Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid – UEFA Champions League Semi Final

Barcelona comfortably advanced to the Champions League final following a 1-1 draw at home to fierce rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

Following a completely one-sided first half in which Madrid keeper Iker Casillas kept his side in the game, Pedro gave Pep Guardiola’s team the lead nine minutes into the second period.

Marcelo soon hit back for a vastly-improved Madrid 10 minutes later, but the Catalans never looked in too much trouble and will face Manchester United or Schalke in the final later this month, which sees them return to the scene of their first European Cup triumph, in 1992.

Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona: Spanish rivals share draw – La Liga

Barcelona remained eight points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga as the two rivals drew in the first of four games they will play in just over two weeks.

A Lionel Messi penalty gave Barca an early second-half lead after Raul Albiol hauled David Villa to the ground with a challenge that saw him sent off.

Real’s equaliser was also provided by a penalty when Daniel Alves brought down fellow Brazilian Marcelo. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier hit the post, fired home the spot-kick.

Liverpool 3 – 0 Manchester City – Premier League

Andy Carroll finally repaid the first chunk of that massive £35 million price tag as he scored two of the goals that helped Liverpool condemn Manchester City to their worst possible preparation for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.

A disastrous evening for the Blues that put their top-four hopes in the balance again was only made worse as Carlos Tevez suffered a hamstring injury that seems certain to rule him out of the Wembley showdown with old club Manchester United.

Manchester United 2 – 0 Fulham – Premier League

There was no Grand National glory for Sir Alex Ferguson but Manchester United continue to power their own way towards the Premier League title.First-half strikes from Dimitar Berbatov – his 22nd of the season – and Antonio Valencia with his first since August allowed United to surge ten points clear of nearest challengers Arsenal. And, if they can keep a steady course over the final six hurdles, United will achieve what Ferguson’s Aintree hopeful What A Friend was unable to and finish ahead of the chasing pack.

Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal – UEFA Champions League

Arsenal were left with a sense of injustice after seeing Robin van Persie controversially sent off as they were knocked out of the Champions League again by Barcelona in the Camp Nou following a 3-1 loss.The Dutchman was a shock inclusion for the Gunners, who led 2-1 from the first leg, having recovered quicker than expected from the knee injury he sustained in the Carling Cup final.

Bolton Wanderers 3 – 2 Aston Villa – Premier League

Ivan Klasnic clambered off the Bolton bench to snatch his side a stunning late win over Aston Villa after Ashley Young’s missed penalty cost the visitors dear.Klasnic rammed home the winner four minutes from time to wrap up a stirring comeback from the home side, who twice battled back from behind to take the points. But Villa were left to rue Young’s saved 70th-minute spot-kick which had he converted would have put Gerard Houllier’s men 3-1 up and surely home and dry.