Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
PSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France international, who was sidelined for months in 2007 with damaged cruciate ligaments.
PSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France international, who was sidelined for months in 2007 with damaged cruciate ligaments.
Kiessling treble sends Leverkusen top, Bayern go fourth
BERLIN (AFP) - A superb hattrick from German international striker Stefan Kiessling sent unbeaten Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga on Sunday after blitzing hapless Stuttgart 4-0.
But Bayern Munich also served notice they intend to have a say in the title race despite a sluggish start, whipping Hanover 3-0 away to jump up into fourth spot.
Crowd trouble put a blot on proceedings, police making 85 arrests after violence flared Friday as local rivals Bochum and Cologne faced off while 60 arrests followed ahead of Saturday's encounter between rock bottom Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 3-1.
More arrests followed amid scuffles after Hamburg fans brought traffic to a standstill before a draw at Mainz.
Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen rose above the turmoil to move on to 30 points, three clear of Werder Bremen, who had gone top Saturday after a 2-2 home draw with reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Kiessling took his league haul to a league best 12, volleying home the first on 22 minutes after ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia headed on.
Swiss star Eren Derdiyok headed the second seven minutes before the break past veteran Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann.
Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel was powerless to stem the tide as Toni Kroos picked out Kiessling on the hour for the third.
Lehmann then dragged down the marauding Derdiyok in the box three minutes from time to allow Kiessling the chance to complete his treble from the penalty spot before taking the crowd's ovation a minute from time as he gave way to Patrick Helmes, returning from injury.
Leverkusen are hoping to stay the course and finally lift the title after several near misses - most notably in 2002 when, with stars such as Michael Ballack in the side, they came second in the league as well as losing the Champions League final and the German Cup final.
Stuttgart in contrast stand second bottom.
In brushing Hanover aside, Louis Van Gaal's Bayern emphatically ended a run of three draws to leapfrog Hamburg on goal difference and move fourth on 24 points.
The atmosphere was coloured for Hanover by the match being their first at home since the recent suicide of their Germany international keeper Robert Enke.
Thomas Muller notched Bayern's opener after 19 minutes, converting a cross from Ivica Olic for his eighth goal of the season.
Olic headed the crucial second two minutes after the break and Mario Gomez put the icing on the cake in injury time as Bayern reduced the gap on Leverkusen to six points.
On Saturday, Werder Bremen had thanked a last-gasp equaliser from Per Mertesacker for their draw with Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break for Wolfsburg, who slid to eighth after Bayern's win.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header to preserve their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Schalke had hoped to take advantage of Werder's slip with a win at struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach but instead went down 1-0 with Marco Reus scoring after just five minutes.
The loss was Schalke's first on their travels since last May but Felix Magath's side stay in touch on 25 points in third place.
Hamburg could only manage a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz while Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of that stalemate as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dortmund to stay fifth.
At the other end of the table, Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt - their 11th defeat of the campaign - left the capital club seven points from safety.
Inter eight clear after Cagliari stun Juve
ROME (AFP) - Sardinian minnows Cagliari stunned Juventus 2-0 allowing leaders Inter Milan to open up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A following a controversial 1-0 success over Fiorentina.
AC Milan could cut the gap to seven points if they win away to Catania in Sunday's late match.
Juve's title chances took a serious hit as they were well beaten by an energetic Cagliari team who won their fifth match in six - their only defeat in that spell a thrilling 4-3 reverse at the San Siro against Milan.
It means Juve now have a must win clash at home to Inter next weekend, but coach Ciro Ferrara was more interested about the points lost this week.
"Were Juve disappointing, I think we were watching different games," he said when asked about the match.
"In the first half we had some difficulties but in the second we had several chances.
"Of course I'm disappointed about the gap to Inter and our inconsistent performances but today's defeat wasn't deserved," he added.
Inter coach Jose Mourinho said the gap between the two teams was irrelevant, before swatting away questions about Inter's confidence since being beaten 2-0 by Barcelona in midweek, pointing out that their main rivals had suffered much worse defeats this season.
"Being eight points ahead of them doesn't matter, it could be five or we could be level it doesn't change anything, we will be going to Turin to win," he said.
