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Porto claim Portuguese title, Benfica win

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:21:00 GMT

Porto claimed their third consecutive Portuguese Liga title and ninth in 11 years after beating Pacos de Ferreira 2-0 Sunday, as Benfica also won to secure second place.

Happy Birthday to you!

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:30:00 GMT

In our regular Sunday feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names in football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:08:00 GMT

Featuring Ludovic Giuly on making a fashion mistake at Barcelona, Marco Schallibaum on the amazing toughness of Jeb Brovsky and Gabriel Batistuta on what playing alongside Lionel Messi would have forced him to do.

Artur sees consolation for Benfica

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:00 GMT

Benfica goalkeeper Artur has praised his team-mates for their performance against Chelsea and says that, despite the defeat, they proved that they are capable of challenging for the big prizes.

Resilient Blues rejoice in historic Europa win

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:39:00 GMT

Chelsea’s dramatic UEFA Europa League win is a testament to the team’s character at the end of a tumultuous and elongated season, according to midfielder Frank Lampard and interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Guttmann’s curse strikes Benfica again

Wed, 15 May 2013 23:10:00 GMT

A stoppage-time goal condemned Benfica to a UEFA Europa League final defeat, extending the alleged curse put on them by their former coach Bela Guttmann in 1962.

Last-gasp Ivanovic heads Chelsea into ecstasy

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:12:00 GMT

An 11th-hour header from Branislav Ivanovic snatched Chelsea a 2-1 win over Benfica in a pulsating UEFA Europa League final.

Runs, records and retirement

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:39:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson stars in FIFA.com's latest stats review, which also reflects on a week of contrasting emotions for Greuther Furth, Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain and Porto.

Benfica set sights on long-term success

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:48:00 GMT

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus hopes that victory in the UEFA Europa League against Chelsea will set the club on a journey towards next year's UEFA Champions League final to be played in Lisbon.

Benitez defends Chelsea record, Lampard eyes glory

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:55:00 GMT

Rafa Benitez has outlined the difficulties he’s faced as Chelsea manager and insisted they’ve had a good season, while Frank Lampard has discussed how much the UEFA Europa League means to the Blues.

Ramires: I have great affection for Benfica

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:04:00 GMT

Ramires speaks to FIFA.com about his time at Benfica, his varying role in the Chelsea team, the UEFA Europa League final between his former and current club, the form of David Luiz and his targets with Brazil.

Chelsea, Benfica chase continental history

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:44:00 GMT

Chelsea are seeking to win the UEFA Europa League a year after becoming European champions, while Benfica will aim to end a 51-year continental drought in Wednesday's decider.

Jesus: This final is international recognition

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:38:00 GMT

Jorge Jesus is hoping his Benfica side can bounce back from the domestic blow of losing to Porto by beating Chelsea in the UEFA Europa League final.

Mata looking for Euro double

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:12:00 GMT

Juan Mata hopes Chelsea can emulate Jose Mourinho's Porto by winning back-to-back European trophies this week. The Blues travel to Amsterdam to take on Benfica after their UEFA Champions League victory a year ago.

Last-gasp Porto deny Benfica as Moreirense win

Sat, 11 May 2013 23:41:00 GMT

The battle of the unbeaten teams took a dramatic turn in the 91st minute when Kelvin scored the game winning goal for Porto to steal all three points from Benfica with a 2-1 win, while Moreirense dropped Vitoria Setubal 2-1.

Babies and the beautiful game

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:55:00 GMT

From Bebeto through Joey Barton to Jonathan Soriano, FIFA.com looks at how the arrival of babies has been greeted in the world of football.

Benfica stumble near finish line

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Benfica are two points clear of Porto with two matches remaining after being held 1-1 at home by Estoril.

Olhanense claim crucial win in relegation battle

Sun, 05 May 2013 23:43:00 GMT

Struggling Olhanense picked up what could prove to be a vital victory in their battle to avoid relegation with a 1-0 win over Rio Ave, while Pacos Ferreira beat Sporting.

Porto turn heat up on Benfica

Sat, 04 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Porto put pressure on Benfica in the race for the title as they won at Nacional thanks to goals from James Rodriguez, Eliquin Mangala and Lucho Gonzalez. All four of the game's goals came in the opening half an hour.

Benfica beat Fener, book passage to final

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:34:00 GMT

Oscar Cardozo's double helped Benfica to a 3-1 win against Fenerbahce, which pushed the Portuguese league leaders through to the UEFA Europa League final 3-2 on aggregate.

A springboard into the world’s elite

Thu, 02 May 2013 02:23:00 GMT

Ahead of this summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013, FIFA.com and FIFA TV look back on some of the tournament’s previous editions, which launched the careers of more than a few of the world’s biggest stars.

Beaten Ronaldo up for the cup

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:24:00 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo has turned his attentions to winning the Copa del Rey after Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League exit to Borussia Dortmund.

Fortresses, failures and a 14-year-old

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:26:00 GMT

Demoralising defeats for Boca Juniors and Newcastle United feature alongside impressive feats from Mathieu Flamini, Houston Dynamo and young Jordan Allan in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Benfica maintain advantage

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:01:00 GMT

Benfica are a step closer to the league title with a 2-1 win at Maritimo lifting the capital club four points clear of Porto with three matches remaining.

