Ten yellows in Chelsea’s Barca draw
White out as Reds go through
Bluebirds sink Black Cats
—– An injury-time equaliser gives Chelsea a vital Champions League point after an ill-tempered encounter at Barcelona.
Didier Drogba pounced with seconds left to seal a 2-2 draw as the increasingly bitter rivalry between the two clubs also results in a total of ten yellow cards.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hails a “very powerful display” but, on Halloween Night, he condemns the Barcelona players’ behaviour with words that are sure to haunt him: “I think it is not easy for a referee to be a referee when the players are diving minute after minute.”
The Premiership champions - who are set to be fined after picking up six bookings - are almost certain to qualify from Group A with Barca and Werder Bremen battling for the other qualifying slot.
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—– Liverpool’s emphatic 3-0 win against Bordeaux at Anfield confirms the Reds safe passage from Group C, along with PSV Eindhoven, with two games to spare.
The game is preceded by the shock resignation of long-serving director Noel White following his criticism of manager Rafael Benitez in a Sunday newspaper.
The article included quotes from an unnamed director questioning Benitez’s transfer dealings and team rotation policy.
Ironically, the Bordeaux visit is the first time in exactly 100 games that he has named an unchanged team.
—– Cardiff City continue to lead the way in the Championship with a 2-1 win at Sunderland. Michael Chopra’s brace takes him to the top of the division’s goalscorers charts.
Preston North End stay second as Dennis Wise is given a harsh demonstration of the task he faces. His new Leeds United charges crash 1-4 at Deepdale.
Burnley are third following a 2-0 win at Luton Town.
Early term favourites Crystal Palaces slip down to 18th with a 2-3 setback at Sheffield Wednesday.
In the clash of the bottom two, Southend United replace Hull City in 24th position as the Tigers come from behind twice to win 3-2 at Roots Hall.
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