EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Football leagues brace for mouthwatering finale

Monday 05 May 2008

As the football championship season draws to an end across Europe, competition remains tight. In France, Italy and the UK, fans are gearing for a nail-biting finish.

France’s Ligue 1 thrown wide open

While yet another Lyon victory was long thought to be a foregone conclusion, the French league is now set for a thrilling finale – both at the top and the bottom of the table.

On Sunday, second-placed Bordeaux secured a stunning 2-1 win away to Marseille, suddenly casting doubt on Lyon’s claim to a seventh consecutive trophy.

A goal down at half time, the “Girondins” rallied to regain the advantage thanks to late goals by Wendel (80th) and Ducasse (90th).

Bordeaux’s comeback helped them to get within two points of leaders Lyon, who were held to a goalless draw in Nice.

With two games left to play, the Girondins need to claw back three points from the leaders, as Lyon boast a better goal average. On paper, Bordeaux face the easier task this coming Saturday, as they host Sochaux, currently languishing in 13th place, whereas Lyon welcome third-placed Nancy.

The suspense is even greater at the other end of the table. While Starsbourg and Metz are both certain to play the next season in second division, the last relegation place is still looming for three clubs. Toulouse, Lens and Paris Saint Germain are each on 39 points, ranked 16th, 17th and 18th respectively on goal difference. 

After a rotten season further marred by a racism scandal involving their fans, Paris SG face the prospect of playing the next season in both the UEFA Cup (having won the League Cup) and France’s Ligue 2.

Chelsea push Man Utd to the end

Across the Channel, Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing his 10th title in 16 seasons at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils moved one step closer to the Premiership title with a 4-1 drubbing of West Ham on Saturday. With just one game to go, Christiano Ronaldo & Co enjoy a 3-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, who play Newcastle United on Monday.

Should Chelsea lose, Man Utd would be crowned champions with a game in hand, having scored a full 20 goals more than their nearest rivals.

Given their current form, however, Chelsea are expected to delay the final verdict until the last game, where both teams will be going for the win.

Roma ready to pounce as Inter stumbles

In Italy, Inter Milan appeared all but certain to enjoy a comfortable march towards the title. That was until Sunday, when old rivals AC Milan came out on top in a thoroughly entertaining derby.

Meanwhile second-placed Roma were busy weathering the storm unleashed by a determined Sampdoria in Genoa, before scoring three goals in 15 minutes and reducing Inter’s lead in the table to just three points.

Thus, with two games to go, Francesco Totti’s teammates are still in the race, though Inter also enjoy a better goal average.

Beneath the two contenders, third-placed Juventus are guaranteed a place in the next Champions’ League. The fourth and last qualifying place, however, is still up for grabs, as AC Milan edged ahead of a Fiorentina side still reeling from their shock defeat in the UEFA Cup semi-final against Glasgow Rangers.

Party begun for Bayern and Real

While Lyon and the others sweat it out in the closing days of their respective leagues, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are already celebrating yet another title.

The Galacticos claimed their 31st Spanish league title on Sunday after a win at Osasuna.

Led for most of the match by an inspired home team, Real Madrid stormed to victory in the closing minutes thanks to goals by Robben (86th) and Higuain (88th).

Over in Germany, Bayern Munich players were sprayed with Weissbeer as they partied for their 21st Bundesliga title. A draw on Saturday at Wolfsburg was enough to guarantee a 10-point lead over second-placed Werder Bremen, with just three games to go.