Pacos consolidate third

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:11:00 GMT

Pacos Ferreira consolidated third by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 at Guimaraes to move four points clear of fourth-placed Braga.

Ronaldo a doubt for Dortmund return

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:32:00 GMT

Real Madrid have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo trained with a club physio as he struggles to recover from a thigh injury to face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Di Maria earns Real victory at Atletico

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:46:00 GMT

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1, with an own-goal and an Angel Di Maria securing the visitors the points.

Fener in charge against Benfica

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:23:00 GMT

Fenerbahce secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica courtesy of a goal from Egeman Korkmaz, making up for a missed penalty from Cristian Baroni on the stroke of half-time, to give them control of their UEFA Europa League semi-final.

Mourinho: We can still reach final

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:50:00 GMT

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes it will take "a crazy night" at the Bernabeu to overcome a three-goal deficit and reach the UEFA Champions League final after their 4-1 semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Lewandowski hits four as Dortmund demolish Real

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:03:00 GMT

A superb four-goal show from Robert Lewandowski earned Borussia Dortmund a 4-1 win at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Mourinho: Real have to win the Champions League

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:37:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has outlined the defensive mistakes Real Madrid made they last time they faced Borussia Dortmund and declared that nothing short of lifting the trophy at Wembley will do.

Benfica restore four point lead, Beira Mar beat Gil Vicente

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:01:00 GMT

Benfica beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on Sunday to reclaim their four point lead at the top of the table, while Nacional were 2-1 winners against Maritimo and struggling Beira Mar earned their fourth win of the season with a 1-0 victory against Gil Vicente.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:28:00 GMT

Featuring Jurgen Klopp and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge exchanging backside-related jabs, Bebe on communication with Sir Alex Ferguson and Rachida Dati on what it would take for her to quit politics.

Heroes of the back-heel

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:10:00 GMT

From Denis Law through Rabah Madjer to Cristiano Ronaldo, FIFA.com looks at some of the most celebrated exponents of the back-heel.

Terry: I’m Chelsea through and through

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:44:00 GMT

John Terry has insisted he can play two or three games per week but that he accepts Rafa Benitez’s rotation system, spoken of his love for Chelsea and called it imperative they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Sporting’s young lions hungry for glory

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:47:00 GMT

Sporting’s faith in its academy graduates is beginning to pay off, with Os Leões hitting form just in time for this weekend’s derby with Benfica.

PSG chiefs talk Ronaldo, Rooney, Ribery & Cavani

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:29:00 GMT

Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester United would not let Wayne Rooney go, and Leonardo has admitted his club's interest in Franck Ribery and discussed reported interest in Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea face Basel, Benfica draw Fener

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:06:00 GMT

Chelsea will face Basel in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League as they bid to win their second successive European title, while Benfica will play Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the final four.

Lima making most of second chance

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:29:00 GMT

Benfica’s Brazilian striker Lima has been making waves since starting a second spell in Portuguese football. FIFA.com charts his unlikely rise to prominence with the Lisbon giants.

Mourinho plans discussions on his future

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:51:00 GMT

After making it past Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has said he will discuss his future at the club with club president Florentino Perez at the end of the season.

History-seeking Chelsea target Europa semis

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:22:00 GMT

Chelsea will be aiming to claim a berth in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on Wednesday when they travel to Rubin Kazan, as they seek to become the first British side to win all three of UEFA's major club competitions.

Porto late show sees off Braga

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 23:19:00 GMT

A late brace from substitute Kelvin handed Porto a 3-1 victory over Braga to keep the pressure on leaders Benfica who saw their advantage trimmed to four points.

Benfica extend margin at the top

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 23:14:00 GMT

Second-half goals saw Benfica take a seven-point lead at the top following a 2-0 win at Olhanense, with second-placed Porto to face Braga on Monday.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 09:33:00 GMT

Zinedine Zidane on the player that has impressed him more than Messi and Ronaldo this year, Douglas Santos on his fears after being called up by Brazil, and Maurizio Zamparini on Abel Hernandez’s lifestyle.

Torres shines in Chelsea win, Basel hold Spurs

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:34:00 GMT

Fernando Torres' brace put Chelsea past Rubin Kazan 3-1, while Tottenham Hotspur rallied to draw 2-2 with Basel and Benfica beat Newcastle United by the same scoreline in Thursday's UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

The Europa's English influence

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:39:00 GMT

With England left without a UEFA Champions League quarter-finalist, the Premier League's European focus has fallen on the UEFA Europa League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United all in action.

Jesus: Domestic form is not important

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:38:00 GMT

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has said domestic standings will have no baring on the Portuguese Liga leaders' UEFA Europa League quarter-final with Newcastle United, who are 15th in the English Premier League.

Real earn three-goal lead to take to Gala

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:08:00 GMT

Real Madrid put one foot in the semi-finals after goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain gave them a 3-0 win at home to Galatasaray.

Russia advance, octet remain in contention

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:16:00 GMT

Russia have advanced to the UEFA U-17 Championship finals, from which six sides will qualify for UAE 2013, while eight teams remain fighting to join them.

Chelsea headline English trio in Europa quarters

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 06:35:00 GMT

Chelsea will resume their quest to become the first British side to win all three major European club competitions when they host Rubin Kazan in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final final on Thursday.