"They (Barca) destroyed us, that's the right word but I believe other defeats have hurt Italian football more, such as a home loss to FC Zurich (Milan were beaten 1-0 in the San Siro) or one away to Bordeaux (where Juve lost 2-0)."
In Sardinia, Cagliari had much the better of the first period and deservedly took the lead on the half hour through a sensational goal by Brazilian Nene.
From a quickly taken free-kick he took a touch and hit a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards and at an angle that beat Buffon at his near post.
Four minutes into the second period Juve had the ball in the net when Amauri headed home Martin Caceres's cross but it was ruled out for a narrow offside.
Moments later an Andrea Cossu cross clearly hit Caceres on the arm in the Juve box but controversially the referee waved play on.
Francesco Pissano saved Cagliari 10 minutes from time with a crucial diving block to stop a Christian Molinaro volley from six yards out before goalkeeper Federico Marchetti palmed away a dangerous Alessandro Del Piero free-kick.
Substitute Alessandro Matri sealed the victory a minute from time as he ran onto a Jeda flick-on, beat Fabio Cannavaro on the outside and shot under Buffon.
Inter dominated Fiorentina but needed a helping hand from the referee to turn that into three points.
Muntari Sulley had two good chances for Inter in the early stages but twice shot wide, and then Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma, making a rare start for Inter, hit a cross shot just past the far post on the half hour.
On 50 minutes Walter Samuel headed home from a corner for Inter but his effort was ruled out as he had a solid grip on Dario Dainelli's shirt.
Samuel's centre-back partner Lucio had two good chances but hit a fierce free-kick straight at Frey before heading wide from six yards.
On 65 minutes Milito was played in by Dejan Stankovic but with only Frey to beat he curled his shot wide of the far post.
Late on Antonio Gilardino almost stunned Inter as he wriggled free of the backline and then flicked the ball past Julio Cesar only to see it rebound away off the outside of the post.
Inter finally secured victory thanks to a dubious penalty award after Milito flopped comically to the ground in the box under minimal contact from Gianluca Comotto.
Milito picked himself up to slot home the spot-kick.
Samuel Eto'o could have added insult to injury but Frey made a stunning one-handed save when the Cameroon forward had only the keeper to beat.
Inter eight clear after Cagliari stun Juve
ROME (AFP) - Sardinian minnows Cagliari stunned Juventus 2-0 allowing leaders Inter Milan to open up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A following a controversial 1-0 success over Fiorentina.
AC Milan could cut the gap to seven points if they win away to Catania in Sunday's late match.
Juve's title chances took a serious hit as they were well beaten by an energetic Cagliari team who won their fifth match in six - their only defeat in that spell a thrilling 4-3 reverse at the San Siro against Milan.
It means Juve now have a must win clash at home to Inter next weekend, but coach Ciro Ferrara was more interested about the points lost this week.
"Were Juve disappointing, I think we were watching different games," he said when asked about the match.
"In the first half we had some difficulties but in the second we had several chances.
"Of course I'm disappointed about the gap to Inter and our inconsistent performances but today's defeat wasn't deserved," he added.
Inter coach Jose Mourinho said the gap between the two teams was irrelevant, before swatting away questions about Inter's confidence since being beaten 2-0 by Barcelona in midweek, pointing out that their main rivals had suffered much worse defeats this season.
"Being eight points ahead of them doesn't matter, it could be five or we could be level it doesn't change anything, we will be going to Turin to win," he said.
"They (Barca) destroyed us, that's the right word but I believe other defeats have hurt Italian football more, such as a home loss to FC Zurich (Milan were beaten 1-0 in the San Siro) or one away to Bordeaux (where Juve lost 2-0)."
In Sardinia, Cagliari had much the better of the first period and deservedly took the lead on the half hour through a sensational goal by Brazilian Nene.
From a quickly taken free-kick he took a touch and hit a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards and at an angle that beat Buffon at his near post.
Four minutes into the second period Juve had the ball in the net when Amauri headed home Martin Caceres's cross but it was ruled out for a narrow offside.
Moments later an Andrea Cossu cross clearly hit Caceres on the arm in the Juve box but controversially the referee waved play on.
