Football

Inter has impressed against the top teams this season, also beating defending champion and leader Juventus.

The Champions League winner will face Copa Libertadores champ Corinthians in the final on Sunday.

Celta Vigo upset Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory in the round of 16, while Messi scored in the Catalans' 2-0 win over Cordoba.

League games will come thick and fast over the holiday period and City need a calming hand on the tiller if Mancini's bold claim does not return to haunt him.

The victory extends Everton's league unbeaten run at home to 12 games and moves the Toffees above their north London opponents in the standings on goal difference.

"They [United] can lose. They have three points more. We have three points less and we can't lose," the City manager said ahead of the derby.

Vilanova rested a number of first-choice regulars for Wednesday's game at the Nou Camp, but not Messi.

Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked shortly after his side's 5-2 thrashing at home to Real Sociedad Saturday.

Messi's 11th double of the season leaves him one goal shy of Gerd Mueller's record of 85 for club and country in one year, set in 1972.

Manchester United prepared for next weekend's derby with Man City by moving three points clear of the champions with a frenzied 4-3 win at Reading.

Toppers East Bengal had to be satisfied with a goalless draw against Shillong Lajong FC.

Nemanja Vidic could return to action against CFR Cluj after missing more than two months with a knee injury.

The Spurs manager admits the scintillating form of Gareth Bale may make it difficult for the Premier League club to hold on to their prize asset.

Manchester United remain top of the Premier League after a nervy 1-0 win over West Ham United.

It was the second 0-0 scoreline in two games for Chelsea under new boss Rafa Benitez.

The result at least ended QPR's sorry run of three straight losses, while only a second clean sheet of the campaign will provide some comfort to Redknapp.