Football

Chelsea manager Mourinho had invited the French man named only as Souleymane to Wednesday's second-leg match at Stamford Bridge.

Club's recent takeover appears to have breathed new life into them and hopes are high that they can again mount a genuine challenge in Spain and Europe in coming years.

Goals by David Barral and Kalu Uche lifted Levante from the relegation zone as it beat Eibar 2-1 in the Spanish league on Friday.

Inzaghi's future has been thrown into doubt and Saturday's match at home to Verona is being billed as his last chance to keep his first senior coaching job.

City manager Pellegrini says he is under no pressure from the club's owners despite a recent slump that threatens to leave them without a trophy this season.

With Champions League qualification a distinct possibility after 2-1 victory over City, Rodgers is delighted his side have finally found their groove.

Terry urged his young team-mates to use the win over Tottenham as a springboard to more success.

The Yokohama Rubber Company's branding will appear on Chelsea's kit from the start of the 2015-16 season.

Sampdoria drew 1-1 at home to Genoa in a Serie A derby on Tuesday that left the two sides level on points in the fight for a European place.

Juventus settled for a narrow 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Malaga stunned Barcelona with a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou to end the hosts' 11-game winning streak and prevent them from taking the overnight lead of the Spanish league.

Graham Robinson, head of international football development in Sunderland said the country has the potential to be a market for pre-season friendlies.

Messi admitted on Thursday that he had a lot of problems both on and off the pitch last season and said that he is motivated to return to his top level in 2015.

Thorsten Stuckmann claimed on Wednesday that striker Rooney has apologised for his alleged "dive" during Manchester United's 3-1 win in FA Cup.

While PSG lost four players to injury on Saturday, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea players benefited from a rare weekend off with the team not involved in FA Cup action.

Real Sociedad are provisionally 11th on 24 points while Almeria is 15th on 23.