearly the last straw. 

The Louth team lie just three points ahead of rock bottom Bray Wanderers having played two games more.

"Unfortunately results have not been good enough and I feel that I have gone as far as I can with this group of players" Matthews admitted in a statement on Monday night.

The former Cork City boss took over the Drog's after their recovery from examinership in 2009 and a club statement acknowledged that fact in its praise for the Dubliner:

"We wish to thank Alan for his outstanding contribution to Drogheda United.

"It is widely acknowledged that he got the very best out of players in 2009 and it is thanks to his level-headedness during a very difficult season that Drogheda United secured a premier division place for 2010." 

Matthews reciprocated the good wishes to the club and also had special mention for United's supporters:

"I would like to give special acknowledgment to the clubs terrific supporters who played no small part in keeping the team in the premier division last season and who have stood by the team this season despite some unacceptable performances."

Drogheda have already lost nine times from 14 games this season including just one point from their last seven games.

Their only win of the season was a at, early season pace setters, St Patrick's, a goal courtesy of 18 year old full back Eoghan Osbourne, perhaps symptomatic of the clubs problems. He is a full time student in DCU while also lining out for United.

By resigning Matthew's has seemingly done the club an honourable service as the cash strapped Louthmen will not have to pay out the remainder of his contract. A detail which may explain the good feeling emanating from United park despite the split, and Matthews clearly wishes the best for his old squad:

"By going now it will allow the club to get someone new in with enough time to hopefully turn things around."

Ballack the latest big name out of World Cup

Germany captain Michael Ballack has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury in Saturday's FA cup final victory over Portsmouth.

The Chelsea midfielder was caught by a rash challenge from Kevin Prince Boateng just before half time at Wembley and the German Football Association (DFB) today confirmed that the scans reveal ligament damage.

The DFB's statement said: "A tear of the medial collateral ligament of the right ankle was found. The right ankle is immobilised in a plaster. He will have to wear a special shoe for two weeks."

The German team doctor, Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, gave the talisman a recovery period of eight weeks, meaning he will not return to training until July 12th, the day after the World Cup Final in Johannesburg.

The return date should mean he can travel with Chelsea on their pre-season tour in the United States, which kicks off on July 18th.

The news must come as another blow to tournament organisers FIFA. The governing body last year took the decision to seed higher ranked teams in playoffs to enable the best known footballers to qualify. 

But those plans hit some unexpected hiccups in recent weeks as national coach's around the world released their squads for the tournament with some noticeable absentee's. 

France omitted Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri. Argentina coach Diego Maradonna overlooked Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti, who could lift the Champion's League later this week. 

While Brazilian stars Ronaldinho and Alexander Pato will also be able to spend the summer at home. Couple these with injury to the marquee player of global football, David Beckham, and Ballack's absence will be another headache for those trying to profit from the mass appeal of the tournament.

But the fact that Germany will be without their 33 year old leader will be a source of optimism for group D rivals Serbia, Ghana and Australia, who may now all fancy their chances against Joachim Lowe's inexperienced side

Rovers break Student's unbeaten run

Gary Twigg proved the match winner once again as Shamrock Rovers took a much deserved 2-1 win from the Belfield Bowl to go level with Dundalk at the top of the Airticity league

UCD looked to be on the way to a sixth league game unbeaten until the Scot's 85th minute left footed strike from substitute Dessie Baker's lobbed pass sent the massive visiting support into raptures. 

The Students came into this South Dublin derby on the back of five consecutive clean sheets in the Airtricity league, but it took just eight minutes for Rovers to break the deadlock. James Chambers curling an inch perfect free kick into Billy Brennan's bottom left corner, the goalkeepers shut-out ending just shy of what would have been a landmark eight hours.

But the Hoops held UCD at bay for less than eight minutes as the heavy rain stopped, Paul Corry checked onto his weaker right foot and fired a speculative shot from 25 yards. Alan Mannus looked to have the shot to his left well covered until the ball ricocheted off Paddy Kavanagh and into the opposite corner of the net.