Francesco Pissano saved Cagliari 10 minutes from time with a crucial diving block to stop a Christian Molinaro volley from six yards out before goalkeeper Federico Marchetti palmed away a dangerous Alessandro Del Piero free-kick.
Substitute Alessandro Matri sealed the victory a minute from time as he ran onto a Jeda flick-on, beat Fabio Cannavaro on the outside and shot under Buffon.
Inter dominated Fiorentina but needed a helping hand from the referee to turn that into three points.
Muntari Sulley had two good chances for Inter in the early stages but twice shot wide, and then Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma, making a rare start for Inter, hit a cross shot just past the far post on the half hour.
On 50 minutes Walter Samuel headed home from a corner for Inter but his effort was ruled out as he had a solid grip on Dario Dainelli's shirt.
Samuel's centre-back partner Lucio had two good chances but hit a fierce free-kick straight at Frey before heading wide from six yards.
On 65 minutes Milito was played in by Dejan Stankovic but with only Frey to beat he curled his shot wide of the far post.
Late on Antonio Gilardino almost stunned Inter as he wriggled free of the backline and then flicked the ball past Julio Cesar only to see it rebound away off the outside of the post.
Inter finally secured victory thanks to a dubious penalty award after Milito flopped comically to the ground in the box under minimal contact from Gianluca Comotto.
Milito picked himself up to slot home the spot-kick.
Samuel Eto'o could have added insult to injury but Frey made a stunning one-handed save when the Cameroon forward had only the keeper to beat.
Kiessling treble sends Leverkusen top, Bayern go fourth
BERLIN (AFP) - A superb hattrick from German international striker Stefan Kiessling sent unbeaten Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga on Sunday after blitzing hapless Stuttgart 4-0.
But Bayern Munich also served notice they intend to have a say in the title race despite a sluggish start, whipping Hanover 3-0 away to jump up into fourth spot.
Crowd trouble put a blot on proceedings, police making 85 arrests after violence flared Friday as local rivals Bochum and Cologne faced off while 60 arrests followed ahead of Saturday's encounter between rock bottom Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 3-1.
More arrests followed amid scuffles after Hamburg fans brought traffic to a standstill before a draw at Mainz.
Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen rose above the turmoil to move on to 30 points, three clear of Werder Bremen, who had gone top Saturday after a 2-2 home draw with reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Kiessling took his league haul to a league best 12, volleying home the first on 22 minutes after ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia headed on.
Swiss star Eren Derdiyok headed the second seven minutes before the break past veteran Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann.
Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel was powerless to stem the tide as Toni Kroos picked out Kiessling on the hour for the third.
Lehmann then dragged down the marauding Derdiyok in the box three minutes from time to allow Kiessling the chance to complete his treble from the penalty spot before taking the crowd's ovation a minute from time as he gave way to Patrick Helmes, returning from injury.
Leverkusen are hoping to stay the course and finally lift the title after several near misses - most notably in 2002 when, with stars such as Michael Ballack in the side, they came second in the league as well as losing the Champions League final and the German Cup final.
Stuttgart in contrast stand second bottom.
In brushing Hanover aside, Louis Van Gaal's Bayern emphatically ended a run of three draws to leapfrog Hamburg on goal difference and move fourth on 24 points.
The atmosphere was coloured for Hanover by the match being their first at home since the recent suicide of their Germany international keeper Robert Enke.
Thomas Muller notched Bayern's opener after 19 minutes, converting a cross from Ivica Olic for his eighth goal of the season.
Olic headed the crucial second two minutes after the break and Mario Gomez put the icing on the cake in injury time as Bayern reduced the gap on Leverkusen to six points.
On Saturday, Werder Bremen had thanked a last-gasp equaliser from Per Mertesacker for their draw with Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break for Wolfsburg, who slid to eighth after Bayern's win.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header to preserve their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Schalke had hoped to take advantage of Werder's slip with a win at struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach but instead went down 1-0 with Marco Reus scoring after just five minutes.
The loss was Schalke's first on their travels since last May but Felix Magath's side stay in touch on 25 points in third place.
Hamburg could only manage a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz while Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of that stalemate as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dortmund to stay fifth.
