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Hull City 4 - Watford 1 (Agg. 6-1) (Championship play-off semi-final second-leg, May 14, 2008) The Hornets had brief hope when Darius Henderson put them in front but goals from Nick Barmby, Caleb Folan, Richard Garcia (fine run) and Nathan Doyle sealed a date for Hull with Brisol City at Wembley.

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Darmstadt 5 - Bayern Munich 11 (Club friendly, May 13, 2008) Bayern Munich agreed to play cash-strapped Darmstadt in a bid to ward off bankruptcy for the former Bundesliga side. Squad player Jan Schlaudraff was the star for Bayern, bagging an incredible seven goals.

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AEK Athens 1 - Panathanaikos 1 (Super Liga play-off, May 14, 2008) Mattos put Pana ahead on 26 from a free-kick, Ensalvia equalised on 51 with a stunning strike from distance.

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Corinthians 1 - Vasco Da Gama 3 (Copa do Brasil, May 14, 2008)

Marilia 2 - Barueri 2 (Campeonato Brasileiro, May 14, 2008)

Santo Andre 1 - Brasiliense 3 (Campeonato Brasileiro, May 14, 2008)

Rangers had a huge following in Barcelona for this final and a pitch invasion at the end of the game meant they were banned from Europe for the next two seasons.

Of course, a number of articles have been rolled out recalling this final in recent days. David Sharp on the BBC has compared the similarities between Rangers circa 1972 with the current side.

Willie Waddell’s side were “characterised by an aggressive pressing game allied with a fabulous work-rate. The remit was to close the opposition down when they had the ball and counter at devastating speed.” Sharp compares this with the “Watenaccio” style of play currently employed by Walter Smith’s side.

In addition, Jonathan Wilson (Guardian) describes how the Rangers fans behaved in the Nou Camp: “The behaviour of the Scottish fans was shocking and ugly.”

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The top 10 goals scored in the UEFA Cup this season can be seen here.

Now UEFA are getting in on the act, totally ignoring the quite extreme violence that occurred after Legia Warsaw won the Polish Cup Final yesterday, beating Wisla Krakow 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out.

The violence can be seen here and UEFA’s match report here.

Stalin would be proud.

See Fulham’s “Great Escape” here.

Read Moritz Volz’s take on the final day on his blog here.

Quote of the day: “We aren’t bothered, but we are baffled, many of the people who have had a go at us should really know better. After all, when you play poker, what do you do? You play the hand you’re dealt. If we’d been dealt a stronger hand we’d have played a different way - and if our opponents had stronger hands, it was their responsibility to beat us. We’ve done what any good team should do. We’ve played to our strengths and worked hard to minimise our weaknesses - how can we be criticised for that?” - Ally McCoist.

Runner-up: “I’m as proud as I can possibly be. This result means a great deal to this football club, We had to come back from adversity. We’re humble in victory but the lads have put in a fantastic performance. To come back and finish as strongly as they did is a credit to them and their season’s work on the training ground. We’ve got to be careful because we’ve still got one massive game to go - it’s not over. We’ll enjoy Wembley, but everyone knows you only enjoy it of you’re the winners.” – Gary Johnson.

Today’s overview: Attentions turn to Manchester and the UEFA Cup final as questions are asked about Rangers’ style of play and the bigots of Zenit St. Petersburg. The other main theme this morning is the future of Didier Drogba.

Scott Murray (Guardian) asks “Will it be a good thing for football if defensive and dull Rangers win the Uefa Cup?” “If Rangers become the worst-ever side to prevail in Europe - and having scored five goals in an eight-game campaign featuring four 0-0s, that isn’t too rude - then by irrefutable definition that victory would automatically become the greatest ever in the history of football.”

In the same paper, Kevin McCarra (Guardian) claims that “Rangers should take great pride in sending out the most humdrum line-up ever to represent a Scottish club in a European final.”

Roddy Forsyth (Daily Telegraph) features quotes from Ally McCoist and Walter Smith who claim they they have not been “troubled by the derision that has been directed at them, especially after their goalless draw and penalty shoot-out win in Florence.”