Having began the game as though in a mood to steamroll promoted opposition, the equalising goal rocked Rovers back on their heels. And it was the home side which should have led at half time. 

Centre back Evan McMillan will be the most disappointed after getting his foot to Chris Mulhall's inswinging corner only to send the chance clear of the six yard box rather than goalbound.

The big man was, however, performing his primary function with much more efficiency, and Twigg, playing as a lone frontman, was not allowed any clear cut opportunities, but the mark of a finisher, he took his one chance expertly.

Billy Dennehy, was a constant headache for Sean Harding in the UCD defence and looked most likely to create a second for the visitors. In the first minute of the second half, his inswinging free kick found Dan Murray at the near post, the former Cork City stalwart was unable to direct his header home.

Minutes later the winger was desperately unlucky not to give his side the lead, Chambers side-footed effort parried out by Brennan just inches behind the sliding Dennehy.

The visitors looked in control and with the addition of Baker,switched to a more offensive 4-4-2 with 20 minutes to go and the substitution proved inspired from Michael O'Neill as his side withstood a barrage of late pressure from a UCD side that has become unfamiliar with defeat.

UCD (4-3-3):  Billy Brennan, Sean Harding, Andy Boyle, Evan McMillan, Brian Shortall, Greg Bolger, Chris Mulhall, Paul Corry, David McMillan Ciaran Kilduff ( Robbie Creevy '71), Dwayne Wilson ( Shane Fitzgerald '71)

Subs not used: Ciaran Nangle,, Micheal Leahy, Ger Barron

Shamrock Rovers (4-3-3: Alan Mannus, Pat Flynn, Dan Murray, Craig Sives, Danny Murphy, Stephen Bradley, Chris Turner ( Dessie Baker '69) James Chambers, Billy Dennehy ( Thomas Stewart '78), Paddy Kavanagh ( Sean O'Connor '62), Gary Twigg,

Subs not used:Robert Duggan, Enda Stevens 

Referee: Declan Hanney

Attendance: 1,348

Champions League semi final, second leg: Olympique Lyonnais 0 3 Bayern Munich (Agg:0:4)

Bayern Munich travelled to Stade Gerland knowing a clean sheet would be enough to put them in their first European Cup final since 2001.

After a solid start it became apparent that only would winner would emerge and Holger Badstuber could have set the Germans on their way to Madrid well before Ivica Olic's 26th minute opener left Lyon needing three goals to progress.

But on the night it was Olic who scored three, a hat-trick completed after the hosts were reduced to 10 men. Central defender Cris given his marching orders for sarcastically applauding referee, Massimo Busacca after his first caution.

France's first participants in the semi final, since Marseille were crowned champions in 1993, rarely looked like turning the tide, Michel Bastos spurning their best chance shortly after Olic's opener.

Students too good for Drogheda, again

A goal either side of half time gave UCD a 2-0 win over Drogheda United to push the Students up the Airtricity league table whilst edging the Drogs closer to Bray at the Bottom.

Greg Bolger's spot Kick opened the scoring, just four minutes before half time, Ciaran Kilduff touching Paul Corry's pass into the path of Chris Mulhall who went down under the challenge of Joe Kendrick, dragged out of his position at left back.

Kilduff had terrorised these opponents on matchday one and just 40 seconds after the break he doubled the lead. A looping header which landed just inside Paul Murphy's left hand post. It was Paul Harding's deep cross which picked out his sides star striker, an assist, due reward for the swashbuckling fullback.

Despite going 2-0 down so early in the second half Alan Matthews persisted with lone frontman Colm Smith, until the 70th minute when he was joined by wide man John Flood in a minor reshuffle.

After their opening day three goal drubbing at the hands of the Students, United looked fearful of getting rolled over again on their visit to Belfield. Matching up against UCD's three man midfield they were succesful in stifling Bolger and co. for much of the first half and dominated play in that period, creating the better of the chances.

Flood will be the most disappointed, when, with the game goalless, he mistimed a free header which ended up back with corner taker Brendan McGIll. Also allowed plenty of space was Brian King, who powered a header downwards in first half stoppage time only for Billy Brennan to tip round the post.