At the other end of the table, Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt - their 11th defeat of the campaign - left the capital club seven points from safety.
Bordeaux back on top of French pile
PARIS (AFP) - Bordeaux marched two points clear of the chasing pack in the French league on Sunday with a 3-0 win at modest Nancy to end a sticky run of two straight domestic losses.
Although Laurent Blanc's Girondins have dominated their Champions League group at the expense of Juventus and Bayern Munich they had slipped up in their last league outings at Lille and against Valenciennes to leave the field clear to Auxerre.
But Auxerre's 1-0 loss Saturday at Paris Saint Germain gave the southwesterners the chance to move back to the summit and they did not let the chance slip, with Brazilian pair Fernando and Wendel and Gouffran all hitting the target at the Stade Marcel Picot.
Blanc was well satisfied after his side took their points tally to 28 from 14 games with Auxerre on 26, surprise package Lorient on 25 and Lyon - in action in the late match at home to Rennes on 25.
"I think my players realised their performances in the past four matches were not those of a side seeking to place in the top three but rather the bottom three," said the former France defender.
"We realised this could not continue, rediscovered our motivation, and our mobility to put our rivals under pressure. We produced a lot of dangerous situations, created a lot and were solid at the back.
"We have realised we must now put the Champions League to bed until February-March and concentrate on the important thing, which is being able to play in it next season."
Coming off a midweek win over Juventus and already through to the knockout phase in Europe, Bordeaux were further cheered by Lorient dropping two points in a 2-2 draw with winless tailenders Grenoble.
Bordeaux had not scored a win over Nancy since the latter's return to the top flight two seasons ago but after losing three of their last four encounters against the northerners they turned the tables and left their hosts hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.
Even more satisfying for Blanc would have been a win achieved at cruise control in the absence of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, still getting over a groin strain.
Supersub Ibrahimovic wins Clasico for 10-man Barca
MADRID (AFP) - Swedish supersub Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as 10-man Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in an enthralling 'El Clasico' at Camp Nou to move top of the table by two points on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who was exceptional, both started but it was Ibrahimovic, back from injury, who stole the limelight volleying in a 56th minute winner just five minutes after coming on.
"It is such a great feeling especially after just coming back from injury," beamed Ibrahimovic. "The cross from Dani (Alves) was brilliant and I just slotted it in."
Barca were reduced to 10 men when Sergi Busquets stupidly handballed just after the hour mark and needed some heroics from captain Carles Puyol
Real missed some clear-cut chances with Ronaldo spurning a glorious chance to put Real ahead after just 19 minutes.
"We had so many chances so I don't think 1-0 is a fair result," said Real captain Iker Casillas. "I don't really care about the image we portrayed I care about winning games but the luck wasn't with us tonight."
It was a third successive Clasico win for Barca who are still unbeaten this season and nudge Real off the summit holding a two-point lead over their rivals.
Ronaldo started for the first time since the end of September with his ankle holding up. Karim Benzema dropped to the bench and was joined by captain Raul.
Barcelona started with Messi who shrugged off a thigh strain but Ibrahimovic was on the bench with a thigh strain of his own so Thierry Henry kept his place in attack.
It was touted as the Clasico between Real's 'Galacticos', the most expensive team on the planet, and the homegrown talent of Barca's 'cantera' who the most successful team on the planet last season when they won a unique treble.
Real were second best in terms of possession and Messi looked match fit as he thrust at the Real defence twisting Pepe inside out but Henry's poor low shot ended the danger.
Barca were passing like they can do but Real were looking the more dangerous.
On 19 minutes Ronaldo should have scored after Kaka cut inside before sliding the ball across goal but Ronaldo's side-footed shot was saved brilliantly by Victor Valdes using his trailing foot.
It was then Puyol's turn for a heroic block to deny Marcelo on 29 minutes.
Ibrahimovic came on for Henry minutes into the second half and had an immediate impact on his Clasico debut scoring the opener five minutes after coming on.
Dani Alves curled a delightful ball across the face of goal and Ibrahimovic arrived on cue guiding a left-footed volley past Casillas.
Barca looked in control but Busquets was then sent off for handball just after the hour mark and Pep Guardiola was furious with his midfielder.