In the same paper Nicholas Spencer interviews Brian Talbot on the marathon season Rangers are enduring. “Tonight’s Uefa Cup final is Rangers’ 63rd match. The mere thought of it is tiring.”

Nick Harris (Independent) speaks with Rangers centre-back Carlos Cuellar. Money quote: “When you leave from maybe the best league in the world to play somewhere like Scotland, the reaction is the same from everyone, they ask, ‘Are you crazy? Why are you moving? You are in the best league with the best players.’”

Jonathan Wilson (Guardian) writes of the last time Rangers played in a European final. “Five goals, a breathless comeback, pitch invasions, rioting and 36 years of bitterness. If the last time a Russian side met Rangers in a European final is anything to go by, we’re in for an eventful night in Manchester.”

Martin Samuel (The Times) castigates Dick Advocaat (”Not exactly Braveheart, is he?”) for not confronting the bigots at Zenit St. Petersburg. “More worrying, then, is the thought that Advocaat is not bold enough to confront his problem in the way Souness did at Rangers. ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,’ Edmund Burke wrote, and Advocaat could be accused of not only inertia, but tacit, albeit inadvertent, disregard for the racism in his midst.”

Also in The Times, Phil Gordon writes of the “super-rich backers” behind Zenit St. Petersburg.

According to Jeremy Wilson (Daily Telegraph), “Avram Grant has given a clear indication of the pivotal role that he expects to play at Chelsea next season by revealing that he is working exclusively with Roman Abramovich on finalising the club’s transfer strategy.”

The main story in The Sun today is that Didier Drogba has revealed, “My dream is to play for AC Milan.” (Will he still be “dreaming” of playing for the Rossoneri when they don’t qualify for the Champions League?)

Matt Hughes (The Times) says Chelsea have even started making lists of “likely targets.” “Chelsea are focusing their attentions elsewhere, with Mario Gómez, of VfB Stuttgart, having been identified as a potential leader of the line. Frank Arnesen, the Chelsea director of scouting and youth development, is advocating a move for the 21-year-old Germany player of Spanish descent, but Grant would prefer a more creative striker, such as Dimitar Berbatov.”

Following the signing of Jose Bosingwa, Victor Vago (Daily Telegraph) analyses Portugal’s “impressive production line of talent.”

Jason Burt in the Independent reports that “Arsenal are considering inviting Stan Kroenke, the American sports tycoon who has a 12 per cent stake in the club, to take a place on the board. At the same time the Premier League club have ruled out appointing a director of football to work alongside manager Arsène Wenger… Arsenal are also expected to announce soon, possibly within days, their first major signing following a disappointing end to a season that promised to deliver another League title. The most likely arrival appears to be the France international left-winger Hatem Ben Arfa, who has long been admired by Wenger and who claimed in the French sports newspaper L’Equipe that he is in talks with the Gunners.”

Ian Herbert (Independent) claims that an “an administrative oversight on [George] Gillett’s part” means Tom Hicks will most likely still be in charge of Liverpool in August.

The excellent David Conn takes a deeper look into how Thaksin Shinawatra is running Manchester City in the Guardian. “In Thailand it was a feature of Thaksin’s political regime that he demanded high performance from his senior staff, called for rapid improvements and regularly sacked ministers after short periods in office.”

The Daily Mail ask a fan of every Premier League club, “what was the season like for you?” And the Daily Telegraph also feature the “supporters’ view” of every Premier League club.

One of the stories of the day comes in the Daily Mail who report that James McPike, a Birmingham youth player, was given a £30,000 Mercedes by Olivier Kapo for cleaning his boots.

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Turkey 1 - France 1 (Pens. 3-4) (European U17 Championship, May 13, 2008) Abdulkadir’s swerving shot gave Turkey the lead. France levelled after the break, Tafer piroutetted on the ball inside the box and squared for Kolodziecziak to lash high into the net. Penalties were needed, and after Abdulkadir and Tafer had each team’s initial effort saved, Batuhan shot Turkey’s fourth straight at Mezui and Lacazette was the hero for the French, who will be in the final.