It was Dwayne Wilson who provided a rare danger moment for the hosts, tearing after Brian Shortall's long pass up the line. A powerful runner, Wilson turned Jamie Harris inside and out but once inside the box, the veteran centre back made no mistake with the tackle.

That signalled a momentum shift in a first half where the visitors dominated but went in trailing as Paul Corry, Bolger and Peter McMahon got a foothold in the game. The latter of UCD's midfield trio attempting an audacious chip shortly after his side took the lead, it was slightly overhit, however and rippled only the roof of the net.

The concession of Kilduff's fourth goal of the season so early in the second half was a body blow for the Drog's and chances became rare, two of them falling to Brian King, including a beautifully struck half volley went narrowly over Brennan's crossbar.

From the moment Bolger slotted his penalty to the 'keepers right, UCD always looked most likely to score. The pace of Kilduff, Mulhall and later David McMillan too much for the Louthmen to handle. And the small home support thought there was a third goal to celebrate when Corry's left foot curler rippled the net after going narrowly wide.

UCD (4-3-3): Billy Brennan, Paul Harding, Andy Boyle, Brian Shortall (for Ciaran Nangle '55), Greg Bolger, Peter McMahon, Paul Corry, Chris Mulhall, Dwayne Wilson (for David McMillan '65), Ciaran Kilduff

Subs not used: Stephen Roche, Keith Ward, Ger Barron

Drogheda United (4-3-3): Paul Murphy, Corie Tracey Alan McNally, Jamie Harris, Joe Kendrick, Brendan McGIll, Michael Daly, Brian King, Jamie Duffy, John Flood, Colm Smith

Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Damien Brennan, Derek Kierans, Paul Matando

Referee: D Hanney

Att: 215

Trapattoni: "show me the mentality to fit my system"

Giovanni Trapattoni has named eight uncapped players in a development squad to train in Malahide before Ireland face World Cup participants Paraguay and Algeria in the final week of May.

More senior players, such as Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, are expected to join the squad on May 22nd. But the Italian revealed that Shay Given, who dislocated his left shoulder at the weekend, may not be the only absentee:

"Everyone is available, (but) Richard Dunne has a problem in his achilles tendon, it could be dangerous (to play).- Also (Keith) Andrews has a problem in the groin."

Former St.Patrick's Athletic star Keith Fahey is among the uncapped players included in the party, along with Paul Green of Derby County, Sunderland's David Meyler and Stephen Ward of Wolves.

Also in the group is Everton defender Shane Duffy. Who, as a native of Derry represented Northern Ireland up to under 21 level. But Trapattoni revealed that the 18 year old is not yet able to play for the Republic:

"Duffy can train with us, but cannot play against Paraguay, we wait on FIFA clearance documentation."

Duffy may feature in an (as yet not arranged) "B" international in which the Coach is hopeful to face an English club side.

After previous squad announcements, the septuagenarian has come in for heavy criticism from players who feel aggrieved at their omission, suggesting they have been given a cold shoulder. Trapattoni chose to pre-empt these strikes by sending out a message

'Show me you have the quality, show me the mentality to fit my system." and restated his open door policy insisting that nobody was being frozen out.

"In the past we have called them (omitted players) to say: you must believe in your quality, we will follow you."

Trapattoni's squad announcement was preceded by the unveiling of Tayto as an official partner of the FAI. Raymond Coyle of Largo Foods imtimated the deal was one year long, with a possible extension if deemed successful. But Coyle was less forthcoming regarding the value of the deal saying guardedly: "its as much as we can afford."

Training squad in full:

Keiren Westwood (Coventry City) Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe United) Brian Murphy (Ipswich Town), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Eddie Nolan (Sheffield Wednesday) Paul McShane (Hull City), Shane Duffy (Everton) Kevin Foley, Stephen Ward, Andy Keogh (all Wolves) Marc Wilson (Portsmouth) Darren O'Dea (Reading) Keith Treacey (Preston North End) Darron Gibson (Manchester United) James McCarthy (Wigan) Liam Lawrence (Stoke City) David Meyler (Sunderland) Keith Fahey (Birmingham City) Paul Green (Derby County) Caleb Folan ( Hull City) Leon Best (Newcastle United) Shane Long (Reading) Anthony Stokes (Hibernian).

