There was a time when English clubs won the Champions Cup year after year.
Now it looks as if they don't want it.
Manchester United and Chelsea both flopped to defeats on Wednesday the day after Arsenal failed to score in a tame 0-0 draw.
PHOTO: AFP
Chelsea, with a huge squad of 30 pros since Russian billionaire oil tycoon Roman Abramovich took over ownership two months ago, was expected by its fans to have no problems dealing with Besiktas, which had never won a Champions League game away from Turkey.
But two goals in three first-half minutes by Sergan Yalcin and Chelsea's inability to break down a well-organized defense meant three dropped points for the Blues. Besiktas even had Turkish international striker Ilhan Mansiz sent off early in the second half for needless yellow cards, but Claudio Ranieri's men couldn't take advantage.
"When you make some mistakes, you pay," he said.
PHOTO: AFP
Despite the loss, Ranieri's team hasn't lost much ground because Lazio was held to a 2-2 draw by Sparta and only leads Besiktas and Chelsea by one point.
Libor Sionko and Karel Poborsky gave the Czech champion a 2-0 halftime lead in Rome before Inzaghi's strikes, one from a penalty, earned the Italian side a point that keeps it top of Group G.
"There are no easy matches in the Champions League," Lazio coach Roberto Mancini said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
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