Spain 2 - Holland 1 (AET) (European U17 Championship, May 13, 2008) Lovely build up play on the left hand side by the Dutch was rewarded when a cross found Sneijder unmarked at the back post, who headed into the unguarded net. But Spain hit back a minute in the second half, Pulido breaking the offside trap before firing home via the underside of the bar. The game was settled with a stunning 92nd minute strike from Martinez, who struck a sweet left footer into the top corner. Spain will play France in the final.

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Eros Ramazzotti XI 6 - Football Legends XI 6 (Exhibition match, May 12, 2008) The charity match was organised by Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti (who bagged four goals including a beauty which sailed over the keeper, and a tap-in) and Roma’s Francesco Totti. Football legends Zico and Maradona were in attendance, with the Argentinean demi-god stealing the show with a sublime performance, including displaying the “bum trap” before scoring from the spot after theatrically winning a penalty. (Maradona’s highlights can be seen here.)

Sevilla 5 - All Stars XI 3 (Exhibition match, May 13, 2008) Sevilla hosted the “Champions For Africa” charity match, which was also billed as “a tribute for Antonio Puerta,” with all the continent’s best players including Eto’o, Adebayor, Kanoute, Drogba and Essien involved.

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Universidad Catolica 1 - Colo Colo 1 (Apertura playoff, May 13, 2008)

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Sao Caetano 1 - Corinthians 3 (Copa do Brasil, May 13, 2008)

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The following videos contain all the goals scored over the weekend in the following leagues, the Argentinean Clausura, the Colombian Apetura, La Liga, Serie A and Serie B. 

Comment & analysis round-up

Quote of the day: “If we win the European Cup I think you would have to put this group of players right at the very top of those I have worked with. It is an emerging team. Normally, the average age of teams who win the European Cup is about 29. We have a lot of young players. (Wayne) Rooney, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, (Carlos) Tevez, Anderson, Nani, (Darren) Fletcher. Anderson could play in front of a million people and not be bothered one bit. It is that Brazil mentality. They are all young players and are getting better. But you also need experienced players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar. That kind of experience allows young players to develop. The future is bright and we are all looking forward to Moscow.” – Sir Alex Ferguson.

Runner-up: “I know Zenit St Petersburg fans have been accused of racially abusing black players at the Marseille game and obviously there are fears in some quarters that the same could happen on Wednesday. I’ve raised this issue with Vernon Coaker, the Home Office minister, and my message to Zenit fans is simple: come here to enjoy the game and you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Come here and racially abuse black players and you will feel the full force of the law. Our success in tackling racism is based on a zero-tolerance approach and Zenit fans will have to abide by our tough rules.” - UK Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

Today’s overview: Alex Ferguson and Manchester United continue to dominate the back page although thoughts are turning to whether anyone can challenge next season and there are also a number of round-ups of the season. Chelsea are also coming back into focus with The Sun claiming today as D-Day for Avram Grant and Petr Cech.

Following United’s title triumph questions are being asked about where this United team compares up against previous Ferguson vintages. Matt Dickinson in The Times writes “As if it was not enough to beat all present-day opponents, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney must also compete against the ghosts of United past.  It is a battle that they can never expect to win. Ferguson’s first Double-winners are his favourite team and probably always will be, even if one Champions League victory in Moscow next week subsequently becomes two or three.”

Tim Rich (Daily Telegraph) adds to those lauding Fergie. “Even his most memorable speech; during the interval in the 1999 European Cup final - ‘if you lose, you’ll pass within six inches of that cup and you won’t be able to touch it’ - was adapted from a conversation with Steve Archibald, who had played and lost for Barcelona in the 1986 final and told Ferguson of that exact feeling. Memory, attention to detail, an ability to think quickly all came to the fore in the Nou Camp just as they did in the JJB Stadium nine years later.”

Alan Hansen (BBC) waxes lyrical over Alex Ferguson. “Sir Alex Ferguson’s 10th Premier League title with Manchester United - bracketed with all his other honours - has merely cemented his greatness as a manager.”

Des Kelly (Daily Mail) urges Alex Ferguson to make the Champions League final one to remember. “United might have proved they are the best team in the country, but now they must trust to their instincts and be brave on the biggest stage of all. If Ferguson tries try to lock horns with Chelsea in the usual muscular battle, then the second best team in the league could easily be crowned the best in Europe.”