*Uncapped players underlined

Giggs double puts ball back in Chelsea court

A brace of penalties from Ryan Giggs helped Manchester United move top of the Premier League with a 3-1 home victory over in form Tottenham Hotspur.

Wayne Rooney was a surprise absentee, and Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that the groin injury may rule him out for the rest of season.

United missed Rooney's cutting edge and struggled to create chances in the goalless first half.

The breakthrough came after the hour. Giggs converting a penalty awarded against Benoit Assou-Ekotto for upending Patrice Evra. But United are pre-programmed for high drama, and it came when Ledley King powered in the equalising header after 70 minutes.

Federico Macheda was sent on to bolster the attack and the Italian had an instant impact in the 80th minute: Playing in Nani, evidently with ice in his veins, controlling instantly before chipping Heurelho Gomes.

Nani was the catalyst again five minutes later, bundled over by Wilson Palacios forcing Andre Mariner to award a second spot kick, which Giggs expertly converted for his second of the day.

McAllister strike breaks Rovers unbeaten run

A Wonderstrike from David McAllister put an end to Sligo Rovers unbeaten start to the season as they lost 1-0 at the hands of St Patrick's Athletic, who keep pace with Dundalk at the top of the Airtricity League.

The decisive goal at Richmond Park was worthy of winning any match. Just before the hour McAllister, cutting inside from his right wing position, dribbled past Danny Ventre before unleashing a left foot drive from 30 yards which crashed off the underside of the bar giving Richard Brush in the Sligo goal absolutely no chance.

The concession left Rovers facing an uphill task in trying to break the Dubliner's rearguard. On their own turf the Saints are tough to reign in, Pete Mahon has constructed a side specialising in counter attack football, with a solid defence the launchpad.

Against his old club Joseph Ndo looked the most likely to pick the lock, but his subtle passes were always just out of reach when Padraig Amond and Mark Doninger made their angled runs.

Hoarse from shouting instructions, Paul Cooke was understandably disappointed to lose:

"We deserved something from the game, we dominated possession for long spells.

If you have a criticism it's that we lacked penetration, we were missing (Matthew) Blinkhorn in that respect."

Mahon too was subdued despite the victory."We've won nothing so far" said Mahon, keen to focus on the next hurdle. "there's another tough game to come on Monday against Galway." The Saints supremo eventually adding that: "we're happy to be where we are, but to win the league would be dreamland stuff."

The return of Ndo to Inchicore drew a chorus of boo's from the home support. His skill when dropping deep in midfield was a major sense of frustration to David Mulcahy and Stuart Byrne.

The visitors were by no means cowed by the games keenly contested tackles giving as good as they got, but Gary McCabe was lucky to escape censure when he tackled Stuart Byrne from behind.

The movement of Amond kept Kenna and Guthrie on edge. Early on, the skilful striker combined with Ndo, who dribbled his way to a shooting position in the congested penalty area, but the Cameroonian's curling effort was off target much to the delight of the large home support.

Cooke was forced to reshuffle his back line after just 25 minutes when, stretching to make a clearance, Mauro Almeida landed awkwardly on his achilles and was stretchered off, replaced by fullback Paul Whelan.

The normally dangerous, Ryan Guy was kept relatively quiet, in part due to good wing play from John Dillon, who forced the American to track back more than he enjoys.

On the other wing, McAllister was in fine form and could have finished off his sides best move of the match after Faherty, fed by Mulcahy, rolled a chance his way. But on that occasion Brush was up to the task of stopping the wide mans shot.

On the stroke of half time Faherty again found a penetrative pass, but the Paul Byrne's half volley required minimal effort from Brush to make keep the game goalless at half time.

Pats upped the tempo after the turnaround and had an early penalty shout when Faherty tumbled after rounding the goalkeeper, referee Alan Kelly deeming a corner sufficient reward.

McAllister's strike came as a bolt from the blue, and after falling behind, the Bit O Red looked desperate to preserve their unbeaten record. Gavin Peers' downward header somehow finding the space outside the post and out of reach of the onrushing Doninger seeking a tap-in.

The men from the west refused to lay down, Richie Ryan flashed a shot wide and as the final whistle loomed, they lay siege to Gary Rogers' goal showing why this was their first defeat. But the hosts still looked the more likely score with substitute Alex Williams a major headache for Peers and Alan Keane, now defending high up the pitch.

The saints go marching on and with full time coming ten minutes earlier than Dundalk's game, the faithful reminded themselves that they sat top of the league.

Sligo will be looking forward to playing a team other than St.Pat's in the coming weeks.

St Patricks Athletic: Gary Rogers, Derek Pender, Connor Kenna, Shane Guthrie, Damien Lynch, David McAllister, Stuart Byrne, David Mulcahy, Ryan Guy (for Brian Cash '82), Paul Byrne (for Alex Williams '76), Vinny Faherty (for Connor Sinnot '89

Substitutes not used: Gareth Coughlan, Dan Conner.

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush, Danny Ventre, Gavin Peers, Mauro Almeida (for Paul Whelan,'26,) Alan Keane, John Dillon (for Eoin Doyle '68), Richie Ryan, Mark Doninger, Gary McCabe (Conor Ogrady '80), Joseph Ndo, Padraig Amond.

Substitutes not used: Steve Feeney, Ciaran Kelly

Referee: A Kelly

European leagues reaching decisive days

The Premier League is set for an exciting climax after Paul Scholes put Manchester United’s ‘noisy neighbours’ to the sword, to close within one point of Chelsea with only three games remaining. But England’s top division merely reflects the excitement of leagues all across Europe.

As the clock ticks down to trophy season, only one of the continents top leagues seems settled. And until Lyon managed only two wins from their last seven games, all four Champions League semi-finalists were chasing domestic success.

The slump from Claude Puel’s charges has allowed Marseille to storm to the top of Ligue 1. Thanks to a run of just one defeat since the new year, L’OM are 11 points ahead of Champions Bordeaux and nine points clear of third placed Lyon who are set for a second year in third place. Which is a severe dip coming after seven straight league titles. But one suspects they are willing to sacrifice a league title for a shot at ‘the big eared trophy’.

If Marseille manage to close the deal, the southern French city is set for a major celebration, they have already shown a glimpse of the passion for silverware on the Mediterranean coast. After their league cup success earlier this year, the club took the unusual step of having an open top bus take them on a victory parade to show off their wares through the streets.

In Spain, Barcelona had their own local derby to navigate last weekend. But on a rare occasion when, ‘el Messiah,’ Lionel Messi failed to perform, the champions dropped two points to Espanyol allowing Real Madrid to close the gap to the minimum with a 2-0 win over Valencia.

With five games to go in La Liga, Real appear to have an easier run in, a trip to fourth place Mallorca the toughest proposition for Los Blanco’s, who will surely have the blinkers on and all eyes trained on the Primera trophy, despite many of their players being purchased for the singular purpose of achieving European success.

Barca must navigate through tricky journey’s to Villareal and Sevilla, neither of whom will have given up on the coveted fourth Champions League place. Any stumble now and the Blaugrana face the very real possibility of following up their all conquering treble season with a trophyless one (apart from being world club champions of course.) Particularly after Inter Milan dealt an acute psychological blow by becoming the first team to score three against Pep Guardiola’s side. That result evidently ruffled the feathers of Xavi whose post match confrontation with Jose Mourinho betrayed his club’s oft exaggerated corinthian spirit.

Despite their impressive showing on Wednesday, Inter look to have loosened their stranglehold on Serie A after being overtaken by AS Roma.