According to Oliver Kay in The Times United will target Luis Fabiano to replace Louis Saha. “United are not yet thought to have spoken to Seville about Fabiano, 27, but they have been informed of his availability by a third party and have scouted him extensively in recent weeks, with Ferguson having sought reports from his brother, Martin, who is the club’s chief European scout, Jim Lawlor, the chief scout, and Mike Phelan, the first-team coach. Their interest will hinge on a dispute with Seville, with Fabiano and his representatives convinced that he can be bought for £8.6 million. The Spanish club are standing by a prohibitive £46.8 million valuation that they claim is in his contract.”

The main story in The Sun today claims that the futures of Petr Cech and Avram Grant will be decided today. “The feeling within the club is Red Rom will give the Israeli the chance of returning to his role as director of football and go for Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard.”

After praising Alex Ferguson yesterday, James Lawton in the Independent turns his attention to Avram Grant. “Whatever the result in the Luzhniki, we are told that Grant could fall to the whim of his erstwhile friend Roman Abramovich. So be it, he appears to be saying, but in the meantime he will not live on his knees. He will go to Moscow with at least an even chance of winning. It is no mean movie and who now can say he has only a bit part?”

Ian Wright in The Sun praises United for winning the title but argues that Chelsea can win in Moscow. “Chelsea will provide an awkward test and they could wreck Fergie’s hopes for a double.  United look invincible but Chelsea, on a one-off occasion, could find a chink in their armour.”

Rob Hughes (IHT) ponders whether anyone can catch Manchester United. On Grant and Chelsea: “He has proved nothing if not obstinate and has demonstrated with only two league defeats in seven months that he does know what he is doing. The critics might be right to say that Grant got the job because the owner knew him and trusted him. If that is a crime, then it is one repeated in every trade.”

Kevin McCarra (Guardian) argues that the “Big Four” are not set in stone. “The processes at work may be unattractive, undesirable or unsustainable, but the Premier League is an arena of intensifying ambition and intrigue. It cannot be otherwise when so many rich men have put their pride and their cash on the line.”

According to Matt Lawton in the Daily Mail “Michael Owen will look for another club if Newcastle United try to slash his wages by £2million a year. Kevin Keegan is desperate for the board to secure the services of his skipper and star striker on a long-term contract. But more than six weeks after negotiations were supposed to start, Owen’s representatives are still waiting for a first proper meeting.”

Aimee Lewis (BBC) asks the age old question “Is winning silverware more important than entertaining the fans with thrilling football?” “Ferguson, as he closes in on a possible Premier League and Champions League double, seems to have struck upon an almost perfect balance - a game-plan based on an impregnable defence against the aesthetically pleasing Barcelonas of this world, while loosening the harness when faced with less threatening opponents.”

The excellent John Nicholson argues on Football365 that relegation isn’t so bad. “Football is about having a good time and about enjoying yourself, it’s about drama and hope. For too many top-flight clubs the good times have been replaced by grim survival, the joy has been replaced by bitter cynicism and the drama has been sucked out and replaced with predictability.”

Henry Winter (Daily Telegraph) looks back on season 2007/8.

The Indpendent ask “How was it for you?” As they provide a fans view of the performance of every Premier League team this season. The Guardian also provide “report cards” on each team, scorll down on this page.

Richard Williams (Guardian) is full of praise for the lower leagues. “The Championship is due to reveal its seasonal attendance figures this week, and it is expected that for the third year in a row it will prove to have attracted more spectators than Italy’s Serie A.”

The Times have produced a special pullout section on the UEFA Cup final, it can be seen in pdf here.

The Guardian provide their weekly round-up of European football, Rafael Honigstein writes of Nurbnberg’s fight against relegation, Sid Lowe celebrates Atletico Madrid’s return to the Champions League and Paolo Bandini gets all excited about the final week of the Serie A season.

Following the recent revelation from Johan Cruyff about why he didn’t play in the 1978 World Cup, a member of the Colombian mafia has claimed a helping hand in Argentina’s World Cup triumph. Daily Mail story here. (Can a Mafia member called “The Chess Player” really be taken seriously?)