Like Madrid and Manchester United, Mourinho’s men lie one point behind their title rivals and the next two weeks of action are likely to be pivotal, assuming that the special one will not sacrifice a fifth title in a row to ensure his troops are well rested for his return to Camp Nou. The Nerazzuri travel to Rome to face Lazio, before the Giallorossi host fourth place Sampdoria, all could become clearer if either side stumbles over these hurdles.

The fading AC Milan lie in third place, seven points behind the leaders with four games to go and, not before time, Andrea Pirlo has admitted: “The Scudetto is lost: we are only thinking about finishing the season well.”

It is hard to avoid thinking that little more than Leonardo’s approachable nature and legendary status at Milan has kept him in the job thus far, Silvio Burlusconi may be forgiven for picking out a replacement for the Brazilian before the World Cup has finished.

“Typical German’s” was how Alex Ferguson described Bayern Munich, and as they lie two points ahead of Schalke with three games against bottom half opposition to come, “FC Hollywood” look set to efficiently bring another Bundesliga title to Bavaria.

But will Franck Ribery’s travails and European suspension derail them from a possible treble? Werder Bremen are the opposition in the German Cup final, and Louis Van Gaal is just one result away from a Saturday night final in Madrid, rest assured, when Arjen Robben is fit and well, anything is possible.

Across the border, in Robben’s homeland, Martin Jol’s Ajax are feeling sorry for themselves. Despite conceding just four goals at home all season, and currently being on a run of 13 consecutive league victories, they still trail Steve McLaren’s FC Twente by one point going into the final day. “Twente just seem to never lose” lamented Jol regarding Twente’s impressive record of just two defeats this season.

The Eredivisie’s day of reckoning will come next weekend (May 2nd) and both pretenders to the crown must travel to claim to the points, But McClaren is in the driving seat.

The top four spots look cut and dried in Portugal and so major prizes are no longer up for grabs. Benfica are well clear at the top, their three pronged attack of Javier Saviola, and the highly rated pair of Angel DiMaria and Oscar Cardozo proving too much for the chasing pack to compete with.

That chasing pack consists of the usual pairing of FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon (in third and fourth respectively) but also Sporting Braga, who sit comfortably in second, five points ahead of Porto.

Back to the big boys: and they don’t come much bigger or bolder than John Terry and Didier Drogba. Chelsea could be without both stalwarts for the visit of Stoke City this weekend.

The Ivorian appeared to aggravate a hernia injury last week and requested to be substituted after he re-emerged for the second half. But the striker opted to play through the pain barrier for the remaining 45 minutes as trailing 2-0, Carlo Ancelotti had already made all of his substitutions.

Terry was subsequently booked for two rash challenges in quick succession, and the deserved red card which followed rules him out for Saturday. In previous encounters, the blues have used both Drogba and the captain as pillars to defend the blunt, yet potent, threat of the Rory Delap long throw in.

After putting major dents in both Arsenal and Chelsea’s title charge in the last week Tottenham Hotspur will travel to Old Trafford with more expectation than ever before, hoping to complete an unlikely treble in the space of ten days.

United will feel they need all available points to claim a record 19th league title. Should they beat spurs they must then travel to Wearside to face a rejuvenated Sunderland before hosting Stoke City on the final day.

Terry is likely to return to action when his team venture into Anfield to face Liverpool on what could be Rafael Benitez’s last game in front of the Kop. It is the standout fixture for the league leaders and it has been made more winnable with the news that Fernando Torres has being ruled out for the remainder of the season.

El Nino intends to undergo surgery on a knee injury so that he can be fit to return for his country’s summer assault on South Africa. Spain go into the tournament as favourites but have failed to deliver on the biggest stage on each previous occasion, their best ever performance a fourth place finish in the bygone footballing era of 1950.

Perennially accused of being from a bygone era himself; Scholes’ header at Eastland’s demonstrated his intense and unflagging will to win. After 93 minutes of the most pressurised game of the season, the midfielder contorted his 35 year old body to inject every available ounce of power into a header, perfectly placed to the the only place Shay Given could not have reached it.

All across the continent those involved in tight scraps for trophies will know they must replicate that desire if they are to come out on top.